Search Results (33)

The transformation of public spaces to meet the need for shelter in the post-disaster situation is a practice observed in many countries. However, these temporary alterations are meticulously planned and executed within a defined timeframe following the disaster. This approach hinders the effective utilization of available space. The objective of the study is to reach design decisions by determining the adaptive use potential of sports facilities for temporary shelter in the post-disaster process. In addition, the study will reveal which adaptability strategies can be used to adapt spaces with different functions. The design decisions are reached by comparing sports facilities and temporary shelter needs programs based on eleven adaptability strategies (adjustability, versatility, transformability, scalability, portability, flexibility, expandability, dismountability, reuse, modularity, independence). The conversion of sports facilities into temporary shelters was achieved by employing adaptability strategies, thereby demonstrating the potential for a space with 15 different functions to undergo transformation. A transformability strategy has been employed, whereby changing rooms have been converted into laundry rooms, and grandstands into training areas. A scalability strategy has been employed to facilitate the reuse of cafe-restaurant areas as dining halls. The transformation of the playground into sleeping areas is facilitated by strategies of portability and dismountability. Flexibility and expandability strategies are employed in the transition from the first aid room to the infirmary area. A reuse strategy is employed for administrative units, parking areas, restrooms and prayer areas, ensuring that spaces with similar needs are utilized with minimal intervention. By examining a range of adaptability strategies, analogous adaptability applications can be developed for other public spaces. The study contributes a transferable, criteria-driven framework that supports decision-making for the adaptive reuse of public buildings in post-disaster contexts, offering a structured basis for extending similar transformations to other building typologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Few studies have simultaneously evaluated spatial accessibility to both food destinations and spaces for physical activity in relation to body weight in children. The aim of this study was to determine whether spatial accessibility to food destinations and places for physical activity is associated with body weight among children, differentiating between boys and girls. Neighborhood socio-economic status and walkability were incorporated as covariates. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Valencia, Spain. The initial sample comprised a sample of 808 children. GIS-based procedures were used to evaluate access to food outlets, walkability and socio-economic status (i.e., household income) among home neighborhoods. Access to different types of food destinations and destinations where children can engage in physical activity was assessed using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth (NEWS-Y-IPEN). Weight and height were objectively assessed. The body mass index (BMI) percentile was calculated. Mixed-model regression analyses were performed. Results: Being a boy was positively associated with BMI percentile (p = 0.003), whereas physical activity was negatively related to this outcome (p = 0.028) in the whole sample. None of the built environment attributes were significantly associated with BMI percentile in boys. Access to healthy restaurants (p = 0.035), as well as neighborhood income (p = 0.049), were negatively associated with BMI percentile among girls. Conclusions: The relationship between built environmental attributes and BMI varies significantly between boys and girls. Understanding these differences is key for designing effective public health interventions with the aim of reducing childhood obesity. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a scientific framework that enables quantitative assessment and control of airborne infection risks in indoor environments. This study identifies limitations in the traditional Wells–Riley model—specifically its assumptions of perfect mixing and steady-state conditions—and addresses these shortcomings by adopting the REHVA (Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations) infection risk assessment model. We propose a five-tier risk classification system (Monitor, Caution, Alert, High Risk, Critical) based on two key metrics: the probability of infection (Pₙ) and the event reproduction number (R_event). Unlike the classical model, our approach integrates airborne virus removal mechanisms—such as natural decay, gravitational settling, and filtration—with occupant dynamics to reflect realistic contagion scenarios. Simulations were conducted across 10 representative indoor settings—such as classrooms, hospital waiting rooms, public transit, and restaurants—considering ventilation rates and activity-specific viral emission patterns. The results quantify how environmental variables (ventilation, occupancy, time) impact each setting’s infection risk level. Our findings indicate that static mitigation measures such as mask-wearing or physical distancing are insufficient without dynamic, model-based risk evaluation. We emphasize the importance of incorporating real-time crowd density, occupancy duration, and movement trajectories into risk scoring. To support this, we propose integrating computer vision (CCTV-based crowd detection) and entry/exit counting sensors within a live airborne risk assessment framework. This integrated system would enable proactive, science-driven epidemic control strategies, supporting real-time adaptive interventions in indoor spaces. The proposed platform could serve as a practical tool for early warning and management during future airborne disease outbreaks. Full article

