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Search Results (596)

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14 pages, 2200 KiB  
Article
Tree Species as Metabolic Indicators: A Comparative Simulation in Amman, Jordan
by Anas Tuffaha and Ágnes Sallay
Land 2025, 14(8), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081566 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Urban metabolism frameworks offer insight into flows of energy, materials, and services in cities, yet tree species selection is seldom treated as a metabolic indicator. In Amman, Jordan, we integrate spatial metabolic metrics to critique monocultural greening policies and demonstrate how species choices [...] Read more.
Urban metabolism frameworks offer insight into flows of energy, materials, and services in cities, yet tree species selection is seldom treated as a metabolic indicator. In Amman, Jordan, we integrate spatial metabolic metrics to critique monocultural greening policies and demonstrate how species choices forecast long-term urban metabolic performance. Using ENVI-met 5.61 simulations, we compare Melia azedarach, Olea europaea, and Ceratonia siliqua, mainly assessing urban flow related elements like air temperature reduction, CO2 sequestration, and evapotranspiration alongside rooting depth, isoprene emissions, and biodiversity support. Melia delivers rapid cooling but shows other negatives like a low biodiversity value; Olea offers average cooling and sequestration but has allergenic pollen issues in people as a flow; Ceratonia provides scalable cooling, increased carbon uptake, and has a high ecological value. We propose a metabolic reframing of green infrastructure planning to choose urban species, guided by system feedback rather than aesthetics, to ensure long-term resilience in arid urban climates. Full article
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22 pages, 1272 KiB  
Review
Pharmacy Technicians in Immunization Services: Mapping Roles and Responsibilities Through a Scoping Review
by Carolina Valeiro, Vítor Silva, Jorge Balteiro, Diane Patterson, Gilberto Bezerra, Karen Mealiff, Cristiano Matos, Ângelo Jesus and João Joaquim
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151862 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 180
Abstract
Background: Pharmacy technicians are increasingly involved in immunization services, enhancing vaccine accessibility and reducing pharmacies’ workload. This scoping review aims to (1) provide a comprehensive overview of pharmacy technicians’ involvement in immunization services across various healthcare settings and countries, and (2) conduct a [...] Read more.
Background: Pharmacy technicians are increasingly involved in immunization services, enhancing vaccine accessibility and reducing pharmacies’ workload. This scoping review aims to (1) provide a comprehensive overview of pharmacy technicians’ involvement in immunization services across various healthcare settings and countries, and (2) conduct a comparative analysis of training curricula for pharmacy technicians on immunization. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed using keywords and MeSH terms such as “pharmacy technician(s)”, “immunization”, “vaccination”, “role”, and “involvement”. Studies included assessed pharmacy technicians’ roles in vaccine administration, training, and public health outcomes. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to synthesize the findings. In addition, a supplementary analysis of immunization training curricula was conducted, reviewing programs from different countries to identify similarities, differences, and gaps in course structure, content, and delivery formats. Lastly, a comprehensive toolkit was developed, offering guidelines intended to facilitate the implementation of immunization training programs. Results: A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria, primarily from the United States of America (n = 30), Canada (n = 2), Ethiopia (n = 1), Denmark (n = 1) and United Kingdom (n = 1). The findings indicate that pharmacy technicians contribute significantly to vaccine administration, patient education, and workflow optimization, particularly in community pharmacies. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated their involvement in immunization programs. Key challenges include regulatory barriers, a lack of standardized training, and resistance from other healthcare professionals. Facilitators include legislative support (e.g., the PREP Act), structured training programs, and collaborative pharmacist–technician models. Conclusions: Pharmacy technicians can play a vital role in expanding immunization services, improving vaccine uptake, and reducing pharmacist workload. Addressing regulatory inconsistencies, enhancing training, and fostering interprofessional collaboration are crucial for their effective integration of immunization programs. Since immunization by pharmacy technicians is not yet allowed in many EU countries, this review will provide a foundational basis to address their potential to support the healthcare workforce and improve access to immunization services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policy Interventions to Promote Health and Prevent Disease)
