Search Results (72)

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the increasing demand for a healthier lifestyle have set new goals for science and industry. In the search for new, more effective, and environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents, special attention is being paid to natural resources. In this regard, essential oils derived from plants, which are widely used in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries, are one of the solutions. In view of the above, this study aims to investigate the biological effects of Abies alba essential oil (AAEO). The chemical profile of AAEO was evaluated by GC/MS analysis, which revealed a high abundance of limonene (52.2%) and α-pinene (36.2%). Antioxidant activity evaluation showed a higher potential of AAEO in scavenging ABTS radical species with an IC₅₀ value of 1.18 ± 0.05 mg/mL. In vitro antimicrobial activity was determined by disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays and showed that AAEO was more efficient in inhibiting the growth of G⁺ bacterial species. On contrary, in situ evaluations of antimicrobial effects of AAEO on different food models (strawberry, kiwi, white radish, and beetroot) resulted in more efficient suppression of G⁻ bacterial species. Although AAEO showed low effects on yeasts determined by in vitro methods, in situ investigations showed its higher potential in eradication of Candida yeast. The antibiofilm properties of the AAEO matrix were determined by means of crystal violet assay and MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper analysis against biofilm-forming Salmonella enterica. The analysis performed led to the conclusion that AAEO, when applied prior to biofilm formation, may contribute to the removal of planktonic cells and alter the abiotic surface, thereby reducing the suitability of Salmonella enterica for microbial attachment. Full article

Promoting sustainability in higher education is a social and environmental imperative. This paper explores how and why volunteering at a campus community garden (CCG) can serve as a unique context for promoting sustainability. Twenty-five undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 27, who had volunteered at a campus garden, participated in individual semi-structured interviews. A majority of participants identified as female (80%) and Asian American (52%). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we first found students were motivated to volunteer for personal and academic reasons as well as to learn more about gardening. Childhood gardening experiences influenced participants’ re-engagement as adults. Second, building social connections and spending time in nature, especially when living in an urban area, sustained students’ engagement in the garden, whereas time constraints and physical tasks made it challenging to volunteer. Finally, the findings suggest that volunteering promoted pro-environmental behaviors. Students felt that their volunteer work allowed them to make a positive environmental impact. Participants also gained new environmental knowledge and skills, which encouraged them to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyle changes, advocate for environmental and social justice issues, and reflect on how they might integrate pro-environmental behaviors into their future careers. Full article

As a major source of food and plastic waste and a large consumer of water and energy, the hospitality sector is key to combating climate change. Sustainable practices in the hospitality sector optimize food production and use, introduce innovative solutions and increase employee satisfaction in running environmentally friendly restaurants. This study examines the changes required for a restaurant to make a sustainable transition and the role of key stakeholders (i.e., chefs, head sommeliers, owners and main suppliers) in this process. It focuses on a prestigious Slovenian restaurant that has been awarded a Michelin Green Star and is 80% self-sufficient. The single case study uses semi-structured interviews, the critical incident method and participant observation to collect data. The results showed that in the case of the analyzed restaurant, the lifestyle of the owner/chef decisively shapes the culture of the restaurant, laying the foundation for its sustainable transformation. The success of the transformation itself, however, depends significantly on the employees’ ability to learn and innovate and their active involvement in the change process itself, which impacts both day-to-day business processes and relationships between stakeholders. The latter is reflected in the role the restaurant plays in the local environment as a driver for sustainable community and sustainable entrepreneurship development. Full article

