Search Results (1,869)

This study investigates the influence of toxic language in hate speech targeting immigrants, particularly through narrative formats like first-person X (Twitter) threads. Hate speech, defined as promotion of hatred based on personal or group characteristics, increasingly escalates on social media, impacting public attitudes and behaviors. While previous research has primarily focused on measuring the scope of hate speech through content analysis and computational methods, there has been limited attention to its effects on audiences. This study presents the results of an online experiment (N = 339) with a 2 × 2 between-subjects design that manipulates the presence of toxic language and message popularity. Results indicate that hate messages lacking toxic language promote greater identity fusion with the author of the message, which in turn increases the intention to share the message, reinforces negative attitudes toward immigrants, and increases support for harsh policies against irregular immigration. Moreover, non-toxic hate messages significantly enhance narrative transportation exclusively for individuals with conservative political views, thereby further increasing their intention to share the message. These findings highlight that subtler forms of hate speech can create strong audience connections with hostile perspectives, emphasizing the need for anti-hate campaigns to address both overt and subtle hate content. Full article

Food waste generated by hospitalized patients represents a significant challenge with environmental, economic, and social implications. In this context, Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production patterns, highlights the urgency of reducing this waste as an essential measure to mitigate climate change, optimize resource use, and improve the sustainability of health and food systems. This study presents a narrative review of the literature, complemented by a bibliometric analysis, aimed at synthesizing the available evidence on food waste in hospitals. Based on the identification of 746 records in different databases published between 2019 and 2024, studies focusing on the determining factors, quantification methods, and sustainable strategies to mitigate hospital food waste were included. The lack of menu personalization, the perceived low quality of food, operational disorganization, and reduced patient appetite are identified as relevant factors associated with waste at the hospital level, while direct weighing remains the most accurate quantification method. The sustainable strategies reviewed can reduce food waste and improve hospital sustainability; however, there remains limited assessment of their long-term impact. Our results highlight the urgent need to address food waste in hospitals through the implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based strategies. Full article

This paper investigates travellers’ intentions, with regard to preferences for a green and/or ethical hotel, boycotting hotels accused of extreme environmental damages or over-exploitation of workers, and sharing relevant information on social media. Questioning the claim that intentions to prefer a green hotel are based mainly or even solely on practical criteria, this study focuses on examining the influencing power of values. The Values-Beliefs-Norms model was employed and modified as the New Environmental Paradigm was replaced by climate change risk perception. Personal interviews were conducted with consumers in the urban area of Thessaloniki, Greece, using a structured questionnaire for data collection. Area sampling, in combination with quota sampling, in terms of gender and age, was used. Results provided that egoistic and altruistic values were excluded from the final structural model, and just biospheric values indicated a statistically significant positive relationship with Risk Perception. The other hypothesised consecutive relationships between Biospheric Values (BV), Risk Perception (RP), Awareness of Consequences (AC), Ascription of Responsibility (AR), Personal Norms (PN) and Intentions (Int) were found to be statistically significant and positive. Overall, 80.9% of the variance in Intentions was explained, while Personal Norms indicated the stronger impact on Intentions among all other relationships in the chain. Eventually, theoretical and practical implications, as well as future research directions, are suggested. Full article

Drawing on Sen’s capabilities approach and digital empowerment frameworks, this study investigates digital literacy as a mediating factor in the conversion of structural resources into empowerment outcomes for indigenous women artisans of native cotton in northern Peru. A cross-sectional explanatory study involving 100 craftswomen used structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impact of technological infrastructure, sociodemographic factors, and sociocultural knowledge on economic, personal, and social empowerment, with digital literacy as the necessary mediating mechanism. A 45-item questionnaire assessed predictor variables, the four mediator dimensions (cognitive, technical, social and communicative competencies) and the three domains of empowerment as dependent variables. PLS-SEM analysis in SmartPLS 4.0 showed that the model fit well (SRMR = 0.072, CFI = 0.931) and that the structural factors accounted for 80.4% of the variance in digital literacy. The mediator had a large effect on all areas of empowerment but had the largest effect on economic empowerment (β = 0.846, R² = 0.709) compared to personal and social empowerment (β = 0.618, β = 0.628, R² ≈ 0.37). The indirect effects validated the mediating role of digital literacy, demonstrating its function as an essential conversion mechanism that transforms infrastructural, sociodemographic, and knowledge resources into tangible empowerment gains. The results provide empirical support for skills-based frameworks in digital inclusion initiatives, advancing SDGs 5, 8, and 9 by illustrating how digital skills empower vulnerable artisanal communities to transform traditional knowledge and access to technology into multifaceted empowerment outcomes. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent difficulties in communication, language, and social interaction, which requires innovative strategies and resources that promote educational inclusion and personal autonomy. In this context, digital technologies have established themselves as support tools with significant potential for the communicative and linguistic development of people with ASD. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of recent scientific literature on the use of digital applications aimed at developing communication and language in people with ASD. The search was carried out in the Scopus, Google Scholar, and Mendeley databases, covering the period from 2019 to 2024. The methodological criteria of the PRISMA statement were applied, resulting in a total of 61 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results show that digital applications implemented in educational, family, and community contexts promote linguistic comprehension and expression, increase motivation and active participation, and enhance the functional autonomy of people with ASD. However, limitations were identified related to technological accessibility, specific training for teaching and therapeutic staff, and the scarcity of longitudinal studies assessing the sustained impact of these interventions. In conclusion, this review offers an up-to-date and rigorous synthesis that can guide teachers, therapists, families, and researchers in the selection and use of digital applications as inclusive resources, contributing to the strengthening of communication, social participation, and quality of life for people with ASD. Full article

