Search Results (970)

Wellington, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to disaster-induced food security crises due to its geography and geological characteristics, which can disrupt transportation and isolate the city following disasters. Urban agriculture (UA) has been proposed as a potential alternative food source for post-disaster scenarios. This study examined the potential of urban agriculture for enhancing post-disaster food security by calculating vegetable self-sufficiency rates. Specifically, it evaluated the capacity of current Wellington’s community gardens to meet post-disaster vegetable demand in terms of both weight and nutrient content. Data collection employed mixed methods with questionnaires, on-site observations and mapping, and collecting high-resolution aerial imagery. Garden yields were estimated using self-reported data supported by literature benchmarks, while cultivated areas were quantified through on-site mapping and aerial imagery analysis. Six post-disaster food demand scenarios were used based on different target populations to develop an understanding of the range of potential produce yields. Weight-based results show that community gardens currently supply only 0.42% of the vegetable demand for residents living within a five-minute walk. This rate increased to 2.07% when specifically targeting only vulnerable populations, and up to 10.41% when focusing on gardeners’ own households. However, at the city-wide level, the current capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed people remained limited. Nutrient-based self-sufficiency was lower than weight-based results; however, nutrient intake is particularly critical for vulnerable populations after disasters, underscoring the greater challenge of ensuring adequate nutrition through current urban food production. Beyond self-sufficiency, this study also addressed the role of UA in promoting food diversity and acceptability, as well as its social and psychological benefits based on the questionnaires and on-site observations. The findings indicate that community gardens contribute meaningfully to post-disaster food security for gardeners and nearby residents, particularly for vulnerable groups with elevated nutritional needs. Despite the current limited capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed residents, findings suggest that Wellington could enhance post-disaster food self-reliance by diversifying UA types and optimizing land-use to increase food production during and after a disaster. Realizing this potential will require strategic interventions, including supportive policies, a conducive social environment, and diversification—such as the including private yards—all aimed at improving food access, availability, and nutritional quality during crises. The primary limitation of this study is the lack of comprehensive data on urban agriculture in Wellington and the wider New Zealand context. Addressing this data gap should be a key focus for future research to enable more robust assessments and evidence-based planning. Full article

Advances in neuroscience have improved the understanding of cognitive, emotional, and social processes involved in learning. Simultaneously, technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and gamification are transforming educational practices. However, their integration into formal education remains limited and often misapplied. This study aims to evaluate the impact of technology-supported neuroeducational models on student learning and well-being. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and LILACS, including open-access studies published between 2020 and 2025. Selection and methodological assessment followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Out of 386 identified articles, 22 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies showed that neuroeducational interventions incorporating interactive and adaptive technologies enhanced academic performance, intrinsic motivation, emotional self-regulation, and psychological well-being in various educational contexts. Technology-supported neuroeducational models are effective in fostering both cognitive and emotional development. The findings support integrating neuroscience and educational technology into teaching practices and teacher training, promoting personalized, inclusive, and evidence-based education. Full article

As the global population ages, older adults face growing psychological challenges such as loneliness, cognitive decline, and loss of social roles. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including chatbots and voice-based systems, offer new pathways to emotional support and mental stimulation. However, older adults often encounter significant barriers in accessing and effectively using AI tools. This review examines the current landscape of AI applications aimed at enhancing psychological well-being among older adults, identifies key challenges such as digital literacy and usability, and highlights design and training strategies to bridge the digital divide. Using socioemotional selectivity theory and technology acceptance models as guiding frameworks, we argue that AI—especially in the form of conversational agents—holds transformative potential in reducing isolation and promoting emotional resilience in aging populations. We conclude with recommendations for inclusive design, participatory development, and future interdisciplinary research. Full article

