ScientificWorldJournal [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Urban Agriculture Enterprises and Food Security Outcomes in Secondary African Cities: Evidence From Mbarara City, Uganda.
Wambede NM, Remigio T, Justine A … +2 more , Loy T, Andrew M
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42281271 · Full text
Urban agriculture is increasingly promoted as a strategy for enhancing household food security in African cities, yet empirical evidence from rapidly growing secondary cities remains limited, particularly regarding how d...
Urban agriculture is increasingly promoted as a strategy for enhancing household food security in African cities, yet empirical evidence from rapidly growing secondary cities remains limited, particularly regarding how different urban agricultural enterprises contribute to food access. This study examines the role of urban agriculture in shaping household food security in Mbarara City, Uganda, by comparing outcomes across arable, poultry, livestock and mixed farming enterprises. Using a cross-sectional survey of 310 urban farming households, food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and differences across enterprise types were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The results indicate variation in food security outcomes across enterprise types. Households engaged in arable farming were more likely to be food-secure than those relying primarily on poultry or livestock enterprises, whereas mixed-enterprise households were associated with more stable food security outcomes, suggesting that diversification may buffer households against production- and market-related risks. These differences reflect variations in land requirements, input costs and compatibility with dense urban environments. Overall, the study demonstrates that urban agriculture is associated with differing food security outcomes across enterprise types. By focusing on a secondary city context, the findings provide empirical evidence for debates on urban food systems and highlight the importance of enterprise selection and diversification in urban food planning amid rapid urbanisation and land constraints.
Seminal Homocysteine Levels in Men With Asthenozoospermia: Correlation With Sperm Parameters and Vitamin B Levels.
Aljabali S, Bdeir R, Banihani SA
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42262176 · Full text
In this study, we aim to assess the seminal plasma levels of homocysteine in men with asthenozoospermia compared with normozoospermic men and to investigate their correlations with sperm parameters and seminal plasma vit...
In this study, we aim to assess the seminal plasma levels of homocysteine in men with asthenozoospermia compared with normozoospermic men and to investigate their correlations with sperm parameters and seminal plasma vitamin B levels. The levels of homocysteine and vitamin B were measured in 108 asthenozoospermic and 64 normozoospermic semen samples. Homocysteine levels in seminal plasma were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, whereas vitamin B levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that seminal plasma levels of homocysteine were significantly higher in the asthenozoospermic group than in the normozoospermic group (3.08 ± 0.320 vs. 1.23 ± 0.320 μmol/L, p < 0.0001). Notably, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve was 0.999 (p < 0.0001), indicating a strong diagnostic performance of seminal plasma homocysteine in distinguishing asthenozoospermic men from normozoospermic men. In addition, the cutoff value was > 1.87 μmol/L, with a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI: 94.3%-100%) and a sensitivity of 99.1% (95% CI: 94.9%-99.9%). In the normozoospermic group, there was no statistically significant association between seminal plasma levels of homocysteine and progressive motility (p = 0.675, r = 0.00286) or total motility (p = 0.178, r = 0.0291) of spermatozoa. However, in the asthenozoospermic group, progressive and total motility were inversely correlated with the seminal plasma levels of homocysteine (p = 0.0025, r = 0.0827, p = 0.0048, r = 0.0725, respectively). No significant correlation was found between homocysteine levels and sperm concentration, semen volume, age, or seminal plasma vitamin B levels in either group. These findings suggest that seminal plasma levels of homocysteine are associated with impaired sperm motility and may serve as a potential biomarker for asthenozoospermia. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
RETRACTION: Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Activity of New Quinazoline Derivatives against MCF-7 Cells.
Journal TSW
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42227680 · Full text
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RETRACTION: A Schiff Base-Derived Copper (II) Complex Is a Potent Inducer of Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells by Activating the Intrinsic Pathway.
Journal TSW
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42227419 · Full text
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The Investigation of Microplastics Abundance in Raw Water for Treated Water on the Primary Irrigation Canal of Karawang, West Java, Indonesia.
Sari GL, Kasasiah A, Utami MR … +5 more , Kurniawan SB, Fauzi M, Amethysia NR, Rohmana AS, Nainggolan AM
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42222900 · Full text
The abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment is increasingly threatening the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and human health. Moreover, conventional raw water treatment for treated water used for...
The abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment is increasingly threatening the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and human health. Moreover, conventional raw water treatment for treated water used for drinking water supply has not been able to remove MPs, which can cause biomagnification and accumulation in the human body. Information regarding the distribution and characteristics of MPs, which contaminate raw water for treated water, still needs to be provided, which becomes the aim of current research. The objectives of this research are to determine the abundance and characterization of MPs in raw water for treated water in the primary irrigation canals of Karawang, which originates from the Citarum Watershed. Fifty water samples were taken along 50.00 km of primary irrigation canals with 1.00 km from each point by the volume reduction method using two modified manta trawls in duplicates. MPs were prepared, observed, and analyzed using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration method, Olympus BX-41 microscopes, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry (ATR-FTIR), respectively. The results showed that MPs had contaminated raw water for treated water along the primary irrigation canals of Karawang as much as 48.33-339.17 particles/L, which was dominated by less than 1.00 mm of particles and fragments in size and shapes, respectively. The polymer of contaminated MPs was dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride with similarities of 80.11%-92.26%, 81.26%-87.44%, and 88.96%. The development and improvement of management for water resources, solid waste, wastewater, and drinking water supply systems in Karawang are recommended to address the potential for MPs contamination, consumption, and biomagnification to humans.
Maturation-Associated Physiological and Biochemical Transitions in Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.): Optimizing Harvest Timing Toward Functional Valorization of Fruits.
Laaraj S, Adiba A, El-Rhouttais C … +9 more , Hamdani A, Sellami W, Kouighat M, Ed-Dra A, Mamassi A, Lamsiah M, Jabbari C, Salmaoui S, Elfazazi K
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42219671 · Full text
Carob fruit (Ceratonia siliqua L.) undergoes numerous physicochemical and biochemical transformations during its ripening; however, these changes have not previously been characterized in a temporal sequence that describ...
Carob fruit (Ceratonia siliqua L.) undergoes numerous physicochemical and biochemical transformations during its ripening; however, these changes have not previously been characterized in a temporal sequence that describes the states of maturity of carob fruit, limiting the potential to determine periods of harvest that can maximize both nutrient-dense value and yield. In the current study, physical, colorimetric, and biochemical measurements were conducted that assessed the changes that occurred in unripe carob pods over five different carob pod ages (T1-T5). Physical traits including pod length, width, thickness, and mass all increased consistently throughout immature stages, reaching their maximum at T5. Brix and pH remained consistent until the early stages of maturity but began to decline beginning at T4, with Brix being the most impacted of the measurements. Total sugars varied across stages, with a minimum of 1616 mg measured in T2 and a maximum of 2198 mg measured in T3. The biochemical results showed that total phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and even their antioxidant activity were all highest at T2, declining at all other maturity periods. These findings indicate that immature carob fruits experience various developmental phases, with the T2-T3 gap recognized as a critical period marked by heightened amounts of bioactive chemicals. This crucial period presents advantageous prospects for focused enhancement in food and pharmaceutical sectors. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by clarifying the dynamic changes throughout the immature stage, so establishing a scientific foundation for the efficient utilization of immature carob pods and ensuring their sustained functional and agronomic value.
Optimizing Staffing Level and Waiting Time Using Queuing Model in Bank Service.
Mamo T, Tolosa D, Nagarajan S … +3 more , Paramasivam V, Asfaw WHM, Umamaheswaran S
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42218582 · Full text
Long waiting times in banking services reduce customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, often resulting from misaligned staffing levels and fluctuating client traffic. The Cooperative Bank of Oromia in Holeta, Et...