With the growing demand for labeled textual data in Natural Language Processing (NLP), traditional data collection and annotation methods face significant challenges, such as high cost, limited scalability, and privacy constraints. This study presents a novel web-based platform that automates text data generation and labeling by integrating Llama 3.3, an open-source large language model (LLM), with advanced prompt engineering techniques. A core contribution of this work is the Attributed Prompt Engineering Framework, which enables modular and configurable prompt templates for both data generation and labeling tasks. This framework combines zero-shot, few-shot, role-based, and chain-of-thought prompting strategies within a unified architecture to optimize output quality and control. Users can interactively configure prompt parameters and generate synthetic datasets or annotate raw data with minimal human intervention. We evaluated the platform using both benchmark datasets (AG News, Yelp, Amazon Reviews) and two fully synthetic datasets we generated (restaurant reviews and news articles). The system achieved 99% accuracy and F1-score on generated news article data, 98% accuracy and F1-score on generated restaurant review data, and 92%, 90%, and 89% accuracy and F1-scores on the benchmark labeling tasks for AG News, Yelp Reviews, and Amazon Reviews, respectively, demonstrating high effectiveness and generalizability. A usability study also confirmed the platform’s practicality for non-expert users. This work advances scalable NLP data pipeline design and provides a cost-effective alternative to manual annotation for supervised learning applications. Full article

This study explored the effectiveness of VR-based social skills training for students with autism and typically developing students with social difficulties. Six autistic students and five typically developing students from upper elementary grades participated in the study. Participants were recruited based on their willingness to participate, ability to follow instructions, and absence of other significant learning or behavioral disorders. Five VR modules were developed, covering scenarios like classrooms, ticket booths, exhibitions, restaurants, and parks. These modules incorporated foundational social settings and more complex scenarios to enhance emotional regulation and adaptive responses, aligned with the 12-year Basic Education Curriculum Guidelines. The intervention took place from May to July 2023, with participants attending six 30–40 min VR sessions once or twice a week. Various assessment tools measured the impact, focusing on social responses, emotion recognition, and reactions to unexpected situations. Results indicated consistent improvements in conversation speed, expression effectiveness, and environmental adaptation. Social Skills Behavior Checklist scores showed significant differences between pre- and post-tests, while EEG data revealed enhanced empathetic responses among autistic students. Typically, developing students shifted from independent problem-solving to seeking social support. This study highlights the potential of VR as an effective tool for social skills development in both groups. Full article

Annually, over 931 million tons of plate food waste is generated in food services, affecting various aspects of sustainability. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the most effective strategies or actions to reduce plate food waste. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following a PROSPERO-registered protocol [#CRD42024501971], searching multiple databases and gray literature until August 2024. Studies evaluating strategies and actions against waste in various food services [restaurants, institutional services in hospitals, childcare centers, schools, universities, or businesses] were included, with no language, location, or date restrictions. The risk of bias was assessed using JBI tools. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed in R (version 4.2.1), with subgroup analyses based on intervention type, food service type, meal type, management, and distribution systems. Of the 6070 studies, 18 were included in the narrative synthesis and 6 in the meta-analysis. The most effective strategies or actions targeted clients (vs. employees), meals on plates (vs. trays), school canteens (vs. other services), self-managed establishments (vs. outsourced), and à la carte services (vs. self-service). In this sense, strategies focusing on clients, plate-served meals, school canteens, self-management, and à la carte services are more effective in reducing food waste. Further actions are needed in other areas like customers, trays, different kitchen types, outsourced services, and self-service menus. Full article

