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Mental health and addiction experiences in undergraduate nursing students in a higher educational institute: a United Kingdom study
No full textPurpose Concerns surrounding the mental health and well-being of undergraduate nursing students within higher educational institutions (HEI) have been prevalent in academia and clinical practice. Methods The study involved 128 nursing students enrolled in the pre-registration nursing programmes in a UK higher education institute. A mixed-methods survey design, a 29-question survey comprising both open and closed questions was administered to explore the students' experiences with mental health and substance use. Quantitative and Qualitative data were analysed using SPSS version 29 descriptive statistics and NVivo 15 was utilised for the thematic analysis. Findings. Urgent action is needed to integrate mental health training into the curriculum and provide faculty support. The urgent need of more utilisation of institutional support services and a need for institutional systemic changes to provide access to mental health support. Providing essential skills and support for student success contributes to the overall well- being of the nursing workforce. Conclusions:The integration of thorough mental health support and action early in the curriculum is crucial to enable student nurses to achieve and develop healthy strategies that will enable them to become strong resilient future nurses, which feel fully supported and equipped to deal with caring for patients
Monitoring patient apps security vulnerabilities
No full textThe rapid growth of self-monitoring patient apps has revolutionized the healthcare industry, enabling individuals to track their health metrics and engage more actively in their own care. However, this technological advancement has also introduced significant security and privacy concerns. This article examines the security vulnerabilities inherent in self-monitoring patient apps, highlighting the risks to patient data and the potential consequences of these vulnerabilities. It explores the common security flaws found in these apps, such as weak authentication mechanisms, inadequate data encryption, and the lack of secure data transmission protocols. The article also discusses the regulatory landscape and the need for comprehensive security standards to protect patient privacy and ensure the integrity of health data. Additionally, it delves into emerging technologies and their impact on app security, as well as the role of user education in maintaining app security. Finally, it provides recommendations for app developers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address these vulnerabilities and enhance the security of self-monitoring patient apps
Telemedicine in healthcare management: a decision-tree model
No full textThe essence of telemedicine became relevant during the period of COVID-19, when most patients with minor health issues could not step out of their houses due to the lockdown. Thus, they have to resort to online consultation where they discuss their health conditions with physicians. The relevance of telemedicine has been brought to bear, with most health and medical practitioners adopting the technologies in their clinical practices and consultancy. Thus, this study examined the relevance of telemedicine in the healthcare system. Decision-tree theory was adopted in the critical analysis of the importance and significance of telemedicine in healthcare sectors. The principles of the decision-tree model were integrated in the use of telemedicine in the healthcare sector. Also, the criticisms of the application of decision-tree theory in telemedicine were elaborately discussed
Fabrication of periodic gallium droplets by in-situ laser interference based on MBE
No full textIn this work, the GaAs substrate was in-situ irradiated by a single-pulse of two-beam laser interference at a low temperature of 40℃. We studied the irradiated surface morphology evolution with the different pulse energies of 20mJ, 40mJ, 50mJ, 60mJ, 80mJ and 100mJ which are corresponding to sample A-F. For Sample A, the irradiation yield of Ga atoms is too limited to form metallic droplets but films with a period of about 310nm due to the low pulse energy. For Sample B, periodic bands of Ga droplets appear on the bright regions while the surface on the dark regions remains very smooth. The droplet density, average width and height are 7.5×1010/cm2, 25nm and 5.1nm. For sample C to E, as the energy rises, the average width/height of Ga droplets rise from 33nm/5.9nm, 36.7nm/8.7nm to 52.1nm/15.7nm but with the decreased density from 5.8×1010/cm2, 4×1010/cm2 to 1.7×1010/cm2. Moreover, some small Ga droplets also appear in the dark regions. Finally for sample F, when the energy becomes enough high, both the dark and bright regions generate Ga droplets of a similar size and density which is equivalent to the random growth. The resulting density is 7.4×109/cm2 and the average width/height is 63.6nm/20.2nm. Obviously, our work has provided a novel approach for fabricating periodic Ga droplets directly in MBE systems with the advantages of low-cost, high-efficiency and strong controllability which must be able to find great application prospects in droplet epitaxy of all kinds of semiconductor devices based on periodic arrays of quantum structures
