Search Results (118)

Geoethics emphasizes responsible human interaction with the Earth, promoting ethical practices in the geosciences to ensure sustainability for current and future generations. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) are designated areas that support sustainable development by integrating geoconservation, geoeducation, and community engagement, thereby raising awareness of geological heritage. This quantitative study employed an online questionnaire (n = 798) to assess geoethical awareness among residents of all nine Hellenic UGGps, with the aim of profiling environmental engagement and perceptions. The results indicate a generally high level of geoethical awareness, with Sitia UGGp exhibiting the highest average mean score (M⁻ = 8.98, SD⁻ = 1.34), reflecting strong community support and effective outreach efforts. In contrast, Lavreotiki UGGp (M⁻ = 8.48, SD⁻ = 1.15) and Psiloritis UGGp (M⁻ = 8.33, SD⁻ = 1.36) scored lower in areas such as community engagement and geotourism, suggesting opportunities for targeted improvement. Regional differences suggest that management, visibility, and local context significantly influence public perceptions. Cluster analysis identified four respondent profiles: (a) highly engaged environmental stewards (28.7%), (b) supportive but selective advocates (40.5%), (c) moderately indifferent participants (26.9%), and (d) disengaged or critical respondents (3.9%). Demographic factors such as age, residence, prior visits to Hellenic UGGps, and education significantly differentiated these groups. Mapping geoethical awareness provides a valuable tool for assessing societal benefits and enhancing the governance of UGGps. Overall, the findings underscore the need to shift from an anthropocentric to a more geocentric worldview that prioritizes the well-being of both humanity and Earth’s systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy in Saudi Arabia, with rising incidence and notable gender disparities. However, public awareness and understanding, particularly in the Northern region, remain limited. This study aims to assess knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding thyroid cancer among northern Saudi Arabian residents and identify sociodemographic factors associated with levels of knowledge, awareness, and engagement in preventive practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 702 participants from northern Saudi Arabia was conducted using a validated online questionnaire. Participants were recruited via social media platforms and online community groups. The survey assessed sociodemographic data, knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and screening practices, perceptions of curability and prevention, and engagement with awareness campaigns. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations. Results: The majority of respondents were young, female, and highly educated. Only 1.3% reported a personal history of thyroid cancer. Knowledge gaps regarding risk factors, screening practices, and curability were evident: 54.6% had never undergone thyroid hormone analysis, and 91% had not received thyroid imaging. Nearly half (48.6%) were uncertain about the curability of thyroid cancer, and only 27.8% recognized its genetic basis. While 62.1% believed thyroid cancer could be prevented, just 18.4% participated in awareness campaigns. Significant associations were found between knowledge of screening practices and age, education, nationality, and having family or friends in the medical field (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Significant gaps in awareness of thyroid cancer risk factors and early detection practices exist among northern Saudi residents. Culturally tailored educational interventions and integration of thyroid health into primary care are urgently needed to address these deficiencies and improve outcomes. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurological disorder with increasing incidence and modifiable risk factors. People exposed to pesticides have up to a 2-fold higher risk of developing PD. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when using pesticides can lower an individual’s exposure. We examined awareness of the relationship between pesticides and PD risk in individuals working/living on farms in Ireland. We also investigated the practice of behaviours aimed at mitigating exposure, such as using PPE. An online survey was completed by a sample of the farming community (n = 707) attending agricultural fairs, and included demographics, lifetime/current residence/work on farms, pesticide contact, PPE use, PD diagnosis, and awareness of pesticide–PD association. Among participants, 51% worked/lived on farms and 62% reported contact with pesticides. Only 69% of those with pesticide contact reported using PPE, with gloves (57%) and masks (50%) most commonly used. Only 22% were aware of an association between PD and pesticides, and awareness did not increase PPE use. Among people with PD, only 40% had knowledge of the risk. We found that in a highly agricultural economy, occupational exposure to pesticides is common, but mitigation behaviours are not optimal. Educational campaigns to improve awareness of health risks from pesticides and to encourage PPE use could lower the personal and healthcare burden of PD and other health outcomes. Full article