Long waiting times in banking services reduce customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, often resulting from misaligned staffing levels and fluctuating client traffic. The Cooperative Bank of Oromia in Holeta, Ethiopia, experiences significant service delays due to staffing inefficiencies and unpredictable customer arrivals. This study is aimed at optimizing staffing arrangements and minimize customer-waiting times to improve service delivery. Long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network was used to predict customer foot traffic, regression analysis assessed the impact of staffing on waiting times, and the M/M/C queuing model determined optimal staffing levels. Optimal staffing was identified as seven servers for the Holeta branch and six servers for the Goro Qeransa branch, with average system occupancy of 5.34 and 6.69 customers, respectively, leading to reduced waiting times. Aligning staffing with predicted customer flows can substantially improve service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Bank management should adopt data-driven staffing strategies based on predictive forecasting and queuing models, which can also be adapted for similar banking contexts beyond Ethiopia.
Prevalence of Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) Among University Students in Bangladesh and Its Impact on Learning and Daily Activities.
Reaz MT, Sayam S, Nahid M … +2 more , Dada M, Uddin MA
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42216707 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Color vision deficiency (CVD) is a common inherited visual disorder that can interfere with academic tasks and daily activities that rely on accurate color discrimination. Despite its potential educational an...
BACKGROUND: Color vision deficiency (CVD) is a common inherited visual disorder that can interfere with academic tasks and daily activities that rely on accurate color discrimination. Despite its potential educational and occupational implications, data on CVD prevalence and functional impact among university students in Bangladesh remain limited. AIM: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of CVD among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and describing patterns of learning-related and daily-life difficulties among affected students. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1207 students from two universities in Dhaka. Color vision was assessed using the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates under standardized lighting conditions to identify red-green CVD. Students diagnosed with CVD completed a structured questionnaire evaluating difficulties in academic tasks, digital media use, and daily activities. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, while factor analysis was applied to examine patterns of difficulties associated with impaired color perception. RESULTS: Overall, 33 students (2.7%) were identified with CVD. All affected participants were male, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.4% among male students, while no cases were observed among females. Students with CVD reported notable difficulties in educational activities involving color-coded learning materials, multimedia content, and object recognition in daily life. These findings highlight reported patterns of challenges in both learning-related and practical tasks. CONCLUSION: CVD affects a notable proportion of male university students in Bangladesh and is associated with meaningful academic and daily-life challenges. Early screening and increased awareness may help reduce these difficulties and support informed academic and career-related decision-making.
Development of a Functional Loog-Pang Starter Using Selected Yeast and Fungal Strains for Black Glutinous Rice Sato Fermentation.
Rattanasuk S, Thinthapthai K, Khamthawi N
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42206462 · Full text
The production of Sato using black glutinous rice offers a valuable opportunity to enhance its overall quality by leveraging the unique nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, and distinct sensory attributes of pigment...
The production of Sato using black glutinous rice offers a valuable opportunity to enhance its overall quality by leveraging the unique nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, and distinct sensory attributes of pigmented rice varieties. This study aims to develop an effective Loog-pang starter to produce black glutinous rice Sato. Yeast and fungal strains were isolated from Loog-pang Sato and Loog-pang Khao Mak samples collected from Roi Et and Yasothon provinces in Thailand. Fungal strains were selected based on their amylase production on soluble starch agar, while yeast strains were screened for their fermentation performance based on TDS reduction, ethanol production, and alcohol tolerance. The study successfully isolated eight fungal strains and 14 yeast strains. Fungal isolates FSA1 and FSA2 exhibited the highest amylase activity on starch agar after iodine treatment. Yeast isolate YKB1 demonstrated the highest alcohol tolerance when cultured in liquid media containing 10% and 15% alcohol. For Sato fermentation, this study utilized a ratio of fungal strain (FSA1 or FSA2) to yeast strain (YKB1). The highest alcohol production, at 16%, was achieved using Loog-pang made with the combination of FSA1 and YKB1. The yeast DNA sequencing analysis of YKB1 revealed a 95.57% similarity to Issatchenkia orientalis. The findings from this study present significant potential for enhancing Sato production by isolating yeast and fungi, enabling local producers to scale up production, improve production, and expand markets both locally and internationally.
Toxic Metal in Plant-Based Therapeutics: Contamination Pathways, Oxidative Stress Induction, and Onset of Disease.
Islam N
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42206442 · Full text
Widespread environmental contamination by heavy metals from anthropogenic sources has raised significant concerns about their accumulation in plant based therapeutics and the associated risks to human health. With report...
