Search Results (491)

This review examines advancements in smart home security through the integration of home automation technologies. Various security systems, including surveillance cameras, smart locks, and motion sensors, are analyzed, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing home security. These systems enable users to monitor and control their homes in real-time, providing an additional layer of security. The document also examines how these security systems can enhance the quality of life for users by providing greater convenience and control over their domestic environment. The ability to receive instant alerts and access video recordings from anywhere allows users to respond quickly to unexpected situations, thereby increasing their sense of security and well-being. Additionally, the challenges and future trends in this field are addressed, emphasizing the importance of designing solutions that are intuitive and easy to use. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for developers and manufacturers to focus on creating products that seamlessly integrate into users’ daily lives, facilitating their adoption and use. This comprehensive state-of-the-art review, based on the Scopus database, provides a detailed overview of the current status and future potential of smart home security systems. It highlights how ongoing innovation in this field can lead to the development of more advanced and efficient solutions that not only protect homes but also enhance the overall user experience. Full article

Background/Objectives: The demand for accessible and reliable digital health services has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in regions facing physician shortages. HomeDOCtor, a conversational AI platform developed in Slovenia, addresses this need with a nationally adapted architecture that combines retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and a Redis-based vector database of curated medical guidelines. The objective of this study was to assess the performance and impact of HomeDOCtor in providing AI-powered healthcare assistance. Methods: HomeDOCtor is designed for human-centered communication and clinical relevance, supporting multilingual and multimedia citizen inputs while being available 24/7. It was tested using a set of 100 international clinical vignettes and 150 internal medicine exam questions from the University of Ljubljana to validate its clinical performance. Results: During its six-month nationwide deployment, HomeDOCtor received overwhelmingly positive user feedback with minimal criticism, and exceeded initial expectations, especially in light of widespread media narratives warning about the risks of AI. HomeDOCtor autonomously delivered localized, evidence-based guidance, including self-care instructions and referral suggestions, with average response times under three seconds. On international benchmarks, the system achieved ≥95% Top-1 diagnostic accuracy, comparable to leading medical AI platforms, and significantly outperformed stand-alone ChatGPT-4o in the national context (90.7% vs. 80.7%, p = 0.0135). Conclusions: Practically, HomeDOCtor eases the burden on healthcare professionals by providing citizens with 24/7 autonomous, personalized triage and self-care guidance for less complex medical issues, ensuring that these cases are self-managed efficiently. The system also identifies more serious cases that might otherwise be neglected, directing them to professionals for appropriate care. Theoretically, HomeDOCtor demonstrates that domain-specific, nationally adapted large language models can outperform general-purpose models. Methodologically, it offers a framework for integrating GDPR-compliant AI solutions in healthcare. These findings emphasize the value of localization in conversational AI and telemedicine solutions across diverse national contexts. Full article

Visual field (VF) testing remains a cornerstone in assessing retinal function by measuring how well different parts of the retina detect light. It is essential for early detection, monitoring, and management of many retinal diseases. By mapping retinal sensitivity, VF exams can reveal functional loss before structural changes become visible. This review summarizes how VF testing is applied across key conditions: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular edema (DME), and inherited disorders including inherited dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Traditional methods like the Goldmann kinetic perimetry and simple tools such as the Amsler grid help identify large or central VF defects. Automated perimetry (e.g., Humphrey Field Analyzer) provides detailed, quantitative data critical for detecting subtle paracentral scotomas in HCQ retinopathy and central vision loss in AMD. Frequency-doubling technology (FDT) reveals early neural deficits in DR before blood vessel changes appear. Microperimetry offers precise, localized sensitivity maps for macular diseases. Despite its value, VF testing faces challenges including patient fatigue, variability in responses, and interpretation of unreliable results. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, virtual reality perimetry, and home-based perimetry systems are improving test accuracy, accessibility, and patient engagement. Integrating VF exams with these emerging technologies promises more personalized care, earlier intervention, and better long-term outcomes for patients with retinal disease. 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

This study investigates how demographic characteristics, severity of intimate partner violence (IPV), social support, gender equality awareness, and demographic factors (e.g., living with children at home) influence help-seeking behaviors among 2527 IPV-experienced women in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Drawing on the help-seeking model and conservation of resource theory, the study distinguishes between formal (e.g., police, legal aid) and informal (e.g., family, friends) help-seeking. Logistic regression results reveal that greater violence severity, stronger perceived social support, and higher gender equality awareness significantly increase both formal and informal help-seeking. Notably, living with children is associated with a higher likelihood of seeking formal help, possibly due to increased concerns for children’s safety and the desire to change the abusive environment. While help-seeking behavior is on the rise overall, particularly among women with strong support networks and progressive gender attitudes, structural and cultural barriers remain. The findings underscore the need to improve public education, reduce stigma, and enhance accessibility of support systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on IPV in China and provides evidence for refining policy interventions and service delivery. Full article

