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This research is motivated by the need for special attention to natural resource management amid the ongoing environmental degradation in the world. The objective of this study is to explore the management of natural resources for the creation of human welfare from the perspective of Islamic economics. The research employs a qualitative methodology. The findings indicate that the preservation of natural resources must align with the teachings of Islam as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah. As citizens of Indonesia, the community is obliged to comply with existing regulations in managing available natural resources. Any party that violates these regulations and causes environmental damage will face criminal sanctions commensurate with the offenses committed. The community can utilize natural resources such as marine resources, water, wind, flora, vegetation, and fauna by allocating them to various sectors in order to obtain compensation, provided that the sustainability of these resources is maintained and excessive exploitation is prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds have been utilized for millennia in Asian countries, although they have only more recently become popular in Western society. They began to be used in ancient times because of their long-term properties and, nowadays, seaweeds are being targeted as a potential tool to combat climate change. There are not many laws governing seaweeds because they have just lately been utilized as food. However, guidelines are being developed to regulate their manufacture and use. Because of seaweed's tendency to accumulate components, whether helpful or poisonous, limited doses of certain substances have been established to prevent consumer overdosage. Aside from chemical safety, microbiological safety is important for people, and preventing any pathogen from spreading and infecting seaweeds is critical. As a result, systems and ways to safeguard consumers must be developed. Because various seaweed species have varied compositions, certain seaweeds may be safer nutraceuticals than others. To ensure the safety of seaweed-based food items, the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system needs to be used. The majority of seaweeds consumed come from aquaculture; however, others come from wild harvesting. To ensure the success of the cultures, the waters must be tested for chemicals and biological risks, as well as for the pH, salinity, and temperature. Seaweeds have enormous promise in many industries, but in the food industry, they are beginning to play a major role, and seizing the chances to produce innovative, safe, and sustainable food sources is strongly advised. This critical review investigates the real potential of seaweed as a human food source and as a nutraceutical solution. This review also focuses on the usage of seaweed as a food product and the procedures required to prepare it. In addition, it compiles information on the applicable legislation and regulations, and it addresses the lengthy road that has to be traveled to increase human well-being by employing a new food source in a controlled manner while simultaneously reducing the human population's health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds have been utilized for millennia in Asian countries, although they have only more recently become popular in Western society. They began to be used in ancient times because of their long-term properties and, nowadays, seaweeds are being targeted as a potential tool to combat climate change. There are not many laws governing seaweeds because they have just lately been utilized as food. However, guidelines are being developed to regulate their manufacture and use. Because of seaweed’s tendency to accumulate components, whether helpful or poisonous, limited doses of certain substances have been established to prevent consumer overdosage. Aside from chemical safety, microbiological safety is important for people, and preventing any pathogen from spreading and infecting seaweeds is critical. As a result, systems and ways to safeguard consumers must be developed. Because various seaweed species have varied compositions, certain seaweeds may be safer nutraceuticals than others. To ensure the safety of seaweed-based food items, the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system needs to be used. The majority of seaweeds consumed come from aquaculture; however, others come from wild harvesting. To ensure the success of the cultures, the waters must be tested for chemicals and biological risks, as well as for the pH, salinity, and temperature. Seaweeds have enormous promise in many industries, but in the food industry, they are beginning to play a major role, and seizing the chances to produce innovative, safe, and sustainable food sources is strongly advised. This critical review investigates the real potential of seaweed as a human food source and as a nutraceutical solution. This review also focuses on the usage of seaweed as a food product and the procedures required to prepare it. In addition, it compiles information on the applicable legislation and regulations, and it addresses the lengthy road that has to be traveled to increase human well-being by employing a new food source in a controlled manner while simultaneously reducing the human population’s health problems.

