Search Results (233)

Early-career teachers (ECTs) entered the profession during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that introduced unique stressors to an already-demanding career phase. This systematic review examines empirical studies published between 2020 and February 2025 to explore how the pandemic influenced ECT wellbeing, with particular attention to stressors and protective factors impacting long-term retention and professional sustainability. Guided by PRISMA protocols, databases including Web of Science, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched, screening 470 records and identifying 30 studies that met inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed, empirical, focused on early-career teachers (within the first five years), and situated in or explicitly addressing the pandemic and its ongoing impacts. The results of Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis (2006) revealed that pandemic-related challenges such as increased workload, professional isolation, disrupted induction processes, and emotional strain have persisted into the post-pandemic era, contributing to sustained risks of burnout and attrition. Regardless, protective factors identified during the pandemic—including high-quality mentoring, structured induction programmes, collegial support, professional autonomy, and effective individual coping strategies—continue to offer essential support, enhancing resilience and professional wellbeing. These findings underscore the necessity of institutionalising targeted supports to address the enduring effects of pandemic-related stressors on ECT wellbeing. By prioritising sustained mental health initiatives and structural supports, education systems can effectively mitigate long-term impacts and improve retention outcomes for early-career teachers in a post-pandemic educational landscape. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) results in prolonged muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, and delayed return to sport. Cross-education (CE), unilateral training of the uninjured limb, has been proposed as an adjunct therapy to promote bilateral adaptations. This scoping review evaluated the functional and neuroplastic effects of CE rehabilitation post-ACLR. Following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro were searched up to February 2025. A bibliometric analysis was also conducted to report keyword co-occurrence and identify trends in this line of research. Of 333 screened references, 14 studies (price index: 43% and low-to-moderate risk of bias) involving 721 participants (aged 17–45 years) met inclusion criteria. CE protocols (6–12 weeks; 2–5 sessions/week) incorporating isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises demonstrated strength gains (10–31%) and strength preservation, alongside improved limb symmetry (5–14%) and dynamic balance (7–18%). There is growing interest in neuroplasticity and corticospinal excitability, although neuroplastic changes were assessed heterogeneously across studies. Findings support CE as a feasible and low-cost strategy to complement early-stage ACLR rehabilitation, especially when direct loading of the affected limb is limited. Standardized protocols for clinical intervention and neurophysiological assessment are needed. Full article

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, frequently observed in juvenile offenders. This systematic review explores the interplay between ADHD and juvenile delinquency, focusing on behavioural, psychological, and social dimensions. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted using EBSCO Discovery Service, Science Direct, PubMed, and snowballing techniques. Studies meeting specific inclusion criteria, including juvenile offenders diagnosed with ADHD and comparisons to non-offender or non-ADHD control groups, were analysed. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. A total of 21 studies were included, highlighting significant associations between ADHD and juvenile delinquency. ADHD symptoms, especially impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, were linked to an earlier onset of offending and higher rates of property crimes. Comorbidities such as conduct disorder, substance use disorder, and depression exacerbated these behaviours. Sociodemographic factors like low education levels and adverse family environments were also critical modifiers. Early intervention and tailored treatment approaches were emphasised to address these challenges. The findings underscore the need for early diagnosis, individualised treatment, and integrative rehabilitation programmes within the juvenile justice system to mitigate long-term risks and promote social inclusion. Full article

