Search Results (357)

Tropical forests continue to experience high levels of habitat loss and degradation, with wildfires becoming a frequent component of human-modified landscapes. Here we investigate the response of palm species to the conversion of old-growth forests to successional mosaics, including forest patches burned during wildfires. Palms (≥50 cm height) were recorded once in 2023–2024, across four habitat classes: terra firme old-growth stands, regenerating forest stands associated with slash-and-burn agriculture, old-growth stands burned once and twice, and active cassava fields, in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The flammability of palm leaf litter and forest litter were also examined to assess the potential connections between palm proliferation and wildfires. A total of 10 palm species were recorded in this social forest (including slash-and-burn agriculture and resulting successional mosaics), with positive, negative, and neutral responses to land use. Species richness did not differ among forest habitats, but absolute palm abundance was greatest in disturbed habitats. Only Attalea spectabilis Mart. (curuá) exhibited increased relative abundance across disturbed habitats, including active cassava field. Attalea spectabilis accounted for almost 43% of all stems in the old-growth forest, 89% in regenerating forests, 90% in burned forests, and 79% in crop fields. Disturbed habitats supported a five-to-ten-fold increment in curuá leaves as a measure of habitat flammability. Although curuá litter exhibited lower flame temperature and height, its lower carbon and higher volatile content is expected to be more sensitive to fire ignition and promote the spread of wildfires. The conversion of old-growth forests into social forests promotes the establishment of palm-dominated forests, increasing the potential for a forest transition further fueled by wildfires, with effects on forest resilience and social reproduction still to be understood. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heart transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure, yet it involves significant psychological and emotional challenges throughout its various stages. International guidelines recommend a multi-professional approach to the care of these patients and a psycho-social assessment for listing. The recommendations focus on content aspects, but not on the psychometric measure to be administered to patients as part of the assessment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide the preliminary results of administering the protocol used by our center, measuring coping strategies, cognitive functioning, quality of life, and psychological distress in a sample of patients who are candidates for and undergo cardiac transplantation, and to observe any variations after the procedure. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive psychological-clinical assessment involving 40 patients, focusing on psychosocial functioning, cognitive reserves, mental health, and coping strategies. Tools such as the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) were employed to evaluate readiness for transplantation and post-transplant adaptation. Results: Results showed high levels of clinical anxiety (52.5%) and low perceived physical health (98%) before the transplant, while post-operative evaluations indicated reduced anxiety (13.51%) and depressive symptoms (10.81%), along with improved psychological well-being and reintegration into daily life. Conclusions: These results show improvement in physical and cognitive levels, accompanied by a state of enhanced psychological well-being after transplantation. A longitudinal psychological approach, from pre-transplant screening to post-discharge follow-up, is needed to address distress, improve coping mechanisms, and promote treatment adherence. This integrative strategy is critical to improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes for heart transplant recipients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Frailty is a multifactorial clinical syndrome characterized by diminished physiological reserves and increased vulnerability to stressors. It is increasingly recognized as a predictor of poor outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, how frailty is defined, assessed, and addressed across outpatient CR programmes remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to map the extent, range, and nature of research examining frailty in the context of outpatient CR, including how frailty is measured, its impact on CR participation and outcomes, and whether sex and gender considerations or participation barriers are reported. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across six electronic databases (from inception to 15 May 2025). Eligible peer-reviewed studies included adult participants assessed for frailty using validated tools and enrolled in outpatient CR programmes. Two reviewers independently screened citations and extracted data. Results were synthesized descriptively and narratively across three domains: frailty assessment, sex and gender considerations, and barriers to CR participation. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework. Results: Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria, all conducted in the Americas, Western Pacific, or Europe. Frailty was assessed using 26 distinct tools, most commonly the Kihon Checklist, Fried’s Frailty Criteria, and Frailty Index. The median pre-CR frailty prevalence was 33.5%. Few studies (n = 15; 38.5%) re-assessed frailty post-CR. Sixteen studies reported sex or gender data, but none applied sex- or gender-based analysis (SGBA) frameworks. Only eight studies examined barriers to CR participation, identifying physical limitations, emotional distress, cognitive concerns, healthcare system-related factors, personal and social factors, and transportation as key barriers. Conclusions: The literature on frailty in CR remains fragmented, with heterogeneous assessment methods, limited global representation, and inconsistent attention to sex, gender, and participation barriers. Standardized frailty assessments and individualized CR programme adaptations are urgently needed to improve accessibility, adherence, and outcomes for frail individuals. Full article

