Search Results (12,000)

Introduction: Social sustainability is deeply connected to the well-being of marginalized groups, and it is important to highlight how mental health impacts the social inclusion of homeless individuals, particularly veterans. Homelessness is a growing global issue, disproportionately affecting U.S. veterans, with mental health challenges playing a significant role in its onset and perpetuation. Purpose: This study aims to compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of homeless veterans and non-veterans in the U.S. Method: Using public data (N = 6295), this quantitative study applies descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results: Homeless veterans are more likely than non-veterans to be older, male, and identify as Caucasian or African American. They are more frequently high school graduates or have higher education, and report being divorced, widowed, married, or in varied employment statuses (full-time, part-time, or unemployed). Veterans exhibit higher rates of severe mental illnesses, schizophrenia, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance or alcohol use disorders. However, they are less likely than non-veterans to report substance-induced disorders, intoxication, dependence, or abuse involving cocaine, cannabis, opioids, and other substances. Conclusions: Psychosocial interventions for homeless veterans should prioritize mental health-related concerns, whereas efforts for homeless non-veterans should focus on addressing substance use. Future research should develop tailored interventions, explore the sociodemographic factors influencing homelessness, and investigate the interplay between trauma, mental health, and substance use. Addressing these issues can contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society by providing long-term support and integration opportunities for those most affected. The novelty of this study lies in distinguishing between mental health issues prevalent in veterans and substance use disorders more common in non-veterans, offering insights for tailored interventions. It also connects these findings to social sustainability, suggesting that addressing these issues can promote a more inclusive and resilient society. Full article

#MeToo furthered the debates about sexual harassment in academia in different contexts and locations. In Portugal, two moments drove the media debates around sexual harassment in higher education. Specifically, the allegations that emerged at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon (FDUL) in 2022, and the case related to the Centre for Social Studies (CES) of the University of Coimbra in 2023. This study aimed to investigate the media coverage of these cases and their respective contributions to the national debate on sexual harassment in academia. We analysed the opinion articles published online between April 2022 and June 2023 in five Portuguese newspapers, Diário de Notícias, Jornal de Notícias, Público, Expresso, Observador, and Correio da Manhã, conducting a comparative analysis of the two cases. Sexual harassment was broadly discussed as an endemic reality, exacerbated by the precariousness and gendered hierarchical structures of academia. At the same time, there was a tendency to personalize the debate, by focusing on Boaventura Sousa Santos, CES’s emeritus director. This served as a basis for the instrumentalization of sexual violence as a form of political attack against the left, thus weakening the potential of the debates about sexual and moral harassment in academia. Full article

This paper examines the impact of transport infrastructure on the economic development of regions, with an emphasis on sustainable development. Econometric models were used for the analysis, including generalized models and models with fixed and random effects. An assessment of factors such as the number of cars and the inflow of foreign direct investment showed their significant positive impact on the GRP per capita. At the same time, the consumer price index and the number of buses showed a negative impact. The best results in considering the specifics of the regions were obtained when using models with fixed effects. The results of the study highlight the key role of transport infrastructure for economic growth and highlight the importance of integrating sustainable development principles into the planning and development of transport systems. Sustainable development requires increasing economic activity and minimizing negative environmental impacts and ensuring social justice. Embedding sustainability principles in transport planning is expected to contribute to the creation of balanced and environmentally friendly infrastructure solutions that will ensure long-term prosperity. The models developed in the study can become the basis for the development of recommendations for improving transport systems aimed at maintaining sustainable economic growth and environmental stability. Full article

Influenza poses a significant public health threat, causing millions of severe cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Vaccination remains the most effective measure to reduce transmission, complications, and the strain on healthcare systems. Despite its importance, vaccination uptake remains suboptimal among college students, a key population for infectious disease transmission and a target group for public health interventions. The primary objective of this study was to examine the psychological and contextual determinants of influenza vaccination among college students in Israel, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the guiding framework. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 591 students at Ashkelon Academic College between April and May 2023. The questionnaire included validated items assessing attitudes toward vaccination, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and vaccination history. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to assess the predictive power of these variables in explaining actual vaccination behavior. The results indicated that prior vaccination was the strongest predictor of current influenza vaccine uptake (OR = 38.7, p < 0.001). Positive attitudes (e.g., belief in vaccine protection), strong social influences (e.g., parental vaccination behavior and trust in healthcare professionals), and high perceived behavioral control (e.g., accessibility and convenience) were all significantly associated with increased vaccination likelihood. The final model explained 68% of the variance in vaccination behavior (Nagelkerke R² = 0.68, p < 0.001). These findings affirm the TPB as a robust framework for understanding vaccination behavior and underscore the importance of habitual vaccination, public trust, and systemic accessibility. The study contributes to the field by illustrating how national healthcare infrastructure interacts with individual-level beliefs to shape preventive health actions. Practical applications include the development of targeted interventions to promote first-time vaccination, address vaccine safety concerns, and leverage trusted social networks. Future research should investigate how digital communication, policy variation, and sociocultural context influence the components of the TPB across diverse populations. Full article