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15 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Cost-Effectiveness of Youth-Friendly Health Services in Health Post Settings in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
by Geteneh Moges Assefa, Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh, Sintayehu Abebe, Genetu Addisu and Wendemagegn Yeshanehe
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081179 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Background: Adolescents in Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas, face significant barriers to accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, resulting in poor health outcomes. The youth-friendly health services (YFHS) initiative addresses these challenges by training Health Extension Workers (HEWs) to deliver tailored, [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescents in Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas, face significant barriers to accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, resulting in poor health outcomes. The youth-friendly health services (YFHS) initiative addresses these challenges by training Health Extension Workers (HEWs) to deliver tailored, age-appropriate care at the primary care level. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of YFHS implementation in rural health posts in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: Using an ingredient-based costing approach, costs were analyzed across six health posts, three implementing YFHS and three offering routine services. Health outcomes were modeled using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. Results: Results showed that YFHS reached 9854 adolescents annually at a cost of USD 29,680, compared to 2012.5 adolescents and USD 7519 in control sites. The study showed the ICER of USD 25.50 per DALY averted. The intervention improved health outcomes, including a 27% increase in antenatal care uptake, a 34% rise in contraceptive use, and a 0.065% reduction in abortion-related mortality, averting 52.11 DALYs versus 26.42 in controls. Conclusions: The ICER was USD 25.50 per DALY averted, well below Ethiopia’s GDP per capita, making it highly cost-effective by WHO standards. Scaling YFHS through HEWs offers a transformative, cost-effective strategy to advance adolescent SRH equity and achieve universal health coverage in Ethiopia. Full article
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23 pages, 1856 KiB  
Article
An Evolutionary Game Analysis of AI Health Assistant Adoption in Smart Elderly Care
by Rongxuan Shang and Jianing Mi
Systems 2025, 13(7), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13070610 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
AI-powered health assistants offer promising opportunities to enhance health management among older adults. However, real-world uptake remains limited, not only due to individual hesitation, but also because of complex interactions among users, platforms, and public policies. This study investigates the dynamic behavioral mechanisms [...] Read more.
AI-powered health assistants offer promising opportunities to enhance health management among older adults. However, real-world uptake remains limited, not only due to individual hesitation, but also because of complex interactions among users, platforms, and public policies. This study investigates the dynamic behavioral mechanisms behind adoption in aging populations using a tripartite evolutionary game model. Based on replicator dynamics, the model simulates the strategic behaviors of older adults, platforms, and government. It identifies evolutionarily stable strategies, examines convergence patterns, and evaluates parameter sensitivity through a Jacobian matrix analysis. Results show that when adoption costs are high, platform trust is low, and government support is limited, the system tends to converge to a low-adoption equilibrium with poor service quality. In contrast, sufficient policy incentives, platform investment, and user trust can shift the system toward a high-adoption state. Trust coefficients and incentive intensity are especially influential in shaping system dynamics. This study proposes a novel framework for understanding the co-evolution of trust, service optimization, and institutional support. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated trust-building strategies and layered policy incentives to promote sustainable engagement with AI health technologies in aging societies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)
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19 pages, 318 KiB  
Article
Exploring Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Beliefs and Concerns About Healthcare Systems, with a Focus on HPV Immunization Practices: A Mixed-Methods Study on Forcibly Displaced Populations in Romania
by Teodora Achimaș-Cadariu, Andrei Pașca, Delia Nicoară and Dan Lucian Dumitrașcu
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141744 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Objectives: Scarce data are available regarding preventive medicine in forcibly displaced populations especially regarding non-communicable diseases like neoplasia, while even more limited data are available on Ukrainian refugees in Romania. To address this research gap, the present analysis was performed to investigate [...] Read more.
