Search Results (9,896)

This study explores how residents of Vrnjačka Banja (Serbia) perceive the impacts of tourism and how these attitudes influence their support for future tourism development. Specifically, it examines positive and negative economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts, as well as the types of tourism residents favor. Data were collected from 420 local residents using a structured survey, and the reliability of the scales was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of participant characteristics, while MANOVA and follow-up ANOVA tests were used to examine differences in perceived tourism impacts across tourism types. Multiple linear regression was used to assess how attitudes toward positive and negative impacts predict residents’ support for future tourism development. The results indicate that attitudes toward positive impacts are relatively consistent across residents, whereas negative socio-cultural and environmental impacts differ depending on the type of tourism they support. Regression analysis shows that positive socio-cultural and environmental impacts are the strongest drivers of residents’ support, while negative socio-cultural and economic impacts reduce support. These findings highlight the importance of social and environmental considerations in shaping community attitudes and suggest that sustainable tourism planning should prioritize local well-being and responsible environmental management alongside economic objectives. This study contributes to the literature by addressing the heterogeneity in residents’ attitudes through tourism type preferences, while also highlighting the limited research on this topic in spa destinations. It further provides practical guidance for destination managers and policymakers in developing more targeted and sustainable tourism strategies. Full article

Background: Undernutrition among children under five years remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and rural communities where poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to health services persist. Maternal and caregiver perceptions play a critical role in shaping feeding practices and health-seeking behaviours that influence child nutritional outcomes. Objective: This study explored mothers’ and caregivers’ perceptions of factors contributing to undernutrition among children under five years in a rural community of Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at a primary healthcare clinic in the Ngqeleni sub-district. Purposive sampling was used to recruit mothers and caregivers of children under five years. Data were collected through seven in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions involving a total of 25 participants. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide and analyzed thematically. Results: Five major themes emerged: caregivers’ perceptions of nutrition, household food insecurity and unemployment, limited dietary diversity, culturally influenced feeding practices, and gaps in practical nutrition knowledge. Caregivers demonstrated concern for child nutrition but described constrained feeding choices shaped by poverty, reliance on social grants, environmental challenges, and limited access to diverse foods. Environmental challenges such as drought and lack of piped water further limited food production. Limited nutrition knowledge and reliance on informal information sources contributed to suboptimal feeding practices. Conclusions: Undernutrition in this rural setting is shaped by a complex interaction of economic hardship, environmental constraints, and limited caregiver knowledge. Community-based nutrition education, strengthened primary healthcare counselling, and multisectoral interventions addressing poverty, water access, and food security are essential to improve child nutrition outcomes. Full article

Ecosystem services (ESs) support human well-being, but their integrated assessment in urban green spaces remains challenging, particularly at the project scale, where finer spatial resolution (tens of meters) is required. Historical parks are complex socio-ecological systems with non-linear ES interactions. This study develops a design-oriented framework to assess how restoration interventions influence regulation, maintenance, and cultural ES potential provision. Indicators derived from field surveys and established models were selected according to CICES V5.2 and adapted to ecological and cultural features of historical parks. Survey units were defined for each ES section to enable a spatially explicit comparison between current and design scenarios. A normalized scoring system was applied to evaluate category-level changes and overall interaction patterns. The framework was tested on the restoration project of Monza Park (northern Italy). Results show a marked increase in cultural and regulation services (+28% and +17%, respectively), while maintenance services exhibited a slight decrease (−3%). These trends are reflected in the Cumulative Indicator Score (CIS), indicating an overall positive balance of ES provision in the design scenario. The Design Effectiveness Score (DES) showed consistently non-negative values (DES ≥ 0), reaching maximum effectiveness in transitions to woody vegetation (DES ≈ 1). The Synergy–Trade-off Score (STS) confirmed a general increase in ES supply across all categories, with a clear prevalence of synergies over trade-offs. The proposed framework supports the data-driven, spatially explicit evaluation of design alternatives and can guide decision-making in historical park restoration. Full article

This study examines how users’ preferences for spatial elements in neighborhood parks influence satisfaction and assesses the moderating role of urban density in this relationship. An online survey was conducted with 283 residents in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, and the study area was classified into high-, medium-, and low-density urban contexts. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to derive key spatial elements, and multiple regression and moderation analyses were conducted to empirically verify the relationship between the respondents’ spatial preferences and satisfaction. The study finds that the spatial elements of neighborhood parks have significantly varying effects on user satisfaction based on urban density. Specifically, natural and community spaces were identified as core elements that consistently influenced satisfaction across all urban density levels. In contrast, multifunctional cultural spaces were the only significant predictors of the relationship between spatial preferences and satisfaction in high-density spaces and urban-landscape spaces only had a significant influence in medium-density areas. The findings suggest that the spatial elements of neighborhood parks do not operate universally; rather, their effects on user satisfaction are context-dependent and shaped by urban density. Full article

