Modern Health Research Articles

Implementation and evaluation of a mobile application to support occupational therapy education

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of a mobile application, ValTO, designed to enhance communication and professional reasoning skills in occupational therapy students through a case-based learning approach. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive exploratory study was conducted with 32 second-year occupational therapy students. The usability of the app was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale and the System Usability Scale, complemented by the University of Oviedo’s Learning Satisfaction Survey. Findings The majority of students (77.8%) rated the app above average on the System Usability Scale, with 50% scoring it as excellent. Mobile Application Rating Scale scores revealed high ratings across functionality, aesthetics and information quality, with a significant correlation between app usability and user satisfaction. Increased student satisfaction was also observed in the Learning Satisfaction Survey compared to previous years. Originality/value ValTO integrates modern mobile health tools into occupational therapy education, enhancing students’ decision-making skills in an innovative, real-world context. This study contributes to the growing body of research on mobile health applications in educational settings, demonstrating their potential to improve both student engagement and learning outcomes.

Prevalence and antibiotics susceptibility of thermotolerant <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. isolated from humans and chickens in the Republic of Guinea

Background.The issue of diarrheal diseases remains relevant for modern health care in all countries. Campylobacteriosis is the most common infectious disease with foodborne transmission and poultry meat is a transmission factor.Materials and methods.724 items of faeces sampled from patients with diarrheal syndrome and 283 samples of faeces of chickens raised on private farms and five poultry farms in the province were studied. For bacteriological method were used selective media. Traditional routine tests (cell morphology, cytochrome oxidase, catalase, hydrolysis of sodium hippurate and indoxyl acetate) and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry was performed for identification. The susceptibility of strains to antibiotics was analysed using the disc-diffusion method. Results were interpreted according to the EUCAST criteria, versions 2019–2022.Results.Campylobacterspp. was cultured in 65 out of 724 faecal samples from patients with acute diarrhoea, of them 83.08% were identified asC. jejuni, and 16.92% asC. coli. Of the 237Campylobacterstrains from chicken were identified asC. jejuni(54.0%), asC. coli(46.0%).Campylobacterspp. strains from humans were resistant to tetracycline (40.0%), to erythromycin (6.15%), to ciprofloxacin (12.31%). The strains from chickens kept on farms, were resistant to tetracycline in 42.55%, to ciprofloxacin — in 22.70% and to erythromycin — in 11.35%. The strains from chickens kept on private farms were resistant to tetracycline in 4.17%, to ciprofloxacin — in 1.04%, all strains were sensitive to erythromycin.Conclusion.Thus, due to the widespread prevalence ofCampylobacterspp., infectious diseases they cause remain a topical issue. Studying the resistance to antibiotics inCampylobacterspp. among poultry could allow to develop new approaches to confirming the significance of their foodborne nature and to improve the national disease prevention system.

Traditional massage “Peuseul” for pregnant women in Kuta Village and its impact on pregnant women's well-being: A qualitative study

“Peusuel” is a traditional massage practice performed on pregnant women in Tatar Sunda, believed to have various benefits for maternal and fetal health. This study aims to explore how Peusuel is implemented, understand the experiences of pregnant women who undergo Peusuel, and evaluate its impact on their physical and emotional well-being. The observed variables include physical discomfort levels (such as back pain, swelling, and fatigue), emotional states (including anxiety and mood changes), and social connectedness. The key parameters measured were frequency and duration of the Peusuel sessions and the involvement of community members in the process. Using qualitative research methods, particularly in-depth interviews and participant observations, data were collected from pregnant women who have experienced Peusuel, as well as from traditional practitioners and family members involved. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights. This analysis revealed that Peusuel not only helps reduce physical discomfort during pregnancy but also contributes to emotional relief by alleviating anxiety and stress. Additionally, it strengthens social and cultural ties between pregnant women and their communities, creating a sense of belonging and support. This study provides important insights into the preservation and development of the traditional practice of Peusuel in the context of modern health, while also highlighting its potential integration as a complementary approach in maternal care.

Perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion for postsurgical pain management in bariatric surgery patients

IntroductionObesity is one of the biggest modern health issues worldwide. Owing to the failure of both behavioral and pharmacological measures, the surgical approach has been established as the main conduct to follow, with bariatric surgery being one of the most effective and safe procedures. One of the bases for the optimal analgesic strategy is the use of adjuvants during the perioperative period. One of the main drugs in use is lidocaine.AimTo evaluate postoperative pain after perioperative lidocaine infusion in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and describe the presence of nausea and vomiting during the first 24 h.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery at ABC Medical Center. Two study arms were established: a group of patients who received lidocaine infusion and a control group. The presence of pain, nausea, or vomiting was evaluated upon admission to the recovery area and 1 h and 24 h after the intervention. The normal distribution of the data was first verified via the Shapiro–Wilk test. The data are presented as medians for quantitative variables and as frequencies for qualitative variables.ResultsA total of 50 surgeries were performed, with a significant correlation between lidocaine infusion and lower pain values at 1 h (p = 0.04). Similarly, there was a marked trend in the presence of nausea in control group 4 (18.6%) vs. 15 (53.5%).ConclusionsOur data suggest that the use of intraoperative lidocaine infusion is limited in postoperative pain management; nonetheless, it significantly improves the incidence of postoperative nausea.

Navigating the AI Wave: Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming European Public Health

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a future promise but an urgent necessity for modern public health. By providing invaluable insights into disease patterns, therapeutic interventions, and overall public health management, AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare. To tackle essential public health functions effectively, harnessing AI must become a top priority. However, there is an urgent need for a cohesive strategy across Europe. Currently, varying readiness levels among European nations regarding AI adoption in health result in uneven progress across the continent. This disparity must be addressed to ensure all countries benefit equally from AI advancements. Recognising this, the World Health Organization European Regional Office launched a regional report on digital health in 2023. The report evaluated the integration of big data and advanced analytics, including AI, in health systems. Findings revealed that while 60% of Member States have a national data strategy, only 35% have a policy regulating big data and AI in health, and 38% lack both. This highlights a critical gap that must be filled urgently. Our upcoming session will address these challenges head-on. Organised to provide visionary insights, practical applications, and a landscape view of artificial intelligence in public health, the presentations will be followed by a roundtable discussion in which panellists will delve into practical challenges surrounding AI adoption. They will reflect on the profound impact AI could have on the future of European health systems and offer pragmatic and responsible steps forward, culminating in achievable recommendations for public health professionals. To enhance the session, we will utilise existing Generative AI tools to provide a real-time summary of the plenary and reinforce the call to action in alignment with panellists’ recommendations. This approach ensures that the session discusses the urgent need for AI in public health and actively demonstrates its practical applications. Moderators Natasha Azzopardi Muscat Director, Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe Dimitra Panteli Programme Manager/Senior Health Systems Analyst, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Facilitator Stefan Buttigieg Vice-President, EUPHA Digital health section Speakers/Panellists Martin McKee Professor of European Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK Katharina Ladewig Director, Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research, Robert Koch Institute, Germany Marco Marsella Director Digital, EU4Health and Health systems modernisation, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), European Commission Keyrellous Adib Technical Officer Data Science and Digital Health, WHO Regional Office for Europe

Toothbrushing habits are associated with self perceived stress

Abstract Background Personal self-care is one of the most important factors in maintaining and improving oral health. Public health guidelines are recommending tooth brushing at least twice daily, once before bed time and at least on one occasion. On the other hand, our regular routines and caring for our own health is influenced by different factors including stress. We wanted to research how much does daily stress influencing tooth brushing habits. Methods We analyzed data from 2020 CINDI nationwide cross-sectional survey in Slovenia. Tooth brushing once a day or less was assessed as inadequate. Stress was assessed with question >>How often in the last 14 days have you felt tense, stressed or under a lot of pressure? << Participants who chose often or always as an answer were assessed as persons under stress. Method of binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis of association between tooth brushing frequency and self-perceived stress, modified for some socioeconomic factors. Results Prevalence of inadequate frequency of tooth brushing was present in 31,6 % of sample, 31,5% in participants who were not feeling tense and 31,8% in participants who often felt tense or stressed. At first it seemed stress is not associated with tooth brushing habits. We adjusted this association for gender, education level and age and this association became clearer. Participants who felt stress and/or under pressure had higher odds for poor tooth brushing habits, their odds ratio was 1,283 (p < 0,001; 95% CI 1,124; 1,464) when adjusted for aforementioned factors. Conclusions Oral health is integral part of general health. Association between oral and mental health is often overlooked even though psycho-social aspects are part of modern oral health definition. As personal self-care is cornerstone of maintaining and improving oral health, implementation of mental health aspects should be incorporated in public health advises and programmes for promoting oral health. Key messages • Self-perceived stress is associated with toothbrushing habits. • People who are under stress less regularly brush their teeth.