The decision-making process of China's national forest park (NFP) system typically excludes the consideration of the public's perceived benefits. In this regard, the objective of this study was to elucidate the type of cultural ecosystem benefits (CEB) that NFP can provide and to inform the evidence-based design of forest parks by establishing its linkage to the public's perceived sensory dimensions (PSD). A CEB evaluation scale was developed for forest parks, and a 6-day public participation GIS (PPGIS) survey was conducted in Fuzhou NFP to collect evaluations of CEB and PSD at different sites from 853 respondents. The findings revealed that the CEB furnished by NFP is comprised of three dimensions. The three dimensions of cultural ecosystem benefits (CEB) are identities, experiences, and capabilities. The impact of different PSDs on CEBs varies, as do the impacts of high and low scores on CEBs for the same PSD. It can be concluded that the creation of more serene and open spaces will result in an increase in the CEB available to the public. Furthermore, designers may wish to consider enhancing single dimensions of PSDs in order to characterize different areas, which may prove to be a more effective approach than enhancing PSDs across the board. In summary, our PPGIS survey is expected to enable community-based governance of the NFP and provide a basis for a comprehensive sustainability dialogue between people and forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing impetus for social work to move beyond a human-centric social justice orientation to include the consideration of animals. Social work programs in Australia are currently not required to include content related to animals within the curricula and little is known about the extent to which this content is currently being taught in Australia. The aim of this study was to explore how consideration of human–animal relations has been incorporated into Australian social work programs. Fifteen social work educators were surveyed with three of these participants also undertaking semistructured interviews. The findings revealed that where animal-related content was included it predominantly took an "instrumental" or "anthropocentric" focus related solely to human wellbeing. Exceptions to this focus were found to exist within some ethics and theory units under topics such as "green social work". Participants report barriers to including such content citing factors related to challenges within the university context and the perceived relative importance of other topics within a crowded social work curriculum. Despite an upsurge in interest in animal-related content reflected in the literature and a broader shift in societal attitudes towards animals, the findings of this small study indicate that Australian social work curriculum currently does not reflect this increasing interest. As a social justice–oriented profession social work has an ethical responsibility to expand its focus to include consideration of human–animal relations within the Australian social work curriculum. There is evidence that inclusion of content related to animals is limited and is often a reflection of the educator's commitment and passion for the topic rather than curriculum priorities or requirements. Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the extent to which human–animal relations content is included within Australian social work curriculum and what barriers may exist to its inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Actas de Diseño is the property of Facultad de Diseno y Comunicacion, Fundacion Universidad de Palermo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Economic growth is the main focus of the country's development, especially measured through Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the Indonesian context, the blue economy concept is a promising strategy because of the abundant potential of marine resources. This study aims to analyze the influence of the blue economy on economic growth in Indonesia. Through a literature review, it is revealed that the government has implemented various innovative policies and financial instruments to support the blue economy. The research results show that the blue economy has a significant influence on economic growth. However, the challenge of maximizing the benefits of marine resources while maintaining environmental sustainability remains the main focus. By maintaining the sustainability of marine resources, Indonesia can build a strong and sustainable blue economy, providing long-term economic and social benefits for its people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Under the term Culture of Care, procedures have been developed to reduce the distress caused to animals and humans by animal experimentation. It has been recognized that animal welfare is human welfare and vice versa. Here, we look at the distress that laboratory animals and the staff are exposed to in animal experimentation. We also focus on the question of what laboratory animal facility managers can do to improve the welfare of laboratory animals, especially mice and other rodents, and the staff involved. Laboratory animal facility managers must ensure that animal experiments can be carried out under optimal scientific