Search Results (487)

Addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality requires convergence competencies that enable learners to devise sustainable solutions. Such competencies have been emphasized in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) fields, but empirical research and assessment tools tailored to Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) remain scarce. This study aimed to develop and validate a self-assessment tool to measure convergence competencies among HASS learners. A three-round Delphi survey with domain experts was conducted to evaluate and refine an initial pool of items. Items with insufficient content validity were revised or deleted, and all retained items achieved a Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of ≥0.800, with most scoring 1.000. The validated instrument was administered to 455 undergraduates participating in a convergence education program. Exploratory factor analysis identified five key dimensions: Convergent Commitment, Future Problem Awareness, Future Efficacy, Convergent Learning, and Multidisciplinary Inclusiveness, explaining 69.72% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the model’s goodness-of-fit (χ² (160) = 378.786, RMSEA = 0.054, CFI = 0.952), and the instrument demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.919). The results confirm that the tool is both reliable and valid for diagnosing convergence competencies in HASS contexts, providing a practical framework for interdisciplinary learning and reflective engagement toward sustainable futures. Full article

(1) Background: Fatigue impacts neuromuscular performance, especially in endurance sports like rowing. The aim is to explore how continuous workload affects explosiveness and fatigue progression. This study examines acute fatigue during repeated race events by assessing vertical jump height, force output, and subjective fatigue over three consecutive days at the 2024 Hungarian National Rowing Championships. (2) Methods: Nine rowers (five women, four men; mean age 20.17 ± 1.73 years) competed in multiple 2000 m races over three days. Lower limb explosiveness was measured via countermovement jump (CMJ) using a Kistler force plate, pre- and post-race. Heart rate data were recorded with Polar Team Pro^®. Subjective fatigue was assessed using the ‘Daily Wellness Questionnaire’. (3) Results: We found a significant difference in the pattern of the medians of the force exerted by males during the jump between the results of the Thursday preliminaries (ThuQ_Me = 13.3) and the second final (ThuF2_Me = −75.5). Women showed no notable changes. (4) Conclusion: Repeated high-intensity races induce neuromuscular fatigue in men, reflected in reduced explosiveness and increased subjective fatigue. Future research should incorporate biochemical markers to deepen the understanding of fatigue mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Legislative changes in educational systems have influenced how student learning is understood and promoted. In physical education (PE), there has been a shift from behaviorist models to more holistic approaches. In this context, physical literacy (PL) is presented as an emerging pedagogical model in school PE, aimed at fostering students’ motor competence in a safe, efficient, and meaningful way. The aim of this study is to analyze the origins, foundations, methodological elements, and educational value of PL, highlighting its potential to promote holistic and inclusive learning as the basis for an emerging PL model. Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a literature search in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and SportDiscus databases up to June 2025, focusing on scientific literature related to PL and PE. The analysis included its historical background, philosophical and theoretical foundations, and the key methodological elements and interventions that support its use as a pedagogical model. Results/Discussion: The findings indicate that the PL model can be grounded in key principles, such as student autonomy, teacher training, connection with the environment, inclusion, and collaboration. Additionally, motivation, enjoyment, creativity, and continuous assessment are identified as essential components for effective implementation. Moreover, this model not only guides and supports teachers in the field of PL but also promotes comprehensive benefits for students at the physical, cognitive, affective, and social levels, while encouraging increased levels of physical activity (PA). Conclusions: PL is understood as a dynamic and lifelong process that should be cultivated from early childhood to encourage sustained and active participation in PA. As a pedagogical model, PL represents an effective tool to enhance student learning and well-being in PE classes. Full article

