Search Results (315)

Industrial odour is a common pollution concern raised with local regulatory authorities, with communities citing impacts to their mental health and wellbeing. We performed a systematic review to determine if industrial odours are associated with psychosocial wellbeing in nearby communities. PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2003 and 2023, assessing associations between industrial odour and psychosocial wellbeing (mental health or quality of life). Critical appraisal of the studies was conducted using JBI’s assessment tools. We undertook a narrative synthesis of results. After screening, 13 articles met the inclusion criteria: 11 cross-sectional and 2 longitudinal studies. Sample sizes ranged from 23 to 25,236 participants. Odour exposure was assessed through self-reported measures (intensity, annoyance) and objective measures (proximity to source, odorous chemical concentration). Psychosocial health outcomes included stress, psychological distress, quality of life, depression and anxiety. Of the 13 studies, 11 identified an association between odour exposure and poorer psychosocial wellbeing, with the strongest evidence relating to quality of life. However, the critical appraisal identified quality issues with most studies. The findings suggest that industrial odours may be associated with poorer psychosocial wellbeing for nearby residents, particularly in terms of quality of life. Future research using consistent objective and subjective measures of odour exposure, and prospective data collection, would strengthen the quality of the evidence. Full article

Background: Pain is a disabling issue in athletes, with significant impact on performance and career longevity. Many randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have explored interventions to reduce pain, leading to multiple systematic reviews with meta-analysis, but their methodological rigor and clinical applicability remain unclear. Objective: To provide an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis on interventions aimed at alleviating pain intensity in athletes, identifying knowledge gaps and appraising methodological quality. Methods: CINAHL, Embase, Epistemonikos, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 2025. Systematic reviews with meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating interventions to manage pain in athletes were considered. Athletes without restrictions in terms of sports, clinical, and sociodemographic characteristics were included. Overlap between reviews was calculated using the corrected covered area. Results: Twelve systematic reviews met inclusion criteria. Physical exercise modalities (e.g., gait retraining, hip strengthening), acupuncture, photo biomodulation, and topical medication showed potential benefits in reducing pain intensity. Other interventions, such as certain manual therapy techniques, platelet-rich plasma, or motor imagery, did not show consistent effects. All reviews focused solely on pain intensity, with minimal stratification by sport or clinical condition which may affect the extrapolation of meta-analyzed findings to the clinical practice. Methodological quality was often low, with flaws in reporting funding sources, lists of excluded studies, and certainty of evidence (was mostly rated as low/very low). Overlap was variable across the interventions. Conclusions: Given low/sparse certainty and minimal sport-specific analyses, no strong clinical recommendations can be made; preliminary signals favor proximal hip strengthening, gait retraining, photo biomodulation (acute soreness), and topical NSAIDs pending higher-quality syntheses. Future reviews should consider mandatory GRADE; pre-registered protocols; sport- and condition-specific analyses; and core outcome sets including multi-dimensional pain. Full article

Proximity-oriented planning aims to deliver everyday services within a short walk, yet closeness does not guarantee usable access for all residents. This study quantifies the gap between spatial proximity and functional accessibility in Timișoara, România, focusing on people with mobility and visual impairments. A three-stage analysis was conducted to evaluate accessibility to public amenities. First, (1) a survey was conducted with 605 respondents to identify distinct accessibility priorities based on 15-Minute City core dimensions defined by Carlos Moreno and adapted afterwards to the city context and needs. In the second stage (2), GIS mapping (radial buffers and isochrones) revealed major disparities among non-disabled residents and residents with mobility and visual impairments. Coverage decreased substantially across amenities under reduced-speed scenarios and after excluding wheelchair-inaccessible destinations. In the third stage (3), field-observed pedestrian routes in three areas of Timișoara were examined against the top-ranked criteria for each group, using the items sourced from the previous survey and grounded in the 15-Minute City concept. The route scoring is exploratory and specific to this context. The findings confirmed recurrent functional barriers, especially for vulnerable groups. These results expose a proximity-accessibility gap, where apparent nearness masks physical or sensory barriers. A shift toward experience-based accessibility planning is needed to ensure that proximity is not only spatial, but also usable by all and inclusive. Full article

