Search Results (57)

Background and Objectives: Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) offers an alternative to daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV (PLWH). Although LA-CAB/RPV has been approved in Turkey, the country remains in the pre-rollout period, and national data on patient perspectives are lacking. This is the first nationwide study from Turkey, a setting of increasing HIV incidence, assessing PLWH perspectives on switching to LA-CAB/RPV and the influence of motivational factors on treatment preferences. Materials and Methods: A prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted across 11 HIV treatment centers representing all regions of Turkey. Virologically suppressed PLWH meeting current eligibility criteria for LA-CAB/RPV were included. Treatment preferences (switch to LA-CAB/RPV or remain on oral ART) and five anticipated motivational domains, namely perceived efficacy, safety, convenience, privacy, and cost, were systematically assessed through structured, face-to-face interviews. Results: Among 200 eligible participants, 86% (n = 172) preferred switching to LA-CAB/RPV. In all subgroups, LA-CAB/RPV was preferred over oral ART, except for those with no formal literacy. Prior awareness of LA-CAB/RPV was significantly associated with the switching preference (p < 0.001), with healthcare providers being the most common source of information, at 45.5% (n = 172) (p < 0.001). Residential proximity to the healthcare center (p = 0.018) and all motivational factors significantly influenced the preference (p < 0.05). Notably, when participants who initially chose to remain on oral ART were asked whether they would reconsider switching if injections were administered every six months, overall preference for long-acting therapy increased from 86% to 98%. Conclusions: High clinical eligibility and strong acceptability for LA-CAB/RPV were observed among Turkish PLWH. Our findings demonstrate that structured motivational factors significantly influence the treatment preference. Addressing these patient-centered factors and logistical barriers may support the successful integration of long-acting therapies into routine HIV care. Future longer-interval agents may improve patient-centered acceptability. Full article

This research analyzed university students’ perceptions of the use of generative artificial intelligence (hereafter Gen-AI) in a higher education context. Specifically, it addressed the potential benefits and challenges related to the application of these web-based resources. A mixed method was adopted and the sample consisted of 407 teacher training students enrolled in the Early Childhood and Primary Education Degrees in the Region of Murcia in Spain. The results indicated a clear recognition of the relevance of these technological tools for teaching and learning. Respondents highlighted the potential to engage them in academic tasks, increase their motivation, and personalize their learning pathways. However, participants identified some challenges related to technology dependency, ethical issues, and privacy concerns. By understanding learners’ beliefs and assumptions, educators and educational administrations can adapt Gen-AI according to learners’ needs and preferences to improve their academic performance. In learning practice, these adaptations could involve evidence-based interventions, such as AI literacy modules or hybrid assessment frameworks, to translate findings into practice. In addition, it is necessary to adjust materials, methodologies, and the assessment of the academic curriculum to facilitate student learning and ensure that all students have access to quality education and the adequate development of digital skills. Full article

This research aims to understand the evolving role of academic libraries, focusing on student perceptions of current services and their vision for the future. Data was collected using a survey at a midwestern research university in the United States. The survey contained both quantitative and qualitative questions. The objective of the survey was to understand the current utilization of library services and students’ future visions for academic libraries. Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were utilized as part of the study. Thematic analysis was employed as part of the qualitative analysis, while descriptive and inferential analysis techniques were utilized in the quantitative analysis. The findings reveal that many students use libraries for traditional functions such as studying and accessing resources. There is also an inclination toward digitalization due to convenience, accessibility, and environmental sustainability; however, print materials remain relevant as well. Another finding was a lack of awareness among some students regarding available library services, indicating a need for better marketing and communication strategies. Students envision future libraries as technology-driven spaces integrating artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and innovative collaborative environments. Ethical considerations surrounding AI, including privacy, bias, and transparency, are crucial factors that must be addressed. Some of the actionable recommendations include integrating ethical AI, implementing digital literacy initiatives, conducting ongoing usability and user experience (UX) research within the library, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance library services and student learning. Full article