Background: Evidence on the long-term impact of sapropterin in phenylketonuria (PKU) is limited. Understanding its effects on dietary restrictions, growth in children, and caregiver burden is essential to optimize PKU management. Methods: This prospective, two-year longitudinal study with a comparison group followed 33 children with PKU after sapropterin responsiveness assessment (21 responsive, 12 non-responsive). Outcomes included metabolic control, prescribed protein intake, dietary patterns, growth, psychological measures, and caregiver burden. Results: Sapropterin-responsive children increased natural protein intake from 10 g to 28 g/day at 2 years (p < 0.001), with reduced protein substitute intake (60 g [56–63] to 45 g [40–60], p < 0.05); no changes occurred in non-responsive children (p > 0.05). Animal-based foods (cheese, eggs, meat, fish) were introduced in 52% (11/21) of responsive children once tolerance exceeded approximately 25 g/day. The caregivers of responsive children reported reduced financial, familial-social, and personal burden (all p ≤ 0.05), alongside decreased food neophobia (p = 0.005) and caregiver depression (p = 0.013). In sapropterin-responsive children, weight and BMI z-scores remained stable, while height z-score increased over 24 months (p = 0.03); non-responsive children had higher weight and BMI z-scores than responsive children at 24 months (p = 0.037 and p = 0.026). Blood phenylalanine concentrations remained within recommended target ranges overall, with lower median values in responsive children at several time points. Conclusions: Sapropterin enabled more flexible, sustainable dietary management in responsive children with PKU, supporting metabolic control, growth, and improved family well-being and social participation. Equitable access to therapies and long-term dietetic support remain essential to optimize outcomes. Full article

The quality of life of a host community residing in a tourist destination is significantly influenced by the consequences of tourism development in the region. Such development generates both positive impacts, such as benefits, and negative impacts, or costs, simultaneously. The main aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between residents’ perception of tourism’s dual impact (positive and negative) on the host community and their attitude towards sustainable tourism development in the Krishna-Braj Tourism Circuit in the province of Uttar Pradesh of India. The study also examined the nature of the relationship between personal benefits drawn from tourism development and residents’ perception of tourism’s dual impact on the host community. The social exchange theory served as the foundation of the study. The tourism sustainability framework, which includes three pillars, viz., economic, environmental, and socio-cultural tourism impacts, was used to analyse the dual impact of tourism on residents in the region. In total, 370 residents were identified using a proportionate quota sampling technique and interviewed. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed theoretical model and to examine the hypothesised relationship between study variables. The study found that residents drawing personal benefits from tourism development (such as income, job, socialisation, etc.) in the region tend to perceive tourism impacts positively and show supportive attitudes toward sustainable tourism development in the region. At the same time, the influence of personal benefits from tourism development on perceived negative impacts was found not significant. Additionally, positive perceived tourism impacts significantly shaped residents’ attitudes, while the expected negative influence of negative tourism impacts on attitudes was unsupported. In a nutshell, the study supports that the bene-fits residents derive from tourism strongly shape their perceptions and support sustainable tourism development in the region. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a multifactorial condition and a major public health challenge. Conventional treatment centers on caloric restriction, which is often unsustainable and may cause stigma and psychoemotional harm. This study aimed to describe the methodology and assess the effects of a multicomponent nutritional intervention not focused on caloric restriction on psychoemotional outcomes. Women were selected as the target population because of the higher prevalence of obesity-related psychoemotional distress, body dissatisfaction, and weight-related stigma in this group, as well as their greater vulnerability to the psychosocial impacts of weight-focused interventions. Methods: This randomised, parallel, open-label trial included 89 obese women from primary care in Viçosa, Brazil. The participants were allocated into three groups: Group 1 (Control), which received a personalised hypocaloric diet (from 500 to 1000 kcal/day); Group 2 (NutrirCom (NutrirCom is a multicomponent, person-centred nutritional intervention protocol that is not focused on caloric restriction, conceived by a group of researchers at the Federal University of Viçosa for the care of women with obesity in Primary Health Care. It integrates nutritional, psychoemotional, behavioural, and social strategies, with an emphasis on promoting eating autonomy, mental health, and quality of life through a humanised, integrated, and sustainable approach, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of health care delivery and clinical practice)), which received 10 individual NutrirCom-based sessions; and Group 3 (NutrirCom + Social Support), which combined individual NutrirCom sessions with monthly group meetings for social support. Randomisation was stratified by body mass index via Excel^® with concealed allocation. The six-month intervention assessed changes in stress, anxiety, depression, and self-compassion, along with anthropometric and metabolic markers. Results: All groups presented reductions in waist circumference, fasting glucose, and total body fat, with increased lean mass. Anxiety remained unchanged in Group 1 but decreased significantly in Groups 2 (p = 0.002) and 3 (p = 0.005). Only Group 2 showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms (p = 0.023). Self-compassion improved significantly in groups 2 and 3. Conclusions: NutrirCom is a low-cost, scalable, and human-centered intervention that integrates emotional, social, and nutritional aspects of care. This approach shows promise as a sustainable strategy for obesity treatment in primary health care. Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (no. RBR-87wb8x5). Full article