conditions, that all legal requirements are met, and that animal welfare is maximized. Animal experimentation is stressful not only for the animals involved but also for the people who maintain these animals or carry out the experiments. Many of those involved find themselves in a constant conflict between scientific necessity, care, and harm. Under the term Culture of Care, procedures have been developed to reduce the burden of animal experimentation on the animals and the staff involved. The focus here is on what laboratory animal facility managers can do to improve the welfare of laboratory animals and the people working with them. Exemplary measures are the improvement of the housing conditions of laboratory animals, the introduction of uniform handling measures, clear and transparent structures via a quality management system, implementation of a no-blame culture of error (e.g., via Critical Incident Reporting System in Laboratory Animal Science [CIRS-LAS]), and open and respectful communication with all parties involved in animal experimentation, including the public and representatives of the authorities (public webpage, open house policy). The 6 Rs must be considered at all times: replacement, reduction, refinement, respect, responsibility, and reproducibility. We are writing this article from the perspective of laboratory animal facility managers in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the impact of human-induced regime shifts on ecosystem services in Iran’s Zayandeh-Rud River Basin, during the onset of the Anthropocene epoch marked by rapid changes attributed to human activities. Employing network analysis techniques, including in-degree and out-degree centrality, pivotal actors or drivers contributing to these shifts were identified. A total of 43 experts and researchers in humanities and environmental sciences completed questionnaires to assess the relationship network of regime shift drivers within the river basin, revealing the significant influence of governmental administration, water transfer projects, and water allocation. These factors were found to drive regime shifts, subsequently impacting environmental well-being. The study also thoroughly analyzed the ecosystem services and factors affecting human and environmental welfare affected by these shifts. Insights gained from this research offer crucial information for the development of effective management strategies and policies aimed at mitigating and adapting to regime shifts. By highlighting the key drivers and their impact on ecosystem services, the research provides actionable strategies for addressing regime shifts in the study area. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between human activities, regime shifts, and environmental well-being, essential for informed decision-making and sustainable management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the theory of maqāṣid al-Qurān conceptualized by Abd al-Karīm Hāmidī, which leads to the concept of human welfare (al-maṣlahah). There are several developments from the concepts of his predecessors, such as Rasyid Riḍa, Mahmūd Syaltūt, and Ibn Āsyūr, formulated in their concept of maqāṣid al-Qurān. Hāmidī extensively elaborates on the maqāṣid al-Qurān oriented towards the welfare of individuals, society, and nature. The discussion in this article will focus on answering two questions: first, what is the concept of maqāṣid al-Qurān according to Abd al-Karīm Hāmidī, and second, what is the purpose of maqāṣid al-Qurān in relation to maqāṣid al-syarīah. This research is a type of literature study using a descriptive-analytical method. The researcher will describe Hāmidī's thoughts on maqāṣid al-Qurān and then analyze the concept of al-maṣlahah he intended. The findings of this study show that maqāṣid al-Qurān has a hierarchy consisting of al-maqāṣid al-āmmah, which is the overall wisdom of the Qur’an covering: the goals of individual goodness, the goals of social and community welfare, and the goals of worldly goodness. Al-maqāṣid al-khāṣsah, specifically the shariah, which includes the goals of improving the mind, self, body, family, wealth, law, legislation, and politics. Then, al-maqāṣid al-juz’iyyah, meaning, and rules related to laws that stand alone, such as the goal of purification, facing the qibla, prayer times, and others. The three aspects of maqāṣid al-Qurān have one goal, which is to realize the welfare and goodness of humanity on this earth. Additionally, there is a continuity between the concept of maqāṣid al-Qur`ān proposed by Hāmidī and the concepts in maqāṣid al-syarīah formulated by Muslim scholars before him

