ABSTRACT The Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ) is a tool for assessing and contributing to improving the urban living conditions of older citizens. The objective of this research is to validate the AFCCQ for Portugal’s language and culture (AFCCQ-PT). The psychometric validation was conducted through a quantitative, cross-sectional study with a sample of 242 participants, living in Coimbra. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported a nine-factor structure for the AFCCQ-PT and demonstrated strong internal consistency. Coimbra performed best on Housing accessibility and worst on Outdoor spaces and buildings. The AFCCQ-PT is a reliable and valid tool, useful for urban planning and social policy-making.

Abstract In recent years, organic agriculture (OA) has experienced notable growth across European countries. This work aims to enhance understanding of the current state and prospects of the OA sector in Portugal, based on a case study where 13 interviews were conducted with professionals holding master’s degrees in OA, obtained in the School of Agriculture of the Polytechnic University of Coimbra. These interviews followed a full-structured script comprising 23 questions. The results revealed primary challenges in OA, such as education-related hurdles (e.g., lack of qualifications), training obstacles (e.g., shortage of trained individuals transitioning to organic farming (OF), issues related to recognition and career development, and insufficient information targeted at farmers), as well as challenges in OF inputs (e.g., scarcity of organic fertilizers, organic seeds, and biopesticides), market issues (e.g., difficulties in finding market channels), and financial vectors (e.g., lack of support). This study is limited by its small convenience sample, so findings should be interpreted with caution and are not fully generalizable. According to our case study results, the future development of OA in Portugal relies on effectively addressing these challenges through a multi-actor, transdisciplinary approach that involves farmers, consumers, educational and research institutions, and public and private sector stakeholders.

Short food supply chains are a global phenomenon that have emerged as a response to the increasing centralization and erosion of social connections within the food system. Simultaneously, the advent of the new digital era is compelling a process of transformation and modernization of the interactions between farmers and consumers, so introducing novel tensions and challenges. While it broadens the influence area and attracts new audiences, it appears to undermine the fundamental principles upon which short food supply chains were founded. This study aims to examine the tensions and challenges that arise from the digitalization of short food supply chains by conducting a content analysis of the outcomes from ten focus groups including producers and consumers, as well as an examination of digital platforms used to sell fresh food. We conclude that the utilization and advancement of digital marketing tools generates commercial channels at more equitable pricing, but encounters conceptual and operational obstacles, such as establishing credibility, disseminating value, and promoting digital literacy. Yet, it is feasible to create digital platforms that leverage digitalization without failing to meet the expectations of producers and consumers engaged in short food supply chains.

AimWe investigated the impact of abrupt interruption, imposed by COVID-19, and subsequent resumption of regular practice of a combined exercise training program on protein, renal profile, and physical functional capacity in physically active older adults before the pandemic.MethodsThirty-five volunteers (mean age 64.36 ± 19.43 years) participated, with data collected before the COVID-19 pandemic (PRE), 12 months after social isolation (PAN, detraining period), and 10 months after returning to regular exercise (POST).ResultsIn the POST period, both older women (n = 26) and men (n = 9) exhibited higher serum levels of albumin and total protein (p < 0.0001 for albumin and total proteins in older women group; p = 0.0033 for albumin and p = 0.0002 for total proteins in older men group) compared to PRE and PAN. Older women showed, both at PAN and POST, elevated serum creatinine levels (p = 0.0309; p = 0.0003, respectively) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) values (p = 0.0096; p = 0.0013, respectively), along with decreased estimated creatinine clearance in PAN (p = 0.0132; p = 0.0005, respectively) compared to PRE. Additionally, older women demonstrated lower gait speed (p = 0.0210) and muscle strength (p = 0.0002) in POST compared to PAN and PRE. Older men exhibited higher serum creatinine levels and estimated creatinine clearance in POST compared to PRE. Significant correlations between biochemical parameters, estimated creatinine clearance, and physical functional tests were observed, particularly in older women.ConclusionsOverall, the study suggests that resuming combined exercise training partially mitigated the detraining-induced impairment in metabolic and physical capacities among older adults.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-025-06347-0.

