Geographic Barriers Research Articles

LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL INCLUSION: AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS ON INDIVIDUAL EMPOWERMENT PROCESSES

The area of lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important both collectively and individually and is a key success factor for personal and social development. Awareness of lifelong learning also strengthens the possibility of increasing personal income and at the same time enabling a better quality of life. All of this leads to an improvement not only on an individual level, but also for society as a whole. Although lack of equitable educational opportunities to individuals may result into social inequalities, which require targeted measures to deal with these issues. The main objective of this research is to explain the relationship between lifelong learning and social inclusion. By assessing educational access and opportunities, the study aims to examine the impacts of lifelong learning on individual empowerment processes, and thereby address social inequalities in educational opportunities. This research adopts a comprehensive study design, in which a detailed literature review analysis with case studies will be considered. Several academic books, peer-reviewed journals, and other formal publications will be used for literature review, while official reports may be used to derive case studies. The thematic coding and content analysis will be used to analyse key trends, insights, and challenges identified through gathered qualitative data. As a whole, lifelong learning can become a tool to promote social inclusion by offering equitable educational opportunities to all population groups. Barriers to educational opportunities, such as ineffective division of lifelong learning and traditional education, financial constraints, geographical barriers, and more focus on certain category of workers, must be addressed.

Harnessing the Power of Mobile Phone Technology: Screening and Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder With Smartphone Apps.

Integrating smartphone applications into screening and identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a promising and innovative frontier within healthcare. This forward-looking paper examines the current landscape of ASD screening apps, shedding light on their potential advantages and addressing and navigating significant challenges. One of the most compelling aspects of these apps lies in their potential to democratize access to ASD screening, effectively breaking down geographical barriers. By using the widespread availability of smartphones, these apps make it possible for individuals, caregivers, and healthcare providers to engage in early ASD screening from virtually anywhere. This accessibility is especially crucial in underserved areas or regions with limited access to specialized healthcare services. Moreover, these apps offer a degree of objectivity that traditional screening methods may need help to match. By relying on data-driven algorithms and machine learning, they can provide a more impartial assessment of a child's behavior, minimizing the potential for subjective bias. This objectivity, combined with the ability to monitor and assess a child's development over time, empowers caregivers with valuable insights into their child's progress. However, as with any technological advancement in healthcare, integrating smartphone apps for ASD screening is not without its share of ethical and privacy considerations. Ensuring informed consent is obtained, especially when collecting data from children, is complex and critical. Striking the right balance between collecting necessary data and protecting an individual's privacy requires careful thought and transparent communication. Additionally, the "digital divide" represents a challenge that needs to be acknowledged and addressed. Not all individuals and families have equal access to smartphones or the technological literacy required to use these apps effectively. This disparity in access must be considered when developing and implementing app-based screening solutions to prevent exacerbating existing healthcare inequalities. Nevertheless, the future of ASD screening apps holds significant promise. Advancements in technology, including integrating advanced sensors, wearables, augmented reality, and machine learning, can further enhance the accuracy and depth of screening. Interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, developers, clinicians, and educators is crucial to ensure that these apps are effective, culturally sensitive, and user-friendly. Furthermore, integrating these apps into broader healthcare systems, including electronic health records and telehealth platforms, can streamline the screening process and enable a more seamless transition from screening to diagnosis and intervention.

Configuration of a telerehabilitation system to deliver a comprehensive aphasia therapy program via telerehabilitation (TeleCHAT): A human-centred design approach

