Search Results (11,843)

Health and hygiene are critical components of sustainable travel and tourism development, particularly in the post-emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when traveler confidence is closely tied to the resilience of the destination. This paper examines global health and hygiene conditions using data from the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, with a focus on disparities across regions and income groups. Five key indicators—physician density, basic sanitation, basic drinking water, hospital bed density, and communicable disease incidence—are analyzed to assess healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and public health resilience. By comparing data from 2021 and 2024, the study evaluates changes during and after the peak period of the COVID-19 crisis, highlighting progress and persistent inequalities relevant to sustainable travel and tourism development. Using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, the study also investigates the associations between key health and hygiene indicators, specifically (i) basic sanitation and basic drinking water coverage and (ii) physician density and hospital bed density, at the global, regional, and income group levels. The results reveal pronounced regional and income-related disparities. Europe and Eurasia consistently outperform other regions, with high healthcare capacity and near-universal sanitation and water access, while Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face systemic deficits in all indicators. High-income countries have well-developed healthcare systems, whereas low-income countries struggle with limited physician availability, poor sanitation coverage, and high communicable disease incidence. Associations between key indicators are also evident: countries with strong sanitation infrastructure almost always achieve high drinking water coverage, and those with higher physician density typically maintain higher hospital bed capacity. These findings highlight the uneven pace of global recovery and emphasize that health and hygiene are not only public health priorities but also fundamental drivers of tourism competitiveness. Full article

This study develops an integrated computational model to illuminate the micro-dynamics through which transient emotional contagion evolves into stable social identity within organizations, with a specific focus on hybrid work environments. Drawing on organizational psychology and employing an agent-based modeling approach, we formalize a four-stage process—Emotional Cycle, Emotional Memory Accumulation, Cognitive Formation, and Enhancement Effect—that captures how fleeting affective experiences coalesce into enduring group identification. Our simulations reveal that cognitive heterogeneity moderates this pathway, leading to slower but more robust identity formation. Gender differences emerge as significant, with females demonstrating higher susceptibility to emotional contagion, while males’ identification is more strongly influenced by issue relevance. Crucially, exploratory simulations contrasting high- and low-hybridity configurations demonstrate that dispersed, digitally mediated work attenuates the emotional feedback loop, slows consensus formation, and heightens the risk of sub-group silos, thereby fundamentally reshaping the identity formation pathway. This research provides a mechanistic explanation of the emotional foundations of organizational culture and offers managers an evidence-based, dynamic framework for strategically cultivating collective identity in an increasingly hybrid world. Full article

Engineering education is increasingly shaped by two converging developments: accelerating sustainability transitions and rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI). However, in many application-oriented undergraduate programs, sustainability learning remains fragmented, methodologically limited, and weakly connected to authentic engineering decision-making. To address this gap, this study proposes AI-SEE (Artificial Intelligence-Integrated Sustainable Engineering Education), a pedagogical framework that integrates AI across the curriculum as both a cognitive scaffold and a resource for system-level analysis. Emphasizing human–AI collaboration, AI-SEE is designed to be feasible and scalable within application-oriented higher education contexts. The framework comprises four interrelated pillars: intelligence-driven, green-empowered, responsibility-leading, and practice-integrated. Drawing on an empirical case from transportation-related programs at Nantong University, the study employs a qualitative comparative design and conducts semi-structured interviews with 144 undergraduates at the end of their eighth semester (control group n = 70; pilot group n = 74). Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis informed by constructivist grounded theory and the Gioia coding approach. The findings suggest that participation in AI-SEE is associated with differentiated patterns of sustainability consciousness. At the knowledge level, students reported more systematic and interdisciplinary understandings that extended beyond environmentally reductionist perspectives to include life-cycle thinking, social equity, and long-term considerations. At the attitudinal level, students described enhanced ethical reflexivity and evolving professional self-concepts, shifting from a focus on technical execution toward broader value-oriented roles. At the behavioral level, students reported more extensive knowledge-to-action translation across personal, academic, and career-related domains. Overall, AI-SEE provides a transferable pedagogical pathway for integrating AI into engineering education to support the development of sustainability consciousness in higher education. Full article

