This study explores the initiatives of Local Government Units (LGUs) in Cebu, Philippines, to support vegetable farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a mixed-methods approach, we assess the effectiveness of policies, financial aid, and capacity-building programs in enhancing agricultural resilience. Key findings highlight the role of LGU-driven innovations in mitigating economic disruptions and improving food security. Challenges such as resource limitations and policy gaps are also examined. The study underscores the need for sustainable, adaptive strategies to strengthen local agricultural systems against future crises.

Addressing insomnia symptoms through food aid to those with food insecurity.

This research aims to enhance chemical bonding comprehension through visual aids among first-year Geodetic Engineering students at Batangas State University. Abstract concepts of chemistry, like ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, are difficult to master for many students; hence, the need to try out instructional tools that will enhance understanding among learners. This research uses a quantitative-descriptive research design. The researchers prepared a survey questionnaire with validated questions and administered it to 50 students coming from Geodetic Engineering 1101 and Geodetic Engineering 1102. Three areas were measured by the study: difficulties of students learning chemical bonding, assessment of visual aid videos on explanation, usefulness, and engagement, and an overall effectiveness of these visual aids. Results showed that the students strongly agreed that the video visual aids had supported their learning immensely, improved retention, clarified several complex ideas, and bridged many gaps. It was noted that especially, visual explanations enhanced the connection between classroom instruction and independent learning. These results show that the use of visual aids is a very effective instructional tool to simplify abstract chemistry concepts and thereby enhance students' comprehension. This study recommends the further use of appropriately designed visual materials in every lesson in chemistry to enhance deeper understanding of concepts

This study addresses a critical knowledge deficit regarding the impact of Türkiye’s foreign aid on conflict dynamics and stability in war-torn regions. While the broader aid-conflict nexus is well-documented, Turkish interventions in insecure environments remain significantly underexplored. To bridge this gap, the research examines Türkiye’s humanitarian engagement in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and Somalia (2011–2022). It proposes an alternative theoretical framework, arguing that Turkish aid functions as a violence dampener via three primary causal pathways: (i) the mitigation of socio-economic grievances, (ii) the acquisition of “hearts and minds” among local populations, (iii) increasing the opportunity cost for individuals considering insurgent recruitment. Türkiye’s “humanitarian diplomacy” diverges from traditional donor models by integrating immediate relief, long-term development, and peace-building. This approach is characterized by a distinct implementation style involving direct, unilateral, in-kind assistance delivered by state-affiliated agencies. By operating in high-risk zones and leveraging historical and cultural affinities, Türkiye achieves a comparative advantage in securing local legitimacy. Consequently, Turkish aid proves less vulnerable to negative externalities, such as predation and sabotage, which often undermine aid effectiveness in conflict economies. Despite these advantages in violence mitigation, the study identifies internal challenges, including inefficient resource allocation and the duplication of efforts among Turkish actors. Ultimately, the findings suggest that culturally aligned and locally responsive aid serves as an effective policy instrument for fostering sustainable security in fragile states.

Structured communication tools and decision aids are recommended to facilitate goals of care discussions (GOCDs) in hospitalised patients, but their impact remains unclear. To determine the effectiveness of communication tools and decision aids on GOCDs between healthcare providers, patients and substitute decision makers. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from January 2015 to July 2025, with backward citation tracking to identify additional trials. Randomised trials of communication tools or decision aids for hospitalised adults or substitute decision makers were eligible, regardless of primary outcomes. Trial characteristics, primary outcomes and methodological quality were extracted and assessed using the Core Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate. 22 trials were included. Communication tools increased GOCD documentation (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.05). Effects on resuscitation preferences were inconsistent (OR 1.84, 95% CI 0.95 to 3.60). Mixed effects were observed for concordant care, psychosocial outcomes and healthcare utilisation. Evidence certainty was moderate for most outcomes; several small pilot trials were rated low due to bias, imprecision or heterogeneity. Interventions were most effective when combining structured patient-facing or clinician-facing prompts such as videos, guides or electronic health record alerts. Communication tools and decision aids improve GOCD documentation in hospitalised patients but show uncertain effects on other patient-centred outcomes or healthcare utilisation. Interprofessional training and system-level support may enhance impact, and future large trials should evaluate the effectiveness of facilitated GOCDs on important patient and health system outcomes.

