Search Results (21)

This article examines how Turkey’s 2024 amendment to the Animal Protection Law reshapes volunteer caregiving for free-roaming dogs in Istanbul by reconfiguring the practical conditions under which care is sought, coordinated, and sustained. Drawing on 43 in-depth interviews and five months of fieldwork (1 July–30 November 2025), this study combines constructivist grounded theory with reflexive thematic analysis to trace how legal change is encountered through everyday governance interfaces and how these encounters reorganize caregivers’ routines, capacities, and moral worlds. The analysis yields four interlocking findings. First, caregivers describe a temporality of “living in pre-loss,” in which anticipated removal, disappearance, and uncertain outcomes generate chronic vigilance, anticipatory grief, and ambiguous loss without closure. Second, caregiving is increasingly recalibrated as risk management: commitments persist, but intervention narrows through heightened exposure to complaints, reputational scrutiny, and fears that help-seeking may backfire. Third, institutional pathways—hotlines, shelter intake, and municipal responses—are experienced as discretionary and opaque, producing a fluctuating threshold between assistance and harm that conditions whether caregivers engage official systems at all. Fourth, this study identifies a recurring veterinary bottleneck at the street–clinic–recovery handover, where limited short-term holding capacity stalls treatment trajectories and displaces recovery labor into precarious domestic and informal spaces. Together, these findings argue that caregiver well-being is not ancillary to animal welfare governance but constitutive of it. It shapes the continuity of monitoring, the timeliness of intervention, and the everyday mediation through which coexistence is maintained under intensified legal and political pressure. Full article

There is a long and complex history of Christian–Muslim engagement, one which is fraught by socio-political tensions and complicated by fear. Theological tensions likewise contribute to the sibling rivalry between these Abrahamic faiths. Accounting for fundamental theological differences between Islam and Christianity, and noting a potential dichotomy between apologetic-style and interfaith engagement, this article contends that effective Christian–Muslim relations must navigate both opposing truth claims and efforts to seek peace. Consequently, comparative theology is critically evaluated, from an evangelical Christian perspective, as a potential mediating approach. In considering the complex relationship between comparative theology and theology of religion, and indeed, between theology and ‘people of faith’, recommendations are formulated with a view to contributing to effective Christian–Muslim relations. The overall aim of this research therefore is to explore approaches to developing more effective Christian–Muslim relations, with a specific focus on comparative theology. While motivated by and accounting for a personal Christian–Muslim sibling relationship, the research method predominantly references academic literature, with sections structured by an amended version of Osmer’s four-task model of practical theology. Findings from this research discern that comparative theology is not quite the mediating approach sought; however, its potential contribution towards a ‘hybrid approach’ is explored. The implications of this article seek to encourage orthodox Muslims and evangelical Christians to engage in comparative exchanges that employ a balanced and in-depth approach to understanding our respective faiths. Finally, this article emerges from within the UK; therefore, discussions presented may be differently received by evangelical Christians operating out of divergent biographical contexts. Full article

The amended European Union (EU) Renewable Energy Directive—in aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in overall energy consumption—promotes an increased demand for wood, while the EU’s updated Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation sets ambitious, binding national targets for the increase in net greenhouse gas removals that could restrict the supply of wood. Additionally, the ongoing war in Ukraine has directly affected the availability of woody biomass in Europe through the EU’s import ban on timber and timber products from Russia and Belarus. This paper provides an in-depth comparative analysis of sources and uses of woody biomass in four European regions in light of these recent climate and energy policies and geopolitical developments. The analysis indicates significantly underestimated reported removals in three of the four European regions studied. Further, projections suggest policy incoherence between current climate and energy objectives until 2030 in all four regions, as fellings increase at a faster rate than net annual increment in all four regions, decreasing the forest carbon sink and thus making it all but impossible to reach the 2030 target of the LULUCF regulation. However, between 2030 and 2040, energy-related fellings could decrease in regions north and west, while they could continue to grow in regions east and south, albeit at a lower rate. Full article