Objectives: Scarce data are available regarding preventive medicine in forcibly displaced populations especially regarding non-communicable diseases like neoplasia, while even more limited data are available on Ukrainian refugees in Romania. To address this research gap, the present analysis was performed to investigate Ukrainian refugee women’s beliefs, attitudes, and opinions towards the Romanian and Ukrainian healthcare system in a comparison model while focusing on the HPV immunization rates and factors influencing the uptake for themselves and their children. Methods: Participants were recruited using the snowball sampling method through their General Practitioner (GP) and a health mediator. Results: In total, 105 women completed the online or physical survey. The mean age was 50 years. In total, 40% of women had not been to a gynecological check-up in 3 or more years, and more than 56% had never been screened. Only four were vaccinated against HPV, and none remembered which type of vaccine was dispensed or how many doses were utilized. The primary hindrances to accessing health services or immunization programs were language barriers, financial burdens, and a lack of information. Respondents’ general distrust of health systems and healthcare workforces were recurrent themes. Relationship status, living arrangements, and previous engagement in screening practices influenced immunization rates. Perceiving the healthcare officials as proactive concerning optional vaccination programs such as HPV immunization and actively receiving recommendations drove respondents to pursue vaccination. Conclusions: This analysis offers a foundational insight into the specific needs of refugee women. It can guide the development of effective public health interventions to improve health outcomes and vaccination rates among Ukrainian refugees in Romania. Tailored preventive campaigns with adequate native language information and prompts from medical experts in designated centers should be deployed to ensure inclusive tactics for vulnerable populations. Full article
11 pages, 207 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Survey to Identify Current Pneumococcal Vaccination Practices and Barriers in Rural Community Pharmacies
by Ashley H. Chinchilla, Tyler C. Melton, Salisa C. Westrick, Tessa J. Hastings, Leticia Vieira, Grace T. Marley and Delesha M. Carpenter
Vaccines 2025, 13(7), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13070756 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
Background: Pneumococcal vaccination rates in the United States (US) remain suboptimal, especially for adults aged 19 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions. Community-pharmacy-based immunization services increase vaccine access, particularly in rural areas. This study describes the provision of pneumococcal immunization services, assesses [...] Read more.
Background: Pneumococcal vaccination rates in the United States (US) remain suboptimal, especially for adults aged 19 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions. Community-pharmacy-based immunization services increase vaccine access, particularly in rural areas. This study describes the provision of pneumococcal immunization services, assesses the processes used to identify and confirm patient eligibility, and determines barriers to immunization services in rural community pharmacies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was emailed to members of the Rural Research Alliance of Community Pharmacies, located in the southeastern US. The survey assessed which pneumococcal vaccines were offered, age groups, prescription requirements, and how patient eligibility was determined. In addition, participants were asked to rate a series of patient-related and organizational barriers to pneumococcal vaccination. Results: Ninety-four pharmacies completed the survey, with most (96.8%) offering pneumococcal vaccines, most commonly PCV20 (95.6%). Most pharmacies vaccinated patients upon request (98.9%) or when patients presented with a prescription (82.4%), but few proactively contacted patients to schedule the vaccination (17.6%). Pharmacists most often administered pneumococcal vaccines to patients aged 65 and older and used patient age and immunization information systems to identify eligible patients. The most common patient-related barrier was the patient’s belief that they do not need the vaccine. The most common organizational barriers were inadequate reimbursements for vaccine administration and vaccine products. Conclusions: Pneumococcal vaccinations are commonly offered in rural community pharmacies, which play an important role in immunization access. With recent guideline changes to the age-based recommendation, there is an opportunity to optimize strategies to increase vaccine uptake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vaccines against Infectious Diseases)
47 pages, 6244 KiB  
Review
Toward the Mass Adoption of Blockchain: Cross-Industry Insights from DeFi, Gaming, and Data Analytics
by Shezon Saleem Mohammed Abdul, Anup Shrestha and Jianming Yong
Big Data Cogn. Comput. 2025, 9(7), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc9070178 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 2062
Abstract
Blockchain’s promise of decentralised, tamper-resistant services is gaining real traction in three arenas: decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain gaming, and data-driven analytics. These sectors span finance, entertainment, and information services, offering a representative setting in which to study real-world adoption. This survey analyzes how [...] Read more.