Understanding forest-cover change and its drivers is vital for global forest management and policy development. This study analyzed perceptions of historical drivers behind land-use/land-cover change (LULCC) and forest change in gazetted forests from 1966 to 2022 to evaluate the impact of human activities around the gazetted forest reserves, comparing three forests in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Three gazetted forests (Doma, Risha, and Odu) were sampled to represent the three geopolitical zones of the state. SPSS IBM version 29, NVivo 1.7, and Python 3 were used for data analyses to generate statistics and identify coherent themes across the forests. Results show that changes were perceived to be triggered by sixteen drivers (direct and indirect) related to social, economic, environmental, policy/institutional, and technological elements. Agricultural expansion, lumbering, and charcoal production were the most reported direct drivers, while population growth, poverty, and government policies were the most perceived indirect drivers. The results showed variations in human activities across forest sites. For example, agricultural expansion, lumbering, and grazing were more widespread, while construction and settlement activities differed between forests. The Risha forest community saw agriculture expansion ahead of other drivers, Doma forest people saw population growth above other drivers, and the Odu forest community saw lumbering aiding other drivers that led to change. Implementation of policies focusing on these key drivers must match local perceptions and priorities to engage people in forest conservation. These efforts could ensure effective forest protection that is vital for achieving global biodiversity and climate targets and safeguarding local livelihoods. The specific drivers of changes in each forest need to be targeted in conservation efforts. Full article

Hip fractures are among the most serious health events in older adults, frequently leading to disability, loss of independence, and elevated mortality. In 2019, an estimated 9.6 million new cases occurred globally among adults aged ≥ 55 years, with an incidence rate of 681 per 100,000. Despite improved surgical care, one-year mortality remains high (15–30%), and fewer than half of survivors regain their pre-fracture functional status. Traditionally regarded as mechanical injuries, hip fractures are now increasingly recognized as systemic events reflecting and accelerating biological vulnerability and frailty progression. We synthesize evidence across biological, clinical, and social domains to explore the systemic implications of hip fracture, from the acute catabolic response and immune dysfunction to long-term functional decline. The concept of intrinsic capacity, introduced by the World Health Organization, offers a resilience-based framework to assess the multidimensional impact of hip fracture on physical, cognitive, and psychological function. We highlight the importance of orthogeriatric co-management, early surgical intervention, and integrated rehabilitation strategies tailored to the individual’s functional reserves and personal goals. Innovations such as digital health tools, biological aging biomarkers, and personalized surgical approaches represent promising avenues to enhance recovery and autonomy. Ultimately, we advocate for a shift toward interdisciplinary, capacity-oriented models of care that align with the goals of healthy aging and enable recovery that transcends survival, focusing instead on restoring function and quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the last decade, there has been a notable increase in the prevalence of cognitive decline among the elderly population. This phenomenon is further compounded by the concurrent rise in life expectancy, indicating a growing concern for the health and well-being of individuals in this demographic. Dementia has become a disease with a strong social impact, not exclusively limited to its health dimension. It is generally accepted that lifestyle factors and psychological attitudes toward life challenges may serve as protective mechanisms against pathological cognitive decline. The objective of this contribution is to evaluate the impact of lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, employment history, nutrition, technology use, etc.), stressors (e.g., illness, rare events, abandonments, home moving, etc.), and sociability (e.g., marriage, active friend network, children proximity, work relationships, etc.) at the onset of pathological cognitive frailty. Methods: In this study, a semi-structured interview was administered to 32 individuals over the age of 65 during their initial neuropsychological evaluation for suspected dementia. Results: Linear regressions with Mini Mental State Examination scores indicated that lifestyle and sociability factors offer a degree of protection against cognitive decline, while stressors were found to be unrelated to this phenomenon. Conclusions: The utilization of contemporary technologies, the possession of a driver’s license, and the maintenance of an active social network have been demonstrated to possess a high degree of predictive value with respect to cognitive reserve in the context of aging. Full article

