Search Results (3,886)

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest health threats affecting humans, animals and the environment. Antimicrobial use (AMU) in the livestock sector contributes to the development and spread of AMR, highlighting the need to understand the current situation, to target knowledge gaps and non-prudent practices with tailored interventions, and improve antimicrobial stewardship. This is especially important in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where data on AMU and AMR are currently limited. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among farmers, veterinarians, veterinary pharmacy personnel and feed mill personnel related to AMU (particularly considering the use of antibiotics) and AMR in seven former Soviet countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Ukraine. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted between 2020 and 2025 with 3012 participants, with results analyzed using an aggregated regional approach. Results: The interviews revealed common regional knowledge gaps and practices among livestock sector stakeholders related to antimicrobials, AMR, antimicrobial residues, and prudent AMU. Non-prudent practices, such as the purchase of antimicrobials without a prescription, the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, the inappropriate disposal of antimicrobials, and the frequent use of highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs) were reported. Another factor that may hinder prudent AMU was the limited access of veterinarians to diagnostic laboratories. Conclusions: Despite significant global efforts to tackle AMR, there is an ongoing need to address knowledge gaps and non-prudent practices of livestock sector stakeholders in former Soviet countries. The findings highlight the importance of antimicrobial stewardship interventions that address system-level drivers of improper AMU beyond stakeholder trainings. Full article

The increasing adoption of biopolymeric and nanostructured coatings for horticultural produce has emerged as a sustainable strategy to mitigate postharvest losses and extend shelf life. However, while their technological performance has been extensively documented, comprehensive and integrative assessments of biosafety, potential human health implications, and environmental risks profiles are still insufficiently explored. This review critically analyzes recent advances in polysaccharide, protein, and lipid-based coatings, including nanoenabled systems incorporating metallic nanoparticles and bioactive agents. The mechanisms underlying gas barrier properties, antimicrobial activity, and preservation efficacy are discussed alongside degradation pathways in composting, soil, and aquatic environments. Particular attention is given to nanoparticle release, migration potential, gastrointestinal fate, and toxicological endpoints such as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and immunomodulation. Ecotoxicological evidence across trophic levels, from microorganisms and invertebrates to fish and amphibians, is examined, highlighting sublethal and mechanistic biomarkers relevant to environmental risk assessment. Regulatory frameworks from major agencies are also compared to contextualize current safety standards and limitations. Overall, although biopolymeric coatings represent promising alternatives to conventional plastics, their life-cycle impacts, transformation products, and nano-related uncertainties require comprehensive, multilevel risk evaluation to ensure truly sustainable and safe postharvest applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, especially those isolated from humans, remains a public concern. In the present study, S. Enteritidis strain 31404 was obtained clinically from a fecal sample of a fifteen-year-old girl, who was positive for bla_NDM-13. Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing were performed. Core genome MLST and hierarchical clustering (HierCC) were performed using EnteroBase. Population structure analysis of 57 S. Enteritidis isolates collected between 2023 and 2025 in Jiaxing city was conducted. A comparative structure analysis of bla_NDM-13-positive plasmids was also performed. Results: S. Enteritidis strain 31404 was resistant to 13 antimicrobial agents. We found that strain 31404 belonged to ST11 and carried resistance genes, such as bla_NDM-13, bla_CTX-M-14, ble_MBL, fosA3, qnrS, and tet (A). bla_NDM-13 was located on an IncI1-I (α) plasmid designated as p31404-NDM13. S. Enteritidis isolate 31404 was closely related to PNUSAS514422, which was isolated from the United States in 2025. Comparative genetic environment related to bla_NDM-13-positive plasmids available in the NCBI database indicates that ΔTn125-mediated contexts were commonly associated with bla_NDM-13. IS1294 (IS91 family), which replaces ISAba125, is likely to mobilize bla_NDM-13. Conclusions: The findings in this study provide insights into the molecular characterization and diversification of bla_NDM-13. The identification of bla_NDM-13-containing transferable plasmids in different serotypes of Salmonella isolates (such as S. Rissen, S. Typhimurium, and S. Enteritidis) in different cities in China highlights the risk of the spread of carbapenem-resistant genes among Salmonella isolates. Full article