Widespread environmental contamination by heavy metals from anthropogenic sources has raised significant concerns about their accumulation in plant based therapeutics and the associated risks to human health. With reported exceedances of permissible limits in approximately 20%-80% of plant based therapeutics across different geographical regions where over 30%-50% of the samples collected from high-risk environments, particularly areas adjacent to industrial, mining, and intensive agricultural activities. The samples contain elevated concentrations of toxic metals, frequently exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) safety thresholds. This study elucidates the mechanisms through which toxic metals infiltrate plant-based therapeutics and trigger oxidative stress, resulting in cellular dysfunction and disease progression. Under physiological conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during normal metabolism are efficiently scavenged by endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase, thereby preserving redox equilibrium. Exposure to redox-active metals disrupts this balance by catalyzing cyclic reactions-such as Fenton chemistry-that result in excessive ROS generation. This elevated ROS production overwhelms endogenous antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative stress characterized by lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage. Such molecular damage triggers various cell death pathways, including apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. The contamination of herbal drugs by toxic metals occurs in two primary stages. During the herb development phase, plants absorb metals from contaminated soils. The efficiency of this uptake is quantified by the transfer coefficient (TC) and the translocation factor (TF), which indicate the accumulation of metals in the roots relative to the soil and the movement from roots to aerial parts, respectively. Soil metal availability is influenced by factors such as parent material, atmospheric deposition, agrochemicals, organic waste, and inorganic pollutants, while being modulated by processes like crop removal, leaching, and volatilization. In the manufacturing phase, the metal burden is further augmented by both intentional additions (e.g., metal bhasma with purported therapeutic benefits) and unintentional sources (e.g., post harvest processing, transportation, storage conditions, equipment interactions, and cross-contamination). This comprehensive analysis underscores the urgent need for rigorous quality control measures throughout the herbal drug production process to mitigate metal-induced oxidative stress and its deleterious health effects.
Integrating Business Intelligence and CRM Systems With a Machine Learning Approach for Predictive Customer Retention in E-Commerce.
Zeinali M, Ramezani Asli L, Khalili MA
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42204865 · Full text
In the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, retaining existing customers has become more cost-effective and strategically important than acquiring new ones. This study proposes a data-driven framework that integrates b...
In the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, retaining existing customers has become more cost-effective and strategically important than acquiring new ones. This study proposes a data-driven framework that integrates business intelligence (BI) tools, machine learning, and customer relationship management (CRM) decision support to improve predictive customer retention. The framework was developed using the publicly available Brazilian E-Commerce Public Dataset (Olist), which contains more than 100,000 orders and includes transactional, payment, delivery, product, and customer-review information. After SQL-based integration and feature engineering, customer segmentation was performed using K-means clustering on recency, frequency, monetary (RFM) variables, identifying three behavioral groups: loyal, at-risk, and occasional customers. For churn prediction, Random Forest and XGBoost classifiers were trained on customer-level behavioral, satisfaction, and service-related features. XGBoost achieved the best overall performance, with accuracy = 0.81, precision = 0.79, recall = 0.83, F1 - score = 0.81, and AUC = 0.85, outperforming Random Forest (accuracy = 0.76, precision = 0.74, recall = 0.71, F1 - score = 0.72, and AUC = 0.76). The resulting segmentation and churn scores were then exposed through Power BI dashboards and mapped into a proof-of-concept CRM decision framework for retention planning. Unlike studies that treat BI, machine learning, or CRM in isolation, this research presents an end-to-end analytical pipeline that links data preparation, predictive modeling, dashboard-based decision support, and scenario-level CRM action design. The framework provides a reproducible basis for e-commerce retention analytics and a practical foundation for future live deployment and A/B-tested CRM validation.
Sustainable Control of Carbon Emissions and Energy Consumption Through a Green Data Center Approach.
Afzal Y, Nawaz N, Khan AA … +6 more , Yousaf MJ, Khan MZ, Arif E, Salahuddin M, Mohamed MA, Ullah S
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42163451 · Full text
Data center management, the foundation of contemporary cloud computing, has made energy saving a top priority. Among other difficulties, the placement of virtual machines (VMs) has a major impact on data center resource...