This study examines the intentions of foreign workers living in Okayama, Japan, to stay long-term in Japan. Utilizing a Bayesian multinomial logistic regression model, this research provides a novel analytical approach that captures parameter uncertainty and accommodates the categorical nature of migrants’ settlement intentions using primary data collected via a questionnaire survey from January to March 2024. The findings reveal that residence status, previous experience of living in Japan, and graduation from a Japanese education institution significantly influence long-term settlement intentions. In addition, respondents aged 26–35 intend to stay longer than those of other ages, and those from less developed countries, such as Myanmar and Vietnam, intend to stay longer than those from China. Conversely, highly educated migrants express lower settlement intentions, suggesting a potential loss of skilled foreign labor in Japan. Notably, migrants in the Technical Intern Training Program are more likely to stay longer than those with other residence statuses, such as Highly Skilled Professional. In contrast, workers with higher education levels tend to have less intention to stay long-term, indicating a high probability of Japan losing educated foreign labor in the future. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of migrant workers in Japan, which is crucial for creating policies for foreign workers that can attract and support long-term settlement. These findings have important implications for policy, particularly in enhancing community integration, reducing workplace discrimination, and designing residence pathways that support long-term retention. Full article

In recent years, there has been a systematic return of humans to nature, the importance of the services and benefits provided by forests and other green spaces has increased, and thus the interest in recreational facilities that appear in forest areas has also increased. Recreational infrastructure in forests is essential to enhance the visitor experience while ensuring the ecological sustainability of forest ecosystems. The aim of our research was to establish how the socio-demographic factors have influenced the public perception of recreational infrastructure in forests, and how the demand for certain types of recreational land facilities has changed. The research material consists of the results of a questionnaire survey (online and traditional) carried out in Poland from September to October in 2020. A total of 1402 people were surveyed. A logistic regression (LR) model was used to determine the influence of the socio-demographic profile of the respondents on their perception of the importance of recreational infrastructure. The results indicate that linear recreational infrastructure, i.e., cycling (38.6% of respondents), walking (32.9%), and educational paths (19.7%), were of greatest interest. Viewpoints were highly preferred by respondents (29.9% of respondents). The demand for recreational facilities was mainly determined by the age and number of children owned and the place of residence of the respondents. Other socio-demographic characteristics, i.e., education level, gender, and satisfaction with the standard of living, were less influential on respondents’ views. Among the most needed recreational amenities in forests, social (52.2%) and recreational (46.5% of respondents) facilities were highlighted. The factors most strongly determining respondents’ views on the need to develop a particular type of recreational facilities in the forest were frequency of visits to the forest and distance of residence from the forest. Other factors such as age, education level, gender, or the number of children owned determined respondents’ opinions on the issues analyzed to a lower extent. The results are of great use, allowing public forest managers to better plan infrastructure in forest areas. Our research provides valuable insights into the management of forests, especially those with dominant social functions. The resulting recommendations allow us to prepare forests for changing demographic trends (an expected increase in urbanized areas and aging population) and rising social expectations. We prove that forests and recreational infrastructure are crucial in promoting people’s physical and mental health. Properly planned recreational infrastructure is able to encourage more physical activity outdoors and more frequent visits to forests. Full article

Background and Objectives: Realistic surgical simulation models are essential for neurosurgical training, particularly in glioma resection. We developed a patient-specific simulation model designed for fluorescence-guided glioma resection, providing an anatomically accurate and reusable platform for surgical education. While insular gliomas were used as an example, the model can be adapted to simulate gliomas in other brain regions, making it a versatile training tool. Methods: Using open-source 3D software, we created a digitally reconstructed skull, brain, and cerebral vessels, including a fluorescent insular glioma. The model was produced through additive manufacturing and designed with input from neurosurgeons to ensure a realistic and reusable representation of the Sylvian fissure and bone structures. The simulator’s educational effectiveness and usability were evaluated by two senior physicians, four assistant physicians, and six medical students using actual microsurgical instruments. Assessments were based on subjective and objective criteria. Results: Subjective evaluations, using a 5-point Likert scale, showed high face and content validity. Objective measures demonstrated strong construct validity, accurately reflecting the participant’s skills. Medical students and resident neurosurgeons showed marked improvement in their learning curve over three attempts, with progressive improvement in performance. Conclusions: This simulation model addresses advanced neurosurgical training needs by providing a highly realistic, cost- effective, and adaptable platform for fluorescence-guided glioma resection. Its effectiveness in enhancing surgical skills suggests significant potential for broader integration into neurosurgical training programs. Further studies are warranted to explore its applications in different glioma localizations and training settings. Full article