Introduction: As in other crises, during COVID-19 pandemic, journalists were under immense pressure to report precise scientific information in a timely manner, which may have had a negative influence on their mental health. There could be an association between the digital health literacy of journalists and their mental health. The aim of this article was to explore the association between digital health literacy and burnout and depression among journalists in Serbia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a total of 180 journalists working on television with national coverage in Serbia. The main research instrument used was a questionnaire with four sections containing personal demographic information, the Digital Health Literacy Instrument, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: A total of 30% participants were found to have high levels of burnout on the emotional exhaustion (EE) subscale. On the depersonalization (DP) subscale, 10.6% experienced high levels of burnout. On the personal accomplishment (PA) subscale, 38.3% of participants faced high levels of burnout. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed the association between high burnout on the EE scale and health status (OR: 0.597, 95% CI: 0.375–0.952) and protecting privacy (OR: 0.522, 95% CI: 0.311–0.875). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the association between high burnout on the PA scale and information searching (OR: 0.255, 95% CI: 0.124–0.526), sex (OR: 2.594, 95% CI: 1.007–6.68), socioeconomic status (OR: 2.282, 95% CI: 1.133–4.595), and alcohol consumption (OR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.004–4.769). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed associations between depression and sex (OR: 0.180, 95% CI: 0.059–0.548), health status (OR: 0.316, 95% CI: 0.160–0.626), the use of anti-anxiety medications (OR: 7.303, 95% CI: 3.167–16.840), information searching (OR: 0.432, 95% CI: 0.191–0.981), and protecting privacy (OR: 0.443, 95% CI: 0.233–0.841). Conclusions: Our study showed a negative association between different domains of burnout, depression, and scores on protecting privacy and information searching scales. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mental health chatbots have evolved quickly as scalable means for psychological support, bringing novel solutions through natural language processing (NLP), mobile accessibility, and generative AI. This systematic literature review (SLR), following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, collates evidence from 25 published, peer-reviewed studies between 2020 and 2025 and reviews therapeutic techniques, cultural adaptation, technical design, system assessment, and ethics. Studies were extracted from seven academic databases, screened against specific inclusion criteria, and thematically analyzed. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the most common therapeutic model, featured in 15 systems, frequently being used jointly with journaling, mindfulness, and behavioral activation, followed by emotion-based approaches, which were featured in seven systems. Innovative techniques like GPT-based emotional processing, multimodal interaction (e.g., AR/VR), and LSTM-SVM classification models (greater than 94% accuracy) showed increased conversation flexibility but missed long-term clinical validation. Cultural adaptability was varied, and effective localization was seen in systems like XiaoE, okBot, and Luda Lee, while Western-oriented systems had restricted contextual adaptability. Accessibility and inclusivity are still major challenges, especially within low-resource settings, since digital literacy, support for multiple languages, and infrastructure deficits are still challenges. Ethical aspects—data privacy, explainability, and crisis plans—were under-evidenced for most deployments. This review is different from previous ones since it focuses on cultural adaptability, ethics, and hybrid public health incorporation and proposes a comprehensive approach for deploying AI mental health chatbots safely, effectively, and inclusively. Central to this review, symmetry is emphasized as a fundamental idea incorporated into frameworks for cultural adaptation, decision-making processes, and therapeutic structures. In particular, symmetry ensures equal cultural responsiveness, balanced user–chatbot interactions, and ethically aligned AI systems, all of which enhance the efficacy and dependability of mental health services. Recognizing these benefits, the review further underscores the necessity for more rigorous academic research into the development, deployment, and evaluation of mental health chatbots and apps, particularly to address cultural sensitivity, ethical accountability, and long-term clinical outcomes. Full article