Time availability has been recognized as a social determinant of health. However, the association between time poverty and smoking behavior remains to be fully investigated. The aim of this current study was to examine the association between time poverty and smoking behavior by gender, marital status, and childrearing status, which differentially affect time resource availability. We used data from a population-based survey in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. Participants were men and women aged 25–50 years (N = 2500). Time poverty was defined as a shortage of preferred leisure time compared to actual scheduled leisure time. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted, and stratified by gender. The study revealed that time poverty may relate to the prevalence of current smoking among single mothers with preschool-age children. However, this trend was not found for men. The findings suggest that time poverty may be heterogeneously associated with smoking propensity depending on gender-bound social roles and resources, which deserves further research for targeting appropriate interventions for health equity. Full article

Background: “Chemsex” involves the intake of a range of drugs (e.g., synthetic cathinones, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL), ketamine, methamphetamine, “poppers”, type V phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, MDMA/ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and occasionally a few other molecules as well, to enhance and prolong sexual experiences. This paper aims to provide an overview of the clinical pharmacology of the vast range of drugs that are being used for chemsex with a focus on both the medical and psychopathological disturbances that they can produce. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 273 papers published up to January 2025 were screened; articles were selected based on relevance to chemsex/sexualized used behaviour and related substances. Both human and preclinical studies were considered. Results: The use of stimulants is likely related to the need to increase as much as possible both sexual arousal and performance but also to increase social interactions. Furthermore, the empathogenic/entactogenic activities of some MDMA-like “love drugs” facilitate the occurrence of “feeling closer/more intimate” emotional sensations, and GHB/GBL may provide the user with a subjective sensation of disinhibition, hence facilitating condomless meetings with a higher number of random partners. Conversely, ketamine may be used to both enjoy its psychotropic dissociative characteristics and facilitate the potentially painful receptive anal intercourse and/or fisting experiences. Most typically, these drugs are consumed in combination, with polydrug exposure possibly facilitating the occurrence of serotonergic syndrome, seizures, drug–drug pharmacokinetics’ interaction, and sympathomimetic overstimulation. Following these polydrug exposures, a range of psychopathological conditions have at times been reported. These issues may lead to misuse of opiates/opioids, gabapentinoids, and/or antipsychotics. Conclusions: Further actions should aim at reducing the stigma that prevents individuals from accessing necessary healthcare and support services. A multidisciplinary approach that combines medical, psychological, and social support remains key to managing the complex challenges posed by chemsex-related drug use. Full article

With the gradual application of blockchain technology in the domain of Social Internet of Vehicles (SIoV), the increasing volume of blockchain data has imposed significant storage pressure on roadside units (RSUs). Collaborative storage schemes, which organize RSUs into clusters to jointly store content for vehicles, have been explored. However, existing collaborative storage solutions in IoV primarily focus on caching content and are not well-suited to the deployment constraints of blockchain networks. Building on blockchain’s decentralized characteristics and data integrity mechanisms, this paper proposes a collaborative storage scheme that reduces RSU storage loads while sustaining distributed ledger operations in SIoV. Specifically, the RSU Access Preference-based Spectral Clustering Algorithm (RAPSCA) is proposed to address RSU clustering by analyzing both the RSUs’ access preferences for blockchain data and their resource availability. Subsequently, the Vehicle Service Priority-based Greedy Block Allocation Algorithm (VSPGBAA) is devised for intra-cluster storage allocation, which considers vehicles’ dwell times and block access probabilities to reduce overall access costs. Experimental results indicate that, compared to baseline algorithms, the proposed method achieves a 27.7% reduction in cost and a 3.5-fold decrease in execution time, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of collaborative storage optimization in blockchain-enabled SIoV. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a sensitive period of development marked by significant changes. The quality of life (QoL) of adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD) can be substantially impacted by the disease. The chronic nature of AD is particularly significant: due to recurring (relapsing) skin lesions, adolescents are likely exposed to greater stress and depressive symptoms than those experiencing transient or one-time symptoms. Aesthetic and functional AD skin lesions during adolescence lead to reduced happiness, high stress and depression. Methods: In this review, we wanted to present the current knowledge on mental health, psychological features and psychiatric comorbidity of adolescents with AD, based on the previous studies/research on this topic presented in the PubMed database. Results: Previous studies have confirmed that sleep disturbances, behavioral disorders, internalizing profiles, depression and anxiety, stress symptoms and suicidality represent the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities and psychological features in adolescents with AD. According to research data, adolescents with AD also reported a tendency toward feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts and attempts. The relationship between sleep disturbances, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality in adolescents with AD is complex and multifaceted. Conclusions: Adequate social competencies are essential for healthy mental development, as their impairments may be associated with psychological alterations or psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence that potentially persist into adulthood. These findings highlight the need for continuous psychological evaluation and the implementation of intervention programs from an early age. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, accompanied by psychopharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (when indicated), seem to be the most beneficial treatment options in AD patients who have the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities: depression and anxiety. Full article

