Search Results (1,088)

Effective risk communication designed for risk management increases concern and motivates action by providing guidance and specific actions that can be taken. When exposures to environmental contaminants or stressors are ubiquitous or pollutant sources are not easily controlled, also decreasing sustainability, risk communication is focused on actions for risk reduction and avoidance. Three recommended practices (use of virtual exemplars, narrative, and social media) are discussed as tactics and platforms to inform public beliefs and behaviors and to encourage adoption of long-term planning goals that avoid the consequences of future risks. These risk communication strategies appeal broadly to lay audiences, are not limited to scientists and science-trained risk communicators, and are consistent with the US EPA’s SALT Framework, a research-based approach with recommended practices to guide risk communication. The overall strategy is to make risk communication more effective by using approaches that are dynamic, interactive, engaging, and relatable. Full article

Dog overpopulation poses serious challenges to public health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. While surgical castration remains the most commonly used method for controlling reproduction in dogs, it carries risks and limitations, including surgical complications and long-term behavioral or physiological side effects. This review examines the potential of immunocastration—vaccination targeting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)—as an alternative approach. Immunocastration has been shown to suppress reproductive hormones, reduce gonadal function, and decrease behaviors such as roaming, aggression, and sexual mounting in dogs. The review also includes evidence from other species (e.g., pigs, cattle, and horses) to contextualize effectiveness and welfare implications. While behavioral effects are more variable and less frequently studied than physiological outcomes, recent findings suggest immunocastration may have fewer negative emotional side effects (e.g., anxiety and stress-related behaviors) than surgical sterilization. The review highlights the mechanisms, applications, and behavioral outcomes of immunocastration, including its reversibility, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for mass implementation. Overall, immunocastration offers a promising addition to dog population management strategies, particularly in regions with limited surgical infrastructure. Future research should focus on standardizing vaccine protocols and assessing long-term behavioral and welfare outcomes in diverse dog populations. Full article

This study investigates the complex relationship between the performance of logistics and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, drawing upon the multi-methodological framework of combining econometrics with state-of-the-art machine learning approaches. Employing Instrumental Variable (IV) Panel data regressions, viz., 2SLS and G2SLS, with data from a balanced panel of 163 countries covering the period from 2007 to 2023, the research thoroughly investigates how the performance of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) is correlated with a variety of ESG indicators. To enrich the analysis, machine learning models—models based upon regression, viz., Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines, Boosting Regression, Decision Tree Regression, and Linear Regressions, and clustering, viz., Density-Based, Neighborhood-Based, and Hierarchical clustering, Fuzzy c-Means, Model-Based, and Random Forest—were applied to uncover unknown structures and predict the behavior of LPI. Empirical evidence suggests that higher improvements in the performance of logistics are systematically correlated with nascent developments in all three dimensions of the environment (E), social (S), and governance (G). The evidence from econometrics suggests that higher LPI goes with environmental trade-offs such as higher emissions of greenhouse gases but cleaner air and usage of resources. On the S dimension, better performance in terms of logistics is correlated with better education performance and reducing child labor, but also demonstrates potential problems such as social imbalances. For G, better governance of logistics goes with better governance, voice and public participation, science productivity, and rule of law. Through both regression and cluster methods, each of the respective parts of ESG were analyzed in isolation, allowing us to study in-depth how the infrastructure of logistics is interacting with sustainability research goals. Overall, the study emphasizes that while modernization is facilitated by the performance of the infrastructure of logistics, this must go hand in hand with policy intervention to make it socially inclusive, environmentally friendly, and institutionally robust. Full article

Public attitudes toward renewable energy sources (RES) have been widely studied at the household level. However, less is known about how citizens differ in their broader perceptions, knowledge, and behavioral orientations toward renewable energy. This study explores such heterogeneity within Polish society using survey data from a representative sample of 974 respondents. An exploratory factor analysis identified six dimensions of renewable energy attitudes: environmental concern, knowledge and awareness, social and economic support, perceived ease of use, perceived benefits, and behavioral intentions. Using these attitudinal dimensions, cluster analysis revealed two distinct consumer segments that differ in their overall level of engagement with renewable energy. The first cluster comprises pro-green and engaged individuals who express strong concern for environmental issues, have a greater awareness of the benefits of renewable energy, and are more ready to adopt such technologies. The second cluster represents respondents who are less engaged or skeptical, with weaker environmental and behavioral commitment. The comparison of sociodemographic characteristics across clusters showed no statistically significant differences in gender, age, education, or place of residence, and only a marginal effect for income. The findings suggest that support for renewable energy in Poland is not driven by demographics but somewhat shaped by cognitive and value-based factors, offering valuable insights for policymakers and communication strategists promoting the energy transition. Full article