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) have received increased attention in recent years, as this formative period has a significant impact on children's development (Kim, 2021). Effective human welfare organisational behaviour can improve the organisation's reputation, and contribute to the community's overall social and economic development (Veltmeyer & Rushton, 2011). This study explains human welfare organisational behaviour in the early childhood education service. A qualitative approach was employed, and a documentary method was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten early childhood development experts and academics in Thailand. The data were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicate that human welfare organisational behaviour in early childhood education services in Asia encompasses the attitudes and practices of organisations involved in providing education and care to children. This perspective focuses on fostering supportive environments that promote the well-being of children, families, and educators, while also ensuring the quality of educational services. Key elements of this viewpoint include prioritising the child's needs, promoting positive relationships, creating a safe and inclusive environment, and valuing the contributions of all stakeholders. Effective human welfare organisational behaviour in the early childhood education sector has the potential to enhance children's outcomes and contribute to the long-term development of Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the realm of sustainable development has been sharply associated with energy savings and a decrease in contamination, the concept deserves a much more comprehensive approach. Sustainable development, as the only respectful and safe way to progress, involves—besides the mentioned rational use of energy and resources—a broad variety of economic, technical, cultural, and behavioral issues. In this context, the total or partial recovery of abandoned singular infrastructure facilities for alternative uses (leisure time activities for human welfare) is to be considered an original, interesting, and efficient approach. In this research, the so-called "El Caminito del Rey" [The King's Little Path] will be studied as a paradigmatic model of successful achievement. The path is located in Málaga, South of Spain, and was originally built to provide access to a hydroelectric power plant. Due to the construction of new routes, the track and walkways were progressively abandoned. The recovery enterprise was conceived in the framework of circular economy-based planning and with full respect to environmental requirements. The facts and figures that will be presented and analyzed will show that when the project is thoroughly designed and carefully implemented, the rehabilitation of obsolete infrastructure facilities located in natural spaces is suitable, feasible, and profitable. Prudent and rational use of these assets for alternative purposes (human welfare through rural tourism and open-air activities) may be fruitful not only in economic terms but also in environmental, cultural, and social ones. The main objective of the current work is to demonstrate that obsolete abandoned facilities can be rehabilitated into worthwhile amenities that may turn into key factors for the sustainable development of determined rural areas. Moreover, the "El Caminito del Rey" experience could represent a model for similar development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug resistance is a condition enabling a disease causing microorganism to resist distinct drugs or chemical of wide variety of structure and function targeted at eradicating the bacteria. Microorganisms that display multidrug resistant can be pathogenic cells. In this study, table eggs are used commonly, because it considered the most nutritious economical source of protein that can be a part of healthy diet. However, egg shell carries bacteria which cause illness; even unbroken clean fresh shell egg may also contain harmful bacteria. In egg shell presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were found. Out of total examined sample, no Salmonella was detected. Several disease occurred in poultry are caused by Staphylococcus sp. such as Staphylococcus aureus. It produces Enterotoxins which create food poisoning in consumers. Eggs are the potential source of transmitting antibiotics. Resistant Staphylococcus strain to human causing food-borne infection through Staphylococcus strains can potentially be harmful to humans. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is considered as one of the important bacterium. As a result, Multidrug resistance (MDR) in the bacteria may develop. Nowadays poultry farm increase day by day in Tamilnadu, there is a chance of transmitting the MRSA to Human through egg consumption. This present study was conducted to isolate the bacterial species and the characterization of Staphylococcus aureus along with remedial measure on egg Shell surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay intends to investigate John A. Hobson’s theory of liberal- ism from a political perspective, starting from his declaration of the death of liberalism, analysing his writings on social problems to ex- plain his so called science of human welfare. In particular, the essay focuses on some crucial knots around which his revision of liberalism moves: 1. the need for an ethical vision of economy; 2. the conception of society, subjectivity and the state in the face of the crisis of individualism and laissez faire; 3. his conception of an a «organic plan of social progress» and its political meaning. The analysis of these aspects of his work shows his importance for the history of political thought also beyond his famous study on imperialism and shows the rise of a new concept of liberal democracy, bringing into light its problems and contradictions.

