Search Results (706)

Primary school students, as the main users of classrooms, are directly affected by the lighting environment, which not only affects their visual comfort but also their cognitive performance. This study investigated the effects of different correlated colour temperature (CCT) levels in classroom lighting on the cognitive performance of primary school students based on a multidimensional evaluation combining physiological signals (EEG and EDA) and subjective assessment. In this study, 53 subjects aged 10–13 years old from a primary school in Anshan City were used in a controlled experiment under five CCT conditions (3000 K, 4000 K, 5000 K, 6000 K, and 7000 K) at a constant illumination level of 500 lx. EEG and skin conductance (SC) signals were collected and subjective perceptions of visual comfort and fatigue were assessed while cognitive tasks were carried out. The results showed that students performed best cognitively at a colour temperature of 4000 K, with the lowest EEG absolute power (AP) (p < 0.01) and highest comfort (p < 0.05). Females were more sensitive to colour temperature changes and showed better cognitive performance in cooler colour temperature conditions, while male students performed better in warmer light conditions (p < 0.01). The above findings suggest that optimising the CCT of classroom lighting enhances students’ cognitive functioning and comfort, providing empirical support for lighting design guidelines in educational environments. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether prior use of a beta blocker (BB) is associated with the three-year risk of total hip arthroplasty after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip and compare risks across BB subtypes. Methods: Through the TriNetX database, patients with hip OA were included and further divided into the with- and without-BB cohorts. BB users were defined as patients with prescriptions between 1 day and 1 year before hip OA diagnosis and at least one refill afterward. The index date was defined as the diagnosis date of hip OA. Moreover, the BB cohorts were split to evaluate the difference between different types of beta-blocking agents. After propensity score matching, a three-year risk of undergoing THA was calculated. Results: A total of 313,430 patients were involved in this study, including 23,580 with BB usage, and 289,850 without. After propensity score matching, 23,096 patients remained in each cohort. For the with- and without-BB cohort, the average ages were 69 ± 11.9 and 63.3 ± 11.4, with a majority being female (52.4% vs. 56%). After the three-year follow-up, the use of BBs (2333 vs. 1539, HR = 1.494; 95% C.I. = 1.4–1.593) was associated with a higher risk of undergoing THA. Furthermore, among the three types of BBs, the use of alpha-BBs showed the highest hazard ratio when compared to the without-BB cohort (788 vs. 470, HR = 1.639; 95% C.I. = 1.462–1.837). Conclusions: These findings suggest a potential association between BB use and hip arthroplasty in OA patients, warranting further investigation rather than immediate changes in clinical practice. Exploration into the detailed mechanisms is warranted and merits investigation in future studies. Full article

The impact of cycling-related traffic crashes on public health has increased significantly in recent decades, with cyclists being among the most vulnerable road users. The risk of severe injury in traffic crashes is notably high for cyclists, especially when distracted. Research indicates that distraction while cycling significantly increases the crash risk. This study investigates cycling distraction through a field operational test involving 100 participants. Riders followed a predetermined course while being exposed to external visual and auditory stimuli, including alarms, advertising signs, and car horns. Distraction levels were measured using eye-tracking technology. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, cluster, and correlation analyses. Our findings showed that auditory stimuli distract a higher percentage of cyclists, while audiovisual stimuli from road-related factors cause longer-lasting distractions. Additionally, five distraction clusters were identified based on stimulus duration. Lastly, it was found that males were more likely to belong to high-distraction clusters, whereas females and daily cyclists were more likely to fall into the lowest-distraction group. Full article