This study aims to analyze the role of the Indonesian language in the preparation of legal documents at the Legal Aid Institute of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, and its implications for clients’ understanding and interpretation as lay members of society. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the Head of the Legal Aid Institute and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the use of standard, accurate, and legally appropriate Indonesian significantly affects the clarity and effectiveness of legal aid documents. However, differences in the meaning of legal terms between the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI), statutory regulations, and public understanding often create potential ambiguity in document interpretation. Therefore, the Legal Aid Institute plays a crucial role in verifying, simplifying, and explaining legal language to ensure clients’ comprehension without diminishing its normative substance. This study confirms that the quality of Indonesian language use in legal aid documents is a key factor in ensuring legal certainty and enhancing access to justice for the community.

Abstract Aid and subsidies can support development by addressing resource gaps, improving infrastructure, and strengthening institutional capacity. However, both theoretical and empirical research also highlights the potential adverse effects of aid—particularly in weak institutional environments—where it can undermine accountability, facilitate rent-seeking and corruption, and entrench corrupt elites. A key question, therefore, is how EU subsidies correlate with levels of corruption. This paper investigates this question using public procurement contract data from EU Member States between 2007 and 2023. The analysis draws on contract-level data from the EU's Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) database, which contains over 8.2 million contracts from the 2007–2023 period. The findings reveal that, after controlling for various characteristics of public procurement contracts, EU-funded contracts are associated with higher levels of corruption risk. This result holds across both traditional corruption risk indicators, such as the proportion of non-competitive contract awards, and alternative indicators better suited to capturing the institutional context of corruption. We observe a strong positive correlation between EU subsidies and corruption risk in Western European countries as well. These findings carry important policy implications: the European Commission should enhance its monitoring of EU-funded public procurement in all Member States, including those in Western Europe.

BackgroundGoals-of-care (GOC) discussions align medical treatment with older adults' preferences, yet are hindered by communication barriers, provider discomfort, and misinformation. Video-based decision aids improve understanding and reduce decision conflict, though data on their use in older populations remain limited. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of video-based decision aids in improving GOC discussions and decision-making outcomes among older adults.MethodsFor this systematic review, a medical librarian conducted a literature search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Cochrane from database inception through April 2025. Eligible studies evaluated a video-based aid in US adults aged ≥65 years to facilitate GOC or code status decisions. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess quality of randomized, interventional studies.ResultsOf 4438 identified studies, 7 underwent full review, and 5 met inclusion criteria. Among inpatient settings, 2 studies found video interventions significantly increased patient preference for comfort-based care, while another using a shorter video, found no effect. In outpatient settings, one study found increased preference for comfort-based care with video intervention, while another reported no preference differences. Two studies assessed knowledge; one inpatient study found no change, while an outpatient study reported greater end-of-life knowledge in the intervention group. Video variability and differences in measured outcomes limited comparisons and generalizability.ConclusionsVideo-based decision aids show promise for improving knowledge and aligning treatment preferences. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of video-based decision aids on GOC conversations in older adults in acute care settings.

Pulse and glide (PnG) has limited application in urban traffic flows, particularly in emerging mixed traffic flows comprising connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and human-driven vehicles (HDVs), as well as at signalized intersections. In light of this, green wave coordination is applied to the urban network of multiple signalized intersections. Under perception asymmetries, HDVs lack environmental perception capabilities, while CAVs are equipped with perception sensors of varying performance. CAVs could activate the PnG mode and set its average speed based on signal phase and safety status, enabling assessment of fuel savings and safety. The findings reveal that (i) excluding idling fuel consumption, when the traffic volume is low and market penetration rate (MPR) of CAVs exceeds 70%, CAVs could significantly reduce regional average fuel consumption by up to 8.8%. (ii) Compared to HDVs, CAVs could achieve a fuel saving rate (FSR) ranging from 7.1% to 50%. In low-traffic-volume conditions, CAVs with greater detection ranges could swiftly activate the PnG mode to achieve fuel savings, while in higher-traffic-volume conditions, more precise sensing aids effectiveness. (iii) the PnG mode could ensure safety for CAVs and HDVs, with CAVs equipped with highly precise sensing exhibiting particularly robust safety performance.

ABSTRACT This study synthesised causal evidence on the impact of need-based financial aid on college students’ academic achievement. We searched six databases for studies published 2000–2023 that used causal designs (RCTs or quasi-experimental methods) and reported achievement outcomes; 16 studies (N = 870,341) met inclusion criteria. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were pooled with a random-effects model and subgroup analyses examined country income level, aid programme type, and evaluation method. The pooled effect was small but significant (d = 0.13, 95% CI 0.03–0.23, p < .05). Moderator analyses indicated aid programme type (β = 0.06) and evaluation method (β = 3.22) significantly moderated effects (p < .05), while country development level did not. Overall, need-based aid yields a modest positive effect on achievement; policymakers should prioritise grant-focused programmes and rigorous, context-sensitive implementation and monitoring to maximize educational returns.

