Search Results (1,315)

This study aims to evaluate eco-innovative solutions in the fertilizer industry that allow for waste valorization in the context of a resource-efficient circular economy. A comprehensive reuse strategy was developed for low-rank peat and post-cultivation horticultural mineral wool, involving the extraction of valuable humic substances from peat and residual nutrients from used mineral wool, followed by the use of both post-extraction residues to produce organic–mineral substrates. The resulting products/semifinished products were characterized in terms of their composition and properties, which met the requirements necessary to obtain the admission of this type of product to the market in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of 18 June 2008 on the implementation of certain provisions of the Act on fertilizers and fertilization (Journal of Laws No 119, item 765). Elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and solid-state CP-MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy suggest that post-extraction peat has a relatively condensed structure with a high C content (47.4%) and a reduced O/C atomic ratio and is rich in alkyl-like matter (63.2%) but devoid of some functional groups in favor of extracted fulvic acids. Therefore, it remains a valuable organic biowaste, which, in combination with post-extraction waste mineral wool in a ratio of 60:40 and possibly the addition of mineral nutrients, allows us to obtain a completely new substrate with a bulk density of 264 g/m³, a salinity of 7.8 g/dm³ and a pH of 5.3, with an appropriate content of heavy metals and with no impurities, meeting the requirements of this type of product. A liquid fertilizer based on an extract containing previously recovered nutrients also meets the criteria in terms of quality and content of impurities and can potentially be used as a fertilizing product suitable for agricultural crops. This study demonstrates a feasible pathway for transforming specific waste streams into valuable agricultural inputs, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable production. The production of a new liquid fertilizer using nutrients recovered from post-cultivation mineral wool and the preparation of an organic–mineral substrate using post-extraction solid residue is a rational strategy for recycling hard-to-biodegrade end-of-life products. Full article

Sustainable education requires addressing the challenges posed by digital transformation, including technostress among university students. This study evaluates technostress levels in higher education through the validation of the TS4US scale and its implications for sustainable learning environments. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 328 university students from four districts in Lima, Peru, using an online survey to measure technostress. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the psychometric properties of the TS4US scale, resulting in a refined model with two latent factors and thirteen validated items. Findings indicate that 28% of students experience high technostress levels, while 5% report very high levels, though no significant associations were found between technostress and sociodemographic variables such as campus location, employment status, gender, and academic level. The TS4US instrument had been previously validated in Chile; this study confirms its structure in a new sociocultural context, reinforcing its cross-cultural applicability. These results highlight the need for sustainable strategies to mitigate technostress in higher education, including institutional support, digital literacy programs, and policies fostering a balanced technological environment. Addressing technostress is essential for promoting sustainable education (SDG4) and enhancing student well-being (SDG3). This study directly contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 4 (Quality Education) by providing validated tools and evidence-based recommendations to promote mental health and equitable access to digital education in Latin America. Future research should explore cross-country comparisons and targeted interventions, including digital well-being initiatives and adaptive learning strategies, to ensure a resilient and sustainable academic ecosystem. Full article

Compassion is a critical competence for university students in the healthcare field when dealing with the suffering of patients and relatives. However, there are no tools that measure compassionate capacity during students’ training. Recently, the Compassion Capacity Scale (CCS) was developed for health professionals, exhibiting good psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the CCS for Portuguese university students in the healthcare field. The study was divided into two phases: (1) translation and adaptation of the CCS for Portuguese university students in the healthcare field; (2) validation and analysis of psychometric properties. The CCS-PHS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.886), temporal stability (rho = 0.703), and content validity (CVI-i = 1). Criterion validity analysis showed strong correlations between all of the CCS-PHS’s dimensions and the chosen reference criteria scale. Construct validity analysis revealed that the CCS-PHS is composed of 17 items, classified into four factors. The differences found in the exploratory factor analysis in relation to the original scale may be due to the differences in the life experiences of healthcare professionals when compared to those of students. Our psychometric analysis suggests that the CCS-PHS is a reliable and valid tool to assess compassionate capacity in healthcare students. Knowing the compassionate competence of students is vital for guiding educational strategies, implementing compassion training programs and evaluating their effectiveness, as well as reinforcing key attitudes and behaviors for humanized and ethical healthcare. Full article

