Search Results (700)

The Oropouche virus (OROV) has been circulating in the Amazon region since the 1960s, with a progressive increase in outbreaks and human cases reported in Brazil and neighboring countries. In the Rio de Janeiro state, there has been a significant rise in suspected cases of arboviruses, with only 30% of laboratory tests confirming infections with dengue, Zika, or chikungunya viruses. The investigation of OROV virus circulation in the Rio de Janeiro state was initiated and confirmed in April 2024. Our study aimed to retrospectively investigate OROV infections in dengue-suspected cases with inconclusive diagnosis in order to better understand the temporal and geographic introduction of OROV in the Rio de Janeiro state. Municipalities from Rio de Janeiro with arbovirus-like fever cases but a low percentage of dengue-positive RT-PCR test confirmations were identified in the laboratory database. Samples were selected for testing OROV infections using real-time RT-PCR as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Municipalities in the Middle Paraíba region of the state showed 93% negative tests results for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya starting in September 2023. A total of 118 positive cases of Oropouche were recorded in the state of Rio de Janeiro between March and July 2024. Moreover, by genome sequencing of eight strains, it was shown that OROV circulating in Rio de Janeiro belongs to recently emergent M₁L₂S₂ lineage. Our findings retrospectively revealed a concentration of cases in the Middle Paraíba region and an outbreak in the rural village of Cacaria, located in the municipality of Piraí. According to our data, this region is the first area with sustained transmission in the Rio de Janeiro state. Full article

This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an Early Warning System (EWS) to alert communities and government agencies in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, about extreme weather events (EWEs) and related disease outbreaks. The project focuses on eThekwini and Ugu municipalities, using a participatory, co-creation approach with communities and health providers. A systematic review will be undertaken to understand the impact of climate change on disease outbreaks and design an EWS that integrates data from rural and urban healthcare and environmental contexts. It will assess disease burden at primary healthcare clinics, examine health needs and community experiences during EWEs, and evaluate health system resilience. The project will also evaluate the design, development, and performance of the EWS intervention, including its implementation costs. Ethical approval will be sought, and informed consent obtained from participants. Based on the findings, recommendations will be made to the Department of Health to enhance early warning systems and health system resilience in response to EWEs and disease outbreaks. Full article

Both behavioral intentions and structural constraints shape household waste disposal in low-resource settings. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with Environmental Justice (EJ) to examine informal waste disposal in Vhembe District, South Africa, a region marked by infrastructural deficits and uneven municipal services. A cross-sectional survey of 399 households across four municipalities assessed five disposal behaviors, including river dumping and domestic burial. Only 8% of households used formal bins, while over 50% engaged in open or roadside dumping. Although education and income were inversely associated with harmful practices, inadequate service access was the most significant constraint on formal disposal. Logistic regression revealed that rural residents and households in underserved municipalities were significantly more likely to engage in hazardous methods, regardless of socioeconomic status. These findings extend TPB by showing that perceived behavioral control reflects not only psychological agency but also material and institutional limitations. By reframing informal disposal as a structurally conditioned response rather than a behavioral deficit, the study advances EJ theory and provides a transferable TPB–EJ framework for decentralized, justice-oriented waste governance. The results underscore the need for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-aligned interventions that integrate equitable infrastructure with context-sensitive behavioral strategies. Full article

Smallholder farmers play a pivotal role in food production and rural development in South Africa. However, their productivity is often constrained by reliance on rainfed agriculture and the underutilisation of innovative technologies such as irrigation systems. This study assessed the impact of innovative irrigation system (IIS) use on crop yield among smallholder crop farmers (SCFs) in Mbombela Local Municipality. Focusing on vegetables and agronomic crop producers. Primary data was collected from 308 SCFs using a structured questionnaire through descriptive and cross-sectional survey design. A Probit regression model was used to estimate the probability of using an IIS, while Propensity Score Matching (PSM) estimated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) in terms of yield. The results reveal that age group (p = 0.080), main source of off-farm income (p = 0.042), and high input costs (p = 0.006) significantly determined IIS use. Impact analysis confirms that users of IISs achieved higher yields than non-users. The study concludes that innovative irrigation technologies can significantly improve smallholder productivity. It recommends that policymakers and government bodies prioritise scaling up access to IIS, introduce subsidies or low-interest financing schemes to alleviate the IIS usage costs, and strengthen extension services to provide targeted training on irrigation scheduling, system maintenance, and water-use efficiency. Full article