Background/Objectives: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of global mortality among adults. The aim of this study was to examine the association between adherence to 24 h movement behavior guidelines and the diagnosis of NCDs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with users of the Health Academy Program in Brazil. The sample consisted of 1212 individuals (92.9% female), aged 18 years or older. Dependent variables included self-reported hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and cardiovascular disease based on previous medical diagnosis. Independent variables (physical activity, screen time, and sleep) were self-reported. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were performed and adjusted for sex, age, educational level, body mass index, and marital status. Results: Participants who did not meet any of the 24 h movement behavior recommendations had higher odds of hypertension (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.15–1.77), diabetes (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03–2.01), and having two (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09–2.91) or three or more NCDs (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.11–2.13). Not meeting the physical activity recommendation was associated with higher odds of hypercholesterolemia (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.06–1.76). In contrast, meeting the physical activity guideline alone (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11–0.85) or in combination with adequate sleep (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11–0.90) was associated with lower odds of cardiovascular disease. All of these results remained significant after adjustments for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: Not meeting any of the 24 h movement behavior guidelines, especially those related to physical activity, was associated with a higher occurrence of NCDs. Full article

The Multi-User Textile Analysis Laboratory (LTex), a case study from a Brazilian university, was established to address the technical demands of the local textile industry, a regional hub with a predominantly female workforce. Globally, laboratories seeking recognition for their technical competence rely on accreditation to a widely adopted international standard. This work explores how the technical requirements of this standard can be integrated with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, using a Brazilian recommended practice aligned with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a reference. The goal is to propose a unified framework for sustainable and inclusive management in university laboratories. The research employed an exploratory literature review, a documentary analysis comparing the two normative documents, the development of a structured checklist, and the formulation of a conceptual model for sustainable and inclusive laboratory management. The findings identified both overlaps and gaps, particularly regarding risk management, transparency, and gender equity, and supported the creation of an evaluation tool structured around six thematic axes. The proposed checklist enables simultaneous assessment of technical compliance and ESG maturity, guiding laboratories toward aligning accreditation processes with sustainability goals. The LTex case study demonstrates the model’s applicability and its potential to foster regulatory compliance, organizational improvement, and female empowerment in technical leadership. Full article

Background/Objectives: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity among young adults globally, but only limited research exists on usage patterns in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with e-cigarette use initiation and transition to cigarette smoking among university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 537 university students in Al-Madinah city during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire assessing e-cigarette use patterns, motivations, susceptibility to future cigarette smoking, and demographic characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with e-cigarette use. Results: E-cigarette prevalence was substantial: 11.7% of participants were current users, 5.4% were former users, and 27.9% were ever-users, compared with 5.8% current cigarette smokers. Males had significantly higher use rates than females (20.9% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001). Senior students showed the highest current use (21.1%). Among ever-users, the primary motivations were enjoyment (29.3%), the possibility of use where smoking is banned (26.1%), and social acceptability (21.7%). Most users (73.0%) used high-nicotine liquids (≥20 mg/mL), and 55.4% vaped daily. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that e-cigarette use was independently associated with male gender (adjusted OR = 4.0), higher academic year (OR = 1.24), current smoking (adjusted OR = 3.45; 95 CI: 1.54–7.82), and lower harm perception (adjusted OR = 1.69; 95 CI: 1.16–2.51). Susceptibility to future cigarette smoking was 18.9% overall but much higher among current e-cigarette smokers (59.5%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: E-cigarette use was prevalent among Saudi university students, particularly males and senior students, with patterns suggestive of nicotine dependence. Strong associations with cigarette smoking and high-concentration nicotine use raise concerns about dual use and addiction potential. Full article

In recent years, Italy has experienced a significant increase in violence against healthcare workers, mirroring a global trend. Manifesting as verbal, physical, psychological, and material aggression, this phenomenon endangers both personnel safety and the foundational principles of the National Health Service (SSN) as outlined in Article 32 of the Italian Constitution. The escalation—most acute in emergency departments, psychiatric units, inpatient wards, and community services—affects a broad spectrum of professionals, compromising care quality and institutional integrity. Data from the FNOMCeO-CENSIS Report 2023–2024 reveal over 18,000 reported incidents in 2024, with verbal assaults disproportionately affecting female nursing staff. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated systemic vulnerabilities, heightening user dissatisfaction and psychological strain among healthcare providers. In response, legislative actions—such as Law No. 113/2020 and Decree-Law No. 137/2024—aim to strengthen prevention, monitoring, and penal measures. This article examines legal, institutional, and organizational responses, including on-the-ground and hospital-based strategies to mitigate violence. Adopting a multidisciplinary perspective, it analyzes recent policy developments, regional dynamics, and victim-perpetrator profiles, arguing that safeguarding healthcare environments is both a public security priority and an ethical imperative essential to preserving the dignity of care work and the resilience of the health system. Full article