ABSTRACT The delivery of Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) via telerehabilitation is a potential solution to the ongoing geographical, transport, and mobility barriers that people with aphasia (PWA) face in accessing this service model. To ensure the ICAP retains its evidence-based elements, configuration of the telerehabilitation system requires consideration of user and therapy task requirements. The human-centred design (HCD) process incorporates user and task considerations when developing technological systems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use the HCD process to translate the Comprehensive High-dose Aphasia Therapy (CHAT) program for delivery via telerehabilitation (TeleCHAT). Methods The HCD translation process used consisted of five iterative stages. Relevant literature was reviewed, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experienced in delivering ICAPs were consulted to understand the therapy context. Researchers gathered therapy task and user requirements of PWA, support people (SP) and SLPs to engage in therapy. Technology that met user and therapy task requirements were identified and a preliminary technology configuration was tested in a simulated environment. The finalised system was tested in a pilot trial of TeleCHAT with a cohort of four PWA, two SPs, and two SLPs. Feedback and technical and user issues were collated from users and analysed to inform improvements to the TeleCHAT configuration and protocol. Results User and therapy task requirements to deliver TeleCHAT were identified with consideration of communication and participation supports for PWA. The configured technology system comprised of Zoom© as the videoconferencing platform of choice, and additional critical technical functions including screen and audio sharing of therapy content, and multi-point interaction using remote control and annotation tools. Simulation testing and a pilot trial of the configuration confirmed system operability and identified modifications to optimise functioning. Conclusion The HCD framework was used to successfully configure an optimal technology system for the delivery of TeleCHAT. The HCD framework can be used by clinicians to identify patient needs and configure optimal telerehabilitation systems for delivery of complex interventions.

Fostering Equity in Rural Education: a Literature Review on Student Dropout and Retention Strategies

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze the causes of student dropout in rural universities. The objective was to understand a complex phenomenon that represents a major obstacle to development and equal opportunities in the rural educational context. Theoretical framework: Different scientific publications were reviewed in all the academic platforms with the highest impact in the scientific field. This allowed the researchers to broaden their knowledge and, ultimately, to deepen their understanding of the subject studied in this work. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology of the study included a documentary review, with content analysis as the main strategy. The databases Scopus, Redalyc, SciELO Dialnet and Google Scholar were used, with specific inclusion criteria related to the period of publication, type of study, languages and availability in open format. Findings: The data found revealed that university dropout occurs due to various situations, such as individual and socioeconomic factors, geographic and access barriers, quality of education and available resources. In addition, cultural and social aspects, and sometimes the lack of empathy on the part of authorities, professors and peers, cause university dropouts. Social, practical and research implications: The study has important implications for understanding and reducing dropout in the rural university context, which will have implications for areas such as education, policy and social development. Originality/value: It is crucial that education policy makers and university institutions work in a coordinated manner to design comprehensive strategies tailored to the specific needs of each rural community. Continued research and analysis of the elements that influence dropout will identify new opportunities for improvement and ensure equitable access to higher education. This will contribute to the academic, professional and social development of rural students and strengthen the educational fabric of these regions. Taken together, these suggestions aim to strengthen student retention and provide equitable educational opportunities in rural areas, thus contributing to greater equality of opportunity and the integral development of these communities.

Teleanesthesia: The Possibilities in Clinical Practice

Teleanesthesia, an innovative approach in clinical practice, involves the remote delivery and management of anesthesia services. The present article delved into the myriad possibilities and benefits of teleanesthesia, highlighting its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. Leveraging videoconferencing and remote monitoring, teleanesthesia addresses geographical barriers, providing improved access to anesthesia services in remote areas while minimizing patient travel and associated costs. This approach offers heightened convenience and flexibility for both patients and providers. Despite these advantages, critical considerations must be considered, which include ensuring patient safety, addressing issues of equipment reliability and connectivity, and establishing standardized protocols. The present article emphasized the need to address patient attitudes and acceptance of teleanesthesia, along with ensuring equitable access and minimizing potential disparities in healthcare delivery. Collaboration emerges as a pivotal theme, emphasizing the importance of partnerships among anesthesiologists, telehealth providers, and technology companies. By fostering collaboration, the present article envisioned a future for teleanesthesia that went beyond its current capabilities, anticipating significant advancements in anesthesia practice and in patient care, and a transformative impact on the broader landscape of healthcare delivery. The integration of teleanesthesia holds the promise of reshaping traditional healthcare models and fostering a new era of accessible and patient-centric anesthesia services. Keywords: Teleanesthesia; Telemedicine; Anesthesia practice; Healthcare services