Art therapy serves as a crucial intervention modality for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), demonstrating unique value in emotional expression, sensory integration, and social communication. However, current practice presents critical challenges, including the disconnect between design expertise and clinical needs, unclear mechanisms of environmental factors’ impact on therapeutic outcomes, and insufficient evidence-based support for technology integration. Purpose: This study aimed to construct an evidence-based theoretical framework for art therapy environment design for children with autism, clarifying the relationship between environmental design elements and therapeutic effectiveness. Methodology: Based on the Web of Science database, this study employed a dual-track approach comprising bibliometric analysis and micro-qualitative content analysis to systematically examine the knowledge structure and developmental trends. Research hotspots were identified through keyword co-occurrence network analysis using CiteSpace, while 24 representative design cases were analyzed to gain insights into design concepts, emerging technologies, and implementation principles. Key Findings: Through keyword network visualization analysis, this study identified ten primary research clusters that were systematically categorized into four core design elements: sensory feedback design, behavioral guidance design, emotional resonance design, and therapeutic support design. A responsive therapeutic environment conceptual framework was proposed, encompassing four interconnected components based on the ABC model from positive psychology: emotional, sensory, environmental, and behavioral dimensions. Evidence-based design principles were established emphasizing child-centeredness, the promotion of multisensory expression, the achievement of dynamic feedback, and appropriate technology integration. Research Contribution: This research establishes theoretical connections between environmental design elements and art therapy effectiveness, providing a systematic design guidance framework for interdisciplinary teams, including environmental designers, clinical practitioners, technology developers, and healthcare administrators. The framework positions technology as a therapeutic mediator rather than a driver, ensuring technological integration supports rather than interferes with children’s natural creative impulses. This contributes to creating more effective environmental spaces for art therapy activities for children with autism while aligning with SDG3 goals for promoting mental health and reducing inequalities in therapeutic access. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite legal frameworks acknowledging the need to protect the rights of female prisoners, penitentiary systems often neglect gender-specific needs, particularly for foreign women. Among them, Muslim women face distinct challenges linked to cultural and religious practices, which are frequently unmet in prison contexts. This review aims to explore the academic literature on the experiences of Muslim women in detention. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using three major bibliographic databases—Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science—covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies examining the condition of Muslim women in prison. Of the initial pool, only four articles met the criteria and were included in the final analysis. Results: The review reveals a marked scarcity of research on Muslim women in prison at both national and international levels. This gap may be due to their limited representation or cultural factors that hinder open discourse. The selected studies highlight key issues, including restricted access to services, limited ability to practice religion, and language and cultural barriers. These challenges contribute to increased psychological vulnerability, which is often underestimated in prison settings. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for targeted research and culturally competent training for prison staff to adequately support Muslim women in detention. Greater academic and institutional attention is essential to develop inclusive policies that consider the intersection of gender, religion, and migration, particularly in the post-release reintegration process. Full article

This study explores entertainment consumption patterns in Romania, a transitional digital culture characterized by high digital connectivity but underdeveloped physical infrastructure. Employing a dual qualitative coding methodology, this research combines inductive analysis of consumer focus groups with deductive analysis of expert interviews, enabling a multi-layered interpretation of both overt behaviors and latent emotional drivers. Seven key thematic dimensions, motivational depth, perceived barriers, emotional needs, clarity of preferences, future behavioral intentions, social connection, and identity construction, were analyzed and compared using a Likert-based scoring framework, supported by a radar chart and comparison matrix. Findings reveal both convergence and divergence between consumer and expert perspectives. While consumers emphasize immediate experiences and logistical constraints, experts uncover deeper emotional motivators such as validation, mentorship, and identity formation. This behavioral–emotional gap suggests that, although digital entertainment dominates due to accessibility, it often lacks the emotional richness associated with physical formats, which are preferred but less accessible. This study underscores the importance of triangulated qualitative inquiry in revealing not only stated preferences but also unconscious psychological needs. It offers actionable insights for designing emotionally intelligent and culturally responsive entertainment strategies in digitally saturated yet infrastructure-limited environments. Full article

Introduction: The main purpose of this study was to test a hierarchical model of motivation that integrates Achievement Goal Theory and Self-Determination Theory to explain and predict exercise adherence. Method: In total, 2180 exercisers (1020 female, 1160 male) aged between 18 and 60 years, from different gyms and health clubs, completed several scales validated in exercise settings, regarding perceived motivational climate, basic psychological need satisfaction, behavioral regulation, and exercise adherence. For the last measure, weekly computer access to a control system over a 6-month period before and after data collection was consulted. Results: Through structural equation models (SEM), it was verified that (1) task-involving climate positively predicted basic psychological needs. In turn, the satisfaction of these needs predicted autonomous motivation, which led to a positive prediction of adherence; (2) a small variation in exercise adherence was explained by the motivational model under analysis. Nevertheless, models significantly improved their analytical power when past adherence was inserted in the model increasing the explained variance in future behavior from 9.2% to 64%. Conclusions: In conclusion, autonomous motivation can predict people’s exercise adherence, and past behavior increases that predictive effect. The present study brings scientific evidence to the popular saying “tell me what you’ve done and, and I’ll predict what you’ll do”. Full article

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of psychological distress among medical students in Spain, a growing concern given the high prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout reported across multiple medical schools and universities. To assess the scope and key characteristics of this phenomenon, a thorough literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 in peer-reviewed scientific journals, written in English or Spanish, and specifically focused on medical students enrolled in Spanish universities were considered for inclusion. A total of 14 studies were analysed. The findings indicate that psychological distress often emerges early in medical training and tends to intensify as students progress academically. Female medical students are consistently more affected, as most of the studies reviewed indicate that they exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and perceived stress. Some research also suggests greater levels of burnout among female students compared to their male peers. Key contributing factors include academic overload and dissatisfaction, sleep deprivation, and the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Although awareness of the issue is increasing, available evidence suggests that institutional responses remain limited, and that only a small number of universities have implemented structured mental health programmes. Overall, the results underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms in Spanish medical education to safeguard students’ mental wellbeing. Key priorities include revising curricula, implementing structured emotional support programmes, and ensuring accessible services—requiring coordinated, long-term commitment across academic, healthcare, and policy sectors. Future research should explore longitudinal trends and the effectiveness of targeted interventions. Full article

