Search Results (1,705)

The Special Issue on Health, Well-Being and Sustainability invites research that integrates behavioral, cultural, and systemic approaches to fostering sustainable lifestyles within work environments. This study focuses on the role of leadership in promoting employee health and healthy lifestyles, which are central dimensions of the validated Health-oriented Leadership framework. Although previous research has assumed that high levels of leader StaffCare lead to high levels of employee SelfCare and consequently to better health outcomes, inconsistent dyadic patterns have rarely been examined. In this study, we investigate dyadic relationship patterns between leaders’ StaffCare and employees’ SelfCare jointly creating a sustainable workplace health system in hybrid contexts. Using Latent Profile Analysis on a sample of N = 1104, we identify consistent and inconsistent patterns, their health and motivational outcomes after three months, as well as potential antecedents in terms of working conditions for profile membership. The consistent dyads showed expected results: high StaffCare and high SelfCare led to high health and motivation outcomes, while low StaffCare and low SelfCare resulted in the lowest outcomes. New findings emerged in inconsistent dyads. In the low leaders’ StaffCare and high employees’ SelfCare dyad (Bystanders & Health Proactives), leaders recognized risks but did not actively promote health measures. However, proactive employees who engage in SelfCare behaviorally compensate for insufficient leader support but at a motivational cost. In contrast, the high leaders’ StaffCare and low employees’ SelfCare dyad (Health Sacrificers) included leaders who supported employees’ health but neglected their own, resulting in lower health but higher motivation among employees. Job demands and resources partly predicted group membership and can offer practical implications for building work environments that foster employees’ well-being and health. The findings offer insights into inconsistent leadership behaviors and provide guidance for enhancing employee well-being, particularly in hybrid work environments. Full article

The increasing prevalence of smartphone use has raised concerns about its impact on human psychological functioning. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological dimensions influenced by smartphone use, spanning health psychology, individual differences, social psychology, and cognitive functioning. The review draws on findings from numerous studies, primarily conducted in highly developed Western and Asian countries, where cultural factors may influence usage patterns and psychological outcomes. Key limitations in the current body of research include geographical biases and methodological challenges such as sample homogeneity and reliance on self-report measures. Evidence suggests that excessive smartphone use can lead to addiction and is associated with negative psychological and health consequences. The review also highlights how individual differences—such as personality traits, age, and gender—affect smartphone usage. Social implications, both positive (e.g., increased connectivity) and negative (e.g., interpersonal conflict), are explored in depth. Cognitive effects are considered, particularly in relation to attention and memory, where findings suggest potential impairments in sustained focus and information retention. While the literature often emphasizes risks, this review also points to the need for further exploration of the potential benefits of smartphone use. In summary, the review offers valuable insights into the complex psychological effects of smartphones and underscores the importance of future research to better understand their nuanced impact on well-being. Full article

Food is fundamental to human survival, health, culture, and well-being. In response to the increasing demand for sustainable food preservation, chitosan (CS)-based electrospun nanofibers have emerged as promising materials due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and inherent antimicrobial properties. When combined with other biopolymers or bioactive compounds, CS-based nanofibers offer enhanced functionality for applications in food packaging, preservation, and additives. This review summarizes recent advances in the fabrication and performance of CS-polymer and CS-inorganic composite nanofibers, with a focus on their mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier properties, and antimicrobial efficacy. The use of these nanofibers across a range of food categories—including vegetables, fruits, fresh-cut produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, and nuts—is examined. Beyond experimental approaches, the review also explores the growing role of computational simulations in predicting the mechanical strength, barrier performance, antimicrobial activity, and biodegradability of CS-based nanofibers. Key modeling techniques and simulation tools are summarized. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are discussed, underscoring the potential of CS-based electrospun nanofibers as sustainable and multifunctional solutions for modern food packaging. By integrating experimental advancements with computational insights, this review provides a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on CS-based electrospun nanofibers for food packaging. Full article