Enriching bread with functional ingredients is a promising strategy to enhance the nutritional and bioactive profile of widely consumed foods. This study evaluated partial substitution of wheat flour (WF) with chestnut flour (CF) and rosehip powder (RP) on bread nutritional quality, functionality, and rheology. Five bread formulations were developed by replacing WF with CF at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Four other formulations were prepared by replacing WF in the 15% CF sample with RP at 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), and key physical characteristics were assessed, alongside the retention rates of functional attributes after baking. Rheological behavior of composite flours was analyzed using the MIXOLAB system to evaluate dough performance. Results showed that moderate WF substitution with CF (5–15%) increased dietary fiber and antioxidant activity while maintaining acceptable dough rheology and bread quality. At 20% CF substitution, TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH increased 1.62-, 1.63-, 2.93-, and 3.03-fold versus control, with 59–66% retention. Addition of RP up to 3% to the 15% CF-substituted sample further enhanced bioactive properties, with TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH reaching 2.13-, 2.03-, 4.49-, and 3.99-fold vs. BCF15, while retaining 61–67% of their functionality. Further inclusion of RP up to 2% in the 15% CF formulation maintains acceptable dough and bread performance, while 3% RP maximizes phytochemical enrichment but slightly affects technological properties. The combination of 15% CF and 2% RP provided a balanced enhancement in bioactive content and technological performance, offering a practical approach for producing functional bread with improved nutritional and technological attributes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cholecystectomy (CE) is among the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. While it effectively treats gallstone disease, concerns have been raised about a potential long-term association with colorectal cancer (CRC), given overlapping risk factors and post-surgical physiological changes. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings. This updated systematic review aimed to reassess the association between CE and CRC risk by incorporating the most recent evidence. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies published after May 2022. Eligible studies were observational cohort studies reporting relative risk estimates for CRC following CE. Data were extracted manually, and study quality was assessed using the NewcastleOttawa Scale (NOS). Only high-quality studies were included to update the systematic review. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: Out of 156 identified records, three new high-quality cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were added to the 18 studies from the previous review, resulting in a total of 21 studies. The findings were heterogeneous: while no consistent association with overall CRC risk was observed, several studies reported an elevated risk of proximal (right-sided) colon cancer following CE. Egger’s test indicated no significant publication bias (p = 0.50). Conclusions: This updated systematic review suggests a potential association between CE and an increased risk of proximal colon cancer; however, the evidence remains inconclusive. Further prospective studies with robust confounder control and detailed tumor location-specific analyses are warranted to clarify causality and guide future screening strategies. Full article

Previous research has not fully addressed the distinction between different sources of exclusion, focusing predominantly on how being excluded by strangers affects inhibitory control. To address this gap, this study employs a Go/Nogo task to examine how exclusion by individuals with varying degrees of social proximity (close vs. distant) affects inhibitory control. The results revealed that exclusion by both friends (p = 0.018) and strangers (p = 0.001) elicited significantly greater N270 amplitudes compared to inclusion by others. Conversely, the amplitude of the LPC was larger in the inclusion by others category than in both the friend (p = 0.011) and stranger (p < 0.001) exclusion categories. These results suggest that social exclusion triggers a state of heightened alertness and impairs inhibitory control, regardless of the source of the relationship. This is evidenced by the lack of significant differences in N270 and LPC amplitudes between friend and stranger exclusion. These results suggest that while the cognitive control failure theory provides a reasonable explanation for certain aspects of the data, it may not fully account for the observed phenomena. By contrast, the relevant theory of social exclusion—which emphasizes both resources and motivation—provides a better explanation for these phenomena. This study contributes to understanding the inhibitory control mechanisms underlying behavioral responses after social exclusion, and the findings further support the value of theories that emphasize both resources and motivation when interpreting such responses. Full article

Energy poverty presents a variety of complex challenges relating to equity, public health and territorial sustainability. Despite growing attention across European policy agendas, responses remain fragmented and often disconnected from local needs. This study proposes a strategic framework to promote social inclusion, territorial resilience, and multilevel governance in addressing energy poverty. The methodological approach is divided into three main phases. First, a literature review based on PRISMA guidelines was conducted, covering reports and pilot projects from 2010 to 2024. An inductive–deductive model was then used to analyse the literature, identifying five thematic areas and recurring gaps. The ultimate goal was to develop a framework that would tackle energy poverty. The results reveal persistent gaps: fragmented indicators, underdefined vulnerable groups, weak integration between energy and health policies, limited financial accessibility, and uncoordinated governance. In response, the paper introduces the Integrated Energy Resilience and Inclusion Network (IERIN), a governance-based framework structured around four conceptual pillars: equity, adaptability, participation, and proximity. The Nesima district of Catania is proposed as an exploratory context to test the framework and refine participatory tools. The study outlines practical strategies for achieving energy equity through co-design, cross-sectoral planning, and inclusive financing. The study outlines practical strategies for achieving energy equity through co-design, cross-sectoral planning, and inclusive financing. Full article