Information intervention is often used to reduce food waste in restaurants and canteens. Existing studies have overlooked the target audience’s psychological and behavioral characteristics during message design, resulting in erratic intervention outcomes. This study proposes an audience-oriented information intervention approach that integrates goal systems theory and information feedback paradigms. The cornerstone underlying this approach is the elaboration of release-type and feedback-type intervention messages. Our approach offers a procedure to determine the optimal message-based intervention program. This study empirically applied the approach to intervene in food waste behavior among 1141 Chinese university students in canteens. A between-subjects design quasi experiment was conducted to explore the effect of information intervention, and the results showed that the downward comparative feedback-type message at the ordering stage performed the best. Findings offer practical guidance for reducing food waste in various consumption scenarios and useful inputs for encouraging green consumption behavior. Full article

Introduction: The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is linked to various motivations, such as health, ethics, ecology, and social and religious influence. India has the highest proportion of vegetarians and vegans. The practise of these diets is linked to moral and health reasons and environmental concerns. Vegetarianism may also be associated with eating disorders such as orthorexia (ON). Aim: The main aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial aspects of vegetarian diets. Understanding these aspects is crucial for identifying potential risks and developing effective interventions. This study investigated the reasons for following vegetarian diets, the duration of dietary adherence, the occurrence of feelings of restriction in selected situations, and the risk of orthorexia and other eating disorders. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 186 individuals (82 vegetarians and 104 traditional dieters) between October 2023 and April 2024. The survey was administered via a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) using Google Forms, distributed through social media, forums, and private messages. The inclusion criteria for the study group included consent, an age over 18, and a vegetarian diet, excluding those with eating disorders or diseases requiring strict diet therapy. The control group criteria were similar, excluding vegetarians and those requiring special diets. Four unreliable questionnaires were excluded from the analysis. The survey consisted of four sections: metric data, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, the EAT-26 questionnaire, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire. Results: The main motivations for following vegetarian diets were ethical and environmental (86.9%) and health (32.1%) reasons. Over half of the vegetarians had been following a plant-based diet for over five years. Vegetarians were more likely to feel restricted in restaurants and when grocery shopping. The ORTO-15 results indicate a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians (48.8% vs. 29.4% in the control group; p = 0.00673). The EAT-26 questionnaire showed a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians (23.8% vs. 14.7%; p = 0.11391). The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences between groups (Subscale 1: food restriction, p = 0.77279; Subscale 2: lack of control in overeating, p = 0.91935; Subscale 3: eating under the influence of emotions, p = 0.16612). Conclusions: This study concluded that ethical and environmental considerations and a belief in health benefits mainly drive vegetarians. An analysis of BMI revealed no significant differences between groups. The ORTO-15 results suggest a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians. The EAT-26 indicated a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians and vegans. The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences in restrictive eating, lack of control in overeating, and emotional eating. Vegetarians were likelier to encounter dietary difficulties in restaurants and shopping but less likely to feel socially excluded. Full article

(1) Background: Independently owned restaurants (IORs) are prevalent in under-resourced racial and ethnic minority communities in the US and present a unique setting for public health nutrition interventions. (2) Methods: We conducted 14 in-depth interviews with IOR owners in Baltimore about their perceptions of healthy food, and customers’ acceptance of healthier menus and cooking methods and concurrent observations of the availability of healthy options on their menus. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Observations were analyzed with statistical analysis performed in R. (3) Results: Owners perceived non-fried options, lean proteins, and plant-based meals as healthy. While open to using healthier cooking fats, they had mixed feelings about reducing salt, adopting non-frying methods for cooking, and adding vegetables and whole grains to the menu, and were reluctant to reduce sugar in recipes and beverages. Only 17.5% of 1019 foods and 27.6% of 174 beverages in these IORs were healthy, with no significant differences in the healthfulness of restaurant offerings within low-healthy-food-access/low-income neighborhoods and those outside. (4) Conclusion: Healthy options are generally scarce in Baltimore’s IORs. Insights from owners inform future interventions to tailor healthy menu offerings that are well-received by customers and feasible for implementation. Full article