Background: As global populations age, the demand for effective and compassionate geriatric care has intensified. Humanized nursing emphasizes empathy and person-centered care, while community-based nursing builds on local resources and networks to support health and well-being. Together, these approaches offer promising strategies for improving care for older adults. This integrative review explores the evolution, clinical contributions, and implementation barriers of these models. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, targeting peer-reviewed studies, including qualitative and quantitative studies published between 2010 and 2025, that involved adults aged 60 years and older. Inclusion criteria emphasized humanized and community-based nursing interventions while excluding non-nursing and pediatric-focused studies. Quality appraisal was performed using CASP and JBI checklists, and data were thematically synthesized. Results: Evidence indicates that these care models significantly improve functional independence and psychosocial well-being and reduce hospital readmissions. For instance, community-based care in Taiwan improved activities of daily living in dementia patients by 15%, while U.S.-based programs reduced depressive symptoms by 30% among Latino older adults. Interdisciplinary, nurse-led interventions in South Korea and Puerto Rico showed a 22% reduction in readmissions and an 85% increase in care access. Despite these benefits, numerous barriers hinder widespread implementation, including workforce shortages, inadequate funding, fragmented healthcare systems, cultural resistance, digital literacy challenges, and policy constraints, particularly in low-resource settings such as the Philippines and Nepal. Conclusions: These findings underscore the transformative potential of humanized and community-based nursing while highlighting the need for targeted strategies such as task-shifting, inclusive technologies, and policy reform to advance equitable, sustainable geriatric care globally. Full article

Air pollution is steadily increasing due to industrialization, economic activities, and transportation. High levels pose a significant threat to human health and well-being worldwide. Saudi Arabia is a growing country with air quality indices ranging from moderate to unhealthy. Although there are many monitoring stations distributed throughout the country, mathematical modeling of air pollution is still crucial for health and environmental decision-making. From this perspective, in this study, a data-driven approach based on pollutant records and a Deep Learning (DL) Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm is carried out to perform temporal modeling of selected pollutants (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, CO and O₃) based on time series combined with a spatial modeling focused on selected cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Rabigh, Abha, Dammam and Taif), covering ~48% of the total population of the country. The best forecasts were provided by LSTM in cases where the datasets used were of relatively large size. Numerically, the obtained performance metrics such as the coefficient of determination (R²) ranged from 0.2425 to 0.8073. The best LSTM results were compared to those provided by two ensemble methods, Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), where the merits of LSTM were confirmed mainly in terms of its ability to capture hidden relationships. We also found that overall, meteorological factors showed a weak association with pollutant concentrations, with ambient temperature exerting a moderate influence. However, incorporating ambient temperature into LSTM models did not lead to a significant improvement in predictive accuracy. The developed approach can be used to support decision-making in environmental and health domains, as well as to monitor pollutant concentrations based on historical time series records. Full article

Exposure to microorganisms can significantly impact well-being and, more importantly, human health. A frequently overlooked aspect of indoor air quality (IAQ) research is the risk posed by harmful biological agents transported through the air in the form of biological aerosols. Given that healthcare facilities create environments with an increased risk of infection transmission, monitoring IAQ and reducing microbiological contamination have become global public health challenges. This paper presents a literature review, focusing on the current state of knowledge regarding microbiological air quality in healthcare settings. The analysis confirms that Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are among the most prevalent airborne pathogens in healthcare facilities. The review also underlines the necessity for harmonized guidelines and integrated air quality management strategies to reduce microbial contamination effectively. Finally, the review compiles data on microorganism concentration levels and influencing factors. The present study highlights that implementing standardized monitoring and effective air filtration and disinfection methods is essential to improving microbiological air quality and enhancing patient safety. The sources analyzed in this review were collected from databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Web of Science, considering only English-language publications. The studies cited were conducted in multiple countries across different regions, providing a comprehensive global perspective on the issue. Full article

Objective: To investigate public attitudes in New Zealand towards the euthanasia of dogs and cats and to explore the factors that influence these views. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through a nationwide online survey conducted in 2019 as part of the Furry Whānau Wellbeing research project. The survey included questions about pet euthanasia, and respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with various statements. Results: Of 2293 respondents to the 2019 New Zealand Pet Survey, the majority (n = 1756) opposed euthanasia for stray, unwanted, or financially burdensome pets (76.7%; 90.2% and 66.3% of these disagreed or strongly disagreed, respectively). In contrast, a slim majority (n = 1162) supported it for sick animals. Females were less likely to agree with euthanasia in most scenarios compared to males. Māori and New Zealand European respondents (n = 1790) showed higher levels of neutrality than other ethnicities regarding stray animals and lower levels of disagreement regarding financially constrained situations. Older respondents (65+) were more likely to support euthanasia for sick animals, while younger respondents (18–24) were less inclined. Higher education levels are correlated with increased neutrality towards euthanising stray animals and increased support for euthanising feral animals. Respondents with children were more likely to be neutral or to disagree with euthanasia in most scenarios. Those with rural upbringings were more accepting of euthanasia for stray and feral animals. A thematic analysis of 653 respondent comments revealed key themes: euthanasia was seen as complex and context-dependent, a humane last resort for suffering animals, but not for convenience. Respondents emphasised responsible pet ownership and a right to life, even for feral animals, advocating for alternatives such as trap–neuter–release. Conclusion: New Zealanders largely view euthanasia as an ethically acceptable option for terminally ill or suffering animals but reject it when driven by convenience or financial hardship. Attitudes vary across demographic groups, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive education and policy. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and support broader discussions on responsible pet ownership, ethical decision making, and animal welfare legislation. Full article