Delivering integrated strategies from a mobile unit to address the intertwining epidemics of HIV and addiction in people who inject drugs: the HPTN 094 randomized controlled trial protocol (the INTEGRA Study)

BackgroundPersons with opioid use disorders who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States (US) face multiple and intertwining health risks. These include interference with consistent access, linkage, and retention to health care including medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), HIV prevention using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most services, when available, including those that address substance misuse, HIV prevention, and STIs, are often provided in multiple locations that may be difficult to access, which further challenges sustained health for PWID. HPTN 094 (INTEGRA) is a study designed to test the efficacy of an integrated, “whole-person” strategy that provides integrated HIV prevention including antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, MOUD, and STI testing and treatment from a mobile health delivery unit (“mobile unit”) with peer navigation compared to peer navigation alone to access these services at brick and mortar locations.MethodsHPTN 094 (INTEGRA) is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial in 5 US cities where approximately 400 PWID without HIV are assigned either to an experimental condition that delivers 26 weeks of “one-stop” integrated health services combined with peer navigation and delivered in a mobile unit or to an active control condition using peer navigation only for 26 weeks to the same set of services delivered in community settings. The primary outcomes include being alive and retained in MOUD and PrEP at 26 weeks post-randomization. Secondary outcomes measure the durability of intervention effects at 52 weeks following randomization.DiscussionThis trial responds to a need for evidence on using a “whole-person” strategy for delivering integrated HIV prevention and substance use treatment, while testing the use of a mobile unit that meets out-of-treatment PWID wherever they might be and links them to care systems and/or harm reduction services. Findings will be important in guiding policy for engaging PWID in HIV prevention or care, substance use treatment, and STI testing and treatment by addressing the intertwined epidemics of addiction and HIV among those who have many physical and geographic barriers to access care.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04804072. Registered on 18 March 2021.

Developing an evaluation index system for the online learning literacy of physical education teachers in China.

The convenience of online learning helps physical education teachers overcome geographic barriers and promotes safe, accessible, high-quality education. This three-stage study developed an evaluation index system for online learning literacy of physical education (PE) teachers (OLLPET). Using two rounds of the Delphi method and one round of the Expert ranking method, consult with 15 PE experts from universities, primary and secondary schools, and teaching-research staff to draw up, revise, and finalize an evaluation index system for OLLPET. Our OLLPET evaluation index system includes three first-level indicators, seven second-level indicators and 30 third-level indicators. The first-level indicators includes online learning values (OLV), online learning essential character (OLEC), and online learning key competencies (OLKC)-with equal weighting given to OLV (0.367) and OLKC (0.367) and slightly less given to OLEC (0.267). The OLLPET evaluation index system is a theoretical yet practical tool that governments, schools, and teachers can use to evaluate PE teachers' online learning literacy to improve their learning capacity in a targeted manner.

Creation of a National Emergency Medicine Medical Education Journal Club.

Background There are a relatively limited number of emergency medicine (EM) medical education (MedEd) fellowships with few trainees at each program, creating barriers to local collaboration and networking. While best practices for developing MedEd journal clubs exist, there has not been an established national EM MedEd journal club. To address this need, we created a national journal club, the Council of Residency Directors (CORD) MedEd Journal Club (MEJC), to facilitate collaboration and networking opportunities by providing a synchronous online journal club. Objectives Our primary objective was to create a network for collaboration across geographical barriers to form a virtual community of practice (CoP) around the shared domain of evidence-based MedEd. Our secondary objective was to improve MedEd fellows' knowledge, skills, and attitudes surrounding MedEd research. Tertiary objectives included (1) broadening fellow exposure to key topics within MedEd, (2) describing how to develop scholarly work within MedEd, and (3) filling a perceived need for building a national MedEd virtual CoP. Curricular design The concept and objectives of the CORD MEJC were introduced to fellows and fellowship directors through a national listserv in March of 2022. Fellows volunteered to lead virtual sessions via Zoom on a monthly basis. Session fellow leaders independently chose the topics and were asked to submit two to three journal club articles discussing the topic at least two weeks in advance of each session. No topics were repeated throughout the academic year. Impact/effectiveness Our quality improvement survey results indicated that the CORD MEJC is meeting its primary and secondary objectives. Survey results will be utilized as part of a continuous quality improvement initiative to enhance our program structure and curricula for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Digital Access to Judicial Services in the Brazilian Amazon: Barriers and Potential