Background: From a biopsychosocial perspective, health literacy is a key factor for healthy development and the development of more comprehensive interventions directed at health literacy determinants. The present study had the main goal of studying demographic, individual, social, and contextual variables related to health literacy in adolescents. Methods: The data used in this study are part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2022 survey. The study included 7649 adolescents, 53.9% (n = 3961) female, with an average age of 15.05 years (SD = 2.36), in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades, proportionally distributed across the five regions of the Portuguese mainland. Results: Health literacy was explained by factors related to physical, psychological, social, and environmental health. The factors with the higher explanatory value were the psychological variables, followed by social and lifestyle-related variables. Sociodemographic and environmental factors had a more modest explanatory value. These results point to the complexity of adolescents’ health literacy. Conclusions: These results are of the utmost importance for educators, professionals, and policymakers who can use this information to create friendly environments that promote health literacy and health-promoting activities according to a multidisciplinary, continuous, and consistent plan. Full article

Combatting climate change requires motivating individuals to adopt climate-friendly behaviors, whether to make individual lifestyle changes, vote for environmental policy, or accept technological innovations. Efforts to promote such behaviors can be more effective when informed by theoretically and empirically driven insights into human behavior change—an endeavor led by persuasion research. This review explores the intersection of persuasion research and climate-friendly behavior, demonstrating how persuasion theory can be applied to encourage climate action. Key theoretical approaches are examined, including the theory of planned behavior, social norms, narrative-based persuasion, framing, and emotional appeals, along with considerations for their practical applications. Additionally, promising future directions for integrating persuasion research into climate change interventions are highlighted; these include tailoring messages based on moral foundations theory and the transtheoretical model, as well as leveraging artificial intelligence to personalize climate-friendly recommendations. By synthesizing insights across persuasion and environmental research, this review provides valuable guidance for environmental researchers, policymakers, intervention designers, communication strategists, and environmental activists in developing robust and effective strategies to increase climate action at a time when accelerating these behaviors is more urgent than ever. Full article

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be impacted by various environmental factors: lifestyle habits, food insecurity, social–economic status, and dietary patterns. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with a healthier lifestyle and better health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether greater adherence to the MedDiet was associated with better HRQoL in communities with low social and economic statuses living in two social neighborhoods, “Bairro da Rosa” and “Ingote”, in Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 102 citizens currently receiving government social support and attending the “Health Kiosk”, a community center created within the Europe Enabling Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (EU_SHAFE) project enhancing educative sessions and screening by health professionals. The participants answered a 36-item questionnaire about their HRQoL (SF-36) and a 14-item questionnaire about their adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS). Spearman correlation analysis between variables and multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of the baseline characteristics and MedDiet adherence on HRQoL scores (SF-36). Results: No statistically significant correlation was found between MedDiet adherence and total HRQoL scores across the eight health concepts. However, age was shown to negatively influence HRQoL, whereas daily physical activity had a positive impact on health. SF-36 physical health concepts exhibited a linear trend with respect to MedDiet adherence, while emotional health concepts showed inconsistent patterns across adherence groups. Education and waist circumference influence HRQoL, with higher levels of education correlating with better quality of life and greater waist circumference being negatively associated with aspects such as energy and vitality. These findings suggest that factors beyond dietary patterns, such as physical activity, education, and body composition, play pivotal roles in shaping HRQoL in disadvantaged communities, emphasizing the need for multifaceted public health interventions. Full article