Nearly 50% of single homeless adults are over the age of 50, and adults aged 50 years and older are the fastest growing subpopulation of the homeless in the U.S. This subpopulation has unique mobility needs and barriers to transportation. We used rapid ethnographic assessments to explore the practices, needs, perceptions, and values of unhoused older adults in relation to their efforts to access and navigate health and social services via public transit. We conducted 23 observations of 12 participants as they navigated public transit to meet their travel needs. Our data consist of 65 h of observations with field notes, walking interviews, and travel diaries. Two themes—waiting and friction—encompassed participants’ experiences of mobility and their ongoing negotiations that involved time, space, individual ability, and interpersonal interactions within their environmental context. For this population, attainment of housing and improved health and well-being is contingent on access to reliable transportation—a condition that is not met in many communities. For the participants in our study, the physical demands of accessing public transit combined with the cognitive load of interpreting multi-step directions in specific time schedules were often insurmountable. The public transit system was often hostile, such that participants were stigmatized and segregated. Professionals who work with older homeless individuals must consider the capacity of their clients to successfully navigate public transit, and policymakers should consider the transit needs of their entire population when designing transit systems. Full article

The aesthetics of clear aligners is a critical factor that can influence patient satisfaction and psychological and social well-being. However, their transparency can be compromised by exposure to staining agents. This study aimed to evaluate the color stability of PET-G aligners following prolonged exposure to common daily substances, including food, tobacco products, and cleaning agents. Flat samples of PET-G (n = 220) were immersed in various solutions, including coffee, tea, Coca-Cola, red wine, a colloidal silver-based disinfectant, nicotine, artificial saliva, cigarette smoke, and mixtures of saliva with smooth, coffee, and nicotine. Immersion times of 10 (n = 110) and 15 days (n = 110) were randomly assigned. Colorimetric assessments were conducted by measuring L*a*b* parameters before and after immersion, and total color change (ΔE) was calculated. Non-parametric statistical tests revealed significant color changes in PET-G samples after both immersion durations, with pairwise comparisons indicating notable differences in ΔE values among groups exposed to different substances, particularly coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola. The findings highlight the psychological and social impact of aligner staining on patient confidence and compliance. Understanding these effects highlights the need for enhanced patient education to improve aligner aesthetics and satisfaction. Full article

Introduction: Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) face factors that cause anxiety, fear, pain, depression, and adverse health behaviors. This qualitative study aims to determine patients’ experiences when transferred from the ICU to the ward. Methods: Thirteen individuals who were transferred from the ICU to the ward were included in this study. Interviews were conducted using a face-to-face method in the patient’s room. The interviews were recorded with a voice recorder with the consent of the patients. Codes, categories, and themes were created, and content analysis and descriptive analysis were carried out after the audio recordings were converted into text. Results: Patients reported receiving adequate physical and personal care in the ICU and were satisfied with its continuity. They felt safe due to the close attention of healthcare professionals and continuous treatment. Although they received psychological and social support from nurses, they were negatively affected by constant lights, patient noises, and nursing conversations. Patients experienced anxiety about not knowing the health status and time of day, about their relatives, their homes, and other critically ill patients in intensive care. Some patients reported fear of not being able to leave the intensive care unit, relapse, disability, or death. Patients reported pain due to the cold environment, lighting, probes, drains, and positioning. Patients suggested that healthcare personnel communicate better with them, have a clock they can see, reduce noise, and have caregivers of the same gender. They emphasized the need for moral support. Conclusions: Constant light in the intensive care unit, sounds from other patients, nurses talking among themselves, not being able to see their relatives, not knowing what time of day it is, and wondering caused anxiety in the patients. It was determined that patients experienced pain due to catheter, drain, aspiration procedures, cold environment, and position in bed. Notably, patients reported that they needed moral support and wanted to receive care from caregivers of the same gender. Full article

