Search Results (244)

Despite growing academic interest in platform work and the gig economy, most existing research focuses on Western Europe, often neglecting the unique institutional and socioeconomic contexts of Central and Eastern Europe. This study addresses that gap by exploring the working conditions of platform workers in Poland, with particular emphasis on both material and psychosocial dimensions from the workers’ own perspectives. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 450 platform workers engaged in both online and location-based tasks, using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method. The findings show a high level of perceived autonomy, with 74% of respondents feeling that they are independent in their work. However, autonomy is often limited by external factors, in particular, the availability of work. Workers who treat platform work as a side job are significantly more likely to report a sense of autonomy. In terms of health and safety, only 27% expressed concerns about negative health impacts, and 24% reported poor working conditions. Those who received health and safety information from the platform were more likely to acknowledge potential risks. Interestingly, workers relying on platform work as their primary source of income were more likely to perceive their work as safe, compared to those treating it as supplementary employment. Full article

Background: The provision of education, health, and social care for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England has long been criticised for its inequities and chronic underfunding. These systemic issues were further exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying restrictions, which disrupted essential services and resulted in widespread unmet needs and infringements on the rights of many children with SEND. This study aimed to use a three-phase consensus-building approach with 1353 participants across five stakeholder groups to collaboratively develop evidence-informed priorities for policy and practice. The priorities sought to help address the longstanding disparities and respond to the intensified challenges brought about by the pandemic. Methods: A total of 55 children with SEND (aged 5–16), 893 parents/carers, and 307 professionals working in SEND-related services participated in the first phase through online surveys. This was followed by semi-structured interviews with four children and young people, ten parents/carers, and 15 professionals, allowing for deeper exploration of lived experiences and priorities. The data were analysed, synthesised, and structured into five overarching areas of priority. These were subsequently discussed and refined in a series of activity-based group workshops involving 20 children with SEND, 11 parents/carers, and 38 professionals. Results and Conclusions: The consensus-building process led to the identification of key priorities for both pandemic response and longer-term recovery, highlighting the responsibilities of central Government and statutory services to consider and meet the needs of children with SEND. These priorities are framed within a children’s rights context and considered against the rights and duties set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Priorities include protecting and promoting children with SEND’s rights to (1) play, socialise, and be part of a community, (2) receive support for their social and emotional wellbeing and mental health, (3) feel safe, belong, and learn in school, (4) “access health and social care services and therapies”, and (5) receive support for their parents/carers and families. Together, they highlight the urgent need for structural reform to ensure that children with SEND receive the support they are entitled to—not only in times of crisis but as a matter of routine practice and policy. Full article

We present here an approach to the deployment of social robots in a science laboratory to monitor the behavior of students with respect to safety regulations to prevent accidents. Our vision is that the social robot should act as a friendly companion for students and encourage them to follow safe laboratory practices. Towards this goal, we developed a Laboratory Safety Assistant Framework (LSA) using a Misty II Plus robot and designed three dashboards within it as interventions. This LSA framework was evaluated using a participatory design (PD) study with twenty university students (eleven from Japan and nine from Egypt). For this study, we designed a questionnaire that contains 42 questions on the prior knowledge of students about socially assistive robots and their expectations about how socially assistive robots can create a secure environment in the scientific laboratory. The chi-square test revealed that there are no differences between groups in their perceptions of using Misty II to achieve safety inside science laboratories. In their perception of the capabilities of social robots and the sharing of feelings, students believe that using social robots like Misty II inside the science laboratory can make the lab safe and decrease risk inside the science laboratory without using the three dashboards of the LSA framework. However, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that there is a significant improvement in students’ perceptions ((Median = 106.5, Z = −2.39, p < 0.05, r = 0.53)) between students’ expectations of using social robots to achieve safety in scientific laboratories before and after they interacted with the social robot and knew about the feasibility of the three dashboards we designed. Furthermore, the t-test revealed participants’ experiences of sharing feelings with a social robot, and the intervention suggested by the LSA framework was to design a system integrating this into a social robot to enhance safety within the scientific laboratory (t (19) = 3.39, p = 0.003). Full article