This study investigates the influence of geographical barriers and the challenges and advantages presented by information and communication technologies on digital governance within the judicial branch in the Brazilian Amazon region. The primary objective is to provide diagnoses and recommendations that can inform the construction of research for the development of policies aimed at enhancing access to judicial services by riverside populations. The methodology initially employed was a comprehensive literature review on digital governance within the judiciary and access to justice for vulnerable groups in a geographical context. Subsequently, a qualitative study was conducted, employing participant observation in the riverside communities of Itapéua and Boca do Una, situated along the Jaurucu River within the Porto de Moz District in the state of Pará. The insights garnered from respondent perceptions and participant observations were synthesized to formulate five key dimensions for digital governance and access to justice within Amazonian communities: (1) one’s experience with justice, (2) access to information, (3) geographical barriers, (4) user-friendliness of technology, and (5) resources and infrastructure supporting technology use. The study concludes that there are compelling indications that tailored digital governance and technology utilization by the judiciary, adapted to regional nuances, can significantly contribute to streamlining access to judicial services.

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL CAPITAL ACCESS ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY: EMPIRICAL INSIGHTS FROM CARROT FARMERS IN INDONESIA

Objective: This study investigates the interplay between financial capital access and technical efficiency in small-scale carrot farming in Indonesia, focusing on the regions of Malang and Probolinggo in East Java. Methods: Employing a multistage random sampling method, data was collected from 100 farmers, and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) was employed to measure technical efficiency. Results: The results highlight the positive and significant impact of financial capital access on farmers' technical efficiency. Farmers with enhanced access to financial resources, including credit and loans, demonstrated higher levels of technical efficiency. Additionally, the study identifies the positive influence of larger cultivated land on technical efficiency, allowing farmers greater flexibility and opportunities for adopting modern agricultural technologies. Conversely, greater distances to cultivation lands were found to negatively impact technical efficiency due to increased transaction costs and difficulties in accessing information and markets. Implication: These findings underscore the critical role of financial capital in shaping the success of small-scale carrot farming, emphasizing its implications for sustainable agricultural practices. The study's insights contribute to the formulation of targeted policies and interventions aimed at improving financial inclusion and reducing geographical barriers to enhance overall agricultural productivity and sustainability in small-scale farming communities.

Morphological Ontogeny, Ecology, and Biogeography of Fuscozetes fuscipes (Acari, Oribatida, Ceratozetidae).

The systematic status of Fuscozetes Sellnick, 1928, is not clear in the literature. Therefore, the morphological ontogeny of F. fuscipes (C.L. Koch, 1844), the type species of this genus, was investigated and compared with its congeners in this study, and a new diagnosis of Fuscozetes is given. The juveniles of F. fuscipes are light brown, with a brown prodorsum, sclerites, epimeres, and legs. In all juveniles, a humeral organ and a humeral macrosclerite are present. The gastronotum of the larva has 12 pairs of setae (h3 is present), whereas the nymphs have 15 pairs. In the larva, the gastronotal shield is weakly developed, and most gastronotal setae are short except for a slightly longer h2. Most of the gastronotal setae are inserted on the microsclerites except for h3, and several other macrosclerites and many microsclerites are present on the hysterosoma. In the nymphs, the gastronotal shield is well developed, with 10 pairs of setae (d-, l-, and h-series, and p1), and setae p2 and p3 are located on a large posteroventral macrosclerite. In all the instars, femora I and II are oval in cross-section, without a large ventral carina. Mitochondrial COI sequence data revealed a deep split between the Nearctic and Palearctic populations of F. fuscipes, and a less, but significant, divergence within each continent. These strong geographical barriers were contrasted with multiple cases of shared haplotypes over long distances in the Palearctic, indicating high migration rates in modern times.