Astigmata is a diverse lineage of mites with significant ecological, medical, and economic importance, yet higher-level relationships within the group remain contentious due to incongruent morphological and molecular data. Here, we integrate multigene data with comparative morphology and ecological traits to reassess phylogenetic relationships, with a focus on the newly described family Lycoglyphidae fam. nov. associated with puffball fungi. Phylogenetic analyses recover Lycoglyphidae within a well-supported cluster—the AR cluster—comprising Acaridae sensu novo, Rhizoglyphidae sensu novo, and several additional related lineages. Within this framework, previously unrecognized lineages such as Pontoppidaniidae (intertidal seaweed habitats) and Cerophagidae (bee-associated) are supported as monophyletic, showing ecological conservatism. Our phylogeny indicates that mating position is phylogenetically structured, with retroconjugate mating prevalent in the AR cluster (except Histiostomatoidea) and many other lineages, while proconjugate mating is present only in two lineages, Hemisarcoptoidea+Glycyphagidae and Rosensteiniidae+Aeroglyphidae. Finally, to facilitate identification and future research, we provide a taxonomic description of new taxa (Lycoglyphidae with Lycoglyphus gen. nov., Obelacarus gen. nov., and Viedebanttia) and a comprehensive key to the families and genera of Acaroidea based on both adults and deutonymphs. Our results clarify some higher-level relationships within Astigmata, indicate the importance of integrating molecular, morphological, and ecological evidence, and provide a practical resource for identification and comparative studies. Full article

Climate change and water pollution are the global focus to address the mitigation measures that will improve water quality and wastewater management. The recent increase in dye pollution from the manufacturing sector, particularly the textile industries, has increased the demand for advanced wastewater treatment technologies that are sustainable and affordable. The abundant, renewable lignocellulosic fiber-based adsorbents have emerged as a promising alternative for removing a wide range of heavy metals and dyes. This review highlights in detail various sources of fibers, their physicochemical compositions, and different modification techniques that improve their selectivity and adsorption capacity, particularly for dye removal. The complementary impacts of the presence of the inherent functional groups, specific surface charges, and the primary adsorption mechanisms that can significantly enhance dye selectivity have been well addressed. While the modified fibers demonstrated the promising removal efficiency of above 90% at the laboratory scale, challenges remain in terms of their adsorption kinetics, regeneration efficiency, and long-term stability for large-scale industrial settings. Hence, future studies should focus on enhancing fiber properties for sustainable industrial applications, high-performance, and multifunctionality through a promising hybrid modification technique that will bridge the gap into large industrial implementation. Full article

This study investigates inter-city disparities in the distribution of social amenities for four demographic groups across mainland China, moving beyond the conventional focus on knowledge-economy amenities to include relatively disadvantaged populations. It further explores the relationship between amenity distribution and China’s urban hierarchy at multiple geographical scales. Results show that amenities are disproportionately concentrated in cities with larger populations, stronger economies, and higher administrative status, reflecting the influence of demographic, economic, and political structures. Consequently, substantial geographical disparities align with regional economic imbalances. However, inequality levels vary by amenity type and social group: commercially oriented amenities, such as those targeting high-skilled professionals and women, exhibit greater inequality, whereas publicly supported amenities for older adults and children exhibit comparatively lower disparities. The study further reveals that in many smaller cities, the provision of high-skilled labor amenities tends to outstrip local demand, indicating that the role of such amenities in shaping location choices may be overestimated in less central regions. These findings highlight the need for context-sensitive urban amenity policies and greater governmental attention to mitigating inequalities in essential public amenities to promote urban equity and competitiveness. Full article

The digital world has witnessed an unparalleled surge in social online gaming platforms, with Roblox standing out as a prominent platform that predominantly attracts younger users. Unfortunately, these gaming platforms are also targeted by malicious criminals seeking to exploit them. Conducting digital forensic investigations into the various artifacts generated by Roblox can provide valuable insights into user activities, potentially uncovering evidence of user behavior, interactions, and digital footprints within the platform, thus aiding in the investigation of suspicious activities. This paper delves into digital forensic methodologies to examine and analyze digital artifacts from Roblox from memory, disk, and network perspectives. Our research reveals various retrieved artifacts, including user information, chat logs, user groups, gameplay details, and in-app purchases. Furthermore, we demonstrate that to thoroughly retrieve artifacts related to all possible user activities, it is crucial to investigate various focus areas such as memory, disk, and network. This approach enables us to successfully piece together and cross-reference almost the entire timeline of user activities. Full article