Overweight and obesity are major public health concerns among children and adolescents worldwide. The most prevalent form is exogenous–constitutional obesity, which is driven by a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet in which caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure. Beyond their association with chronic disease, these factors are closely linked to deficits in cognitive development and executive functions essential for learning (including working memory, sustained attention, planning, behavioral self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility). Oxidative stress (OS), characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and extracellular fluids, is a significant potential mediator in childhood obesity and an important contributor to its comorbidities. The antioxidant defense system (AOD)’s activity largely depends on levels of trace element cofactors, which determine the body’s resistance to adverse environmental factors (the “maladaptation phenomenon”). OS and trace element deficiencies contribute to the development of morphological changes in the brain, thus serving as a critical connecting link between childhood obesity and cognitive impairment. Non-pharmacological interventions are the most accessible and effective approach for prevention and treatment. Bioactive compounds derived from food and natural plants, classified as antioxidants and phytopreparations, may represent a promising complementary approach. These compounds are most effective when used in combination with sustained lifestyle modifications in children. Research in this area can help define future directions for study and develop targeted intervention strategies in the pediatric population. The aim of this review is to examine the relationship between OS, antioxidant cofactor micronutrients, and cognitive outcomes in childhood obesity and to explore mechanisms, evidence, and therapeutic opportunities. Full article

The improper use of antibiotics accelerates the emergence of resistance via environmental selection pressures, jeopardizing public health and ecosystems by promoting the worldwide dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Reservoirs, as crucial water supplies, have been recognized as primary reservoirs of ARGs, particularly those that originate from the Yellow River, necessitating further investigation. This study analyzed 9 ARGs, 3 mobile genetic elements (MGEs), 16 antibiotics, and 10 heavy metals in water/sediments from three reservoirs originating from the Yellow River in Henan Province, China. The findings indicated that antibiotic concentrations in water exceeded those in sediment, with quinolones detected at 100% frequency (5.47–116.03 ng/L) and enrofloxacin predominating (3.36–107.71 ng/L). Redundancy analysis revealed that MGEs exert greater control over ARG dissemination than antibiotics, with intI1 showing strong positive correlations with sul1 (p < 0.05). Conversely, heavy metals (Zn, As, Cd) suppress ARG proliferation through negative selection pressures. A network study indicated Mycobacterium, Pseudarthrobacter, and Massilia as critical hosts for ermB, tetA, and qnrA, respectively. Of the three reservoirs, Jian’gang Reservoir, driven by synergistic effects of unique microbial ecology, water self-purification capacity, and flow dynamics, exhibited the best removal effectiveness of ARGs from input to outflow, with 71.75% in the water and 97.91% in the sediment. These findings provide critical insights into the prevalence, migration, and self-purification processes of ARGs in reservoirs originating from the Yellow River, integrating environmental factors and microbial data to clarify the complex dynamics affecting ARG behavior and inform targeted pollution control strategies. Full article

Background: The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has become a significant public health problem, especially among young people. EC use has been associated with increased nicotine exposure and other toxic substances, increasing the risk of early addiction and health problems. Recently, attention has focused on understanding the interplay between psychosocial stressors, exposure to violence, psychological distress, and an increased propensity to experiment with nicotine. Hence, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of EC use in the previous month and its associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on secondary data analysis of a nationwide survey conducted to monitor risk and protective factors for the health of school-aged adolescents (52.89% males; 55.97% aged up to 15 years old). Specifically, we analyzed data from adolescents aged 13–17 years who answered questions on EC use (n = 36,659). Results: The results show that the prevalence of EC use in this sample was 11.23% (IC95%: 11.23, 11.87). Logistic regression revealed several factors that increased the likelihood of EC use, such as alcohol use by friends, alcohol use in the past month, gender (male), intentional binge drinking, higher mental health symptoms, living in urban areas, experience of abuse at home, report of other drug use, and smoking friends, with the latter exerting a higher influence. Conclusion: Findings show the interplay of peers, family and environmental influences on youth risk behavior. Prevention strategies should therefore include school- and family-based interventions, trauma-informed approaches and anti-marketing campaigns to dispel misconceptions regarding EC. Full article