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of psychological distress among medical students in Spain, a growing concern given the high prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout reported across multiple medical schools and universities. To assess the scope and key characteristics of this phenomenon, a thorough literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 in peer-reviewed scientific journals, written in English or Spanish, and specifically focused on medical students enrolled in Spanish universities were considered for inclusion. A total of 14 studies were analysed. The findings indicate that psychological distress often emerges early in medical training and tends to intensify as students progress academically. Female medical students are consistently more affected, as most of the studies reviewed indicate that they exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and perceived stress. Some research also suggests greater levels of burnout among female students compared to their male peers. Key contributing factors include academic overload and dissatisfaction, sleep deprivation, and the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Although awareness of the issue is increasing, available evidence suggests that institutional responses remain limited, and that only a small number of universities have implemented structured mental health programmes. Overall, the results underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms in Spanish medical education to safeguard students’ mental wellbeing. Key priorities include revising curricula, implementing structured emotional support programmes, and ensuring accessible services—requiring coordinated, long-term commitment across academic, healthcare, and policy sectors. Future research should explore longitudinal trends and the effectiveness of targeted interventions. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have been reshaping maternal, fetal, neonatal, and reproductive healthcare by enhancing risk prediction, diagnostic accuracy, and operational efficiency across the perinatal continuum. However, no comprehensive synthesis has yet been published. Objective: To conduct a scoping review of reviews of AI/ML applications spanning reproductive, prenatal, postpartum, neonatal, and early child-development care. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus through April 2025. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using AMSTAR 2 for systematic reviews, ROBIS for bias assessment, SANRA for narrative reviews, and JBI guidance for scoping reviews. Results: Thirty-nine reviews met our inclusion criteria. In preconception and fertility treatment, convolutional neural network-based platforms can identify viable embryos and key sperm parameters with over 90 percent accuracy, and machine-learning models can personalize follicle-stimulating hormone regimens to boost mature oocyte yield while reducing overall medication use. Digital sexual-health chatbots have enhanced patient education, pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence, and safer sexual behaviors, although data-privacy safeguards and bias mitigation remain priorities. During pregnancy, advanced deep-learning models can segment fetal anatomy on ultrasound images with more than 90 percent overlap compared to expert annotations and can detect anomalies with sensitivity exceeding 93 percent. Predictive biometric tools can estimate gestational age within one week with accuracy and fetal weight within approximately 190 g. In the postpartum period, AI-driven decision-support systems and conversational agents can facilitate early screening for depression and can guide follow-up care. Wearable sensors enable remote monitoring of maternal blood pressure and heart rate to support timely clinical intervention. Within neonatal care, the Heart Rate Observation (HeRO) system has reduced mortality among very low-birth-weight infants by roughly 20 percent, and additional AI models can predict neonatal sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity, and necrotizing enterocolitis with area-under-the-curve values above 0.80. From an operational standpoint, automated ultrasound workflows deliver biometric measurements at about 14 milliseconds per frame, and dynamic scheduling in IVF laboratories lowers staff workload and per-cycle costs. Home-monitoring platforms for pregnant women are associated with 7–11 percent reductions in maternal mortality and preeclampsia incidence. Despite these advances, most evidence derives from retrospective, single-center studies with limited external validation. Low-resource settings, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, remain under-represented, and few AI solutions are fully embedded in electronic health records. Conclusions: AI holds transformative promise for perinatal care but will require prospective multicenter validation, equity-centered design, robust governance, transparent fairness audits, and seamless electronic health record integration to translate these innovations into routine practice and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. 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

Healthy food service guidelines (HFSG) comprise food, nutrition, behavioral design, and other standards to guide the purchasing, preparation, and offering of foods and beverages in worksites and institutional food service. To date, there have been few attempts to synthesize evidence for HFSG effectiveness in non-K-12 or early childhood education sectors, particularly at worksites and institutional food services. We conducted a scoping review to achieve the following: (1) characterize the existing literature on the effectiveness of HFSG for improving the institution’s food environment, financial outcomes, and consumers’ diet quality and health, and (2) identify gaps in the literature. The initial search in PubMed and Web of Science retrieved 10,358 articles; after screening and snowball searching, 68 articles were included for analysis. Studies varied in terms of HFSG implementation settings, venues, and outcomes in both U.S. (n = 34) and non-U.S. (n = 34) contexts. The majority of HFSG interventions occurred in venues where food is sold (e.g., worksite cafeterias, vending machines). A diversity of HFSG terminology and measurement tools demonstrates the literature’s breadth. Literature gaps include quasi-experimental study designs, as well as interventions in settings that serve dependent populations (e.g., universities, elderly feeding programs, and prisons). Full article

In modern medical education, a robust understanding of statistics is essential for fostering critical thinking, informed clinical decision-making, and effective communication. This paper explores the synergistic value of early and continued statistical education for medical students and residents, particularly in relation to the expanding field of sports supplementation and its impact on athletic performance. Early exposure to statistical principles enhances students’ ability to interpret clinical research, avoid cognitive biases, and engage in evidence-based practice. Continued statistical learning throughout residency further refines these competencies, enabling more sophisticated analysis and application of emerging data. The paper also addresses key challenges in integrating statistics into medical curricula—such as limited curricular space, student disengagement, and resource constraints—and proposes solutions including interactive learning, case-based teaching, and the use of public datasets. A unique emphasis is placed on connecting statistical literacy to the interpretation of research in sports science, particularly regarding the efficacy, safety, and ethical considerations of sports supplements. By linking statistical education to a dynamic and relatable domain like sports performance, educators can not only enrich learning outcomes but also foster lasting interest and competence in quantitative reasoning. This integrated approach holds promise for producing more analytically proficient and clinically capable physicians. Full article