National implementation of telehealth in Denmark: A case study

Abstract Background With a growing number of chronic patients and a shortage of healthcare professionals, modern health systems face mounting economic pressures. Telehealth has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges and is considered a critical component of future healthcare provision. However, implementing telehealth on a large scale is complex and challenging. To fully grasp these challenges, it is essential to look beyond the technology and delve into the processes and actors involved in its implementation. Actors on a political-administrative level are pivotal in large-scale implementation, yet this level remains understudied. Thus, this study investigates the dynamics of large-scale implementation at a political-administrative level through a case study of the national implementation of TeleCOPD in Denmark - a home-monitoring intervention targeting patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods An in-depth qualitative study of the implementation process at the political-administrative level was undertaken. Data consisted of comprehensive documentary material, including policy documents and meeting minutes and 12 semi-structured interviews with 16 key stakeholders across all levels of the implementation process. Data was analysed in accordance with thematic analysis using an abductive strategy. Results The analysis shows that large-scale implementation of telehealth is a profoundly complex process, necessitating the collaboration of various stakeholders across organisational hierarchies. Substantial translational work is required at the political-administrative level to implement telehealth across diverse organisational contexts. Moreover, understanding the role of context in this translation process is essential. Conclusions This study generates valuable knowledge about large-scale implementation of telemedicine in addition to insights into the role of the political-administrative level in the implementation process. Key messages • Implementing telehealth nationally involves intricate translation processes at multiple levels. • Balancing local adjustments with degrees of fidelity is crucial in large-scale implementation.

Midwifing Modernity: Popularizing Modern Health Care for Women in Late Imperial Russia

AbstractThis article examines the discourse on Russian women’s health care in the late Imperial period within the context of modernization. One of the hallmarks of modernity, health care is also one of the most intimate areas of contact between the agents of modernity and the public at large. The discussion was starkly divided between those concerned with peasant women and those concerned with educated women, but both were firmly situated in the overarching project of healthification (ozdorovlenie). While the authors concerned with peasant women’s health sought to overcome traditional beliefs and practices and replace them with the findings of modern science, the literature directed at the educated public illustrates the anxiety that accompanied the modernity project. The authors writing to and about educated society were far more conflicted about the array of problems they observed developing as traditional beliefs and practices were challenged by changes in society. The article explores the development and role of women’s health care, the tensions between professional and popular health care practitioners, and their relationships with the population from cultural, political and gendered perspectives, and analyzes modernization as a site of contention over women’s agency as well as a social and cultural process.

Unveiling the chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and mechanistic insights of Convolvulus arvensis extract through molecular docking simulations

The use of herbal extracts has gained significant importance in modern health practices, making it essential to explore their properties and applications in detail. This study investigates the effect of ultrasound on the extraction yield of Convolvulus arvensis leaves, with a focus on its chemical composition, antioxidant properties, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activities, and mechanism of action. Antimicrobial activity was determined using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), well diffusion agar, and disk diffusion agar assays. The antioxidant properties were assessed through ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were utilized to identify the chemical composition and functional groups present in the extract. The findings revealed that ultrasound-assisted extraction exhibited significantly higher extraction efficiency (p < 0.05). The extract displayed significant antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extract were measured at 328.85 ± 0.046 (mg GAE/100 g) and 226.23 ± 0.043 (mg QE/100 g), respectively. Moreover, the extract demonstrated notable radical scavenging activity against DPPH, with a value of 37.40 ± 0.111 (g/100 g). The FRAP assay revealed that the antioxidant activity of C. arvensis extract was quantified at 23.796 ± 0.045 μmol Fe²⁺. The highest amount of phenolic and alkaloid compounds in the extract was related to β-Phellandrene (341.52 µg/mL) and Swainsonine (360.24 µg/mL), respectively. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated against the Caco-2 cell line, with the IC50 value determined to be 26.55 mg/mL. The results of the docking study demonstrated that Ferulic acid displayed a significant binding energy of −6.2 kcal/mol, suggesting a robust interaction with the target enzyme and the potential to act as a modulator of glutathione peroxidases. The findings of the present study revealed that the alcoholic extract of C. arvensis possesses proper antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, it has been used as a food preservative. However, further medical and clinical researches are required before any application in human health.

