Search Results (2,207)

This study introduces and evaluates an innovative methodology for assessing constructability in the maintenance of university buildings, aiming to improve the quality of academic infrastructure. The proposed approach is based on four key criteria: functionality, usage, investment, and curricular planning. These criteria are derived from the principles established by the Chilean Construction Industry Council (CCI Chile, 2024) and were applied in a case study at Ricardo Palma University. A quasi-experimental research design was implemented in two physical spaces within the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, one of which underwent a maintenance intervention while the other remained unaltered. Data was collected through expert-validated instruments, administered to senior students and technical staff before and after the intervention. The results revealed significant improvements, with satisfaction levels increasing from 44% to 56% among students and a 10% rise in positive technical evaluations (p < 0.005) which reflected an improvement in the perceived quality of the academic environment, especially in areas related to maintenance planning, execution, control, safety, and user comfort. This study concludes that integrating constructability criteria into the maintenance phase can optimize infrastructure management, enhancing sustainability, operational efficiency, and user satisfaction. The developed methodology offers a practical and replicable tool for other academic units and universities, supporting continuous improvement and promoting evidence-based decision-making in the management of educational facilities. Full article

Background: Women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) have a higher likelihood of experiencing detrimental physical, psychological and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. However, a gap remains in published literature on SRH interventions available to women experiencing IPV. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken to examine: What is the nature of sexual and reproductive healthcare interventions provided to women experiencing IPV? Five databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, Informit, PubMed and Scopus) were searched on 9 October 2023 for peer-reviewed systematic reviews or primary research published from 1 January 2004–present. The search was repeated on 11 June 2025 to ensure recency of studies. Two researchers independently screened studies at title and abstract, and full-text levels. The two searches yielded a total of 10,844 studies, of which nine were included in the review. Results: Due to the heterogenous nature of the studies, thematic analysis was undertaken with four themes being identified: Outcomes of interventions; Positive impact of personalised and patient-centred care; Professionals’ knowledge, education and training as a facilitator; and Barriers to effective IPV intervention implementation in healthcare. SRH interventions available to women who experienced IPV can empower survivors, improve access to care, and enhance service quality. Conclusions: Evidence-based models of care that are intersectional, trauma-informed and integrated into SRH and IPV services are critical to ensure future work supports women of differing backgrounds who have experienced IPV. Future research should include evaluating effectiveness of interventions, identifying and addressing systemic barriers, and supporting underrepresented groups. Full article

Heartburn is a prevalent and frequently self-managed condition, with a myriad of over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options available for self-care. The potential for misinterpretation of drug labels and improper OTC medication selection may result in inadequate treatment, potential drug interactions, as well as medication overuse, misuse, or delay in seeking treatment for a more serious health condition. As highly accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists play a crucial role in validating self-diagnoses, in guiding appropriate OTC medication selection and use, and in educating patients on both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management strategies for heartburn. It is essential for pharmacists to remain informed about the latest developments in disease management and treatment options. This narrative review provides an updated perspective on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations associated with heartburn while underscoring the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care. This review includes a structured assessment framework and clinical management algorithm designed to enhance pharmacists’ ability to identify red flag symptoms, optimize OTC medication use, and facilitate timely referrals when necessary. By incorporating evidence-based guidance with patient-centered counseling, pharmacists can enhance treatment outcomes, optimize, medication use, promote adherence, and ensure safer self-care practices. As self-medication trends and the role of pharmacists evolves, this review offers a comprehensive resource to equip pharmacists with the latest knowledge and practical tools for optimizing heartburn management and promoting patient safety. Full article