Antioxidants are indispensable in protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and lifestyle-related influences. This review examines the essential role of antioxidants in modern cosmetology, highlighting their dual functionality as protective agents and active components in skincare formulations. Oxidative stress, primarily driven by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the skin’s defense mechanisms, accelerates aging processes, damages cellular structures, and compromises skin integrity. Antioxidants, whether natural or synthetic, act by neutralizing ROS, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular repair, effectively mitigating these harmful effects. This comprehensive analysis synthesizes findings from 280 studies accessed via key databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. It investigates the biochemical mechanisms of antioxidant activity, emphasizing compounds such as vitamins (C, E, A), carotenoids, polyphenols, peptides, and minerals, alongside bioactive extracts derived from algae, fungi, lichens, and plants. Carotenoids, including ꞵ-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and astaxanthin, demonstrate potent antioxidant activity, making them crucial for photoprotection and anti-aging. Phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid, resveratrol, hesperidin, and xanthohumol, play a significant role in neutralizing oxidative stress and improving skin health. This review also highlights bioactives from algae, fungi, and lichens. Algae, particularly microalgae like Haematococcus pluvialis, known for astaxanthin production, are highlighted for their extraordinary photoprotective and anti-aging properties. Brown algae (Fucus vesiculosus) and red algae (Porphyra) provide polysaccharides and bioactive molecules that enhance hydration and barrier function. Fungi contribute a wealth of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including polysaccharides, ꞵ-glucans, and enzymes, which support cellular repair and protect against oxidative damage. Lichens, through unique phenolic metabolites, offer potent free-radical-scavenging properties and serve as effective ingredients in formulations targeting environmental stress. Plant-derived antioxidants offer a diverse range of benefits. Plant-derived antioxidants, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, further amplify skin resilience, hydration, and repair mechanisms, aligning with the growing demand for nature-inspired solutions in cosmetics. The integration of these diverse natural sources into cosmetic formulations reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and efficacy. By harnessing the synergistic potential of bioactives from algae, fungi, lichens, and plants, modern cosmetology is advancing toward multifunctional, health-conscious, and eco-friendly products. Future research directions include optimizing delivery systems for these bioactives, enhancing their stability and bioavailability, and expanding their applications to meet evolving dermatological challenges. Full article

The eco-friendly lifestyle has gained traction at individual and industrial levels, especially following Europe’s “Green Deal”. While the woodworking industry in Latvia has made strides toward waste-free production, wood processing still produces by-products that require effective utilization. Instead of burning these residues for energy, a sustainable option is repurposing birch bark into suberinic acids adhesive, which is environmentally friendly and safe for humans. Research shows that thermally modified aspen, birch, and poplar veneers treated using the Termovuoto process at 160 °C/50 min, 204 °C/120 min, 214 °C/120 min, 217 °C/180 min, and 218 °C/30 min can be bonded with this adhesive and meet the EN 314-2:1993 standard for outdoor applications classified as Class 3 bonding. However, hydrothermally modified veneers treated at 160 °C 50 min do not bond successfully, failing to meet Class 3 requirements. Full article

In recent years, increased environmental awareness has led consumers to adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles, including choosing green products to reduce their impact on the environment. With a particular focus on the green consumption behavior with regard to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from two leading brands, Tesla (automotive) and Gogoro (scooter), in Taiwan, this study investigated the relationships among green perceived quality (GPQ), green perceived value (GPV), green brand image (GBI), green trust (GTR), and green purchase intention (GPI). After collecting 203 environmentally conscious respondents who are familiar with Tesla and Gogoro BEVs, the PLS-SEM was used to verify the research framework. The findings demonstrate that GPQ significantly impacts GBI and GPV; GBI significantly impacts GPV and GTR; and GPV significantly impacts GTR. As the key determinants of purchasing BEVs, GPQ, GBI, and GTR have significant effects on GPI, whereas the effect of GPV on GPI is not significant. In addition, this study also explored the moderation effect on green purchase behavior, revealing that the brand-specific cognition of Tesla and Gogoro moderates the relationships between green attributes (such as GPQ, GBI, and GTR) and GPI. This study contributes a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological and behavioral drivers behind green consumption behavior within the context of BEVs. This study not only sheds light on consumer behavior within dual-market dynamics in Taiwan but also offers a framework for other markets with similar environmental and infrastructural challenges. These insights can assist BEV companies to develop their sustainable marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of developing a strong green brand image and green trust to boost BEV sales from the perspective of green perceived quality. Full article

