Search Results (2,035)

The Erasmus+ YOU4BLUE project represents an interdisciplinary educational initiative aimed at fostering a youth culture of sustainability through hands-on learning, scientific literacy, and critical thinking focused on the marine environment. The project aimed to encourage lasting behavioural change and empower young people to act. It engaged secondary school students aged 14 to 18 on three Mediterranean islands (Sardinia, Crete, and Mallorca) through a blended Place-Based Education (PBE) model that integrates online learning with local, experiential activities. Forty-nine students completed a pre-assessment questionnaire measuring baseline marine ecosystem knowledge, sustainability-related behaviours, and attitudes toward the sea. Following three international exchanges involving the learning activities, roughly the same cohort of students completed post-activity surveys assessing self-perceived knowledge gains and intercultural interaction. Qualitative data from emotional mapping, field observations, and group reflections complemented the quantitative analysis. The results indicate substantial self-perceived increases in students’ understanding of marine ecosystems (+1.0 to +1.7 points on a 5-point scale), enhanced collaboration with international peers, and strengthened environmental awareness. Across all three sites, students applied their learning by co-designing proposals addressing local coastal challenges, demonstrating emerging civic responsibility and the ability to integrate scientific observations into real-world problem solving. These findings suggest that combining place-based education, citizen science, and participatory methods can effectively support the development of sustainability competences among youth in coastal contexts. This study contributes empirical evidence to the growing literature on education for sustainable development and highlights the value of blended, experiential, and intercultural approaches in promoting environmentally responsible behaviour. Full article

Reducing dependency on chemical pesticides is a core ambition of the European Green Deal, yet adoption of low-input practices remains uneven. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the behavioural determinants of European farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding sustainable pesticide use and evaluates the role of digital tools in facilitating Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we analysed 65 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2025, which were identified through Scopus and Web of Science. The synthesis reveals that while pro-environmental attitudes drive the intention to change, actual behaviour is frequently inhibited by loss aversion, ‘clean field’ social norms, and perceived economic risks. Digital tools—specifically Decision Support Systems (DSSs) and precision technologies—demonstrate technical potential to reduce pesticide loads but are constrained by the same behavioural barriers: a lack of trust in models, perceived complexity, and costs. Consequently, we propose a Psycho-Digital Integration Framework which posits that digital innovation acts as a catalyst only when embedded in systemic enablers—specifically green insurance schemes and independent advisory networks. These mechanisms are critical to redistribute perceived agricultural risk and bridge the gap between technical potential and behavioral adoption. Full article

Background/Objectives: To promote sustainable and healthy diets, increased consumption of pulses (the edible grains of legumes) is recommended. Adolescence is a period in which perceptions and behaviours develop that can impact lifelong dietary behaviours. Therefore, this study aimed to understand how Australian adolescents perceive healthy, sustainable diets and perceive and consume pulses. Methods: Students (11–17 years old, median = 15 years, n = 33) in Brisbane, Australia, participated in school-based face-to-face focus groups and an online survey. Results: Students’ perceptions of healthy and sustainable dietary behaviours largely focused on the health aspects of food and consideration of food waste. The main factors that adolescents identified as influencing the health and sustainability of their diet were a lack of perceived responsibility for the impact of their meal choices and lack of knowledge of what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet. Most students were unfamiliar with the term ‘pulses’ and lacked a desire to consume pulses more often. Consumption of pulses was below recommendations in national and international dietary guidelines. The main factors that adolescents identified as influencing pulse consumption related to students’ lack of capability to prepare pulses and the limited opportunities to access pulse-based foods. Conclusions: Perceptions of sustainable diets and pulses were very limited, and a lack of knowledge, skills, and limited availability were identified as barriers to their consumption. Education and cooking classes, in conjunction with increased availability of tasty pulse foods, are recommended to increase students’ pulse consumption as part of a healthy and sustainable diet. Full article