This study investigated the microbiological composition and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of artisanal goat and sheep milk cheeses produced in Poland. Ten raw milk cheeses (five each from goat and sheep milk) were analyzed using a combined approach involving culture-dependent enumeration, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Microbial counts revealed substantial variability among the samples, with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dominating the microbiota. Taxonomic analysis confirmed the predominance of Lactococcus, Streptococcus, and lactobacilli, although marked intra-group heterogeneity was observed. Multivariate analyses indicated that sample-specific factors had a greater influence on microbiome composition than milk origin. Among 170 isolates, 28.7% were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR), being most prevalent in Enterobacterales (100%) and Enterococcus spp. (73%), whereas LAB exhibited low resistance levels (16.2%). Resistance was most frequently associated with aminoglycosides and β-lactams. The resistance results were interpreted according to CLSI guidelines. These findings demonstrate that artisanal cheeses harbor complex, dynamic microbial ecosystems that may serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance. The results highlight that environmental and technological factors, rather than milk source alone, are key drivers of both microbiome structure and resistance distribution, underscoring the need for targeted AMR monitoring in traditional dairy products. Full article

Olive cultivation represents a key pillar of rural economies and cultural heritage in Mediterranean regions, including western Greece. Despite its socio-economic importance, the sector faces increasing pressures from climate change, market volatility, and technological transformation, while progress toward environmentally sustainable production remains uneven. This study investigates how olive farmers’ perceptions of carbon footprint and climate risks are influenced by their demographic characteristics. Primary data were collected through 402 structured questionnaires distributed to olive producers in the Aetolia–Acarnania region. The sample was designed to represent farmers directly engaged in olive production, ensuring the relevance and reliability of the collected data. The findings, based on descriptive statistics, reveal significant heterogeneity in producers’ perceptions of climate risks and their capacity to respond through sustainable practices. Demographic characteristics appear to play an important role in shaping awareness of carbon footprint and the potential adoption of environmentally responsible farming strategies. These results suggest that sustainability transitions in perennial cropping systems depend not only on technological availability but also on social, informational, and institutional capacities. Strengthening agricultural advisory services, farmer training, and climate adaptation strategies may therefore support the adoption of climate-smart practices in olive cultivation. Furthermore, cooperation and value-chain integration are identified as potentially important mechanisms for facilitating knowledge transfer and supporting the adoption of sustainable practices (e.g., efficient irrigation and optimized input use). However, their contribution to environmental performance and greenhouse gas mitigation cannot be directly inferred from the present perception-based analysis and should be examined in future research using appropriate quantitative or environmental assessment frameworks. Full article

With the transformation of resource-based cities and the restructuring of industrial sectors, the sustainable conservation of coal mining heritage has become a global focus. In China, coal mining heritage faces challenges such as degradation and inadequate management, highlighting the urgent need for more context-sensitive and systematic conservation approaches. This study develops an integrated, landscape-oriented analytical framework for stakeholder identification to address these challenges and to better understand stakeholder differentiation in coal mining heritage conservation. The research objectives are as follows: (1) to bring together a three-dimensional framework based on material-technical, socio-cultural, and experiential dimensions; (2) to analyse the roles and interactions of stakeholders; and (3) to explore how technical knowledge, socio-cultural memory, and daily experiences influence the protection and reuse of coal mining heritage sites. The study integrates the theoretical frameworks of landscape character assessment, historic urban landscape, and experiential landscape, using data from field observations and interviews analysed via ATLAS.ti. The findings show that the proposed framework offers a more systematic understanding of the dynamic relationships between stakeholders and heritage landscapes, thereby providing practical guidance for local governments and relevant institutions in developing inclusive and context-sensitive conservation strategies. Full article

The article provides a comprehensive review of empirical studies on consumer attitudes, motivations, and behaviors in the functional food market. The main objective of this study is to identify groups of determinants and to update and systematize current knowledge on the influence of various factors on consumer purchasing decisions in this market. Based on an analysis of international research published between 2004 and 2025, four key groups of determinants were identified: (1) health- and trust-related factors, (2) cognitive and psychological factors, (3) perceptual and product-related factors, and (4) socio-demographic and segmentation factors. The analysis confirms that purchasing decisions in this product category are complex and multidimensional. They result from the interaction between rational factors (health-related and cognitive) and emotional-symbolic factors (psychological and sensory). The strongest predictors of functional food acceptance include perceived health benefits, trust in producers and information sources, sensory attractiveness, and product naturalness. Socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, education level, and income, further differentiate purchasing intentions and behaviors. Overall, the findings highlight the need for further comparative and cross-cultural research, as cultural and economic conditions may significantly shape consumer decisions across markets. The results obtained have both theoretical and practical implications. They contribute to a better understanding of consumer decision-making processes and emphasize the importance of promoting health awareness. Full article

