Search Results (63)

Background/Objectives: Despite its well-established health benefits, adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife) has declined globally, including in its region of origin, alongside a significant shift toward ultra-processed food consumption. Understanding the factors associated with MedLife adherence is essential for developing targeted interventions and tailored policy recommendations. As part of the MEDIET4ALL PRIMA project, this cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively examine geo-demographic, socio-economic, psychological, behavioral, and barrier-related factors associated with and potentially contributing to MedLife adherence. Methods: Data were collected from 4010 participants aged 18 years and above across ten Mediterranean and neighboring countries using the multinational MEDIET4ALL e-survey, which included the validated MedLife index, along with various other questionnaires. Results: Results indicate that only 22% of respondents demonstrated high adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), with significant variability observed across countries, age groups, education levels, and health statuses. Spain had the highest proportion of participants with high adherence (38%). Factors associated with significantly higher adherence rates include older age, living in the Mediterranean region, higher education levels, a greater awareness of MedLife principles, lower perceived barriers, normal BMI, better health status, and stable economic and marital conditions (p-values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Additionally, individuals with high MedLife adherence exhibited more socially and physically active lifestyles and experienced less psychological strain (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified MedLife awareness as the strongest positive predictor of adherence (β = 0.206), followed by social participation (β = 0.194) and physical activity (β = 0.096). Additional positive contributors include life satisfaction, sleep quality, living in the Mediterranean region, age, and education (β ranging from 0.049 to 0.093). Conversely, factors that are negatively associated with adherence include sedentary behavior, living environment, and barriers such as low motivation, taste dislike, price unaffordability, limited availability, and the time-consuming nature of preparing Mediterranean food (MedFood; β ranging from −0.036 to −0.067). Conclusions: These findings indicate that fewer than one in four adults across Mediterranean and neighboring countries demonstrate high adherence to MedLife, supporting prior evidence of suboptimal adherence even within Mediterranean regions. This study identified a range of behavioral, socio-demographic, and environmental factors—both positive and negative predictors—that can help guide the design of targeted, culturally adapted interventions to promote MedLife behavior. Future research should incorporate objective measurements and longitudinal monitoring to better understand underlying mechanisms, establish causality, and develop sustainable strategies for enhancing MedLife adherence in diverse populations. Full article

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is major transboundary disease affecting cattle and water buffaloes, indirectly causing huge socio-economic losses. Following its first outbreak in India in 2019, the heterologous Goatpox (Uttarkashi strain) vaccine mitigated LSD. Objective: Due to limited data on the spatiotemporal distribution of the disease, this study investigates its dynamics and presents findings from a field study conducted in Maharashtra, India. This study evaluates the safety, immunogenicity, and duration of immunity provided by a heterologous vaccine. Additionally, it examines post-vaccination responses in relation to factors such as age, gender, and breed. Methods: This study employed spatiotemporal analysis of lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks from 2020 to 2024 using GeoDa (v1.22), incorporating Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics to identify spatial clustering patterns. A randomized field trial was conducted to evaluate vaccine safety and immunogenicity in 657 cattle across seven districts. Humoral immune responses were assessed using the serum neutralization test (SNT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while cell-mediated immunity was evaluated via Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) ELISA. For sero-monitoring, a total of 1925 serum samples from 22 districts were analyzed. Additionally, statistical analyses (n = 1925), including the Kappa Index, ANOVA, and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS v27 to investigate the influence of factors such as age, sex, and breed (significance level: p < 0.05). Results: LSD exhibited significant spatial clustering across Maharashtra. The Goatpox vaccine was 100% safe, with no adverse reactions. Protective antibody titers (≥1:8) were observed in 96.9% of vaccinated cattle by 14–21 days post-vaccination (dpv), peaking at 60 dpv before declining at 150 dpv. The cell-mediated immune response peaked at 28 dpv. Clinical monitoring for one year showed that only 2% of vaccinated cattle developed mild LSD symptoms after nine months, with no mortality. At six months post-vaccination, seroconversion was 69.7%, with breed significantly influencing seropositivity. Conclusions: This study confirms the Goatpox vaccine’s safety and strong immunogenicity in cattle, marking its first large-scale evaluation in the Indian subcontinent. Further research is needed to assess long-term immunity and protection against virulent LSD strains. Full article