Environmental education is a vital avenue for fostering children’s environmental literacy within sustainable development education. This study uses science instruction on the plant growth cycle to begin environmental education. It applies KANO model analysis to quantify user wants and uses multi-scenario conversion design thinking to find overlapping user behaviors. A sustainable development optimization strategy covering functional configuration, structural optimization, and teaching interaction is proposed, and implemented it in design practice. By comprehensively evaluating the usability, pedagogical effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of the teaching aids, the strategy’s efficacy was validated. It also explores how new technologies can be integrated with conventional teaching aids, offering new avenues for innovation. This approach provides strong data support and practical guidance for future product development.

To improve the functional properties and drying aid role in spray drying of soybean peptide (SP), SP was respectively conjugated with eight saccharides (maltose, lactose, maltodextrin, inulin, α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), β-CD, dextran-20000, and dextran-40000) via wet-heated Maillard reaction, and the efficacy of conjugates in spray-drying of Lycium barbarum extracts rich in low-molecular-weight sugars and organic acids was systematically evaluated. Among the conjugates, SP-α-CD exhibited the highest graft-browning equilibrium index (143.52%) and emulsifying activity index (4.63 m2/g). Through Box-Behnken experimental optimization, the ideal conjugation conditions were identified as: 30mg/mL SP concentration, 70°C reaction temperature, and 2.5h reaction time. When SP-α-CD (10% w/w) co-spray dried with the extract (90%), it could effectively prevent the wall sticking, and the powder yield reached 73.94% (~ 20.74% higher than that achieved by the native SP). The hygroscopicity and softening point (being increased to 69.77°C) of the powder was improved. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that during spray drying, SP-α-CD tends to distribute on the powder surface, encapsulating the extract components and achieving stronger drying aid and encapsulation effects. Collectively, it is expected to be developed as a spray drying aid for sugar-containing extracts and as a wall material for food and pharmaceutical microencapsulation.

Effects of patient decision aids used pre-consult or in-consult on patient-clinician communication - secondary analysis of a systematic review with meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT Much attention has been drawn on Uganda in recent years due to the strengthening of its anti‐LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric. Our study explores the aid‐deterring effect of anti‐LGBTQ legislation in an experimental setting using the Synthetic Control Method. It allows us to quantify the effect of Uganda's 2014 Anti‐Homosexuality Act (as an adverse anti‐LGBTQ policy shock) on aid flows provided by specific OECD donor countries. Contrary to any initially stated threats, intentions and expectations, we find that Uganda's Anti‐Homosexuality Act did not have a deterring and sustained aid effect for the majority of OECD donor countries.

In recent years, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have received substantial amounts of Official Development Assistance for Health (DAH) to address domestic health funding gaps and improve access to universal healthcare. However, the effectiveness of DAH in improving health outcomes remains contested, with varying findings across studies due to differences in methodologies, data sources, and target populations. This systematic review synthesises the existing evidence on the impact of DAH on health outcomes in LMICs, highlighting both the positive and negative effects, and identifying key mechanisms through which aid influences health. A total of 61 studies were included in the review, with a primary focus on maternal and child health outcomes. Despite methodological differences, the weight of evidence indicates a generally positive impact of DAH, particularly in countries with higher governance standards and better economic conditions. Our findings underscore the importance of contextual factors, such as governance and proximity to aid-funded projects, in shaping the effectiveness of health aid. To maximise the impact of DAH, policymakers need to strengthen donor coordination, align aid with national health priorities, and reinforce domestic health systems. Future research should focus on refining causal inference methods and exploring innovative aid-delivery mechanisms to sustain long-term health improvements.

