Search Results (435)

Digital competence refers to the integration of digital technology in teaching and learning, as outlined in the national curriculum of Estonia for upper secondary schools. This study presents original research findings on Estonian science teachers’ use of digital tools and materials, their digital competence, and the main benefits and challenges they face. The findings emphasize the need for continued professional development, accessible digital resources, and equitable digital infrastructure to maintain Estonia’s leadership in digital science education. A survey of 58 secondary school science teachers revealed that computers (desktops, laptops, and tablets) are the primary digital tools used. The article explores digital literacy advancements in secondary science education, research methodologies used to assess digital tool usage, and key findings from recent studies. However, challenges such as digital equity, technological barriers, and digital fatigue persist. Additionally, discrepancies were found in teachers’ responses regarding digital tool effectiveness, implementation strategies, and perceived barriers. While some teachers reported a successful integration and improved student outcomes, others highlighted difficulties in aligning digital resources with curriculum requirements and pedagogical approaches. Full article

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a global public health challenge, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of this condition offers potential benefits in improving healthcare outcomes. This study primarily investigates the barriers and facilitators perceived by healthcare professionals in the adoption of AI. Secondarily, by analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data collected, it aims to support the potential development of AI-based programs for diabetes management, with particular focus on a possible bottom-up approach. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting and registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) database. The study selection process was conducted in two phases—title/abstract screening and full-text review—independently by three researchers, with a fourth resolving conflicts. Data were extracted and assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The included studies were synthesized narratively, combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses to ensure methodological rigor and contextual depth. Results: The adoption of AI tools in diabetes management is influenced by several barriers, including perceived unsatisfactory clinical performance, high costs, issues related to data security and decision-making transparency, as well as limited training among healthcare workers. Key facilitators include improved clinical efficiency, ease of use, time-saving, and organizational support, which contribute to broader acceptance of the technology. Conclusions: The active and continuous involvement of healthcare workers represents a valuable opportunity to develop more effective, reliable, and well-integrated AI solutions in clinical practice. Our findings emphasize the importance of a bottom-up approach and highlight how adequate training and organizational support can help overcome existing barriers, promoting sustainable and equitable innovation aligned with public health priorities. Full article

Transportation is often cited as a significant barrier to healthcare access by Veterans, particularly those from minority groups, who have disabilities, or live in rural areas. Autonomous shuttles (AS) offer a potential solution, yet limited research has explored Veterans’ experiences with this technology. This study qualitatively investigated Veterans’ lived experiences with AS through focus groups, enrolling participants aged 18+ from Gainesville, The Villages, and Lake Nona, Florida. Via a directed content analysis, six key themes were identified: Perceived Benefits, Safety, Experience with Autonomous Vehicles (AV), AS Experience, AV Adoption, and Perception Change. Among 26 participants (aged 30–85; 77% men; 88% urban residents), prominent themes included Safety (n = 161), Perceived Benefits (n = 153), and AS Experience (n = 118), with predominantly positive counts in all themes except AS Experience. Participants acknowledged safety advantages and multitasking potential of AS over human-operated vehicles while recommending improvements to the shuttle’s slow speed, availability and convenience. While the AS ride was positively received overall, some participants noted issues with comfort and braking, emphasizing the need for further technological enhancements. Real-world exposure to AS appeared to influence acceptance positively, offering insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize AS deployment for mobility-vulnerable Veterans. Full article

