The healthcare sector ranks among the largest consumers of single-use plastics, generating substantial amounts of waste, an issue strikingly captured in Maria Koijck's breast surgery photography. To reduce the environmental impact, biobased and biodegradable polymers are promising alternatives to conventional …

Background: As populations age, maintaining physical activity (PA) is essential to reduce chronic disease risk and preserve functional independence in older adults. Technology-supported interventions, such as wearables, mobile applications, and web-based platforms, have emerged as effective tools to …

Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) offer many benefits for people with intellectual or physical disabilities. As these services grow in popularity, ensuring the welfare of the horses involved is crucial. This study explored the horses’ mood state during equine-assisted coaching and therapeutic riding sessions, …

REducing Delay through edUcation on eXacerbations (REDUX) shows promise in reducing exacerbation recognition and action delays for chronic lung diseases in the Netherlands. However, factors influencing its successful implementation in China remain unclear. To identify the perceived factors influencing …

Biophilia, while often seen as a fashionable concept in design and architecture, goes well beyond being just a fad; rather, it is a necessity driven by deep human and ecological needs. In an era of rapid urbanization and increasing lifestyle-related health problems, as well as climate change and declining …

In this thesis, we focus on developing behaviours for socially interactive agents (SIAs). The context in which the agent is used is a self-regulated learning system for children. We focus on personalising learning objectives and interaction content within an intelligent tutoring system (ITS). We envision …

Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are ushering in a transformative era in healthcare, fundamentally changing our approach to public health. These technologies enable healthcare providers to move from reactive to preventive care, analyze vast amounts of medical data in real time, and deliver …

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are increasingly developed for hospital nursing practice, yet their impact on decision-making, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes remains complex. This rapid review synthesizes findings from 21 studies, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of CDSS …

If you are looking for examples of just how special dogs are, you will find thirteen wonderful examples in this book. These dogs have a knack for calming people down and picking up on tension—sometimes even better than we do! Each story highlights the incredible bond between dogs and humans, showcasing …

A dissertation to obtain the degree of doctor at the University of Twente on 17 December 2024. This dissertation investigates how music can enrich the lives of people with dementia and how designers can better address their needs. Music aids in relaxation, activation, and maintaining identity, yet accessibility …