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a promising sustainable urban mobility solution, expected to lead to enhanced road safety, smoother traffic flows, less traffic congestion, improved accessibility, better energy utilization and environmental performance, as well as more efficient passenger and freight transportation, in terms of time and cost, due to better fleet management and platooning. However, challenges also arise, mostly related to data privacy, security and cyber-security, high acquisition and infrastructure costs, accident liability, even possible increased traffic congestion and air pollution due to induced travel demand. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among 654 residents who experienced an autonomous bus (AB) service in the city of Trikala, Greece, in order to assess their willingness to use (WTU) and willingness to pay (WTP) for ABs, through testing a range of factors based on a literature review. Results useful to policy-makers were extracted, such as that the intention to use ABs was mostly shaped by psychological factors (e.g., users’ perceptions of usefulness and safety, and trust in the service provider), while WTU seemed to be positively affected by previous experience in using ABs. In contrast, sociodemographic factors were found to have very little effect on the intention to use ABs, while apart from personal utility, users’ perceptions of how autonomous driving will improve the overall life standards in the study area also mattered. Full article

In today’s fast-changing world, the higher education system must evolve to enhance the quality of learning and teaching. Fulfilling the role of a university is a major challenge. Universities must implement strategies that place the student at the center of their concerns; so, these strategies must be designed for and by the student. However, the high university dropout rate is one of the current problems faced by many universities. This suggests that there are some issues that hinder the learning process. Several studies have highlighted the advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in providing explorative and predictive analyses that explain why students are dropping out, with the aim of improving the quality of teaching and providing an integrated learning environment. This paper proposes a framework that predicts student dropout rates using machine learning techniques, based on data collected from various sources. Data collection was carried out between 2022 and 2024. We used a quantitative analysis method employed through a questionnaire distributed to 120 students (aged 18–26) from open access faculties of a Moroccan public university to identify the factors leading to an increase in university dropout rates. We discuss the impact of selected variables, and the findings show that several factors are related to university dropout rates, such as social background, psychological and health problems, insufficient motivation of professors, limited perspective on educational programs, changes in language and teaching methodologies, absenteeism, student attitude, and a lack of interaction between professors and students. Full article

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH), like attitudes towards other vaccines, is a critical global public health concern. Despite numerous studies covering psychological, sociodemographic, and other determinants of vaccine acceptance, resistance, and hesitance, few studies have reported these factors among students, particularly in politically unstable settings like Ukraine. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative study assesses hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines, utilizing the 5Cs Model. Among 936 respondents surveyed in 2023, 64% received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine (acceptant), 11% were still considering getting vaccinated (hesitant), and 25% refused vaccination (resistant). Vaccination behavior is significantly associated with the 5Cs. Higher collective responsibility significantly increased acceptance and reduced resistance, while higher constraints lowered the chances of being either acceptant or resistant. Confidence protected against resistance. Complacency, counterintuitively, reduced odds of resistance, pointing to differences between passive hesitancy and active refusal. Male gender and sources of information and misinformation influenced confidence. Collective responsibility was positively associated with official sources and negatively with conspiracy beliefs. Complacency increased with official sources, while constraints and calculation were least explained by predictors. Practical barriers should be tackled through improved accessibility and fostering collective responsibility via targeted communication strategies. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and academic institutions to enhance vaccine uptake among university students, particularly in crisis settings. Full article

With the advancement of immersive technologies, metaverse museum exhibitions have become an increasingly important medium through which audiences access cultural content and experience artistic works. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing visitors’ processual experiences in metaverse museum exhibitions and to explore how these factors collectively contribute to the formation of satisfaction with the visiting experience. Adopting an interdisciplinary theoretical perspective, the study integrates the Experience Economy theory with the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model to construct a systematic theoretical framework. This framework reveals how exhibition-related stimuli affect visitors’ behavioral intentions through psychological response pathways. Specifically, perceived educational appeal, interactive entertainment, escapist experience, and perceived visual aesthetics are defined as stimulus variables, while psychological immersion, emotional trigger, and cognitive engagement are introduced as organismic variables to explain their effects on satisfaction with the visiting experience and social sharing intention as response variables. Based on 507 valid responses, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for empirical analysis. The results indicate that interactive entertainment and escapist experience have significant positive effects on psychological responses, serving as key drivers of deep visitor engagement. Emotional Trigger acts as a significant mediator between exhibition stimuli and satisfaction with the visiting experience, which in turn significantly predicts social sharing intention. In contrast, perceived educational appeal and perceived visual aesthetics exhibit weaker impacts at the cognitive and behavioral levels. This study not only identifies these weakened pathways but also proposes optimization strategies grounded in experiential construction and cognitive synergy, offering guidance for enhancing the educational function and deep experiential design of metaverse exhibitions. The findings validate the applicability of the Experience Economy theory and the SOR model in metaverse cultural contexts and deepen our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying immersive cultural experiences. This study further provides a pathway for shifting exhibition design from a “content-oriented” to an “experience-driven” approach, offering theoretical and practical insights into enhancing audience engagement and cultural communication effectiveness in metaverse museums. Full article