Arsenic (As), the silent poison, is a widespread environmental pollutant which finds its way into drinking water supplies from natural or man-made sources and affects over 200 million people worldwide, including in Pakistan. It has been demonstrated that As causes serious health complications as well as social and economic losses. A quick, cost-effective, and simple method for efficiently filtering As from drinking water is urgently needed. The present study evaluates the ability of chemical treatment solutions to activate the sorption capacity of biochar derived from cotton stalks. The surface characteristics of CSB (cotton stalk biochar), HN-CSB (treated with nitric acid: HNO3), and Na-CSB (treated with sodium hydroxide: NaOH) were investigated for their As sorption capacities and efficiency in removing As from contaminated drinking water. The chemical modification of biochar significantly increased the surface area and pore volume of CSB, with a maximum observed in HN-CSB (three times higher than CSB). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed several functional groups (OH−, −COOH, C=O, N-H) on CSB, though the chemical modification of biochar creates new functional groups on its surface. Results showed that the maximum sorption capacity of CSB was (q = 90 µg g−1), of Na-CSB was (q = 124 µg g−1) and of HN-CSB was (q = 140 µg g−1) at an initial As concentration of 200 µg L−1, an adsorbent dose of 1 g L−1, with 4 h of contact time, a pH of 6 and a temperature of 25 ʰC. However, As removal was found to be 45–88% for CSB, 62–94% for Na-CSB and 67–95% for HN-CSB across all As concentrations. An isotherm model showed that As sorption results were best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model in the case of CSB (Qmax = 103 µg g−1, R2 = 0.993), Na-CSB (Qmax = 151 µg g−1, R2 = 0.991), and HN-CSB (Qmax = 157 µg g−1, R2 = 0.949). The development of the largest surface area, a porous structure, and new functional groups on the surface of HN-CSB proved to be an effective treatment for As removal from contaminated drinking water. Both HN-CSB and Na-CSB are clearly cost-effective adsorbents under laboratory conditions, but HN-CSB is cheaper and more efficient in As removal than Na-CSB, allowing it to be used as a powerful and promising adsorbent for the removal of pollutants like Arsenic from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution is a highlighted concern of modern society, particularly in developing countries. The Drosh-Shishi valley, which is a hilly region near Afghanistan with a land area of around 15,000 km2, is situated in the south of Chitral District (Pakistan) and has a population of approximately 450,000. Nowadays, this region is being explored for soil pollution, specifically heavy metals which pose a potential risk to human health. Therefore, our main goal was to investigate possible sources of heavy metals' spread and to assess the content levels in soil and the associated risks for human. We collected 34 representative samples from transported sediments and 31 from agricultural crops. We analyzed the soil samples for the contents of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn using ICP-OES analyzers. These values were used to obtain the contamination factor (CF) and to estimate the potential health risk caused by heavy metals according to the USEPA dose–response model. Our results suggest that the heavy metal pollution has a geogenic source, but it is also aggregated by chemical fertilizers used in farming. Regarding levels, most of the metals except Pb showed contents above the permissible level, with CF values from moderate to high. Overall, Cu and Ni showed a significant total cancer risk (TCR > 1 × 10−4) in children. Therefore, we conclude that heavy metal pollution is causing a serious threat to humans in this area, and we recommend that authorities should make more efforts in monitoring the heavy metals content in soils to reduce potential health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most conceptions of giftedness overly focus on the gifted "individual" and leave out the social and global context in which the individual grows. However, human lives are intricately interconnected. An individual's actions can have large effects on other individuals, societies, and nature. In this article, I argue a paradigm shift is needed in the way giftedness is construed today. I draw on the three C's conception of giftedness in which gifted behaviors are seen as an interplay of competence in action, commitment to task, and concern for others. I discuss seven profiles of gifted behaviors: Profile 1—competent (high competence); Profile 2—committed (high commitment); Profile 3—concerned (high concern); Profile 4—indifferent expert (high competence and commitment); Profile 5—amateur altruist (high commitment and concern); Profile 6—uncommitted thinker (high competence and concern); and Profile 7—fully developing talent (high competence, commitment, and concern). Further, I discuss how this taxonomy can inform education and identification practices in gifted education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the realm of sustainable development has been sharply associated with energy savings and a decrease in contamination, the