Search Results (1,170)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted global attention due to their persistence and biological toxicity, becoming critical emerging contaminants in river and lake environments worldwide. Building upon existing studies, this work aims to comprehensively understand the pollution patterns, environmental behaviors, and potential risks of PFASs in freshwater systems, thereby providing scientific evidence and technical support for precise pollution control, risk prevention, and the protection of aquatic ecosystems and human health. Based on publications from 2002 to 2025 indexed in the Web of Science (WoS), bibliometric analysis was used to explore the temporal evolution and research hotspots of PFASs, and to systematically review their input pathways, pollution characteristics, environmental behaviors, influencing factors, and ecological and health risks in river and lake environments. Results show that PFAS inputs originate from both direct and indirect pathways. Direct emissions mainly stem from industrial production, consumer product use, and waste disposal, while indirect emissions arise from precursor transformation, secondary releases from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT). Affected by source distribution, physicochemical properties, and environmental conditions, PFASs display pronounced spatial variability among environmental media. Their partitioning, degradation, and migration are jointly controlled by molecular properties, aquatic physicochemical conditions, and interactions with dissolved organic matter (DOM). Current risk assessments indicate that PFASs generally pose low risks in non-industrial areas, yet elevated ecological and health risks persist in industrial clusters and regions with intensive aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) use. Quantitative evaluation of mixture toxicity and chronic low-dose exposure risks remains insufficient and warrants further investigation. This study reveals the complex, dynamic environmental behaviors of PFASs in river and lake systems. Considering the interactions between PFASs and coexisting components, future research should emphasize mechanisms, key influencing factors, and synergistic control strategies under multi-media co-pollution. Developing quantitative risk assessment frameworks capable of characterizing integrated mixture toxicity will provide a scientific basis for the precise identification and effective management of PFAS pollution in aquatic environments. Full article

This systematic review applies the PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) to evaluate the use of recycled sand, obtained from construction and demolition waste (CDW), in mortars for civil construction. A total of 24 studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed, retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The main objective is to assess the technical feasibility and environmental benefits of recycled sand in mortars, while addressing research gaps such as the lack of standardized methodologies and the limited understanding of durability at higher replacement levels. Given the significant resource consumption and waste generation in the construction sector, the study highlights emerging trends in adopting recycled sand as a sustainable alternative to natural aggregates. Findings indicate that optimal replacement levels range between 30 and 50% in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortars, and up to 100% in geopolymer mixtures when appropriate processing and activation methods are applied, without compromising mechanical performance. Reported benefits include cost reduction, lower carbon footprint, and enhanced compactness. However, challenges such as higher porosity and the need for optimized mix designs, and high heterogeneity of CDW sources and processing methods remain. Overall, the review confirms that recycled sand is a technically viable and environmentally beneficial material for mortar production, though future research must focus on harmonizing test protocols and long-term performance evaluation. In addition, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to map scientific output on this topic, identifying key countries, journals, and publication trends. Full article

The One Health approach offers an integrative framework to understand infectious threats, environmental factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and how their interactions affect the human–animal–environment interface. This review examines the epidemiology, transmission pathways, and mechanisms of microorganisms of public health importance (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses). It highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, where the environment plays a central role in the dissemination of pathogens, driven by climate change, globalization, agricultural intensification, and habitat degradation. AMR is a major concern, driven by the indiscriminate use of pharmaceuticals in human, veterinary, and agricultural settings, horizontal gene transfer through mobile genetic elements, and microbial evolution. The study of different pathogens is of great importance due to their high prevalence in different ecosystems, their virulence, clinical interest, and mortality rates produced. Some of them are ESKAPE bacteria, Candida auris, Plasmodium falciparum, and emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which present complex transmission dynamics influenced by ecological and health determinants. The review also addresses the effects of climate change on the persistence and geographic spread of pathogens. Successful implementation of the One Health program requires intersectoral policies, integrated surveillance systems, prudent use of antimicrobials and investment in translational science. Coordinating these strategies is essential to limit the spread of pathogens, protect biodiversity, and save global health in the face of the growing threat of infectious diseases. Full article