Rising urban temperatures due to climate change, limited green spaces, and dense urban areas impact public health and human well-being, highlighting the need for innovative grey infrastructure solutions where conventional green spaces are not feasible. This study aims to bridge the gap between objectively measured and perceived benefits of urban heat mitigation by combining social and technological methods within socio-ecological systems. First, a literature review of 759 articles, with 64 meeting the review criteria, and a bibliometric analysis examined the recent extensive research on participation and the connections between participation, resilience, and sustainability. Second, a chain of evidence as a qualitative method demonstrated how Active Bottom Surface Cooling (ABSC) can enhance outdoor thermal comfort (OTC). This emphasised the importance of participatory innovation and novel cooling technologies for urban resilience: hybrid (digital and analogue) participation can raise the awareness, acceptance, and effectiveness of such technical innovations. It revealed the need for an integrated framework, leveraging synergies: (1) community engagement tailors solutions to urban needs, (2) adaptability ensures effectiveness across diverse settings, (3) improved thermal comfort enhances citizen well-being, and (4) resilience strengthens the climate change response. By conceptualising cities as urban systems, the integrated framework fosters reciprocal socio-ecological benefits between people, nature, and the environment. Through hybrid participation and ABSC, it boosts community engagement, OTC, and well-being for sustainable urban development. Full article

The built environment, technology, human health and well-being, and sustainable development are closely related, and human-centered therapeutic design in environmental, architectural, spatial, and landscape domains demonstrates human health promotion potential. This study examines health promotion design measurement indices and develops a scale for sub-healthy tourists in a hot spring tourism destination. Recent research mainly emphasized the development and utilization of hot spring resources and their economic benefits. It rarely provided a systematic discussion on the health-promoting impact of environmental design and evaluation criteria. Thus, this study employs the literature review method and the Delphi expert method to construct an index system and measurement scale that comprises 20 evaluation indices of physical, mental, and social health. Moreover, this study conducts a questionnaire survey to measure the physical, mental, and social health of sub-healthy tourists and non-sub-healthy tourists (observation and control groups) and the sub-healthy tourists before and after their visit to the hot spring tourism destination (pre-test group and post-test group). The scale demonstrates satisfactory reliability and validity, and the health–healing design measurement indices for the sub-healthy tourists consist of three subscales: physical, mental, and social health. The evaluation index system and measurement scale can comprehensively and effectively measure the effects of healing and therapeutic design (HTD) and can be used as reliable tools for sub-healthy tourists in hot spring tourism. Full article

Current estimates suggest that Africa contains about 14% of the world’s population and accounts for 20% of the global burden of disease. Yet, it accounts for a mere 3% of clinical trials globally. The time is ripe—even overdue—for determining how best to direct future health research efforts. In response, a call has been heard for a continent-wide Africa-centric research ethics framework to redirect health research in Africa, as well as address the health research ethics malpractices that have violated the rights, dignity and well-being of participating African communities. Nevertheless, we should remain aware of what already exists and what continues to be of value. Creating parallel frameworks risks fragmentation of research, increased costs in having to meet differing requirements and delayed access of patients to new treatments. Existing international consensus documents which have evolved and been fine-tuned over time, offer guidance for ensuring ethical instigation and management of health research. The Declaration of Helsinki enunciates clear principles for ensuring the ethical conduct of clinical research, while CIOMS’ 2016 International Ethical Guidelines for Health-related Research involving Humans offer guidance for implementing these principles. It is failure to apply existing ethical principles and guidance—and not any perceived inadequacy of those principles—that has resulted in sub-optimal protection of African research participants. Full article