Three-dimensional printing is commonly used to fabricate provisional dental restorations. Studies have reported that changes in printing orientation affect the physical and mechanical properties of 3D-printed polymeric provisional restorations; however the findings have been inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyze the articles evaluating the influence of printing orientation on the physical and mechanical properties of 3D-printed polymeric provisional dental restorations. Recommendations provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to structure and compose the review. The PICO (Participant, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) question ordered was: ‘Do 3D-printed provisional dental restorations (P) printed at various orientations (except 0°) (I) exhibit similar physical and mechanical properties (O) when compared to those printed at a 0° orientation (C)?’. An electronic search was conducted on 28 and 29 April 2025, by two independent researchers across four databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) to systematically collect relevant articles published up to March 2025. After removing duplicate articles and applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-one articles were incorporated into this review. Self-designed Performa’s were used to tabulate all relevant information. For the quality analysis, the modified CONSORT scale was utilized. The quantitative analysis was performed on only fifteen out of twenty-one articles. It can be concluded that the printing orientation affects some of the tested properties, which include fracture strength (significantly higher for specimens printed at 0° when compared to 90°), wear resistance (significantly higher for specimens printed at 90° when compared to 0°), microhardness (significantly higher for specimens printed at 90°and 45° when compared to 0°), color stability (high at 0°), and surface roughness (significantly higher for specimens printed at 45° and 90° when compared to 0°). There were varied outcomes in terms of flexural strength and elastic modulus. Full article

Research concerning green marketing has predominantly focused on consumer behavior. However, aspects such as the extent to which Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) embrace green marketing values, their ability to implement the green marketing mix, and the integration of green marketing into their business culture are critically important. This research aims to provide the 4P (product, price, place, and promotion)-focused green marketing literature with a measurement tool to assess how SMEs implement green marketing practices. The study employed a descriptive design and possesses an exploratory nature. Scale development involved two stages: First, analyses were conducted on a pre-test sample of 159 individuals, revealing the initial scale structure. Second, these analyses were repeated on a larger group of 387 participants. The scale was finalized by confirming the consistency of results across both analyses. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 24 were utilized for descriptive statistics and the scale development process. The final validated 12-item scale demonstrates a robust three-factor structure (“Environmental Promotion”, ”Green Packaging”, and ”Green Distribution”), explaining 62.6% of the total variance. The scale exhibits excellent psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.912), strong model fit from Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and both convergent and discriminant validity, as indicated by an Average Variance Extracted (AVE) value of 0.605. The scale is deemed applicable to larger populations. Full article

The growing disconnection between humans and nature—particularly in urban environments—has been associated with declining well-being and lower engagement in pro-environmental behavior. Although the Connectedness with Nature Scale (CNS) has been widely used internationally to measure this relationship, there is a lack of evidence on its validity and reliability in Latin American contexts, especially in urban and rural settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the CNS in a sample of 956 Colombian participants. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we tested two versions of the scale (14-item and 12-item models), both showing good fit and high internal consistency (α > 0.90). Convergent validity was confirmed through strong correlations with the Environmental Identity and Pro-environmental Behavior Scales. These findings support the CNS as a valid and reliable tool to assess the human–nature connection in Colombia and highlight its potential for informing urban sustainability initiatives, environmental education, and public policy in diverse sociocultural contexts. Full article

Background: The diagnosis of a disability in a child may significantly impact the entire family system. While existing literature has primarily focused on parental reaction to the diagnosis, little is known about how typically developing siblings process this event. Methods: This exploratory study presented the preliminary psychometric properties of the Reaction to Diagnosis Questionnaire—Sibling Version, adapted from an instrument originally designed to assess parental reaction to the child’s diagnosis. Following a back-translation and adaptation process, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 623 typically developing siblings (M = 24.6 years, SD = 5.76) of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or physical disabilities. Results: Exploratory factor analyses supported a refined 32-item questionnaire with two factors—lack of resolution versus resolution, both showing excellent internal reliability. No significant differences were found based on typically developing sibling sex, age, or type of disability of the brother/sister, while correlational analyses indicated that greater disability severity was associated with lower resolution and higher lack of resolution. Conclusions: Results suggested that the Reaction to Diagnosis Questionnaire—Sibling Version is a promising tool for assessing the reaction to the brother/sister diagnosis on behalf of the typically developing siblings. Further research is needed to confirm these results and inform intervention programs promoting well-being and adaptive family functioning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Social worry may appear in preadolescence, causing it to persist in the future, such that adolescents become more avoidant of situations in which they are evaluated by others. Many previous studies have shown that approximately 4% of preadolescent children suffer from high levels of social worry, which may lead to other problems in the future. It is important to take necessary precautions to explore this worry and take the necessary measures to address it. This study aimed to do so by extracting the psychometric properties of the Social Worries Questionnaire (SWQ) for preadolescence in Arab countries. Methods: The sample consisted of 269 children aged 8–12 years. The SWQ, Spence Child Anxiety Scale (SCAS), Child Abuse Self-Reporting Scale (CASRS-12), and Arabic version of the Children’s Depression Inventory (AVCDI) were administered via various social media. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis was used, and the one-factor model showed that the scale consists of 14 items. The results also indicated evidence of discriminant validity, and that the internal consistency was acceptable. For reliability, the test–retest results showed that the value was appropriate. Conclusions: This scale could be valuable in detecting worry in preadolescent children and providing them with therapeutic and psychological services. Full article