Background/Objectives: To determine the inter-rater agreement of visual and AI-based assessments of a renowned semi-quantitative chest CT scoring system (Pan-score) used to evaluate the severity of pulmonary involvement (e.g., ground-glass opacities, consolidations) in patients suffering from COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective study includes patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19, who received a chest CT scan (not more than three days prior to or after the positive PCR test) between 21 March 2020 and 30 December 2022. The five lung lobes were scored separately on a scale from 0 (no pulmonary involvement) to 5 (>75% pulmonary involvement) by a radiology specialist, an experienced assistant physician, a medical student, and a dedicated AI-based software tool for chest CT. Weighted Cohen’s κ values were calculated to assess the reliability of agreement between the different readers. Results: A total of 569 consecutive patients (381 males [67.0%], 188 females [33.0%]; mean age 68.8 years) with confirmed COVID-19 were evaluated. All of them received at least one chest CT scan. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the mean Pan-score evaluated by the three human readers (9.35 ± 6.03) and the score computed fully automatically by the software (10.44 ± 5.10). However, the inter-rater agreement both between the three different human readers and between the human readers and the AI was high throughout, with κ values of 0.71–0.86 and 0.83, respectively. The slice thickness of the reconstructed CT images did not have an impact on the inter-rater agreement, but the total score was significantly higher when the images were acquired following the administration of i. v. contrast media. Conclusions: The evaluated chest CT scoring system is user-friendly due to its simplicity, though it is generally prone to inaccuracies, since the estimation of the extent of pulmonary involvement is quite subjective. Nevertheless, the inter-rater agreement was high throughout, both between the differently experienced human readers and between the human readers and the AI software. In summary, the Pan-score seems to be a reliable approach to estimate the extent of pulmonary involvement in patients suffering from COVID-19. Full article

The accurate perception of visual stimuli in human–machine systems is crucial for improving system safety, usability, and task performance. The widespread adoption of digital technology has significantly increased the importance of visual interfaces and information. Therefore, it is essential to design visual interfaces and information with user characteristics in mind to ensure accurate perception of visual information. This study employed the Cognitive Perceptual Assessment for Driving (CPAD) to evaluate and compare gender differences in the ability to perceive visual signals within complex visual stimuli. The experimental setup included a computer with CPAD installed, along with a touch monitor, mouse, joystick, and keyboard. The participants included 11 male and 20 female students, with an average age of 22 for males and 21 for females. Prior to the experiment, participants were instructed to determine whether a signal stimulus was present: if a square, presented as the signal, was included in the visual stimulus, they moved the joystick to the left; otherwise, they moved it to the right. Each participant performed a total of 40 trials. The entire experiment was recorded on video to measure overall response times. The experiment measured the number of correct detections of signal presence, response times, the number of misses (failing to detect the signal when present), and false alarms (detecting the signal when absent). The analysis of experimental data revealed no significant differences in perceptual ability or response times for visual stimuli between genders. However, males demonstrated slightly superior perceptual ability and marginally shorter response times compared to females. Analyses of sensitivity and response bias, based on signal detection theory, also indicated a slightly higher perceptual ability in males. In conclusion, although these differences were not statistically significant, males demonstrated a slightly better perception ability for visual stimuli. The findings of this study can inform the design of information, user interfaces, and visual displays in human–machine systems, particularly in light of the recent trend of increased female participation in the industrial sector. Future research will focus on diverse types of visual information to further validate these findings. Full article

Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death among adolescents, making road safety education crucial. This study assesses the performance of and users’ opinions on the Route 2 School (R2S) traffic safety education program, designed for secondary school students (13–17 years) in Belgium. The program incorporates gamified e-learning modules containing, among others, podcasts, interactive 360° visuals, and virtual reality (VR), to enhance traffic knowledge, situation awareness, risk detection, and risk management. This study was conducted across several cities and municipalities within Belgium. More than 600 students from school years 3 to 6 completed the platform and of these more than 200 students filled in a comprehensive questionnaire providing detailed feedback on platform usability, preferences, and behavioral risk assessments. The results revealed shortcomings in traffic knowledge and skills, particularly among older students. Gender-based analysis indicated no significant performance differences overall, though females performed better in risk management and males in risk detection. Furthermore, students from cities outperformed those from municipalities. Feedback on the R2S platform indicated high usability and engagement, with VR-based simulations receiving the most positive reception. In addition, it was highlighted that secondary school students are high-risk groups for distraction and red-light violations as cyclists and pedestrians. This study demonstrates the importance of gamified, technology-enhanced road safety education while underscoring the need for module-specific improvements and regional customization. The findings support the broader application of e-learning methodologies for sustainable, behavior-oriented traffic safety education targeting adolescents. Full article

Objectives: This study explored perceptions, experiences, and outcomes associated with the choice of insulin therapies among pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Methods: This study included 20 adolescents (8 male and 12 female) with T1D, with a mean age of 15.05 ± 0.91 years, a mean diabetes duration of 5.19 ± 1.2 years, and a mean most recent HbA1c of 7.03 ± 0.16%. Ten of the participants were using an insulin pump (n = 10) and another 10 had either refused (n = 7) or discontinued (n = 3) insulin pump therapy. A qualitative inductive method was employed, using in-depth individual interviews. The interview material was transcribed verbatim and grounded theory was used to analyze the verbal material. Results: Four main thematic categories were identified from the narrations that captured both common and divergent perceptions of insulin pump users versus non-users: (1) adjusting to the lifelong diagnosis, (2) exposing diabetes versus hiding it, (3) becoming autonomous and integrating insulin pump therapy into daily life, and (4) worrying over the pump. The third theme, capturing autonomy and integration, surfaced as the core thematic category of this study. Conclusions: This grounded theory study revealed that, by using insulin pump therapy, adolescent T1D patients can enhance their autonomy and facilitate the integration of insulin treatment into their life. This study identified processes that inform diabetes education and contribute to ameliorating gaps in the uptake and maintenance of pump therapy in pediatric care. Full article

Background: Mental health issues among medical students have gained increasing attention globally, with studies indicating a high prevalence of psychological disorders within this population. The use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications has become a common response to these mental health challenges. However, it is crucial to understand the extent of their usage and associated effects on students’ mental health and academic performance. This cross-sectional study explored the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs and their impact on the mental health of medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 561 medical students from 34 universities was conducted between March and July 2024. An anonymous online questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, mental health, and medication usage-related information. Results: Most of the participants were female (71.5%) and aged 21–25 years (62.7%). Approximately 23.8% of them used antidepressants, 5.6% reported using anti-anxiety medications, and 14.0% used both types of medication. Among the medication users, 71.7% were using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and 28.3% were using other medications. Adverse drug reactions were reported by 58.8% of the participants, and 39.6% changed drugs with inadequate efficacy. Notably, 49.0% of the respondents who have ever used medications discontinued their medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Despite these challenges, 62.0% of the participants felt that their medications had a positive impact on their academic performance, 73.4% believed that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks, and 76.2% expressed a willingness to continue taking their medication. In particular, 77.6% agreed that treatment with these drugs could prevent mental breakdowns. Sleep duration, physical activity, and family history of psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with medication use, with p values of 0.002, 0.014, and 0.042, respectively. Conclusions: These results shed light on the need to understand the prescribing practices of antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs among medical students while promoting the appropriate use of these medications among the students. There is a need to incorporate mental health interventions into counseling services and awareness programs to support students. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore long-term trends. Full article