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide, and its high incidence, disability and recurrence rates impose a heavy economic burden on families and society. Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke, not only participating in the onset and development of neuronal damage in the acute phase but also significantly influencing the long-term prognosis of ischemic stroke through molecular mechanisms, such as epigenetic modifications. However, the potential targets of oxidative stress-related genes in IS and their mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to systematically analyse the function and significance of oxidative stress-related genes in IS. We obtained IS-related gene expression datasets from the GEO database and integrated known oxidative stress-related genes from the Genecards database for cross-analysis. Multidimensional feature screening using unsupervised consensus clustering and a series of machine learning algorithms led to the identification of the signature gene GPX7. The correlation between this gene and immune cell infiltration was assessed using MCPcounter and a potential therapeutic agent, glutathione, was identified. Binding was verified by molecular docking (MD) analysis. In addition, single-cell RNA sequencing data were analysed to further reveal expression in different cell types and its biological significance. Finally, we performed in vivo experiments using the Wistar rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, and the results indicated that GPX7 plays a key role in IS, providing a new theoretical basis and potential intervention target for the precise treatment of IS. Full article

Avian colibacillosis causes significant economic losses and raises concerns for human health due to food safety risks, a problem exacerbated by the increase in antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to develop novel antibacterial strategies using fermented liquid of Sini decoction dregs to address these challenges. We analyzed the transcriptome of the chicken thymus sample GSE69014 in the GEO database to identify immune-related genes, performed molecular docking to assess compound interactions, and experimental validation via Western blot and ELISA to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects. Results revealed 11 core genes, including TLR4, critical for immune responses against the infection, with TLR4 activating key inflammatory pathways. Fermented liquid with probiotics enhanced bioactivity, and natural compounds Dioscin and Celastrol from the fermented liquid inhibited inflammation by targeting the TLR4-MD2 complex. In animal models, fermented liquid outperformed individual compounds, likely due to synergistic effects, significantly reducing inflammatory markers. These findings demonstrate that fermented liquid of Sini decoction dregs offers a promising, sustainable approach to control avian colibacillosis, mitigate antibiotic resistance, and improve poultry health, providing a scientific foundation for its application in farming to reduce economic losses and enhance food safety. Full article

The Southwest Region (SWR) is one of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and comprises six distinct states. It holds considerable significance due to its unique geographical features, economic vibrancy, pastoral heritage, and fragile natural ecosystems. These ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to human activities and the adverse impacts of climate change. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial variations of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in relation to key influencing factors in the SWR from 2001 to 2020. The analytical methods included Sen’s slope estimator, the Mann–Kendall trend test, and the Geographical Detector Model (GDM). The analysis revealed significant spatial variability in vegetation cover, with dense vegetation concentrated in the eastern part of the region and low vegetation coverage overall, reflected by an average NDVI value of 0.45, indicating persistent vegetation stress. Human activities, particularly land use and land cover (LULC) changes, were identified as major drivers of vegetation loss in some states such as Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo. Conversely, Osun and Oyo exhibited signs of vegetation recovery, suggesting the potential for restoration. The study found that topographic factors, including slope and elevation, as well as climatic variables like precipitation, influenced vegetation patterns. However, the impact of these factors was secondary to LULC dynamics. The interaction detection analysis further highlighted the cumulative effect of combined anthropogenic and environmental factors on vegetation distribution, with the interaction between LULC and topography being particularly significant. These findings provide essential insights into the biological condition of the SWR and contribute to advancing the understanding of vegetation patterns with critical implications for the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forest ecosystems. Full article

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, approved by the international community, represents a global strategic guide with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 interconnected targets, aimed at promoting equitable economic, social and environmental development. In this context, innovation and research can play a crucial role in supporting policies for the achievement of SDGs, especially at local and regional levels. This article reports what was developed in the Puglia Region according to a double action. On the one hand, the creation of an IT platform to improve collaboration between legislative institutions and research centres facilitates the collection and transfer of data as best practices to support political decisions. On the other hand, practical experimentation on issues related to regional development is conducted, with particular attention to sustainability-oriented partnerships, legislative needs, and knowledge of the territory. The new information system, based on a geo-database and developed entirely with open source software, collects regional regulatory data on SDGs, cooperation projects, and technical and scientific documents contributing to the knowledge of the application of plans and programmes applied to the territory. This tool, in addition to mapping relevant projects, represents an important resource for monitoring progress and supporting sustainable development policies, facilitating the sharing of information between local, national, and European actors. Full article