Data center management, the foundation of contemporary cloud computing, has made energy saving a top priority. Among other difficulties, the placement of virtual machines (VMs) has a major impact on data center resource and energy usage. Assigning VMs to physical machines (PMs) is a challenging NP-hard problem, especially in large-scale infrastructures where it is computationally infeasible to find an ideal solution. To solve the VM placement problem, the proposed study formulates it as a restricted optimization problem with the goal of preserving performance while lowering energy consumption. The explosive growth of data centers has resulted in higher energy consumption and higher carbon dioxide (CO) emissions, which are a primary cause of climate change. Globally, governments, energy-focused organizations, and business executives have taken notice of this expanding environmental impact. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of data center energy consumption patterns, environmental effects, and trends in energy consumption. It also suggests doable energy-saving measures, such as installing energy-efficient infrastructure and upgrading air conditioning systems. The paper also presents an improved genetic algorithm-based method that is tailored for energy-conscious VM deployment, successfully striking a balance between computing economy and convergence accuracy. The suggested solution highly increased data centers' energy efficiency by incorporating this strategy within a profile-based virtual resource management model. Additionally, policy suggestions for sustainable data center management are delineated, advancing the more general objective of ecologically conscious cloud computing. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves up to 50% reduction in execution time, 48% fewer generations for convergence, and approximately 7% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional first fit decreasing (FFD) methods. Additionally, the integration of task classification improves energy efficiency by up to 15% and reduces the number of active PMs. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed framework in enabling scalable, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable cloud data center management.
Green Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles Using Beta vulgaris L. Extract for Removal of Methyl Violet Dye.
Al-Kazragi MAUR, Al-Heetimi DTA, Al-Jaafari AK … +1 more , Wilson LD
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42159024 · Full text
Wastewater discharge containing organic dyes may pose a hazard to the environment, which necessitates that dye removal must occur prior to wastewater release into water bodies. Herein, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs...
Wastewater discharge containing organic dyes may pose a hazard to the environment, which necessitates that dye removal must occur prior to wastewater release into water bodies. Herein, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were prepared by a green precipitation method to enable decolorization of a cationic dye (methyl violet; MV) from aqueous media. Complementary tools were employed to characterize the CuO NPs adsorbent: spectroscopy (FTIR and UV-VIS), microscopy (FESEM and TEM), XRD, BET surface area analysis, and point of zero charge (pH) via potentiometry. The FTIR bands at 722, 663, 569, and 465 cm correspond to the vibrational modes of CuO NPs, along with the optical absorbance band at 275 nm that supports the formation of CuO NPs. The XRD and TEM analyses predicted single-phase CuO NPs with a monoclinic framework. BET was employed to assess the textural characteristics and accounted for the specific surface area (12.97 m·g). Batch adsorption studies were carried out to assess the role of initial pH (3.58-10.53), CuO NPs dose (0.02-0.25 g/L), initial MV concentration (20-140 mg/L), contact time (5-90 min), and temperature (298, 308, and 318 K) on the dye removal efficiency. The adsorption capacity of CuO NPs for MV was determined to be 5.06 mg/g at 45°C. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) model described kinetic isotherms, and equilibrium adsorption data were adequately fitted by the Freundlich model. Thermodynamic results revealed that adsorption was spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy driven at the solid-liquid interface. The CuO NPs further displayed good reusability with high efficiency for six successive cycles of adsorption-desorption using 0.1 M HCl as a desorbing agent. These findings validate the efficacy of CuO NPs as a green and effective adsorbent for wastewater treatment processes for cationic dye removal.
Investigating the Adsorption of Congo Red From Aqueous Solutions on Naturally Occurring and Acid-Activated Libyan Bentonite.
Aghila SM, Jamhour HA, Jangher AA … +3 more , Mahara BM, Hamammu IM, Tawati DM
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42145077 · Full text
This study investigates the potential of Libyan bentonite as an eco-friendly and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions. Natural and acid-activated bentonite samples were colle...