The Role of Exotic Fruits in Modern Diets: Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Exotic fruits, once restricted to certain regions of the world, have gained global popularity due to their unique flavor, bright color, and exceptional nutritional profile. These fruits, including acai berry, dragon fruit, kiwifruit, and mangosteen, are increasingly being incorporated into modern diets due to their potential health benefits. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, exotic fruits are associated with improved immunity, heart health, and digestive health. Additionally, many exotic fruits are valued for their high fiber content, anti-inflammatory properties, and role in combating oxidative stress, which is important for disease prevention. This research explores the growing role of exotic fruits in dietary trends, emphasizing their contribution to nutrition and health. Through examining their nutritional value, bioactive compounds, and the specific benefits they provide, it becomes evident that these fruits can play an important role in increasing dietary diversity and promoting a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle. As consumer demand for exotic fruits grows, incorporating them into the everyday diet serves as both a culinary trend and a nutritional strategy to address modern health challenges.

Effect of Warm Water Footbath Therapy on Fatigue Among Patients undergoing Hemodialysis

Chronic renal failure is a complex crippling condition influencing more than 70 million individuals around the world. Chronic Kidney disease has been recognized as a leading public health problem worldwide. Hemodialysis is essential to prolong the life in patients with Stage 5 renal failure. Fatigue is the most common complication which is being faced by patients with end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. There are many uses of complementary therapies like hydrotherapy to reduce fatigue and it is becoming a significant part of modern day health care with millions taking treatment each year. The present study was intended to assess the effect of warm water foot bath therapy on fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis. The main objectives of the study were to assess the level of fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis, evaluate the effect of warm water foot bath therapy on level of fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis, find out the association between level of fatigue and selected socio demographic variables among patients undergoing hemodialysis, find out the association between level of fatigue and clinical variables among patients undergoing hemodialysis. A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted. Samples were selected using purposive sampling and they consisted of 60 patients undergoing hemodialysis, 30 in experimental and 30 in control group from dialysis department of Ananthapuri hospitals and research institute, Thiruvananthapuram. A structured interview schedule was used to assess socio-demographic and clinical variables, Piper Fatigue Scale was used to assess the fatigue among patients undergoing hemoialyis. A pre-test was given to both experimental and control group using Piper Fatigue Scale. Followed by pre-test warm water foot bath therapy was given to experimental group for 3 consecutive dialysis. Post-test was done on 3rd day of intervention for both the groups using same tool. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the post-test score of fatigue between experimental and control group. There was a significant association between level of fatigue and physical activity, blood pressure, duration of renal failure (p&lt;0.05). The study concluded that warm water foot bath therapy was effective in reducing fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis.

The Role of Digital Health Under Taiwan’s National Health Insurance System: Progress and Challenges

ABSTRACT Digital health covers a wide spectrum of applications of digital technologies in the healthcare field. As a new set of tools to support the health system in achieving its goals—improving access to care, quality of care, and system efficiency—digital health has significantly transformed the landscape of modern medicine and health care. This paper examines the role of digital health under Taiwan National Health Insurance, considering the profound impacts of digital health during the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses specifically on big data management and analytics (MediCloud and My Health Bank/NHI Mobile Easy Access) and innovative service provision models (telemedicine). We discuss two imminent challenges that any health system is likely to encounter: digital trust and digital divide. For the digital divide, we assessed the use of telemedicine and its determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study shows that high-income levels and the presence of chronic or severe illness were positively correlated with the use of telemedicine. This observation suggests that poor people who have poorer health status were most likely to suffer from unmet needs for telemedicine. Enhancing cybersecurity to safeguard confidentiality, and effective communications with the public are fundamental and essential steps to regaining public trust in the digital era. When calling for more investment in digital technology, policy makers should be mindful of the potential digital divide across the demographic and socioeconomic strata, and specific policies should be devised to provide support to target the socially disadvantaged group.