Gluten labeling is critical for the protection of the health of people with celiac disease (CD), guaranteeing access to safe food. However, global regulations on food labeling vary widely, including differences in the criteria for considering a product “gluten-free,” allowable gluten limits (usually 10 or 20 ppm) and requirements to prevent cross-contamination. This lack of uniformity can create challenges for consumers and industry, especially in international trade. Some countries, such as those from the European Union and the United States, have adopted more rigorous legislation, with clear limits and requirements for good production practices. In other countries, such as China, South Korea and Colombia, for example, there are no regulations for gluten labeling yet, although there is legislation for the labeling of allergens, including wheat, rye, barley and oats. Standardized and transparent labeling plays an educational role, raising public awareness and pushing industries to adopt safe practices throughout the production chain. This not only increases consumer confidence in foods labeled “gluten-free,” but also reinforces producers’ responsibility to provide products that meet the needs of those living with CD. Thus, clear and standardized regulations are a step that helps guarantee truly safe food for people with CD.

IntroductionThis systematic review aims to critically examine the application of social network analysis (SNA) in football, with a focus on its contribution to evaluating team performance, tactical behavior, and player interactions.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) from January 2017 to October 2024.ResultsFifty-five peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria, addressing network analysis in official men's professional football matches. Data were extracted and summarized regarding methodological quality, network metrics used, tactical context, and practical implications.DiscussionMost studies demonstrated that cohesive network structures, characterized by high density, clustering coefficients, and centrality, are associated with successful team performance. Centrality metrics were frequently used to identify key tactical players, typically central defenders and midfielders. Recent methodological advances included dynamic time-window analysis, pitch-passing networks, and spatial-temporal integration using tracking data. However, there remains an overrepresentation of elite men's football and offensive phases, with limited focus on defensive networks, youth categories, and women's football. SNA offers a powerful framework to decode the complexity of football performance, evolving from static graphs to dynamic, rolesensitive, and context-rich models. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs, multi-layer network approaches, and closer collaboration with practitioners to enhance the operational utility of network insights in coaching and performance analysis.Systematic review registrationhttps://osf.io/2pe3y

Purpose Older LGBTQIA+ adults are becoming increasingly visible due to advancements in cultural and legal norms. However, they continue to face unique challenges in accessing long-term care (LTC) that affirms their identities and addresses their specific needs. Many lack traditional family support, as they tend to be single, childless and often alienated from biological families. Chosen families provide crucial support but usually weaken with age due to shared generational aging. In this context, affirmative care emerges as a critical approach to ensuring that LTC settings validate and respect the identities of older LGBTQIA+ adults. This study aims to examine and clarify the concept of affirmative care for older LGBTQIA+ in the context of LTC. Design/methodology/approach A hybrid model will be employed, integrating concept analysis and scoping review. The concept analysis will be performed using Rodgers’ method, which involves seven steps: 1) identify the concept of interest, 2) identify surrogate terms and uses of the concept, 3) select an appropriate sample for data collection, 4) identify concept attributes, 5) identify the antecedents and consequences of the concept, 6) identify related concepts and 7) identify a model case of the concept. A scoping review will be performed following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. This review will constitute Step 3 of Rodgers’ method, informing the selection of an appropriate sample for data collection. Searches will be conducted in six scientific databases: MedLine, Web of Science, Scopus, SciElo, PsycInfo and Nursing & Allied Health. Findings The search for relevant studies for the scoping review was performed on February 12, 2025, resulting in 340 records after duplicates were removed. The results of the concept analysis will be submitted for publication by July 2025. Originality/value This work will contribute to a deeper understanding of affirmative care for older LGBTQIA+ adults in LTC facilities, providing a conceptual foundation for research, practice and policy development.