Blockchain’s promise of decentralised, tamper-resistant services is gaining real traction in three arenas: decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain gaming, and data-driven analytics. These sectors span finance, entertainment, and information services, offering a representative setting in which to study real-world adoption. This survey analyzes how each domain implements blockchain, identifies the incentives that accelerate uptake, and maps the technical and organizational barriers that still limit scale. By examining peer-reviewed literature and recent industry developments, this review distils common design features such as token incentives, verifiable digital ownership, and immutable data governance. It also pinpoints the following domain-specific challenges: capital efficiency in DeFi, asset portability and community engagement in gaming, and high-volume, low-latency querying in analytics. Moreover, cross-sector links are already forming, with DeFi liquidity tools supporting in-game economies and analytics dashboards improving decision-making across platforms. Building on these findings, this paper offers guidance on stronger interoperability and user-centered design and sets research priorities in consensus optimization, privacy-preserving analytics, and inclusive governance. Together, the insights equip developers, policymakers, and researchers to build scalable, interoperable platforms and reuse proven designs while avoiding common pitfalls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Cloud Computing in Industrial Internet of Things)
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14 pages, 689 KiB  
Article
Cascade Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Predisposition: Characterization of Patients in a Catchment Area of Southern Italy
by Anna Bilotta, Elisa Lo Feudo, Valentina Rocca, Emma Colao, Francesca Dinatolo, Serena Marianna Lavano, Paola Malatesta, Lucia D’Antona, Rosario Amato, Francesco Trapasso, Nicola Perrotti, Giuseppe Viglietto, Francesco Baudi and Rodolfo Iuliano
Genes 2025, 16(7), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16070795 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 474
Abstract
Background: The national guidelines, informed by evidence from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), define the criteria for genetic testing of BRCA1/2 and other genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and Lynch Syndrome (LS). When a germline pathogenic variant [...] Read more.
Background: The national guidelines, informed by evidence from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), define the criteria for genetic testing of BRCA1/2 and other genes associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and Lynch Syndrome (LS). When a germline pathogenic variant (PV) is identified in an index case, clinical recommendations advise informing at-risk relatives about the availability of predictive genetic testing, as early identification of carriers allows for timely implementation of preventive measures. Methods: This retrospective observational study examined data collected between 2017 and 2024 at the Medical Genetics Unit of the “Renato Dulbecco” University Hospital in Catanzaro, Italy. The analysis focused on trends in the identification of individuals carrying PVs in cancer predisposition genes (CPGs) and the subsequent uptake of cascade genetic testing (CGT) among their family members. Results: Over the study period, from 116 probands were performed 257 CGTs on 251 relatives. A notable reduction of approximately ten years in median age was observed, 39% were found to carry familial mutation and were referred to personalized cancer prevention programs. Among these, 62% accessed Oncological Genetic Counselling (CGO) within one year of the proband’s diagnosis, suggesting effective communication and outreach. Conclusions: The findings highlight the critical role of effective CGO and intrafamilial communication in hereditary cancer prevention. The identification of PVs, followed by timely CGTs and implementation of preventive strategies, significantly contributes to early cancer risk management. Periodic monitoring of CGT uptake and outcome trends, as demonstrated in this study, is essential to refine and optimize genetic services and public health strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)
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21 pages, 1584 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Prototype Hospital Digital Antibiotic Review Tracking Toolkit: A Qualitative Study Using the RE-AIM Framework
by Gosha Colquhoun, Nicola Ring, Jamie Smith, Diane Willis, Brian Williams and Kalliopi Kydonaki
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070660 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
Background: Internationally, digital health interventions have increasingly been adopted within hospital settings. Optimising their clinical implementation requires user involvement, but there is a lack of evidence regarding how this should be done. Objectives: This study was carried out to understand the acceptability and [...] Read more.