The sustainable management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) relies heavily on community participation in separating it at the source and delivering it to collection systems. These practices are crucial for reducing pollution, protecting ecosystems, and maximizing resource recovery. However, in the Global South context, with conditions of socioeconomic vulnerability, community participation in the sustainable management of MSW remains limited, highlighting the need to generate context-specific interventions. MSW includes items such as household appliances, batteries, and electronic devices, which require specialized handling due to their size, hazardous components, or material complexity. This study implemented a Community-Based Social Marketing approach during the research and design phases of an intervention focused on promoting source separation and management of hard-to-manage MSW in five municipalities within the administrative region of Norte de Santander (Colombia), which borders Venezuela. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected data from 1775 individuals (63.83% women; M _age = 33.48 years; SD = 17.25), employing social mapping, focus groups, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and a survey questionnaire. The results show that the source separation and delivery of hard-to-manage MSW to collection systems are limited by a set of psychosocial, structural, and institutional barriers that interact with each other, affecting communities’ willingness and capacity for action. Furthermore, a prediction model of willingness to engage in separation and delivery behaviors showed a good fit (R2 = 0.83). The strongest predictors were awareness of the negative consequences of non-participation and perceived environmental benefits, with subjective norms contributing to a lesser extent. Based on these results, we designed a context-specific intervention focused on reducing these barriers and promoting community engagement in the sustainable management of hard-to-manage MSW. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chickenpox is an ongoing health threat for young children. This study aimed to investigate varicella vaccination uptake among children and its determinants at both the individual and interpersonal levels. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged 0–15 years and with administrative health records was conducted between September and October 2024 in Shenzhen, China. Participants were recruited through multistage random sampling. This analysis was based on a subsample of 996 parents whose children were 1–10 years old and without a prior history of chickenpox. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted. Results: Among the participants, 47.0% reported that their children had received a varicella vaccination. Parents who believed that chickenpox was highly contagious (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23, 2.13), perceived more benefits (AOR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.41) and cues to action (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.69), and exhibited greater self-efficacy (AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.80) related to children’s varicella vaccination reported higher varicella vaccination uptake for their children. Greater perceived barriers related to vaccination (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.95) and dysfunctional interactions with children (AOR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99) were associated with lower varicella vaccination uptake for children. In addition, higher exposure to information encouraging parents to vaccinate their children against chickenpox (AOR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.41) and thoughtful consideration of the veracity of the information were associated with higher varicella vaccination uptake among children (AOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.36). Conclusions: There is a strong need to promote varicella vaccination for children in China. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the health benefit of regular physical activity, many adults often discontinue it within 3–6 months due to various obstacles. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting physical activity adherence of male office workers based on self-determination theory by constructing a structural equation model. Methods: In total, 257 full-time male office workers who engage in regular physical activity participated. The participants from 15 companies completed a survey asking about perceived physical activity barriers, autonomy support, psychological need satisfaction in physical activity, autonomous motivation, and physical activity adherence. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS 28.0 and the AMOS 26.0 programs to verify the fit of the hypothetical model and identify the direct and indirect effects of variables on physical activity adherence for male office workers. Results: As a result, the path significance test results for the hypothetical model showed that five of the nine paths were significant. The results show that psychological need satisfaction in physical activity and autonomous motivation were significant variables that had a direct effect on physical activity adherence, while autonomy support from significant others and perceived physical activity barriers had a significant indirect effect through psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation, explaining 62.0%. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is recommended to implement customized workplace-specific physical activity interventions to enhance autonomous motivation and the autonomy, competence, and relatedness aspects of psychological need satisfaction in physical activity. Full article

Interdisciplinary teaching plays an important role in modern physics education by improving students’ understanding, problem-solving skills, and engagement through the integration of multiple disciplines. This study examines pre-service physics teachers’ perceptions of interdisciplinary teaching, focusing on their confidence in implementing interdisciplinary approaches, perceived benefits, and the challenges they expect. A Likert-scale survey was administered to 292 pre-service teachers from two universities in Kazakhstan. Findings indicate that students’ confidence in interdisciplinary teaching increases over time, while their recognition of its benefits remains consistently high across all academic years. However, barriers such as lack of training and feeling unprepared persist, even at the master’s level, indicating the need for structured interdisciplinary training. Institutional differences significantly impact students’ perceptions, with students from one university showing higher confidence levels than those from another, showing variations in curriculum and support systems. Gender differences in confidence were minimal. Additionally, perceptions of interdisciplinary teaching do not follow a linear trajectory, as students in their second and third years experienced a temporary decline in confidence before recovering in later years. Our findings indicate the need for structured interdisciplinary training in teacher education programs, institutional support to reduce disparities in confidence levels, targeted interventions during academic transitions, and ongoing professional development to address persistent barriers. Full article

In the past decade, agricultural biogas plants have become one of the key tools driving the energy transition in rural areas. Nevertheless, their development in Poland still lags behind that in Western European countries, suggesting the existence of barriers that go beyond technological or regulatory issues. This study aims to examine how Polish farmers perceive the risks and expected benefits associated with investing in biogas plants and which of these perceptions influence their willingness to invest. The research was conducted in the second quarter of 2025 among farmers planning to build micro biogas plants as well as owners of existing biogas facilities. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were also used in selecting respondents and identifying potential investment sites, helping to pinpoint areas with favorable spatial and environmental conditions. The findings show that both current and prospective biogas plant operators view complex legal requirements, social risk, and financial uncertainty as the main obstacles. However, both groups are primarily motivated by the desire for on-farm energy self-sufficiency and the environmental benefits of improved agricultural waste management. Owners of operational installations—particularly small and medium-sized ones—tend to rate all categories of risk significantly lower than prospective investors, suggesting that practical experience and knowledge-sharing can effectively alleviate perceived risks related to renewable energy investments. Full article