Since the early 2000s, sustainable development in agriculture has attracted substantial political attention, institutional support, and financial commitment, raising expectations for tangible outcomes. Yet, measurable progress remains uneven. As a leading food exporter, Brazil, in particular, has come under global scrutiny for practices deemed unsustainable—such as deforestation, excessive use of agrochemicals, and socio-environmental conflicts—despite its agricultural sector being a vital contributor to global food security. To provide policymakers with a robust monitoring tool, this study develops a nonlinear regression model that quantifies rural sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. We selected seven indicators—gross value added, average rural income, life expectancy, schooling years, preservation-area deficit, legal-reserve deficit, and water-scarcity deficit—to compute individual sub-indexes. These are combined into a composite rural sustainability index and applied to data from 141 municipalities in Mato Grosso. The results demonstrate that only municipalities achieving high and balanced scores in all three pillars can be deemed sustainable. Our framework contributes to the growing body of triple-index methodologies by offering a replicable, statistically robust tool tailored to agrarian contexts. It provides actionable insights for regional decision-makers aiming to balance productivity, environmental preservation, and social well-being in agricultural frontier regions. Full article

This paper analyses Poland’s participation in implementing European climate policy within the framework of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), looking toward 2040. It assesses the feasibility of Poland’s commitments to the European Union’s decarbonisation targets, particularly with regard to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and nuclear power. The study highlights the challenges related to the speed of the energy transition, the security of electricity supply, and the competitiveness of the national economy. The study also assesses the energy mix scenarios proposed in the NECP, taking into account historical energy consumption data, economic and demographic projections, and expert analyses of energy security. It also critically examines the risks of delayed investment in nuclear and offshore wind, the potential shortfall in renewable energy infrastructure, and the need for transitional solutions, including coal and gas generation. An alternative scenario is proposed to mitigate potential energy supply shortfalls between 2035 and 2040, highlighting the role of energy storage, strategic reserves, and the maintenance of certain fossil fuel capacities. Poland’s energy policy should prioritize flexibility and synchronization with EU objectives, while ensuring economic stability and technological feasibility. The analysis underlines that the sustainable development of the national energy system requires not only alignment with European climate goals, but also a long-term balance between environmental responsibility, energy affordability, and security. Strengthening the sustainability dimension in energy policy decisions—by integrating resilience, renewability, and social acceptance—is essential to ensure a just and enduring energy transition. Full article

The importance of forest ecosystems in tourism and recreation to sustainable tourism (SUT) in protected areas (PARs) has been the subject of research in numerous studies. People are increasingly turning to nature and its values. To prevent impacts on forest ecosystems, protected area managers plan for SUT and recreation use. The SUT in the PARs is based on four main pillars of sustainability: ecological, economic, sociocultural, and institutional dimensions. In this study, the authors examined the significance of social and ecological elements in the evolution of sustainable tourism for residents and visitors of the Karadjordjevo Special Nature Reserve (Karadjordjevo), where the primary resource is the forest ecosystem. The aim of this research was to examine the state and prospects for the development of sustainable tourism in the nature reserve by observing the dimensions of sustainability. In addition, the aim was to determine whether sustainable tourism affects the satisfaction of residents and visitors of this nature reserve. The research employs a quantitative methodology and applies the Prism of Sustainability model, continuing the authors’ previous research of nature-based tourism on the Balkan Peninsula. Based on the analysis of 1240 replies, it may be inferred that the four facets of sustainability significantly influence the state of tourism and that SUT greatly affects respondents’ sentiments. The new insights from this research indicate that the respondents recognized the importance of sustainable tourism, although not all significant destination factors exist that can impact the protection of nature on the one hand and the development of tourism with no adverse environmental consequences on the other. The research results are important for the various SUT plans and documents related to the management of destinations with forest ecosystems. Full article