Background: Internationally, digital health interventions have increasingly been adopted within hospital settings. Optimising their clinical implementation requires user involvement, but there is a lack of evidence regarding how this should be done. Objectives: This study was carried out to understand the acceptability and usability of a prototype Digital Antibiotic Review Tracking Toolkit and identify modifications required to optimise it ahead of a trial. Methods: The optimisation process involved online semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of fifteen healthcare professionals recruited from Scotland and England, along with three service users, to gather feedback on the prototype’s design, content and delivery. Participants’ negative views were specifically sought to identify adaptations needed to ensure that the intervention’s components aligned optimally with end-user needs. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis guided by the RE-AIM implementation science framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) to identify key themes. Results: Participants mostly voiced positive views regarding the prototype, finding it acceptable, feasible and engaging. They also identified concerns relating to its adoption, system functionality, accessibility and maintenance that needed to be addressed. Anticipated low adoption rates were linked to issues surrounding computer literacy. This detailed user feedback informed rapid adjustments to the intervention to enhance its acceptability, perceived future credibility and usability in hospitals. Conclusions: This novel study illustrates how to identify, modify and adapt a digital intervention quickly and efficiently using qualitative iterative methods. Findings highlight the critical importance of contextualising end-user experience with health interventions to facilitate future engagement, uptake, and long-term use. This study also demonstrates how core elements of the MRC framework can be operationalised to help refine prototype digital interventions pre-trial. Full article
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15 pages, 2783 KiB  
Article
Childhood Immunization Coverage Before, During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy
by Flavia Pennisi, Andrea Silenzi, Alessia Mammone, Andrea Siddu, Anna Odone, Michela Sabbatucci, Riccardo Orioli, Anna Carole D’Amelio, Francesco Maraglino, Giovanni Rezza and Carlo Signorelli
Vaccines 2025, 13(7), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13070683 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 779
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Maintaining high childhood vaccination coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. In Italy, Law No. 119/2017 introduced mandatory childhood immunizations, leading to significant improvements. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine services, potentially jeopardizing these gains. This study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Maintaining high childhood vaccination coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. In Italy, Law No. 119/2017 introduced mandatory childhood immunizations, leading to significant improvements. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine services, potentially jeopardizing these gains. This study aimed to evaluate national and regional trends in vaccine coverage across three phases: post-mandate (2015–2016 vs. 2017–2019), pandemic (2017–2019 vs. 2020–2021), and post-pandemic recovery (2020–2021 vs. 2022–2023). Methods: National and regional administrative data on vaccination coverage at 24 months of age were obtained from the Italian Ministry of Health. Temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent changes (APCs), and absolute changes in coverage (Δ) were calculated across defined periods. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess associations between baseline coverage and subsequent changes. Results: After the 2017 mandate, coverage increased significantly for varicella (APC = +28.6%), MenB (+22.6%), and measles (+3.4%). Regionally, varicella coverage rose by up to +58.4% in Emilia-Romagna and measles by +11.1% in Campania. During the pandemic, coverage declined for polio (−2.4% in the South) and measles (−6.2% in Abruzzo), while MenB increased in regions with lower initial uptake (r = −0.918, p < 0.001). Post-pandemic, coverage rebounded, with varicella improving by +20.1% in central regions and measles by +13.9% in Abruzzo. A strong inverse correlation between baseline coverage and improvement was observed for varicella across all periods (r from −0.877 to −0.915). Conclusions: Mandatory vaccination policies led to substantial coverage improvements, and despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, recovery trends were observed for most vaccines. The consistent association between low baseline coverage and stronger gains highlights the resilience of the system, but also the ongoing need for regionally tailored strategies to reduce geographic disparities and ensure equitable immunization across Italy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vaccines and Public Health)
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18 pages, 803 KiB  
Article
Decentralized Immunization Monitoring: Lessons Learnt from a Pilot Implementation in Kumbotso LGA, Kano State, Nigeria
by Adam Attahiru, Yahaya Mohammed, Fiyidi Mikailu, Hyelshilni Waziri, Ndadilnasiya Endie Waziri, Mustapha Tukur, Bashir Sunusi, Mohammed Nasir Mahmoud, Nancy Vollmer, William Vargas, Yusuf Yusufari, Gustavo Corrêa, Heidi W. Reynolds, Teemar Fisseha, Talatu Buba Bello, Moreen Kamateeka, Adefisoye Oluwaseun Adewole, Musa Bello, Imam Wada Bello, Sulaiman Etamesor, Joseph J. Valadez and Patrick Ngukuadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Vaccines 2025, 13(7), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13070664 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 782
Abstract
Background: Immunization coverage in Nigeria is low, with many children missing out on important lifesaving vaccines. To enable a better understanding of contextual factors towards increasing uptake, we piloted a Decentralized Immunization Monitoring (DIM) approach in the Kumbotso local government area (LGA) of [...] Read more.