Integrating blockchain into healthcare devices offers the potential for improved data control but faces significant usability and acceptance challenges. This study addresses this gap by evaluating CipherPal, an improved blockchain-enabled Smart Fidget Toy prototype, using a multi-framework approach to understand the interplay between technology, design, and user experience. We synthesized insights from three complementary frameworks: an expert review assessing adherence to Web3 Design Guidelines, a User Acceptance Toolkit assessment with professionals based on UTAUT2, and an extended three-day user testing study. The findings revealed that users valued CipherPal’s satisfying tactile interaction and perceived benefits for well-being, such as stress relief. However, significant usability barriers emerged, primarily related to challenging device–application connectivity and data synchronization. The multi-framework approach proved valuable in revealing these core tensions. While the device was conceptually accepted, the blockchain integration added significant interaction friction that overshadowed its potential benefits during the study. This research underscores the critical need for user-centered design in health-related blockchain applications, emphasizing that seamless usability and abstracting technical complexity are paramount for adoption. Full article

This study explores the challenges hindering the government’s adoption of cloud computing despite its benefits in improving services, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration. Key barriers include information security, privacy, compliance, and perceived risks. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, the study conceptualises a model incorporating privacy, governance framework, performance expectancy, and information security as independent variables, with perceived risk as a moderator and government intention as the dependent variable. The study employs exploratory factor analysis (EFA) based on survey data from 71 participants in Nigerian government organisations to validate the measurement scale for these factors. The analysis evaluates variable validity, factor relationships, and measurement reliability. Cronbach’s alpha values range from 0.807 to 0.950, confirming high reliability. Measurement items with a common variance above 0.40 were retained, explaining 70.079% of the total variance on the measurement items, demonstrating reliability and accuracy in evaluating the challenging factors. These findings establish a validated scale for assessing government cloud adoption challenges and highlight complex relationships among influencing factors. This study provides a reliable measurement scale and model for future research and policymakers on the government’s intention to adopt cloud services. Full article

Background: Standing has medical and psychosocial benefits for people with lower limb impairments; however, systemic, logistical, and economic barriers often limit opportunities to stand in daily life. This study explored how users perceive standing and standing-assistive technologies. Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach: in-person interviews (n = 18) and a nationwide web-based survey (n = 125; 74.4% male, mean age 52.2 ± 13.9 years, diagnoses: spinal cord injury 37.6%, cerebrovascular disease 27.2%, and cerebral palsy 16.8%). Results: Participants described the psychosocial values of standing, such as feeling more confident and being able to interact with others at eye level. The web survey revealed that most participants believed that standing was beneficial for health (76.8%) and task efficiency (76.0%), although only 49.6% showed an interest in standing wheelchairs. The multivariate analysis revealed that ongoing standing training was the strongest predictor of positive perceptions of health benefits, task efficiency, and interest in standing wheelchairs. Younger participants showed a greater interest in standing wheelchairs. The reported barriers include a lack of awareness, high costs, and difficulty in accessing training. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for a user-centered design and improved support systems to integrate standing into the daily lives of people with mobility impairments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although public health organizations encourage family walking, no studies have examined children’s physical activity and enjoyment during outdoor parent–child walks. This study addresses those gaps by examining children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and enjoyment during outdoor walks with their parents, along with parental barriers and their relationship with parent’s self-efficacy and co-activity minutes. Methods: Fifty parent–child dyads (children aged 6–12 years) completed 10 min, self-paced outdoor walks while wearing waist-worn ActiGraph monitors. Parents reported perceived barriers to walking outdoors with their child and self-efficacy for supporting their child’s daily physical activity. Results: Children reported high enjoyment (mean = 5.1 on a six-point scale) and attained high physical activity intensity (71.3% of time in MVPA, 22.0% in vigorous activity, mean step count = 1200). Parents reported an average of 2.6 barriers (SD = 1.0) to walking outdoors with their child, with poor weather (70%) and lack of time (70%) reported most frequently. Each additional barrier was associated with a 1.3-point reduction in parents’ self-efficacy (p = 0.007). Two barriers (‘diverse interests between parent and child’ and ‘other parent-suggested barriers’) were significantly associated with fewer co-activity minutes per week (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study highlights the benefits of parent–child outdoor walking for promoting MVPA and enjoyment in children. Because perceived barriers may lower parents’ self-efficacy in supporting their child’s physical activity, addressing these barriers may be essential for the success of family-based interventions that encourage walking together outdoors. Full article