Chinese cities have made significant progress in fostering low-carbon societies and piloting a variety of low-carbon measures. Nonetheless, the effective implementation of these initiatives and the long-term upkeep of related amenities rely heavily on resident support. The existing studies provide limited insight into how local residents perceive and endorse different types of low-carbon measures, which often involve varying trade-offs. Addressing this gap, the present study surveyed the willingness to pay (WTP) of residents in Hangzhou—an early adopter of low-carbon practices in China—across five representative low-carbon measures. Survey data were collected from 13 distinct residential neighborhoods. The results indicate that Hangzhou residents are more inclined to financially support measures offering direct personal benefits compared to those benefiting the collective good, with this tendency being notably pronounced among highly educated individuals. Further findings include the following: (1) respondents aware of ongoing low-carbon measures were more willing to pay for them; (2) male respondents, recent migrants (within the past five years), high-income groups, and residents in aging communities tended to contribute higher amounts; (3) providing detailed information on carbon mitigation effects markedly increased both the likelihood and the magnitude of WTP; (4) the promotion of new energy vehicles (NEVs) remains contentious, particularly between NEV owners and gasoline vehicle owners. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies and educational programs to strengthen public awareness and support for low-carbon interventions, thereby advancing sustainability in fast-growing urban centers like Hangzhou. Overall, these findings provide key insights for the formulation of low-carbon city policies and sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the global importance of local socioeconomic dynamics and offering a valuable reference for cities worldwide seeking to advance sustainability transitions and meet international climate targets. Full article

Background/ Objectives: Surgical residency is widely recognized as a highly stressful phase due to long working hours and the challenges of managing complex cases. Additionally, family responsibilities, such as being a spouse or parent, can have a positive or negative impact on residents’ well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between clinical supervision and mental well-being among otolaryngology residents in Saudi Arabia, focusing on how supervision conditions influence well-being at different stages of training. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional correlational study conducted among Saudi otolaryngology head and neck surgery residents. An online survey was used to collect data from 64 residents, utilizing the Dutch Residents Educational Climate Test (D-RECT) to assess clinical supervision and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to measure well-being. The data were analyzed to determine the association between supervision conditions and well-being across different residency levels. Results: The results showed that the majority of residents reported higher mean scores for items such as “I’ve been feeling useful” (3.53 ± 1.23), “I’ve been feeling interested in new things” (3.28 ± 1.13), and “I’ve been dealing with problems well” (3.27 ± 1.10). No statistically significant difference in overall WEMWBS scores was found between junior and senior residents. However, mental well-being was significantly associated with all four D-RECT domains (supervision, feedback, coaching assessment, and consultant attitude), with a positive correlation observed between clinical supervision and well-being. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical role of clinical supervision in supporting the mental well-being of otolaryngology residents. Enhanced supervision practices, particularly those emphasizing constructive feedback and supportive consultant attitudes, could mitigate burnout and improve resident outcomes. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in residency programs to promote well-being and optimize the learning environment. Full article

Agriculture, livestock, and forestry are crucial in mitigating hydrogeological risks, such as floods, particularly severe in the Mediterranean region. Still, the ecosystem services (ESs) provided by these activities are often undervalued. However, to assign them an economic value and ensure their effective incorporation into decision-making processes and territorial planning, they must first be recognized, appreciated, and deemed necessary by society. Despite several studies on ESs in the primary sector, research on agroecosystem flood regulation is limited, leaving key aspects unaddressed for decision-makers. No previous studies explicitly address the evaluation of ESs provided by agriculture, livestock, and forestry businesses in hydrogeological risky environments, especially in flood-prone areas. This study investigates the perception of the ESs provided by the above activities, focusing on those furnished in areas subject to hydrogeological instability. It also focuses on Sardinia (Italy), which is highly susceptible to hydrogeological instability. Through a quantitative survey of 270 residents and non-residents, the research provides evidence of society’s perception of the above ESs. Supporting ESs obtain greater appreciation in crop activities, particularly concerning the preservation of pollinating insects, soil fertility, biodiversity, and water quality. Among the regulatory Ess, appreciation is most prominent in fire risk management and flood risk regulation. Similar arguments can be made for livestock activities. Forestry activities are perceived as key players in managing flood risk, landslide risk, soil erosion, and climate change. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis indicates that appreciating one ES often leads to the recognition of others. Additionally, a set of Logit Regressions showed that while age and gender do not influence ESs perception, education level and awareness of climate change-related emergencies play a significant role. Those findings support more informed decision-making and fostering sustainable practices in areas at risk of hydrogeological disasters and lead to several important implications for practitioners, academics, and policymakers. Full article