The crown conveys a rich tapestry of history and deep cultural resonances among the Yoruba people of South-western Nigeria, beyond its representation as an emblem of leadership, royalty, and nobility. This article explores layers of the meaning of crown in the Yoruba personal naming system. It relies on an ethnopragmatic theory to analyse the cultural significance and symbolic impact of crown-related names among the Yoruba. Drawing on a qualitative research approach using participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 25 participants who were purposively sampled in Ikeja, Lagos State, we argue that crown-related names are not mere identifiers or person reference labels, but they provide cultural insights and reflections on the foundation of authority and continuity, and carry the aspirational principles of the Yoruba traditional structure. The names symbolise personal journey; reinforce the hierarchical structure of the Yoruba society; and highlight the people’s deep connection to their ancestral lineage. This study concludes that crown-related names encapsulate the values, beliefs, and social structures of the Yoruba society, serving as enduring markers of dynastic identity and cultural values. In this way, crown-related names represent badges of honour that validate their bearers’ self-worth and dignity. Full article

Obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities and therefore requires a multidisciplinary approach. Particular attention is given to the role of visceral adiposity and its impact on quality of life. Childhood obesity, in particular, is a major global public health challenge with physical, psychological, and social consequences extending into adulthood. Within the framework of personalized medicine, assessing physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) offers valuable insight for defining individualized therapeutic goals. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between physical fitness and HRQoL in children with simple obesity and to highlight the potential value of personalized approaches in pediatric obesity management. Methods: This study included 123 patients aged 8–16 years with simple obesity who were hospitalized at the Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw. Obesity was diagnosed according to CDC growth charts (OLAF study). Physical fitness was assessed using the EUROFIT test battery (8 trials), and HRQoL was measured with the Kidscreen-52 questionnaire (10 domains). Results: The overall EUROFIT test performance in the study group was significantly lower compared with population norms (p < 0.001). Similarly, HRQoL scores reported by both children and their parents were significantly below reference values (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Reduced physical fitness is strongly associated with impaired quality of life in children with obesity. Personalized interventions aimed at improving motor performance may represent an effective strategy in the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity. Full article

Prescription drug misuse among youth is a significant public health problem that can lead to negative consequences, including addiction and overdose deaths. This study examined the effectiveness of an evidence-based hybrid approach in preventing prescription drug misuse outcomes in high school students. The prevention program used a combination of e-learning modules and classroom activities to enhance social and personal competence skills and refusal skills to deter prescription drug misuse and other types of substance misuse. Findings indicated that prescription sedative misuse was lower among students who received the hybrid prevention program compared to students in the control group. Perceived risk of using prescription sedatives, painkillers, and stimulants prescribed for someone else was higher in the intervention group relative to the control group students. These findings indicate that a comprehensive, universal school-based hybrid prevention program can produce positive impacts on sedative use and perceived risks of prescription drug misuse. Full article