Peptaibols, predominantly secreted by Trichoderma species, are a class of linear peptides composed of five to twenty amino acid residues, synthesized non-ribosomally and enriched with α-amino isobutyric acid. These unique peptides appear to be highly effective in mediating the interactions between Trichoderma and plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) technology was used to detect peptaibols profiles of Trichoderma strains during their interactions with the pathogen Fusarium graminearum. MS investigations of crude extracts derived from in vitro confrontations of Trichoderma atroviride T23 and its genetically modified counterparts, dual-culture assays of Mlae1, Mvel1, OElae1, and OEvel1 with F. graminearum were performed to shed light on the regulatory role of the velvet complex composed of LAE1&VEL1 in the synthesis of peptaibols during the microbial interaction. These results revealed intriguing variations in the total peptaibols produced during the interactions, as well as some differences in the specific peptaibol profiles between the confrontation and control tests. The overexpression strains, OElae1 and OEvel1, distinguished themselves by their proficiency in inducing long-residue peptaibols synthesis, attaining an impressive biocontrol index of up to 76%. The crude extracts containing peptaibols of OElae1 and OEvel1 demonstrated a capability to enhance cell membrane permeability and decrease DON toxin production in F. graminearum, and the crude extracts of OElae1 strains exhibited more effectiveness in reducing DON toxin production. In conclusion, the interaction with F. graminearum significantly impacted the peptaibol production in the examined Trichoderma strain, emphasizing the intricate interplay and reciprocal influence of genetic factors and environmental stimuli. Full article

This study investigates how virtual reality systems can support inclusive access to culturally restricted sacred heritage sites. Two extended reality (XR) approaches were developed and deployed in a real-world setting: a VR360 virtual tour and an AI-driven immersive virtual reality prototype with conversational interaction. A research-in-the-wild, between-subjects study was conducted with 136 participants using mixed methods, including standardized questionnaires (System Usability Scale, User Engagement Scale, and Igroup Presence Questionnaire), retrospective interviews, and exhibition staff observations. The results reveal clear trade-offs between the two systems. The VR360 system demonstrated higher usability and operational reliability, requiring minimal supervision and technical resources, whereas the AI-driven immersive VR system supported embodied exploration and conversational inquiry, which was associated with higher spatial presence and helped visitors address questions during exploration. Qualitative findings further indicate that conversational interaction enhanced user experience but also introduced greater technical complexity and staffing requirements. Overall, the study provides empirical insights for designing and deploying XR systems in heritage contexts and highlights how different levels of immersion and interaction influence usability, presence, and operational feasibility when supporting inclusive access to culturally restricted sites. Full article

Major social, cultural, and sociopolitical events routinely disrupt daily life, yet their effects on sleep are rarely conceptualized at the population level beyond anecdotal sharing. The purpose of this Opinion piece is to initiate a preliminary discussion of “public sleep” as a novel construct describing systematic, event-related changes in sleep timing, duration, and quality that emerge coherently within communities in response to shared social experiences. Drawing on similarities with the well-established concept of public mood, we posit that sleep can be shaped by social environments in which shared attention, emotional climate, and coordinated schedules exert systematic influence. In support of this claim, we describe preliminary evidence from diverse domains demonstrating population-level sleep disruption following major events, including the transition to Daylight Saving Time, national elections, prolonged crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts, and highly salient cultural activities such as major sporting events. These reports from disparate fields provide an initial indication that public sleep disruptions can be acute or prolonged, geographically localized or global, and may be shaped by the duration, emotional intensity, and perceived importance of the associated event. We further highlight the potential public health, safety, social, and economic consequences of collective sleep loss, underscoring its relevance beyond individual well-being. Finally, we outline key directions for future research, emphasizing the need for systematic reviews, mechanistic studies, longitudinal designs, and policy-relevant recommendations. Recognizing public sleep as a measurable population phenomenon would provide a foundation for anticipating, monitoring, and mitigating sleep disruption during periods of collective strain, with implications for both individual health and societal resilience. Full article

