Freshwater fish invasions are major drivers of global ecological change, disrupting native biodiversity and ecosystem functions. However, many invasive fish hold significant socioeconomic value, resulting in conflict over their management. Centrarchidae, which are globally distributed and are important for sportfishing and aquaculture, are now potentially becoming a global threat. Yet, no comprehensive appraisal exists across taxa and regions integrating taxonomy, pathways, impacts and risk analysis for Centrarchidae. To address these gaps, we compiled published literature and leveraged publicly available databases to critically evaluate the current global status of non-native Centrarchidae, finding 30 species established outside their native ranges with 17 being outside of North America. Largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) are the most widely introduced centrarchids. Reported impacts of Centrarchidae introduction are mostly ecological, with predation, competition, hybridisation, and disease transmission as major mechanisms. Conversely, socio-economic and cultural effects are underreported. Currently, only ten species have undergone rapid risk screening, with 90% flagged as high risk. However, risk analyses remain sparse, confounded by taxonomic uncertainties (including hybridisation) and context dependence of impacts. With the changing climate and other anthropogenic disturbances in freshwaters, habitat suitability is expanding for centrarchids. Although concerning, Centrarchidae form a highly human-mediated invasion complex with predictable pathways and tractable leverage points, so limiting propagule pressure and standardizing assessments can curb their future spread while informing balanced and evidence-based fisheries policy that reconciles socioeconomic benefits with environmental costs.
Although the formation and behavioral consequences of brand stereotypes have been the focus of recent research, little is known about whether and how social media influencers shape the content of brand stereotypes in terms of warmth and competence. Building on associative learning theory, and drawing on stereotyping and influencer marketing literature, we develop and test a multilevel model of (a) the transfer of consumer stereotypical perceptions of influencers to their stereotypical perceptions of brands, and (b) the moderating impact of influencer–brand fit on the aforementioned stereotype content transfer. In a large empirical study of 40 brands, 80 influencers, and 815 consumers, we find that influencer stereotype content indeed transfers to the brand, both in terms of warmth and competence perceptions. Furthermore, the degree of the influencer–brand fit enhances the transfer of warmth perceptions but not of competence perceptions. Our findings contribute to the emerging literature on stereotype content transfer and offer managerial insights for selecting social media influencers.
Background: Parental knowledge and perceptions towards Functional Foods (FFs) play a critical role in shaping children's dietary behaviors. This study aimed to investigate dietary habits, FFs knowledge and perceptions among Greek primary school children and their parents and to evaluate the feasibility of a one-month pilot asynchronous nutrition education program. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 374 children aged 9-11 years and 159 parents from urban (Thessaloniki) and rural (Lemnos) areas. Children completed questionnaires on dietary habits, FFs knowledge and Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence (KIDMED score), while parents provided sociodemographic information, BMI, dietary habits, FFs knowledge and perceptions. A pilot asynchronous nutrition education intervention was delivered via pre-recorded videos on FFs, the MD, portion sizes and food label interpretation, with participation tracked and program evaluation conducted among parents. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 28). Descriptive statistics were calculated, group differences were assessed with t-tests and ANOVA and associations between variables were examined using chi-square tests and Pearson correlations (p < 0.06). Results: Children showed moderate MD adherence, frequent fast-food and soft drinks consumption and low FF knowledge, with a substantial gap between perceived and actual understanding. Parental FF knowledge was uneven, higher among normal-weight participants and largely limited to fortified products. Positive associations were found between children's and parents' diet quality and natural FF consumption, as well as between parental and child physical activity. The asynchronous intervention was positively rated; substantial attrition was observed across sessions and follow-up, which limited the ability to assess the intervention's effects on behavioral change. Conclusions: This study highlights critical gaps in FFs knowledge among families and demonstrates that asynchronous, family-based nutrition education is feasible but challenged by engagement attrition. Targeted interventions are needed to clarify FF concepts and promote healthier family dietary behaviors.
Balancing economic-oriented (Eno-SDGs) and ecological-oriented SDGs (Elo-SDGs) in underdeveloped mountains remains challenging due to a lack of spatially explicit understanding of their coupling mechanisms and drivers. Taking the Dabie Mountains as a case, we integrated multi-source remote sensing and socio-economic data within an analytical framework that quantifies SDG scores, identifies dominant drivers via a geographical detector, and diagnoses coupling coordination degree (CCD). Key findings: (1) Socio-economic factors dominate SDG outcomes, but driver regimes shift spatially-population and agricultural factors control low-level development zones, whereas industrial and construction land factors prevail in high-level zones. (2) Factor interactions evolve from socio-economic-natural synergies in low-level zones to socio-economic internal synergies in mid-to-high level zones. (3) Land-dominant zones exhibit the highest CCD volatility (CV = 0.24), identifying land use change as the most sensitive factor affecting eco-economic coupling. Spatially, Eno-SDGs lag in the resource-rich southwest, while Elo-SDGs lag in the development-pressured north and east. We conclude that spatial heterogeneity of eco-economic coupling is governed by the “land-population-industry” system, and propose a differentiated zoning governance strategy tailored to the identified dominant factors.
The integration of social sustainability clauses into port terminal concession agreements is essential for fostering a more inclusive, balanced, and resilient framework for port operation and development. Such integration addresses the needs of both external and internal stakeholders, namely local communities and society at large, as well as port employees who seek to safeguard their interests. This paper examines how negative externalities can be mitigated or minimized, and how positive externalities can be reinforced, through the inclusion of social sustainability measures and monitoring mechanisms within concession frameworks. Building upon an analytical review of existing literature, available concession agreements and guidelines for port concessions, as well as relevant best practices, the paper identifies and classifies a comprehensive set of social sustainability indicators applicable to the port sector. The results of the analysis are presented through two categories of indicators: external indicators, encompassing stakeholder engagement, community development, and participation of society in economic benefits; and internal indicators, covering employment conditions, training, diversity, occupational health and safety, and the working environment. These indicators, aggregated and structured for the first time within the context of port literature, form a scientific foundation for embedding social sustainability considerations into concession agreements.
