Search Results (127)

With the rapid digital transformation of healthcare services in India, this study investigates the factors influencing the behavioral shift from traditional hospital visits to e-health consultations. The primary objective was to analyze patient attitudes, satisfaction, and perceived barriers to adopting virtual healthcare, especially in urban and semi-urban settings. Methods: The methodology adopted in the study was descriptive, and a convenience sampling technique was used for data collection because the feasible times of the patients’ availabilities were taken into consideration for data collection. Both primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaires and literature. A sample size of 385 participants was used in this study. Various statistical tools, such as frequency, ANOVA, and Chi-square tests, were used to test the hypotheses. Results: It was observed from ANOVA and Chi-square tests that the factors for switching from traditional consultation to e-health services have a positive association. It was found that integrating data through influencing factors significantly (p < 0.001) improved decisions on e-health services. Conclusion: This study highlights the shift from in-person to e-health consultations driven by convenience, flexibility, and pandemic-related needs while acknowledging barriers such as digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, and trust issues. It recommends strategies, such as secure platforms, training, and integrated care models, for a more inclusive digital health future. Full article

Despite advances in cancer care, disparities persist. The collection of the social determinants of health (SDOH) is fundamental to addressing disparities. However, SDOH are inconsistently collected in many regions of the world. This two-phase multiple methods study examined patient and community perspectives regarding SDOH data collection in Canada. In phase 1, a survey was administered to patients at a cancer centre (n = 549) to assess perspectives on an SDOH data collection tool. In phase 2, broader perspectives were sought through a community consultation with patient partners experiencing structural inequality (n = 15). Most participants were comfortable with SDOH data collection. Of survey respondents, 95% were comfortable with the collection of language, birthplace, sex, gender, education, and disability, and 82% to 94% were comfortable with SES, sexual orientation, social support, and race/ethnicity. Discomfort levels did not differ across subgroups, except women were more uncomfortable disclosing SES (OR: 2.00; 95%CI: 1.26, 3.19). Most (71%) preferred face-to-face data collection with a healthcare professional and only half were comfortable with storage of SDOH in electronic health records. Open-ended survey responses (n = 1533) and the community consultation revealed concerns about privacy, discrimination, relevance to care, and data accuracy. SDOH data collection efforts should include a clear rationale for patients, training for providers, strong data privacy and security measures, and actionable strategies to address needs. Full article

Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework to support such transitions poses a critical challenge for shipping companies seeking to secure sustainable human resources. The aim of this study was to develop a competency-based training program that facilitates the effective transition of seafarers to shore-based ship superintendent roles. We integrated a developing a curriculum (DACUM) analysis with competency-based job analysis to achieve this aim. The core competencies required for ship superintendent duties were identified through three expert consultations. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was used to quantitatively assess the structure and priority of the training content. The analysis revealed that convergent competencies, such as digital technology literacy, responsiveness to environmental regulations, multicultural organizational management, and interpretation of global maritime regulations, are essential for a successful career shift. Based on these findings, a modular training curriculum comprising both common foundational courses and specialized advanced modules tailored to job categories was designed. The proposed curriculum integrated theoretical instruction, practical training, and reflective learning to enhance both applied understanding and onsite implementation capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a Seafarer Success Support Platform was proposed to support a lifecycle-based career development pathway that enables rotational mobility between sea and shore positions. This digital learning platform was designed to offer personalized success pathways aligned with the career stages and competency needs of maritime personnel. Its cyclical structure, comprising career transition, competency development, field application, and performance evaluation, enables seamless career integration between shipboard- and shore-based roles. Therefore, the platform has the potential to evolve into a practical educational model that integrates training, career development, and policies. This study contributes to maritime human resource development by integrating the DACUM method with a competency-based framework and applying social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively prioritize training content. It further proposes the Seafarer Success Support Platform as an innovative model to support structured career transitions from shipboard roles to shore-based supervisory positions. Full article

