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Disasters pose a significant threat to the long-term well-being of individuals, communities and societies. Therefore, studying resilience, defined as the process of maintaining and recovering psychological well-being after adversity, is crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation. The aims of this paper are to summarize the historical context of resilience research, present the key concepts, discuss current measurement approaches and propose future research directions. Key determinants of resilience - risk, positive adaptation and resources - are discussed with the focus on studies of adults affected by disasters. This narrative review demonstrates that research up to date has focused mostly on finding the individual characteristics that predict the absence of psychopathology or mental health disorder symptoms, while other types of resources or dynamic relations between key aspects of resilience have been neglected. Future studies should aim to include multiple measurement points, high- and low-risk groups, long-term follow-up and broader perspectives on both psychological well-being and potential resources.

Contextual factors are essential for understanding long-term adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study investigated changes in mental health outcomes and subjective pandemic-related experiences over time and across countries. The main objective was to explore how psychological responses vary in relation to individual and environmental factors. The sample consisted of N = 1070 participants from the general population of Austria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, and Portugal. We applied a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, with baseline assessment in summer and autumn 2020 (T1) and follow-up assessment 12 months later (T2). Qualitative content analysis by Mayring was used to analyse open-ended questions about stressful events, positive and negative aspects of the pandemic, and recommendations on how to cope. Mental health outcomes were assessed with the Adjustment Disorder-New Module 8 (ADNM-8), the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics Version 26 and MAXQDA 2022. The mental health outcomes significantly differed over time and across countries, with e.g. Greek participants showing decrease in adjustment disorder symptoms (p = .007) between T1 and T2. Compared with other countries, we found better mental health outcomes in the Austrian and the Croatian sample at both timepoints (p < .05). Regarding qualitative data, some themes were equally represented at both timepoints (e.g. Restrictions and changes in daily life), while others were more prominent at T1 (e.g. Work and finances) or T2 (e.g. Vaccination issues). Our findings indicate that people's reactions to the pandemic are largely shaped by the shifting context of the pandemic, country-specific factors, and individual characteristics and circumstances. Resource-oriented interventions focusing on psychological flexibility might promote resilience and mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key indicator of soil health in cities. However, its monitoring in heterogeneous urban landscapes is still constrained by the cost and time requirements of conventional analyses. Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy offers a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective alternative, but its use in urban soils and its integration with emerging measurement standards remain limited. In this study, we evaluated the ability of Vis–NIR spectroscopy to predict SOM content in 150 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) collected from seven contrasting urban land-use systems (LUS) in Zagreb, Croatia. SOM content ranged from 1.67 to 12.6% (mean 4.35%), with statistically significant differences among LUS ( p  ≤ 0.05), where school playgrounds and public green areas next to roads showed up to 38% higher SOM than kindergarten playgrounds. Reflectance spectra (350–2500 nm) were acquired following the AI4SoilHealth / IEEE P4005-aligned protocol and pre-processed using band clipping, Savitzky–Golay smoothing and standard normal variate (SNV). A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model calibrated on 80% of the samples and independently validated on the remaining 20% achieved excellent predictive performance (R² = 0.96, RMSE = 0.35%). Spectral signatures varied with SOM content and LUS, with characteristic absorption features identified in the VIS and NIR regions. Wavelengths with the highest regression coefficients were found around 455 nm, 853 nm and 1916–2236 nm. Our results demonstrate that, even in a small but highly heterogeneous urban area, a city-specific spectral library combined with standardized measurement protocols can provide robust SOM estimates. This work advances the application of soil spectroscopy to urban environments and supports the integration of Vis–NIR methods into urban soil health monitoring and planning frameworks. Graphical abstract

Aims A potential of rare earth elements (including yttrium) (REY) accumulation in olives is increasing due to enhanced use of REY in human activities. REY transfer to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is little studied, and characterising the relationships between soil properties and REY concentrations in olive leaves, pomace and EVOO can enhance our understanding of soil-plant interactions. Methods Three different soil types (reclaimed karst, rendzina and cambisols), with the sum of REY concentrations (54–364 μg g −1 ) among the highest in European soils, were characterized for their pH, organic carbon, total carbonates and the applied agronomic practice. Aluminium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and REY were determined in soil (total and plant-available), olive leaves, pomace and EVOO. Results REY were mainly excluded from plant uptake and only small amounts of REY were transferred to leaves (0.2–652 ng g −1 ), pomace (0.001–10 ng g −1 ) and EVOO (<0.5–33 pg g −1 ). Soil REY availability (0.001–1685 ng g −1 ) and plant uptake increased with increasing soil acidity. Leaf REY concentrations were mainly explained by plant-available REY and pH. There was an indication of enhanced REY plant availability being associated with low available phosphorus and soil ploughing. Conclusions Soil properties influence REY uptake and further partitioning to leaves, fruits and EVOO.