As public demand for health and well-being continues to rise, rural landscapes are increasingly valued as settings for stress reduction and psycho-physiological restoration. Drawing on five “Beautiful Villages” in Jiangning District, Nanjing (China), this study categorizes rural landscapes into three types—farmland production landscapes, rural settlement landscapes, and rural mountain–water landscapes—based on the proportional dominance of key landscape elements. Audio-visual stimuli were developed from on-site photography and field recordings to construct controlled rural audio-visual environments. Using a combination of physiological indicators and self-reported psychological assessments, we systematically compare restorative responses across modalities (visual, auditory, and audio-visual) and across landscape types, and examine how specific landscape elements relate to restorative outcomes. Results show that (1) auditory stimuli generally produce stronger restorative responses than visual stimuli, and audio-visual interactions are evident; (2) restorative benefits vary significantly across the three rural landscape types; and (3) visually natural and structurally rich elements are associated with greater restoration, while auditory cues can direct visual attention and natural sounds are positively linked to restorative outcomes. These findings advance understanding of multi-sensory restorative processes in rural landscapes and provide evidence for sustainable rural landscape planning and design by supporting healthier, more restorative, and more human-centered rural environments. Full article

Substance use disorder (SUD) undermines social connection, identity, and well-being. While art therapy is formally incorporated into clinical treatment, far less is known about how informal, group-based creative activities contribute to recovery. This qualitative study examines whether and how participation in a creative arts group fosters social support and human flourishing among individuals with SUD. We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews of eight adults enrolled in SUD outpatient treatment at the Johns Hopkins Broadway Center for Addiction who voluntarily participated in a creative arts class. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed using an iterative, thematic approach. Analysis revealed four themes: (1) Social connectedness and support—artmaking fostered camaraderie, accountability, and peer encouragement; (2) Holistic and supportive environment—the group offered a safe, nonjudgmental space that affirmed participants beyond their addiction; (3) Emotional renewal through art—creative engagement reduced anxiety, promoted joy, and provided a constructive outlet for emotions; and (4) Reclaiming agency through artistic expression—participants experienced autonomy, skill development, and identity building, which fostered hope and personal growth. Overall, participants viewed artmaking as a catalyst for relational and personal transformation. These exploratory findings generate hypotheses for future research on the role of informal creative arts groups within recovery-oriented care settings. Full article

Globally, the transport sector accounts for almost a quarter of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion and generates large amounts of pollutants, placing significant pressure on the environment and human health. By 2050, the European Green Deal requires a 90% reduction in transport-related emissions, making sustainability necessary across all modes of transport. Based on the relevant literature, this study examines the role and potential of railways in decarbonising the EU transport sector. Railway is highly efficient, consuming just 1.9% of transport sector energy while handling 16.9% of freight and 5.1% of passenger transport in the EU, yet is responsible for only 0.4% of total emissions. According to studies, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by improving energy efficiency, using low-carbon or renewable energy, and expanding train electrification. The greatest potential for decarbonisation lies in a modal shift to rail. However, this requires significant infrastructure investment: raising line speeds to at least 160 km/h, expanding networks, building terminals, digitalisation, and alignment with TEN-T standards. Although the EU supports the modal shift with funding programmes, the transition is not progressing as expected—the share of road freight transport increased from 74% in 2013 to 78% in 2023. Stronger investment is needed in Member States’ national policies for the development and modernisation of railways. The authors developed a Path Evaluation Matrix (PEM), a quantitative decision framework integrating the fields of energy, transport, politics, and economics. The PEM results indicate that BEMU (battery electric multiple units) is optimal for 68% of secondary lines in south-eastern Europe. Full article