Assessment practices are central to higher education, particularly critical in theory-based programs, where they facilitate the development of conceptual understanding and higher-order cognitive skills. They also support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to drive educational innovation. This narrative review examines assessment practices in theory-based programs at a Saudi public university, identifies discrepancies with learning objectives, and proposes potential solutions. A narrative review synthesised peer-reviewed literature (2015–2025) from Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and Google Scholar, focusing on traditional and alternative assessments, barriers, progress, and comparisons with international standards. The review found that traditional summative methods (quizzes, final exams) still dominate and emphasise memorisation, limiting the development of higher-order skills. Emerging techniques, such as projects, portfolios, oral presentations, and peer assessment, are gaining traction but face institutional constraints and resistance from faculty. Digital adoption is growing: 63% of students are satisfied with learning management system tools, and 75% find online materials easy to understand; yet, advanced analytics and AI-based assessments are rare. A comparative analysis reveals that international standards favour formative feedback, adaptive technologies, and holistic competencies. The misalignment between current practices and Vision 2030 highlights the need to broaden assessment portfolios, integrate technology, and provide faculty training. Saudi theory-based programs must transition from memory-oriented evaluations to student-centred, evidence-based assessments that foster critical thinking and real-world application. Adopt diverse assessments (projects, portfolios, peer reviews), invest in digital analytics and adaptive learning, align assessments with learning outcomes and Vision 2030 competencies, and implement ongoing faculty development. The study offers practical pathways for reform and highlights strategic opportunities for achieving Saudi Arabia’s national learning outcomes. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prominent contributor to global cancer-related mortality and is characterized by unfavorable prognosis despite regional discrepancies in its occurrence. Understanding and awareness of HCC among health science students are crucial for early detection and enhanced patient outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated awareness of HCC among health science students at Jazan University and identified areas that require further education. The study included health science students enrolled in various academic programs at Jazan University. A structured online questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and assess knowledge related to HCC. The sample size was determined based on prevalence estimates, and statistical analyses were performed using the R software (version 4.3.1). Results: The study found that 61% of the health science students had good knowledge of HCC. Of the 411 participants, most were young (≤24 years), single, and enrolled in allied and health sciences programs. Although 55.20% were familiar with HCC, their awareness of screening methods and preventive measures was limited. Hepatitis B vaccination has been recognized as an effective preventive measure. A logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between age, sex, academic year, and awareness of HCC, with 1.91-, 1.94-, and 2.83-times higher odds ratios, respectively. Conclusions: This study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions and public awareness campaigns to improve understanding, early detection, and prevention of HCC among health science students. Full article

Urban green walking systems have emerged as a pivotal strategy to alleviate urban challenges, enhance public health, and promote sustainable urban development, garnering increasing attention across multiple disciplines. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of literature published in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1998 and 2023, employing the R-based tool Bibliometrix (version 4.5.0) to analyze research output, scholarly contributions, and thematic evolution. Findings reveal an overall growth in publications, with the field progressing through nascent (1998–2016), rapid growth (2017–2020), and stable maturity (2021–2023) phases. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening recorded the highest number of publications, while Landscape and Urban Planning exhibited strong academic influence. China and the United States are leading contributors, though international collaboration rates suggest opportunities for broader global engagement. Core research themes center on health promotion, spatial planning, and social equity, reflecting interdisciplinary integration across environmental science, urban planning, and public health. Despite the formation of an emerging theoretical framework, gaps persist regarding research trajectory clarity, interdisciplinary depth, thematic synthesis, and methodological diversity. Future research should expand multilingual and multi-source datasets, integrate field-based investigations with quantitative modeling, and advance understanding of the mechanisms underpinning urban green walking systems, thereby informing evidence-based urban planning and the development of livable cities. Full article

