Search Results (604)

New and old scientific methodologies are constantly emerging. Citizen science (CS) is a research methodology that enables the involvement of citizens in scientific research, fostering new knowledge while empowering society. This pilot study explored university students’ perceptions regarding citizen science and the food system through a focus group. None of the participants had prior experience with CS, and most had never heard of it; nevertheless, they identified knowledge acquisition and societal change as the main motivators for participation. Concerning the food system, participants expressed concerns about unhealthy and unbalanced diets, lack of food and health literacy, and limited access to healthy options. Proposed solutions included transparent labeling, support and access to local food production, intersectoral awareness campaigns, and reinforcement of the relevance of citizen-led approaches to solving complex food-related issues. These findings highlight the potential of CS as a powerful approach to engage citizens in scientific research and, consequently, contribute to actionable solutions that address the complex challenges of the food system. Full article

Existing studies on adaptive capacity often focus on isolated theoretical aspects of the concept, without offering practical tools for climate policy. Moreover, gaps remain in integrating public participation into adaptation strategies and in extending research beyond specific climate-related threats, such as flooding. Current climate adaptation plans usually rely on public statistics, which are not accurate enough to reflect adaptive capacity at the local level. Improving such plans requires incorporating local knowledge and adequately addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. This article proposes a survey-based tool for measuring social adaptive capacity, providing policymakers with detailed insights into a community’s ability to cope with climate change. The tool was tested while developing a climate adaptation plan for a medium-sized city in Poland. A total of 238 responses were analysed, applying basic and non-parametric statistical methods across four key variables: risk perception of climate change, perceived adaptive capacity, adaptation motivation, and adaptation behaviour. Findings revealed that residents were aware of climate change and believed in the necessity of adaptation. To translate this awareness into sustainable action, local authorities should raise individual responsibility, offer technical and financial guidance, provide various forms of financial assistance, and strengthen social capital, which could increase participation in grassroots initiatives. Full article

Background/Objectives: General movement assessment (GMA) is a clinical assessment tool used to predict risk for cerebral palsy (CP) in young infants. Equal access is challenging since GMA-trained personnel is a limited resource. An implementation study aimed to offer all high-risk infants born in the Central Norway Regional Health Authority equal access to GMA as part of the standard follow-up. This study explored the local health care personnel (HCP) experiences with early risk assessment for CP in young infants using remote GMA. Methods: This was a qualitative study with one focus group and four individual interviews. Participants were HCP from the local follow-up clinics who had experience with GMA. Analyses were inspired by Malterud’s systematic text condensation. Results: Attitudes towards GMA were, in general, positive, and GMA was considered an important and gentle examination contributing to earlier initiation of correct follow-up actions and appropriate treatment. The GMA results could improve communication between HCP and parents, and lead to a closer local municipality follow-up if GMA result was abnormal. Parents were given an active role with home video recording, which was considered family empowering. Especially pediatricians wanted more detailed information about the qualities of spontaneous movements to support clinical decision-making. Conclusions: This study indicated that further implementation of the GMA method to assess the risk of CP in high-risk infants could be recommended, and that GMA was a gentle method for the purpose. As suggested by pediatricians in this study, more detailed assessments using the GMA beyond FMs could be further explored as support to clinical decisions. The insight from this study may inform implementation in similar contexts. Full article

Under the discourses of sustainable development and modernization of the Amazon, an iron triangle of governments, companies, and investors often impose large-scale infrastructure projects (LSIPs) on Indigenous peoples to facilitate commodity extraction and market transactions in a context of capitalist market expansion. Indigenous resistance to LSIPs can be understood as a power struggle against coloniality and towards decolonizing environmental justice (DEJ). This study merges DEJ and power frameworks, while involving Indigenous leaders as co-researchers to provide a critical, insider perspective on the (i) motivations, (ii) strategies, and (iii) agency of two effective Indigenous resistance processes: the luchas led by Yunguillo Indigenous Reserve against roads, and by the Mancomunidad de Comunidades de los ríos Beni, Tuichi y Quiquibey against hydroelectric dams. In both cases, motivations reflected DEJ goals: the defense of Indigenous autonomy and territorial sovereignty, as well as Indigenous ontologies and epistemologies, reflecting an alternative vision of sustainability and development. However, locals’ positions regarding the projects were convoluted, partly due to the patronizing and divisive strategies of the iron triangle. To challenge the coloniality of power, both groups applied a diverse, synergistic, and adaptative set of strategies. External and internal alliances (i.e., with other actors and within communities), as well as actions to empower themselves as groups (e.g., self-governance) and individuals (e.g., spirituality) constituted key organizational leveraging strategies to increase their power-with and power-within. The instrumental strategies of collective action, civil disobedience, and direct resistance, in a climate of highly unjust and poorly trusted official institutions, showed great effectiveness to exert pressure on the iron triangle (power-over) and halt the projects (power-to, or agency). Success, nevertheless, was partial and uncertain: one battle won in an unequal war and in a changing context. This study seeks to contribute to previous efforts to decolonize and repoliticize academia, environmentalism, and sustainability, advance debates on strategies that challenge official systems and entrenched power structures, and validate Indigenous perspectives and experiences, producing scientific evidence that contributes to their luchas. Full article