Background: Preterm infants and their families face a challenging experience during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Family-centered care emphasizes the importance of welcoming parents, involving them in their baby’s daily care, and supporting the development of parenting skills. NICU staff should support parents in understanding their baby’s needs and in strengthening the parent–infant bond. Although many tools outline what parents should learn, there is a limited structured framework to monitor their involvement in the infant’s care. Tracking parental participation in daily caregiving activities could support professionals in effectively guiding families, ensuring a smoother transition to discharge. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to and effectiveness of a structured tool for parental involvement in the NICU. This tool serves several key purposes: to track the progression and timing of parents’ autonomy in caring for their baby, to support parents in building caregiving competencies before discharge, and to standardize the approach of NICU professionals in promoting both infant care and family engagement. Methods: A structured template form for documenting parental involvement (“together TO-CARE template”, TTCT) was integrated into the computerized chart adopted in the NICU of Modena. Nurses were asked to complete the TTCT at each shift. The template included the following assessment items: parental presence; type of contact with the baby (touch; voice; skin-to-skin); parental involvement in care activities (diaper changing; gavage feeding; bottle feeding; breast feeding); and level of autonomy in care (observer; supported by nurse; autonomous). We evaluated TTCT uploaded data for very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants admitted in the Modena NICU between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024. Staff compliance in filling out the TTCT was assessed. The timing at which parents achieved autonomy in different care tasks was also measured. Results: The TTCT was completed with an average of one entry per day, during the NICU stay. Parents reached full autonomy in diaper changing at a mean of 21.1 ± 15.3 days and in bottle feeding at a mean of 48.0 ± 22.4 days after admission. The mean length of hospitalization was 53 ± 38 days. Conclusions: The adoption of the TTCT in the NICU is feasible and should become a central component of care for preterm infants. It promotes family-centered care by addressing the needs of both the baby and the family. Encouraging early and progressive parental involvement enhances parenting skills, builds confidence, and may help reduce post-discharge complications and readmissions. Furthermore, the use of a standardized template aims to foster consistency among NICU staff, reduce disparities in care delivery, and strengthen the support provided to families of preterm infants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Telehealth enhances access to specialty care, but stakeholder perspectives are often overlooked. The objective was to evaluate participant and provider satisfaction with a novel telehealth-enabled home safety program. Methods: This is a sub-investigation of a non-randomized pilot study of a novel telehealth-enabled home safety program that enrolled 23 persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPs) at risk for falls and their respective care partners (CPs). Dyads participated in four to six televisits over three months, where they performed “virtual home tours” using a mobile platform (tablet mounted on a rolling stand) with a physical therapist to identify and mitigate environmental fall hazards. Satisfaction was assessed using PI-developed surveys and open feedback. Mobile platform usability was assessed with the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results: A total of 95.65% of dyads were very to extremely satisfied with the entire program overall, and the therapist indicated the same for 73.91% of the dyads. Additionally, 95.65% of dyads reported gaining new awareness of home fall hazards. Difficulties maneuvering the mobile platform, using a tablet, and connectivity issues were common challenges noted. The mean score on SUS for the mobile platform was 65, indicating poor perceived usability, and most dyads indicated they would have preferred using a smartphone for the program. Other priorities, including competing health and personal obligations, along with resistance to change, were the primary barriers to implementing program recommendations. Conclusions: Our novel telehealth-enabled home safety program was well-received by patients and the study therapist. Using a smartphone and troubleshooting connectivity issues might help further improve the usability and accessibility of this program. Full article

Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and competing sectoral demands, poses a major threat to agricultural sustainability, particularly in irrigated regions such as the Nile Delta in Egypt. Addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches to evaluate irrigation performance despite the limitations in ground data availability. Traditional assessment methods are often costly, labor-intensive, and reliant on field data, limiting their scalability, especially in data-scarce regions. This paper addresses this gap by presenting a comprehensive and scalable framework that employs publicly accessible satellite data to map crop types and subsequently assess irrigation performance without the need for ground truthing. The framework consists of two parts: First, crop mapping, which was conducted seasonally between 2015 and 2020 for the four primary crops in the Nile Delta (rice, maize, wheat, and clover). The WaPOR v2 Land Cover Classification layer was used as a substitute for ground truth data to label the Landsat-8 images for training the random forest algorithm. The crop maps generated at 30 m resolution had moderate to high accuracy, with overall accuracy ranging from 0.77 to 0.80 in summer and 0.87–0.95 in winter. The estimated crop areas aligned well with national agricultural statistics. Second, based on the mapped crops, three irrigation performance indicators—adequacy, reliability, and equity—were calculated and compared with their established standards. The results reveal a good level of equity, with values consistently below 10%, and a relatively reliable water supply, as indicated by the reliability indicator (0.02–0.08). Average summer adequacy ranged from 0.4 to 0.63, indicating insufficient supply, whereas winter values (1.3 to 1.7) reflected a surplus. A noticeable improvement gradient was observed for all indicators toward the north of the delta, while areas located in the delta’s new lands consistently displayed unfavorable conditions in all indicators. This approach facilitates the identification of regions where agricultural performance falls short of its potential, thereby offering valuable insights into where and how irrigation systems can be strategically improved to enhance overall performance sustainably. Full article

The growing urgency of the climate crisis has heightened the importance of integrating sustainability into health education. Allied health professionals are well positioned to lead sustainable healthcare efforts, yet evidence suggests a persistent gap between student awareness and formal training. This study explored the perspectives, knowledge, and attitudes of Portuguese allied health students regarding sustainability. An online and anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students across multiple allied health disciplines. The questionnaire assessed general knowledge, perceptions of curricular integration, and attitudes toward sustainable clinical practice. A total of 247 (response rate of 8.23%) students participated, with the majority expressing high concern about climate change and strong support for environmentally responsible healthcare. However, the results revealed inconsistent awareness of healthcare’s environmental footprint and a limited exposure to structured sustainability education. Friedman tests indicated significant variability in students’ knowledge, perceived responsibility, and curricular experiences. Students identified priority themes for curricular inclusion—such as the environmental impact of the health system—and recognized their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The findings highlight the need for the systematic, competency-based integration of sustainability into allied health curricula to support a climate-resilient and ecologically responsible future healthcare workforce. Full article

Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework to support such transitions poses a critical challenge for shipping companies seeking to secure sustainable human resources. The aim of this study was to develop a competency-based training program that facilitates the effective transition of seafarers to shore-based ship superintendent roles. We integrated a developing a curriculum (DACUM) analysis with competency-based job analysis to achieve this aim. The core competencies required for ship superintendent duties were identified through three expert consultations. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was used to quantitatively assess the structure and priority of the training content. The analysis revealed that convergent competencies, such as digital technology literacy, responsiveness to environmental regulations, multicultural organizational management, and interpretation of global maritime regulations, are essential for a successful career shift. Based on these findings, a modular training curriculum comprising both common foundational courses and specialized advanced modules tailored to job categories was designed. The proposed curriculum integrated theoretical instruction, practical training, and reflective learning to enhance both applied understanding and onsite implementation capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a Seafarer Success Support Platform was proposed to support a lifecycle-based career development pathway that enables rotational mobility between sea and shore positions. This digital learning platform was designed to offer personalized success pathways aligned with the career stages and competency needs of maritime personnel. Its cyclical structure, comprising career transition, competency development, field application, and performance evaluation, enables seamless career integration between shipboard- and shore-based roles. Therefore, the platform has the potential to evolve into a practical educational model that integrates training, career development, and policies. This study contributes to maritime human resource development by integrating the DACUM method with a competency-based framework and applying social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively prioritize training content. It further proposes the Seafarer Success Support Platform as an innovative model to support structured career transitions from shipboard roles to shore-based supervisory positions. Full article