&lt;p&gt;預立醫療照護諮商的觀念在近年逐漸受到重視，我國自2019年開始，也已正式施行《病人自主權利法》，完成了預立醫療決定制度的正式立法。單純的口頭諮商，容易遇到認知落差的困難，運用決策輔助工具，可以幫助病人了解資訊並做出決定。影片形式的決策輔助工具，可以提供影像與聲音形式的幫助，內容常包含疾病的介紹、照護目標的選項，並多依照國際病人決策輔助工具標準等準則設計而成。在過往的文獻中，影片決策輔助工具曾被運用於一般族群、各種照顧場域的族群、癌症族群、心臟疾病族群、失智症規劃等，並在多數的研究裡面取得良好的成效。於更多的族群上使用影片決策輔助工具，並隨著時代進步開發更新的決策輔助工具形式，則是未來可以研究的方向。&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Advance care planning has gradually gained attention in recent years. Officially implemented in 2019, the Patient Right to Autonomy Act establishes Taiwan’s first formal advance directive system. Simple verbal consultations tend to encounter difficulties arising from cognitive gaps, whereas decision aids can help patients better understand information and make informed choices. Video-based decision aids provide both visual and auditory assistance with information on disease overviews, care goals, and available options. These tools are typically developed according to International Patient Decision Aid Standards. Previous studies indicate that video decision aids have been applied across diverse populations and care settings, including the general public, cancer patients, individuals with heart disease, and persons engaged in dementia care planning, reporting positive outcomes in most cases. Future research may focus on expanding the use of video decision aids to broader populations and developing innovative formats that leverage emerging technologies.&lt;/p&gt;

Nutrigenomics in sports: The effect of ergogenic aid and micronutrients on athletes

Hearing impairments are among the most significant developmental challenges affecting children's linguistic, cognitive, and social growth, particularly during early childhood when auditory input plays a crucial role in language acquisition and communication, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hearing aids in enhancing auditory perception among children with mild to moderate hearing loss, by assessing improvements in auditory and linguistic abilities following the use of hearing devices, the study sample consisted of 30 children aged between 6 and 10 years who were fitted with hearing aids and monitored over a specified period, a quasi-experimental design was employed, involving pre- and post-intervention assessments using a series of standardized auditory and cognitive tests, as well as behavioral observations and reports from parents and teachers in both home and educational settings, the results indicated significant improvement in several aspects of auditory perception, including the ability to discriminate between verbal and non-verbal sounds, increased accuracy in word recognition, and enhanced auditory attention and interaction in daily environments, the effectiveness of the hearing aids was particularly evident among children who received early intervention, reinforcing the importance of timely diagnosis and auditory rehabilitation, no significant adverse effects related to the use of hearing aids were reported, indicating high levels of acceptance and functional compatibility, the study concludes that hearing aids are an effective tool in improving various dimensions of auditory perception and play a pivotal role in supporting linguistic and cognitive development in children with hearing loss, the findings underscore the need to strengthen early screening programs and raise awareness among parents, educators, and healthcare providers about the critical role of early auditory intervention and the provision of appropriate hearing devices during the early years of development.

ABSTRACT Using an excludable instrument for HIV‐specific aid, we investigate its effectiveness on HIV outcomes viz., prevalence and death rates. We theorize that HIV‐specific aid fills the funding gap that prevents governments from committing adequate resources to effectively address the epidemic. Using an instrumental variable estimator with panel data covering 139 developing countries and a sub‐sample of 50 Sub‐Saharan African countries during the 2002–2020 period, we find that HIV‐specific aid is associated with a decline in HIV prevalence and death rates, respectively. These effects are greater in Sub‐Saharan Africa, the region worst affected by HIV. Furthermore, our interaction effects suggest that the effectiveness of HIV aid is conditional on the recipient country's level of public health expenditure and health system quality. Although aid may face fungibility issues, it has a significant impact when used to bridge funding gaps. Higher ex‐ante health spending reflects complementarity, where government health spending enhances rather than substitutes for health aid, depending on the quality of recipient health systems. These results are robust to alternative data, samples, and estimation methods. Our results are encouraging for the international donor community and the prospect of meeting the target of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030 enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 3).

This study examines the relationship between foreign aid utilization and economic growth in Nepal from 2003/04 to 2023/24, grounded in the Two-Gap Model as a theoretical framework. Using time-series data, it assesses whether actual disbursed foreign aid has contributed to the economic performance of Nepal. Although foreign aid has remained a significant source of development financing, its share in the national budget has steadily declined over the study period. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and simple linear regression, reveal a very weak positive relationship (r ≈ 0.039) between aid utilization and economic growth. These findings suggest that foreign aid alone has not consistently driven economic growth in Nepal. This may be due to broader structural conditions such as institutional capacity, governance quality, and policy alignment. The study highlights the need for further research on sectoral impacts, the role of political stability and donor coordination, and the underlying causes of fluctuating growth patterns of the country. Overall, while foreign aid continues to play an important role in development financing, it must be supported by domestic reforms to ensure its effectiveness in promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The significance of this study lies in its focus on actual aid utilization and its policy-oriented insights for improving aid effectiveness in the Nepalese context.