The 4E Cognition paradigm offers a novel theoretical framework for understanding how acoustic environments influence cognitive processes in university learning spaces. This research integrates objective characterization of environmental parameters with comprehensive subjective evaluation of student experience to explore how aural conditions relate to cognitive processes and physiological stress responses in university learning environments. The study recruited 126 university students from the Engineering Faculty of “G. D’Annunzio” University, with final analysis including 66 valid responses from 28 participants in the acoustically treated classroom and 38 from the control condition. The results revealed modest associations between environmental conditions and cognitive performance measures, with small to moderate effect sizes (Cohen’s d ranging from 0.02 to 0.31). While acoustic treatment produced measurable improvements in speech intelligibility and acoustic quality ratings, differences in cognitive load and allostatic load indices were minimal between conditions. These findings provide preliminary empirical insights for applying the 4E Cognition framework to educational settings, suggesting that acoustic interventions may require extended exposure periods or more intensive treatments to produce substantial physiological and cognitive effects. This work contributes to the emerging field of cognitive architecture by introducing an innovative theoretical approach that reconceptualizes acoustic environments as potential cognitive extensions rather than mere background conditions. The findings offer initial evidence-based insights for integrating environmental considerations into educational facility design, while highlighting the need for longitudinal studies to fully understand how acoustic environments function as cognitive scaffolding in learning contexts. Full article

Objective: The objective of this retrospective cross-sectional study is to explore how caregiver social determinants of health, appraisal of healthcare provider effectiveness, and insurance coverage influence caregiver ability to have their adolescent child access vision care, including completion of annual vision screening, visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and completion of recommended additional screenings. Study Design: We used National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data for 12–17-year-old adolescents for the years 2022 and 2023 (n = 37,425). Summary statistics for the selected sample were generated and binary logistic regressions were conducted. Outcome variables were the type of vision screening that occurred or not. Covariates were socioeconomic and demographic data of the adolescent’s primary caregiver. Independent variables were insurance coverage and healthcare provider’s skill and effectiveness. Results: Significant associations were reported between visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist and each of spending enough time with patients; listening carefully to patients; and making patients feel like care is a partnership. Additionally, significant associations were reported between insurance coverage and both successful completion of vision screening and visiting an eye doctor. Conclusions: This study underscores the substantial impact of effectiveness of eye doctors in delivering annual vision exams and insurance adequacy on adolescent vision care engagement. Our results will inform the development of future evidence-based educational interventions to raise awareness on the importance of annual vision screenings in US adolescents and emphasize the need for screening mandates to advocate for this important public health issue. Full article

Background: Youth suicide is a global issue and a type of death that can be prevented through early access to evidence-based mental health interventions, which can contribute to improved quality of life as well as health, educational and employment outcomes. Young people are encouraged to seek help for mental health problems, yet help-seeking rates remain low. Objective: The aim of this research was to explore how young people with a mental health problem decide to search and ask for professional help, and the impact of help-seeking experiences. Methods: Young people aged 16–25 years with experiences of help-seeking to mental health services were recruited (N = 18). Data analysis was informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory methods, and the findings were presented across four sub-categories: 1. Deciding to Seek Help; 2. Searching for the Right Help; 3. Reflecting on Help-seeking Experiences; and 4. Living with the Impacts of Help-seeking. Findings: Young people often sought help while highly distressed and required the skills and resources of a family member or friend to access the right type of help. Help-seeking was multi-episodic and had lasting positive and negative impacts. Young people’s help-seeking patterns were found to be similar to the ways in which they problem-solve in learning contexts, and the concept of a formal help-seeking skillset was presented. Full article

This scoping review examines the affective–psychological and social characteristics of undergraduate engineering students in South Korea, identifying key research trends, thematic focuses, and gaps in the literature. A total of 95 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analyzed based on publication year, journal outlet, research topics, and related variables. The literature search was conducted using major databases, including RISS, KCI, and DBpia. The findings highlight self-efficacy—particularly domain-specific self-efficacy—as a core construct linked to academic achievement, persistence, and career development. Social competencies such as communication, teamwork, and convergence ability are also emphasized; however, limited attention has been paid to emotional resilience, burnout, and ethical responsibility. Despite their growing importance in the artificial intelligence-driven era, gender differences, digital literacy, and global competencies remain underexplored. These findings underscore the need for learner-centered, evidence-based instructional strategies, as well as more longitudinal, comparative, and intervention-focused studies. This review offers foundational insights for designing inclusive, future-oriented educational programs tailored to the diverse needs of South Korean undergraduate engineering students. Full article