In modern, fast-paced lifestyles, food containers have become a popular solution for quick meals; however, they have significantly contributed to the increase in plastic packaging waste, which poses a substantial environmental risk. The prevalent use of non-biodegradable plastic containers exacerbates plastic pollution, contradicting government regulations designed to reduce plastic usage and promote sustainability. To address these issues, this study integrates TRIZ, ergonomics, inherent safety, and universal design methodologies, with an emphasis on sustainability. First, the technical contradiction matrix from TRIZ is applied to identify parameters for improvement without inducing negative side effects. Ergonomics principles ensure the development of user-friendly designs, while inherent safety and universal design approaches aim for accessibility and full biodegradability. Through a systematic innovation design process, this research proposes a biodegradable food container capable of decomposing entirely into particles and water within one month, blending naturally with the soil without compromising functionality. Moreover, the container incorporates a quick-alignment mechanism and an intuitive sealing design that ensures airtightness and spill prevention. As a result, the product not only meets user demands but also addresses pressing environmental concerns, aligning with global sustainability goals. Full article

In the post-pandemic era, human demand for a healthy lifestyle and a smart society has surged, leading to vibrant growth in the field of flexible electronic sensor technology for health monitoring. Flexible polymer humidity sensors are not only capable of the real-time monitoring of human respiration and skin moisture information but also serve as a non-contact human–machine interaction method. In addition, the development of moist-electric generation technology is expected to break free from the traditional reliance of flexible electronic devices on power equipment, which is of significant importance for the miniaturization, reliability, and environmentally friendly development of flexible devices. Currently, flexible polymer humidity sensors are playing a significant role in the field of wearable electronic devices and thus have attracted considerable attention. This review begins by introducing the structural types and working principles of various humidity sensors, including the types of capacitive, impedance/resistive, frequency-based, fiber optic, and voltage-based sensors. It mainly focuses on the latest research advancements in flexible polymer humidity sensors, particularly in the modification of humidity-sensitive materials, sensor fabrication, and hygrosensitivity mechanisms. Studies on material composites including different types of polymers, polymers combined with porous nanostructured materials, polymers combined with metal oxides, and two-dimensional materials are reviewed, along with a comparative summary of the fabrication and performance mechanisms of related devices. This paper concludes with a discussion on the current challenges and opportunities faced by flexible polymer humidity sensors, providing new research perspectives for their future development. Full article

This study explores the integration of sustainability and cultural sensitivity in clustering Muslim tourist lifestyles in the Andaman coastal region. The Muslim tourist demographic, representing a significant portion of the global population, prioritizes halal standards and Islamic attributes in their travel experiences. This research investigates the lifestyle patterns of Muslim tourists and their alignment with sustainable tourism principles, particularly in Thailand’s Andaman coastal area, known for its marine and beach tourism. A multi-method approach was employed, utilizing the AIO (Activities, Interests, and Opinions) framework for quantitative data collection through the surveys of 836 Muslim tourists, and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with local stakeholders. The study identified key lifestyle clusters: Mainstream Travelers, Experience Seekers, and Chillouts, each with specific preferences for halal services, prayer facilities, and eco-friendly accommodations. The findings underscore the importance of a tailored approach in promoting sustainable tourism that respects cultural values. Recommendations include enhancing halal-certified services, improving infrastructure for religious practices, and promoting eco-friendly tourism options. By aligning sustainability with cultural sensitivity, the Andaman coastal region can attract more Muslim tourists while preserving its environmental and cultural heritage. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism by emphasizing cultural sensitivity and provides practical guidelines for tourism stakeholders in the Andaman region to develop inclusive and sustainable tourism strategies. Full article