This study analyzes the relationship between climate change and poverty in Chota Valley’s Afro-Ecuadorian communities. Using a mixed-methods approach—quantitative data from a household survey and qualitative insights from a focus group—the research explores how climate variability affects income, knowledge, and adaptive actions. The findings reveal that while most residents are aware of climate change, their understanding stems from lived agricultural experiences rather than formal education. The Proxy Means Testing (PMT) index shows that higher poverty levels correlate with greater awareness and adaptation efforts. Moreover, climate change has prompted crop substitutions (e.g., to mango), temporarily improving economic conditions. However, the study concludes that sustained resilience requires enhanced education and community-led adaptation strategies. These findings highlight the intersection of environmental vulnerability and social inequality, emphasizing the need for targeted policies and local engagement in climate action. Full article

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of the physicochemical characteristics of the molecular and supramolecular structure of polymers on electroadhesive interactions and their change under the action of a constant electric field. Currently, this effect is modeled in electroadhesion studies, but the range of variable parameters is limited and includes permittivity, moisture content, and surface roughness. It is important to consider other physicochemical parameters, such as material crystallinity and surface characteristics, changes in which can affect the magnitude of electroadhesive forces. In this study, the electric field strength was varied by altering the constant voltage in the range of 3–8 kV. Polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyvinyl acetate were used as substrates for adhesive systems. The influence of the concentration of vinyl acetate groups, which determine the energy characteristics of the surface, and the degree of crystallinity on electroadhesive interactions under conditions of an external constant electric field and without it was traced. The degree of crystallinity was varied both by the cooling rate and the orientation during drawing. It was shown that by changing the polar component of the surface energy and the proportion of the crystalline phase in the substrate, electroadhesive interactions can be increased by 4 times to 120 Pa compared to polyethylene. The obtained laws are explained by the local dipoles induced by polar functional groups, which enhance the polymer’s surface interactions with other materials and external fields. At the same time, the fixation of macromolecules in crystalline regions complicates polarization under the influence of an electric field. Full article

Background: Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) is a challenging overuse injury, particularly in athletes, characterized by deep buttock pain localized to the ischial tuberosity and often exacerbated by sports activities. This condition can impact an athlete’s performance, limiting high-level athletic activity. Return to sport (RTS) thus becomes a medical, physical, athletic, and economic necessity. Previous research has explored several conservative and injection-based therapies, but evidence regarding the efficacy of porcine collagen injections remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to compare the results obtained from ultrasound-guided porcine collagen injections versus a structured rehabilitation program in reducing time to return to sport (RTS) and improving Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment—Hamstring (VISA-H) scores with respect to athletes with clinically diagnosed PHT. Conservative approaches for PHT treatments include various options, such as physiotherapy, corticosteroids, plasma-rich-platelet, shockwave therapy, and collagen injection. Collagen demonstrated to be a validated option for tendinopathies treatment due its regenerative and restorative mechanism of action. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from twenty-eight athletes with a clinical diagnosis of PHT, confirmed based on pain provocation tests (Puranen–Orava, bent-knee, and modified bent-knee tests), who were divided into two groups: COL and REHAB. The VISA-H outcomes were recorded for all subjects. The COL group received three ultrasound-guided collagen injections at weekly intervals, plus standard care instructions. The REHAB group completed a progressive exercise program targeting hamstring and lumbopelvic stabilization. The primary outcomes were RTS time (days) and VISA-H scores at baseline and 8 weeks. Adverse effects were recorded. Results: The two groups of treatment were very homogeneous and showed parametric distribution concerning the biological and pathophysiological conditions. No adverse events were reported. The mean times to RTS were 57 and 72 days for COL and REHAB, respectively (p = 0.0083). The VISA-H results revealed better improvement for the COL group than the REHAB treatment (p < 0.0001), and the log-rank test showed a higher odds ratio (HR) for RTS, 5.35 (p = 0.0008), for the COL athletes. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided porcine collagen injections, combined with standard care, significantly reduced RTS time and improved VISA-H scores compared with rehabilitation alone in athletes with PHT. However, a larger cohort of athletes might be needed to gather more information about this conservative treatment in PHT pathology. Full article