Background: Considering the critical role of physical activity (PA) beginning in early childhood education and the demonstrated validity and reliability of contemporary technological measurement tools, this paper aimed to systematically review and analyze studies comparing PA levels in preschool-aged children during weekdays versus weekend days, using objective technological devices, and highlight what factors correlate with children’s PA. Methods: The search strategy was designed based on the PICOS framework. A systematic review was conducted using two databases (PubMed and Web of Science) to identify studies that included preschool children doing PA during weekdays, measured through technological devices, and compared to PA during weekend days. Study quality was evaluated using the MINORS scale. Results: From 1959 articles, 30 documents met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 32,251 preschool children. Conclusions: The results suggest that preschoolers were generally more active on weekdays than weekends, although it could depend more on contextual or individual factors than on the day of the week. In this sense, parental/maternal behavior (sedentary behavior, shared activities during weekend days, parents’ educational level, and parental/maternal screen time) influences children’s PA level, as well as other factors such as gender, morphology, motor competence level, the type of activity (indoor vs. outdoor), age, meeting PA guidelines, and the community transportation environment. Considering these factors, professionals working in preschools or kindergartens, as well as parents/mothers, should consider these factors to foster children’s PA level from early childhood, which could influence children’s lifespan. Full article

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development centers on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among these goals, two address climate change education: Goal 13, Climate Action, and Goal 4, Quality Education. In order to build a more sustainable future, climate change education is critical. In 2022, New Jersey became the first state in the US to integrate climate change into learning standards across subjects and grade levels K-12. In an effort to better understand the way in which teachers began to include climate change in their instruction, 50 teachers were observed implementing a lesson of their choosing that included climate change throughout the 2023–2024 academic year. Though most of the observed lessons featured science, many subject areas were included in the dataset, such as art, technology, history, and physical education. Teachers engaging in climate change instruction tended to use a variety of instructional practices. In nearly all cases, a multitude of methodologies were used in each lesson. However, small group instruction was featured in nearly all observed lessons. Quantitative descriptions of the findings are followed by three vignettes of exemplar instruction to provide a clearer understanding of the context of this work. These findings provide a scope for how climate change can be integrated in instructional settings at scale and suggestions for leveraging the experiences of early adopters of this innovation to support widespread implementation. Full article

Geographic disparities threaten equitable access for children to health-promoting safe green spaces, and quality early education in the communities in which they live and grow. To address gaps in the field, we integrated the fields of developmental psychology, public health, and environmental science to examine, at the population level, associations between the environmental burden, socioeconomic vulnerability, and kindergarten readiness in a diverse urban county. Three administrative datasets were integrated through an early childhood data sharing research partnership in Miami-Dade County. The Bruner Child Raising Vulnerability Index, the five domains of the Environmental Burden module from the Environmental Justice Index, and public school kindergarten readiness scores were aggregated at the census tract level. Analysis of variance and multiple regression analyses found associations between socioeconomic vulnerability and race/ethnicity. The socioeconomic vulnerability levels were highest in census tracts with a higher percentage of Black residents, compared to all other races/ethnicities. Areas of greater social vulnerability had lower kindergarten readiness and a higher environmental burden. A higher environmental burden predicted lower kindergarten readiness scores above and beyond race/ethnicity and socioeconomic vulnerability. The findings advance our understanding of global challenges to sustainable healthy child development, such as the persistence of a disproportionate environmental burden and inequitable access to resources such as green spaces and early education programs. The present study results can inform community health improvement plans to reduce risk exposures and promote greater access to positive environmental and educational resources for all children. Full article