Background/Objectives: Anxiety and stress are interrelated and connected to reduced health-related quality of life. Botanicals such as Apocynum venetum L. (A. venetum) have been shown to improve health outcomes. No human studies have been conducted in a diverse large group of healthy adults in the US. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effects of Venetron^® Rafuma (A. venetum leaf extract) on self-reported anxiety levels and overall health outcomes compared to placebo. Methods: Healthy adults (N = 476) seeking improvement in self-reported anxiety and stress were randomly assigned to receive 50 mg of A. venetum (n = 234) or placebo (n = 242) for 6 weeks. Feelings of anxiety were assessed at baseline and weekly using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS™) Anxiety 8A. Perceived stress, sleep quality, and cognitive function were evaluated at baseline and weekly using validated assessments. A linear mixed-effects regression model was used to compare the change in health outcome scores between active and placebo groups. Results: A total of 370 participants completed at least one additional assessment and were included in the analysis: 179 in the active arm and 191 in the placebo arm. There was a significant difference between the groups in the rate of improvement in perceived stress and sleep disturbance. The active group was significantly more likely to experience a Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in their perceived stress and marginally significantly more likely to experience an MCID in their feelings of anxiety. Participants who reported experiencing side effects did not significantly differ between arms. Conclusions: Venetron^® may be safe and effective therapy for stress and sleep disturbance among those suffering from feelings of anxiety. Full article

This study aimed to check whether physical signs of children’s presence in the urban space have an impact on sense of safety and preferences. We based the study on an intra- and inter-group design, whereby respondents assessed two types of space: housing estates and green areas. The photos were manipulated to create three scenarios: control (without elements related to children), denotation (spaces supplemented with children’s playgrounds), and connotation (spaces containing elements associated with children). Each scenario was assessed by a separate group of respondents, who were further split between men and women. Analyses have shown that in residential districts, spaces with child-related connotations foster a feeling of safety and enhance the general appeal of the place, especially among women. In turn, direct signs of the presence of children (denotation) have a lesser impact on the positive assessment of the space. In green areas, adding child-related details did not affect women’s feelings but lowered men’s evaluations of safety and preference. The findings suggest that elements associated with children should be used selectively, taking into account the type of space and differences in perception between the sexes. These observations can support the creation of sustainable urban environments: safe and inclusive housing estate and park designs, especially in the context of building cities that foster social integration without exclusions. This is a preliminary study that paves the way for further exploration of the topic. In order to be able to analyse adults’ preferences and safety in more depth, it seems interesting to investigate the shared perception of landscape by children and adults and the possibilities of participatory design of public spaces. Full article

This article explores the distinct challenges facing Arab school principals in Israel, particularly in the context of existential fears stemming from a complex political landscape and rising violence in schools. These concerns are intensified by feelings of isolation from decision-making processes and the ineffectiveness of policies aimed at addressing the specific needs of Arab communities. Through an action research approach, this study analyzed the experiences of 15 elementary school principals over four years and introduced an intervention model called “empathetic inquiry”. This model, comprising four stages, creating a safe space for emotional expression, framing and reframing events, and formulating alternative actions, was implemented through group discussions and techniques like roleplaying. Findings revealed that the model facilitated open emotional sharing, enhanced principals’ sense of competence, and transformed their perception of authority from a rigid to a reflective role. Participation in the group fostered solidarity among staff and improved conflict management skills. Ultimately, this study highlights the “empathetic inquiry” model as a promising strategy for fostering empathetic leadership and reducing existential anxiety in Arab schools, although future research is necessary to evaluate its broader applicability and long-term effects, reflection, and self-awareness. This model contributed to their ability to cope with conflicts more effectively and to develop empathetic leadership. Full article

Objective: Psychological safety (PS) is essential for health and social care professionals (HSCPs) working in high-stress environments. While much of the existing research focuses on PS within teams, less is known about HSCPs’ lived experiences across diverse health and social care settings. This scoping review aims to synthesise the qualitative literature on PS, identifying key barriers and enablers to its development in health and social care workplaces. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, covering a 20-year period (2004–2024). Eligible studies included primary qualitative research exploring HSCPs’ experiences of PS. Screening and data extraction were managed using Rayyan. An inductive thematic synthesis approach was applied to identify key patterns in the data. Results: The review identified several enablers and barriers to PS. The main enablers included (1) feeling safe within the team and (2) personal factors, which encompassed professional skills, experience, social support, and self-care. Conversely, key barriers were identified: (1) the normalisation of traumatic incidents, (2) unsupportive team and management structures, (3) organisational constraints, and (4) a lack of knowledge and training on PS. Conclusions: Understanding the enablers and barriers of PS is critical for improving workplace culture, resilience, and wellbeing among HSCPs. These findings provide a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at strengthening PS at individual, team, and organisational levels across diverse health and social care settings. The results also offer valuable insights for informing policies and practice to ultimately enhance both staff wellbeing and patient care quality. Full article

The transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 highlights recent European efforts to design intelligent devices, systems, and automation that can work alongside human intelligence and enhance human capabilities. In this vision, human–machine interaction (HMI) goes beyond simply deploying machines, such as autonomous robots, for economic advantage. It requires societal and educational shifts toward a human-centric research vision, revising how we perceive technological advancements to improve the benefits and convenience for individuals. Furthermore, it also requires determining which priority is given to user preferences and needs to feel safe while collaborating with autonomous intelligent systems. This proposed human-centric vision aims to enhance human creativity and problem-solving abilities by leveraging machine precision and data processing, all while protecting human agency. Aligned with this perspective, we conducted a systematic literature review focusing on trust and trustworthiness in relation to characteristics of humans and systems in human–robot interaction (HRI). Our research explores the aspects that impact the potential for designing and fostering machine trustworthiness from a human-centered standpoint. A systematic analysis was conducted to review 34 articles in recent HRI-related studies. Then, through a standardized screening, we identified and categorized factors influencing trust in automation that can act as trust barriers and facilitators when implementing autonomous intelligent systems. Our study comments on the application areas in which trust is considered, how it is conceptualized, and how it is evaluated within the field. Our analysis underscores the significance of examining users’ trust and the related factors impacting it as foundational elements for promoting secure and trustworthy HRI. Full article

Background: Establishing safe and efficient oral feeds for preterm infants is one of the last milestones to be achieved prior to discharge home. However, this process commonly elicits stress and anxiety in both care providers, such as nurses and the entire healthcare team in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as well as parents. These feelings of uncertainty are exacerbated by the non-linear progression of oral feeding development and the absence of a systematized approach to initiate and advance feedings. Methods: In this 48-bed tertiary perinatal centre, staff surveys and a needs assessment showed dissatisfaction and increasing stress and anxiety due to the inconsistencies in initiating and advancing oral feeds. This paper describes the formation of a multidisciplinary feeding committee which reviewed various oral feeding training materials and the ultimate creation of two innovative oral feeding algorithms and their corresponding education materials. Results: The Sunnybrook Feeding Committee has developed two evidence-based algorithms, one for initiating oral feeds and another for monitoring progress with objective decision-making points during common oral feeding challenges. To complement and support these algorithms, educational materials and a comprehensive documentation process were also created. These resources included detailed instructions, visual aids, and step-by-step guides to help staff understand and apply the algorithms effectively. Additionally, the educational materials aimed to standardize training and ensure consistency across the NICU, further promoting a systematic approach to preterm oral feeding. Implementation of these algorithms also aimed to provide evidence-based, expert-guided guidelines for assessing readiness, initiating feeds, monitoring progress, and making necessary adjustments. Conclusions: This structured approach lays the foundation for a unit-wide language and systematic process for oral feeding. The next steps in this quality improvement project involve educating and piloting the implementation of the developed oral feeding algorithms, gathering staff feedback, and refining the tools accordingly. The goal is to enhance overall care quality, reduce stress for both care providers and parents, and ensure the best possible start for vulnerable preterm infants, ultimately supporting a smooth and successful transition to home. Full article

As numbers of displaced people throughout the world steadily increase with the rise in global conflicts, many Western nations, including Australia, increasingly thwart asylum-seeking and place harsh restrictions on entry. Nonetheless, Afghanistan’s troubled political history over several decades has generated steady movement of refugees to Australia, and Australia has offered protection, although often conditional and limited. Little is known about the experiences of women who fled, giving up their homes, professions, education, extended family, and social lives that were rich in connection. Despite expanding research and literature, there are still gaps in what is known about what happens to refugee women who resettle in Australia. The research outlined in this article uncovers the stories of six Afghan women, highlighting their agency to counter stereotypes. The article focuses not only on losses experienced, but ways in which this group of Hazara women negotiated their way in their new home of Australia, with the support of STARTTS, a not-for-profit organisation. Some of the initial barriers to resettlement in Australia involved accessible and timely information, limited proficiency in English, and comprehending laws and norms. The ongoing effects of trauma along with these barriers often accelerated the ageing process for these women, limiting their ability as well as opportunity for employment. These barriers were exacerbated in the context of the yearnings for their homeland and loved ones who were still in Afghanistan. Women were torn between feelings of gratitude for their own security and of guilt and pain for those in Afghanistan. Through STARTTS-facilitated groups, women found opportunities to connect with one another. They also used these connections to gather information about support programs, for themselves or their families, crucial for them to reconstruct their lives in Australia. For refugees experiencing dislocation, the formation of social networks in the host country contributes to belonging and connectedness and facilitates rebuilding trusting relationships that have been intentionally destroyed, where they can share their experiences in a safe, trauma-informed environment. Full article

There are several moments in the school context when students share their experiences and concerns with teachers. Empathy is essential to provide quality listening in order to understand and give students a voice. Consequently, teachers’ perceptions of how they listen to their students and the benefits of empathetic listening in the classroom are studied. The analysis involves 38 responses from primary school teachers, responding to six questions based on a review of the concept of empathic listening in primary education. Data analysis was carried out using Iramuteq software. The findings indicate that teachers engage in empathic listening with students, recognizing their role in the process, identifying the characteristics and phases of such listening, highlighting the most recurrent topics, and mentioning the moments and places where it occurs and the benefits it brings. Empathetic listening is fundamental to establishing a quality teacher–student relationship. It fosters a safe environment in which students feel free to be and express themselves, helping them to manage different day-to-day situations. Full article