Background: Insomnia and excessive sleepiness are significant health problems with a complex etiology, increasingly affecting young people, especially students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbances and patterns of psychoactive drug use among female Polish students. We also explored the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep behaviors. We hypothesized that sleep disorders are common in this group, that medical students are more likely to experience insomnia and excessive sleepiness, and that the pandemic has exacerbated both sleep disturbances and substance use. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a custom survey designed using standardized questionnaires—the Athens Insomnia Scale and Epworth Sleepiness Scale—that was distributed online using the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing method. A total of 11,988 responses were collected from 31 January 2016 to 1 January 2021. Inclusion criteria were being female, having a college student status, and giving informed consent. Results: Among the 11,988 participants, alcohol use declined after the pandemic began (p = 0.001), while sedative use increased (p < 0.001). Insomnia (AIS) was associated with study year, university profile, and field of study (p < 0.001), with the highest rates in first-year and non-medical students. It was more common among users of sedatives, psychostimulants, and multiple substances. No significant change in insomnia was found before and after the pandemic. Excessive sleepiness (ESS) peaked in first-year and medical students. It decreased during the pandemic (p < 0.001) and was linked to the use of alcohol, psychostimulants, cannabinoids, and multiple substances. Conclusions: These findings highlight that female students are particularly vulnerable to sleep disorders. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep disturbances remains inconclusive. Given the varied results in the existing literature, further research is needed. Full article

Plant supplements are frequently used by diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in the management of their disease. Background/Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of plant supplement use in DM patients from Romania and to evaluate patients’ practices, profiles, and beliefs regarding plant supplements and the impact of their use on glycemic control. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Romanian diabetic patients. Results: Out of 329 validated responses, 44.07% reported supplement use. Momordica charantia L. (35.17%) was the most used. Female patients were statistically significantly more prevalent in the plant supplement user group. Plant supplement use was associated with statistically significantly lower HbA1c (7.11% vs. 7.66%, p < 0.01) and basal glycemia (127.75 mg/dL vs. 136.08 mg/dL, p < 0.01) over the previous three months. Diabetic polyneuropathy was statistically significantly less prevalent among patients who used plant supplements (31.03% vs. 42.39%, p = 0.035). The greatest proportion of responders reported that they started to use plant supplements for improving blood glycemia (88.97%), followed by the purpose of preventing DM complications (27.59%). A significant improvement in health status was reported by 53.79% of patients using herbal supplements. Conclusions: Plant supplement use was common and associated with improved glycemic parameters and lower complication prevalence. Full article

Introduction: This prospective descriptive study explored the disparities in perceptions and experiences regarding healthcare services between providers and users during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on the impact of the digital divide on access to and quality of care. The study revealed significant inconsistencies in the experiences of healthcare providers and patients, particularly regarding the effectiveness of digital health interventions. Methods: This study was a prospective descriptive analysis conducted to evaluate and compare the use of electronic healthcare services between healthcare employees (HΕs) (N = 290) and consumers (Cs) (N = 263) from December 2024 to May 2025, utilizing an electronic survey after the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the statistical validity of the sample size, a power analysis was performed using G*Power 3.1.9.2 software. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the readiness of healthcare employees and consumers for electronic healthcare services. It was validated to ensure reliability within this population and comprised 49 questions. Results: The response rate of the participants was 89.19%, and the Cronbach’s alpha for the questionnaire was 0.738. The study revealed notable differences in perceptions regarding health-related information and digital health technologies across genders and age groups. Specifically, 28.8% of females and 27.3% of males considered it important to be well-informed about health issues (χ² = 8.83, df = 3, p = 0.032). Conclusions: This research contributes to filling a gap in comparative analyses of provider and user perspectives, offering a comprehensive view of how digital health was adopted and experienced during a global crisis. Practically, it provides an evidence base to guide future interventions aimed at fostering more equitable, resilient, and user-friendly digital healthcare systems. Full article