In the 21st century, mega-constellations and interconnected satellite constellations deployed at various orbital altitudes, such as LEO, MEO, and GEO, with low Earth orbits (LEOs) being the most commonly used, have emerged as a trend, aiming to enhance the productivity and reduce the costs in space service delivery. The UNOOSA has noted the uncertainty in the exact number of satellites but conducted simulations based on a substantial sample, projecting a significant increase from the 2075 satellites recorded in orbit in 2018. This surge in the launch of mega-constellations poses profound challenges to existing international space laws, originally formulated with limited consideration for private space actors, who are increasingly engaging in space activities, particularly with the cost-effective utilization of mega-constellations. This study critically analyzes the compatibility of mega-constellations with the current international space laws by examining the applicability of mega-constellations concerning equitable access and the non-appropriation principle, addressing their potential occupation of substantial orbital spaces during activities, and analyzing whether the acquisition of orbital slot licenses violates these two principles. Following an in-depth analysis, this study proposes recommendations to amend the existing laws, aiming to resolve ambiguities and address emerging challenges. Recognizing the time-consuming process of amending international space laws, this study suggests practical recommendations for supplementary rules of the road, prompting reflection on the potential obsolescence of the current international space laws in the face of evolving space activities. Full article

In the Brazilian Cerrado region, the soils have significant agricultural potential; however, they are naturally acidic soils due to the constitution of the source material and the high weathering process. Liming has been the main tool for correcting acidity and supplying Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ to the soil; however, the effect of the corrector is limited to the soil surface. Consequently, the benefits of liming are restricted to the surface layer of the soil and do not solve the subsurface acidity problems. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the subsoiling operation together with the application of a soil acidity corrector on the nutrition and productivity of soybean crops. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of the Federal University of Jataí in the state of Goias, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design, consisting of six treatments and four replications. The experiment was implemented in 2018, and it utilized the following treatments: T1: control (without subsoiling and liming); T2: the application of superficial limestone, without incorporation at a dose of 1 Mg ha⁻¹; T3: limestone applied through gravity up to 60 centimeters (cm) deep using a subsoiler, with a spacing between the rods of 0.37 meters (m), at a dose of 2.82 Mg ha⁻¹; T4: limestone applied with the same implement used in T3, at the same dose, but with a spacing between the rods of 0.75 m; T5: subsoiling, without the use of liming; and T6: subsoiling and, subsequently, liming on the surface at a dosage of 1 Mg ha⁻¹. The superficial application of the oxide increases the mineral nutrition of plants, the production components, and the productivity of soybeans. There is no agronomic feasibility for using the subsoiler to incorporate limestone. Full article

Hydrochar, a carbonaceous material produced through hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass, has gained significant attention due to its versatile applications in agriculture, energy, and environmental protection. This review extensively explores hydrochar production by hydrothermal carbonization, specifically microwave and supercritical water treatment. These innovative approaches hold substantial promises in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of hydrochar synthesis. The review commences with an in-depth analysis of the fundamental principles governing hydrochar production, emphasizing the distinct mechanisms of microwave and supercritical water treatment. Insightful discussions on the influence of critical process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and residence time, underscore these factors’ pivotal role in tailoring hydrochar characteristics. Drawing on a wide array of research findings, the review evaluates the impact of different lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks on hydrochar properties, which is crucial for optimizing hydrochar production. The comparative assessment of microwave and supercritical water treatment sheds light on their unique advantages and challenges, guiding researchers toward informed decision-making in selection of methods. Furthermore, the review delves into the myriad applications of hydrochar, spanning soil amendment, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy. Environmental considerations and life cycle assessments associated with microwave and supercritical water treatment are also explored, providing a holistic perspective on the sustainability of hydrochar production. In conclusion, this comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on hydrochar production from diverse lignocellulosic biomass sources, emphasizing the efficacy of microwave and supercritical water methods. Full article