Background: The integration of digital imaging tools in dentistry has transformed clinical workflows, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes. However, less attention has been given to how these tools influence dentists’ self-reported outcomes, including clinical confidence, efficiency, perceived treatment quality, communication, and professional satisfaction. This article aimed at assessing AI-powered digital tools in dentistry and their self-reported impact on dental practitioners’ activity and treatment outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive survey was distributed to 126 dental professionals of different genders, ages, years of experience, and types of dental practice to assess their experiences and attitudes towards AI applications in diagnostics and treatment planning, as well as how patients and dentists perceive the benefits and challenges associated with digital dentistry. Results: Digital photographs and CBCT were regarded as essential tools to have in clinical practice, in contrast with intraoral scanners. However, barriers like high initial costs, specialty differences, and lack of formal training may influence the results. Conclusion: These findings suggest that when used appropriately, AI digital tools can significantly elevate the quality of clinical practice and professional fulfillment and underscore the importance of tailored training programs and supportive infrastructures to facilitate the effective integration of digital technologies in dental practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite its well-established health benefits, adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife) has declined globally, including in its region of origin, alongside a significant shift toward ultra-processed food consumption. Understanding the factors associated with MedLife adherence is essential for developing targeted interventions and tailored policy recommendations. As part of the MEDIET4ALL PRIMA project, this cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively examine geo-demographic, socio-economic, psychological, behavioral, and barrier-related factors associated with and potentially contributing to MedLife adherence. Methods: Data were collected from 4010 participants aged 18 years and above across ten Mediterranean and neighboring countries using the multinational MEDIET4ALL e-survey, which included the validated MedLife index, along with various other questionnaires. Results: Results indicate that only 22% of respondents demonstrated high adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), with significant variability observed across countries, age groups, education levels, and health statuses. Spain had the highest proportion of participants with high adherence (38%). Factors associated with significantly higher adherence rates include older age, living in the Mediterranean region, higher education levels, a greater awareness of MedLife principles, lower perceived barriers, normal BMI, better health status, and stable economic and marital conditions (p-values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Additionally, individuals with high MedLife adherence exhibited more socially and physically active lifestyles and experienced less psychological strain (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified MedLife awareness as the strongest positive predictor of adherence (β = 0.206), followed by social participation (β = 0.194) and physical activity (β = 0.096). Additional positive contributors include life satisfaction, sleep quality, living in the Mediterranean region, age, and education (β ranging from 0.049 to 0.093). Conversely, factors that are negatively associated with adherence include sedentary behavior, living environment, and barriers such as low motivation, taste dislike, price unaffordability, limited availability, and the time-consuming nature of preparing Mediterranean food (MedFood; β ranging from −0.036 to −0.067). Conclusions: These findings indicate that fewer than one in four adults across Mediterranean and neighboring countries demonstrate high adherence to MedLife, supporting prior evidence of suboptimal adherence even within Mediterranean regions. This study identified a range of behavioral, socio-demographic, and environmental factors—both positive and negative predictors—that can help guide the design of targeted, culturally adapted interventions to promote MedLife behavior. Future research should incorporate objective measurements and longitudinal monitoring to better understand underlying mechanisms, establish causality, and develop sustainable strategies for enhancing MedLife adherence in diverse populations. Full article

Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with lower mortality and cancer recurrence risks. Although evidence shows health benefits for cancer patients before, during, and immediately after treatment, PA recommendations are not regularly included in the standard care. Objective: The study aimed to identify perceived knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of oncology providers’ PA promotion for cancer patients using the 5A (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange) framework. Methods: A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was adopted. A purposive sample of 16 oncology care providers in Nebraska participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom/phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and imported into MAXQDA 2024 for thematic analysis. Results: Analysis of the qualitative data identified five themes: (i) Broad and inclusive conceptualizations of PA among oncology care providers suggested that they were able to define PA; (ii) Current Practices in PA Counseling included advising on PA and assessment; (iii) Barriers to PA counseling included lack of guideline awareness, insufficient training, low prioritization, uncertainty about responsibility, time constraints, limited resources, lack of referral systems, patient health conditions, and environmental factors; (iv) Facilitators were identified as acknowledged health benefits for cancer survivors, awareness of PA recommendations, access to community resources, and support from interdisciplinary teams; and (v) Expressed desire among oncology care providers for training on incorporating PA into oncology care. Conclusions: Oncology providers recognized PA’s health benefits for cancer survivors but did not promote it due to inadequate knowledge of guidelines and lack of resources. These barriers require improved PA counselling education to help providers incorporate PA into clinical care. Full article