Understanding the thermal environment of outdoor public spaces is critical for climate-responsive architectural design, evidence-based urban science, and data-driven smart city planning. Thermal comfort shapes both individual decision-making and collective behavioural patterns, offering valuable insights for designing spaces that support year-round vitality. This study investigates the relationship between thermal conditions and crowd behaviour in severe cold regions by combining behavioural mapping with on-site environmental measurements. Results show that in high-temperature conditions, spatial distribution is primarily influenced by sunlight and shade, whereas at low temperatures, sunlight has minimal effect on space use. Attendance, duration of stay, and activity intensity follow quadratic relationships with the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), with optimal values at 29 °C, 26 °C, and 27 °C, respectively. Walking speed is inversely correlated with UTCI, with the fastest speeds observed under cold discomfort, reflecting rapid departure from space. Sitting behaviour peaks at 21 °C UTCI and declines to nearly zero when UTCI is below 10 °C. A comparative analysis between Harbin and other regions reveals significant deviations from temperate zone patterns and greater similarity to subtropical behavioural responses. A key contribution of this study is the introduction of the spatial usage rate model and the foot vote method, two novel, observation-based tools that allow for the objective estimation of thermal comfort without relying solely on subjective surveys. These methods offer architects, planners, and smart city practitioners a powerful evidence-based framework to evaluate and optimise outdoor thermal performance, ultimately enhancing usability, adaptability, and public engagement in cold-climate cities. Full article

This study conducts a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of scientific publications examining the relationship between consumer behaviour toward sustainably produced beer and the consumption and production context of their countries. Based on a sample of 112 articles (1991–2025) indexed in the Web of Science database, the main research lines, influential authors, applied methodologies, and emerging trends are identified. The analysis shows a growing interest in understanding how sustainable beer attributes influence consumer purchasing decisions, alongside notable thematic and methodological dispersion. Using tools such as VOSviewer 1.16.19 and SciMAT 1.1.06, the study maps the driving themes in the field, highlighting the centrality of concepts such as preferences and consumer behaviour. The results reveal both recent advances and existing gaps in the literature, especially with regard to beer in comparison to other beverages. This work contributes to the existing body of research and proposes future directions to enhance sustainability in the brewing sector from a consumer perspective, adding value to the beer industry and paving the way for more sustainable consumption. Full article

This paper describes a detailed evaluation of published works, in which proteomics methodological approaches and technologies were used to advance knowledge about small ruminants. The specific objective of this assessment was the presentation of quantitative characteristics on the content and the bibliometric details of publications on the use of proteomics methodological approaches and technologies in small ruminant work. For the search of published papers, the following topical search string was used: [sheep OR ovine OR Ovis aries OR goat* OR caprine OR Capra hircus] AND [proteom*], in the Web of Science database. In total, 481 published papers (448 original articles and 33 reviews) were evaluated individually. These originated from 56 countries, mostly from China and the United States of America, and increased gradually with time. Most (85.7%) original articles presented experimental work with animals, most often in sheep/goat production (37.4%) and reproduction (21.8%), and less often in physiology (19.0%) or diseases (17.9%). Tissues analyzed more often were milk (17.9%), blood (10.3%), and muscle (9.2%). The proteomics methodological approach and technology employed most frequently was the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (52.9% of articles). The journal, in which papers were published most frequently, was the Journal of Proteomics (8.3%). There were 3689 authors in total in the published papers, with a median number of 7 per paper Median number of references was 50 per published paper. Median number of citations was eight per published paper, and median number of annual citations was 2.0 per published paper. Significant predictors for the number of annual citations were (a) for reviews, the number of references, and (b) for original articles, the number of references, the topic of study, and the animal species referred to in the articles. The Epimetre briefly reviews the contribution of proteomics in the health management of sheep and goats. Overall, the results have indicated that the use of proteomics methodological approaches and technologies in sheep and goat work has advanced our knowledge and understanding of the biology of these two animal species in a multitude of fields and topics internationally, with an increasing dissemination and applicability. Full article