Background: Food environments can determine food choices, acting as barriers to or promoters of healthy eating. It is necessary to investigate individuals’ perceptions of those barriers and promoters of healthy eating in the food environment. Methods: This is a qualitative and quantitative study involving patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension. In the quantitative approach, a validated questionnaire for the Brazilian population, the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey, was used. For the qualitative approach, a talking map was applied in a focus group with guiding questions. Quantitative data were analyzed through simple relative frequency, and qualitative data through reports; subsequently, both were grouped into perceived barriers and facilitators. Results: Participants found high access to ultra-processed foods, strongly influenced by advertising in commercial establishments, as a barrier, as well as barriers related to changes in commensality habits and transformations in food systems. As promoting factors, access to fruits and vegetables was highlighted as favoring healthier food choices. The qualitative findings emphasized the importance of home gardens and foods sourced from family farming. Conclusions: This study found that individuals perceive high access to ultra-processed foods in their food environment, both in financial terms and availability, while reporting low access to fresh foods. Full article

Introduction: Home-based cardiac telerehabilitation (HBCTR) is a multidisciplinary intervention aimed at optimizing functional, psychological, and social recovery in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This rehabilitation model serves as an effective alternative to traditional center-based rehabilitation, providing a cost-effective and clinically advantageous approach. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science). We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort, and observational studies assessing telerehabilitation in post-PCI patients. Primary outcomes focused on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adherence, while secondary outcomes included functional capacity (6 min walk test, VO₂max), cardiovascular risk factor control, and psychological well-being. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Results: A total of 3575 articles were identified after removing duplicates, of which 877 were selected based on title and abstract, and 17 met the inclusion criteria, with strong RCT representation ensuring robust evidence synthesis. HBCTR was associated with significant improvements in exercise capacity, with increases in VO₂max ranging from +1.6 to +3.5 mL/kg/min and in 6 min walk distance from +34.7 to +116.6 m. HRQoL scores improved significantly, with physical and mental component scores increasing by +6.75 to +14.18 and +4.27 to +11.39 points, respectively. Adherence to telerehabilitation programs was consistently high, often exceeding 80%, and some studies reported reductions in hospital readmissions of up to 40%. Wearable devices and smartphone applications facilitated self-monitoring, enhancing adherence and reducing readmissions. Several studies also highlighted improvements in anxiety and depression scores ranging from 10% to 35%. Conclusions: HBCTR is a promising strategy for rehabilitation and quality-of-life improvement after PCI. It offers a patient-centered solution that leverages technology to enhance long-term outcomes. By integrating structured telerehabilitation programs, healthcare systems can expand accessibility, promote adherence, and improve equity in cardiovascular care. Full article

Background: he surge in the use of Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) and Emergency Departments (ED) has become a pressing issue worldwide after the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this challenge, we developed an experimental and innovative care pathway supported by telemedicine. The aim of this study is to describe the activity of the Integrated Medical Center (CMI): a new telemedicine-based care model for patients referring to the Emergency Medical System. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022. The CMI was established to manage patients referring to the Emergency Medical System. Results: From January to December 2022, a total of 8680 calls were managed by CMI, with an average of 24 calls per day. 6243 patients (71.9%) were managed without ED access of whom 4884 patients (78.2%) were managed through telemedicine evaluation only, and 1359 (21.8%) with telemedicine evaluation and dispatch of the Home Rapid Response Team (HRRT). The population treated by the HRRT exhibited a higher age. The mean satisfaction score was 9.1/10. Conclusions: Telemedicine evaluation allowed for remote assessments, treatment prescriptions, and teleconsultation for HRRT and was associated with high patient satisfaction. This model could be useful in future pandemics for managing patients with non-urgent illnesses at home, preventing hospital admissions for potentially infectious patients, and thereby reducing in-hospital transmission. Full article