Employee loyalty in hospitality settings is influenced by a combination of economic, relational, and developmental factors, including remuneration, recognition, interpersonal relationships, and opportunities for career advancement. This study explores managerial perceptions of the key organizational drivers that enhance employee satisfaction and foster employee loyalty in luxury hospitality settings. Focusing on five-star hotels located in the Heraklion Prefecture of Crete, Greece, the research addresses a context characterized by high service expectations, strong cultural traditions of hospitality, and pronounced seasonal labor dynamics. While previous studies have predominantly examined employee attitudes and outcomes, limited attention has been given to how decision-makers perceive and prioritize the factors influencing employee loyalty in luxury hospitality environments. To address this gap, the study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining structured Likert-scale questionnaires and qualitative insights collected from senior managers and owners representing 28 luxury hotels. The quantitative component provides descriptive insights into managerial consensus regarding organizational practices, while the qualitative analysis offers deeper interpretation of perceived challenges and priorities. Findings indicate that managers consider leadership style, working conditions, professional development, and employee welfare as central drivers of satisfaction and loyalty, although variation exists regarding the role of benefits and technology. The study contributes to hospitality management literature by highlighting the managerial perspective as a distinct analytical lens and offers practical implications for strategic human resource practices in high-end tourism contexts. Full article

The large-scale deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in mixed-traffic environments raises an important question: how do human drivers evaluate safety when interacting with AVs under real-world uncertainty? This study aims to examine how drivers’ objective knowledge of AVs shapes their perceived safety when sharing the road with AVs in mixed-traffic environments. Using survey data from 905 licensed drivers in Wuhan, China, this study treats perceived road-sharing safety as an interaction-level evaluative outcome rather than merely a precursor of adoption intention. Latent class analysis was first used to identify knowledge-based driver segments, structural equation modeling was then applied to estimate Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)-related psychological constructs, and ordered logit regression was finally employed to examine the determinants of perceived safety across segments. The results indicate that behavioral intention consistently shows a positive association with perceived safety; however, attitude toward AVs exhibits a significant negative association among high-knowledge drivers. This attitudinal reversal challenges the implicit homogeneity assumption embedded in conventional TPB applications and suggests that cognitive familiarity may recalibrate, rather than amplify, technological optimism. Overall, the findings show that knowledge-based heterogeneity changes the psychological mechanisms underlying safety appraisal in mixed traffic. These insights carry important implications for differentiated communication strategies and trust calibration in transitional automated mobility systems. Full article

Analyzing microplastics in marine organisms is essential for understanding the ecological and toxicological impacts of marine microplastic pollution in coastal food webs. This study investigated microplastic ingestion in three edible invertebrate species commonly found on Vietnamese sandy beaches, wedge clam Donax sp., hermit crabs Pagurus sp., and horn-eyed ghost crabs Ocypode ceratophthalmus, which differ in feeding modes and mobility, using micro-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) with a detection limit of 20 µm. Results showed that all three species ingested microplastics, with ingestion patterns varying according to species-specific traits and habitat-related feeding behaviors. The highly mobile crabs Ocypode ceratophthalmus (omnivore) and Pagurus sp. (scavenger) were found to partially reflect the polymer pollution in their ambient environment. The higher ingestion rate and diversity of polymer types observed in sedentary Donax sp. suggest that this species could serve as a potential bioindicator for microplastic pollution, given its mixed suspension and deposit feeding habits that integrate pollution from both the water column and beach sediments. Overall, these results reveal widespread microplastic ingestion among edible beach fauna, highlighting potential ecological and human health concerns, and emphasizing the need for targeted pollution management and increased public awareness. Advancing our understanding will require larger datasets and controlled experiments to more robustly assess species-specific responses and the likelihood of trophic transfer. Full article