Citizen science is increasingly recognized as a potential catalyst for sustainability transitions, climate action, and behavioral change by fostering collaboration between scientists and the public. While it offers benefits such as mutual learning, awareness raising, and improved outcomes, sustaining long-term diverse engagement remains a challenge. Research to date has largely emphasized data outcomes and initial participation, often overlooking the relational, social, and practical dimensions crucial for continued involvement. A disconnect persists between researchers’ data-driven goals and participants’ personal motivations, compounded by insufficient training and institutional support for engagement. This paper presents a novel framework for enhancing citizen engagement, drawing on a state-of-the-art literature review and focus group insights from the H2020 I-CHANGE project. It identifies enablers for and barriers to participation, reframing the latter as opportunities for support. The findings are organized into four themes: (1) call for participation, focusing on intrinsic motivation and local relevance; (2) project design, highlighting inclusive tools and communication; (3) a collaborative process, emphasizing trust, clarity, and support; and (4) participation benefits, including meaning, recognition, and social connection. This study underscores the need to build trust, foster relationality, and align expectations. It proposes practical engagement criteria and calls for deeper exploration of the relational foundations of citizen science. Full article

The combination of electrochemical, surface, and spectroscopic techniques revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm accelerated corrosion of 304 stainless steel (SS), leading to localized pitting with depths up to 3.75 μm. Such damage did not occur on 304 SS treated with P. aeruginosa in the presence of Artemisia annua L. extract, or in sterile seawater. Introducing A. annua into biotic seawater hindered biofilm development and prevented the formation of porous Fe(III) corrosion products. Instead, a compact Fe₃O₄ layer formed, indicating a shift in corrosion product morphology and stability. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed phenolic groups from the extract were adsorbed onto the steel interface, supporting the dual inhibitory role of A. annua through both surface modification and antimicrobial action. A. annua extract demonstrated a 74.4 ± 4.4% reduction in MIC-induced corrosion of 304 SS in marine conditions. Full article

Sustainable management of Portunus pelagicus is hindered by uncertain stock boundaries across rapidly changing marginal seas and culturally diverse markets. We measured 12 size-adjusted morphometrics in 525 adults from five sites (Kyushu, Xiamen, Tainan, Hong Kong, and Singapore). Canonical variate analysis resolved three robust groups that mirror oceanographic regimes: a Kuroshio–China group (Kyushu, Xiamen, and Hong Kong), a Taiwan Strait subgroup (Tainan), and a Southeast Asia group (Singapore). Permutation tests (1000 runs) showed near-zero probabilities of observing the low misclassification rates by chance (p < 0.001). A reproductive trait (female AB3W) displayed group-specific allometric slopes, consistent with local functional demands. We integrate these results with a cultural ecology lens—linking ornamental carapace valuation to selective harvest—to propose morphological management units (MMUs) and region-specific rules that can be implemented immediately and refined with genomics. This work reframes a descriptive morphometric study into a socio-ecological mechanism for climate-ready, actionable fisheries governance. Full article

With the ongoing advancement of urban renewal and cultural tourism, public spaces within historic cultural districts face dual challenges of structural complexity and diverse user demands. There is an urgent need to establish a scientific, user-oriented evaluation system to enhance spatial quality and user satisfaction. This study takes the Nanhesha Historic and Cultural Quarter in Yangzhou as a case study, focusing on two primary user groups: tourists and local residents. Employing semi-structured interviews and grounded theory, it distils a demand evaluation framework comprising four dimensions—spatial structure, environmental perception, socio-cultural aspects, and facility systems—with a total of 21 indicators. Subsequently, employing the Delphi method, experts were invited to refine the indicators through two rounds of deliberation. The Kano model was then applied to classify the demand attributes of different groups, identifying five common demands and sixteen differentiated demands. These were categorised into three sensitivity levels. Further integrating the Satisfaction Increment Index (SII), Dissatisfaction Decrement Index (DDI), and sensitivity values, a two-dimensional prioritisation model was constructed. This yielded a unified three-tier priority system alongside independent ranking frameworks for each user group. Findings reveal that visitors prioritise immediate experiential attributes such as spatial accessibility, appropriate scale, and environmental cleanliness, whereas residents favour long-term usage-oriented aspects including cultural expression, convenient facilities, and climate adaptability. This research not only enriches the theoretical framework for studying public space perception in historic cultural districts but also provides actionable evaluation criteria and practical pathways for multi-stakeholder spatial optimisation design. It offers guidance for the high-quality, refined development of public spaces within historic quarters. Full article