Industrial buildings are a key element in the industrial fabric, and their maintenance is essential to ensure their proper functioning and avoid disruptions and costly economic losses. Continuous maintenance based on an accurate diagnosis makes it possible to meet the challenges of aging infrastructures, which demands a reliable data-based assessment for maintenance management implementing corrective and preventive actions, according to the damage criticality. This paper researches an innovative digitalized process for the inspection and diagnosis of industrial buildings, which leads to categorizing and prioritizing maintenance actions in an objective and cost-effective way from the inspection data. The process integrates some technical developments carried out in this work, aimed to automate the workflow: the drone-based inspection, the building condition assessment from the definition of a standardized construction pathology library, and a visual analysis of pathology evolution based on photogrammetry. The use of drones for digitalized inspection involves some challenges related to the positioning of the drone for damage localization, which has been herein overcome by developing a geo-annotation system for image acquisition. This system has also enabled the capture of geo-located images intended to generate 3D photogrammetric models for quantifying the pathological process evolution. Moreover, the assessment procedure outlined through multi-criteria decision-making methodology MIVES establishes a single criterion to automatically weight the relative importance of the damage defined in the library. As a result, this procedure yields the so-called Intervention Urgency Index (IUI), which allows prioritizing the maintenance actions associated with the damage while also considering economic criteria. In such a way, the overall process aims to increase reliability and consistency in the results of inspection and diagnosis needed for the effective maintenance management of industrial buildings. Full article

This paper explores the feasibility of floating urban development in Italy, given its extensive coastline and inland hydrographic network. The key drivers for floating urban development, as an adaptive approach in low-lying waterfront areas, include the increasing threats posed by rising sea levels and flooding and the shortage of land for urban expansion. However, as not all waterfront areas are suitable for floating urban development, a geographical analysis based on a thorough evaluation of multiple factors, including urban–economic parameters and climate-related variables, led to the identification of a specific area of the Lazio coast, the river Tiber Delta. A comprehensive urban mapping process provided a multifaceted geo-referenced information layer, including several climatic, urban, anthropic, and environmental parameters. Within the GIS environment, it is possible to extract and perform statistical analyses crucial for assessing the impact of flood and sea-level rise hazards, particularly regarding buildings and land cover. This process provides a robust framework for understanding the spatial dimensions of flood and sea-level rise impacts and supporting informed design-making. A research-by-design phase follows the simulation research and mapping process. Several design scenarios are developed aimed at regenerating this vulnerable area. These scenarios seek to transform its susceptibility to flooding into a resilient, adaptive, urban identity, offering climate-resilient housing solutions for a population currently residing in unauthorized, substandard housing within high flood-risk zones. This paper proposes a comprehensive analytical methodology for supporting the design process of floating urban development, given the highly determinant role of site-specificity in such a challenging and new urban development approach. Full article

This paper explores the combined impacts of certain geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts on the global energy transition, focusing on developments related to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreements. The New Globalization Scenario Matrix (NGSM) and a correlative SWOT analysis in transnational terms are utilized to understand and conceptualize potential future global trends in the emerging new globalization. Findings suggest that the examined contemporary global events may enhance the overall performance of the global system, thereby accelerating energy transitions. Consequently, a re-envisioned approach to the International Political Economy (IPE) of energy is proposed, blending repositioned realism and liberalism to foster a realistic and innovative new global liberalism. Full article