This article describes the design and implementation of a Specialized Mental Health Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program for clergy and theological students of all spiritual, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Addressing the need for mental health competencies in religious leaders and chaplains, this training equips participants with specialized skills in individual and group mental health spiritual assessment and spiritual care. Program participants become effective members of a multiprofessional team, gain knowledge of mental health philosophies of concordant and discordant spiritual orienting systems, and gain greater relational capacity. The Mental Health CPE Program includes traditional and novel CPE elements: (1) clinical practice, (2) group and individual supervision, (3) didactic presentations and journal clubs, (4) verbatim (Protocols of patient encounters) and case presentations, (5) group leadership training and practica, and (6) experience of faith reflections. This article provides insights into the origins of CPE, a description of the implementation in a free-standing psychiatric hospital, and observed developmental changes of program participants. We include graduates’ anecdotal feedback about their learning experience and its impact on their leadership in chaplaincy and in religious communities. Additionally, we report on areas for future development and further study of the effectiveness of Mental Health CPE. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mechanical ventilation management is a critical competency for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses; however, traditional training methods are often insufficient to prepare nurses for the complexities of alarm management and clinical decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 360-degree virtual reality (VR)-based mechanical ventilation nursing education program for ICU nurses in Korea. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design was employed with 65 ICU nurses (32 in the experimental group and 33 in the control group). Data were collected from May to October 2023. The VR-based program, developed using the ADDIE instructional design model, incorporated simulation-based scenarios focusing on ventilator alarm management and clinical reasoning. Outcome measures included knowledge of ventilation nursing, self-efficacy, clinical reasoning, learning immersion, turnover intention, and educational satisfaction. Data were analyzed using normality tests, descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and paired t-tests. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in knowledge (Δ = 5.54), self-efficacy (Δ = 0.94), clinical reasoning (Δ = 0.76), and learning immersion (Δ = 0.88) compared to the control group (all p < 0.001), where Δ denotes the change score (post-test minus pre-test). Post-test assessments were conducted immediately after the intervention. Educational satisfaction was also significantly higher in the experimental group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in turnover intention between the groups, suggesting a limited short-term impact on this outcome. Conclusions: A 360-degree VR-based education program effectively enhanced key competencies among ICU nurses. While these findings reflect short-term outcomes, future research is warranted to assess the long-term effects and sustainability of VR-based learning in ICU continuing education. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Early development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) are key modifiable factors for prevention. This study assessed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, school-based intervention for childhood obesity prevention. Methods: Children aged 3–5 years from a preschool in Messina, Italy, participated in a 9-month intervention integrating nutritional education and physical activity. FMS were evaluated using the MOBAK test. Anthropometric measurements and MD adherence (through the Kid-Med questionnaire) were collected. Caregivers completed an online survey reporting lifestyle changes. Results: Significant improvements were observed in FMS: object control (score 1) increased from 2.67 ± 1.78 to 4.28 ± 1.82, locomotor skills (score 2) from 4.69 ± 1.96 to 5.83, 5.83 ± 1.70, and total MOBAK score (score 3) from 7.35 ± 3.09 to 10.11± 2.94. (p < 0.001 for all). Kid-Med scores significantly improved from (3.79 ± 2.31 vs. 5.03 ± 2.69) (p = 0.0027), indicating enhanced MD adherence. Post-intervention, adherence was classified as poor (27.4%), moderate (53.2%), and optimal (19.4%). Although only a minority of parents reported lifestyle changes, over 50% noted increased fruit and vegetable intake in their children. Males showed higher FMS scores and waist circumference compared to females. Conclusions: A school-based multidisciplinary intervention significantly improved motor competence and dietary habits in preschool children. These findings underscore the importance of early, integrated strategies involving families and educators to support healthy development and prevent childhood obesity. Full article