This study models how designable cues in digital heritage promotion shape advocacy through affect and memory. Relying on the stimulus–organism–response paradigm, we argue that three stimuli, Visual Sensory Appeal (VSA), Narrative Immersion (NI), and Perceived Authenticity (PA), trigger Emotional Engagement (EE) and become Destination Memory (DM), leading to Intention to Recommend (IR). A cross-sectional quantitative design with an online self-report survey was employed. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) we modeled 653 usable responses to test hypothesized stimulus–organism–response processes and Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) tested heterogeneity across gender, age, education, recent contact, cultural-travel frequency, preservation interest, prior heritage experience, and technology use. Direct associations revealed VSA was a strong predictor of IR, and EE and DM predicted IR positively. NI and PA were not incrementally directly affecting IR. Mediation tests revealed partial mediation for VSA (through EE and DM) and complete mediation for NI and PA; across all stimuli, DM far surpassed EE, suggesting memory consolidation as the overall mechanism. MGA revealed systematic segmentation: women preferred visual and authenticity approaches; men used affective conversion, narrative, and authenticity-to-memory more; young adults preferred story/memory levers; higher education made authenticity pathways legitimate; exposure, experience, sustainability interest, and technology use further conditioned strength of paths. Results sharpen S–O–R accounts by ranking visual design as a proximal driver and placing EE on DM as the central channel through which narrative and authenticity have their influence. In practice, the research supports visually consistent, memory-backed, segment-specific strategies for sustainable, inclusive heritage communication. Full article

Coastal public spaces in large Euro-Mediterranean cities represent critical zones of negotiation between land and sea, where ecological fragilities, infrastructural pressures and social demands intersect. Grounded in the concept of the urban amphibious, this study explores the spatial-functional complexity of city-sea interfaces through the development of CITI4SEA (City-Sea Interface Typological Indicators for Spatial-Ecological Assessment), an original multidimensional framework for the evaluation of coastal public spaces. The methodology builds on a geo-database of 149 coastal municipalities in eight EU Member States and applies a set of indicators to seven major cities (with populations over 500,000 and comprehensive port infrastructure). Through a structured evaluation grid applied to 23 coastal public spaces, the framework enables a cross-comparative analysis of spatial configurations, ecological qualities, and patterns of public use. Results reveal the emergence of transnational clusters based on shared planning logics and degrees of socio-environmental integration, rather than geographic proximity. The study also identifies asymmetries in accessibility, environmental performance and equipment provision. Beyond mapping spatial disparities, the contribution offers a replicable tool for assessing littoral transformations within the broader framework of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), supporting context-specific strategies for resilient and inclusive coastal governance. Full article

A 70-day feeding trial was carried out to examine the effects of exogenous alpha amylase supplementation and different levels of starch on the growth performance, whole-body proximate composition, apparent nutrient digestibility, and digestive and metabolic enzyme activities of Channa striata juveniles. Nine semi-purified iso-nitrogenous (42%) and iso-lipidic (7%) diets containing three different levels of starch (viz. 10%, 20% and 30%) and amylase (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%) were formulated as C₁₀A₀, C₁₀A_0.05, C₁₀A_0.1, C₂₀A₀, C₂₀A_0.05, C₂₀A_0.1, C₃₀A₀, C₃₀A_0.05, and C₃₀A_0.1 (C-starch, A-amylase). A total of 405 C. striata juveniles of average weight (14.31 ± 0.1 g) were randomly assigned to 27 150 L capacity FRP tanks with 15 fish per tank following a 3 × 3 factorial design in triplicate with proper aeration. Final weight, weight gain (WG%), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by dietary starch and amylase supplementation as well as their interaction. The nutrient digestibility results revealed that the apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein, crude lipids, and carbohydrates improved significantly (p < 0.05) with higher amylase levels. There was no significant variation (p > 0.05) in the whole-body proximate composition of fish fed with different levels of starch and exogenous amylase supplementation. Amylase activity increased with higher dietary amylase levels; however, there were no significant differences in protease and lipase enzyme activity. Fish in the A_0.1 treatment group had significantly higher (p < 0.05) hexokinase activity, which was significantly affected by exogenous amylase levels. AST and ALT activities in the serum were decreased (p < 0.05) at 0.1% amylase inclusion in the diet. From the present study, it is concluded that supplementation with exogenous alpha amylase has the potential to enhance starch utilization in C. striata. In particular, 0.1% amylase with 20% starch can significantly improve growth and nutrient utilization in C. striata juveniles without adverse effects. Full article