Running the Codification Gauntlet: Why Intent Alone Cannot Afford the Codification of Project Learnings

This article presents a first synthesis of the ability to codify challenges that constrain project learning codification and, in turn, limit the sharing of learnings between projects at scale. An improved understanding of these challenges supports the externalized sharing of project learnings, between communities of practice, that can scale beyond the temporal, geographical, and organizational barriers that constrain personalized sharing. Through an integrative cross-domain literature review, a learning codification gauntlet of seven key ability to codify challenges is reconceptualized, and significant new research gaps are identified for further investigation, including: the operation of identified challenges in practice, challenge interrelationships, and challenge-cumulative effects on project-to-project learning outcomes.

Impact of Virtual Navigation on the Education and Access of Patients with Cancer: A National Mixed Methods Investigation.

Despite growing evidence of efficacy, oncology patient navigation is not ubiquitously offered. Navigation may reduce barriers to cancer care, yet geographic location may limit patient access. To overcome geographical barriers and increase patient education in oncology, our medical center developed a virtual navigation program. To examine the efficacy of the Virtual Navigation Program designed to increase patient access and education across local and national contexts. In this mixed-methods study, a total of 105 individuals completed an online survey administered nationally to oncology patients who used the navigation program. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Nonparametric tests were used for group comparisons (Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks test). Virtual navigation increased access as the majority of patients utilized the Virtual Navigation Program beyond the local area; 42% of patients were local; 58% were patients located across the US. 55 (52%) were female; 25% were non-White. Pancreatic cancer was the largest tumor type: 51 (49%). Patients agreed the virtual cancer education helped them make critical health choices (mean 4.89 SD = 84); understand their diagnosis (mean 4.44 SD = .77); were able to make informed decisions (mean 4.43 SD = .83), and empowered to manage their cancer care (mean 4.58 SD = .82). Post navigation, the user experience survey revealed significant increases in a subset of patients' cancer knowledge (P < 0.001), access to quality cancer education (P = 0.045), decision-making in cancer care (P < 0.05), and coordinated cancer care (P = 0.03). This study explores a unique role that virtual navigation may play in helping accommodate healthcare for many cancer patients in underserved areas. The use of innovative aspects of research and education in virtual navigation may be successful in promoting patient empowerment in the cancer continuum. Internet-strategies are needed to inform sustainable patient navigation in low-resource contexts.

Access to inflatable penile prosthesis surgery as indicated by distances traveled among US men with Medicare.