Floods resulting from dam failures are highly destructive, characterized by intense impact forces, widespread inundation, and rapid flow velocities, all of which pose significant threats to public safety and social stability in downstream regions. To improve evacuation efficiency during such emergencies, it is essential to study flood evacuation route planning. This study aimed to minimize evacuation time and reduce risks to personnel by considering the dynamic evolution of dam-break floods. Using aerial photography from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the downstream road network of a reservoir was mapped. A coupled flood–road network coupling model was then developed by integrating flood propagation data with road network information. This model optimized evacuation route planning by combining the dynamic evolution of flood hazards with real-time road network data. Based on this model, a flood evacuation route planning method was proposed using Dijkstra’s algorithm. This methodology was validated through a case study of the Shanmei Reservoir in Fujian, China. The results demonstrated that the maximum flood level reached 18.65 m near Xiatou Village, and the highest flow velocity was 22.18 m/s near the Shanmei Reservoir. Furthermore, evacuation plans were developed for eight affected locations downstream of the Shanmei Reservoir, with a total of 13 evacuation routes. These strategies and routes resulted in a significant reduction in evacuation time and minimized the risks to evacuees. The life-loss risk was minimized in the evacuation process, and all evacuees were able to reach safe locations. These findings confirmed that the proposed method, which integrated flood dynamics with road network information, ensured the safety and effectiveness of evacuation routes. This approach met the critical needs of emergency management by providing timely and secure evacuation paths in the event of dam failure. Full article

Background and Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of deficits across cognitive, sensory, motor, emotional, language, and social domains, which can significantly hinder daily functioning and social interactions. This study explores the differences in brain activity between children with ASD and typically developing peers, focusing on their responses to face and face pareidolia stimuli. Materials and Methods: A group comprising ten typically developing children (four males, six females), aged between 6 and 16 years, alongside eleven children diagnosed with ASD (three males, eight females), whose ages ranged from 6 to 15 years, were engaged in the pilot study. We recorded brain electrical activity using electroencephalography (EEG) while participants viewed images of face and face pareidolia images. Following face and pareidolia stimulus presentation, delta and theta powers in the 0.5–4 Hz and 4–6 Hz frequency ranges and within the 140–190 ms time window were analyzed for both typically developing children and children with ASD. Results: The research result reveals that children with ASD show lower amplitude and delayed latency in their EEG responses, particularly in the theta and delta frequency bands, when processing images that evoke face pareidolia. Conclusions: The findings suggest that while children with ASD face challenges in recognizing faces, they may still possess some perceptual abilities that could be harnessed for therapeutic interventions. Moreover, this research highlights the potential of the face pareidolia paradigm to provide insights that could inform future strategies aimed at enhancing social attention and interaction skills in children with ASD. Despite the limitations of the current sample size, this study provides a valuable foundation for future investigations. Expanding the participant pool will be crucial for confirming and generalizing these findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Caregivers play a central role in supporting patients in palliative care but often face significant challenges to their physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Family doctors are uniquely positioned to help alleviate this burden through early identification, targeted interventions, and coordinated care. This scoping review analyzed existing literature on caregiver burden in palliative care to explore the specific role of family doctors in identifying, preventing, and reducing this burden. Methods: A scoping review was carried out following the methodology set out by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The following databases were searched: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the British Medical Journal. The search strategy was based on the use of the following keywords and Medical Subject Headings: “caregiver burden” AND “palliative care” AND (“family physician” OR “general practitioners” OR “primary care physicians”). The search was performed on 10 March 2024, with a time horizon between 2013 and 2023. Results: From 259 identified articles, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Key themes included factors influencing caregiver burden, strategies used by family doctors to mitigate it, and challenges in providing support. Family doctors play a crucial role in offering psychological support, educating caregivers on disease progression, and coordinating multidisciplinary care. Conclusions: The active involvement of family doctors significantly reduces caregiver burden by addressing emotional distress, improving communication, and ensuring care coordination. Key interventions include early distress screening, tailored education, and access to multidisciplinary networks. Strengthening their integration in palliative care teams is essential for optimizing patient and caregiver outcomes. Full article

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