Light pollution, most visible in large cities through the absence of star-filled night skies, has become a growing issue of concern across many disciplines. It is not just an esthetic or astronomical problem, but a complex phenomenon with widespread effects on various sectors. The scientific literature highlights several key areas impacted either directly or indirectly by light pollution: astronomy, ecology and biodiversity, the environment and climate change, human health and well-being, the ongoing energy crisis, economy, tourism, public safety and security, and finally politics. A survey was conducted to explore two main objectives. The first was to evaluate public awareness of light pollution, particularly how individuals perceive its impact across different societal sectors. The second objective was to consult lighting experts to obtain detailed insights into how severely each sector is affected by light pollution. The data collected from both the general public and lighting experts were analyzed and compared to provide a clearer picture of light pollution’s actual consequences. This dual-perspective approach aims to identify potential gaps between public perception and expert knowledge. Understanding these gaps is essential for shaping effective awareness campaigns and informing policy decisions. Ultimately, this research serves as a foundational step toward prioritizing mitigation strategies. By aligning scientific data with social understanding, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions that reduce light pollution’s negative effects while promoting sustainable lighting practices for the future. Full article

While digital transformation in e-commerce receives the most publicity, applications in energy and water utilities have been ongoing for decades. Using a methodology based on a systematic review, the paper offers a model of how it occurs in water utilities, reviews experiences from the field, and derives lessons learned to create a road map for future research and implementation. Innovation in water utilities occurs more in the field than through organized research, and utilities share their experiences globally through networks such as water associations, focus groups, and media outlets. Their digital transformation journeys are evident in business practices, operations, and asset management, including methods like decision support systems, SCADA systems, digital twins, and process optimization. Meanwhile, they operate traditional regulated services while being challenged by issues like aging infrastructure and workforce capacity. They operate complex and expensive distribution systems that require grafting of new controls onto older systems with vulnerable components. Digital transformation in utilities is driven by return on investment and regulatory and workforce constraints and leads to cautious adoption of innovative methods unless required by external pressures. Utility adoption occurs gradually as digital tools help utilities to leverage system data for maintenance management, system renewal, and water loss control. Digital twins offer the advantages of enterprise data, decision support, and simulation models and can support distribution system optimization by integrating advanced metering infrastructure devices and water loss control through more granular pressure control. Models to anticipate water main breaks can also be included. With such advances, concerns about cyber security will grow. The lessons learned from the review indicate that research and development for new digital tools will continue, but utility adoption will continue to evolve slowly, even as many utilities globally are too stressed with difficult issues to adopt them. Rather than rely on government and academics for research support, utilities will need help from their support community of regulators, consultants, vendors, and all researchers to navigate the pathways that lie ahead. Full article

Cybersecurity is an essential component for preserving the integrity of healthcare systems, particularly in the face of the increasing adoption of interconnected medical devices, which significantly expands cyber risk exposure. A critical issue in this context is the fragmentation of knowledge regarding the security of these devices. The absence of a unified framework hampers the systematic identification of vulnerabilities and the effective implementation of protective measures. This study highlights such fragmentation by requiring the integration of seven ISO standards, nine NIST controls, one HIPAA regulation, one ENISA directive, one GDPR regulation, and one HITRUST framework, along with the review of 47 scientific articles and analysis of 27 documented vulnerabilities (CVEs). The need to consult this broad range of sources reflects both the complexity of the regulatory landscape and the lack of standardization in medical device security. Based on this review, key pillars were defined to support an integral and adaptable security model. This model provides a practical tool to strengthen digital healthcare infrastructures, facilitate continuous audits, and mitigate emerging threats, all while aligning with international standards. Furthermore, it promotes the consolidation of fragmented knowledge, helping to close security gaps and enhance the resilience of healthcare systems in a globalized environment. Full article

This paper presents a structured methodology for identifying and addressing key communication challenges in the forestry sector, using the Czech Republic (CZ) as a case study. The approach integrates the CIMO model, problem tree analysis, SWOT evaluation, and a confrontation matrix to identify critical factors influencing communication challenges and prioritize strategic responses. Findings from a representative public survey (n = 3600), participatory workshops, and expert consultations indicate that the primary challenge (C) in Czech forestry is a fragmented sector facing declining trust and minimal media presence. The proposed intervention (I) is a unified, strategic communication methodology designed to activate the mechanism (M) of shared narratives and coordinated messaging. This approach aims to achieve the desired outcomes (O): increased trust, engagement, and legitimacy. The absence of a unified, long-term communication strategy contributes significantly to public misunderstanding, erodes trust, and limits policy support. The study proposes evidence-based tools to enhance sector visibility, coherence, and public engagement. With direct payments for ecosystem services under debate in CZ, effective communication is a prerequisite for securing public and political support. The methods employed have broader relevance for forestry in other countries seeking strengthened stakeholder alignment through strategic communication. Full article