Raised personal health awareness and social environmental responsibility put pressure on the agri-food industry to adopt more sustainable ways of production, including the use of more natural ingredients, reducing waste, conservation and the regeneration of resources and energy. Plant-based colorants are ecologically friendly alternatives to artificial food dyes, especially with regards to the current reports on the adverse effects of some of the latter on human health. Various plants are traditionally used by many cultures to obtain vivid food coloration; however, the knowledge and means to produce them becomes less and less accessible to urbanized societies, and affordable organic alternatives are not always available on the market. An online questionnaire was performed to explore the awareness on plant-based dyes and pro-environmental attitudes of Bulgarian customers through the lens of Orthodox Easter eggs dyeing and the obtaining of plant dyes. From a total of 294 adult participants, only 5% reported a strict preference for natural dyes, while more than half of them (54%) were found to use natural and artificial ones concomitantly or switching between both. Of 45 plant taxa used for egg coloration, 12 were most frequently cited with many new additions of imported plants. Most of the used plant-based dyes were common fruits, spices, herbal infusions and even food waste like onion peels and avocado pits that were readily available from home gardens, markets and food shops. Additionally, we made a review of the scientific literature regarding their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against food spoilage bacteria and foodborne pathogens isolated from eggs. All frequently used taxa were reported to exhibit antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and possess antioxidant activity due to the presence of various polyphenols, essential oils and other compounds. Grape and red wine, roselle and stinging nettle are the species with the most diverse antibacterial activity, effective against 15 out of the 16 bacterial species of spoilage and foodbourn microorganisms included in our focus. The antimicrobial activities, however, were found mostly tested against bacterial strains in vitro, and further studies are needed to confirm their potential antibacterial activity when applied to Easter/boiled eggs or other food products. Our findings suggest that traditional cultural practices, as a multifaceted and engaging phenomenon, have the potential to promote environmental responsibility and a healthy lifestyle using both contemporary and traditional knowledge. Full article

In modern medicine, studies devoted to the assessment of the parameters of residential infrastructure and the population’s attitude towards them have become quite large-scale. Objectives: The aim of the study was to establish associations between individually perceived parameters of residential infrastructure and the main modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, obesity, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders) in one of the subjects of the Russian Federation. Methods: The epidemiological study “Study of the influence of social factors on chronic non-communicable diseases” started in 2015 and ended in 2023. The sample was formed by using the stratification method based on the assignment to a medical organization. The study included 1598 respondents aged 35 to 70 years (491 rural residents). The study of infrastructure parameters was conducted based on the subjective opinions of respondents using the neighborhood environment walkability scale (NEWS) questionnaire, divided into eight scales. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between infrastructure parameters and cardiovascular risk factors; the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were evaluated. Results: Individually perceived infrastructure parameters of the scale B, reflecting the accessibility of infrastructure facilities, were associated with hypertension [OR = 1.33], obesity [OR = 1.40], and abdominal obesity [OR = 1.59]. Elements of the social infrastructure of the scale C, describing the streets in the residential area, increased the likelihood of developing obesity [OR = 1.42] and visceral obesity [OR = 1.43]. The characteristics of the residential area, represented by the scale D that evaluates pedestrian infrastructure, were associated with all major cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension [OR = 1.65], obesity [OR = 1.62] and abdominal obesity [OR = 1.82], and disorders of lipid [OR = 1.41] and carbohydrate metabolism [OR = 1.44]). Conclusion: Social factors represented by various aspects of infrastructure have become important criteria for determining cardiovascular health. Environmental conditions affect cardiovascular risk factors through behavioral patterns that shape the respondent’s lifestyle. Interventions in urban planning—increasing accessibility to infrastructure facilities for the population, developing a pedestrian-friendly urban environment, improving physical activity resources in areas, planning recreation areas, and landscaping—can become the most important concept for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Full article

The cosmetics industry has experienced rapid growth, driven by consumer demand for products in line with modern lifestyles and technological advances, with greater awareness of the impacts on health and the ecosystem. This review explores the potential use of antibacterial compounds derived from food waste as sustainable alternatives to synthetic preservatives in cosmetic products. Waste obtained from food, including fruit peels, seeds, and plant remnants, is rich in natural bioactives, including polyphenolic compounds and essential oils that exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing features. The integration of these natural ingredients not only improves the shelf-life and safety of cosmetics but also promotes environmentally friendly practices. We discuss the sources and antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds, along with recent technological innovations. This sustainable approach responds to consumer preferences for natural ingredients, reduces food waste, and supports environmental sustainability, ultimately increasing the value and attractiveness of cosmetic products. Full article