Background: Low peak bone mass (PBM) is a major contributor to later osteoporosis risk. This study sought to understand young people’s knowledge of factors associated with bone health. Methods: Young people in Aotearoa New Zealand were approached. Eight focus groups (26 participants in total, aged 11 to 17 years) were conducted using a semi-structured approach with open-ended questions and prompts. Transcripts were thematically coded using an inductive content analysis approach. Results: Knowledge of factors associated with good bone health was limited. There was a general awareness of the positive and negative impacts of many lifestyle behaviours on health generally, but not specifically PBM. Dairy intake was commonly mentioned as being beneficial for bone health. Some participants reported potential benefits of sport, but most did not know that weight bearing activity specifically was beneficial. Conclusions: Knowledge of osteoporosis and lifestyle factors that impact PBM was limited. Educational interventions involving promotion of bone health knowledge and supporting weight bearing physical activity in adolescents may be an important contributor to public health strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Even with solid proof of its benefits for cardiovascular health and metabolism, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) in Spain has noticeably declined in recent years. The socioeconomic changes occurring in recent decades have prompted shifts in cooking habits and in how food is socially experienced, particularly among children and adolescents. The MD is more than just food: it is a cultural tradition and a lifestyle, rich in food and cooking skills, and food wisdom passed down over generations. When these practices fade, it affects both health and the environment, making them vital components in strengthening support for food knowledge, cooking abilities, and a healthier lifestyle. Considering these shifting dietary patterns and the growing need for targeted educational strategies, the present study aimed to investigate the association between cooking skills, MD-related health literacy, and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet across different developmental stages: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in a sample of the Spanish population. Additionally, a secondary objective was to identify potential critical windows for intervention based on the strength of these associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 832 Spanish participants grouped by age: children and early adolescents (n = 408), older adolescents (n = 136), and adults (n = 288). Cooking skills were assessed using CooC11 for children and FCSk for older groups. Adults also completed Lit_MEDiet to assess MD-related health literacy. Adherence was measured with KIDMED (children/adolescents) and MEDAS (adults). Spearman correlations and standardized linear regressions were used. All statistical tests were two-sided, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: In children, no significant association was found between cooking skills (CooC11) and KIDMED scores (β = 0.008; p = 0.875). Among adolescents, a strong positive association emerged between FCSk and KIDMED (β = 0.313; p < 0.001; ρ = 0.371), indicating a large, standardized effect and suggesting that this stage is particularly sensitive to food skills. In adults (18+), both food and cooking skills (FCSk) (β = 0.189; p = 0.001) and MD-related health literacy (Lit_MEDiet) (β = 0.187; p = 0.004) were moderately associated with MEDAS scores. Conclusions: These findings suggest that mid-adolescence could represent a favourable developmental window where food skills may hold potential to influence positive dietary behaviours. Regarding adults, the results indicate that combining practical and educational components appears to beneficial for dietary quality. Overall, this study supports the relevance of age-tailored public health strategies to potentially enhance long-term adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Full article

Objective: Cosmetic products are widely used, yet public awareness of their potential health risks and of cosmetovigilance remains limited. Given that studies increasingly highlight chemical exposure associated with cosmetics, this study aimed to assess public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding cosmetic use, toxicity, and cosmetovigilance in Türkiye. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population living in Türkiye, consisting of 700 people between January and May 2024. The study was conducted using a Google survey form. Results: Among 700 participants, 91.6% reported regular cosmetic use and 47.6% experienced at least one adverse effect, most commonly redness, itching, and burning. Adverse effects were more frequently associated with products purchased from shopping malls/cosmetic stores. Education level was significantly linked to awareness of cosmetovigilance and product preferences, with university graduates showing higher awareness and favoring both local and international brands. Conclusion: The study revealed that although cosmetic use is common in Türkiye, awareness of cosmetovigilance remains low, even among well-educated consumers. Many participants reported adverse effects but did not seek professional consultation, indicating gaps in safety practices and reporting. Strengthening public awareness and establishing effective cosmetovigilance systems are essential to ensure safer cosmetic use and protect public health. Full article