The intercropping of peanuts and sugarcane is a sustainable planting model that deserves in-depth research. For this study, two variables, i.e., intercropping status (peanut monocropping or sugarcane/peanut intercropping) and the level of nitrogen fertilization (low, medium, or high), were evaluated to analyze the effects of intercropping and nitrogen application on soil fertility and microbial communities in peanut rhizosphere soil. These analyses revealed that higher nitrogen application led to increased total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), and soil organic matter (OM) levels in rhizosphere soil for both monocropped and intercropped peanuts, with a decrease in pH. Monocropped peanuts had higher TN, total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) levels compared to intercropped peanuts at the same nitrogen level but lower AN content and pH levels. The diversity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of intercropped peanuts was significantly higher than that of monocropped peanuts under high levels of nitrogen fertilizer application. Higher levels of Gemmatimonadetes abundance were observed in intercropping rhizosphere soil, compared to that associated with peanut monocropping under low, middle, and high levels of nitrogen fertilizer application, whereas the opposite trend was observed for Chloroflexi abundance. Nitrospira abundance levels rose gradually in the monocropping treatment group, whereas the opposite trend was evident under intercropping conditions. Further analyses of nitrogen cycle-related genes demonstrated higher levels of nitrogen conversion cycle activity in intercropping peanut rhizosphere soil under low nitrogen levels, whereas nitrogen transformation cycle activity levels were higher in monocropping peanut rhizosphere soil under high levels of nitrogen amendment. It can be concluded that intercropping and nitrogen fertilizer application change the physical and chemical properties of soil, thus affecting the diversity and function of soil microbial communities in the peanut rhizosphere. These results offer a theoretical foundation for more efficient sugarcane/peanut intercropping systems. Full article

Given the issues of soil cracking, poor water retention during drought, and erosion damage caused by rainfall, we conducted an in-depth study on the water retention properties, cracking resistance, and scouring resistance of biogel-amended clay using evaporation cracking and scouring tests. The hydrophysical properties and cohesive aggregation mechanism of biogel-amended clay were explored, and the results showed that the incorporation of biogel improved the water retention, cracking resistance, and scour resistance of the clay samples. With an increase in the biogel content, the biogel mucous membrane inside the samples improved the cohesion between soil particles, reduced the generation and development of cracks, and improved the cracking resistance. There was no significant cracking of the samples after the biogel content reached 0.3%, which changed the migration of water in the sample, prevented water evaporation, and improved the water retention of the clay samples. Biofilm can change the migration of water in the sample, prevent some evaporation, and reduce the evaporation rate. To a certain extent, it can enhance the water retention capacity of the sample. Enhanced biofilm content significantly reduced scouring in the process of rainfall and runoff erosion of the sample, and biofilm content of 0.2% significantly reduced the surface of the specimen damaged by erosion. The hydrophysical properties of the composite-adhesive-amended clay samples were significantly improved compared with those of the single-bioadhesive-amended clay samples. Full article

Soil acidity is a major problem of agriculture in many parts of the world. Soil acidity causes multiple problems such as nutrient deficiency, elemental toxicity and adverse effects on biological characteristics of soil, resulting in decreased crop yields and productivity. Although a number of conventional strategies including liming and use of organic and inorganic fertilizers are suggested for managing soil acidity but cost-effective and sustainable amendments are not available to address this problem. Currently, there is increasing interest in using biochar, a form of biomass derived pyrogenic carbon, for managing acidity while improving soil health and fertility. However, biochar varies in properties due to the use of wide diversity of biomass, variable production conditions and, therefore, its application to different soils can result in positive, neutral and or negative effects requiring an in-depth understanding of biochar-acid soil interactions to achieve the best possible outcomes. Here, we present a comprehensive synthesis of the current literature on soil acidity management using biochar. Synthesis of literature showed that biochars, enriched with minerals (i.e., usually produced at higher temperatures), are the most effective at increasing soil pH, basic cation retention and promoting plant growth and yield. Moreover, the mechanism of soil acidity amelioration with biochar amendments varies biochar types, i.e., high temperature biochars with liming effects and low temperature biochars with proton consumption on their functional groups. We also provide the mechanistic interactions between biochar, plant and soils. Altogether, this comprehensive review will provide guidelines to agricultural practitioners on the selection of suitable biochar for the reclamation of soil acidity. Full article

