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To develop diagnostic imaging approaches, this paper emphasizes the transformational potential of merging geophysics with health sciences. Diagnostic imaging technology improvements have transformed the health sciences by enabling earlier and more precise disease identification, individualized therapy, and improved patient care. This review article examines the connection between geophysics and diagnostic imaging in the field of health sciences. Geophysics, which is typically used to explore Earth's subsurface, has provided new uses of its methodology in the medical field, providing innovative solutions to pressing medical problems. The article examines the different geophysical techniques like electrical imaging, seismic imaging, and geophysics and their corresponding imaging techniques used in health sciences like tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, etc. The examination includes the description, similarities, differences, and challenges associated with these techniques and how modified geophysical techniques can be used in imaging methods in health sciences. Examining the progression of each method from geophysics to medical imaging and its contributions to illness diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring are highlighted. Also, the utilization of geophysical data analysis techniques like signal processing and inversion techniques in image processing in health sciences has been briefly explained, along with different mathematical and computational tools in geophysics and how they can be implemented for image processing in health sciences. The key findings include the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence in geophysics-driven medical imaging, demonstrating the revolutionary effects of data-driven methods on precision, speed, and predictive modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic productivity of health sciences faculty members in one graduate school in the United States. Thirty-two faculty members completed an electronic survey comparing academic productivity in the year prior to the pandemic to a year during the pandemic. In total, 90.7% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that time dedicated to teaching increased, and 81.2% agreed or strongly agreed that they prioritized teaching over research during the pandemic. Participants presented an average of 2.72 peer-reviewed papers at an academic conference the year before and 1.47 during the pandemic, with females more adversely affected than males. Journal submissions with survey participants as the first or last authors decreased during the pandemic. Twelve faculty members including genetic counseling, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language pathology participated in one-to-one interviews. Three themes emerged from qualitative data analysis: stressed systems, balancing act, and meaningful connection. Faculty members were faced with an external locus of control during the pandemic and noted a lack of autonomy and pressure to help students graduate on time and maintain the quality of teaching while dealing with uncertainty in both their professional and personal lives. The pandemic disproportionately impacted women and junior faculty members as connectedness and mentorship declined. Collaboration and research mentorship must be prioritized moving forward to continue to advance healthcare and health sciences education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health science students in post-secondary institutions experience high levels of depression and anxiety due to increased stress levels, workload, low socioeconomic status, and history of family mental illness, among other factors. Given the significant negative impact that depression and anxiety can have on undergraduate health science students, it is essential to understand the prevalence and correlation of these conditions in this population. In light of this, this scoping review aims to identify, document, and analyze the literature on the prevalence and determinants of anxiety and depression among undergraduate health sciences students and identify gaps in knowledge for future research. Methods: This scoping review was planned and executed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for the Scoping Reviews statement. A comprehensive and systematic search was carried out for five databases, namely MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed. Results: From the literature identified by our search strategy, the lowest prevalence for anxiety was 5.8%, and the highest was 82.6%, with a median of 44.25%. The prevalence of depression ranged from a high of 88.8% to a low of 2.1%, with a median value of 34.8%. Our analysis revealed that correlates of anxiety and depression among health science students include sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, gender, relationships, ethnicity, and family history, personal health conditions, and academic and socioeconomic issues. Conclusions: With the high incidence of anxiety and depression among health science students, there is an increasing need to find practical remedies to support these students. It is also essential for policymakers and university authorities to implement interventions such as supportive text messages and other strategies geared toward providing support and improving the psychological well-being of health science students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health science students are the future healthcare workforce. Understanding and fostering a sustainable educational environment (EE) is essential in optimising their learning and the successful completion of their studies. A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted to explore health science students' experiences of their EE at the largest public university in Brunei Darussalam. A cross-sectional design using the DREEM questionnaire (n = 150) and four focus group discussions (n = 31) involving five health science programs (biomedical sciences, dentistry, medicine, nursing/midwifery, and pharmacy) was conducted between November 2021 and May 2022. Descriptive and linear regression analyses and thematic analysis were respectively performed on the quantitative and qualitative data. Although the university EE was experienced by students as "more positive than negative" (86.7%), 13.3% perceived it as having "plenty of problems". This perception of learning was statistically significant among nursing/midwifery students (p = 0.012). Dentistry students reported positive perceptions across all five domains of the DREEM (an overall mean of 119.3 ± 10.3). The importance of a stimulating home learning environment, supportive peers, innovative teaching methods, soft skill development, and clinical learning enhancement were highlighted. To foster independence and student-centred learning, an educational program that empowers students on their EE, including 'survival skills' is recommended. Future research should compare health science students' experiences in university and clinical EE, nationally and abroad (medical and dentistry twinning program), and develop indicators measuring the sustainability of the EE throughout health science programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuwait Vision 2035 is an initiative that was launched in 2017 by His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This initiative includes the implementation of a detailed development plan aimed at transforming the state of Kuwait into a regional leader in science, technology, and innovation. Health research will arguably prove to be one of the most impactful research arenas when it comes to accomplishing the goals set forth by the Kuwait Vision 2035 Development Plan. The high impact of health research is derived from its capacity to aid in the establishment of a knowledge-based health industry. The state of Kuwait lacks a system for promoting and managing national R&D efforts. At present, the research and development (R&D) expenditure in the state of Kuwait is far below the international standards that have been shown to lead to innovation and the subsequent development of a knowledge-based economy. Improvement of the weak and unstructured existing R&D apparatus in the State of Kuwait is among the most urgent challenges facing the nation as it strives toward innovation and development of a knowledge-based economy. Developing health research capacities in the State of Kuwait can significantly contribute toward improving public health, health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, and overall human welfare. Importantly, the positive impacts of such extensive benefits will not be restricted to the state of Kuwait and its citizens, but may in fact reap benefits for the global society as a whole. This article first analyzes the current status of healthcare services and health science research in the State of Kuwait, and then summarizes some essential R&D design principles that Kuwait needs to implement in order to achieve the milestones set forth in the Kuwait Vision 2035 Development Plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]