Thamnocalamus spathiflorus is a shrubby woody bamboo invigorating at the alpine and sub-alpine region of the northwestern Himalayas. The present investigation was conducted to map the potential distribution of Th. spathiflorus in the western Himalayas for current and future climate scenario using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM). In total, 125 geo-coordinates were collected for the species presence from Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand (UK) states of India and modelled to predict the current distribution using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, along with 13 bioclimatic variables selected after multi-collinearity test. Model output was supported with a significant value of the Area Under the “Receiver Operating Characteristics” Curve (AUC = 0.975 ± 0.019), and other confusion matrix-derived accuracy measures. The variables, namely precipitation seasonality (Bio 15), precipitation (Prec), annual temperature range (Bio 7), and altitude (Alt) showed highest level of percentage contribution (72.2%) and permutation importance (60.9%) in predicting the habitat suitability of Th. spathiflorus. The actual (1 km² buffer zone) and predicted estimates of species cover were ~136 km² and ~982 km², respectively. The predicted range was extended from Chamba (HP) in the north to Pithoragarh (UK) in southeast, which further protracted to Nepal. Furthermore, the distribution modelling under future climate change scenarios (RCP 8.5) for year 2050 and 2070 showed an eastern centroidal shift with slight decline of the species area by ~16 km² and ~46 km², respectively. This investigation employed the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC6)–shared socio-economics pathways (SSP245) for cross-validation purposes. The model was used to determine the habitat suitability and potential distribution of Th. spathiflorus in relation to the current distribution and RCP 8.5 future scenarios for the years 2021–2040 and 2061–2080, respectively. It showed a significant decline in the distribution area of the species between year 2030 and 2070. Overall, this is the pioneer study revealing the eco-distribution prediction modelling of this important high-altitude bamboo species. Full article

On 14 August 2021, an earthquake of moment magnitude Mw = 7.2 hit Haiti Island. Unfortunately, it caused several victims and economic damage to the island. While predicting earthquakes is still challenging and has not yet been achieved, studying the preparation phase of such catastrophic events may improve our knowledge and pose the basis for future predictions of earthquakes. In this paper, the six months that preceded the Haiti earthquake are analysed, investigating the lithosphere (by seismic catalogue), atmosphere (by climatological archive) and ionosphere by China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES-01) and Swarm satellites, as well as Total Electron Content (TEC) data. Several anomalies have been extracted from the analysed parameters using different techniques. A comparison, especially between the different layers, could increase or decrease the probability that a specific group of anomalies may be (or not) related to the preparation phase of the Haiti 2021 earthquake. In particular, two possible coupling processes have been revealed as part of the earthquake preparation phase. The first one was only between the lithosphere and the atmosphere about 130 days before the mainshock. The second one was about two months before the seismic event. It is exciting to underline that all the geo-layers show anomalies at that time: seismic accumulation of stress showed an increase of its slope, several atmospheric quantities underline abnormal atmospheric conditions, and CSES-01 Ne depicted two consecutive days of ionospheric electron density. This suggested a possible coupling of lithosphere–atmosphere and ionosphere as a sign of the increased stress, i.e., the impending earthquake. Full article

In the context of rural revitalization strategies and humans’ increasing leisure pursuits, rural tourism has begun to act as a new development path of rural economic growth and industrial transformation. This phenomenon generally occurs in rural areas around metropolitan areas, manifesting as the transformation or reconstruction of rural spaces. As a result, many new types of tertiary industry spaces utilizing rural land for leisure activities have emerged. We analyze the connotations of rural spatial and industrial transformation from the perspective of spatial production and innovatively propose that the transformed space is an ecological product, which includes three types in practice: industrial space, consumption space, and residential space. This study facilitates urban–rural integration and common prosperity. Given the lack of analysis of rural ecological products, especially rural spatial ecological products (e.g., rural B&Bs and other tertiary industry spaces), this study aims to explore the value expression and driving factors of rural spatial ecological products based on geo-visual (spatially visualizing) analytical tools looking at 10361 B&Bs in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces of China as typical examples. Our results show that (1) the value of rural spatial ecological products is reflected in the price that urban consumers are willing to pay for rural natural landscapes, which constitutes an ecological premium; and (2) the prices of rural spatial ecological products are strikingly different at multiple spatial scales, and this difference is related to the local ecological resources. This study provides insights into the rational allocation of the limited resources required for rural construction, which helps optimize the spatial planning of rural ecotourism and enhance the gametogenous development momentum of rural areas. At the same time, this study theoretically expands the research results of cultural ecosystem services. Full article