This study investigates the potential of Libyan bentonite as an eco-friendly and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions. Natural and acid-activated bentonite samples were collected from the Umm al-Razm region of Libya. Experimental conditions, such as initial CR concentrations (10-60 ppm), pH values (5-10), contact times (5-120 min), temperatures (25°C-55°C), and adsorbent doses (0.001-0.007 g), were applied to natural and acid-activated bentonite samples drawn from Umm al-Razm, Libya, using a batch adsorption approach. Acid activation significantly improved the adsorption performance compared to the natural material. The Freundlich isotherm model describes the adsorption of the CR onto both materials, according to equilibrium data. This conformance highlights the heterogeneous adsorption process involving multilayer formation. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis definitively proved the process to be endothermic and spontaneous, confirming that increasing the temperature enhances the adsorption capacity. These results offer critical insights into the physicochemical modifications induced by acid activation and illustrate the basic concepts of the mechanism governing CR uptake. The findings offer important insights for developing targeted surface engineering strategies that effectively tackle the inherent electrostatic challenges faced in the design of adsorbent materials.
Evaluation of Arch Dimensions and Bolton Ratio in Manual and Artificial Intelligence Tooth Segmentation.
Al-Mashhadany SM, Al-Groosh D, Al-Ubaydi AS
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42138623 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: A 3D tooth model segmented with the use of deep learning (DL) method program (CephX) as well as MIMICS software (manual segmentation) will be evaluated for reliability in the presented work. In addition, the s...
OBJECTIVE: A 3D tooth model segmented with the use of deep learning (DL) method program (CephX) as well as MIMICS software (manual segmentation) will be evaluated for reliability in the presented work. In addition, the segmented model was compared with the intraoral scan (IOS)-generated 3D tooth model in terms of the Bolton ratio and arch dimensions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 30 patients attending the College of Dentistry/University of Baghdad with records of IOSs and CBCT scans were included. CBCT has been transformed into a 3D digital tooth model segmented with the use of MIMICS software and an AI-based program (CephX), and the Bolton ratio and arch dimensions (length and width) were measured utilizing Geomagic Control X software. Statistical analyses, including the mean and standard deviation, were performed, and a paired t-test was used to assess the systematic bias between the three methods. Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis were used to assess the agreement between the three methods. RESULTS: The means of CephX, MIMICS, and IOS of all analyses were mostly similar, and the difference between them was greatest in the anterior Bolton ratio of IOS and CephX images. The systematic bias demonstrated no significant difference (p value > 0.05) between CephX and MIMICS, but CephX versus IOS and MIMICS versus IOS demonstrated significant differences (p value < 0.05) in several measurements, such as Bolton ratios and arch length. Agreement using ICC revealed good to excellent reliability overall, but moderate agreement in overall Bolton between MIMICS-IOS and between CephX-IOS, anterior Bolton and interpremolar distance between CephX-MIMICS, and poor agreement in anterior Bolton between MIMICS-IOS and between CephX-IOS was found. Bland-Altman plots showed that CephX and MIMICS were consistent, implying minimal systematic bias. CONCLUSIONS: Digital and AI-driven tooth segmentation (MIMICS and CephX), and IOS methods generally provide consistent and reliable measurements in terms of the Bolton ratio and arch dimensions. However, caution is advised when interpreting certain Bolton ratio values because discrepancies and lower agreement may occur.
Geographical Variation in Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: Morphological Adaptations Associated With Distinct Phytochemical Signals and Bioactivity of Extracts.
A Pistanty M, Parama Astirin O, Dewi Marliyana S … +1 more , Solichatun S
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42136126 · Full text
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a medicinal plant whose extract quality can vary with environmental context and associated differences in plant morphology and secondary metabolism. This study examined how geographical va...
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a medicinal plant whose extract quality can vary with environmental context and associated differences in plant morphology and secondary metabolism. This study examined how geographical variation across three Indonesian agroecological regions (Kediri, Kulon Progo, and Tawangmangu) is associated with morphological variation, qualitative phytochemical profiles, and measured bioactivity of C. asiatica extracts. Comparative analyses revealed distinct region-specific morphological traits that covaried with differences in extraction yield, qualitative phytochemical signals, antioxidant capacity, and photoprotective activity. Among the tested solvent systems, ethanol consistently produced extracts with broader metabolite-class signals and higher measured bioactivity. The high-altitude Tawangmangu accession extracted with ethanol showed the lowest IC and the highest SPF values in this dataset, a pattern consistent with the working interpretation of eco-phytochemical association along an environmental gradient. Factorial statistical analyses indicated significant effects of accession, solvent polarity, and their interaction on extract quality and bioactivity. Overall, the findings support the importance of integrating geographical origin and extraction strategy when selecting plant sources for standardized botanical extracts while acknowledging that mechanistic causation was not tested.