The transition to a circular economy (CE) is crucial to sustainable development, necessitating tailored assessment tools to measure circularity at various levels. Recent studies assessing the CE at the municipal level by using statistical data have highlighted the challenge of comparing indicators of differently populated and resourced areas. With existing methodologies, there remains a need for comprehensive approaches that integrate both qualitative and quantitative data to ensure fair and meaningful comparisons. In 2024, Latvia developed and conducted the first CE index at the municipal level. It was based on a self-assessment from municipal governments and citizens, with results calculated into a single index value and four category indices. By applying a mixed methods statistical analysis, this research aimed to compare CE performance, measured by the CE index, and selected socioeconomic and environmental variables between 7 cities and 36 counties or rural municipalities of Latvia. The research concluded that the CE performance is significantly shaped by socioeconomic and spatial factors, with population density and unemployment emerging as consistent predictors. Urban municipalities generally performed better, emphasizing the need for tailored, context-specific CE strategies. Full article

The lack of improved sanitation in rural areas of developing countries, including South Africa, exacerbates open defecation, leading to the significant contamination of water sources by human and animal waste. This study aimed to establish the association of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, and Yersinia enterocolitica in open defecation sites and animal waste with the contamination of water sources in Vhembe District, South Africa. A total of 1032 water samples and 111 faecal samples from the Collins Chabane and Thulamela municipalities were analysed using qPCR. Regression models were used to assess associations, with S. Typhimurium (19–60%) and S. flexneri (11–44%) being the most prevalent bacteria in faecal matter and water, showing detection rates of 4–100% and 5–100%, respectively. Strong associations were found during the wet season between faecal waste and water contamination for S. flexneri (R² = 0.7, p = 0.005) and S. Typhimurium (R² = 0.619, p = 0.091). Urgent measures are needed to address the contamination of rural water sources due to open defecation and livestock waste. Full article

This study presents the scientific and methodological foundation of Spain’s first national framework for the ethical management of community cat populations: the Action Plan for the Management of Community Cat Colonies (PACF), launched in 2025 under the mandate of Law 7/2023. This pioneering legislation introduces a standardized, nationwide obligation for trap–neuter–return (TNR)-based management of free-roaming cats, defined as animals living freely, territorially attached, and with limited socialization toward humans. The PACF aims to support municipalities in implementing this mandate through evidence-based strategies that integrate animal welfare, biodiversity protection, and public health objectives. Using standardized data submitted by 1128 municipalities (13.9% of Spain’s total), we estimated a baseline population of 1.81 million community cats distributed across 125,000 colonies. These data were stratified by municipal population size and applied to national census figures to generate a model-ready demographic structure. We then implemented a stochastic simulation using Vortex software to project long-term population dynamics over a 25-year horizon. The model integrated eight demographic–environmental scenarios defined by a combination of urban–rural classification and ecological reproductive potential based on photoperiod and winter temperature. Parameters included reproductive output, mortality, sterilization coverage, abandonment and adoption rates, stochastic catastrophic events, and territorial carrying capacity. Under current sterilization rates (~20%), our projections indicate that Spain’s community cat population could surpass 5 million individuals by 2050, saturating ecological and social thresholds within a decade. In contrast, a differentiated sterilization strategy aligned with territorial reproductive intensity (50% in most areas, 60–70% in high-pressure zones) achieves population stabilization by 2030 at approximately 1.5 million cats, followed by a gradual long-term decline. This scenario prioritizes feasibility while substantially reducing reproductive output, particularly in rural and high-intensity contexts. The PACF combines stratified demographic modeling with spatial sensitivity, offering a flexible framework adaptable to local conditions. It incorporates One Health principles and introduces tools for adaptive management, including digital monitoring platforms and standardized welfare protocols. While ecological impacts were not directly assessed, the proposed demographic stabilization is designed to mitigate population-driven risks to biodiversity and public health without relying on lethal control. By integrating legal mandates, stratified modeling, and realistic intervention goals, this study outlines a replicable and scalable framework for coordinated action across administrative levels. It exemplifies how national policy can be operationalized through data-driven, territorially sensitive planning tools. The findings support the strategic deployment of TNR-based programs across diverse municipal contexts, providing a model for other countries seeking to align animal welfare policy with ecological planning under a multi-level governance perspective. Full article