CO₂ laser processing has emerged as an efficient dry-finishing technique capable of inducing controlled chemical and morphological transformations in cotton and denim textiles. The strong mid-infrared absorption of cellulose enables localised photothermal heating, leading to selective dye decomposition, surface oxidation, and micro-scale ablation while largely preserving the bulk fabric structure. These laser-driven mechanisms modify colour, surface chemistry, and topography in a predictable, parameter-dependent manner. Low-fluence conditions predominantly produce uniform fading through fragmentation and oxidation of indigo dye; in comparison, moderate thermal loads promote the formation of carbonyl and carboxyl groups that increase surface energy and enhance wettability. Higher fluence regimes generate micro-textured regions with increased roughness and anchoring capacity, enabling improved adhesion of dyes, coatings, and nanoparticles. Compared with conventional wet processes, CO₂ laser treatment eliminates chemical effluents, strongly reduces water consumption and supports digitally controlled, Industry 4.0-compatible manufacturing workflows. Despite its advantages, challenges remain in standardising processing parameters, quantifying oxidation depth, modelling thermal behaviour, and assessing the long-term stability of functionalised surfaces under real usage conditions. In this review, we consolidate current knowledge on the mechanistic pathways, processing windows, and functional potential of CO₂ laser-modified cotton substrates. By integrating findings from recent studies and identifying critical research gaps, the review supports the development of predictable, scalable, and sustainable laser-based cotton textile processing technologies. Full article

Background: Dementia poses a significant health concern among Australia’s First Nations peoples, who experience higher prevalence and earlier onset compared to non-First Nations populations. Despite growing research attention, the overall scope and characteristics of existing literature on dementia in these communities remain unclear. Objective: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise existing evidence on the burden of dementia among First Nations peoples, focusing on associated risk factors and culturally responsive approaches to prevention, intervention, and care. Methods: Following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Indigenous Studies Portal, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published between 2004 and 2025. Search terms combined dementia and cognitive impairment with First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and related concepts, alongside terms for risk factors, intervention, prevention, care strategies, and health disparities. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data using a standardised template. Of the 620 records identified, 324 were screened, 130 were assessed in full, and 75 met the inclusion criteria. Data were narratively synthesised to identify key themes and evidence gaps. Results: The review revealed a disproportionate burden of dementia among First Nations peoples, characterised by earlier onset and higher prevalence than in non-First Nations populations. Major modifiable risk factors included social determinants of health, lifestyle behaviours, and inequitable access to healthcare. Studies emphasised the importance of culturally safe, community-led, and multidisciplinary approaches; however, many interventions remain poorly adapted to the diverse cultural contexts of First Nations communities. The review also identified gaps in diagnostic tools, culturally appropriate care pathways, and the integration of traditional knowledge and digital innovations in dementia management. Conclusions: Addressing dementia inequities among First Nations Australians demands transformative, community-driven action that extends beyond descriptive research. Future work should prioritise co-designed, culturally grounded interventions that embed First Nations knowledge systems, strengthen healthcare capacity, and foster long-term community empowerment. Embedding cultural safety within policy and clinical frameworks, and shifting toward preventive, strengths-based approaches, will advance equity in dementia care and provide valuable insights for First Nations health systems globally. Full article

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the least survivable malignancy, with five-year survival below 10%. Its vague, non-specific symptoms contribute to late diagnosis and poor outcomes. Targeted education for healthcare professionals, students, patients, carers, and the public may improve awareness, confidence, and early help-seeking. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on pancreatic cancer education, identifying intervention types, outcomes, and gaps in knowledge. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed studies evaluating educational interventions on pancreatic cancer for healthcare students, professionals, patients, carers, or the public. Grey literature was excluded to maintain a consistent methodological standard. Data were charted and synthesised narratively. Results: Nine studies (2018–2024) met inclusion criteria, predominantly from high-income countries. Interventions targeted students and professionals (n = 3), patients (n = 2), the public (n = 2), or mixed groups (n = 2), using modalities such as team-based learning, workshops, virtual reality, serious games, and digital animations. Four interrelated themes were identified, encompassing (1) Self-efficacy; (2) Knowledge; (3) Behavior; and (4) Acceptability. Digital and interactive approaches demonstrated particularly strong engagement and learning gains. Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer education shows clear potential to enhance knowledge, confidence, and engagement across diverse audiences. Digital platforms offer scalable opportunities but require quality assurance and long-term evaluation to sustain impact. The evidence base remains limited and fragmented, highlighting the need for validated outcome measures, longitudinal research, and greater international representation to support the integration of education into a global pancreatic cancer control strategy. Future studies should also evaluate how educational interventions influence clinical practice and real-world help-seeking behaviour. Full article