The purpose of this research is to systematically map and analyze the use of AI technologies in project management, identifying themes, research gaps, and practical implications. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) that combines bibliometric analysis with qualitative content evaluation to explore the present landscape of AI in project management. The search covered literature published until November 2024, ensuring inclusion of the most recent developments. Studies were included if they examined AI methods applied to project management contexts and were published in peer-reviewed English journals as articles, review articles, or early access publications; studies unrelated to project management or lacking methodological clarity were excluded. It follows a structured coding protocol informed by inductive and deductive reasoning, using NVivo (version 12) and Biblioshiny (version 4.3.0) software. From the entire set of 1064 records retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, 27 publications met the final inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Bibliometric clusters were derived from the entire set of 885 screened records, while thematic coding was applied to the 27 included studies. This review highlights the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Case-Based Reasoning (CBR), Digital Twins (DTs), and Large Language Models (LLMs) as central to recent progress. Bibliometric mapping identified several major thematic clusters. For this study, we chose those that show a clear link between artificial intelligence (AI) and project management (PM), such as expert systems, intelligent systems, and optimization algorithms. These clusters highlight the increasing influence of AI in improving project planning, decision-making, and resource management. Further studies investigate generative AI and the convergence of AI with blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, suggesting changes in project delivery approaches. Although adoption is increasing, key implementation issues persist. These include limited empirical evidence, inadequate attention to later project stages, and concerns about data quality, transparency, and workforce adaptation. This review improves understanding of AI’s role in project contexts and outlines areas for further research. For practitioners, the findings emphasize AI’s ability in cost prediction, scheduling, and risk assessment, while also emphasizing the importance of strong data governance and workforce training. This review is limited to English-language, peer-reviewed research indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, potentially excluding relevant grey literature or non-English contributions. This review was not registered and received no external funding. Full article

Soil chemicalization, involving the use of synthetic chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, has been crucial in modern agriculture but has raised concerns about soil degradation, environmental pollution, and long-term sustainability. Over the past few decades, research has evolved from studying the effects of heavy metals and pesticides to exploring emerging contaminants such as microplastics, biochar, and oxidative stress in soils. Despite this growing body of research, gaps remain in understanding long-term trends, shifts in research priorities, and dynamics of scientific contributions. Notably, bibliometric analyses specifically focused on soil fertilizer research and associated agricultural practices remain scarce and poorly represented in the scientific literature. This bibliometric study examines the development of soil chemicalization research from 1975 to 2025, using data from the Web of Science to analyze scientific output, international cooperation, and thematic patterns. Citation impact peaked in 2018, although recent declines reflect citation lag. China led in total output (1977 documents) but lagged in population-adjusted productivity compared to the U.S. and Australia. Thematic shifts moved from studies on heavy metals and pesticides to research on microplastics, biochar, and oxidative stress, with sustainable soil management becoming a critical focus. Keyword clusters emphasized agricultural sustainability, pollutant toxicity, and bioremediation. Leading institutions included Nanjing Agricultural University, while journals like Science of the Total Environment and Chemosphere led in publications. Challenges remain in evaluating the long-term ecological effects, optimizing sustainable alternatives, and addressing regional disparities. Future research should focus on integrated soil health assessments, emerging contaminants, and policy-driven approaches to minimize environmental risks while sustaining agricultural productivity. Full article

Background: Movement is crucial for human development, particularly during childhood. Fundamental movement skills (FMSs) are essential movement patterns that support physical, cognitive, and social development. Recent studies indicate an alarming worldwide decline in FMS acquisition, potentially impacting children’s long-term physical fitness and health. This scoping review explored FMSs, their relationship to motor competence and physical literacy, associations with physical activity and fitness, assessment methods, and effective interventions. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. The search utilized key phrases related to FMSs, motor competence, and physical literacy. Initially, 2251 publications were identified. Results: After rigorous screening, 95 English-language literature reviews and meta-analyses focusing on FMSs in healthy children were selected for detailed analysis. The accepted publications were categorized into five thematic areas: FMSs and motor development (11 publications), conceptual terms in FMS context (8 publications), relationships between FMSs and other parameters (15 publications), FMS assessment tools (14 publications), and intervention effects on FMSs (47 publications). Conclusions: Effective FMS acquisition requires collaborative interventions involving teachers, parents, sports professionals, and healthcare providers. Future research should focus on developing standardized assessment tools, interpreting FMSs as part of physical literacy to understand their association with PA level and design efficient intervention strategies. Full article