Understanding the transformation of cultivated land use is crucial for advancing sustainable development goals related to food security. However, in mountainous regions, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that fully account for the diverse factors influencing cultivated land use transformation. This study aims to elucidate the temporal and spatial dynamics of cultivated land resource transformation in the mountainous Sino–Vietnam border area, uncover its underlying driving mechanisms, and offer insights for safeguarding cultivated land, promoting economic development, ensuring homeland security, enhancing ecological security, and bolstering border stability and prosperity. To investigate the cultivated land use transformation pattern in the Sino–Vietnam border area from 2000 to 2020, we employed kernel density estimation and geo-information spectra. Additionally, we developed a comprehensive driving force system tailored to the unique characteristics of cultivated land use in the border region. We applied a spatial econometric model to dissect the driving mechanisms governing cultivated land use transformation. Our findings revealed several key insights: (1) The density of cultivated land in the Sino–Vietnam border area exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. Notably, the transformation of cultivated land was most prominent in the eastern plains, intensifying over time. (2) The predominant type of transformation in the Sino–Vietnamese border area revolved around the mutual conversion of cultivated land and woodland, with the mutual conversion of cultivated land and grassland ranking second. (3) Against the backdrop of urban–rural integration, the transformation of cultivated land use at the border progressed from a phase of rapid decline to a phase of slower decline. (4) The transformation of cultivated land was influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, natural environmental conditions, policy management, and transportation infrastructure. The relative importance of these factors in driving cultivated land use transformation varied significantly across different time periods. In light of these findings, we recommend promoting agricultural modernization and industrialization in the Sino–Vietnamese border areas. It is essential to consider the region’s distinct cultivated land characteristics, implement tailored land policies, and develop diversified strategies for the utilization and management of cultivated land. Furthermore, harnessing land resources to stimulate economic development should be a focal point of future initiatives in the area. Full article

Long-term exposure to high concentrations of fine particles can cause irreversible damage to people’s health. Therefore, it is of extreme significance to conduct large-scale continuous spatial fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentration prediction for air pollution prevention and control in China. The distribution of PM_2.5 ground monitoring stations in China is uneven with a larger number of stations in southeastern China, while the number of ground monitoring sites is also insufficient for air quality control. Remote sensing technology can obtain information quickly and macroscopically. Therefore, it is possible to predict PM_2.5 concentration based on multi-source remote sensing data. Our study took China as the research area, using the Pearson correlation coefficient and GeoDetector to select auxiliary variables. In addition, a long short-term memory neural network and random forest regression model were established for PM_2.5 concentration estimation. We finally selected the random forest regression model (R² = 0.93, RMSE = 4.59 μg m⁻³) as our prediction model by the model evaluation index. The PM_2.5 concentration distribution across China in 2021 was estimated, and then the influence factors of high-value regions were explored. It is clear that PM_2.5 concentration is not only related to the local geographical and meteorological conditions, but also closely related to economic and social development. Full article

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) causes a high mortality rate each year, which is a threat to human well-being and health. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an effective device for heart attack-related diseases and is a panacea to save OHCA. Most relevant literature focuses on the spatial distribution, accessibility, and configuration optimization of AED devices, which all belong to the characteristics of the spatial distribution of AED devices. Still, there is a lack of discussion on related potential influencing factors. In addition, analysis of AED facilities involving multiple city comparisons is less considered. In this study, data on AED facilities in two major cities in China were obtained through the WeChat applet. Then, the AED equity at the city and block scales and its socioeconomic factors were analyzed using the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and optimal parameters-based geo-graphical detector (OPGD) model. Results show that the number of AEDs in Shenzhen was about eight-times that of in Guangzhou. The distribution of AEDs in Shenzhen was more equitable with a global Gini of 0.347, higher than that in Guangzhou with a global Gini of 0.504. As for the determinants of AED equity, residential density was the most significant determinant in both Guangzhou and Shenzhen from the perspective of individual effects on AED equity. Differently, due to the aging population in Guangzhou, the proportion of the elderly in blocks was influential to local AED equity. The local economic development level was crucial to local AED equity in Shenzhen. The results of the interaction detector model illustrate that relatively equitable AED distributions were found in the high-density residential areas with a balance of employment and housing, high-aging residential areas, and high-mobility residential areas in Guangzhou. The area with a high level of local economic development, dense population, and large mobility was the area with a relatively equitable distribution of AEDs in Shenzhen. The results of this paper are conducive to understanding the equity of AEDs and its socio-economic determinants, providing scientific reference for the optimization and management of AEDs. Full article