Delays caused by motor vehicle traffic, accidents, and environmental pollution present considerable challenges to sustainable urban mobility. To address these issues, transportation system users are encouraged to adopt active transportation methods, micromobility options, and public transit. Electric scooters have become a notably popular micromobility choice, especially following the emergence of vehicle-sharing companies in 2018, a trend that gained further momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the demographic characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors of e-scooter users in Istanbul through an online survey conducted from 1 September 2023 to 1 May 2024. A total of 462 e-scooter users participated, providing valuable insights into their preferred modes of transportation across 24 different scenarios specifically designed for this research. The responses were analyzed using various machine learning techniques, including Artificial Neural Networks, Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting methods. Among the models developed, the Decision Tree model exhibited the highest overall performance, demonstrating strong accuracy and predictive capabilities across all classifications. Notably, all models significantly surpassed the accuracy of discrete choice models reported in existing literature, underscoring the effectiveness of machine learning approaches in modeling transportation mode choices. The models created in this study can serve various purposes for researchers, central and local authorities, as well as e-scooter service providers, supporting their strategic and operational decision-making processes. Future research could explore different machine learning methodologies to create a model that more accurately reflects individual preferences across diverse urban environments. These models can assist in developing sustainable mobility policies and reducing the environmental footprint of urban transportation systems. Full article

This study systematically reviewed 38 peer-reviewed articles (2020–2024) on social media and environmental communication in China following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. It identified dominant research patterns across themes, theories, methods, and platforms. The field is heavily shaped by behavioral models (e.g., TPB, NAT) and survey-based designs, while institutional dynamics, platform governance, and cross-platform processes remain underexamined. Weibo and WeChat dominate as research sites, whereas short-video platforms like TikTok and Bilibili are emerging but undertheorized. Cross-level frameworks are frequently reduced to individual-level predictors, and social media are often treated as neutral delivery tools. The review highlights the need for multi-level approaches linking individual cognition, media architectures, and governance contexts to better capture how environmental publics form and operate in China’s platformed ecology. This study contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals by revealing how social media infrastructures mediate environmental awareness, engagement, and systemic change. Full article

As urbanization accelerates, children’s safety when crossing urban streets has become an increasingly prominent concern. However, current street designs and visual guidance facilities are largely configured around adult users and tend to overlook children’s distinct cognitive and perceptual characteristics. In this study, we used seven virtual reality (VR) street-crossing scenarios and combined questionnaires, eye tracking, and motion capture to evaluate how five types of visual guidance elements—Footprint (stop) markings and Traffic bollard, Color-Coded Arrows, Look left markings, Tactile Paving Patterns, and Stop line—affect children’s street-crossing behavior. The results show that Footprint (stop) markings and Traffic bollard clearly enhance children’s Stopping–Scanning Awareness, prompting them to slow down and briefly pause within the decision zone. The Look left markings provide only limited cues for Left–Right Scanning in both adults and children. Tactile Paving Patterns and Color-Coded Arrows effectively attract children’s visual attention, but may weaken their judgement of street-crossing risk. The Stop line strengthens the visual boundary and increases environmental monitoring awareness among all participants; however, this study did not observe a clear improvement in Gait variability. By extending theories of children’s traffic behavior, this study also highlights that some facilities labeled as “child-friendly” may be over-designed or cognitively misaligned with children’s actual perceptual and decision-making processes. These findings provide empirical evidence for optimizing street facilities and for developing related technical standards and public policies. Full article

Fruit and coffee industries are responsible for huge quantities of agro-industrial wastes which is of great environmental and public health concern. Therefore, the aim of this work involves the use of such wastes for the production of β-D-glucan from basidiomycete strains which are powerful biological response modifiers in several clinical disorders. Experimental planning for optimization of several parameters was carried out by a full factorial of two levels of three factors for production of beta-glucans and basidiomycete species, where waste concentration and interaction between species and agro-industrial waste were the most important factors. The best conditions involved a basidiomycete strain of Lentinula edodes in a culture medium containing 400 g/L of waste coffee grounds which revealed the production of extracellular β-glucans (141.16 mg/L) at the 3rd day of fermentation. Intrinsic fluorescence properties of mushroom β-D-glucan were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy as well as a fluorescence microtiter plate reader exhibiting emission peaks at 492 and 528 nm. Differential chromatographic behavior of β-D-glucan was investigated by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) using epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B containing different chelating agents, spacer arms, and metal ions. One-step purification of β-D-glucan was devised using a column of epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B-IDA-Cu (II). FTIR analysis of several β-D-glucans from the chromatographic fractions was carried out to investigate their structural properties. Full article