(1) Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is typically first diagnosed in early childhood. Medication and cognitive behavioural therapy are considered effective in treating children with ADHD, whereas these treatments appear to have some side effects and restrictions. Virtual reality (VR), therefore, has been applied to exposure therapy for mental disorders. Previous studies have adopted VR in the cognitive behavioural treatment for children with ADHD; however, no research has used VR to develop social skills training for children with ADHD. This study aimed to develop a VR-based intervention (Social VR) to improve social skills in children with symptoms of ADHD. Prior to conducting the pilot trial to assess the effectiveness of Social VR, valuable user feedback was gathered regarding the mechanics of Social VR, satisfaction and motion sickness. This study presented the development and preliminary usability of Social VR to enhance social interaction skills among children with ADHD. (2) Methods: The development process of the Social VR intervention was demonstrated. The Social VR intervention consisted of three scenarios, namely MTR, Campus and Market and Restaurant. In the usability study, 25 children with ADHD were recruited to test the Social VR during the preliminary usability stage of a clinical trial at preinclusion. The participants completed a survey about their experience of playing Social VR, satisfaction, and motion sickness. (3) Results: The participants indicated the three conditions had easy-to-follow instructions, were easy to pick up, and that they understood when the situations changed. The control and beauty of the graphics of Market and Restaurant were relatively lower compared with those of MTR and Campus. The three scenarios are applicable to children diagnosed with any subtype of ADHD. (4) Conclusion: The participants were satisfied with Social VR. Social VR was generally considered realistic and immersive. Further trials to assess the feasibility and efficacy were discussed. If proven effective, VR-based intervention can be an adjunctive approach to current multimodal training for children with ADHD. Full article

Goats are produced in Laos on a small scale and most of them are exported to Vietnam, where they receive a price approximately 30% higher than Vietnamese crossbred goats. In 2021, Laos exported 2.2 million dollars in sheep and goats, mostly to Vietnam (2.19 million dollars). Vietnam was also the fastest-growing export market for sheep and goats of Laos between 2020 and 2021, comprising 66.7% of the total exports. This study aims to analyze the goat value chain from Laos to Vietnam and, based on its characteristics, to suggest policy interventions for the socio-economic sustainable development of the chain. This research analyzes a sample of 400 survey interviews of goat chain actors collected during the second and third quarters of 2022, with the support of CommCare software version 2.53.1. The results show that the Lao goat chain has four main functions implemented by four prominent actors: goat-rearing farmers, traders, abattoir owners, and restaurant owners. However, the role of input suppliers is unclear in this chain. Support to the stakeholders has been provided by local authorities and the government, projects and NGOs, technical supporters, and license supporters. There was not any clear evidence of the goat processing industry. Vertical and horizontal linkages between stakeholders exist, but agreements are primarily oral. There is no declaration of leading actors, and a traceability system has yet to be implemented. The increase in Lao goat exports to the Vietnamese market is driven by the high demand from Vietnamese consumers. The commercialization of goats’ yields provides a positive net income in Lao, where all actors benefit, especially traders and restaurant owners. The chain also creates job opportunities and income that improve living standards, especially for disadvantaged groups, such as women, middle-aged people, people with low literacy, and those living in rural areas. For the sustainable development of the chain, this research recommends that the Lao and Vietnamese governments work together to develop more favorable conditions for goat trading, to improve the traceability across the goat chain, to promote goat husbandry and feeding practices, and to foster goat farmer collaboration by sharing goat-rearing experiences. Full article