Bagheria, located on the northern coast of Sicily, is home to one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable ensembles of Baroque villas, constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries by the aristocracy of Palermo. Originally situated within a highly structured rural landscape of citrus groves, gardens, and visual axes, these monumental residences have undergone substantial degradation due to uncontrolled urban expansion throughout the 20th century. This study presents a diachronic spatial analysis of Bagheria’s territorial transformation from 1850 to 2018, integrating historical cartography, aerial photography, satellite imagery, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. A total of 33 villas were identified, georeferenced, and assessed based on their spatial integrity, architectural condition, and relationship with the evolving urban fabric. The results reveal a progressive marginalization of the villa system, with many heritage assets now embedded within dense residential development, severed from their original landscape context and deprived of their formal gardens and visual prominence. Comparative insights drawn from analogous Mediterranean heritage landscapes, such as Ortigia (Siracusa), the Appian Way (Rome), and Athens, highlight the urgency of adopting integrated conservation frameworks that reconcile urban development with cultural and ecological continuity. As a strategic response, the study proposes the creation of a thematic cultural route, La città delle ville, to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and socio-economic relevance of Bagheria’s heritage system. This initiative, supported by adaptive reuse policies, smart heritage technologies, and participatory planning, offers a replicable model for sustainable territorial regeneration and heritage-led urban resilience. Full article

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in motor impairments that limit the ability to perform daily activities independently. Conventional rehabilitation exoskeletons, while effective, are typically rigid, bulky, and expensive, limiting their usability outside of clinical settings. In response to these challenges, this work presents the development and validation of a novel soft exosuit designed for elbow flexion rehabilitation, incorporating a multi-wire Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator capable of both position and force control. The proposed system features a lightweight and ergonomic textile-based design, optimized for user comfort, ease of use, and low manufacturing cost. A sequential activation strategy was implemented to improve the dynamic response of the actuator, particularly during the cooling phase, which is typically a major limitation in SMA-based systems. The performance of the multi-bundle actuator was compared with a single-bundle configuration, demonstrating superior trajectory tracking and reduced thermal accumulation. Surface electromyography tests confirmed a decrease in muscular effort during assisted flexion, validating the device’s assistive capabilities. With a total weight of 0.6 kg and a fabrication cost under EUR 500, the proposed exosuit offers a promising solution for accessible and effective home-based rehabilitation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities to enhance healthcare accessibility for people with disabilities (PwDs). However, their application in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study explores PwDs’ experiences with AI technologies within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 digital health framework to inform inclusive healthcare innovation strategies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine PwDs across Riyadh, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Border region between January and February 2025. Participants used various AI-enabled technologies, including smart home assistants, mobile health applications, communication aids, and automated scheduling systems. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework was employed to identify key themes and patterns. Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) accessibility and usability challenges, including voice recognition difficulties and interface barriers; (2) personalization and autonomy through AI-assisted daily living tasks and medication management; (3) technological barriers such as connectivity issues and maintenance gaps; and (4) psychological acceptance influenced by family support and cultural integration. Participants noted infrastructure gaps in rural areas, financial constraints, limited disability-specific design, and digital literacy barriers while expressing optimism regarding AI’s potential to enhance independence and health outcomes. Conclusions: Realizing the benefits of AI for disability healthcare in Saudi Arabia requires culturally adapted designs, improved infrastructure investment in rural regions, inclusive policymaking, and targeted digital literacy programs. These findings support inclusive healthcare innovation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 goals and provide evidence-based recommendations for implementing AI healthcare technologies for PwDs in similar cultural contexts. Full article

(1) Background: Biofeedback and neurofeedback are gaining attention as non-invasive rehabilitation strategies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment, aiming to modulate motor and non-motor symptoms through the self-regulation of physiological signals. (2) Objective: This review explores the application of biofeedback techniques, electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback, heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, and electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback in PD rehabilitation, analyzing their impacts on motor control, autonomic function, and cognitive performance. (3) Methods: This review critically examined 15 studies investigating the efficacy of electromyographic (EMG), heart rate variability (HRV), and electroencephalographic (EEG) feedback interventions in PD. Studies were selected through a systematic search of peer-reviewed literature and analyzed in terms of design, sample characteristics, feedback modality, outcomes, and clinical feasibility. (4) Results: EMG biofeedback demonstrated improvements in muscle activation, gait, postural stability, and dysphagia management. HRV biofeedback showed positive effects on autonomic regulation, emotional control, and cardiovascular stability. EEG neurofeedback targeted abnormal cortical oscillations, such as beta-band overactivity and reduced frontal theta, and was associated with improvements in motor initiation, executive functioning, and cognitive flexibility. However, the reviewed studies were heterogeneous in design and outcome measures, limiting generalizability. Subgroup trends suggested modality-specific benefits across motor, autonomic, and cognitive domains. (5) Conclusions: While EMG and HRV systems are more accessible for clinical or home-based use, EEG neurofeedback remains technically demanding. Standardization of protocols and further randomized controlled trials are needed. Future directions include AI-driven personalization, wearable technologies, and multimodal integration to enhance accessibility and long-term adherence. Biofeedback presents a promising adjunct to conventional PD therapies, supporting personalized, patient-centered rehabilitation models. Full article