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic is associated with adverse mental health outcomes for people worldwide. Objective: The study aimed to assess mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic and the key risk factors from the human ecology perspective in Croatia's adult population. Method: An online panel survey with 1,201 adult participants (50.1% women) was done with a nationally representative sample in terms of gender, age, and country region four months after the nation lockdown began and two months after most of the restrictions were lifted. Indicators of mental health included symptoms of adjustment disorder (ADNM-8); depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21); symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PC-PTSD-5); and well-being (WHO-5). Results: In the entire sample, 9.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.9%, 14.0%) of the participants were at risk of adjustment disorder, 7.7% (95% CI: 6.7%, 11.9%) were at risk of depression disorder, and 7.8% (95% CI: 5.3%, 10.3%) were at risk of anxiety disorder. In addition, 7.2% (95% CI: 5.3%, 10.2%) were experiencing high levels of stress. The average well-being score was 56.5 (SD = 21.91) on a scale from 0 to 100. Among the participants who have lifetime traumatic experience (n = 429), 14% (95% CI: 10.6%, 17.2%) were at risk for PTSD. Key risk factors for specific mental health outcomes differed, but the common ones included: current health status, previous mental health diagnosis, and psychological resilience. Being younger, having a below-average income, and excessively following news about Covid-19 were predictive for some of the mental health problems. Conclusions: Together, the key risk factors identified in this study indicate the need for public health interventions addressing the general population's mental health, but also for specific risk groups. Lower rates of mental health symptoms assessed soon after lifting quarantine measures that have been found in other studies may indicate human resilience capacity. Key risk factors for mental health disorders during the Covid-19 pandemic in Croatia were: current health status, previous mental health diagnosis, psychological resilience, younger age, below-average income, and excessively following news about the pandemic.

The complex system of stressors related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the global population, provoking a broad range of psychological reactions. Although numerous studies have investigated the mental health impact of COVID-19, qualitative research and cross-country comparisons are still rare. This qualitative study aimed to explore self-perceived challenges and opportunities related to COVID-19 across six European countries. The overall objective was to provide a differentiated picture of individual subjective experiences in the early stages of the pandemic. The present study included 7309 participants from Austria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Poland, and Portugal. We performed qualitative content analysis according to Mayring analyse open-ended questions regarding stressful events, positive and negative aspects of the pandemic, and recommendations to cope with the pandemic situation. MAXQDA software was used for data management and analysis. Participants' accounts were moderately consistent across the countries. The most prominent themes regarding stressful and negative pandemic aspects included: Restrictions and changes in daily life, Emotional distress, and Work and finances. Answers about positive pandemic consequences were mainly centred around the themes Reflection and growth, Opportunity for meaningful/enjoyable activities, and Benefits on interpersonal level. Key themes identified from participants' recommendations to cope with the pandemic included Beneficial behavioural adjustment, Beneficial cognitive-emotional strategies, and Social support. Participants experienced various challenges, but also shared several positive pandemic consequences and recommendations to cope with the pandemic. These first-hand data could inform mental health practices to promote well-being during COVID-19 and similar global challenges in the participating countries and possibly beyond. We examined COVID-19-related experiences in 7309 adults from six European countries. Besides challenges, participants identified many positive pandemic consequences. Participants' recommendations to cope with COVID-19 included behavioural and cognitive-emotional strategies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of agricultural land in the coastal Adriatic Karst region (Šibenik region, Croatia) for biosolids application by integrating spatial data from different sources: digital maps and remote sensing, parcel identification system, GIS field observations and measurements focusing on specific land and soil properties. Due to the rapid development of the wastewater treatment industry, excessive accumulation of sewage sludge (SS) in wastewater treatment plants is a growing problem worldwide. Management options for land application of biosolids require a comprehensive characterization of both SS and SS-amended soils. The assessment of agricultural land in the study area for SS disposal was based on EU and national legislation. The evaluation revealed that agricultural land in the study area accounts for only 10% of the total area (25,736 ha), but only a quarter of the existing land (6065 ha) is suitable for biosolids application. Furthermore, the data indicate that the sewage sludge can be safely applied to the soil in terms of soil metals according to the Croatian legislation. The short-term potential of the soil to sustain this ecosystem service, namely soil improvement with biosolids, should be used to determine the inherent long-term potential based on resistance to soil degradation and resilience. However, caution is needed and the long-term effects should be investigated before biosolids are continuously used for soil application.