Background: Suicide was the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 15–24 years old in 2023, with 392 lives lost. The continued high numbers of youth suicide demand urgent exploration of alternative approaches to suicide intervention in this population. The United Kingdom-based suicide service Maytree offers an innovative short-term stay for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Grounded by the Maytree model-of-care, the aim of the current study was to co-design a short-stay service responsive to the specific needs of suicidal young people. Methods: Semi-structured and focus group interviews with young people (n = 38), caregivers (n = 11) and key local stakeholders (n = 26) in Perth, Western Australia. Results: Deductive and inductive thematic analysis identified 8 core themes: benefits, service design, staffing, operations, referrals, challenges and safety, measures of success, and language. Endorsement of the Luminos model as beneficial to young people experiencing thoughts of suicide was nearly unanimous. Conclusions: These findings provide actionable insights for the development of alternative, youth-informed suicide support services. Full article

Amid China’s rural–urban integration and rural revitalization, the Centralized Residence of Farmers Policy (CRFP) emerges as a pivotal tool to optimize rural spatial structure and land-use efficiency, yet its implementation risks—particularly risk coupling effects—remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by constructing a holistic risk assessment framework and empirically examining CRFP in L Town, Shanghai; it employs a multi-method approach, integrating the Delphi method, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Cumulative Impact Model (CIM) to develop and validate a comprehensive risk assessment framework. This framework evaluates five key dimensions: policy content, implementation subjects, resource guarantees, target groups, and environmental adaptation. Empirical analysis of relocated farming households in L town reveals that the overall risk level of CRFP implementation falls within the moderate-risk range. Key identified risk factors identified include public opinion control, clarity of implementation standards, communication feedback accessibility, reliability of information resources, and effectiveness of implementation strategies. Based on these findings, the study proposes several risk mitigation strategies: aligning policies with local realities to promote high-quality social development, fostering collaborative digital governance through multi-stakeholder engagement, ensuring law-based policy formulation with transparent and supervised processes, enhancing public input through effective interest communication mechanisms, improving information dissemination with inclusive public participation, and adopting flexible implementation strategies. This research addresses fragmentation issues in the existing literature with a unified indicator system and provides actionable solutions that offer significant theoretical and practical value for advancing rural revitalization in the context of urban–rural integration. Full article

This article aims to understand Muslim voting trends in the United Kingdom through a study of the movement that called itself The Muslim Vote. Drawing on interviews and other publicly available primary material, it uses Social Movement Theory to analyse the movement that emerged in the post-7 October 2023 landscape. It argues that voter fatigue with both the Labour and Conservative Parties, due to their failure to address acute economic issues in the UK, as well as both parties’ support for Israel, created opportunities for TMV to emerge. Consequently, TMV mobilised resources, including decades of political experience and a new emerging group of politically educated youth, to help power its campaign. It also demonstrates how TMV used common frames of reference for Muslims, such as the Ummah, aided by social media apps, shining light on Israel’s actions in Palestine to engage Muslims across the UK. In highlighting some of the nascent successes of TMV’s efforts in co-ordination with local Muslim groups, whereby independent candidates came to power, it demonstrates that TMV has the latent ability to reshape Muslim political identity if it were to continue its momentum. Through this enquiry, it finally lends itself to the literature that examines Muslim voting trends in the UK and Europe. Full article

Bioregions are examples of true sustainable development. The desire for sustainability within local communities leads to agreements and the formation of bioregions in which sustainable development is based on practical action. This paper analyzes the concept of bioregions, emphasizing holistic approaches applied to, and relationships with, economic, environmental and social factors in pathways and the pace of specialization for the development of territories, thereby complementing the agricultural dimension and paying special attention to the application of organic farming techniques. The formation of bioregions is based on the desires of local communities, but at the same time, we believe that there are objective factors that influence the development of bioregions. Thirteen factors that could affect the creation of bioregions were selected using factors referred to in research papers, as well as by adding original ones. These factors can be divided into the sustainable agriculture and tourism groups, in which high values indicate a high potential for the formation of bioregions, as well as the intensive agriculture factor group, where high values indicate the benefits of large-scale economies that hinder the formation of bioregions. Cluster analysis identified six potential bioregions in Latvia, each with distinct socio-economic, environmental, and agricultural characteristics: the metropolitan region (dominant indicator-PIT per capita, value 890 EUR), the tourism cluster (dominant indicator—tourists served as a % of the total population, value 28%), the extensive agriculture cluster (dominant indicator—organically certified UAA, value 14,645 ha), the nature and education cluster (dominant indicator—protected areas, value 7587 ha), the intensive agriculture cluster (dominant indicator—profit from productive land, value 278 EUR ha⁻¹), as well as a non-specialized cluster (no strongly dominant indicators). This paper describes each cluster and discusses its potential for bioregion development. Full article