Teledentistry enhances access to oral healthcare by enabling remote consultations, diagnosis, and patient management. This paper explores its applications, benefits, challenges, and impact on modern dentistry. A comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies was conducted to examine the effectiveness of teledentistry. Key aspects analyzed include digital imaging, AI (artificial intelligence)-assisted diagnostics, and cloud-based patient records, which facilitate early disease detection, reduce wait times, and minimize unnecessary visits. The review also highlights how teledentistry improves collaboration among dental professionals for better treatment planning. Challenges include legal barriers, data security concerns, and limited digital infrastructure. Standardized protocols and professional training are essential for effective implementation. Future advancements in AI and telecommunication technologies will further integrate teledentistry into standard practice, improving accessibility and efficiency in oral healthcare. Full article

This thought piece exposes the gap in the operationalised support in England for young people within the justice system who have special educational needs and disabilities. It exposes inequity within the system which serves to create barriers for justice-involved young people, who are likely to already be disengaged from education, in accessing appropriate provision. It presents gaps in key educational advice and practice relating to access to Education, Health and Care Plans as a route to support for justice-involved young people, identifying a negative bias for this group of children who are already marginalised. Within the context of an English Special Educational Needs system which is widely recognised as broken, and an ongoing parliamentary consultation into ways to improve the situation, this piece suggests key changes to reduce the inequitable access to special education provision for young people accommodated in the secure estate. These suggestions make a contribution to the agenda of English politicians and the Department of Education. Full article

A central focus of this study was the methodology used to evaluate both humans and AI platforms, particularly in terms of their competitiveness and the implications of six key challenges to society resulting from the development and increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The list of challenges was compiled by consulting various online sources and cross-referencing with academics from 15 countries across Europe and the USA. Professors, scientific researchers, and PhD students were invited to independently and remotely evaluate the challenges. Rather than contributing another discussion based solely on social arguments, this paper seeks to provide a logical evaluation framework, moving beyond qualitative discourse by incorporating numerical values. The pairwise comparison of AI challenges was conducted by two groups of participants using the multicriteria decision-making model known as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Thirty-eight humans performed pairwise comparisons of the six challenges after they were listed in a distributed questionnaire. The same procedure was carried out by four AI platforms—ChatGPT, Gemini (BardAI), Perplexity, and DedaAI—who responded to the same requests as the human participants. The results from both groups were grouped and compared, revealing interesting differences in the prioritization of AI challenges’ impact on society. Both groups agreed on the highest importance of data privacy and security, as well as the lowest importance of social and cultural resistance, specifically the clash of AI with existing cultural norms and societal values. Full article

Adolescent pregnancy remains a global issue, demanding comprehensive, long-term solutions. Despite declining rates, early pregnancy leads to severe physical and mental health risks along with increased mortality. Therefore, adolescent pregnancy requires urgent global action. This literature review evaluates pregnant adolescents’ psychological health issues, explores their needs, and investigates interdisciplinary approaches to enhance mental and physical health support. Studies show that adolescent pregnancy poses significant mental health risks and is associated with high rates of depression, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, substance use, and anxiety. Co-occurring hardships further worsen psychological well-being. Found data indicated that the main needs of pregnant adolescents were adequate sexual and reproductive health; legal rights; high-quality, accessible healthcare; and socioeconomic support. The included references revealed several interventions and recommendations for supporting pregnant adolescents while highlighting challenges in the current framework. Pregnant adolescents face diverse gaps in current support systems. Further research is needed addressing social services, reproductive health consultations, and mental health support. Greater emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches and examples of effective support strategies is crucial to creating a nurturing environment and securing the well-being of pregnant adolescents. Full article