concept deserves a much more comprehensive approach. Sustainable development, as the only respectful and safe way to progress, involves—besides the mentioned rational use of energy and resources—a broad variety of economic, technical, cultural, and behavioral issues. In this context, the total or partial recovery of abandoned singular infrastructure facilities for alternative uses (leisure time activities for human welfare) is to be considered an original, interesting, and efficient approach. In this research, the so-called “El Caminito del Rey” [The King’s Little Path] will be studied as a paradigmatic model of successful achievement. The path is located in Málaga, South of Spain, and was originally built to provide access to a hydroelectric power plant. Due to the construction of new routes, the track and walkways were progressively abandoned. The recovery enterprise was conceived in the framework of circular economy-based planning and with full respect to environmental requirements. The facts and figures that will be presented and analyzed will show that when the project is thoroughly designed and carefully implemented, the rehabilitation of obsolete infrastructure facilities located in natural spaces is suitable, feasible, and profitable. Prudent and rational use of these assets for alternative purposes (human welfare through rural tourism and open-air activities) may be fruitful not only in economic terms but also in environmental, cultural, and social ones. The main objective of the current work is to demonstrate that obsolete abandoned facilities can be rehabilitated into worthwhile amenities that may turn into key factors for the sustainable development of determined rural areas. Moreover, the “El Caminito del Rey” experience could represent a model for similar development projects.

Copyright of Revista Nicolaita de Estudios Económicos is the property of Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite the high propensity of energy usage in driving the economic activities, the issues of global climate change and global warming which pose enormous threats to human welfare have motivated the growing need for energy sustainability globally. In the light of the above, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) advocates for the usage of energy from cleaner sources. Meanwhile, impact of energy usage on human welfare has largely been the issue of concern among the scholars in Nigeria. Against this backdrop, this study examined energy sustainability and human welfare in Nigeria. Consequently, data was collected from secondary sources, and analyzed within the framework of Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Granger causality test. The summary of the principal findings in this is enunciated as follows; energy sustainability and life expectancy had a positive and significant relationship in Nigeria. Government expenditures on health had both negative and insignificant relationship with life expectancy in Nigeria. Also, there was a unidirectional causality flowing from life expectancy to electricity consumption from hydroelectric sources in Nigeria. Furthermore, one way feedback flows from government expenditure on health to life expectancy. From these findings, this study recommends that Nigeria would want to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals one (1) - promoting good life for the people, and seven (7) - affordable and clean energy simultaneously before the SDGs timeline elapses in 2030, the Nigerian policymakers and all stakeholders should be aggressively involved in energy sustainability movement in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This lecture concerns a major interest of Professor S. S. Sarkar: The contributions that Human Biology can make to human welfare. The value of the human biological perspective in anthropology is that it integrates knowledge of cultural and biological characteristics of human groups to explain how and why they vary in health, illness and well-being. Three examples of the current application of this perspective are considered: (1) the genetics of disease, (2) the impact of climate change, and (3) the effect of displacement due to climate and economic changes. Professor Sarkar thought Human Biology could be particularly effective in providing an understanding of population differences in health and disease. This continues to be an important interest of modern human biologists, and now includes a much more sophisticated knowledge of the genetic/genomic underpinnings of disease and disease distribution. Recent climate changes represent a challenge that was not significantly related to human welfare in Professor Sarkar's time. However, modern human biologists can provide insights into how different groups respond to the growing perils of extreme heat, extreme droughts and violent weather, and why particular groups and individuals may be more (or less) susceptible to climate-caused morbidity and mortality. Finally, climate and economic changes have created a growing number of "displaced" persons - groups and individuals who are forced to abandon their traditional homes. The research methods and perspectives of human biologists are ideally suited to the study of these groups, and thus can contribute