This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of alcohol use among school-going-age adolescents in Panama. Using a national school-based cross-sectional survey, data from a proportionate sample of school-going adolescents aged 13–17 years were obtained from the 2018 Panama Global School-based Student Health Survey [GSHS]. Data were analysed with a Pearson’s Chi-square test and weighted binary logistic regression. The results were reported with their corresponding adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and level of significance set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents in Panama was 30.6%. The odds of alcohol use were lower among adolescents in a lower grade than those in upper grades, and lower in those who did not eat from a restaurant than those who ate from a restaurant. Further, the likelihood of alcohol use was significantly high among those who engaged in physical fights, were seriously injured, were mostly worried, and whose parents used any form of tobacco. Other results showed that the odds of alcohol use were high among sedentary respondents, those who had multiple sexual partners and those who used amphetamines. Based on the present findings, a collaborative approach (i.e., stakeholders- the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Education- community–individual levels) towards the development and adherence of appropriate interventions aimed at reducing alcohol use is required in Panama. Specific preventive interventions would be fundamental in promoting a positive school climate to help reduce adolescents’ alcohol use and, perhaps, other anti-social behaviours (e.g., physical fights and bullying). Full article

The hospitality sector is under constant pressure from clients to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Industry reports suggest that customers prefer to stay in hotels that care about the environment. This means that hotels adopting environmentally sustainable practices can attract pro-environment customers and, as a result, improve their overall performance. This study aims to examine the innovation, organization and external environment determinants of adopting sustainable practices in hotel–restaurants and whether these practices affect the overall performance of hotels. Based on a survey of 169 managers of 3- to 5-star-rated hotels, a factor-based Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was performed. The results suggest that ease-of-use and top management support are the key determinants of adopting sustainable practices, such as support for host communities, waste management and conservation projects. Moreover, this study found that support for host communities and waste management practices influence the overall performance of hotels. This study adds significant insights on environmental practices in hotel–restaurants. These insights have implications for hotel owners and/or managers as well as designing policy interventions to increase the uptake of these practices. Full article

Restaurant food is one of the important sources of sodium intake in China. We aimed to determine whether a restaurant-based comprehensive intervention program may induce lower sodium content in restaurant food. A randomized controlled trial was implemented between 2019 and 2020 in 192 restaurants in China. After baseline assessment, the restaurants were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group (1:1). Comprehensive activities designed for intervention restaurants were conducted for one year. The primary outcome was the difference in change of sodium content estimated by the mean values of five best-selling dishes for each restaurant, from baseline to the end of the trial between groups. In total, 66 control restaurants and 80 intervention restaurants completed the follow-up assessment. The average sodium content of dishes at baseline was 540.9 ± 176.8 mg/100 g in control and 551.9 ± 149.0 mg/100 g in intervention restaurants. The mean effect of intervention after adjusting for confounding factors was −43.63 mg/100 g (95% CI: from −92.94 to 5.66, p = 0.08), representing an 8% reduction in sodium content. The restaurant-based intervention led to a modest but not significant reduction in the sodium content of restaurant food. There is great urgency for implementing effective and sustainable salt reduction programs, due to the rapid increase in the consumption of restaurant food in China. Full article

With the help of CiteSpace software and the Web of Science core collection database, we quantitatively analyzed the global research progress of food waste, explored the core and hotspots, and compared and analyzed the methods and findings based on the literature. The results show the following: (1) The studies in the field are multidisciplinary, with researchers from different countries drawing from each other’s work. The United States, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Sweden are the top five in terms of the number of articles published. (2) Research hotspots have gradually transitioned from food waste treatment processes to the quantification of food waste, resource and environmental impacts, consumer behaviors, and interventions, with quantification studies and food waste in the restaurant industry being the emergent hotspots in recent years. (3) Quantitative studies were mostly conducted based on two or more methods, and a larger proportion of studies were based on secondary data. In terms of per capita food waste, the amount from eating out at restaurants was higher than eating at home, and higher in developed countries than others. (4) The environmental footprint implied by food waste reflects the inefficiency and unsustainability of the food supply chain, and the footprint of meat food is much larger than that of other types. (5) The future trend in behavioral research is to conduct in-depth randomized intervention studies to explore the impact of different interventions and policies on food waste behavior and to strengthen cooperation among experts in various fields to dig deeper into theoretical approaches, policy systems, and science and technology to propose more strategic and sustainable food consumption and promote the transformation of agricultural food systems. Full article