The NavDx^® blood test analyzes tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA to provide a reliable means of detecting and monitoring HPV-driven cancers. The test has been clinically validated in a large number of independent studies and has been integrated into clinical practice by over 1000 healthcare providers at over 400 medical sites in the US. This Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), high complexity laboratory developed test, has also been accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the New York State Department of Health. Here, we report a detailed analytical validation of the NavDx assay, including sample stability, specificity as measured by limits of blank (LOBs), and sensitivity illustrated via limits of detection and quantitation (LODs and LOQs). LOBs were 0–0.32 copies/μL, LODs were 0–1.10 copies/μL, and LOQs were <1.20–4.11 copies/μL, demonstrating the high sensitivity and specificity of data provided by NavDx. In-depth evaluations including accuracy and intra- and inter-assay precision studies were shown to be well within acceptable ranges. Regression analysis revealed a high degree of correlation between expected and effective concentrations, demonstrating excellent linearity (R² = 1) across a broad range of analyte concentrations. These results demonstrate that NavDx accurately and reproducibly detects circulating TTMV-HPV DNA, which has been shown to aid in the diagnosis and surveillance of HPV-driven cancers. Full article

Bioremediation of farm soil is a technique that merits in-depth research. There are few studies related to the use of bioremediation to reduce cadmium (Cd) availability in soils used for cacao production. This study investigates (1) field bioprospection and strain characterization using techniques including isothermal microcalorimetry to select a group of cadmium-tolerant bacteria (CdtB) for potential use as bioremediators of cacao soils and (2) the application of bacterial inoculum to compare the immobilization of Cd under field conditions. Bioprospection was carried out in four cacao farms from the Antioquia district in Colombia. Culturable CdtB strains were isolated using CdCl₂ as a Cd source and identified using molecular techniques. The metabolic characterization of Cd immobilization was carried out using isothermal microcalorimetry with CdCl₂ amendments. Five cadmium-tolerant bacteria were isolated and characterized as Bacillus spp. The strain CdtB14 showed better growth and Cd immobilization ability (estimated through heat ratios) than any strain isolated thus far, suggesting potential for future use in bioproduct development. Furthermore, the application of two previously characterized CdtB strains with zeolite powder was performed in the same farms where the bioprospection process was carried out. The application of the preformulated inoculum resulted in a decrease of 0.30 + 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ of soil Cd in two out of the four assessed farms. The field results are preliminary and require data on the change in Cd in cacao beans to understand what this result means for Cd mitigation. This study is the first to combine bioprospecting and the performance of CdtB in laboratory and field experiments in cacao farms and shows the potential of bioremediation to mitigate Cd contamination in cacao. Full article

Human dimensions research has proposed a multitude of variables impacting the viability of wildlife populations. Extant approaches to systematizing these variables have mostly focused on human relations to only one animal species or taxon and are largely descriptive, rather than explanatory. In this study, we provide a three-layer framework for understanding people’s responses to a variety of human–wildlife encounters. We conducted a comparative qualitative study, interviewing 20 stakeholders on one of three ecologically disparate model animals. Through thematic analysis, we identified person-specific, species-specific, and overarching factors whose interplay shapes people’s reactions to encounters with wildlife. The person-specific factors, individual people’s biographic backgrounds and life themes, fuel the polarization of stances towards wildlife. The species-specific factors, people’s mental images of wild animals, explain the particular character of different human–wildlife relations. The overarching factors, fundamental questions regarding the place of humans in nature or motivations of control over animal agents, stir the intensity inherent in human encounters with wildlife. This three-layer framework amends existing proposals by providing a cohesive system and an in-depth portrayal of shared and specific factors and processes in various human–wildlife relations and by elucidating their interaction in influencing people’s responses to encounters with wild animals. Full article

