Search Results (1,476)

With the acceleration of the aging process in China, chronic diseases have become one of the main health threats for older adults, creating significant pressure on society and the healthcare system. As information technology and artificial intelligence advance rapidly, smart health services have become readily accessible. However, utilization rates among the older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses, remain low, preventing them from fully benefiting from these advanced technologies. The value of mobile health (mHealth) services can only be realized through sustained use. Therefore, this study empirically investigates the continuous use intention of mHealth services from the perspective of older adults with chronic illnesses, integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM). A total of 372 questionnaires were collected from various cities in China, and data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that perceived ease of use (β = 0.155, p = 0.004; β = 0.116, p = 0.027) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.175, p = 0.001; β = 0.151, p = 0.004) have a significant positive impact on attitude and perceived value. Perceived enjoyment significantly influences attitude (β = 0.147, p = 0.010), while perceived risk (β = −0.189, p < 0.001; β = −0.281, p < 0.001) and perceived cost (β = −0.155, p = 0.003; β = −0.130, p = 0.022) have a significant negative impact on attitude and perceived value. Both attitude (β = 0.357, p < 0.001) and perceived value (β = 0.314, p < 0.001) positively impact continuous intention. In total, only one of the twelve hypotheses was not supported. This study not only provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of the integrated TAM and VAM model in the mHealth field but also offers theoretical insights and practical recommendations for product optimization and promotion to mHealth service providers and designers. Full article

Purpose: This paper suggests strategies for professionals’ continuous development in healthcare institutions to ensure quality and sustainable healthcare delivery in a cost-effective way. Background: Healthcare services are increasingly becoming expensive, and receiving quality service is often difficult. This plunges practices and healthcare institutions into the sphere of the population’s mistrust. They believe in the degradation of quality due to individual experiences, with the direct corollary of reduction in life expectancy in some areas. We therefore propose strategies for enhancing the quality of those individuals for a sustainable healthcare delivery in an emerging market economy, based on the case in South Africa. Method: Cost-effectiveness analysis is chosen for the purpose of non-monetary analysis, and we make use of the qualitative methodology to explore, in detail, the need of strategies to improve healthcare delivery. Results: We propose a suitable digital ecosystem for the professionals’ development, and we evaluate the proposed methodology and the challenges that come from its realization. Conclusions: We find that the application of these strategies yields efficiency and quality, which, when applied continuously, yields sustainability. Full article

Face masks are essential pieces of personal protective equipment for preventing inhalation of airborne pathogens and aerosols. Various face masks are used to prevent the spread of virus contamination, including blue surgical and N95 filtering masks intended for single use. Traditional face masks with self-sanitisation features have an average filtration efficiency of 50% against airborne viruses. Incorporating nanomaterials in face masks can enhance their filtration efficiency; however, using nanomaterials combined with thermal heaters can offer up to 99% efficiency. Bacterial contamination is reduced through a self-sterilisation method that employs nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties and thermoregulation as a sanitisation process. By combining functional nanomaterials with conductive and functional polymeric materials, smart textiles can sense and act on airborne viruses. This research evaluates the evidence behind the effectiveness of nanomaterials and thermoregulation-based smart textiles used in self-sanitising face masks, as well as their potential, as they overcome the shortcomings of conventional face masks. It also highlights the challenges associated with embedding textiles within nanomaterials. Finally, it makes recommendations regarding safety, reusability, and enhancing the protection of the wearer from the environment and underscores the benefits of reusable masks, which would otherwise pollute the environment. These self-sanitising face masks are environmentally sustainable and ideal for healthcare, the food industry, packaging, and manufacturing. Full article

Air pollution caused by fine particles known as PM2.5 is a significant health concern worldwide, contributing to illnesses like asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer. To address this issue, this study focused on improving air purification systems using negative ions, which can attach to these harmful particles and help remove them from the air. This paper developed a novel mathematical model based on linear differential equations to study how PM2.5 particles interact with negative ions, making it easier to design more effective purification systems. The proposed model was validated in a small, controlled space, using common urban pollutants such as cigarette smoke, incense, coal, and gasoline. These tests were conducted at different temperatures and under two levels of ion generation. The results showed that the system could remove over 99% of PM2.5 particles in five minutes when temperatures were low or moderate. However, at higher temperatures, the system’s performance dropped significantly. This research goes beyond earlier studies by examining how temperature affects the process, which had not been fully explored before. Furthermore, this approach aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting public health, reducing healthcare costs, and providing scalable solutions for sustainable urban living. Full article