A critical review of the 2025 RSHE guidance and alternative approach framed in safe uncertainty
Get PDFThis policy review critically examines the English government's 2025 statutory guidance on Relationships Education, Relationship and Sex Education and Health Education (RSHE), analysing its educational assumptions, strengths and limitations through the lens of safe uncertainty. While the updated guidance somewhat reinstates key inclusive elements and promotes social and emotional literacy, it continues to position RSHE as a risk domain requiring tight control and cautious delivery. This review highlights areas of concern including contradictions in the guidance's treatment of digital image sharing, the approach to gender and the conditional framing of children's rights and participation. Drawing on the concept of safe uncertainty, we advocate a more coherent rights-based framework, clearer policy direction and sustained investment in teacher support and infrastructure. We call for RSHE policy and practice to move beyond compliance and certainty, and instead build relational, reflective and dialogic spaces where students can engage meaningfully with the ethical and social dimensions of their lives. In doing so, RSHE can fulfil its broader educational promise in preventing harm and supporting the flourishing of students as relational and sexual citizens
Transforming healthcare sector through artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability
No full textThis book explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability in healthcare, focusing on how AI technologies are transforming medical practices while promoting environmentally responsible operations. It examines how AI-driven tools like machine learning and data analysis enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline treatment planning, and personalize patient care by analysing large datasets, including genetic information. Additionally, the book addresses how AI can support sustainable healthcare practices by optimizing resource usage, such as energy consumption in hospitals, and improving supply chain management to reduce environmental impact. Practical case studies demonstrate how these technologies are being implemented to improve patient outcomes and achieve sustainability goals. The book considers the integration of AI into human resource management within healthcare, discussing AI's role in recruitment, performance management, and employee retention aligned with sustainability objectives. Ethical and regulatory issues surrounding AI adoption, such as data privacy and algorithmic transparency, are thoroughly examined, with an emphasis on creating responsible and equitable AI systems. Designed for healthcare professionals and administrators, this book provides practical strategies and real-world examples of AI implementation in sustainable healthcare, offering a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges ahead
Effects of a whole-school relationships and sexual health intervention on non-competent sexual debut:cluster-randomised trial
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Relationships and sex education (RSE) impacts some sexual behaviours but could be strengthened by incorporating whole-school approaches (eg, building engagement, providing contraception). These can prevent pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections but are unevaluated in UK schools.METHODS: A cluster-randomised trial of 'Positive Choices' compared it with usual practice in English secondary schools. Intervention comprised: RSE, school-health-promotion councils involving students, student-needs data to tailor provision; student-led campaigns; review of sexual-health services; and parent information. The primary outcome was prevention of non-competent sexual debut (lacking decision autonomy, judging timing as right, partners' equal willingness or contraception).RESULTS: Of 2845 schools invited, 50 (1.76%) consented, 1 leaving post-allocation. Of 25 control and 24 intervention schools, 4 withdrew pre-endline. 6970 (77.3%) students participated at baseline and 6268 (77.9%) at 33-month endline. Fidelity of whole-school components was suboptimal. No schools achieved 'good' fidelity; two achieved 'adequate' fidelity across components. 11 achieved 'adequate fidelity on selected components' (student-needs report, school-health-promotion council meetings, lessons, parent information). Control schools delivered similar activities to intervention schools. Among 780 (12.44%) students sexually debuting between baseline and endline, non-competent debut was reported by 268 (64.42%) in the control and 240 (65.93%) in the intervention group (risk difference=0.020 (95% CI -0.05 to 0.09)). There were no effects on secondary outcomes. Incremental costs were £1337 per school (£10 per student).CONCLUSION: Positive Choices did not prevent non-competent sexual debut (primary outcome) or impact secondary outcomes compared with usual RSE, possibly explained by weak fidelity of whole-school elements and/or comprehensive RSE in control schools.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN16723909.</p