Background: The increasing prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among the elderly population is a global health issue. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based interventions hold promises for maintaining cognition, but their viability is affected by several challenges. Objectives: This study aimed to significantly assess the effectiveness of ICT-based cognitive and memory aid technology for individuals with MCI or dementia, identify adoption drivers, and develop an implementation model to inform practice. Methods: A PRISMA-based systematic literature review, with the protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251051515), was conducted using seven electronic databases published between January 2015 and January 2025 following the PECOS framework. Random effects models were used for meta-analysis, and risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists. Results: A total of ten forms of ICT interventions that had proved effective to support older adults with MCI and dementia. Barriers to adoption included digital literacy differences, usability issues, privacy concerns, and the lack of caregiver support. Facilitators were individualized design, caregiver involvement, and culturally appropriate implementation. ICT-based interventions showed moderate improvements in cognitive outcomes (pooled Cohen’s d = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.14–1.03). A sensitivity analysis excluding high-risk studies yielded a comparable effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.50), indicating robust findings. However, trim-and-fill analysis suggested a slightly reduced corrected effect (Cohen’s d = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.28–0.49), reflecting potential small-study bias. Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 46%) and increased to 55% after excluding high-risk studies. Subgroup analysis showed that tablet-based interventions tended to produce higher effect sizes. Conclusions: ICT-based interventions considerably enhance cognition status, autonomy, and social interaction in older adults with MCI and dementia. To ensure long-term scalability, future initiatives must prioritize user-centered design, caregiver education, equitable access to technology, accessible infrastructure and supportive policy frameworks. Full article

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital ecosystems has reshaped privacy dynamics, particularly for young digital citizens navigating data-driven environments. This study explores evolving privacy concerns across three key stakeholder groups—young digital citizens, parents/educators, and AI professionals—and assesses differences in data ownership, trust, transparency, parental mediation, education, and risk–benefit perceptions. Employing a grounded theory methodology, this research synthesizes insights from key participants through structured surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus groups to identify distinct privacy expectations. Young digital citizens emphasized autonomy and digital agency, while parents and educators prioritized oversight and AI literacy. AI professionals focused on balancing ethical design with system performance. The analysis revealed significant gaps in transparency and digital literacy, underscoring the need for inclusive, stakeholder-driven privacy frameworks. Drawing on comparative thematic analysis, this study introduces the Privacy–Ethics Alignment in AI (PEA-AI) model, which conceptualizes privacy decision-making as a dynamic negotiation among stakeholders. By aligning empirical findings with governance implications, this research provides a scalable foundation for adaptive, youth-centered AI privacy governance. Full article

Citizen science (CS) is increasingly recognized as a complementary approach for addressing soil health challenges—including erosion, pollution, nutrient imbalances, and biodiversity loss—by harnessing public participation to broaden spatial and temporal data collection. This review synthesizes findings from the following: (i) a systematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature and grey sources, (ii) a database of 96 CS initiatives compiled by the European PREPSOIL project, and (iii) questionnaire surveys and workshops conducted in five Living Labs across Europe. Our analysis indicates that volunteer-driven monitoring can enhance the volume and granularity of soil data, providing critical insights into parameters such as organic carbon content, nutrient levels, and pollutant concentrations. However, persistent challenges remain, including inconsistencies in data validation, volunteer attrition, and concerns regarding digital literacy and data privacy. Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts to standardize protocols, integrate remote sensing and sensor-based validation methods, and employ feedback mechanisms improve data reliability and participant engagement. We conclude that sustained capacity-building, transparent data governance, and stakeholder collaboration, from local communities to governmental bodies, are essential for fully realizing the potential of citizen science in soil conservation. This work is framed within the context of the European Soil Mission, and CS is demonstrated to meaningfully support sustainable land management and evidence-based policymaking by aligning public-generated observations with established scientific frameworks. Full article

As populations age globally, governments face mounting challenges in reconfiguring healthcare and housing systems to support aging-in-place. This study offers a comparative analysis of South Korea and the United Kingdom, examining how each country integrates digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), telecare, and smart housing systems, into their aging strategies. South Korea employs a centralized, technology-driven approach that prioritizes the national rollout of AI-enabled smart homes and digital health infrastructure. In contrast, the UK advances a decentralized, community-based model emphasizing social housing, localized care delivery, and telecare integration. Despite these differing trajectories, both nations face shared limitations, including high implementation costs, digital literacy barriers, and concerns about data privacy. Critically, the study finds that the success of aging-in-place efforts is shaped not only by technological capacity but also by governance dynamics, political continuity, and institutional coordination. In response, the paper proposes policy recommendations alongside an ethical framework grounded in transparency, autonomy, informed consent, and equity. Sustainable aging-in-place strategies require not only innovative technologies, but also inclusive governance and ethically robust design to ensure accessibility, trust, and long-term impact. Full article