Residential segregation, which has been centered on race and ethnicity, has recently expanded to include income and social class as social inequality has increased. In particular, South Korea is one of the countries where social inequality is increasing as a result of economic growth. Existing studies have considered a relationship between redevelopment and residential segregation with respect to income, but there is a lack of factual evidence incorporating analysis in terms of spatial units. We analyzed patterns of low-income residential segregation (LiRS) in South Korea from the macro and micro perspectives to determine the net effect of redevelopment on this phenomenon. By classifying recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security System (NBLSS) as low-income people, we measured LiRS using the dissimilarity index, the isolation index, the location quotient, and local Moran’s I (LISA) in seven metropolitan cities in South Korea between 2011 and 2020. We explored the net effect of redevelopment on LiRS using propensity score matching (PSM), and we estimated that redevelopment would reduce LiRS by 0.0289. The findings reveal that low-income residential segregation declined from 2011 to 2020. PSM analysis indicates that redevelopment mitigates LiRS. This study provides insights into the need to consult with those responsible for low-income housing policies to ensure the positive impact of redevelopment on LiRS. Full article

Our health, well-being, and development are intrinsically linked to the preservation of biodiversity. This situation has driven the establishment of numerous treaties, international agreements, and regulatory frameworks that address sustainable food systems from multiple perspectives, including agriculture, food security, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to review the potential of wild edible fruits in terms of sustainability and implications for human health. Specifically, this work examines the contribution of these fruits to promoting biodiversity, and their support for sustainable food systems as well as their beneficial role in human health. Additionally, it considers the evolution of relevant international treaties related to the preservation of wild fruits. An in-depth review of international treaties related to the conservation of wild fruits was conducted by consulting information available on official websites of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among others. Next, a review of the sustainability and health benefits of edible wild fruits was performed. Results showed that although numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of wild edible fruits, there is still a lack of scientific evidence showing that the use of these species could have positive effects not only on human health and well-being but also on the environment and biodiversity. Thus, integrating these fruits into sustainable practices could play a key role in supporting future food security and the well-being of communities. Full article

Background: The global shift toward telemedicine, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has revolutionized healthcare delivery by enabling remote consultations and treatments. However, this rapid adoption has also introduced critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities, particularly in safeguarding sensitive medical data and ensuring the secure operation of telemedicine platforms. If not properly addressed, these vulnerabilities can compromise patient safety and the integrity of healthcare systems. As a result, implementing robust cybersecurity measures in telemedicine platforms is essential. Methods: The framework developed in this study allows for the assessment of a telemedicine platform’s cybersecurity posture and provides concrete recommendations for improvement. In this context, the Security Framework for Telemedicine Platforms, developed as part of the study, serves as a valuable tool for evaluating platform security, identifying vulnerabilities, and pinpointing areas for enhancement. Conclusions: This framework empowers organizations to effectively strengthen their cybersecurity strategies, as demonstrated by a case study. Full article

The maintenance of plant germplasm and its genetic diversity is critical to preserving and making it available for food security, so this invaluable diversity is not permanently lost due to population growth and development, climate change, or changing needs from the growers and/or the marketplace. There are numerous genebanks worldwide that serve to preserve valuable plant germplasm for humankind’s future and to serve as a resource for research, breeding, and training. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) both have a network of plant germplasm collections scattered across varying geographical locations preserving genetic resources for the future. Besides the USDA and CGIAR, there are germplasm collections established in many countries across the world that also aim to preserve crop and plant collections. Due to the advancement of technology, genotyping and sequencing whole genomes of plant germplasm collections is now feasible. Data from genotyping can help define genetic diversity within a collection, identify genetic gaps, reveal genetic redundancies and verify uniqueness, enable the comparison of collections of the same crop across genebanks (rationalization), and determine errors or mix-ups in genetic identity that may have occurred in a germplasm collection. Large-scale projects, such as genotyping germplasm collections, require strategic planning and the development of best practices. This article details strategies and best practices to consider when genotyping whole collections, considerations for the identity verification of germplasm and determining genetic replicates, quality management systems (QMS)/QC genotyping, and some use cases. Full article