Background: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs) are clinically and biologically heterogeneous neoplasms that remain challenging to diagnose, prognosticate, and treat. Although recent WHO classifications using transcription-factor-based markers have refined pathological categorisation, histopathology alone still fails to predict tumour behaviour or support individualised therapy. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate how machine learning (ML) and knowledge extraction approaches can complement pathology by integrating multi-dimensional omics datasets to generate predictive and clinically meaningful insights in PitNETs. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 statement for systematic reviews. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, arXiv, and SciSpace up to June 2025 to identify omics studies applying ML or computational data integration in PitNETs. Eligible studies included original research using genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, or liquid biopsy data. Data extraction covered study design, ML methodology, data accessibility, and clinical annotation. Study quality and validation strategies were also assessed. Results: A total of 726 records were identified. After the reviewing process, 98 studies met inclusion criteria. PitNET research employed unsupervised clustering or regularised regression methods reflecting their suitability for high-dimensional omics datasets and the limited sample sizes. In contrast, deep learning approaches were rarely implemented, primarily due to the scarcity of large, clinically annotated cohorts required to train such models effectively. To support future research and model development, we compiled a comprehensive catalogue of all publicly available PitNET omics resources, facilitating reuse, methodological benchmarking, and integrative analyses. Conclusions: Although omics research in PitNETs is increasing, the lack of standardised, clinically annotated datasets remains a major obstacle to the development and deployment of robust predictive models. Coordinated efforts in data sharing and clinical harmonisation are required to unlock its full potential. Full article

Rapid climate change and its anticipated impacts trigger significant worry and distress among vulnerable groups, including young adults. Little is known about how Dutch young adults experience and cope with climate change within their specific social and environmental context. This study examines Dutch young people’s emotional responses to climate change, their perceived emotional and psychological needs arising from these experiences, and the barriers they encounter in engaging in pro-environmental behaviour, with the aim of informing public health strategies to better support and empower this vulnerable group. Data were drawn from a large online survey among a representative sample of 1006 Dutch young adults (16–35 years; 51% women). The questionnaire included fixed-answer sections assessing emotional responses to climate change, as well as two open-ended questions exploring participants’ perceptions of their emotional and psychological needs related to climate change and the barriers they perceive to pro-environmental behaviour. Descriptive statistics were used for the fixed-response items, and thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended responses. Many Dutch young adults reported worry and sadness about climate change and its impacts, with approximately one third experiencing feelings of powerlessness. A large percentage of respondents attributed responsibility to large companies, and nearly half indicated that they still had hope for the future. One third (31%) felt that nothing could make them feel better about climate change, and another third (36%) reported to experience no climate-related emotions. Key emotional needs included more action at personal, community, and governmental levels, and more motivating positive news. Almost half (46%) of young adults said they already lived sustainably, while perceived barriers to pro-environmental behaviour were mainly financial (21%), knowledge-related (8%), and time-related (7%). This exploratory study highlights key practical and emotional barriers to pro-environmental behaviour reported by Dutch young adults 16–35, who expressed diverse emotional needs while coping with climate change. The findings underscore the need for a multi-level public health response to climate-related emotions, that simultaneously addresses emotional needs, structural barriers, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Lowering barriers to pro-environmental behaviour and fostering supportive environments that enable sustainable action among young adults may enhance wellbeing and strengthen their sense of agency. Public health supports this by reducing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour in young adults, through targeted support, clear information, and enabling social and structural conditions that promote wellbeing and sustained engagement. Full article