Introduction: Dental caries and molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are prevalent conditions affecting children’s oral health, with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. In Spain, previous studies have highlighted geographic and sociodemographic disparities in their distribution, particularly among rural and migrant populations. Objective: To characterise oral health status, in terms of caries and MIH, among 6–7-year-old children from the towns of Palos de la Frontera, Mazagón, and San Bartolomé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 229 children recruited from public primary schools. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioural data were collected through clinical examination and interview. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huelva. Results: The prevalence of caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 53.3%, with mean DMFT and dft indices of 1.78 and 0.31, respectively. MIH affected 32.8% of the cohort, with a predominance in the first permanent molars (teeth 36 and 26). Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of caries: African (OR = 7.47; 95% CI: 2.84–23.8) and European (OR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.26–22.3) parental origin, poor oral hygiene (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.60–6.03), and the presence of MIH (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.64–6.42). The municipality of San Bartolomé was associated with a higher risk of MIH (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.21–7.45). Conclusions: The high prevalence of caries and MIH in the Condado-Campiña district, exceeding national averages, reflects oral health inequities linked to social determinants (migrant origin, locality) and clinical factors (MIH, oral hygiene). Targeted preventive interventions are urgently needed in high-risk populations, including culturally tailored education and policies ensuring equitable access to dental care services. Full article

Japan’s 8.5 million vacant homes (Akiyas) represent a paradox of scarcity amid surplus: while rural depopulation leaves properties abandoned, housing shortages and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder their reuse. This study proposes AKI2ALL, an AI-blockchain framework designed to automate the circular repurposing of Akiyas into ten high-value community assets—guesthouses, co-working spaces, pop-up retail and logistics hubs, urban farming hubs, disaster relief housing, parking lots, elderly daycare centers, exhibition spaces, places for food and beverages, and company offices—through smart contracts and data-driven workflows. By integrating circular economy principles with decentralized technology, AKI2ALL streamlines property transitions, tax validation, and administrative processes, reducing operational costs while preserving embodied carbon in existing structures. Municipalities list properties, owners select uses, and AI optimizes assignments based on real-time demand. This work bridges gaps in digital construction governance, proving that automating trust and accountability can transform systemic inefficiencies into opportunities for community-led, low-carbon regeneration, highlighting its potential as a scalable model for global vacant property reuse. Full article

This study investigates the accessibility of public healthcare services in Olsztyn County, a major urban center in the Warmia and Mazury region of Poland. The aim was to develop a methodological framework using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and spatial data to assess the local availability of healthcare infrastructure. The analysis included key facilities such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and specialized outpatient services. A spatial accessibility indicator was constructed to evaluate and compare access levels across municipalities. The results show a clear disparity between urban and rural areas, with significantly better access in cities. Several rural municipalities were found to have limited or no access to essential healthcare services. These findings highlight the uneven spatial distribution of medical infrastructure and point to the need for targeted strategies to improve service availability in underserved areas. The proposed methodological approach may support future studies and inform local and regional planning aimed at reducing healthcare inequalities and improving access for all residents, regardless of their location. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence emphasizing the role of spatial analysis in assessing public service accessibility and supports the development of more equitable healthcare systems at the local level. Full article

In a European context, facing pressure to digitalize public administration, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) at the local level remains a deeply uneven and empirically poorly understood process. This study investigates the degree of adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in local public administrations in Germany, exploring territorial disparities and institutional factors influencing this transition. Based on a national sample of 347 municipalities, this research proposes a composite AI adoption index, built by integrating six relevant indicators (including the use of conversational bots and the automation of internal and decision-making processes). In the simulations, local administration profiles were differentiated according to factors such as IT staff (with a weight of 30%), the degree of urbanization (25%), and participation in digital networks (20%), reflecting significant structural variations between regions. The analysis model used is a multilevel one, which highlights the combined influences of local and regional factors. The results indicate a clear stratification of digital innovation capacity, with significant differences between eastern and western Germany, as well as between urban and rural environments. The study contributes to the specialized literature by developing a replicable analytical tool and provides public policy recommendations for reducing interregional digital divides. Full article