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are a diversely mounting group of chemicals and biological compounds found in air, water, and soil, which include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and various other industrial compounds. Unlike conventional pollutants, ECs are usually unregulated, found in very small amounts, and can persist and build up in living organisms, resulting in toxic risks for both ecosystems and human health. These contaminants originate from various anthropogenic activities and enter the environment through wastewater, stormwater, landfill leaching, and atmospheric deposition. This article documents a holistic literature review of ECs available from the last five years, covering classification, sources and pathways of contamination, and environmental behavior, while assessing their ecological, human health, and socioeconomic impacts. Advances in detection, including high-resolution mass spectrometry, non-target screening, real-time sensors, and AI-assisted monitoring, are addressed. Management strategies including advanced oxidation, membrane filtration, electrochemical treatments, and nature-based solutions are explored. It also analyses global and regional policy frameworks, highlighting regulatory gaps and the need for standardized monitoring. The study emphasizes integrated, multidisciplinary approaches combining scientific innovation, sustainable chemical design, predictive modeling, and public engagement. Synergizing technology, governance, and prevention could reduce the risks related to ECs and protect the environment. The novel contribution is an end-to-end, decision-oriented synthesis that links what monitoring can reliably infer to be feasible, integrated control strategies and sustainability outcomes, supporting risk-based prioritization, targeted pollution treatment, and prevention-focused management. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in coastal habitats, but their occurrence in highly vulnerable coastal zones and human exposure risk are poorly understood, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. This inquiry focused on the prevalence and potential hazards of MPs in surface sediment and shallow groundwater samples collected from 12 sites in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, from August to October 2023. Using stereomicroscopy and FTIR, MPs were quantified, with concentrations ranging from 60 to 813.33 MPs/kg in surficial sediment and 3.34 to 36.66 MPs/L in shallow groundwater, with mean values of 294.38 ± 26.61 MPs/kg and 18.91 ± 4.75 MPs/L. The dominant MPs were composed of transparent and white fibers, ranging in size from 0 to 0.5 mm, with HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene) identified as the most commonly found polymers. To assess MP exposure in humans and the environment, this investigation used three indices: the polymer hazard index (PHI), the pollutant load index (PLI), and the estimated daily intake (EDI). The findings indicate that children exhibit greater exposure than adults, with observed low contamination levels, alongside a spectrum of toxicity from moderate to extreme. This study enhances understanding of MP contamination in the surficial sediments and shallow groundwater of Bangladesh, highlighting the need for further investigation into ecotoxicology, human health risks, legislation, and related issues. Full article

Modern pollen rain studies provide essential calibration for interpreting fossil pollen records, particularly in montane environments. This study explores pollen–vegetation relationships along an altitudinal transect in the Rarău Massif (Eastern Carpathians, Romania). Eight moss cushion samples collected between 1215 and 1619 m a.s.l. were analysed palynologically and compared with eight paired vegetation surveys. Multivariate analyses, including hierarchical clustering, Mantel tests, NMDS, and Procrustes analysis, were applied to evaluate floristic and palynological similarity in relation to altitude. Pollen spectra are dominated by Picea, reflecting the prevalence of spruce forests characteristic of the montane belt, while Abies and Pinus occur in lower proportions, indicating a secondary role. Broad-leaved taxa such as Fagus, Betula, and Alnus complement the arboreal pollen signal, whereas thermophilous taxa Quercus and Tilia represent extra-local pollen input from lower altitudes. Herbaceous and shrub taxa are generally underrepresented in the pollen record relative to field observations. Pollen taxa associated with anthropogenic disturbance (Plantago, Rumex, Artemisia and Urtica) show a constant presence, which may suggest localized human influence likely linked to grazing and tourism. Statistical results show weak and non-significant correlations between pollen composition, vegetation structure, and altitude. Overall, modern pollen rain reflects the dominant vegetation structure of the studied montane belt but shows limited fidelity at the local floristic scale. Full article