Background: Both home accidents and sleep problems are prevalent health issues among young children. This study aimed to investigate the association between the sleep characteristics of both preschool children and their mothers and the occurrence of home accidents among children. Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, the home accident group consisted of 90 children who presented to the Mersin University Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department due to home accidents. The control group comprised 90 healthy children, matched for age and sex with the home accident group. Sleep patterns of both children aged 12–72 months and their mothers, as primary caregivers, were evaluated through face-to-face interviews with the mothers. Results: Each one-hour increase in the child’s total nocturnal sleep duration increased the risk of being in the home accident group by 1.63 times (95% CI: 1.19–2.21, p = 0.002). Conversely, each one-hour increase in the mother’s total nocturnal sleep duration reduced the risk of child home accidents by a factor of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.58–0.91, p = 0.006). Maternal excessive daytime sleepiness increased the risk of home accidents in children by 11.35 times (95% CI: 2.38–54.26, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Preschool children who have had home accidents and their mothers should be evaluated for sleep problems. To reduce the frequency and severity of injuries associated with home accidents, greater focus must be placed on improving the sleep hygiene of both children and their mothers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low vaccination coverage and the persistence of zero-dose children remain the principal challenges for immunization efforts in Madagascar. To address these barriers, a socio-anthropological study was conducted to identify the determinants of both vaccination and non-vaccination in eight districts of the country. Methods: District selection was based primarily on immunization performance—specifically the proportion of zero-dose children—along with criteria of geographic and cultural diversity. A qualitative approach was employed, comprising 162 semi-structured individual interviews and 41 focus group discussions with key informants, including political–administrative, religious, and traditional authorities, healthcare workers, community health workers, and parents. Results: Overall, the benefits of vaccination were widely acknowledged by the population. Anti-vaccine rumors were found to be sporadic and, due to their provisional nature, potentially reversible even among those who relay them. Beyond conventional barriers such as scheduling constraints and limited accessibility, fluctuating motivation among community health workers and structural challenges affecting their work emerged as notable findings. Conversely, factors promoting vaccine acceptance were associated with trust in the vaccinators themselves and with a good understanding of vaccination-related issues, fostered through increased and context-specific sensitization efforts. Conclusions: In conclusion, no evidence was found to associate contexts such as rural settings or low-performing vaccination areas with lower vaccine acceptance. Similarly, anti-vaccine rumors were not confined to any particular category or group. Ultimately, the main obstacles are the prioritization of economic risk and concerns about potential side effects. The primary recommendation concerns strengthening awareness-raising efforts, while strengthening trust and improving the working conditions of community health workers. Full article

Rabies is an acute, progressive, viral encephalitis. Warm-blooded vertebrates are susceptible. Major reservoirs reside in the Chiroptera and Carnivora. Among the latter, representatives include dogs, ferret badgers, foxes, jackals, mongooses, raccoons, and skunks. Within the Carnivora, pinnipeds represent a diverse group of >30 extant species. These marine mammals range from the Arctic to Antarctica, but there is no review about rabies in this group. Apparently, only a single 1980 case of rabies occurred from Svalbard in a ringed seal (Phoca hispida). However, in 2024, incidental cases appeared within South African Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus). Retrospective testing of archival material identified suspect cases dating back to 2022. Currently, more than 80 cases have been documented in seals. Moreover, a new 2025 focus appeared in Namibia and cases in Angola are predictable. Viral characterization supports spillover infection via rabid black-backed jackals (Lupulella mesomelas). A host shift appears likely, with ongoing seal intraspecific transmission. Given the unique nature of this epizootic, implications for the southern hemisphere abound. Unfortunately, comprehensive data are lacking on pinniped specimens examined outside of southern Africa. For example, although Antarctica is considered ‘rabies-free’, minimal international standards for support are unmet. No routine laboratory-based surveillance occurs. This enzootic rabies focus among seals in southern Africa presents unique challenges for the region and a rare opportunity for considering broader surveillance. Besides targeted parenteral vaccination of fur seals, local engagement involves vagrant species, including elephant (Mirounga leonina) and leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx). The void of regional pinniped surveillance, especially encompassing the Southern Ocean would require considerable proactive local resolution and much wider collaboration regarding future concerns to both public health and conservation biology. Full article

Background: The number of patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) is growing, influenced by factors such as increasing life expectancy and prevalence of risk factors. Thus, cardiovascular (CV) disease remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The main objective of the study was to identify factors associated with long-term survival in patients with chronic coronary syndrome, with a focus on kidney function described by eGFR and albuminuria (assessed by uACR). Methods: The study comprised a total of 257 patients from Bialystok (Poland), aged ≤ 80 years, who 6–18 months earlier were hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome or elective myocardial revascularization. During the 80-month follow-up, 40 (15.6%) patients died, while there was no information about three (1.2%) patients. Patients with preserved eGFR and without albuminuria were characterized by the longest survival, with deterioration of prognosis in groups of progressive kidney dysfunction as defined by KDIGO based on eGFR and uACR. The primary endpoint was death from any cause. Results: Those who survived the 80-month follow-up period were younger (p < 0.001), had a lower waist circumference (p = 0.028), higher diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.026), lower NTproBNP (p < 0.001) and hsCRP (p = 0.001) concentrations, reduced eGFR (p = 0.004) and increased ACR (p = 0.023) were strongly associated with mortality. In logistic regression analysis with stepwise elimination of variables, the strongest factors affecting survival were hemoglobin concentration, left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and hsCRP. Conclusions: Measurement of albuminuria, in addition to eGFR, allows patients to be correctly classified into CV risk categories and facilitates appropriate treatment of patients with CCS. Higher diastolic blood pressure (but still within normal range) was found in patients who later survived 6 years. Measurements of hsCRP, hemoglobin concentration and LVEF help to identify CCS patients at the highest risk of mortality in long-term follow-up. Full article