Food addiction is characterized by compulsive consumption and impaired control over highly palatable foods, with neurobiological mechanisms analogous to substance use disorders. The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is the most widely used instrument to assess these symptoms; however, its psychometric properties have not been validated in Mexican adults. This study aimed to perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the YFAS 2.0 and validate its psychometric properties for the identification of food addiction in the Mexican adult population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 Mexican adults aged 20 years or older. Participants completed the cross-culturally adapted YFAS 2.0. Exploratory and hierarchical factor analyses were conducted. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and omega coefficients, and model fit was evaluated through global fit indices. The scale showed high internal consistency (α = 0.88; ωt = 0.87; ωh = 0.89). The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin index was 0.815 and Bartlett’s test was significant (χ² = 4367.88; df = 595; p < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure, with the first factor explaining 21.3% of the total variance. In the hierarchical model, all items loaded substantially onto the general factor. Fit indices indicated excellent model fit (CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.001; RMR = 0.004). The YFAS 2.0 is a valid and reliable instrument for identifying food addiction symptoms in Mexican adults. It may be useful in clinical practice and research on eating disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels drop significantly below the normal range leading to unpleasant symptoms and a greater risk of acute complications. Fear of hypoglycemia (FH) is a conditioned psychological response to hypoglycemia frequently experienced by people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their loved ones. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a Portuguese translation of the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey—Parents (HFS-P) for the parents of youths with T1D. Methods: The sample consisted of 102 parents (M = 44.58 years old; SD = 5.01; mothers = 92.2%) of youths with T1D (8 to 17 years of age; M = 12.67; SD = 2.58). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and convergent validity were performed to examine the factor structure and the construct validity of the HFS-P. Results: CFA supports a refined two-factor 18-item version of the HFS-P. The results indicate good psychometric properties (χ² [129] = 220.47.; p ≤ 0.001; χ²/DF = 1.71; RMSEA = 0.08; SRMR = 0.07; CFI = 0.93; TLI = 0.91; GFI = 0.93) along with good to excellent internal consistency coefficients (behavior subscale: α = 0.81, total: α = 0.93, and worry: α = 0.94). Conclusions: Our Portuguese version of the HFS-P appears reliable for assessing FH in parents of youths with T1D, and is ready for use in clinical research and to evaluate psychological interventions targeting parental FH in the Portuguese context. Full article