Vulnerability of Rural Households to Climate Change and Food Insecurity in Enebse Sar Midir District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Belachew KG, Beyene BT, Bezabih BY
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42132090 · Full text
Climate change poses profound global challenges, especially for agriculture and food security in developing countries. This study investigates the impact of climate change on household food security and assesses the effe...
Climate change poses profound global challenges, especially for agriculture and food security in developing countries. This study investigates the impact of climate change on household food security and assesses the effectiveness of farm-level adaptation strategies in mitigating its impacts in the Enebse Sar Midir District of the East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected through a household survey of 184 rural households using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Version 26. The findings reveal that 85.9% of respondents observed changes in temperature, while 90.2% noted altered rainfall patterns. The key climate-related challenges affecting food security included drought (79.3%), erratic rainfall, and flooding. Household food security was assessed using indicators such as the months of adequate household food provisioning (MAHFP), Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and household dietary diversity score (HDDS). The study showed that 33.7%, 42.9%, and 32.1% of households were food secure according to MAHFP, HFIAS, and HDDS, respectively, while the majority remained food insecure. Binary logit regression analysis revealed nine significant determinants of household food security, including age, family size, educational level, livestock ownership, and rainfall variability (p < 0.05 and p < 0.1). Moreover, 82.1% of households adopted climate adaptation strategies, such as soil and water conservation, modified planting time, and improved crop management practices. This result points out the critical need to strengthen household-level adaptation strategies and improve access to climate information to improve food security in drought-prone rural areas of Ethiopia.
Assessing the Effects of Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Soil Erosion and Soil Fertility in the Fetam Watershed in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia.
Tadele S, Elias E, Aneseyee AB
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42117349 · Full text
Understanding sustainable land management is important for agricultural production. However, soil fertility has been declining due to anthropogenic and natural factors. To curb these problems, soil and water conservation...
Understanding sustainable land management is important for agricultural production. However, soil fertility has been declining due to anthropogenic and natural factors. To curb these problems, soil and water conservation (SWC) practices have been implemented over the last 15 years in the study watershed, but their impact has not been studied in detail. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the effects of SWC practices on soil fertility and soil erosion in the Fetam watershed. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) and sediment delivery ratio (SDR) model were used to analyze the sedimentation based on the required input parameters of the model such as land-use/land-coverraster data, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation factors such as rainfall-erosivity data, erodobilityfactor, cover factor (C), and management factors (P) and raster digital elevation model including the boundary of the study area in vector form. A total of 32 soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected and disaggregated by landscape position: upper, middle, and downstream. After collecting soil samples, the soil physicochemical properties, such as texture and bulk density (BD), and chemical properties such as (pH), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), exchangeable bases, and cation exchnage capacity (CEC) were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures in the treated (Hunkan) and untreated (Kindikan) subwatersheds. The t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) results show that the physical and chemical properties of soil differed significantly between treated and untreated subwatersheds and between upper and lower landscape positions (p < 0.05). The mean soil loss in treated and untreated microwatersheds was 14.43 ± 6.63 and 20.31 ± 10.28 t/ha, respectively. This indicates that the SWC structures implemented in the treated subwatershed contributed to reducing soil erosion rates. The treated watershed and lower landscape position had the highest OC (3.69 ± 0.23) and the lowest BD (1.05 ± 0.01). In contrast, the untreated watershed and upper landscape position had the highest BD (1.21 ± 0.01) and the lowest OC (2.35 ± 0.23). Overall, the soil fertility parameters were most favorable in the treated fields and lower-slope positions, suggesting that SWC measures implemented have significantly improved soil fertility and reduced soil loss. Therefore, it is necessary to scale up the SWC practices to other untreated areas of the watershed in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia to achieve sustainable development.