Background: Disasters negatively impact mental health and well-being. Studying how people adapt and recover after adversity is crucial for disaster preparedness and response. Objective: This study examined how differentially affected communities harness their resources to adapt to the aftermath of a flood. We predicted that stronger individual, interpersonal, and community resources protect against psychosocial resource loss and, through that, are related to fewer symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression and higher life satisfaction. We also predicted that these effects would be stronger in a flooded community, compared to a threatened, but non-flooded community. Method: Participants were randomly sampled community members from two neighbouring municipalities. One municipality was severely flooded during the 2014 floods in South East Europe (affected community, n a  = 223), the other was threatened but not flooded (comparison community, n c  = 224). Interviews were conducted one and a half years after the disaster using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10-item version, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Community Resources Scale, the Psychosocial Resource Loss Scale, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Revised and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: Stronger individual, interpersonal, and community resources were found to be related to better post-disaster outcomes directly and indirectly through psychosocial resource loss. In the affected community, interpersonal resources and community social capital and engagement were stronger predictors of positive adaptation. In the comparison community, community economic development and trust in community leadership were more important. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that people affected by disasters can harness their individual, interpersonal, and community resources to recover and adapt. Post-disaster interventions should aim to strengthen family and community ties, thus increasing available social support and community connectedness. * Psychosocial resource loss after disasters can be reduced by harnessing individual, interpersonal and community resources. * This is then related to better mental health and wellbeing. * Post-disaster interventions should aim to strengthen social support and community connectedness.

Conservation of Resources (COR) theory defines psychological stress as the result of a threat or actual loss of resources, or lack of resource gain. Given that disasters present a significant risk for resource loss, the aim of this study was to examine the dynamic relationship between the change in different levels of resources and the change in psychosocial functioning. A random sample of N= 224 community members from a municipality affected by the 2014 Southeast Europe floods were interviewed one and a half and two and a half years post-disaster, using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10-item version, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Community Resources Scale - the Social Capital and Community Engagement subscale, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-Revised and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The results of the Latent Difference Scores modelling indicate that the increase in resources was related to a decline in post-traumatic stress (PTS) and depression symptoms and increase in life satisfaction, and vice versa. Interpersonal resources were significantly related to all measured psychosocial outcomes, individual resources to PTS and life satisfaction and community resources to life satisfaction only. The mean level of resources remained the same, but a significant inter-individual variability in resource change was found: for some, they have increased, and for some decreased over time. Furthermore, resources changed independently: an increase in one was not related to an increase in another. These findings highlight the importance of resource gain and loss for psychosocial outcomes and call for targeted post-disaster interventions that can, by increasing the levels of resources in affected communities, decrease the levels of symptoms and increase well-being. * The increase in individual, interpersonal and community resources was related to better psychosocial functioning post-disaster.* On average, there was no change in mean level of resources over a one year period.* Stepwise model of post-disaster psychosocial support focusing on family and community level interventions could be beneficial for long-term psychosocial recovery.

The current political crisis, conflicts and riots in many Middle Eastern and African countries have led to massive migration waves towards Europe. European countries, receiving these migratory waves as first port of entry (POE) over the past few years, were confronted with several challenges as a result of the sheer volume of newly arriving refugees. This humanitarian refugee crisis represents the biggest displacement crisis of a generation. Although the refugee crisis created significant challenges for all national healthcare systems across Europe, limited attention has been given to the role of primary health care (PHC) to facilitate an integrated delivery of care by enhancing care provision to refugees upon arrival, on transit or even for longer periods. Evidence-based interventions, encompassing elements of patient-centredness, shared decision-making and compassionate care, could contribute to the assessment of refugee healthcare needs and to the development and the implementation of training programmes for rapid capacity-building for the needs of these vulnerable groups and in the context of integrated PHC care. This article reports on methods used for enhancing PHC for refugees through rapid capacity-building actions in the context of a structured European project under the auspices of the European Commission and funded under the 3rd Health Programme by the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA). The methods include the assessment of the health needs of all the people reaching Europe during the study period, and the identification, development, and testing of educational tools. The developed tools were evaluated following implementation in selected European primary care settings.