The significance of geographic barriers to receiving inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) treatment is uncertain according to the existing medical literature. To describe the travel patterns of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in the United States who underwent IPP surgery. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the 100% Medicare Standard Analytical Files. Men aged ≥65 years with an ED diagnosis who underwent IPP surgery between January 2016 and December 2021 were identified from the database. Federal Information Processing Series codes from the National Bureau of Economic Research's County Distance Database were used to determine geographic distances from patients' homes to the facilities at which surgery was performed. Evaluations included the proportions of men who traveled outside their county of residence or state for IPP treatment and the average distances in miles traveled. Among 15 954 men with ED undergoing IPP treatment, 56.4% received care out of their county for IPP, at a mean distance of 125.6miles (range, 3.8-4935.0). Although patients aged ≥80 years were less likely to travel outside their county as compared with men aged 65 to 69 years (48.1% vs 57.1%, P < .001), if they traveled, they were likely to travel farther (mean, 171.8 vs 117.7miles; P < .001). South Dakota had the highest proportion of men traveling outside their county for IPP treatment (91.3%; mean, 514.2miles), while Vermont had the highest proportion traveling outside their home state (73.7%). By unveiling disparities in access, this study will potentially lead to tailored interventions that enhance patient care and health outcomes. Strengths include the uniqueness in (1) evaluating the proportions of patients who travel out of their county of residence or home state for IPP treatment and (2) quantifying the average distances that patients traveled. An additional strength is the large sample size due to the retrospective design and database used. The analysis did not capture all Medicare enrollees; however, it did encompass all traditional Medicare enrollees, representing approximately half of all men in the US aged ≥65years. Limitations include not being generalizable to entire population of the US, as the study examined only Medicare enrollees. In addition, the study period includes the pandemic, which could have affected travel patterns. Furthermore, the coding and accuracy of the data are limitations of using administrative claims data for research. Study findings showed that many men with Medicare and ED traveled from their home geographic location for IPP treatment.

Provider perspectives on healthcare provision via telemedicine to persons with HIV living in an urban community

ObjectivesEngaging in HIV care is key to maintaining successful health outcomes for persons with HIV (PWH). Barriers to care affect engagement and can include access to transportation. Telemedicine has been used to overcome geographical barriers in rural settings, and PWH in urban areas without public transportation can also benefit from this strategy. The aim of this research is to explore the attitudes of providers in one health system about telemedicine after receiving training. MethodsFrom 2018–2020, a convenience sample of 112 providers at University of Florida Health in Jacksonville, FL were offered telemedicine training consisting of didactic, hands-on, and in-person support. Provider attitudes were assessed in pre- and post-training surveys, focus groups, and after telemedicine visits. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to analyze pre- and post-training surveys. ResultsReadiness and willingness to conduct telemedicine with PWH after training significantly increased among providers (n = 73). Providers reported increased readiness to conduct telemedicine visits (p < 0.0001), increased ability to communicate during telemedicine visits (p < 0.001), and increased confidence in troubleshooting technology issues (p < 0.0001). Of the 29 providers completing surveys after conducting telemedicine visits with PWH, 93 % reported that it was easy to access and use. Providers did report a sense of decreased patient-provider interaction via telemedicine. ConclusionFuture research should further explore provider experiences with telemedicine training and delivery to improve telemedicine training and to identify best practices and strategies/activities that promote remote efficient patient-provider interaction. Public interest summaryThe use of telemedicine has increased in all areas of health care, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Training providers to successfully care for patients in remote settings is essential, especially as technology platforms and capabilities evolve or become more complex. Telemedicine trainings help providers increase capacity to conduct telemedicine visits. Trainings standardize visit protocols, control provider and patient expectations, identify how to incorporate remote visits into routine clinic flows, provide tools for increasing provider competency to interact with patients and use technology features, and increase understanding of types of ongoing support providers require, such as administrative. This paper describes the attitudes of providers from University of Florida Health in Jacksonville, FL receiving training to deliver telemedicine to persons with HIV residing in an urban setting.