The transition to renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Despite its vast potential, the region faces structural and economic challenges that hinder a sustainable energy transition. Understanding scientific production in this field is key to shaping policy, investment, and technological progress. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a large-scale, data-driven analysis of renewable energy research in LAC, mapping its thematic evolution, collaboration networks, and key research trends over the past three decades. To achieve this, machine learning-based topic modeling and network analysis were applied to examine research trends in renewable energy in LAC. A dataset of 18,780 publications (1994–2024) from Scopus and Web of Science was analyzed using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to uncover thematic structures. Network analysis assessed collaboration patterns and regional integration in research. Findings indicate a growing focus on solar, wind, and bioenergy advancements, alongside increasing attention to climate change policies, energy storage, and microgrid optimization. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in energy management are emerging, mirroring global trends. However, research disparities persist, with Brazil, Mexico, and Chile leading output while smaller nations remain underrepresented. International collaborations, especially with North America and Europe, play a crucial role in research development. Renewable energy research supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action). Despite progress, challenges remain in translating research into policy and addressing governance, financing, and socio-environmental factors. AI-driven analytics offer opportunities for improved energy planning. Strengthening regional collaboration, increasing research investment, and integrating AI into policy frameworks will be crucial for advancing the energy transition in LAC. This study provides evidence-based insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders. Full article

Research on the impact and response strategies of inter-basin water transfer projects (IBWTs) on regional hydrology, water resources, the ecological environment, the economy, and society holds significant strategic importance for the protection of the environment and long-term economic and social development throughout the entire lifecycle of IBWTs. In this study, the current state and trends in research on the comprehensive impact of IBWTs were explored using CiteSpace and HistCite, two analytical tools, to perform a bibliometric analysis on 498 studies (2002–2024) in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The following aspects are addressed in depth: (1) The characteristics of publications on the comprehensive impact of IBWTs. (2) Critical information on the countries, institutions, and subjects engaged in research about the comprehensive impact of IBWTs. (3) The trends and hotspots of research on the comprehensive impact of IBWTs. In this study, we review and evaluate the results of research on the comprehensive impact of large-scale IBWTs, efficiently providing scholars an understanding of the existing research and new frontiers in this field. In addition, for domestic and foreign scholars who are about to delve into the assessment of IBWTs’ impacts and related research, this article can provide valuable information on hot topics and next steps in research from a global perspective. Full article

Water is a vital resource for human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability. It is essential to agriculture, energy production, public health, and biodiversity preservation. Efficient water management is even more important in areas that are prone to scarcity. This paper presents a systematic review of the management of water resources in South Africa, a country characterized by significant water scarcity challenges compounded by its socio-economic and ecological needs. South Africa’s limited freshwater resources are under extreme stress due to its semi-arid climate, unequal rainfall distribution, expanding population, and industrial needs. The nation’s water security has also been made more difficult by historical injustices, climatic fluctuations, and decaying infrastructure. Through a systematic review of 60 scholarly articles published between 2011 and 2025 in the Web of Science database, this study discusses the historical context of water management in South Africa, including the legacy of apartheid-era policies and their impact on access to water. It also examines current management practices, governance structures involving national and local authorities, the role of key institutions such as the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), climate change impact on water availability, population growth and urbanization, inequality and access, and challenges in South Africa’s water resources management (WRM). In particular, this review highlights the integration of scientific water quality and biostability assessment into the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) framework in order to produce actionable insights that enhance resilience, sustainability, and equity in WRM. Furthermore, it explores future strategies for sustainable WRM, emphasizing the importance of IWRM, community participation, technological innovation, and climate change adaptation. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities in ensuring water security for all South Africans. Full article