By incorporating elements such as storytelling, problem-solving, and rewards, serious games can appeal to varied users, making the learning process more experiential, engaging, and enjoyable. Gender stereotyping is a prevalent social problem that occurs to a greater or lesser extent in all countries and cultures around the world. However, it is more present in certain places like Latin American countries. This study presents the evaluation of Kiddo, a serious game to raise awareness about gender stereotypes among school-aged children (10–13 years old). After its validation with teachers, this evaluation study was carried out with 210 students in a public school in Mexico. By conducting a pre-post experiment while collecting game learning analytics data, we explore how Kiddo can raise students’ awareness of gender stereotypes. Results show a statistically significant increase in awareness of all gender stereotypes addressed in the game. In addition, we explore the acceptance of the video game, the feelings that it causes in players, and the validity of its design as an educational tool including requirements such as class duration and participants’ reading ability. Kiddo provides a valuable real-world experience in a safe and controlled environment. Full article

This paper analyses the impact of a front brake light (FBL) on road safety from a pedestrian perspective. In addition to the traditional brake lights mounted at the rear of vehicles, an FBL can provide extra information about the driver’s intention to stop, especially to road users looking at the front of the approaching vehicle. This innovative feature aims to improve road safety by providing additional visual cues, where rear brake lights are not visible. Because pedestrians usually have a better line of sight to the front of a vehicle, the front brake light is more effective in alerting them to an impending stop. Therefore, an FBL could help them feel more confident when crossing the road by helping determine if it is safe to do so. A total of 621 questionnaires were collected from pedestrians who participated in the first real field test of FBL. The test period was conducted from November 2022 to September 2023 in two neighbouring regions of Slovakia. Their feedback allowed us to assess how the presence of an FBL influenced their perception of road safety, particularly when crossing roads. As a statistical result, more than 81% of the participants felt safer when crossing the road due to the presence of an FBL. Notably, the older generation evaluated FBLs very positively, while the youngest generation demonstrated more dangerous behaviour. Furthermore, the survey revealed that a significant proportion of respondents maintained a more reserved attitude towards the benefits of FBLs, largely due to a lack of information. Full article

Background: Health literacy can impact comprehension, recall, and implementation of stroke-related information, especially in the context of cognitive and communication impairments, cultural-linguistic diversity, or ageing. Yet there are few published lived experience perspectives to inform tailoring of health information. Objectives: We aimed to (i) explore perspectives about the impact of health literacy on information needs and preferences of stroke survivors with diverse characteristics; and (ii) identify ways to better tailor information delivery for stroke survivors with low health literacy. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) methodology. First, health literacy information was collected from participants. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify different health literacy profiles within the participant sample. Four profiles were identified, from which four case vignettes were created. Second, focus groups and interviews were conducted to explore the health information needs and preferences of the case vignettes. Qualitative data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Nineteen people participated (median (IQR) age = 65 (49, 69), 10 (53%) female); five used interpreters. Participants represented diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and stroke-related characteristics, and generally had low health literacy. Four qualitative themes were generated highlighting the impact of Individual knowledge, capacity, and beliefs about stroke and health services on people’s capacity to engage with stroke-related information; Tailoring and personalisation of information delivery to the patient’s knowledge, capacity, and beliefs; Having a support network to rely on; and patients Feeling like I am in safe hands of clinicians and services. Conclusions: Findings provide several important directions for improving accessible stroke information delivery suitable for people with all levels of health literacy, and to optimise patient understanding, recall, and implementation of healthcare information. Full article

Background/objectives: Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination vary globally, influenced by political and cultural factors. This research aimed to assess the views of people without a healthcare qualification in Europe on COVID-19 vaccination safety, effectiveness, and necessity as well as how well informed they felt. The secondary outcomes focused on how respondents’ views were affected by demographic and context factors and included a comparison by country of the level of feeling well informed. Methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional online survey in eight European countries, using convenience sampling. Results: A total of 1008 adults completed the survey, 60% of whom were female. While only 44.1% considered the vaccines safe, 43.5% effective, and 44.9% necessary, 80.0% had been vaccinated. Four in ten adults strongly agreed that they were well informed, while over a quarter did not answer the question. Younger respondents, well-informed individuals, and German respondents were more inclined to perceive COVID-19 vaccination as both effective and necessary. Conclusions: Motivations for vaccination included perceived health and social benefits, while concerns included a preference for “natural immunity”, the rapid development of the vaccine, and potential unknown long-term effects. A correlation existed between respondents feeling well informed about the different COVID-19 vaccines in their country and the likelihood of having been vaccinated. Full article