In the process of social development, there is a contradiction between economic development and the ecological environment. Western countries were the first to experience the inverted U-shaped development model of “destruction first and compensation later”, and China is also facing similar problems. To reveal the formation mechanism and dynamic evolution of the inflection point of ecological environment changes in China, this paper combines the entropy weight method, the analytic hierarchy process, and quadratic curve fitting to construct the “Ecological Pressure Index—GDPP Model” and studies the inflection point of ecological pressure during China’s economic development from 2000 to 2022. The study shows that the key inflection point of China’s ecological environment pressure is between 2016 and 2017, which is mainly affected by multiple factors such as the economy, domestic and international situations, and policy adjustments. For example, the implementation of the “Supply-side Structural Reform” and the environmental protection supervision system has significantly reduced the pollution pressure. At the same time, the “inflection point” is applied to dynamically adjust the PSR model, revealing the stage transition of China’s environmental governance focus. For instance, from 2000 to 2016, end-of-pipe pollution treatment was dominant (for example, the weights of pollution emission indicators X₅–X₈ were relatively high), while after 2016, the focus of governance shifted to the restoration of ecological space (for example, the weight of nature reserves X₂₂ was 2.759%). The theoretical contribution of this paper lies in proposing the concept of “Policy-driven EKC”, emphasizing the core role of policy intervention in the formation of the inflection point of the ecological environment. In addition, the dynamic adjustment of the PSR model using the “inflection point” better interprets China’s self-transformation in the development process and provides other developing countries with a Chinese solution of “institutional innovation first” and the “Policy-driven EKC—Chinese PSR Model” for reference in balancing economic growth and ecological protection. Full article

In Ten Little Indians, Sherman Alexie presents nine poignant and emotionally resonant stories about Native Americans’ struggle with alienation and stereotypes. Instead of focusing merely on the ethnic identity of American Indians, Alexie writes about a particular group of people sharing similar circumstances and addresses their common humanity, namely their search for love and respect in urban spaces. Alexie questions the authenticity of Indian identity and asserts that a “mental reservation” exists in the minds of Indian people which significantly influences their perceptions of self and community. Race, as a medium of seeing “the other” permeates U.S. society, especially in the wake of terrorist attacks. However, racial profiling has proven to be an ineffective means of detecting criminals and criminal activities, and has obstructed social relationships, bringing emotions of fear, loneliness and grief to urban Indians. In response to the modernity crisis, Alexie explores the American Indian cosmopolitanism in Ten Little Indians, and envisions a human social community based on reciprocity and mutual respect. His concerns regarding ordinary people’s life experiences and their ways of forming healthy relationships exhibit his considerable hope for “the triumph of the ordinary”. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic in Romania exacerbated pediatric antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics may be related to increased multidrug-resistant bacteria. The main aim of this study was to assess pediatric AMR trends and phenotypes, while a secondary objective was to investigate the potential links with hospital abandonment. Methods: This retrospective study from the Children’s Emergency Hospital “Louis Țurcanu”, Timișoara, focused on AMR patterns in 2019 pre-pandemic, 2021 pandemic, and 2023 post-pandemic. The following phenotypes were assessed: MRSA, MRCoNS, VRE, ESBL, CRO, MDR, XDR, and PDR. Results: There were 3530 total patients and 6885 total samples. There were 69.92% of the total samples resistant to at least one antimicrobial class, (72.69% in 2019, 67.05% in 2021, 69.16% in 2023). Specifically, resistance towards penicillins remained high across the entire period (57.45–60.93%), while the following classes presented elevated resistance in the pandemic: cephalosporins (42.91%), combination therapies (40.95%), reserve antibiotics (38.89%), and cyclines (13.83%). As for resistance phenotypes, MRSA and MRCoNS peaked during the pandemic (36.08% and 81.43%, respectively) while VRE remained relatively constant. Overall ESBL declined in 2023 to 14.45%, while overall CRO peaked during the pandemic (8.81%). Overall MDR fell during the pandemic (64.47%), while overall XDR peaked in 2019 (9.87%). No PDR cases were observed. Pediatric abandonment was an increasing concern, with regional cases rising from 5.42% (2019) to 9.83% (2023). Compared to the general population, increased antimicrobial resistance in abandoned patients was observed for fluoroquinolones (50.00%), Aminogycolsides (60.00%), reserve antibiotics (70.00%), cephalosporins (60.00%), and urinary antibiotics (60.00%). Resistance to cephalosporins (OR = 5.17, p = 0.0304) and reserve antibiotics (OR = 5.64, p = 0.0049) were key predictors of abandonment risk. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced resistance trends, with notable peaks in MRSA, MRCoNS, and CRO. Post-pandemic patterns suggest continued escalation of resistance. The association between resistant infections and pediatric abandonment highlights the need for robust antimicrobial stewardship and social intervention policies. Full article