Background: Although cervical cancer (CC) is highly preventable through appropriate screening methods like the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which enables early detection of malignant and precancerous lesions, access to such screening has not been equitable across social groups. Sex workers and people with records of incarceration are among the most under-screened populations in Ontario. Little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of HPV self-sampling (HPV-SS) as an alternative cervical cancer screening method for these groups. This online, community-based mixed-methods pilot study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Methods: Eighty-four under- and never-screened sex workers and ex-prisoners aged 25–69 years and residing in the Greater Toronto Area, were recruited by community peer associates. Participants completed an online survey and viewed short videos about CC and screening with Pap and HPV-SS. Those who opted for HPV-SS conducted the test at one of two collaborating organizations. Results: The median age of participants was 36.5 years. Most had limited knowledge about CC and screening. Approximately 13% identified as non-binary, and 5% as two-spirit or trans men, with the majority having completed secondary education. Of the participants, 88% chose HPV-SS, and one-third tested positive for high-risk HPV types. The ability to self-sample without judgment from healthcare providers was noted as a key advantage. However, there was a need for training on proper HPV-SS techniques. Conclusions: To improve cervical cancer screening among sex workers, increasing awareness through participatory community co-creation of sexual health education is essential. Additionally, offering HPV-SS as a screening option is crucial, given its demonstrated acceptability and feasibility within this population, many of whom lack a primary care provider and face discriminatory attitudes in healthcare settings. Full article

Background: Knowing the spatial variation and predictors of women having sole autonomy over their healthcare decisions is crucial to design site-specific interventions. This study examined how women’s sole autonomy over their healthcare choices varies geographically and what factors influence this autonomy among Bangladeshi women of childbearing age. Methods: Data were obtained from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18. The final analysis included data from a total of 18,890 (weighted) women. Spatial distribution, hot spot analysis, ordinary Kriging interpolation, and multilevel multinomial regression analysis were employed. Results: The study found that approximately one in ten women (9.62%) exercised complete autonomy in making decisions about their healthcare. Spatial analysis revealed a significant clustering pattern in this autonomy (Moran’s I = 0.234, p < 0.001). Notably, three divisions—Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet—emerged as hot spots where women were more likely to have sole autonomy over their healthcare choices. In contrast, the cold spots (poor level of sole healthcare autonomy by women) were mainly identified in Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions. Women in the age group of 25–49 years, who were highly educated, Muslim, urban residents, and had not given birth recently were more likely to have sole autonomy in making healthcare decisions for themselves. Conversely, women whose husbands were highly educated and employed, as well as those who were pregnant, were less likely to have sole autonomy over their healthcare choices. Conclusions: Since the spatial distribution was clustered, public health interventions should be planned to target the cold spot areas of women’s sole healthcare autonomy. In addition, significant predictors contributing to women’s sole healthcare autonomy must be emphasized while developing interventions to improve women’s empowerment toward healthcare decision-making. Full article

Background: As the foundation and core strength of the healthcare system, the primary care initial diagnosis system has been receiving attention from both the medical and management communities. This study aimed to analyze residents’ attitudes toward the system and explore the influencing factors relating to the system in Beijing; Methods: Different methods were used to analyze the multidimensional data. This study selected 610 Beijing residents to complete the survey and used a purposeful sampling method to recruit 15 participants aged 25 to 70 for face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods to carry out statistical analysis. Results: The tie-breaking age of the interviewees was 46 years old, and the questionnaire showed that highly educated and aging populations had low willingness to undergo primary care initial diagnosis, 97.7% of chronic disease patients were unwilling to undergo primary care initial diagnosis, and different people have different levels of willingness to undergo primary care initial diagnosis. Factors such as level of confidence in the government and health literacy significantly affected residents’ willingness. Conclusions: This study suggests that the government needs to foster a positive policy image and actively publicize policy content and effects to increase the confidence of the population in the government. Community health service centers need to use Internet technology to perform chronic disease archiving and management efficiently in order to solve the problems of chronic disease management. The government and hospitals need to focus on the characteristics of different groups of residents and enhance their health literacy so as to implement the primary care initial diagnosis policy. Full article