The pandemic spared most children and adolescents in Ghana from severe clinical disease, but it exposed long-standing gaps in services and protection methods. Methods: We conducted a desk-based narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, national and international reports, and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2025. The evidence was organised across eight domains of child and adolescent well-being. Across mental health, gambling and other risky behaviours, access to health services, economic hardship and child labour, nutrition, education, early childhood development, and WASH, the pandemic disrupted essential services and social safety nets. Examples include declines in routine care and immunisation, wider digital exclusion during remote learning, a rise in child labour linked to income loss, and persistent hygiene constraints. Preparedness in Ghana should focus on mental health, digital inclusion, early childhood services, and strong social protection. Ghana’s specific empirical data are uneven, so we triangulate peer-reviewed evidence with official reports, appraised the grey literature, and calibrated claims to the strength of sources. Full article

Per the United Nations, enhancing climate literacy can play an essential role in advancing climate mitigation, adaptation, and promoting sustainable human behaviors. Yet, there is a lack of empirical research explicitly studying the effects of climate solutions focused education. Here, we studied the effects of a climate solutions focused course—the University of California Bending the Curve (BtC) course on: (1) climate change beliefs, (2) personal pro-environmental actions, and (3) psychological health, using baseline and post-course surveys. A total of 374 youth (median age 21 ± 1.7 years, 63% female) participated in the study, and data analysis focused on statistically comparing pre- versus post-course survey-based data. We observed that the BtC course enhanced climate change beliefs. Specifically, at post-relative to pre-course, we observed significantly increased belief that global warming will impact individuals personally as well as impact our future generations; it tripled the number of students who believe that humans can and will act to reduce global warming; it significantly increased the number of individuals who believe in a scientific basis for climate change. Notably, climate solutions education also enhanced belief in the efficacy of personal climate action and increased agreement amongst youth that many of their friends also share the same views on global warming. With regard to personal pro-environmental actions, the course significantly improved self-reported actions, including waste reduction, making food choices with reduced emissions, and purchase of carbon offsets. These actions reduced the carbon footprint per student at post- vs. pre-course by a significant 0.3 ± 0.1 CO₂ tons/year, which is equivalent to the CO₂ absorbed by about 15 trees per year. While psychological health outcomes did not show any significant post- vs. pre-course change, we found that enhanced personal pro-environmental actions as well as enhanced psychological health were predicted by course-related strengthening of climate change beliefs. Overall, our findings provide evidence that solutions-based climate education can be an important strategy to enhance individual climate change awareness as well as personal pro-environmental actions that lead to significant individual carbon footprint reduction, with potential for widespread scale-up. Full article

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection, often triggered by invasive procedures, dental or otherwise, in at-risk individuals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of IE prophylaxis among healthcare professionals, focusing on dentists and physicians. Two validated, anonymous questionnaires were emailed to 27,000 healthcare providers in the province of Milan (Italy). A total of 970 responses were collected (response rate just over 3%), with 49.2% from physicians and 50.8% from dentists. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding years of experience or guideline usage (p > 0.05), although more physicians (12.7%) than dentists (6.7%) reported unfamiliarity with any guidelines. Physicians often misclassified the risk associated with certain cardiac conditions and overprescribed prophylaxis for low-risk procedures, with overall accuracy falling below the expected performance benchmark (H₀: 58.0% ± 2.0%). Dentists showed a better understanding of high-risk dental procedures, yet performance remained suboptimal, with multiple scores below the expected benchmark (H₀: 68.0% ± 2.0%). These findings highlight widespread knowledge gaps and inconsistent adherence to IE prophylaxis guidelines. The results align with international observations and emphasize the urgent need for continuing education and improved dissemination of evidence-based recommendations across medical and dental settings. Full article