The long-term intervention effect and persistence analysis of the baduanjin mental sub -health of college students

In recent years, with the rapid development of society and the increase in academic and living pressure of college students, the psychological sub-health problems of college students have become increasingly prominent. Psychological sub -health refers to the state of the state of health and disease, manifested as a diagnostic criteria for poor individual mental state but not reaching the diagnosis of mental illness. As a special group, college students are in a critical period of psychological and physiological development, and facing multiple pressures such as academics, employment, and social networking. Long -term psychological health state will not only affect its academic and life quality, but also may lead to serious psychological problems such as emotional disorders, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, how to effectively intervene and improve the mental sub -health status of college students have become an important issue for the current psychological health education of colleges and universities. The eight -segment brocade of traditional fitness exercises, as part of ancient Chinese qigong, has gradually been widely used in modern health management in recent years. Baduanjin helps individuals to achieve physical and mental balance by regulating physical movements, breathing and mentality, and have the potential to improve mental health. Existing studies have shown that Baduanjin has certain effects on psychological problems such as relieving stress, improving anxiety, and depression, but there are still fewer long -term intervention effects and continuity research on the healthy sub -healthy health of college students. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the long -term intervention effect and its continuity of the eight -stage brocade of the psychological sub -health of college students, and provide new theoretical support and practical basis for colleges and universities' mental health intervention. This study adopts a random control experimental design. The research object is the college student of the School of Huanghe Science and Technology college. It is included in the standard of the SCL-90 (Symptom Self-Evaluation Table). The research objects are divided into the experimental group and control group. The experimental group participated in the two month Baduanjin, 2 times a week, 60 minutes each time; the control group does not perform Baduanjin to maintain daily life. After the experiment, the SCL-90 symptoms of SCL-90 symptoms and CPSS pressure perception table were performed for the experimental group for 1 month and 2 months to evaluate the continuity of the intervention effect. At the end of the intervention, the psychological sub-health symptoms of the experimental group improved significantly, and the overall scores of the SCL-90 decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the experimental group improved greater improvement in anxiety, depression, and pressure perception. Especially in terms of anxiety and depression, the improvement of the experimental group is particularly significant. In summary, this study provides a wealth of experimental data and theoretical basis for the long -term intervention effect and sustainability of the Baduanjin for the healthy sub -health of college students through random control experiments. The results of the research not only provide an effective means of intervention for colleges and universities, but also open up a new direction for the modern application of traditional fitness methods. In the future practice, Baduanjin is hoping to become an important means of psychological and health intervention in colleges and universities, and provide theoretical basis for college students' physical and mental health.

Dental therapy: Evolving to meet modern oral health needs

Dental therapy: Evolving to meet modern oral health needs

Translating AI for the Clinician

This Viewpoint explores how artificial intelligence technologies can adopt a clinical practice framework to identify use cases and outline the technology’s objectives and potential uses in modern health care.

Healthy in ancient and modern times

Background: Health practices have evolved from ancient holistic approaches to modern scientifically driven methods. This comparative study aims to explore the continuity and transformation in healthcare practices from ancient times to the present, highlighting the enduring principles of wellness and the advancements in medical science. Methods and Material: The research employs a comparative analysis of ancient health practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, against modern health practices influenced by scientific and technological advancements. Sources include archaeological findings, historical texts, and contemporary scientific literature. Results: Ancient health practices emphasized a holistic approach, integrating diet, lifestyle, and spiritual practices to maintain balance and harmony. Modern health practices prioritize evidence-based treatments, technological interventions, and preventive care, leading to significant improvements in health outcomes. Both approaches highlight the importance of preventive measures, personalized care, and a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being. Conclusion: This study reveals that despite the methodological differences, the fundamental objective of fostering health and well-being remains constant across time. Integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific advancements offers a more holistic approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

Implementation of the Cupping Health Program of KKN Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo as an Effort to Increase Public Health Awareness of Muhammadiyah Barengkrajan Branches