This study reviews advanced extreme value theory techniques and applies them to extreme rainfall events recorded at two meteorological stations, Port Edward and Virginia, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The study aims to provide a comparative analysis of the performance of three extreme value theory models—the generalised extreme value distribution (GEVD), the generalised extreme value distribution for r-largest order statistics (GEVDr), and the blended generalised extreme value distribution (bGEVD)—in modelling extreme rainfall events. The monthly maximum rainfall data used in the study was obtained from the South African Weather Service. The Shapiro–Wilk test demonstrated the non-normality of the rainfall datasets. Parameter estimation was performed using maximum likelihood estimation and Bayesian estimation methods, both yielding positive shape parameters consistent with the Fréchet class of distributions. The goodness-of-fit tests confirmed the suitability of the GEVD model for the data. The results of both the standard GEVD and GEVDr models provided consistent return level estimates, suggesting strong model performance. The bGEVD model produced lower return level estimates compared to the GEVD and GEVDr models. Overall, the findings of the study offer valuable insights into the behaviour of extreme rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal province, with significant implications for risk management, infrastructure planning, and disaster preparedness. This study will add value to the literature and knowledge of statistics. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to assess self-reported oral and orofacial health, hygiene habits, and oral health knowledge among Croatian athletes, and to determine factors influencing that knowledge. Differences between contact and non-contact sports, as well as the occurrence of dental trauma and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, were also examined. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 1007 athletes (56% male, 44% female) aged 18–42 years, recruited through national sports federations and university sports clubs. The instrument comprised 85 items divided into five domains: sociodemographic data, oral hygiene habits, self-assessed oral health, TMJ symptoms, and oral health knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and generalised linear modelling (p < 0.05). Results: Athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge (mean score 11.3 ± 4.4/18). While 92.2% recognised that poor oral hygiene leads to caries and periodontitis, only 52.4% correctly identified the ideal time to replant an avulsed tooth. Female participants, older age groups, and those with higher education had significantly better knowledge (p ≤ 0.05). Recreational athletes scored higher than amateurs (p = 0.002), and those with prior dental trauma experience also showed greater awareness (p = 0.028). No significant difference was found between contact and non-contact sports (p = 0.287). Despite good brushing habits (86.9% brushed twice daily), only 25.4% regularly used dental floss or interdental brushes. A small proportion of athletes reported symptoms related to temporomandibular joint function, most commonly joint clicking (18.2%), tooth wear (13.4%), and nocturnal bruxism (14.3%). There were no significant differences between contact and non-contact sports, except for muscle stiffness near the temples (p = 0.024) and daytime or stress-related teeth grinding (p = 0.013 and p = 0.018). Conclusions: Croatian athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge and satisfactory hygiene habits, but preventive practices remain inadequate. Education level, gender, and previous dental trauma were key determinants of knowledge. Systematic preventive programmes and targeted education are necessary to improve oral health awareness in sports populations. Full article

Inadequate hygiene knowledge and poor sanitation practices remain key challenges to safe learning environments in South Africa, with 462 million learners attending schools without basic handwashing facilities and many schools failing to meet sanitation standards. Although national policies and infrastructure investments have improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in some schools, access and behaviours remain uneven across socio-economic contexts. This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to WASH among 1200 learners from 40 high schools in Durban using a cross-sectional design and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The study addressed the research question: To what extent do learners’ knowledge and attitudes predict hygiene practices across socio-economic contexts? It was hypothesised that higher knowledge and more positive attitudes would significantly predict improved hygiene practices. Results showed that while 74.6% reported handwashing after toilet use, only 39.3% consistently used soap. Knowledge of disease transmission through unsafe water was 35.4%, although overall attitudes were positive. Learners from higher-quintile schools had significantly better KAP scores than those from lower quintiles (p < 0.001). Both knowledge (β = 0.232, p < 0.001) and attitudes (β = 0.266, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of learners’ hygiene practices. Significant group differences were also observed by gender (t = 18.032, p = 0.001) and district (t = −3.895, p = 0.001). These findings highlight persistent WASH gaps and inequities across schools, underscoring the need for integrated interventions that strengthen both hygiene education and school infrastructure to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6. Full article

This study examines agricultural labour dynamics and sustainability practices in East Crete, assessing how labour structure, education, and input intensity shape ecological outcomes. Using data from 108 farms in Heraklion and Lassithi, we constructed composite indicators, such as Labour Intensity, Sustainability Engagement, and Training-Adjusted Labour indices. Analysis of 37 farms with data revealed a heterogeneous landscape. Traditional family-based systems persist alongside uneven shifts toward agroecological practices. The Training-Adjusted Labour Index correlated with reduced pesticide use, while subsidy participation alone was not a reliable predictor of sustainable behaviour. Findings highlight limits of compliance-based incentives and the importance of knowledge-driven transitions. This study advocates typology-informed policies and longitudinal research for future policy design. Full article