Fatal dog attacks are rare but devastating events with significant public health, forensic, and legal implications. Italy lacks a centralized registry for such incidents, limiting the ability to monitor trends and implement preventive strategies. This retrospective study analyzes all verified fatal dog attacks in Italy from 2009 to 2025. Data were collected from national and regional media, cross-verified, and organized into a comprehensive database. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic and Poisson regressions, and interaction analyses were performed to identify patterns in victim demographics, breed involvement, ownership status, and environmental context. A total of 54 fatal attacks were recorded, with an increasing trend observed in the last five years. Elderly individuals (≥65) and preschool-aged children (≤4) were the most affected groups. Molosser and bull-type breeds were implicated in 69% of cases, and 92.6% of attacks involved owned dogs—more than half belonging to the victim. Private settings accounted for 66.7% of incidents. Comparative analysis with U.S. data revealed similar demographic and breed-related patterns, but also highlighted Italy’s lack of a centralized behavioral risk registry. Fatal dog attacks in Italy follow recurring and preventable patterns. The absence of a national database severely limits surveillance and intervention. A centralized behavioral risk registry, modeled on international systems, should be established to support early detection, policy development, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Full article

Urban street sweeping infrastructure plays a critical role in municipal solid waste management by mitigating particulate matter resuspension and preventing contaminant mobilization into water bodies, thereby supporting public health and environmental sustainability. The primary objective of this study is to develop a dynamic evaluation model for urban street sweeping services in four localities of Bogotá, Colombia. Operating system variables are integrated with citizens’ perceptions to capture their coupled socio-environmental behavior. The methodology comprised four phases: a global literature review, a citizen-perception survey, the development of a dynamic simulation model integrating perceptions, and a statistical analysis of all collected data. The results demonstrate that technical efficiency in street sweeping operations, measured through the street cleanliness index, is insufficient to ensure service sustainability without incorporating citizen perception metrics. The model reveals that geometric, spatial, and climatic factors reduce the street cleanliness index by up to 100%, highlighting infrastructure vulnerability to external conditions. Model validation exposes a critical gap between operational cleanliness and citizen perception, with decreases of up to 64.2% in comprehensive service evaluation. The inclusion of perception indicators (Cronbach’s α = 0.770) underscores the significance of variables such as service punctuality and personnel attitude in determining citizen satisfaction and overall service assessment. The dynamic model constitutes a robust decision-support tool for optimizing resource allocation, mitigating socio-environmental impacts, and strengthening institutional legitimacy in urban infrastructure maintenance. Nevertheless, limitations in representing external factors (informal commerce and illegally parked vehicles) and spatial heterogeneity in cleanliness indices suggest future research directions incorporating stochastic modeling approaches and longitudinal studies on citizen perception dynamics. Full article

Nanotechnology is reshaping the built environment by enabling the development of materials that improve structural performance, energy efficiency, durability, and environmental quality. This paper reviews nano-enabled construction materials through a micro–meso–macro lens, linking material mechanisms to building behavior and urban impacts. It highlights both their potential contributions to decarbonization, public health, and urban resilience, and the parallel challenges of energy-intensive production, uncertain toxicological profiles, and regulatory gaps. Finally, it argues for responsible integration based on life-cycle thinking, precautionary risk governance, and updated architectural and engineering education so that nano-enabled innovation supports truly sustainable, equitable cities rather than new forms of hidden risk. Full article

Rescue operations involving baleen whales trapped in dammed environments are difficult to perform successfully, yet increasingly relevant under growing coastal development. We report on a two-day (9–10 February 2023) rescue of a juvenile humpback whale trapped upstream of the Rance Tidal Power Station (TPS) in Brittany, France, providing rare peer-review evidence on response strategies in highly engineered estuaries. A collaborative, non-invasive strategy was implemented by adjusting water levels and creating artificial tidal currents to prevent the whale from stranding and to guide the individual back to open water. Approximately 100 people were mobilized as part of the rescue operation. This paper describes a detailed spatiotemporal account of the whale’s movements and a chronological record of the actions taken by the rescue team. After several attempts to guide it out, rescue efforts enabled its successful exit from the estuary on the second day of operations, and it was not subsequently reported stranded along the French coast. This case demonstrates the value of rapid multidisciplinary coordination between the French National Stranding Network (composed of marine scientists, veterinarians and local correspondents), local organizations, the local marine biology station, international marine mammal experts, national institutions, authorities and a tidal energy operator. Beyond documenting an unusual event, this paper provides operational lessons, highlighting (i) the adaptative management of a TPS as a guidance tool, (ii) the prioritization of animal welfare and responders’ safety, (iii) the effective public and media management and (iv) the involvement of trained volunteers during the rescue, promoting environmentally responsible behavior. These insights are transferable to other cases to inform future baleen whales rescue protocols in anthropogenic environments. Full article