Clinical Effectiveness of Traditional Polyherbal Formulations for Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Kehinde SA, Awaeloh N, Na-Phatthalung P … +2 more , Kantisin S, Chusri S
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42109081 · Full text
Chronic wounds, especially in diabetic patients, are difficult to manage because of delayed healing and high infection risk. Traditional polyherbal formulations, which are composed of multiple medicinal plants with syner...
Chronic wounds, especially in diabetic patients, are difficult to manage because of delayed healing and high infection risk. Traditional polyherbal formulations, which are composed of multiple medicinal plants with synergistic effects, are widely used in wound care, but their clinical effectiveness has not been comprehensively synthesized. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of traditional polyherbal formulations for wound healing. Databases were searched, and RCTs involving adults with wounds, where the intervention was traditional polyherbal formulation rather than a placebo, standard care, or other active treatments, were included. The meta-analysis was conducted via a random-effects model, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated via GRADE. Eight RCTs were included. The pooled mean difference for healing time favored polyherbal formulations (-3.28 days; 95%CI = -8.56 to 2.01) but was not statistically significant. Similarly, HbA1c reduction (-5.97%; 95%CI = -30.86 to 18.93) was not significantly different, with high heterogeneity (I = 98%), and no publication bias was detected. Although several individual herbs within these formulations possess tissue-regenerative, angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, the pooled results indicate only a modest, nonsignificant trend toward faster healing. Variations in formulation composition, treatment duration, and methodological quality limit the certainty of evidence, which ranges from high (age) to very low (HbA1c) on the GRADE assessment. Overall, polyherbal formulations show therapeutic promise as adjuncts to standard wound, whereas larger, well-designed trials using standardized formulations and clinically relevant endpoints are needed to establish their efficacy and optimize their clinical application.
Baseline Cardiometabolic, Hepatic and Renal Profile of Infertile Women and Pregnancy Status Following Assisted Reproduction Technology Procedure.
Adu IK, Owusu VB, Amoako EK … +5 more , Attoh GNA, Asiedu EK, Banyeh M, Alhassan IZ, Amidu N
ScientificWorldJournal · 2026 · PMID 42104632 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Routinely, the focus of pre-assisted reproduction technology (ART) assessments is ovarian reserve hormones and semen parameters. However, a growing body of research suggests that systemic metabolic health is...
BACKGROUND: Routinely, the focus of pre-assisted reproduction technology (ART) assessments is ovarian reserve hormones and semen parameters. However, a growing body of research suggests that systemic metabolic health is a critical determinant of reproductive outcomes. The study therefore sought to evaluate disparities in baseline cardiometabolic, hepatic, renal and haematologic factors in infertile women and their pregnancy status following the ART procedure. METHODS: This cross-sectional baseline assessment with prospective follow-up study was conducted at The Chosen Hospital and Fertility Centre in Accra, Ghana, from January 2024 to March 2025. The study involved 206 infertile women aged from 28 to 60 years. Venous blood samples were collected and analysed for fasting lipids, complete blood count and renal and liver function, before any ART procedure. The pregnancy status of women was determined after the ART procedure as either positive or negative, and whether their infertility type was primary, secondary or subfertility. RESULTS: In the multivariable analysis, the chloride level was 0.164 mmol/L higher in women who achieved post-ART pregnancy with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.179 (1.017-1.366). The proportion of eosinophils was higher in subfertility than in primary infertility (3.7 ± 1.8 vs. 2.3 ± 1.5, p < 0.050). In addition, the mean platelet volume (10.4 ± 1.8 vs. 9.8 ± 1.5 vs. 8.3 ± 1.1, p < 0.050) and the platelet distribution width (13.3 ± 3.0 vs. 12.4 ± 2.7 vs. 9.9 ± 1.8, p < 0.050) were higher in secondary infertility than primary and subfertility. CONCLUSION: As a routinely available and inexpensive biomarker, serum chloride could enhance pre-ART assessment if confirmed in larger prospective studies. The MPV, PDW and eosinophil proportion across infertility types may be indicators of distinct underlying pathophysiological pathways in different infertility diagnoses.
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