significantly to what little is known about how conditions associated with their refugee status affects their health and welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution is a highlighted concern of modern society, particularly in developing countries. The Drosh-Shishi valley, which is a hilly region near Afghanistan with a land area of around 15,000 km2, is situated in the south of Chitral District (Pakistan) and has a population of approximately 450,000. Nowadays, this region is being explored for soil pollution, specifically heavy metals which pose a potential risk to human health. Therefore, our main goal was to investigate possible sources of heavy metals’ spread and to assess the content levels in soil and the associated risks for human. We collected 34 representative samples from transported sediments and 31 from agricultural crops. We analyzed the soil samples for the contents of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn using ICP-OES analyzers. These values were used to obtain the contamination factor (CF) and to estimate the potential health risk caused by heavy metals according to the USEPA dose–response model. Our results suggest that the heavy metal pollution has a geogenic source, but it is also aggregated by chemical fertilizers used in farming. Regarding levels, most of the metals except Pb showed contents above the permissible level, with CF values from moderate to high. Overall, Cu and Ni showed a significant total cancer risk (TCR > 1 × 10−4) in children. Therefore, we conclude that heavy metal pollution is causing a serious threat to humans in this area, and we recommend that authorities should make more efforts in monitoring the heavy metals content in soils to reduce potential health risks.

The Ottawa Charter identifies that multiple levels of government, non-government, community, and other organizations should work together to facilitate health promotion, including in acute settings such as hospitals. We outline a method and protocol to achieve this, namely an Action Research (AR) framework for an Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) in a tertiary health setting. Dogs Offering Support after Stroke (DOgSS) is an AR study at a major tertiary referral hospital. AAI has been reported to improve mood and quality of life for patients in hospitals. Our project objectives included applying for funding, developing a hospital dog visiting Action Research project, and, subsequent to ethics and governance approvals and finance, undertaking and reporting on the Action Research findings. The Action Research project aimed to investigate whether AAI (dog-visiting) makes a difference to the expressed mood of stroke patients and their informal supports (visiting carers/family/friends), and also the impact these visits have on hospital staff and volunteers, as well as the dog handler and dog involved. We provide our protocol for project management and operations, setting out how the project is conducted from conception to assess human and animal wellbeing and assist subsequent decision-making about introducing dog-visiting to the Stroke Unit. The protocol can be used or adapted by other organizations to try to avoid pitfalls and support health promotion in one of the five important action areas of the Ottawa Charter, namely that of reorienting health services.

Forest restoration has attracted the attention of different organizations, investors, and donors with the launch of the UN Decade for Ecosystems Restoration (2021–2030), along with climate and biodiversity commitments. Restoration can address many of mankind's challenges, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, water security, and poverty. In the Brazilian Amazon, the ~28 million inhabitants are among the most vulnerable of the country, and this has only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, millions of hectares are suitable for forest restoration. The growing demand for large-scale forest restoration projects have been prioritizing biophysical objectives (e.g., number of trees, hectares of land, and carbon) while it should be prioritizing the local people's well-being and a fair transition to a sustainable economy based on forest services' recovery. Nonetheless, many challenges need to be overcome to realize this potential. Amazonian states need to control illegality, enforce the existing policies and promote innovative ones to halt deforestation and enable large-scale restoration. Better governance and social engagement are urgently needed but depend upon, recognition of indigenous peoples and local communities' rights, needs, and knowledge. Forest restoration represents an opportunity for the emergence of a more inclusive development paradigm, much needed in the Amazon region, especially in the post COVID-19 world. • Forest restoration might be the key to an inclusive development paradigm and a fair COVID-19 recovery in the Amazon. • Combining ecological and socioeconomic co-benefits is imperative for the Amazon restoration. • Ignoring the social dimension of restoration may lead to the failure of restoration interventions. • Strategic investments to strengthen community organization and build local capacities are paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]