Financial technology (FinTech) has significantly changed access to financial services, particularly benefiting historically marginalized communities. While it offers many advantages, FinTech also brings substantial risks associated with this digital transformation. Recent studies highlight the significant impact of FinTech on financial inclusion, especially for marginalized populations. To investigate the benefits and drawbacks of FinTech and identify specific risks affecting users, particularly vulnerable groups, we employed the PRISMA method. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Web of Science database to explore recent research on FinTech and its relationship with financial inclusion, focusing on associated risks. The search covered 2010–2025; however, after applying inclusion criteria, the final dataset comprised publications from 2012 to 2025. Unlike previous bibliometric studies broadly addressing FinTech innovations, this review identifies and categorizes key risks affecting financial inclusion, emphasizing regulatory barriers, digital literacy, and socio-cultural challenges. The review is limited by the exclusive use of Web of Science and the English language, suggesting future research avenues using additional databases and multilingual sources. Findings reveal a notable increase in research activity surrounding FinTech and financial inclusion. This highlights challenges such as data privacy, regulation, and financial literacy. By mapping FinTech-related risks, this study aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about effective strategies to mitigate these challenges and promote safe, inclusive financial ecosystems. Full article

Background and Objectives: The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has driven the expansion of telemedicine solutions worldwide, enabling remote diagnosis, patient monitoring, and treatment support. This study aimed to explore medical students’ perceptions of AI in telemedicine, focusing on how these future physicians view AI’s potential, benefits, and challenges. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 161 Romanian medical students spanning Years 1 through 6. Participants completed a 15-item questionnaire covering demographic factors, prior exposure to AI, attitudes toward telemedicine, perceived benefits, and concerns related to ethical and data privacy issues. A questionnaire on digital health acceptance was conceived and integrated into the survey instrument. Results: Out of 161 respondents, 70 (43.5%) reported prior telemedicine use, and 66 (41.0%) indicated high familiarity (Likert scores ≥ 4) with AI-based tools. Fifth- and sixth-year students showed significantly greater acceptance of AI-driven telemedicine compared to first- and second-year students (p = 0.014). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.44, p < 0.001) emerged between AI familiarity and telemedicine confidence, while higher data privacy concerns negatively affected acceptance (β = −0.20, p = 0.038). Gender differences were noted but did not reach consistent statistical significance in multivariate models. Conclusions: Overall, Romanian medical students view AI-enhanced telemedicine favorably, particularly those in advanced academic years. Familiarity with AI technologies is a key driver of acceptance, though privacy and ethical considerations remain barriers. These findings underline the need for targeted curricular interventions to bolster AI literacy and address concerns regarding data security and clinical responsibility. By proactively integrating AI-related competencies, medical faculties can better prepare students for a healthcare landscape increasingly shaped by telemedicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the core technological advancements of Industry 4.0, expected to transform various sectors, including healthcare. Midwifery can greatly benefit from AI; however, its current use, its future potential, and midwives’ attitudes remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the implementation of, prospects of, and attitudes of midwives toward AI. Methods: A scoping review was carried out, following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from database inception to 2 February 2025. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Although AI is not yet widely implemented in midwifery, it has notable potential. Several potential benefits were recorded, such as the enhancement of clinical education through personalized learning tools, such as AI-driven virtual patients and customized assessments, as well as a reduction in clinical errors via predictive models and real-time monitoring technologies. The adoption of AI is therefore expected to improve quality of care, particularly in perinatal and neonatal settings. However, it was found that the integration remains limited due to two key obstacles: ethical concerns (e.g., data privacy) and a notable level of anxiety or hesitation among midwives, associated with low levels of digital health literacy. Conclusions: It is important to form a relevant framework regarding the use of AI in midwifery, addressing ethical concerns and skepticism. Additionally, targeted educational interventions are needed to enhance midwives’ AI literacy and alleviate concerns. In general, it is essential to overcome these barriers to accelerate AI adoption in midwifery and unlock its full potential in perinatal care. Full article