An exploration of the relationship between ineffective modes of mentalization and difficulties related to borderline personality disorder: a network approach
Get PDFBackground: The mentalization-based perspective of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) underscores fluctuating interpersonal functionality, believed to arise from suboptimal mentalization modes, including hyper- and hypomentalizing. The connection between ineffective mentalizing and specific BPD challenges remains ambiguous. Network theory offers a unique means to investigate the hypothesis that distinct yet interconnected mental challenges (‘symptoms’) construct ‘disorders’ through their continuous mutual interactions. This study aimed to probe the pairwise interrelations between ineffective mentalizing and BPD challenges and to distinguish these relations between individuals with (clinical group) and without (community group) a BPD diagnosis using a network analysis approach. Methods: Through a cross-sectional secondary data analysis, a moderated Mixed Graphical Model was employed on data from 575 individuals (350 clinical, 225 community). The study evaluated associations between ineffective mentalization modes (hypermentalization, hypomentalization, and no mentalization) gauged by the MASC and self-reported BPD-associated challenges, using BPD diagnosis as the moderating variable. Results: The analysis confirmed the presence of significant links between ineffective mentalizing and specific interpersonal BPD challenges, which were moderated by BPD diagnosis. It implied that hypermentalization and hypomentalization might simultaneously shape BPD-associated challenges. Conclusions: The results offer fresh insights into the interplay between hypermentalization, hypomentalization, and BPD-related difficulties
Palin stuttering therapy for school aged children and usual treatment: a randomised controlled trial feasibility study
Get PDFBackground: Despite a clear need for and evidence-based therapy for some children who stutter aged 8–14, there is no high-level evidence of effectiveness, with Speech and Language Therapists rating knowledge and confidence low. One programme which might address these needs, increase availability of services and improve outcomes, is Palin Stammering Therapy for School aged Children (Palin STSC(8 14)). Aim: To investigate the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial comparing Palin STSC(8 14) with usual treatment. Objectives were to establish: recruitment and retention rates; appropriateness of the outcome measures; acceptability of the research and Palin STSC(8 14) therapy; treatment fidelity; and, appropriateness of the cost-effectiveness measures. Method: A two-arm, cluster-randomised trial, with randomisation of therapists, stratified by service. Children aged 8;0–14;11, and their parent(s), were allocated to therapist and completed questionnaires pre-therapy and six months later. Assessments were selected for their potential to measure or predict therapy outcome. Therapists completed measures at the start and end of the trial. A process analysis was conducted, incorporating semi-structured interviews and treatment fidelity examination. Results: Recruitment targets were exceeded (Children n = 67; SLTs n = 37). Research processes were largely acceptable, as was Palin STSC(8 14) therapy. Treatment fidelity was high, with SLT adherence at 85.7 % Mean number of sessions per child for Palin STSC(8 14) was 6.9 compared to 3.5 for usual treatment. Conclusions: The feasibility targets were met. Based on recruitment, retention and adherence rates and our outcome measures, a full-scale randomised controlled trial appears feasible and warranted to assess the effectiveness of Palin STSC(8 14)
Advanced MMC-based hydrostatic bearings for enhanced linear motion in ultraprecision and micromachining applications
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of material selection on the performance of linear slideways in ultraprecision machines used for freeform surface machining. The primary objective is to address challenges related to load-bearing capacity and limited bandwidth in slow tool servo (STS) techniques. Multi-body dynamic (MBD) simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of two materials, alloy steel and metal matrix composite (MMC), within the linear slideway system. Key performance parameters, including acceleration, velocity, and displacement, are analyzed to compare the two materials. The findings reveal that MMC outperforms alloy steel in acceleration, velocity, and displacement, demonstrating faster response times and greater linear displacement, which enhances the capabilities of STS-based ultraprecision machining. This study highlights the potential of utilizing lightweight materials, such as MMC, to optimize the performance and efficiency of linear slideways in precision engineering applications
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