This article focuses on enhancing the quality of training in nursing and midwifery specialties through the application of innovative technologies in education. The widespread integration of innovations into the education process creates expanding opportunities for the implementation of modern, sustainable, and technology-supported training methods. An innovative training system for nurses and midwives was developed and implemented over one academic year. The system incorporated educational video materials, serious games, problem-solving activities, and more. Additionally, the study explored the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance training effectiveness. Participants in the educational experiment were divided into an experimental group (who received additional training through innovative methods) and a control group (who underwent traditional training). Both groups underwent pre-tests and post-tests to evaluate their practical skills in injection techniques. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the acquisition of patient care skills when modern interactive technologies were integrated into the training process. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of the obtained results. This research provides foundational methodological guidelines for researchers, educators, and curriculum developers interested in incorporating innovative interactive technologies into healthcare education. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the multivariate relationships between variables related to burnout and job stress in healthcare workers, evaluating whether the relationships between these dimensions, the variables related to personal factors (age, seniority of service), and work–family balance factors (overwork related to unused vacation days and accumulated overtime hours) change when the worker is engaged in double-caregiving activities. Indeed, the twofold activities of home caregiving and caring at work might expose workers to challenging situations. To accomplish our aim, we carried out network analyses on data from 466 workers (77.90% females). Participants completed the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) and the Job Satisfaction Scale (OSI). Contrary to expectations, the variables related to work–life balance played a marginal role with respect to job satisfaction and burnout risk for the whole sample. In addition, no significant differences emerged between workers who reported dual-caregiving tasks compared with those who did not. However, some peculiar aspects of the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction emerged in the two subsamples. The results enable an understanding of the interactions among the assessed variables and allow hypothesizing interventions for the sustainability of the work–life balance in healthcare workers with dual-care tasks. Full article

This paper presents a proposed circular economy (CE) model for hospital bio-waste management, using Athens as a case study to demonstrate its applicability in urban environments. The model incorporates waste segregation at the source, resource recovery methods such as composting and anaerobic digestion, and data-driven tools to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare waste management. The study investigates the transition from linear to CE practices, focusing on structured collection strategies, collaborative efforts between hospitals and municipal authorities, and continuous tracking of waste flows. A comprehensive analysis of bio-waste volumes from participating hospitals over a three-year period is conducted, utilizing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools such as TOPSIS to evaluate the system’s effectiveness. The results indicate a significant increase in hospital participation, improved waste separation, and optimized resource recovery, offering a scalable framework for other municipalities seeking to implement CE-based waste management practices in healthcare settings. Full article

Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) is critical for public health and environmental sustainability. However, healthcare facilities face significant barriers to implementing sustainable HCWM practices, particularly in developing regions. Identifying and prioritizing these barriers is essential to developing practical solutions. This study aims to identify and rank barriers to sustainable HCWM using an integrated methodology. It seeks to provide actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare administrators to improve HCWM practices. The study employed a multi-method approach, combining a comprehensive literature review, expert consultations, and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). The literature review identified 17 potential barriers across economic, social, technical, and regulatory dimensions. Eight experts from diverse sectors evaluated these barriers based on ten criteria. GRA was used to rank the barriers, and sensitivity analysis assessed the robustness of the rankings under varying parameters. The findings revealed that the most critical barriers include the lack of standardized guidelines and protocols, ineffective waste segregation, awareness and knowledge gaps, and inadequate training. Financial constraints and disposal infrastructure also ranked highly, highlighting systemic challenges in HCWM. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that these rankings remained stable across varying conditions, affirming the robustness of the results. Addressing the prioritized barriers—mainly through policy standardization, enhanced training programs, and improved resource allocation—can significantly improve HCWM practices. This study underscores the need for a holistic approach integrating technical, social, and regulatory interventions to enhance sustainability in healthcare waste management. Full article