Robotics has emerged as a transformative discipline at the intersection of the engineering, computer science, and cognitive sciences. This state-of-the-art review explores the current trends, methodologies, and challenges in both robotics research and education. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the evolution of robotics, tracing its development from early automation to intelligent, autonomous systems. Key enabling technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), soft robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and swarm intelligence, are examined along with real-world applications in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and sustainable smart cities. A central focus is placed on robotics education, where hands-on, interdisciplinary learning is reshaping curricula from K–12 to postgraduate levels. This paper analyzes instructional models including project-based learning, laboratory work, capstone design courses, and robotics competitions, highlighting their effectiveness in developing both technical and creative competencies. Widely adopted platforms such as the Robot Operating System (ROS) are briefly discussed in the context of their educational value and real-world alignment. Through case studies, institutional insights, and synthesis of academic and industry practices, this review underscores the vital role of robotics education in fostering innovation, systems thinking, and workforce readiness. The paper concludes by identifying the key challenges and future directions to guide researchers, educators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in advancing robotics as both technological and educational frontiers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pacifier use is a widespread soothing practice during infancy, but extended use has been linked to adverse dental outcomes, particularly malocclusion. This review aimed to evaluate the association between pacifier use and dental developmental issues in infants and toddlers and to identify key influencing factors. Methods: A scoping review using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source was performed. Peer-reviewed, full-text articles published in English between 2014 and 2024 were screened by two independent reviewers using predefined criteria. Eligible studies were thematically analyzed. Results: From 262 records, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Pacifier use was consistently associated with an increased prevalence of malocclusions, including anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and overjet. The risk and severity of dental issues were strongly influenced by the duration, frequency, and intensity of pacifier use. Prolonged use beyond three years significantly increased the likelihood of structural changes requiring intervention. Conclusion: There is strong evidence linking pacifier use to negative dental developmental outcomes, particularly when use is prolonged or frequent. Early intervention, caregiver education, and timely weaning are critical to minimizing long-term oral health risks. Future research should explore pacifier design, objective measures of use, and how socioeconomic factors may influence pacifier use patterns and oral health outcomes. Understanding these relationships can support the development of more targeted and equitable prevention strategies. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular fitness has been proposed as a key factor influencing executive functioning and academic performance during childhood and adolescence. However, the extent and consistency of this relationship remain unclear across diverse populations and educational contexts. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether cardiovascular fitness, particularly measured through VO₂max, is consistently associated with improvements in executive function and academic performance among students from early childhood to adolescence. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and ProQuest Central was conducted up to 15 November 2022. Studies were included if they examined correlations between VO₂max and cognitive or academic outcomes in students from preschool to high school. Methodological quality was assessed using the MINORS checklist. Results: Out of 271 identified studies, 12 met all inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests that higher VO₂max is generally associated with improved executive function domains such as attention, working memory, and inhibitory control, as well as academic performance indicators including mathematics and reading scores. Neurophysiological studies also indicate links between cardiovascular fitness and brain structure/function. However, the strength and specificity of these associations vary across studies due to methodological differences, limited sample diversity, and inconsistent control for confounders. Conclusions: Cardiovascular fitness appears to have a positive, albeit complex, relationship with cognitive function and academic performance in youth. Future research should adopt longitudinal and experimental designs to clarify causal pathways and consider moderating factors such as sex, age, and psychosocial variables. Full article

As global environmental challenges intensify, there is an increasing need to equip younger generations with the knowledge, values, and sense of responsibility necessary for a sustainable future. This study explores how environmental citizenship education (ECE), implemented through a nature-based learning program within a Nature and Science School (NSS) in Türkiye, was experienced and interpreted by primary school pupils in relation to their development of understanding of sustainability and environmental citizenship. NSSs, integrated into the formal education system by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, offer inquiry-driven and experiential learning in natural settings. The study took place in Talat Göktepe Grove, a biodiverse site including forest and marine ecosystems, where a four-month ECE program was conducted. A holistic single-case study design was employed, drawing on pupil diaries and semi-structured interviews. A total of 88 pupils engaged in structured outdoor activities addressing biodiversity, sustainability, and the climate crisis. Initially, pupils described environmental citizenship through individual actions. Over time, their perspectives expanded to include civic participation, environmental rights, and collective responsibility. Their reflections also revealed a more nuanced understanding of sustainability, encompassing concepts such as ecosystem balance, renewable energy, and environmental justice. The study provides insight into how nature-based education may support meaning-making around environmental citizenship and sustainability in early education. Full article