This study aimed to examine whether managerial changes and their training methodology influence the physical attributes of soccer players and determine if these changes significantly impact the overall physical performance of the team. Twenty-seven male elite-level football players competing in the Eastern Mediterranean region (age: 28.12 ± 5.5 years, height: 179.3 ± 6.25 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 6.6 kg) participated in this study. To analyze the impact of managerial changes on elite football players’ physical performance, this study evaluated and compared physical attributes during weekly microcycles and official games across three different coaching regimes over an entire season. Data were collected using a 10 Hz GPS tracking technology and included the following external load (EL) parameters: total distance, high metabolic load distance, high-speed running, sprint distance, accelerations, and decelerations. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to assess differences in physical performance across the three coaching methods. Significant differences were evident in high metabolic load distance during games [F(2,27) = 7.59, p < 0.05]. High-speed running distance also varied significantly across the three coaching regimes, both during training sessions [F(2,27) = 5.89, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 4.31, p < 0.05]. Furthermore, sprint distance showed significant differences during training [F(2,27) = 4.62, p < 0.05] and games [F(2,27) = 3.37, p < 0.05]. The findings of this study suggest that managerial changes can have a significant effect on the physical performance of soccer players. The results highlight the importance of aligning coaching strategies with physical conditioning techniques for optimizing performance. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with managerial changes in professional soccer. Nevertheless, a limitation in this study is that all metrics of EL were interpreted as absolute values rather than relative-based threshold values, which may affect the interpretation of the players’ physical capacities. Full article

Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can impair self-regulatory skills. Narrative-based tools, such as “The Incredible Adventures of Anastácio, the Explorer”, have shown promise in fostering these competencies in children with cerebral palsy. This study evaluated a training program for psychologists using a story-based intervention to promote self-regulation skills in children with cerebral palsy. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design assessed declarative and procedural knowledge and self-efficacy changes. Seventeen psychologists completed a three-level program: Level 1 included sociodemographic and declarative knowledge assessments (pre/post); Level 2 focused on self-efficacy (pre/post) and a procedural knowledge task; and Level 3 reassessed self-efficacy (post 2). Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences qualitatively. Results showed a significant increase in declarative knowledge, confirming the effectiveness of training. All participants demonstrated positive levels of procedural knowledge despite individual variations. Self-efficacy did not increase significantly, likely due to the tool’s high initial score and novelty. Qualitative findings highlighted the value of balancing theoretical and practical components in training. Although self-efficacy gains were limited, the program enhanced psychologists’ declarative and procedural knowledge. Findings suggest that narrative-based training may help professionals update their knowledge and practices, supporting the promotion of self-regulatory skills in children with cerebral palsy. Full article

Maintenance 4.0 studies have become a focus for managers and employees when developing effective and efficient maintenance policies. In this study, the barriers to Maintenance 4.0 applications in the textile industry are investigated, and these barriers are weighted using the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method based on Pythagorean fuzzy numbers. Solutions to address these barriers are presented. As a result of this study, Organizational and Managerial emerged as the most important main criterion. Operational was identified as the second most significant main criterion, followed by Technical Competence. Data-Related and Cybersecurity ranked fourth in terms of importance. On the other hand, Human Resources and Training and Financial were found to be the least important main criteria. These two criteria received lower importance scores compared to the others, with Financial being the criterion with the lowest overall significance. Sensitivity analyses were performed for six different scenarios by changing the importance weights of the decision-makers. The ranking of the criteria only slightly changed with the weights; this means that the results obtained in Case 1 are robust and reliable. Even in Case 6, where the expert weight ratios were completely reversed, the results did not change significantly. This highlights an important point regarding the reliability of the assessment. Full article

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus and a major cause of human encephalitis throughout Asia, although it is currently not reported in Europe. To assess the potential impact of climate change, such as increased temperatures, and the potential for native Cx. pipiens to transmit JEV genotype I in the United Kingdom (UK), we have investigated vector competence at two different temperatures. Culex pipiens f. pipiens were provided a bloodmeal containing JEV genotype I at 7.8 × 10⁸ PFU/mL. Mosquitoes were maintained for 14 days at 21 °C or 25 °C, and rates of infection, dissemination, and transmission potential were assessed. There was no evidence for virus infection, dissemination, or potential for transmission at 21 °C. However, at 25 °C, virus infection was detected in 5 of 36 mosquitoes (13.9%). Of these, JEV disseminated to legs and wings in three specimens (3/5) and viral RNA was detected in saliva from one specimen (1/3). These data indicate that at elevated temperatures of 25 °C, UK Cx. pipiens f. pipiens could transmit JEV genotype 1. Full article