Background: Immunization coverage in Nigeria is low, with many children missing out on important lifesaving vaccines. To enable a better understanding of contextual factors towards increasing uptake, we piloted a Decentralized Immunization Monitoring (DIM) approach in the Kumbotso local government area (LGA) of Kano state, Nigeria, to identify wards with low vaccination rates and understand why this is happening. The findings were used to improve routine immunization (RI) programs and reduce the number of unvaccinated children and children yet to receive their first dose of diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus (DPT) vaccine, referred to as Zero-Dose children (ZD). Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design approach using the Behavioural and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) framework and the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS). The study population comprised caregivers of children aged 0–11 months and 12–23 months across the 11 wards in Kumbotso District, Kano State, Nigeria, using a segmentation sampling approach. The study covered 209 settlements selected using probability proportionate to size (PPS) sampling from the wards. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to show patterns and relations across variables. Results: Out of 418 caregivers surveyed, 98.1% were female. Delayed vaccination was experienced by 21.9% of children aged 4.5–11 months, while the prevalence of ZD was estimated at 26.8% amongst the older cohort (12–23 months). A total of 71.4% of the delayed group and 89.1% of the ZD group remained unvaccinated. Caregiver education, rural residence, and home births correlated with delayed/ZD status (p < 0.05). Logistic regression associated higher caregiver education with reduced delayed vaccination odds (OR:0.34, p < 0.001) and urban residence with lower ZD odds (OR:1.89, p = 0.036). The antigen coverages of BCG (81.5%), DPT3 (63.6%), and measles 1 (59.7%) all surpassed the national dropout thresholds. Kumbotso, Unguwar Rimi, and Kureken Sani wards were all identified as underperforming and therefore targeted for intervention. Negative vaccine perceptions (50% delayed, 53.6% ZD) and distrust in health workers (46.4% delayed, 48.2% ZD) were significant barriers, though the caregiver intent to vaccinate was protective (OR: 0.27, p < 0.001). The cost of accessing immunization services appeared to have a minor effect on coverage, as the majority of caregivers of delayed and ZD children reported spending less than 200 Naira (equivalent to USD 0.15) on transport. Conclusions: This pilot study highlighted the utility of LQAS and BeSD in identifying low-performing wards, barriers, and routine immunization gaps. Barriers included low caregiver education, rural residence, and negative vaccine perceptions/safety. Caregiver education and urban residence were protective factors against delayed and ZD vaccination, suggesting social and systemic barriers, particularly in rural and less educated populations. Antigen-specific coverage showed disparities, with dropouts for multi-dose vaccines exceeding the national thresholds of 10%. Targeted measures addressing education, trust, and systemic issues are needed. Findings emphasize decentralized monitoring, community engagement, and context-specific strategies to reduce ZD children and ensure equitable vaccination in Nigeria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inequality in Immunization 2025)
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22 pages, 2618 KiB  
Article
Supply and Demand Analysis for Designing Sustainable National Earth Observation-Based Services for Coastal Area Monitoring
by Antonello Bruschi, Serena Geraldini, Manuela D’Amen, Nico Bonora and Andrea Taramelli
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125617 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
Here we take the example of Italy to demonstrate a country-level approach to the design of a sustainable system of Earth Observation (EO)-based products to match the demand/supply for monitoring coastal zones and to guide the development of new products based on national/local [...] Read more.
Here we take the example of Italy to demonstrate a country-level approach to the design of a sustainable system of Earth Observation (EO)-based products to match the demand/supply for monitoring coastal zones and to guide the development of new products based on national/local users’ needs complementary to Copernicus Core Services products and its future development. With support from the Coastal Thematic Consultation Board of the Italian Copernicus User Forum, we applied a standardized methodology involving elicitation, selection, analysis, validation, and requirement management. Our findings reveal a strong national need in EO-based products for coastal monitoring and services provision. The survey results offer insights into how existing products and services meet user needs on the national scale, for monitoring several parameters pertaining to four classes, biological, geomorphological, physical, and chemical, highlighting additional demands and integration opportunities with the evolving European Copernicus Coastal Hub. The innovation of this work lies in the design of a foundation for a holistic approach to complement European and national EO systems, both in terms of data to be acquired with synergistic satellite missions and in situ infrastructures and in terms of the development of sustainable products, models, and algorithms for downstream value-added services. Full article
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26 pages, 1929 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economic Determinants of Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption: A Novel Perspective from Agritourism Farmers in Nigeria
by Ifeanyi Moses Kanu and Lucyna Przezbórska-Skobiej
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5521; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125521 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 622
Abstract
The existing body of scholarly work on the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Africa and Nigeria has predominantly concentrated on the experiences and practices of smallholder farmers. While these studies offer valuable insights into the general factors that influence the adoption of [...] Read more.