Sexual health constitutes a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, with direct implications for individual development and the broader social and economic progress of communities. Promoting environments that ensure sexual experiences free from coercion, discrimination, and violence is a key public health priority. Sexuality, in this regard, should be understood as an inherent dimension of human experience, shaped by biological, cultural, cognitive, and ideological factors. Accordingly, sexual health education requires a holistic and multidimensional approach that integrates sociocultural, biographical, and professional perspectives. This study aims to examine the level of knowledge and training in sexual health among nursing students and healthcare professionals, as well as to assess the extent to which sexual health content is incorporated into nursing curricula at Spanish universities. A scoping review was conducted using the Dialectical Structural Model of Care (DSMC) as the theoretical framework. The findings indicate a significant lack of knowledge regarding sexual health among both nursing students and healthcare professionals, largely due to educational and structural limitations. Furthermore, sexual health education remains underrepresented in nursing curricula and is frequently addressed from a narrow, fragmented biomedical perspective. These results highlight the urgent need for the comprehensive integration of sexual health content into nursing education. Strengthening curricular inclusion is essential to ensure the preparation of competent professionals capable of delivering holistic, inclusive, and empowering care in this critical area of health. Full article

With the arrival of an aging society and the continuous extension of the human lifespan, the quality of life has not improved in a corresponding manner. People’s demand for happiness and health is increasing. As a result, a model emerged that integrates tourism and medical services, which is health tourism. This growing demand has prompted many service providers to see it as a business opportunity and enter the market. Tourism can help travelers release work stress and restore physical and mental balance; meanwhile, health check-ups and disease treatment can help them regain health. Consumers have long favored health and medical tourism because it helps relieve stress and promotes overall well-being. As people age, some consumers experience a gradual decline in physical functions, making it difficult for them to participate in regular travel services provided by traditional travel agencies. Therefore, this study aims to explore the service needs of health and medical tourism customers (tourists/patients) and the interrelationships among these service needs, so that health and medical tourism service providers can develop more customized and diversified services. This study identifies four key drivers of medical tourism services: medical services, medical facilities, tour planning, and hospitality facilities. This study uses the APA (attention and performance analysis) method to assess each dimension and criterion and utilizes the DEMATEL method with the NRM (network relationship map) to identify network relationships. By combining APA and NRM techniques, this study develops the APA-NRM technique to evaluate adoption strategies and identify suitable paths for health tourism services, providing tailored development strategies and recommendations for service providers to enhance the service experience. Full article

Introduction: The wellbeing of humans and the planet is negatively impacted by unhealthy eating behaviors and excessive food waste. Mindfulness approaches have the potential to help people modify their behavior to achieve healthier outcomes. Pilot testing methods to sustainably support healthy eating and reduce food waste are essential for identifying effective ways to promote human and planetary health. Methods: A pilot study was conducted to test a virtual mindful eating program to improve eating behaviors and reduce food waste among a small sample of U.S. adults. Mixed-methods approaches were used to identify the efficacy of the piloted intervention on mindfulness, eating behaviors, and food waste while identifying participant perspectives of the mindful eating program. Results: Quantitative study outcomes indicated positive intervention effects on hunger/satiety cues and food appreciation. No significant intervention effects were detected on mindfulness or food waste. Qualitative findings highlighted participant reports of experiencing greater self-awareness, an improved relationship with food, and a sense of creativity with meal preparation. Conclusions: This pilot study tested a novel mindful eating program that improved eating behaviors related to hunger/satiety and increased food appreciation. The program was accepted by participants, but it did not increase mindfulness or reduce food waste. Future iterations of this mindful eating program will require modifications to test different approaches for increasing mindfulness and reducing food waste while expanding the positive effects on healthy eating. Full article

Emotion regulation is essential for mental health. However, many people ignore their own emotional regulation or are deterred by the high cost of psychological counseling, which poses significant challenges to making effective support widely available. This review systematically examines the convergence of multimodal sensing technologies and large language models (LLMs) for the development of Automated Emotional Regulation (AER) systems. The review draws upon a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, encompassing research papers, technical reports, and relevant theoretical frameworks. Key findings indicate that multimodal sensing offers the potential for rich, contextualized data pertaining to emotional states, while LLMs provide improved capabilities for interpreting these inputs and generating nuanced, empathetic, and actionable regulatory responses. The integration of these technologies, including physiological sensors, behavioral tracking, and advanced LLM architectures, presents the improvement of application, moving AER beyond simpler, rule-based systems towards more adaptive, context-aware, and human-like interventions. Opportunities for personalized interventions, real-time support, and novel applications in mental healthcare and other domains are considerable. However, these prospects are counterbalanced by significant challenges and limitations. In summary, this review synthesizes current technological advancements, identifies substantial opportunities for innovation and application, and critically analyzes the multifaceted technical, ethical, and practical challenges inherent in this domain. It also concludes that while the integration of multimodal sensing and LLMs holds significant potential for AER, the field is nascent and requires concerted research efforts to realize its full capacity to enhance human well-being. Full article