Seaweeds are one of the major marine foods with high values. The diversity of seaweed species significantly impacts their quality and is closely linked to their purity and safety. For the first time, this study established a model to discriminate seaweed species using a multi-element fingerprinting approach for species identification. Twenty-nine elements derived from seaweeds were analyzed. Chemometrics showed that seaweed samples could be well separated by the established multi-element fingerprints, of which Ag, Mn, Sr, and K were the most important variables for discrimination. Furthermore, the present study proposed an innovative risk–benefit assessment strategy for seaweeds that considers both risks and benefits, developing a novel risk–benefit assessment model from both dietary and medicinal perspectives for the first time. Our innovative strategy was well-conceived to accurately and effectively differentiate seaweeds based on species and scientifically evaluate both benefits and risks associated with seaweeds. This strategy is poised to offer invaluable insights into the sustainable growth of the seaweed sector and to bolster public health initiatives, ensuring a robust and forward-looking approach to both industry and healthcare advancements. Full article

Plasma-treated water (PTW) recently entered science as a sanitizing agent, which possess the capability for on-demand production. It offers interesting possibilities for sustainable and resource-saving applications in healthcare and food production. The present study monitors the impact of PTW on suspended cells before the biofilm formation of the putrefactive bacterium B. subtilis. Light and electron microscope imaging captures the maturing of growing biofilms within the first 24 h. Microbiological assays (proliferation, LIVE/DEAD, and XTT), which mirror the proliferation of the bacterium, the metabolic activity, and the integrity of the cell membrane, underpinning the metabolic response of still-suspended cells. B. subtilis cells without any treatment build up a resistive biofilm within the 24 h. Cells that remain in the supernatant predominantly appear as monomers or dimers. Treated B. subtilis cells have hampered biofilm formation and were not able to build up a confluent growing biofilm within the first 24 h. Moreover, the microscopic observation of PTW-treated suspension showed cellular aggregates with an unusually high connectivity of the individual cells. The findings suggest this cellular reaction as a counter measure against the adverse impact of PTW treatment. The experiments show the adverse impact of PTW on B. subtilis–biofilm formation and the phenomenological reaction of B. subtilis. Full article

This article analyzes the service distribution imbalance within the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ) and its impact on urban mobility, aiming to propose strategies for more equitable territorial planning. The data were gathered from sources such as the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and OpenStreetMap. These data were integrated with GIS tools to model patterns of accessibility and mobility. Through a comprehensive approach, the study assessed education, banking services, employment, and healthcare, identifying how inequitable access to these services drives increased travel demand, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. In the education field, over 500 neighborhoods faced a shortage of institutions, compelling students to commute to other neighborhoods. For financial services, only 67% of neighborhoods had adequate access, with disparities across different socioeconomic zones. Additionally, employment-related mobility posed another challenge, with 88% of workers commuting outside their residential parish. Finally, access to healthcare was also unequal across the DMQ, particularly in peripheral areas where residents must travel long distances. In this context, it can be concluded that more efficient urban planning in the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ) is crucial to address imbalances in the distribution of services and enhance quality of life. Proposed strategies include establishing a land reserve, decentralizing services to underserved areas, integrating smart technologies, and promoting incentives for remote work, sustainable mobility, and public transport. These actions aim to foster greater territorial equity and accessibility. Full article

Nurses are frontline caregivers who handle heavy workloads and high-stakes activities. They face several mental health issues, including stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. The welfare of nurses and the standard of patient treatment depends on resolving this problem. Artificial intelligence is revolutionising healthcare, and its integration provides many possibilities in addressing these concerns. This review examines literature published over the past 40 years, concentrating on AI integration in nursing for mental health support, improved patient care, and ethical issues. Using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, a thorough search was conducted with Boolean operators, narrowing results for relevance. Critically examined were publications on artificial intelligence applications in patient care ethics, mental health, and nursing and mental health. The literature examination revealed that, by automating repetitive chores and improving workload management, artificial intelligence (AI) can relieve mental health challenges faced by nurses and improve patient care. Practical implications highlight the requirement of using rigorous implementation strategies that address ethical issues, data privacy, and human-centred decision-making. All changes must direct the integration of artificial intelligence in nursing to guarantee its sustained and significant influence on healthcare. Full article