The transition to sustainable agriculture is a critical challenge for the U.S. food system. A sustainable food system must support the production of healthy and nutritious food while ensuring economic sustainability for farmers and ranchers. It should also reduce negative environmental impacts on soil, water, biodiversity, and climate, and promote equitable and inclusive access to land, farming resources, and food. This narrative review synthesizes U.S. social science literature to identify the key factors that support or impede the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the U.S. Our analysis reveals seven overarching factors that influence producer decision-making: awareness and knowledge, social factors, psychological factors, technologies and tools, economic factors, implementation capacity, and policies and regulations. The review highlights the critical role of social science in navigating complexity and uncertainty. Key priorities emerging from the literature include developing measurable, outcome-based programs; ensuring credible communication through trusted intermediaries; and designing tailored interventions. The findings demonstrate that initiatives will succeed when they emphasize measurable benefits, address uncertainties, and develop programs that capitalize on identified opportunities while overcoming existing barriers. Full article

The global rise in urban-related health issues poses significant challenges to public health, particularly in cities facing socio-economic crises. In Lebanon, 70% of the population is experiencing financial hardship, and healthcare costs have surged by 172%, exacerbating the strain on medical services. Given these conditions, improving the quality and accessibility of green spaces offers a promising avenue for alleviating mental health issues in urban areas. This study investigates the psychological impact of nine urban public spaces in Beirut through a comprehensive survey methodology, involving 297 participants (locals and tourists) who rated these spaces using Likert-scale measures. The findings reveal location-specific barriers, with Saanayeh Park rated highest in quality and Martyr’s Square rated lowest. The analysis identifies facility quality as the most significant factor influencing space quality, contributing 73.6% to the overall assessment, while activity factors have a lesser impact. The study further highlights a moderate positive association (Spearman’s rho = 0.30) between public space quality and mental well-being in Beirut. This study employs a hybrid methodology combining Research for Design (RfD) and Research Through Designing (RTD). Empirical data informed spatial strategies, while iterative design served as a tool for generating context-specific knowledge. Design enhancements—such as sensory plantings, shading systems, and social nodes—aim to improve well-being through better public space quality. The proposed interventions support mental health, life satisfaction, climate resilience, and urban inclusivity. The findings offer actionable insights for cities facing public health and spatial equity challenges in crisis contexts. Full article

Obesity is a growing global health concern with widespread impacts on physical, psychological, and social well-being. Clinically, it is a major driver of type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cancer, reducing life expectancy by 5–20 years and imposing a staggering economic burden of USD 2 trillion annually (2.8% of global GDP). Despite its significant health and socioeconomic impact, earlier obesity medications, such as fenfluramine, sibutramine, and orlistat, fell short of expectations due to limited effectiveness, serious side effects including valvular heart disease and gastrointestinal issues, and high rates of treatment discontinuation. The advent of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) has revolutionized obesity management. These agents demonstrate unprecedented efficacy, achieving 15–25% mean weight loss in clinical trials, alongside reducing major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% and T2D incidence by 72%. Emerging therapies, including oral GLP-1 agonists and triple-receptor agonists (e.g., retatrutide), promise enhanced tolerability and muscle preservation, potentially bridging the efficacy gap with bariatric surgery. However, challenges persist. High costs, supply shortages, and unequal access pose significant barriers to the widespread implementation of obesity treatment, particularly in low-resource settings. Gastrointestinal side effects and long-term safety concerns require close monitoring, while weight regain after medication discontinuation emphasizes the need for ongoing adherence and lifestyle support. This review highlights the transformative potential of incretin-based therapies while advocating for policy reforms to address cost barriers, equitable access, and preventive strategies. Future research must prioritize long-term cardiovascular outcome trials and mitigate emerging risks, such as sarcopenia and joint degeneration. A multidisciplinary approach combining pharmacotherapy, behavioral interventions, and systemic policy changes is critical to curbing the obesity epidemic and its downstream consequences. Full article