This study explored the impact of social conformity when participants encountered unanimous responses from bots to both objective and subjective questions. Seventy-two participants from Heidelberg University participated in a simulated “Quiz Show”, answering general knowledge and opinion-based questions on economic policy. Using a within-subject design, participants first responded independently, then saw answers from three bots modeled after Asch’s classic conformity studies, which were displayed with usernames and profile pictures generated by artificial intelligence. The results showed significant conformity for both objective and subjective questions, regardless of whether the bot responses aligned with or opposed the initial beliefs of the participants. Gender differences emerged, with women showing higher conformity rates, as well as conformity in objective and subjective contexts appeared to be driven by distinct personality traits. Full article

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in e-commerce has intensified data-driven personalization, raising important questions about its psychological implications for consumers and its role in shaping sustainable and responsible digital business practices. This study examines how AI-driven personalization affects consumer psychological well-being in the Turkish e-commerce market and investigates the roles of privacy concerns and brand trust in shaping this relationship from a social sustainability and responsible AI perspective. The research develops and empirically tests an integrated model comprising perceived personalization, privacy concerns, psychological well-being, and brand trust. Survey data from 400 active e-commerce customers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings show that both perceived relevance and perceived specificity significantly enhance psychological well-being by reducing cognitive overload and increasing perceived value. However, these personalization dimensions also increase privacy concerns, with perceived specificity exerting a notably stronger effect. Privacy concerns negatively affect psychological well-being and competitively mediate the relationship between personalization and well-being, reflecting the Personalization–Privacy Paradox in AI-driven e-commerce contexts. Moreover, brand trust significantly moderates this dynamic by weakening the harmful impact of privacy concerns on psychological well-being. Overall, the findings indicate that privacy concerns represent a latent social cost that can undermine the long-term sustainability of data-intensive business models when not governed by trust-based mechanisms. Full article

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers over 99% protection against HIV when used consistently, but stigma continues to undermine persistence in care. While much research has described the external manifestations of PrEP-related stigma, less is known about how individuals cope with these stigmas and how such coping processes influence persistence. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, this study examined the psychosocial strategies men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tanzania use to cope with PrEP-related stigma and sustain persistence in care. Methods: Thirty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with purposefully selected MSM aged 18–38 years at Ngamiani Health Centre in Tanga region. The sampling included both persistent and non-persistent PrEP users with variation in age and sexual position preferences. Participants were sampled for variation in persistence status (persistent and non-persistent), age, and sexual position preference to capture heterogeneity in stigma experiences and coping processes. Interviews were conducted in Kiswahili, audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants described PrEP-related stigma as socially constructed through narratives that equated PrEP with HIV treatment, labeled it a “gay pill,” associated it with promiscuity, or linked it to bodily harm or increased HIV risk. These stigmas impact persistence in care through discouraging clinic visits and daily pill taking. However, some participants remained persistent in care despite stigma by using protective mental strategies such as personal agency, mental time travel, and affirmation from supportive social connections, which buffered emotional impacts and sustained persistence. Conclusions: Persistence in PrEP care is shaped not only by stigma in the social environment but also by how individuals interpret and respond to it. Interventions should therefore combine structural stigma-reduction efforts with mental health-informed strategies that strengthen agency and supportive social relationships to sustain PrEP engagement among MSM. Full article

Practical theology is the application of theological reflection to concrete human experience—how faith is interpreted and embodied within shifting social realities. In the article, I examine how Islamic practical theology was interpreted amid the extensive crisis in light of the Gaza war in post-October 7 America, connecting it to the Islamic concept of da’wa (call to Islam). As a case study, I explore the doctrine of Sheikh Yasir Qadhi, one of the most prominent clerics in the US, who emerged as part of a new generation of young American imams who burst into the Western public sphere during the post-9/11 era. The rise of social media gained him prestige and solidified his global influence, amplifying his impact on shaping contemporary Islamic discourse to millions in America and the West. Similar to Qadhi’s post-9/11 use of da’wa as a practical theology that transformed Islamophobia into a means of strengthening faith and American Muslim identity, his post-October 7 da’wa discourse is a clear case of Islamic practical theology in response to crisis. Following the October 7 events, Qadhi framed the chaotic situation in Gaza as both a spiritual and activist catalyst. His emphasis on da’wa promoted personal piety, repentance, and communal solidarity, while also urging political activism, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for global Muslim causes. This dual strategy—spiritual renewal intertwined with socio-political mobilization—illustrates how da’wa functions as a flexible instrument of Islamic practical theology addressing individual, communal, and national concerns. By comparing Qadhi’s post-9/11 and post-October 7 discourses, the article highlights a shift from defensive apologetics shaped by Islamophobia to a more assertive public theology intertwined with political engagement. This evolution illustrates how American Muslim leadership employs a living, crisis-responsive theology to redefine faith, identity, and responsibility in moments of profound upheaval. Full article