Background: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) constitute a significant orthopedic challenge, particularly among the elderly, due to osteoporosis and comorbidities. While surgical intervention is often considered for complex fractures, non-surgical treatment (NST) has gained attention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when surgical resources were limited. This study evaluates the functional outcomes of patients over 65 years old who underwent NST for PHFs during the pandemic. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients presenting with 3- or 4-part PHFs at the Hospital Marino di Alghero (Italy) between 9 March 2020 and 18 May 2020. Inclusion criteria included age over 65, conservative management, and a minimum 30-month follow-up. Seven patients were evaluated through radiographic imaging and clinical assessments, including the Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH). Functional recovery was analyzed over a 48-month period. Results: The average CSS was 69.4 (SD: 22.3), OSS was 34 (SD: 14.6), and DASH was 27.9 (SD: 30.3), indicating moderate functional recovery. One patient required surgical fixation due to excessive displacement. Tuberosity union was observed in 85.7% of cases, and complications were minimal. NST allowed patients to recover shoulder function while avoiding surgical risks, particularly during the pandemic. Conclusions: NST proved to be a viable treatment for elderly patients with PHFs, yielding satisfactory functional outcomes with minimal complications. The pandemic highlighted the importance of conservative approaches in orthopedic management, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment decisions based on patient comorbidities and fracture characteristics. Full article

Objective: Although information technology’s impact on social inequality has attracted widespread attention, existing research remains divided on whether technology generates “digital dividends” or exacerbates the “digital divide”. Most studies assume uniform effects across all life domains; yet, the mechanisms through which technology affects different aspects of social stratification may vary substantially. Method: Using data from the 2023 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) covering 5332 respondents, we examine information technology’s differential effects on economic income and health outcomes between urban and rural residents through multiple regression, interaction analysis and Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition. Result: Our findings reveal that information technology significantly enhances both income and health status, validating the digital dividend hypothesis. However, technology effects exhibit domain-specific patterns: urban–rural differences are modest in economic domains but pronounced in health domains, where rural residents benefit significantly more than urban counterparts. Information technology contributes 10.8% to urban–rural income gaps but plays larger roles in health disparities. Conclusion: We propose a digital dividend differentiation theory, whereby technology effects tend toward homogenization in standardized economic domains governed by market logic while exhibiting compensatory functions in health domains dependent on geographic proximity. These findings challenge the assumptions of technological uniformity and provide foundations for differentiated digital development policies. Moreover, by revealing how digital technologies can reduce structural inequalities in income and health, this study advances the understanding of digital inclusion as a core driver of sustainable urban–rural development, offering both academic contributions to sustainability scholarship and practical guidance for achieving inclusive development goals. Full article