(1) Aims: This review aims to investigate whether screen-based simulated learning experiences improve on traditional teaching strategies to bridge the theory–practice gap for biomedical scientists and enhance the readiness to practice of graduates. (2) Methods: This review adheres to the systematic–narrative hybrid literature review strategy with the scope of review defined according to Cochrane guidelines for systematic reviews. To identify the potentially relevant literature, the PUBMED, CINAHL, and Web of Science bibliographic databases were searched using the identified keywords from January 2020 to February 2025. Thematic analysis of the resultant literature was conducted in line with the Braun and Clarke framework. (3) Results: The original search and analysis of the online databases returned 45 papers. Collectively these sources explore global perspectives on biomedical science education, training, and professional practice. These include the identification of core competencies that may contribute to the theory–practice gap for biomedical scientists, as well as educational interventions that aim to address them. The poor quality of existing research on simulation-based learning, mostly from academic settings, makes it challenging to apply the findings to professional practice. This limitation is primarily due to an overreliance on self-reported data and perceived learning gains rather than direct, objective evaluations of competence. Future studies should focus on objective, validated outcome measures and longitudinal follow-up to assess real-world impacts and learning transfer. (4) Conclusions: Simulation-based learning experiences have the potential to address aspects of the theory–practice gap for biomedical scientists, but the current evidence base reflects a lack of understanding regarding specific targets and strategies for its design, evaluation, and integration in this context. There is a need for more robust evidence that evaluates their impacts on readiness to practice. This need is hindered by a lack of research directly investigating the impact of simulation-based teaching and training interventions in clinical settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: E-cigarette use has increased substantially among university students in recent years, coinciding with a broader shift in nicotine consumption patterns globally. Despite initial perceptions of e-cigarettes as harm-reduction tools, growing evidence indicates significant health risks, misinformation, and limited awareness—especially within higher education environments. This structured literature review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on the health impacts, behavioral determinants, and the role of nursing in addressing e-cigarette use among university students. Methods: A literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, Dialnet) between February and March 2025. Eligible studies were published between January 2020 and January 2025 in English or Spanish. A total of 43 studies were included. Data were synthesized narratively, and methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Reviews Articles. Results: E-cigarette use among university students showed wide variability in prevalence, with higher rates among males, students in non-health disciplines, and users of disposable devices. Key behavioral and social determinants included peer influence, curiosity, stress management, and social media exposure. Despite documented health risks—such as nicotine dependence, respiratory and cardiovascular impairment, and mental health concerns—misconceptions about safety and cessation efficacy were common, even among health science students. Nursing-led interventions hold great potential for prevention but remain underdeveloped within university settings. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for evidence-based prevention strategies—particularly those led by nurses—to reduce e-cigarette use, bridge knowledge gaps, and mitigate associated health risks in higher education. Future efforts should prioritize institutional policy reinforcement, improved health communication, and the integration of vaping-related education into nursing curricula and public health campaigns targeting emerging adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: While dentistry plays a critical role in promoting oral health, it also contributes significantly to environmental degradation through high energy consumption, water usage, and reliance on disposable, non-recyclable materials. Periodontology, in particular, involves resource-intensive procedures such as full-mouth disinfection, frequent surgical interventions, and aerosol-generating instrumentation. The aim of the present narrative review is to synthesize current knowledge and delineate feasible, evidence-informed strategies to operationalize sustainability across the full spectrum of periodontal treatment settings. Methods: The electronic search of the present narrative review was performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, BioMed Central, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. Results: The review identified actionable sustainability strategies across pre-workplace (e.g., eco-conscious procurement and transport reduction), workplace (e.g., energy- and water-saving technologies, digital workflows, and pollution control), and waste management (e.g., reuse protocols, recycling, and sustainable material selection). Particular emphasis was placed on the role of dental education, life cycle assessments, and digital innovations. Conclusions: The transition toward sustainable periodontology requires the adoption of evidence-based practices and leveraging digital innovation to reduce the environmental impact while maintaining high standards of care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leadership in physical education plays a critical role in the holistic development of students, influencing variables such as satisfaction, group cohesion, and performance. Despite the abundance of cross-sectional studies, there is a paucity of longitudinal evidence exploring the temporal stability of these perceptions in adolescent populations, which limits the current understanding of leadership development in educational settings. This longitudinal study investigates how secondary and high school students perceive and prefer different leadership styles in PE and how these relate to gender, academic level, and sport participation, grounded in the multidimensional leadership model. The analysis is further contextualized by recent research emphasizing adaptive, evidence-based pedagogical approaches in physical education, the influence of competitive environments on leadership expectations, and the role of emotional support in training contexts. Methods: Using validated questionnaires (LSS-1 and LSS-2), five dimensions were assessed: Training and Instruction, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, Social Support, and positive feedback, considering variables such as gender, academic level, and extracurricular sport participation. Data were collected at two time points over a 12-month interval, enabling the identification of temporal patterns in students’ perceptions and preferences. Sampling procedures were clearly defined to enhance transparency and potential replicability, and the choice of a convenience sample from two private schools was justified by accessibility and continuity in longitudinal tracking. Although no a priori power analysis was conducted, the sample size (n = 370) was deemed adequate for the non-parametric analyses employed, with an estimated statistical power ≥ 0.80 for medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.3–0.5). Results: The results revealed a marked preference for leadership styles emphasizing social support and positive feedback, particularly among students engaged in sports. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified based on gender and academic maturity, with female students favoring democratic behavior and students in the fourth year of compulsory secondary education showing a stronger inclination toward styles prioritizing emotional support. Trends toward statistical significance (p < 0.10) were also reported, following precedents in the sport psychology and sport sciences literature, as they provide potentially relevant indications for future research directions. The congruence between perceived and preferred leadership emerged as a key factor in student satisfaction, confirming that adaptive leadership enhances students’ learning experiences and overall well-being. However, this satisfaction was inferred from congruence measures, rather than directly assessed, representing a key methodological limitation. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of physical education teachers tailoring their leadership styles to the individual and group characteristics of their students. The findings align with methodological approaches used in preference hierarchy analyses in sport contexts and support calls for individualized pedagogical strategies observed in sports medicine and training research. By providing longitudinal evidence on leadership perception stability and integrating recent cross-disciplinary findings, the study makes an original contribution to bridging the gap between educational theory and practice. The results address a gap in the literature concerning the temporal stability of leadership perceptions among adolescents, offering a theoretically grounded basis for future research and the design of pedagogical innovations in PE. Full article