In response to the ongoing and intensifying impacts of human-induced climate change, individual participation in pro-environmental behaviors must also increase. Previous studies have linked higher environmental identity to greater participation in pro-environmental behaviors. However, the long-term impacts of environmental education experiences during the formal school years (prekindergarten through twelfth grade) on later pro-environmental behaviors remain uninvestigated. In this exploratory study, purposive sampling was used to recruit individuals associated with sustainability-oriented organizations. Participants completed an online survey addressing environmental identity, current pro-environmental behaviors, and prior environmental education experiences. In addition, five optional focus groups were conducted to enhance the study’s validity. Results showed that environmental education experiences were reported as highly impactful. These reported that high-impact environmental education experiences were experiential and immersive, encompassing a variety of environmental topics, employing multiple teaching methods, and occurring across multiple grade levels. This study is limited in its generalizability to the larger population due to a non-diverse sample and by its retrospective design. Even so, based on these results, it is recommended that more high-impact environmental education experiences be incorporated across grade levels within the formal school setting. Full article

Helicobacter species affect humans and animals, mainly causing gastrointestinal but also extra-gastrointestinal pathologies. Besides Helicobacter pylori, which is the main human pathogen, Non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacters (NHPH) are also associated with human diseases, thus raising concern about their zoonotic potential. Veterinarians are considered a risk group for NHPH infections and act as first-line communicators to animal owners about their prophylaxis. Therefore, we aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of veterinarians working in Greece about Helicobacter pylori and NHPH by asking them to participate anonymously in an online 34-question survey. The questionnaire consisted of three sections regarding environmental exposure to Helicobacter spp.; know-how about clinical signs in various species, including personal human experience; and willingness to get updated information about NHPH. Of the 111 respondents, 41.4% had not heard of H. suis (NHPH), and 35.0% were unaware of the species that could be affected. Almost 60.0% of companion animal veterinarians rarely suspect and 20.0% never suspect Helicobacter spp. infections in the case of gastritis. Nevertheless, 41.0% of respondents considered Helicobacter as zoonotic, and 87.0% wanted to receive information via professional channels and brochures. Despite the limited number of respondents and the exploratory nature of our study, as with similar data from Portugal, we emphasize the need to train veterinarians to have a more targeted focus on the zoonotic potential of Helicobacter within a One Health approach. Full article

(1) Background: This article investigates the status relationship between academic and vocational tracks in the four largest cities in Norway. While previous qualitative research has mainly examined academic and vocational tracks separately, this article includes both to highlight the importance of looking at the relationship between them. (2) Method: A thematic qualitative analysis is conducted to illustrate how interviewees in focus groups express practical and academic ambitiousness. (3) Results: The findings indicate that the relationship between vocational- and academic-track pupils is shaped by a perception of vocational education as a second-tier option. Pupils from the academic tracks express condescending opinions about them, whereas those on vocational tracks demonstrate a deferential attitude towards the academic pupils. This hierarchical distinction becomes particularly noticeable when both tracks are situated within the same institutional context. Thus, the article sheds light on the dynamics of status differences between vocational and academic education that indicate a belief in meritocratic principles. This is of relevance for many countries beyond Norway. Full article

The building sector has a significant environmental impact throughout the life cycle of a building. Reducing the environmental load of the building sector is essential for creating a sustainable society. Many current reports focus on carbon emission, while other environmental impacts remain insufficiently evaluated. Furthermore, buildings serve different functions depending on the region, and the types and quantities of primary materials used vary accordingly. Under these circumstances, little research has focused specifically on Japan. This study conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) covering the life cycle of material inputs (structural and finishing materials) for 95 buildings in Japan. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, multi-criteria analysis, including characterization and integration (characterization such as acidification, ozone layer destruction, and photochemical ozone; damage assessment; and integration using LIME2 and LIME3), was conducted. Based on analyses of numerous buildings, the objectives were to clarify trends in environmental impact emissions by building use, conduct an environmental impact analysis that could serve as a future benchmark, and discuss for reducing these environmental impacts. First, the analysis of trends such as maximum, median, and minimum values across six building types revealed that the environmental impact per square meter tended to be lower for production and logistics facilities and higher for offices, government buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, and condominiums across many indicators. However, significant variations were observed between individual buildings within each category. These results can serve as a benchmark for the environmental impact of future buildings in Japan. Next, GHG emissions and integration (LIME2, LIME3) were quantitatively identified for materials with high emissions, and the factors were considered. Furthermore, processes with high environmental impacts associated with the material were analyzed and identified. Ready-mixed concrete, reinforcing bars, and steel frames showed high values across quantitative indicators, whereas wood and other materials varied by indicator. Finally, based on these findings, perspectives for reducing the environmental impact of key materials are proposed for each stakeholder group. Full article