Cupping therapy, a traditional alternative medicine practice, has garnered increasing interest as a holistic health approach. Despite its historical significance, there remains a lack of comprehensive awareness and understanding of its benefits within various communities. Previous studies have not adequately addressed the implementation and public perception of cupping therapy in local contexts, particularly among underserved populations. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a cupping health program conducted by the Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo University KKN group in the Barengkrajan community, focusing on enhancing public awareness and accessibility to alternative health services. Through direct therapy sessions led by qualified professionals and educational initiatives, the program achieved high participant satisfaction rates and a notable increase in interest towards alternative therapies. This program uniquely combines practical cupping therapy with educational outreach, providing a model for similar community health interventions. The findings suggest that structured cupping programs can significantly improve community health perceptions and utilization of alternative therapies, warranting further exploration and development to integrate such practices into broader public health strategies. Highlights: High participant satisfaction demonstrated the effectiveness of direct therapy sessions. Educational initiatives significantly increased community interest in alternative therapies. The program serves as a model for integrating traditional practices into modern health strategies. Keywords: cupping therapy, alternative medicine, public health, community awareness, health intervention

Community Behavior Based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge Towards Environmental Health and Disease Prevention

This study explores how Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) affects community behavior related to environmental health and disease prevention. Traditional Ecological Knowledge, which includes customary practices, cultural beliefs, and local wisdom, plays a crucial role in how communities interact with their environment. Focusing on the relationship between Traditional Ecological Knowledge and public health, this study investigates how indigenous peoples utilize traditional ecological knowledge to maintain and maintain natural beauty, natural habitats, environmental cleanliness, utilize available facilities, infrastructure, natural potential, reduce health risks, and prevent the spread of disease. The study used qualitative methods, including interviews and field observations, to collect data from community members who actively practiced Traditional Ecological Knowledge in their daily lives. The findings suggest that TEK-based behaviors, such as natural resource management, traditional medicine use, and community-led environmental monitoring, significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases, improving sanitation, and fostering overall environmental resilience. This study underscores the importance of integrating and synergizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge into modern public health frameworks, demonstrating that recognizing and preserving indigenous knowledge systems (Traditional Knowledge) can enhance community-based approaches to disease prevention and environmental sustainability. The study concludes that encouraging collaboration between traditional and modern health practices is key to developing more effective and efficient strategies for safeguarding the health of the environment and people.

Collaborative Training of Data-Driven Remaining Useful Life Prediction Models Using Federated Learning

Remaining useful life prediction models are a central aspect of developing modern and capable prognostics and health management systems. Recently, such models are increasingly data-driven and based on various machine learning techniques, in particular deep neural networks. Such models are notoriously “data hungry”, i.e., to get adequate performance of such models, a substantial amount of diverse training data is needed. However, in several domains in which one would like to deploy data-driven remaining useful life models, there is a lack of data or data are distributed among several actors. Often these actors, for various reasons, cannot share data among themselves. In this paper a method for collaborative training of remaining useful life models based on federated learning is presented. In this setting, actors do not need to share locally held secret data, only model updates. Model updates are aggregated by a central server, and subsequently sent back to each of the clients, until convergence. There are numerous strategies for aggregating clients’ model updates and in this paper two strategies will be explored: 1) federated averaging and 2) federated learning with personalization layers. Federated averaging is the common baseline federated learning strategy where the clients’ models are averaged by the central server to update the global model. Federated averaging has been shown to have a limited ability to deal with non-identically and independently distributed data. To mitigate this problem, federated learning with personalization layers, a strategy similar to federated averaging but where each client is allowed to append custom layers to their local model, is explored. The two federated learning strategies will be evaluated on two datasets: 1) run-to-failure trajectories from power cycling of silicon-carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors, and 2) C-MAPSS, a well-known simulated dataset of turbofan jet engines. Two neural network model architectures commonly used in remaining useful life prediction, long short-term memory with multi-layer perceptron feature extractors, and convolutional gated recurrent unit, will be used for the evaluation. It is shown that similar or better performance is achieved when using federated learning compared to when the model is only trained on local data.

Ukrainian mental health in transition: from totalitarianism towards a modern mental health system.

Ukrainian mental health in transition: from totalitarianism towards a modern mental health system.