Background/Objectives: The digital transformation of dental practice is positioning artificial intelligence (AI) as a key tool for both clinical support and administrative optimization. While clinical uses of AI are well documented, there is limited evidence on managerial perspectives. This study explored how dental clinic managers view digital workflow transformation and AI implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 200 managers of dental clinics from urban and rural areas in Bucharest, Romania. The survey evaluated perceived difficulty and availability related to digitalization, current use of digital tools, demographic characteristics (age, professional experience, practice environment), and attitudinal dimensions reflecting digital pragmatism and efficiency versus human impac. Results: Managers demonstrated moderate digital pragmatism (median 2.84, IQR 2.29–3.44), embracing AI mainly when linked to efficiency, operational control, and economic sustainability. Lower perceived difficulty was associated with higher availability, current use of digital tools, younger age, and fewer years of managerial experience. Urban managers were more likely than rural managers to report higher availability and current use of digital tools, although this comparison should be interpreted cautiously given the small rural subgroup. Efficiency considerations outweighed human-impact concerns (median 3.9, IQR 3.46–4.2), yet caution persisted toward solutions requiring major organizational restructuring or potentially affecting clinician–patient interaction. This study is a pilot, exploratory investigation aimed at generating preliminary insights into the phenomenon of interest and refining the methodological approach and hypotheses for subsequent, larger-scale research. Conclusions: Dental clinic managers approach AI adoption through an efficiency-driven and risk-aware framework, favoring incremental digital integration over disruptive transformation. The results underline the need for context-sensitive implementation strategies, managerial training, and targeted support, to ensure that AI-enhanced workflows improve efficiency while preserving organizational stability and patient-centered care. Full article

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are ubiquitously emerging pollutants in the environment and have a notably high detection rate in tea; they can leach out during consumption and pose potential risks to human health. However, the process of PAEs entering and accumulating in tea plants is undocumented. This study investigated the uptake of PAEs in tea plant seedlings, focusing on both root and foliar pathways under hydroponic conditions. In controlled indoor deposition experiments, PAEs on fresh tea leaves underwent rapid degradation within five days, with the degradation rates ranging from 66.98% to 81.69%; outdoor rates exhibited even higher degradation rates. This degradation process followed first-order kinetics. The results revealed that tea plants were capable of absorbing and translocating PAEs via roots and leaves, culminating in their accumulation in various tea plant tissues. The Root Concentration Factor (RCF) was highest for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Conversely, the shoot concentration factor, Leaf Concentration Factor, and Translocation Factors for the leaves, stems, and roots for the PAEs were inversely related to the RCF. The moderated mediation analysis suggested that root concentration was strongly influenced by translocation-mediated pathways. However, leaf concentration was largely not mediated by the translocation pathways. These findings indicate that both root uptake and foliar deposition can contribute to PAE accumulation in tea plants, providing a basis for source apportionment and for designing targeted control strategies to reduce PAE contamination in tea production systems. Full article

Sustainable tourism development requires more than well-designed human resource systems; it also relies on how leadership is demonstrated in daily interactions with employees, especially in high-contact service environments. While high-performance work systems (HPWSs) are widely recognized for enhancing employee performance and service quality, their effectiveness may depend on relational processes that occur at the supervisory level. This study examines resonant leadership as a relational mechanism that complements structural HR practices. Instead of viewing leadership as a background condition, we focus on how emotionally intelligent leader behaviors influence employees’ job satisfaction and, consequently, their organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Based on Social Exchange Theory and Affective Events Theory, we propose that job satisfaction acts as a mediator linking resonant leadership to discretionary service behaviors. Survey data were gathered from hotel employees in Cyprus, with 337 valid questionnaires included in the final analysis. The results show that resonant leadership is positively related to job satisfaction and OCB. Additionally, job satisfaction partially mediates this relationship, suggesting that emotionally attuned leadership fosters stronger affective bonds and encourages voluntary behaviors that support service delivery. By including relational leadership in the sustainability discussion, this study expands the mostly system-focused HPWS literature. The findings imply that sustainable tourism outcomes are driven not only by formal HR structures but also by leadership practices that stabilize human capital and reinforce service consistency over time. Full article