With the increasing complexity of ecological and environmental problems, eco-anxiety is increasingly recognized as an essential problem in China. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of valid measurements in China. The purpose of the present study was to expand the Hogg Eco-anxiety Scale (HEAS) under the Chinese context and evaluate the psychometric attributes of the expanded scale. Specifically, a qualitative study was conducted in Study 1 (n = 17) to expand the HEAS in the Chinese context. Exploratory factor analysis in Study 2 (n = 297) and confirmatory factor analysis in Study 3 (n = 374) were conducted to validate the scale. The climate change anxiety scale and pro-environmental behavior scale were used to assess criterion-related validity in Study 4 (n = 305). Results indicated that a new eco-anxiety scale (i.e., EAS-20) including 20 items attributed to four dimension (somatic symptoms, affective symptoms, rumination, and behavioral symptoms) was developed. It showed satisfactory psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (α = 0.97) and a four-factor structure explaining 84.36% of the variance. The criterion-related validity was acceptable (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.37). The article concludes that the 20-item Eco-Anxiety Scale (EAS-20) has good psychometric properties and can be applied to measure eco-anxiety in the Chinese adult population. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and attitudes (OSAKA) questionnaire among dental professionals in Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Manizales, Colombia, between January and June 2024. A total of 120 dental professionals, including general dentists, specialists, residents, and academic clinicians, were selected through stratified random sampling. Participants completed the Spanish-adapted OSAKA questionnaire and a structured sociodemographic survey. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α) and McDonald’s Omega (Ω). Construct validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), with Kaiser Meyer Olkin (KMO) values and Bartlett’s test. Results: The knowledge subscale (18 items) showed good reliability (α = 0.83; Ω = 0.83), while the attitude subscale (5 items) showed near-acceptable reliability (α = 0.68; Ω = 0.59). KMO values were 0.79 for knowledge and 0.57 for attitudes; Bartlett’s test was significant in both cases (p ≤ 0.001). EFA supported structural validity: six components with eigenvalues >1 explained 61.66% of the variance for knowledge, and two components explained 79.49% for attitudes. Significant differences in attitude scores were found among professional groups (p ≤ 0.001, η² = 0.13), with specialists scoring highest ($\overline{X}$ = 17.66) and general dentists lowest ($\overline{X}$ = 14.62). Knowledge scores did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.47). Conclusions: The Spanish OSAKA questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess knowledge and attitudes toward obstructive sleep apnea in Colombian dental professionals. Its use may support improved education, screening, and interdisciplinary collaboration in dental settings. Full article

Objective: The mother’s birth experience is crucial in identifying her care needs. The “Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience” (QACE) consists of four subscales designed to assess a mother’s childbirth experience. However, psychometric evaluations of the QACE have not been conducted in Turkey. This study aims to adapt and assess the validity and reliability of the “Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience” short version for the Turkish maternal population. Methods: This methodological study included 205 mothers who gave birth in a public hospital. Data were collected using an Introductory Information Form and the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE). Results: The content validity index (CVI) for Item 9 was calculated as 0.875, while the remaining 12 items obtained a CVI of 1.00. The internal consistency of the scale, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = 0.758), indicated an acceptable level of reliability across all items. During the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), one item (Item 13) was excluded due to cross-loading. The remaining 12 items were grouped into four distinct subscales. Conclusions: The short version of the QACE demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties and serves as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing childbirth experiences among Turkish women. Full article

The historical co-production of olive oil and wine has influenced the Mediterranean landscape and economy. Olive oil and wine production generates substantial organic waste, including olive pomace, grape pomace, and wastewater, which poses environmental challenges if untreated. These byproducts contain bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, such as hydroxytyrosol, resveratrol, and flavonoids, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them valuable for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. A combined waste valorization strategy can enhance bioactive compound recovery and align it with circular economic principles. The incorporation of olive oil and wine byproducts into food matrices, such as bread, pasta, dairy products, baked goods, chocolates, beverages, and processed items, has been explored to enhance antioxidant content, dietary fiber, and nutritional value. However, successful integration depends on maintaining acceptable sensory qualities and addressing the technical challenges in extraction, processing, and regulatory compliance. Realizing the potential benefits of dual valorization requires a systemic shift integrating scientific innovation, regulatory adaptability, and consumer engagement, guided by evidence, transparent communication, and inclusive governance to ensure that sustainability goals translate into environmental, economic, and public health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Menière’s disease (MD) is a debilitating disorder with episodic and variable ear symptoms. Diagnosis can be challenging, and evidence for therapeutic approaches is low. Furthermore, patients show a unique and fluctuating configuration of audiovestibular impairment. As a psychometric instrument to assess hearing-specific disability is currently lacking, we evaluated a short form of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) in a cohort of patients with MD. Methods: Data was collected in the context of a multicenter prospective patient registry intended for the long-term follow up of MD patients. Hearing was assessed by pure tone and speech audiometry. The SSQ was applied in the German language version with 17 items. Results: In total, 97 consecutive patients with unilateral MD with a mean age of 56.2 ± 5.0 years were included. A total of 55 individuals (57.3%) were female, and 72 (75.0%) were categorized as having definite MD. The average total score of the SSQ was 6.0 ± 2.1. Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency was 0.960 for the total score. We did not observe undue floor or ceiling effects. SSQ values showed a statistically negative correlation with hearing thresholds and a statistically positive correlation with speech recognition scores of affected ears. Conclusions: The short form of the SSQ provides insight into hearing-specific disability in patients with MD. Therefore, it may be informative regarding disease stage and rehabilitation needs. Full article