Artisanal fishing is a central pillar of the Angolan economy, particularly in the southern province of Namibe, where it serves as the primary economic activity for numerous coastal communities. However, these communities face significant challenges, including competition from expanding industrial fisheries and inadequate infrastructure at fishing centers, which hampers the storage, preservation, and transportation of catches. These limitations contribute to post-harvest losses and the reduced market value of products, despite the region’s rich diversity of pelagic and demersal resources. This study evaluated the economic viability of artisanal fishing in Namibe under three production scenarios, varying in catch levels and the inclusion of fish processing activities such as dried fish and fishmeal production. Scenario A (pessimistic) assumed a 10% reduction in production compared to the best estimates; Scenario B (intermediate) was based on average reported catches; and Scenario C (optimistic) considered a 10% increase in catches, accounting for seasonal and environmental variability. Results indicated that artisanal fishing was economically viable under all scenarios, with the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) consistently exceeding the Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR) of 7.5%. IRR values ranged from 34.30% (Scenario A, without by-product commercialization) to 106.28% (Scenario C, with dried fish and fishmeal production and sales), representing a more than threefold increase in profitability. This substantial gain underscores the transformative potential of processing by-products into higher-value commodities, enabling integration into larger-scale and more liquid markets. Such value addition supports the concept of a proximity economy by promoting short production cycles, reducing intermediaries, and strengthening local value chains. Beyond financial returns, the findings suggest broader socioeconomic benefits, including local economic growth, job creation, and the preservation of traditional production knowledge. The payback period was less than four years in all cases, decreasing to 1.94 years in the most favorable scenario. By-products such as dried fish and fishmeal exhibit commodity-like characteristics due to their higher commercial value, increasing demand, and potential integration into regional and animal feed markets. In conclusion, diversifying marketing strategies and maximizing the use of fish resources can significantly enhance the economic sustainability of artisanal fishing, foster socioeconomic inclusion, and support the development of artisanal fishing communities in Namibe. Full article

Cities play a central role in territorial development, acting as engines of economic growth, innovation, and social well-being. However, contemporary urban challenges, such as socio-spatial segregation, environmental degradation, and mobility constraints, necessitate innovative planning approaches. The “15-minute city” model, conceptualised by Moreno, seeks to reorganise urban spaces to enhance proximity, sustainability, and quality of life by ensuring that essential services are accessible within a short walk or bike ride. This study examines the applicability of this model in Portugal, analysing its presence in national scientific research and its integration into recent Sustainable Urban Mobility Action Plans. Additionally, a spatial analysis using pedestrian-based isochrone mapping assesses accessibility to education and health services, identifying areas with potential for implementation. The results indicate a selective adoption of the model’s operational dimensions, with an emphasis on fare integration and soft mobility infrastructure. However, there is a noticeable deficiency in regulatory instruments designed to promote multifunctionality and social–spatial inclusion. The spatial pattern in northern Portugal reveals disparities in pedestrian accessibility. This study highlights the stronger need for context-sensitive urban strategies, emphasising that while the 15-minute city offers a promising framework, its success depends on local adaptations and governance models. Full article

The Eastern Kazakhstan Gold Belt is a major black-shale-hosted gold province in Central Asia where the main types of deposits comprise mineralized zones with auriferous sulfides (micro- and nano-inclusions of gold and refractory gold) and quartz veins with visible gold. The quartz vein deposits are economically less important but may potentially represent the upper parts of bigger ore systems concealed at depth. In this work, the mineralogy of the quartz vein deposits and related wall rock alteration zones was studied using microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis, and the geochemical dispersion of the ore elements in primary alteration haloes was documented utilizing spatial distribution maps and statistical treatment methods. The studied auriferous quartz veins are classified as epizonal black-shale-hosted orogenic gold deposits. The veins generally have linear shapes with an average width of ca. 1 m and length up to 150 m and contain high-grade native gold with minor amounts of sulfides. In supergene oxidation zones, the native gold is closely associated with Fe-hydroxide minerals cementing brecciated zones within the veins. The auriferous quartz veins are usually enclosed by the wall rock alteration envelopes, where two types of alteration are distinguished. Proximal phyllic alteration (sericite-albite-pyrite ± chlorite, Fe-Mg-Ca carbonates, arsenopyrite, and pyrrhotite) develops as localized alteration envelopes, and pervasive carbonation accompanied by chlorite ± sericite and albite is the dominant process in the distal alteration zones. The rocks within the alteration zones are enriched in Au and chalcophile elements, and three groups of chemical elements showing significant positive mutual correlation have been identified: (1) an early geochemical assemblage includes V, P, and Co (±Ni), which are the chemical elements characteristic for black shale formations, (2) association of Au, As, and other chalcophile elements is distinctly overprinting, and manifests the main stage of sulfide-hosted Au mineralization, and (3) association of Bi and Hg (±Sb and U) includes the chemical elements that are mobile at low temperatures, and can be explained by activity of the late-stage hydrothermal or supergene fluids. The chalcophile elements show negative slopes from proximal to distal alteration zones and form overlapping positive anomalies on spatial distribution mono-elemental maps. Thus, the geochemical methods can provide useful tools to delineate the ore elemental associations and to outline reproducible anomalies for subsequent regional gold prospecting. Full article