The existing body of scholarly work on the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Africa and Nigeria has predominantly concentrated on the experiences and practices of smallholder farmers. While these studies offer valuable insights into the general factors that influence the adoption of CSA practices, their findings may not be fully applicable to the burgeoning agritourism farmers in Nigeria. This study presents a novel perspective on the socio-economic determinants of CSA adoption among the nascent agritourism farmers in Nigeria. The data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire administered to 436 agritourism farmers in Nigeria. The five mutually inclusive endogenous variables that capture the impact of CSA practices were agroforestry system, improved livestock management, organic farming, crop rotation/intercropping, and farmer field schools. While the agritourism farmers possess moderate experience and education, significant gaps exist in access to critical resources like credit, climate information, extension services, and membership in agritourism cooperatives/associations. The multivariate probit (MVP) model revealed that agritourism farming experience significantly boosts crop rotation/intercropping adoption. Education enhances organic farming uptake but negatively impacts improved livestock management. Similarly, extension services access promotes farmer field schools while discouraging organic farming. Significant negative covariance matrix between CSA practices suggests overlapping demands for limited farm resources. Full article
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15 pages, 432 KiB  
Article
Efficient and Scalable Authentication Framework for Internet of Drones (IoD) Networks
by Hyunseok Kim
Electronics 2025, 14(12), 2435; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14122435 - 15 Jun 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
The accelerated uptake of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has significantly altered communication and data exchange landscapes but has also introduced substantial security challenges, especially in open-access UAV communication environments. To address these, Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) offers robust security with computational efficiency, ideal [...] Read more.
The accelerated uptake of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has significantly altered communication and data exchange landscapes but has also introduced substantial security challenges, especially in open-access UAV communication environments. To address these, Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) offers robust security with computational efficiency, ideal for resource-constrained Internet of Drones (IoD) systems. This study proposes a Secure and Efficient Three-Way Key Exchange (SETKE) protocol using ECC, specifically tailored for IoD. The SETKE protocol’s security was rigorously analyzed within an extended Bellare–Pointcheval–Rogaway (BPR) model under the random oracle assumption, demonstrating its resilience. Formal verification using the AVISPA tool confirmed the protocol’s safety against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, and formal proofs establish its Authenticated Key Exchange (AKE) security. In terms of performance, SETKE is highly efficient, requiring only 3 ECC scalar multiplications for the Service Requester drone, 4 for the Service Provider drone, and 3 for the Control Server, which is demonstrably lower than several existing schemes. My approach achieves this robust protection with minimal communication overhead (e.g., a maximum payload of 844 bits per session), ensuring its practicality for resource-limited IoD environments. The significance of this work for the IoD field lies in providing a provably secure, lightweight, and computationally efficient key exchange mechanism vital for addressing critical security challenges in IoD systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parallel, Distributed, Edge Computing in UAV Communication)
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13 pages, 320 KiB  
Review
Conventional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Hyperspectral Imaging: Similarities, Differences, Advantages, and Limitations
by Daniel Cozzolino
Molecules 2025, 30(12), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30122479 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 579
Abstract
Although, the use of sensors is increasing in a wide range of fields with great success (e.g., food, environment, pharma, etc.), their uptake is slow and lower than other innovations. While the uptake is low, some users, producers, and service industries are continuing [...] Read more.
Although, the use of sensors is increasing in a wide range of fields with great success (e.g., food, environment, pharma, etc.), their uptake is slow and lower than other innovations. While the uptake is low, some users, producers, and service industries are continuing to benefit from the incorporation of technology in their business. Among these technologies, vibrational spectroscopy has demonstrated its benefits and versatility in a wide range of applications. Both conventional near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems are two of the main techniques utilized in a wide range of applications in different fields. These techniques use the NIR region of the electromagnetic spectrum (750–2500 nm). Specifically, NIR-HSI systems provide spatial information and spectral data, while conventional NIR spectroscopy provides spectral information from a single point. Even though there is a clear distinction between both techniques in terms of their benefits, confusion still exists among users about their similarities and differences. This paper provides a critical discussion of the main advantages and limitations of both techniques, focusing on food science applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials Investigation Through Vibrational Spectroscopy/Microscopy)
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