DIGITAL REVOLUTION: TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS SHAPING AZERBAIJAN-TURKEY LOGISTICS

The digital revolution has become an integral and transformative force that is reshaping every aspect of human existence worldwide. The digital revolution in communication and connectivity has fueled unprecedented global connectivity. The advent of the Internet and social media platforms enabled instant communication, breaking down geographic barriers and facilitating the rapid dissemination of information. It not only revolutionized personal interactions but also redefined the nature of business and politics. Economically, the digital revolution has ushered in a new era of innovation and efficiency. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain have caused a paradigm shift in industries, optimizing processes and opening up new opportunities. E-commerce has taken off, fundamentally changing consumer behavior and the traditional retail landscape. Moreover, the gig economy has flourished, providing new opportunities for employment and labor dynamics. Despite its many benefits, the digital revolution has also raised ethical concerns, including questions about data privacy, cybersecurity, and the digital divide. As societies grapple with these challenges, it is clear that the digital revolution is an ongoing and dynamic process with far-reaching consequences that require ongoing adaptation and thoughtful regulation. In managing this digital landscape, societies must strike a balance between embracing innovation and addressing ethical implications to ensure a future where the benefits of the digital revolution are maximized for all. The onset of the Digital Revolution has ushered in a new era for the logistics industry, fundamentally changing the way goods and information flow in the global supply chain. In an era where technological advancements are the backbone of progress, logistics has emerged as a vehicle for innovation that adapts and evolves to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world. This brief explores the key role digital technologies are playing in shaping the logistics landscape.

Study on Distance Learning: A Developmental Leap towards Smart Education in Smart Cities

The research investigates the transformative implications of integrating distance learning within the framework of smart cities, unraveling its role in reshaping educational paradigms. Within the dynamic context of urban development, the study explores the symbiotic relationship between distance learning and smart cities, aiming to elucidate how this fusion contributes to inclusive, adaptable, and future-oriented educational ecosystems. Emphasizing the significance of distance learning in democratizing education, the study delves into its ability to transcend geographical barriers, offering flexible and personalized learning experiences. Through an extensive literature review and a comprehensive methodology involving surveys and diverse stakeholder perspectives, the study examines smart education's multifaceted role in smart city development, emphasizing technological integration, innovation, and socioeconomic empowerment. Furthermore, the research delineates the developmental leap facilitated by distance learning within smart cities, highlighting its role in advancing inclusivity, lifelong learning, and sustainability goals. The intricate relationship between distance learning, smart learning, and smart cities is analyzed, showcasing their interconnectedness in fostering educational evolution within technologically advanced urban landscapes. Additionally, the study underscores the comprehensive advancements in smart education by amalgamating innovative technological integration, refined pedagogical practices, and robust infrastructural frameworks. The research concludes by identifying key findings, highlighting advancements, and addressing persisting challenges in infrastructure, connectivity, and data privacy, signaling areas necessitating improvement. Ultimately, the study underscores the pivotal role of distance learning in propelling smart education within smart cities, culminating in the creation of inclusive, accessible, and technologically enriched educational landscapes.

Digital mental health interventions for the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers: Integrative literature review.

This study aimed to provide a critical analysis of the current literature on the use of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for the management and treatment of mental health disorders among refugees and asylum seekers. These groups are among the most disadvantaged compared to the general population in terms of health and socio-economic status, due to conflicts and wars. The number of refugees fleeing their home countries is growing exponentially, and refugees experience trauma, torture, persecution and human right abuses, which have a profound effect on their mental health and overall well-being. The researchers conducted an integrative literature review from electronic databases Medline, CINAHL and Google Scholar, selecting articles published in English from 2010 to 2023. The thematic analysis of the 10 articles identified in the review revealed four main themes and two sub-themes: (1) types of digital health intervention/apps used; (2) barriers encountered in digital health intervention; (3) user experience of the digital health intervention and (4) mapping gaps. Two sub-themes were identified located in Theme 2: (2.1) Language and demographic barriers and (2.2) Structural barriers. The study showed that the use of DMHIs was associated with positive experiences among refugees and asylum seekers. Limited mental health care is offered to refugees and asylum seekers due to a range of logistical, political, economic, geographical, language, cultural and social barriers. DMHIs have the potential to overcome and/or moderate these barriers. The study concludes that the scaled implementation of effective DMHIs holds the possibility to improve the wider distribution of mental health care among refugees and asylum seekers. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of DMHIs and to scale up studies for their utilisation among this group. In summary, this study highlights the potential of DMHIs in improving the mental health care of refugees and asylum seekers. The results of this study have important implications for mental health service providers, policymakers and researchers to address the mental health needs of this vulnerable/priority group.