Data scarcity hampers the implementation of circular economy (CE) in rural historical small towns (HSTs) where traditional agricultural practices persist outside formal monitoring systems. In this regard, this study proposes and tests an estimation framework to quantify agricultural waste flows and energy recovery potential. The methodology combines waste generation coefficients from peer-reviewed literature with administrative data to generate actionable CE assessments. Application to four Sicilian HSTs within the Local Action Group (LAG) “Terre dell’Etna e dell’Alcantara” exhibits substantial waste generation potential despite their small size. The agricultural enterprises generate an estimated 6930–7130 tons of annual agricultural waste under moderate production scenarios, comprising grape pomace (3250 tons), pruning residues (3030 tons), and mixed processing wastes (650–850 tons). The energy recovery potential ranges from 20–30 TJ through direct combustion to 4.9–8.1 TJ via anaerobic digestion. Sensitivity analysis indicates balanced contributions from all three key parameters (enterprise density, yields, and waste coefficients), each accounting for 31–35% of output variance. The framework provides resource-constrained municipalities with a cost-effective tool for preliminary CE assessment, enabling identification of priority interventions without expensive primary data collection. From a managerial perspective, local administrators can leverage this tool to transform routine administrative data into actionable CE strategies. Full article

The Mediterranean region is increasingly confronted with intersecting environmental, agricultural, and socio-economic challenges, including biowaste accumulation, soil degradation, and high dependency on imported fossil fuels. Biomethane, a renewable substitute for natural gas, offers a strategic solution that aligns with the region’s need for sustainable energy transition and circular resource management. This review examines the current state of biomethane production in the Mediterranean area, with a focus on anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies, feedstock availability, policy drivers, and integration into the circular bioeconomy (CBE) framework. Emphasis is placed on the valorisation of regionally abundant feedstocks such as olive pomace, citrus peel, grape marc, cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) residues, livestock manure, and the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW). The multifunctionality of AD—producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate—is highlighted for its dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and restoring soil health, especially in areas threatened by desertification such as Sicily (Italy), Spain, Malta, and Greece. The review also explores emerging innovations in biogas upgrading, nutrient recovery, and digital monitoring, along with the role of Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) and national biomethane strategies in scaling up deployment. Case studies and decentralised implementation models underscore the socio-technical feasibility of biomethane systems across rural and insular territories. Despite significant potential, barriers such as feedstock variability, infrastructural gaps, and policy fragmentation remain. The paper concludes with a roadmap for research and policy to advance biomethane as a pillar of Mediterranean climate resilience, energy autonomy and sustainable agriculture within a circular bioeconomy paradigm. Full article

Background: In September 2023, Storm Daniel triggered catastrophic flooding across Thessaly, in central Greece, leading to the deaths of approximately 483,476 animals and heightening concerns about zoonotic diseases, particularly Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii. Sofades, a municipality in the Karditsa region that is severely impacted by the floods, emerged as a critical area for evaluating the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence status of Coxiella burnetii Phase 1 IgA antibodies among residents in the rural area of Sofades after the Daniel floods. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from a convenient sample of residents with livestock exposure between 1 March and 31 March 2024. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect Coxiella burnetii Phase 1 IgA antibodies. Descriptive analyses summarized demographic data, and logistic regression was employed to examine the association between gender, age, and positive ELISA results. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 16.66%. Males had a significantly higher positivity rate (28.57%) than females (6.25%). Seropositivity was more frequent among individuals aged 41–80 years, with peak prevalence observed in the 61–80 age group. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study offers a snapshot of Coxiella burnetii exposure in a high-risk rural population post-flood. The slightly higher seroprevalence in Sofades (16.66%) compared to Karditsa (16.1%) suggests limited influence of environmental factors on transmission. Despite limitations in causal inference, the findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted public health measures. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of environmental disasters on Q fever dynamics. Full article

Rural tourism has emerged as an efficient strategy for rural revitalization while having various impacts on rural governance. Previous studies predominantly focused on the social implications of rural tourism and its impact on institutional arrangements while neglecting the influence of rural tourism on collective action in rural governance. This study employed a social–ecological system (SES) framework to investigate the influence of rural tourism on rural collective action, utilizing survey data from 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government), 178 villages, and 3282 rural households across China. The findings revealed that rural tourism exerted a positive influence on collective action, primarily through labor force reflow mechanisms. Specifically, the leadership of village cadres had a moderating role in enhancing this positive correlation. Further analysis revealed significant heterogeneity in tourism governance effects: non-plain regions and villages with medium to low economic development levels exhibited substantial improvements in collective action, whereas plain areas and economically advanced villages may manifest potentially negative impacts. Theoretically, this study contributes to elucidating tourism-driven self-governance mechanisms by applying the SES framework, thereby transcending the traditional dualistic debate between state-market and development-governance paradigms. Practically, we propose institutional designs that embed collective action mechanisms into the coupled synergistic development of rural tourism and community governance, thereby activating endogenous motivations for rural self-governance. Full article