New global directions align agricultural land resources towards food production; therefore, marginal lands could provide opportunities for second-generation energy crops, assuming that in the difficult conditions of plant development, productivity can be maintained at relatively high levels. Sustainable bioenergy production on marginal lands represents an ambitious objective, offering high-quality biofuels without competing with the agri-food industry, since it allows successful feedstock production to be performed on unmanaged areas. However, marginal land feedstock production generally shows several agronomic, techno-economic, and methodological challenges, leading to decreases in the obtained quantities of biomass and profitability. Sweet Sorghum is a technical plant that has the needed qualities to produce large amounts of biofuels on marginal lands. It is a high biomass- and sugar-yielding crop, characterized by a high photosynthetic efficiency and low fertilizer requirement, is resistant to drought, and adapts well to different climate areas. Marginal lands and contaminated soils provide a favorable development environment for plants such as sweet sorghum; however, in-depth research studies on biomass productivity must be carried out, as well as advanced quality evaluation of the products, in order to develop combined technologies that use resources efficiently. The present study starts with a comparative evaluation of two sweet sorghum crops established on both marginal and regular lands, assessing plant development characteristics and juice production, and an evaluation of bioethanol generation potential. The vegetal wastes resulting from the processing were treated by pyrolysis, with the aim of maximizing the productivity of high-quality liquid biofuels and chemicals. The charcoal obtained in the thermal processes was considered as an amendment of the soil so that marginal land quality could be improved over time. Full article

This study addresses the widespread discriminatory policies against headscarved professionals in the Turkish job market, by focusing on the female-intensive banking sector. Although the number of professionals wearing headscarves has increased since 2013 with the removal of the ban on headscarves for workers in the public sector, we argue that significant ideological discriminatory practices and bias against these women still exist. To expose this hidden reality and uncover its dynamics, we undertook exploratory in-depth interviews with 30 professionals from the Turkish banking sector, including both men and women. Our findings verify a severe underrepresentation of headscarved professionals in the commercial banking sector. Whereas, after 2013, state-owned banks began, to some extent, to recruit women wearing the headscarf, private commercial banks have not amended their exclusionist policy towards headscarved white-collar employees. Research findings confirm that in the Turkish banking sector, policies regarding the headscarf are still shaped by ideological corporate values. This study suggests that the appointment and promotion of female professionals in the Turkish banking sector are blocked by long-established stereotypes and prejudices, which stand in the way of inclusive practices supporting social equity, as well as diversity and the equality of women in the workplace. Full article

In July 2018, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented a mandatory smoke-free rule in public housing. This study assessed administrator and resident perceptions of rule implementation during its initial year in the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). Assessment included nine focus groups (n = 69) with residents and in-depth interviews with administrators (n = 7) and residents (n = 26) from 14 DCHA communities (family = 7 and senior/disabled = 7). Semi-structured discussion guides based on the multi-level socio-ecological framework captured dialogue that was recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded inductively. Emerging major themes for each socio-ecological framework level included: (1) Individual: the rule was supported due to perceived health benefits, with stronger support among non-smokers; (2) Interpersonal: limiting secondhand smoke exposure was perceived as a positive for vulnerable residents; (3) Organizational: communication, signage, and cessation support was perceived as a need; (4) Community: residents perceived mobility, disability, weather, and safety-related issues as barriers; and (5) Public Policy: lease amendments were perceived as enablers of rule implementation but expressed confusion about violations and enforcement. A majority of administrators and residents reported favorable implications of the mandated HUD rule. The novel application of a socio-ecological framework, however, detected implementation nuances that required improvements on multiple levels, including more signage, cessation support, clarification of enforcement roles, and addressing safety concerns. Full article