Background: The relationship between malaria/other febrile infections and anaemia among under-5 children is a subject of significant policy relevance among African health policy makers. The international significance of addressing anaemia is prominently underscored in the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This paper therefore analysed the effect of malaria/other febrile infections and other maternal and child’s demographic variables on the prevalence of anaemia in Niger. Methods: We utilized the under-5 children’s module of the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) for 2021, which was collected from women of reproductive age (15–49) in selected households. The data were analysed with heteroscedasticity-consistent ordered probit regression model. Results: The results showed that 73.73% of the children was anaemic, while malaria and other febrile infections were present in 14.00% and 33.87%, respectively. Anaemia was highest in the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, where 84.12% and 79.12% of the children were anaemic. The ordered probit regression revealed that anaemia was promoted by malaria, other febrile infections, being a male child, second of multiple birth, and birth order, while wealth index, age, urban residence, and access to newspaper and television reduced it. Conclusions: Anaemia remains a major public health problem among under-5 children in Niger. A comprehensive healthcare intervention to address the problem should consider regional, sectoral, and gender differences in the incidences, with drastic efforts towards prevention of malaria and other fever-inducing illnesses. In addition, interventions to promote households’ economic status, reduce maternal fertility, and facilitate preventive practices through nutrition enhancement and health-related media programs hold some promise. Full article

Medicinal plants have long played a crucial role in healthcare systems, but limited genomic information on these species has impeded the integration of modern biological technologies into medicinal plant research. In this study, we selected nine common medicinal plants, each belonging to a different plant family, including Sarcandra glabra (Chloranthaceae), Nekemias grossedentata (Vitaceae), Uraria crinita (Fabaceae), Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Cucurbitaceae), Reynoutria japonica (Polygonaceae), Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Caryophyllaceae), Morinda officinalis (Rubiaceae), Vitex rotundifolia (Lamiaceae), and Gynura formosana (Asteraceae), to estimate their genome sizes and conduct preliminary genomic surveys. The estimated genome sizes by flow cytometry were 3.66 Gb, 0.65 Gb, 0.58 Gb, 1.02 Gb, 3.96 Gb, 2.99 Gb, 0.43 Gb, 0.78 Gb, and 7.27 Gb, respectively. The genome sizes of M. officinalis, R. japonica, and G. pentaphyllum have been previously reported. Comparative analyses suggest that variations in genome size may arise due to differences in measurement methods and sample sources. Therefore, employing multiple approaches to assess genome size is necessary to provide more reliable information for further genomic research. Based on the genome survey, species with considerable genome size variation or polyploidy, such as G. pentaphyllum, should undergo a ploidy analysis in conjunction with population genomics studies to elucidate the development of the diversified genome size. Additionally, a genome survey of U. crinita, a medicinal plant with a relatively small genome size (509.08 Mb) and of considerable interest in southern China, revealed a low heterozygosity rate (0.382%) and moderate repeat content (51.24%). Given the limited research costs, this species represents a suitable candidate for further genomic studies on Leguminous medicinal plants characteristic of southern China. This foundational genomic information will serve as a critical reference for the sustainable development and utilization of these medicinal plants. Full article

Nanotechnology has revolutionised biomedical research, offering innovative healthcare solutions. Plant-based nanotechnology is emerging as a sustainable alternative, minimising environmental impacts and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This paper explores the potential of plant-derived nanoparticles (PNPs) in medicine, highlighting their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and eco-friendliness. PNPs, synthesised through green methods, have demonstrated promising applications in drug delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatments, and tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as a high surface area and bioactive components, enable improved drug delivery, targeting, and controlled release, reducing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy. Additionally, plant-derived compounds’ inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, retained within platinum nanoparticles (PNPs), present innovative opportunities for combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting wound healing. Despite their potential, challenges remain in standardising PNP synthesis, ensuring consistency, and scaling up production for industrial applications. This review emphasises the need for further research on PNP toxicity, biocompatibility, and regulatory frameworks to fully harness their capabilities in clinical and commercial applications. Plant-based nanotechnology represents a promising, greener alternative for advancing healthcare solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals. Full article