The formulation of construction material unit price policies in areas with limited accessibility is a critical issue in ensuring effective and accountable government infrastructure planning. In such regions, construction costs are often highly volatile and difficult to predict, primarily due to transportation constraints, logistical inefficiencies, and geographical challenges. These conditions frequently result in budget overruns and inconsistencies between planned and actual project expenditures. Therefore, a rational and context-sensitive policy framework is required to support accurate cost estimation and sustainable infrastructure development. This study aims to develop a policy-oriented model for determining construction material unit prices in areas with limited accessibility based on influencing factors. A quantitative research approach was employed through a questionnaire survey involving 235 respondents, consisting of contractors, government representatives, consultants, and academics with experience in infrastructure development in remote or access-constrained regions. The collected data were analysed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to identify and validate the dominant factors affecting construction material unit prices. The results of the PLS-SEM analysis identified 33 influential factors that significantly contribute to the unpredictability of construction material unit prices in limited-accessibility areas. These factors encompass logistical costs, material price dynamics, government policies, geographical conditions, and local cultural aspects. The proposed model demonstrates that government policy plays a central role, both directly and indirectly through local cultural mediation, in influencing project performance and cost reliability. The findings of this study provide a structured and empirically grounded framework that can be utilized by local governments as a policy reference in establishing construction material unit prices for remote and access-constrained areas. By incorporating the identified influencing factors into unit price formulation, cost prediction accuracy can be improved, thereby supporting more effective budget allocation and ensuring that infrastructure quality is maintained without compromise due to unanticipated cost escalation. These improvements contribute to more sustainable infrastructure development by enhancing resource efficiency, minimizing cost overruns, and supporting equitable infrastructure provision in remote areas. Full article

Milk fat synthesis in dairy cows is a complex process affected by ruminal fermentation, systemic metabolism, and mammary gland activity. To explore the metabolic interplay across these systems, a multi-tissue metabolomics approach (rumen fluid, plasma, and milk) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to identify metabolic differences between Chinese Holstein cows with high (H-MF, 5.82 ± 0.41%) and low (L-MF, 3.60 ± 0.12%) milk fat content under the same diet. The bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were also cultured to evaluate the impact of a key metabolite, malic acid (MA), on lipid metabolism. Our findings reveal distinct metabolic profiles across rumen fluid, plasma, and milk, with 96, 109, and 79 differential metabolites, respectively, between the L-MF and H-MF groups. In rumen fluid, H-MF cows showed higher levels of lauric acid and succinic acid, linked to fatty acid biosynthesis, while the L-MF cows had elevated citraconic and orotic acids, associated with amino acid metabolism and liver stress. Plasma from the H-MF cows contained higher β-hydroxybutyric acid, methionine sulfoxide, and phosphatidylcholine, supporting lipogenesis, whereas L-MF plasma showed increased 3-hydroxy-L-proline, indicating tissue catabolism. In milk, the L-MF cows had higher MA, while the H-MF cows exhibited elevated L-carnitine, linked to fatty acid β-oxidation. Metabolite trend analysis during rumen fluid–plasma–milk showed that 211 metabolites were classified into 8 profiles. Profile 1 had the largest number of metabolites whose levels were down-regulated from rumen to plasma and enriched in lipid metabolism. Profile 3 (mainly related to amino acid metabolism) and profile 4 (mainly related to energy metabolism) exhibited opposite trends from plasma to milk. In vitro, 200 μM of MA reduced the triglyceride content in BMECs and down-regulated lipogenic genes and their protein expression levels (fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1). These results highlight how rumen fluid, plasma, and milk metabolites collectively influence milk fat synthesis, with MA acting as a key regulator of lipid metabolism in mammary epithelial cells. Full article

Examining the effect of digital village construction (DVC) on agriculture–culture–tourism integration (ACTI) is important for understanding sustainable rural development. Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2022, this study employs a two-way fixed-effects model to examine the impact of DVC on ACTI, along with its mediating mechanisms and heterogeneous effects. Results show a significant inverted-U-shaped relationship between DVC and ACTI. This finding remains robust across a series of tests. Mechanism analysis reveals that industrial structure upgrading and urbanization play partially mediating roles with the same inverted-U-shaped characteristics. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that DVC presents a linear positive effect in central and western regions and in areas with low DVC levels, while an inverted-U-shaped pattern is observed in eastern regions and in areas with high DVC levels. These findings suggest that DVC strategies should account for both regional differences and development stages. Full article

While cultural authenticity is recognized as central to heritage tourism experiences, the mechanisms through which perceived authenticity influences sustainable tourism behavior remain underexplored. This study develops and empirically tests a serial mediation model examining how perceived cultural authenticity (PCA) affects intergenerational transmission willingness (ITW) and long-term participation intention (LPI) through visitor experience quality (VEQ) and sense of place (SOP). Using survey data from 400 visitors to revolutionary heritage sites in Hainan, China, we employed hierarchical regression and PROCESS Model 6 bootstrap analysis to test seven hypotheses. Results reveal that: (1) PCA significantly influences both VEQ and SOP; (2) VEQ and SOP significantly predict ITW and LPI; and (3) VEQ and SOP serially mediate the PCA–behavioral intention relationship. These findings advance understanding of how authenticity perceptions translate into sustainable heritage tourism outcomes through experiential and affective pathways. Practical implications for heritage site management, focusing on authenticity preservation and experience design, are discussed. Full article