The increased uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs) requires the installation of charging stations in parking lots, both to facilitate charging while running daily errands and to support EV owners with no access to home charging. Photovoltaic (PV) generation is ideal for powering up EVs, both for environmental reasons and for the benefit it creates for Charging Point Operators (CPOs). In this paper, we propose a centralised V1G Smart Charging (SC) algorithm for EV parking lots, considering real EV charging dynamics, which minimises both the EV charging costs for their owners and the CPO electricity provision costs or the related CO₂ emissions. We also introduce an innovative SC benefit-splitting algorithm that makes sure SC savings are fairly split between EV owners. Eight scenarios are described, considering costs or emissions minimisation, with and without a PV system. The centralised algorithm is benchmarked against a decentralised one, and tested in an exemplary workplace parking lot in Denmark, that includes includes 12 charging stations and one PV system, owned by the same entity. Reductions of up to 11% in EV charging costs, 67% in electricity provision costs for the CPO, and 8% in CO₂ emissions are achieved by making smart use of a 35 kWp rooftop PV system. Additionally, the SC benefit-splitting algorithm successfully ensures that EV owners save money when adopting SC. Full article

Mental illness relapse among teachers presents a growing public health concern, particularly in under-resourced settings, where social and structural factors often go unaddressed. This study aimed to explore challenges outside the workplace that contribute to mental illness relapse among public school teachers in Limpopo Province and how they cope with them. Guided by the Stress-Vulnerability Model, a qualitative explorative phenomenological design was employed. Fourteen participants with a documented history of existing mental illness and mental illness relapse were purposively selected across four different hospitals. The data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Tesch’s open coding method. The findings revealed unstable home environments, community-level stigma, inadequate institutional support, and systemic barriers to mental healthcare access. Moreover, the participants rely on family members for support and on spiritual practices to cope, highlighting gaps in formal support systems. Addressing these overlooked challenges is critical to reducing relapse resulting from social and systematic challenges, promoting mental health equity, and sustaining teacher resilience in underserved communities. This study calls for collaborative efforts from policymakers, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community leaders, including faith-based organisations, to develop integrated mental health strategies. Such strategies can promote mental health equity, reduce stigma, and support sustainable teacher well-being in vulnerable communities. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, especially in ensuring continuity of care for patients with chronic diseases. Rehabilitation services, essential for recovery following SARS-CoV-2 infection, were among the most disrupted. This exploratory study aimed to assess Romanian patients’ perceptions of the accessibility and quality of post-COVID-19 rehabilitation services, focusing on individuals with chronic conditions. Methods: This exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted over a 12-month period in 2024. Data were collected from 76 adult patients diagnosed with at least one chronic condition (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, cancer, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and with confirmed prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most participants were recruited during outpatient specialty consultations, with a smaller number included from hospital settings, all located in Bucharest. A structured questionnaire was administered by the principal investigator after obtaining informed consent. Quantitative data were analyzed using non-parametric methods following confirmation of non-normal distribution via the Shapiro–Wilk test (p < 0.05). Satisfaction scores were reported as medians with interquartile ranges (IQR), and group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Results: Patient satisfaction with rehabilitation services was consistently low. The median satisfaction scores [IQR] were accessibility 1.0 [0.0–2.0], quality of services 0.0 [0.0–4.0], staff empathy 0.0 [0.0–5.0], and perceived effectiveness 0.0 [0.0–5.0]. The median score for perceived difficulties in access was 1.0 [1.0–2.0], indicating widespread barriers. No statistically significant differences were observed between urban and rural participants or across chronic disease categories. Thematic analysis (n = 65) revealed key concerns including lack of publicly funded services, cost barriers, limited physician referral, service scarcity in rural areas, and demand for home-based rehabilitation options. Conclusions: Romanian patients with chronic illnesses and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection continue to face substantial barriers in accessing post-COVID-19 rehabilitation services. These findings highlight the need for more equitable and integrated recovery programs, especially for vulnerable populations in underserved settings. Full article