Understanding the spatial distribution and socio-cultural perceptions of threatened raptors is essential for evidence-based conservation in biodiverse yet understudied regions such as Nigeria. This study combines species distribution modelling with community-based surveys to explore the ecological and human dimensions influencing raptor conservation. To investigate the influence of anthropogenic pressures on threatened raptors’ reporting rates, we modelled the relationship between the reporting rate (RR) and two key predictors: the Human Footprint Index and population density. Concurrently, 318 questionnaires were administered across multiple sites to assess public perceptions and attitudes toward raptors. Results indicate that there was a notable reduction in the RR of threatened raptor species with an increase in population density (Estimate = −0.085, SE = 0.028, t = −3.056, p = 0.002). In socio-cultural analyses, sentiment analysis revealed that more than 60% of respondents with higher knowledge of raptors often held more negative perceptions, typically associated with poultry predation and cultural beliefs. In contrast, individuals with limited knowledge frequently exhibited more positive (50%) attitudes. Interestingly, areas with high raptor abundance were associated with more negative community perceptions, suggesting that human–wildlife conflict plays a significant role in shaping attitudes. These findings highlight the complexity of human–raptor interactions and the need for conservation strategies that extend beyond formal protected areas. We advocate for an integrated approach that combines ecological modelling with culturally sensitive education and community-based interventions to foster coexistence and support raptor conservation in Nigeria and similar socio-ecological landscapes. Full article