Telemedicine Research Trends in 2001-2022 and Research Cooperation Between China and Other Countries Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Bibliometric Analysis.

Advancements in technology have overcome geographical barriers, making telemedicine, which offers remote emergency services, healthcare, and medication guidance, increasingly popular. COVID-19 restrictions amplified its global importance by bridging distances. This study aimed to analyze Chinese and global literature data, present new global telemedicine research trends, and clarify the development potential, collaborations, and deficiencies in China's telemedicine research. We conducted bibliometrics and network analyses on relevant documents from the Web of Science database from 2001 to 2022. Data collection was completed on October 30, 2023. Considering COVID-19's impact, 2020 was used as a baseline, dividing the data into 2 periods: 2001-2019 and 2020-2022. The development potential was determined based on publication trends. An international coauthorship network analysis identified collaboration statuses and potential. Co-occurrence analysis was conducted for China and the world. We identified 25,333 telemedicine-related research papers published between 2001 and 2022, with a substantial increase during the COVID-19 period (2020-2022), particularly in China (1.93-fold increase), moving its global publication rank from tenth to sixth. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia contributed 62.96% of the literature, far ahead of China's 3.90%. Globally, telemedicine research increased significantly post-2020. Between 2001 and 2019, the United States and Australia were central in coauthor networks; post-2020, the United States remained the largest node. Network hubs included the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed 5 global clusters from 2001 to 2019 (system technology, health care applications, mobile health, mental health, and electronic health) and 2020 to 2022 (COVID-19, children's mental health, artificial intelligence, digital health, and rehabilitation of middle-aged and older adults). In China, the research trends aligned with global patterns, with rapid growth post-2020. From 2001 to 2019, China cooperated closely with Indonesia, India, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. From 2020 to 2022, cooperation expanded to Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, as well as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, Lebanon, and other African and Middle Eastern countries. Chinese keyword co-occurrence analysis showed focus areas in system technology, health care applications, mobile health, big data analysis, and electronic health (2001-2019) and COVID-19, artificial intelligence, digital health, and mental health (2020-2022). Although psychology research increased, studies on children's mental health and middle-aged and older adults' rehabilitation were limited. We identified the latest trends in telemedicine research, demonstrating its significant potential in China and providing directions for future development and collaborations in telemedicine research.

Increasing evolution, prevalence, and outbreaks for rift valley fever virus in the process of breaking geographical barriers

BackgroundRift valley fever (RVF) is listed as one of prioritized diseases by WHO. This study aims to describe RVF virus' landscape distribution globally, and to insight dynamics change of its evolution, prevalence, and outbreaks in the process of breaking geographical barriers. MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analyses was conducted to estimate RVF prevalence by hosts using a random-effect model. Molecular clock-based phylogenetic analyses were performed to estimate RVF virus nucleotide substitution rates using nucleotide sequences in NCBI database. RVF virus prevalence, nucleotide substitution rates, and outbreaks were compared before and after breaking geographical barriers twice, respectively. ResultsRVF virus was reported from 26 kinds of hosts covering 48 countries from 1930 to 2022. Since RVF broke geographical barriers, (1) nucleotide substitution rates significantly increased after firstly spreading out of Africa in 2000, (2) prevalence in humans significantly increased from 1.92 % (95 % CI: 0.86–3.25 %) to 3.03 % (95 % CI: 2.09–4.12 %) after it broke Sahara Desert geographical barriers in 1977, and to 5.24 % (95 % CI: 3.81–6.82 %) after 2000, (3) RVF outbreaks in humans and the number of wildlife hosts presented increasing trends. RVF virus spillover may exist between bats and humans, and accelerate viral substitution rates in humans. During outbreaks, the RVF virus substitution rates accelerated in humans. 60.00 % RVF outbreaks occurred 0–2 months after floods and (or) heavy rainfall. ConclusionRVF has the increasing risk to cause pandemics, and global collaboration on “One Health” is needed to prevent potential pandemics.