Social media is an important tool for people to interact and communicate. It is widely used in project-based learning (PjBL) and is of great significance in promoting sustainable education. However, although research on the relationship between social media and PjBL has been conducted for many years, no relevant research has been found to summarize their relationship. This study aims to explore the background, impact and challenges of using social media for PjBL learning. This study adopts a structured systematic review process, through detailed searches of WOS, Scopus, EBSCO and ERIC, and selects research samples according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 23 studies that meet the criteria were included in this review. The results analyzed the impact of social media on PjBL and its influencing factors, revealing that social media effectively supports PjBL by facilitating real-time collaboration, resource sharing, and reflective discussions, thereby enriching the PjBL experience. Students reported increased motivation, improved teamwork, and enhanced digital literacy. However, challenges such as distraction, uneven participation, and privacy concerns were noted, highlighting the need for careful planning and clear guidelines. The study concludes that when strategically integrated, social media can be a powerful enabler of student-centered learning in PjBL and provide important support for sustainable education. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into assistive technologies is an emerging field with transformative potential, aimed at enhancing autonomy and quality of life for individuals with disabilities and aging populations. This overview of reviews, utilizing a standardized checklist and quality control procedures, examines recent advancements and future implications in this domain. The search for articles for the review was finalized by 15 December 2024. Nineteen review studies were selected through a systematic process identifying prevailing themes, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations regarding the integration of AI in assistive technologies. First, AI is increasingly central to improving mobility, healthcare diagnostics, and cognitive support, enabling personalized and adaptive solutions for users. The integration of AI into traditional assistive technologies, such as smart wheelchairs and exoskeletons, enhances their performance, creating more intuitive and responsive devices. Additionally, AI is improving the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorders, promoting social interaction and cognitive development through innovative devices. The review also identifies significant opportunities and challenges. AI-powered assistive technologies offer enormous potential to increase independence, reduce reliance on external support, and improve communication for individuals with cognitive disorders. However, challenges such as personalization, digital literacy among the elderly, and privacy concerns in healthcare contexts need to be addressed. Notably, AI itself is expanding the concept of assistive technology, shifting from traditional tools to intelligent systems capable of learning and adapting to individual needs. This evolution represents a fundamental change in assistive technology, emphasizing dynamic, adaptive systems over static solutions. Finally, the study emphasizes the growing economic investment in this sector, forecasting significant market growth, with AI-driven assistive devices poised to transform the landscape. Despite challenges such as high development costs and regulatory hurdles, opportunities for innovation and affordability remain. This review underscores the importance of addressing challenges related to standardization, accessibility, and ethical considerations to ensure the successful integration of AI into assistive technologies, fostering greater inclusivity and improved quality of life for users globally. Full article

Achieving the ambitious economic, social, and environmental goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires strategic digital governance improvements that promote long-term and equitable participation in emerging technologies. However, research lacks clear confirmation regarding how governments’ varied policy investments in spheres, like infrastructure expansion, skills programming, and cybersecurity, specifically contribute to holistic sustainable development progress monitored across international benchmarks. Addressing persistent uncertainties, this study statistically modeled if national expenditures directed toward information and communications technology (ICT) access, digital literacy initiatives, and online privacy protections predict higher performances meeting SDGs longitudinally. Analyzing recent country-level data across 27 European nations, structural equation modeling uncovered positive relationships between all three complementary digital governance priority areas and national SDG Index achievement over time. Beyond theoretically validating the instrumental role of availability, capabilities, and security advancements for balanced digitization, findings offer policymakers vital empirical guidance to amplify social returns on ICT investments. The results also demonstrate practical tools to track implementation impacts amidst unrelenting technological shifts. Ultimately, equitably mainstreaming technologies’ vast problem-solving potential necessitates evidence-based digital governance carefully expanding equitable participation. This work aims to equip leaders to purposefully craft enabling, empowering ICT policy ecosystems advancing urgent development aims. Full article