Background: Over time, there have been significant changes in the dietary patterns of the Chinese population with the emergence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Methods: To ascertain the changes in UPFs intake among adults in southern China, over the past two decades, the study included residents aged 18 years and older who participated in the China National Nutrition Surveys in Guangdong province in 2002, 2012, and 2022. Dietary intake data were collected via three-day 24 h dietary recalls and weighing household foods and condiments. The recorded dietary data were classified according to the NOVA classification system, and the percentage of total energy derived from each food group was calculated. Results: From 2002 to 2022, there was a notable increase in the consumption of UPFs among adults in Guangdong Province, with the percentage of UPFs intake rising from 0.88% to 8.52% (p-value < 0.001). This growth was especially pronounced among specific population groups, including the young, the better educated, and those living in highly urbanized areas. The largest increase in energy intake from UPFs was observed among students, from 0.42% to 17.26% (p-value < 0.001). The nutrient contents of UPFs in Guangdong in 2022 were found to contain a markedly higher calculated percentage of calories provided by carbohydrates in comparison to minimally processed foods (56.6% vs. 43.8%) as well as in sodium (749 mg/100 kcal vs. 29 mg/100 kcal). Conclusions: Given the increasing consumption of UPFs and the growing evidence linking these products to chronic diseases, it is important to promote healthy food intake and balanced diets through active nutritional education campaigns to prevent potential health risks that may arise. Full article

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in high-burden countries like Nigeria, where an estimated 2.4 million individuals are living with HCV. HCV self-testing (HCVST) can potentially bridge the significant diagnosis gap and help individuals to determine their HCV status in the privacy of their homes. It offers a solution to overcome barriers related to stigma and limited access to healthcare. In Nigeria, Self-testing for hepatitis C has only been implemented in a pilot research context. This study aimed to assess stakeholder and community awareness and perceptions of HCVST in Nigeria. The findings will provide insights that could inform effective policies and future scale-up programs for HCV control. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an online social media survey administered through SurveyMonkey. The survey was disseminated across social media platforms and groups between October–November 2023. Participants included Nigerians (both health professionals and non-health professionals) aged 18 years or older residing in any of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Data collected include sociodemographic characteristics, awareness and perceptions of HCVST, and perceived benefits and barriers. Results: Of 321 respondents, 94% perceived HCVST as highly important. While 77% of respondents knew about HIVST, only 58% had prior knowledge of HCVST. The analysis also showed that healthcare workers had greater awareness of HIV self-testing (82.3%) compared to non-healthcare workers (50.0%). Most respondents (88%) were highly likely to recommend HCVST and perceived it as a cost-effective alternative to traditional testing. Key perceived benefits included increased disease detection and control (67%), improved access to testing (21%), and reduced stigma (11%). In the unadjusted model, geographical zone (Southern Nigeria: cOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30–0.77, p = 0.002), work experience (more than 20 years: cOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.11–8.07, p = 0.039), and prior awareness of HIV self-testing (cOR = 5.24, 95% CI: 3.00–9.43, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of HCVST awareness. However, in the adjusted model, only prior awareness of HIV self-testing remained significant (aOR = 4.77, 95% CI: 2.62–8.94, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The strong support for HCVST among stakeholders in Nigeria highlights its potential to enhance HCV control, especially within the broader context of infectious diseases like STIs. The greater awareness of HIV self-testing among healthcare workers compared to non-healthcare workers indicates the need for targeted awareness campaigns for non-healthcare populations. Addressing these awareness gaps, leveraging lessons from HIVST, and using existing infrastructure will be crucial. Prioritizing public education, outreach, and effective linkage to care will drive the impact of HCVST in achieving HCV elimination goals and position it as a model for expanding similar STI interventions in Nigeria. Full article

This study investigates the perceived ease of recycling in Glendale, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, by household size, age, income, and gender. While existing research has broadly explored how sociodemographic factors impact recycling, there is a lack of comprehensive studies analyzing these factors within specific local contexts. This study aims to identify specific barriers and motivators across different demographics to enhance local recycling efforts using Glendale as a case study. Data were collected through an online survey of 111 respondents and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The survey included questions about the demographic information, perceptions of recycling ease, and barriers to recycling. The analysis revealed that one-person households and young adults (18–35) face constraints such as limited space for recyclables, a lack of access to recycling bins in rental units, or high costs. Older adults (56 years or older) are highly committed but may face physical challenges. Higher-income households report higher participation due to better access and awareness, whereas lower-income households encounter significant barriers such as limited facility access and insufficient information. Gender differences indicate that women are slightly more proactive and committed to recycling compared to men. Recommendations include expanding recycling facilities, targeted educational campaigns, and economic incentives to encourage lower-income households, males, younger, and older adults. Addressing these demographic-specific barriers can improve recycling rates and contribute to more sustainable communities. Future studies should include in-person surveys as one of the limitations of this study is that an online survey format may introduce biases and the exclusion of residents without internet access. Full article