This article presents a methodology for risk assessment and management in the development of hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves. The proposed methodology integrates Monte Carlo simulation and fuzzy logic methods, which allows for the consideration of both quantitative stochastic risks (e.g., fluctuations in oil prices, variability in costs, and production volumes) and qualitative uncertainties (e.g., environmental, social, and technological risks) that are traditionally difficult to formalize. The approach facilitates the incorporation of uncertainties associated with complex field developments and aims to improve managerial decisions through comprehensive risk assessment. The article elaborates on the theoretical aspects of the proposed methodology, including risk identification stages, the formalization of qualitative data using fuzzy logic, and the application of the Monte Carlo method for integrating various risk categories. The results confirm the potential of this methodology as a tool to enhance the resilience and economic efficiency of projects involving the development of hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves. Full article

Underground mining workings represent a valuable cultural, industrial, and civilizational heritage, serving as a testament to the history of human labour. The protection of old historical underground sites is an element of protecting mankind’s cultural heritage, a vital component of sustainable development. Supporting and adapting underground sites involve aesthetics, environmental issues, urban development, and natural and social aspects. Many of these sites, such as the salt mines in Bochnia and Wieliczka, are designated as nature reserves or UNESCO World Heritage sites. The preservation of these spaces requires a balanced approach that integrates their original function with new forms of usage, such as tourist routes or museums. The authenticity of these objects enhances their value as unique tourist products, supporting the conservation of heritage while addressing contemporary needs. In the adaptation process of underground sites, it is crucial to consider their specific characteristics, influenced by geological conditions, and to adapt them to new functions. A detailed analysis of geological, social, political, and landscape values is necessary to ensure that the adaptation process aligns with heritage protection principles. Several successful examples of such adaptations already exist in Poland, demonstrating their potential to bridge the past with the future, creating valuable functional programs. The article undertakes an analysis of the functional and spatial characteristics of underground mining workings in the context of selecting new uses, considering both their historical value and the needs of modern users. The impact of adaptation on the integrity of these objects is evaluated, and an approach is proposed that combines cultural heritage preservation with the possibility of utilising it for a new function. Full article

Sustainable community development is a prerequisite for national parks’ coordinated ecological and socio-economic development. This study analyzes the sustainable development challenges communities face in national parks, including the marginalization of indigenous peoples, the passive role of stakeholders, and insufficient protection of community interests. Using a grounded theory approach and a mixed research method (semi-structured interviews and questionnaires), the development constraints of community residents in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in China were systematically studied. The research framework identified five core dimensions (economic, social, ecological, institutional, and cultural) and eight major categories that characterize the community’s development dilemma. The analysis revealed systemic problems, including differences in income distribution, limited access to resources, gaps in policy implementation, and ambiguous stakeholder roles. A new framework for coordinated development of national park communities was constructed through multidimensional analysis, and coordinated development strategies were proposed from the five dimensions of economy, society, ecology, institution, and culture. These findings contribute to the theoretical underpinnings of national park governance in China and offer a transferable methodological system for managing nature reserves and national parks worldwide, particularly in achieving a balance between ecological protection and community development needs. Full article