DOAJ Research Articles

Community and Cultural Influence on Child Schooling: A Case Study of the Fulani people of Nigeria

Recent studies in both developed and developing societies have established a connection between socio-cultural background and child upbringing. While socio-cultural activity is an important factor in a child’s upbringing, there is a dearth of research about how socio-cultural factors hinder child development. This study employs the sociocultural theory of learning to review how the socio-cultural practices of the Fulani people impact the schooling of Fulani children in Nigeria. The Fulani people of Nigeria own over 90 percent of about 15.3 million heads of cattle. It is noted that beef production from Fulani’s cattle farm constitutes a significant portion of the animal protein consumed by the people of Nigeria. However, despite Fulani’s prowess in cattle rearing, which contributes significantly to the economy of Nigeria, their children are highly disadvantaged when it comes to access to qualitative education. The researcher searched through the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for literature published between 2014 to 2024 using keywords like cultural influence, sociocultural learning theory, and the schooling of Fulani children. While the study employs the content analysis method to review the existing literature, the question that this presentation seeks to answer is: Why are the children of Fulani people disadvantaged educationally? What does this tell us, the community engagement advocates, about community culture/socio-economic activities, and children’s schooling? How can we organize community engagement and development to support socio-cultural re-engineering efforts?

Organizational Factors Correlated with Work Alienation: A Systematic Review

Work alienation is a global concern for both public and private organizations. It has adverse effects on organizational productivity and individual performance. Academic scholars and practitioners have called for a systematic review to understand the factors behind this theoretical and practical problem. This study responds to these calls and aims to conduct a systematic review of potential organizational factors correlated with work alienation in both public and private organizations. The search engines that were used to find the study articles include Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, JSTOR, ERIC, ScienceDirect, the Directory of Open Access Journals, ScienceOpen, and the Social Science Research Network (SSRN). Initially, 102 scientific articles were selected using the PRISMA methodology. After applying inclusion criteria 40 scientific papers were finally reviewed. The results of the study revealed that job design, organizational culture, workload, leadership styles, and career development opportunities are correlated with work alienation. The study suggests further review of studies on organizational factors correlated with work alienation using other forms of scientific knowledge that were not included in the study. Future studies in this direction can explore organizational factors using books, proceeding papers, and information extracted from seminars and conferences.

PECULIARITIES OF TRAINING PERSONNEL RESOURCES OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN THE SPHERE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY

Aim. An analysis of educational approaches to the training of specialists in the public health system in the field of epidemiology in Ukraine and the world was carried out with the definition of the main competencies, in accordance with the best educational international practices. Conducting an analysis of educational approaches to the training of specialists in the public health system in the field of epidemiology in Ukraine and the world with the definition of core competencies, in accordance with the best educational international practices. Materials and methods. Critical narrative literature review, based on scientific works indexed in the scientometric databases Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, with directory of open access journals (Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)) and data from the global network educational (TEPHINET) was conducted. Results. The world experience of training specialists in the field of epidemiology, with the aim of strengthening the health care system, shows that efforts are being directed to the training of practically oriented specialists. The main subject areas are necessary for the modern training of epidemiologists in the field of public health: epidemiological method and biostatistics, epidemiological surveillance and biosafety, epidemiology of infectious and non-infectious diseases, communication, management and leadership, computer skills. An epidemiologist must possess basic competencies: apply epidemiological research methods, synthesis of knowledge and interpretation of data to monitor diseases, respond to outbreaks, manage public health surveillance, manage staff and resources, develop written and oral communications. There is a valid opinion that competences in the field of epidemiology should be standardized, which would make the epidemiologist universal in different countries aimed at formation qualified and experienced epidemiologists who can detect, investigate and control disease outbreaks; conduct observations; analyze epidemiological data; measure the impact of interventions; and conduct applied epidemiological studies. Conclusions. The practical orientation of educational programs should provide a strong component for creating a sustainable capacity to respond to emergency situations in the field of health care at the national, regional and global levels. The Ukrainian approach to the training of epidemiologists requires changes using programs that combine theoretical learning with the predominant experience of practical work, taking into account the basic competencies with elements of mentoring and peer training, should meet modern standards of andragogy and approaches to motivating future specialists to learn throughout their lives.

To What Extent Are Informal Healthcare Providers in Slums Linked to the Formal Health System in Providing Services in Sub-Sahara Africa? A 12-Year Scoping Review.

The contributions of informal providers to the urban health system and their linkage to the formal health system require more evidence. This paper highlights the collaborations that exist between informal providers and the formal health system and examines how these collaborations have contributed to strengthening urban health systems in sub-Sahara Africa. The study is based on a scoping review of literature that was published from 2011 to 2023 with a focus on slums in sub-Sahara Africa. Electronic search for articles was performed in Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, African Journal Online (AJOL), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Hinari, ResearchGate, and yippy.com. Data extraction was done using the WHO health systems building blocks. The review identified 26 publications that referred to collaborations between informal providers and formal health systems in healthcare delivery. The collaboration is manifested through formal health providers registering and standardizing the practice of informal health providers. They also participate in training informal providers and providing free medical commodities for them. Additionally, there were numerous instances of client referrals, either from informal to formal providers or from formal to informal providers. However, the review also indicates that these collaborations are unformalized, unsystematic, and largely undocumented. This undermines the potential contributions of informal providers to the urban health system.

Effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and structural changes following myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are anti-hyperglycemic drugs and have been proven to have cardiovascular protective effects for patients with heart failure regardless of their diabetes status. However, the benefit of SGLT2i following myocardial infarction (MI) remains incompletely established. This review aimed to investigate the impact of SGLT2i on NT-proBNP levels and structural changes post-MI. MethodMedline, ClinicalTrial.gov, Scopus, and Directory of open-access journals were searched to retrieve the relevant articles. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials that assessed NT-proBNP and cardiac structural changes in patients who received SGLT2i compared to placebo following MI. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed study quality. ResultFour studies were included in this review, including patients with and without diabetes. While two studies showed no marked decrease from the baseline in NT-proBNP levels between the SGLT2i group and the control group, two studies reported a substantial reduction. The meta-analysis included three of these studies, with a total of 238 participants. The meta-analysis did not find a statistically significant drop in NT-proBNP levels post-MI in the SGLT2 inhibitors group compared to placebo (pooled SMD = 0.16, 95% CI 0.57–0.26, P 0.45). Furthermore, different echocardiographic parameters were reported in the included trials, yet no meta-analysis could be conducted to assess the influence of SGLT2i on cardiac remodeling post-MI. ConclusionSGLT2i did not result in a statistically significant reduction of NT-proBNP level subsequent to myocardial infarction. A knowledge gap exists regarding the impact of these agents on cardiac remodeling post-MI. Future high-quality clinical trials are needed to provide more robust evidence.

Burden of Childhood Diarrhea and Its Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Review of Observational Studies.

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to: i) determine the pooled prevalence of acute diarrhea; and ii) synthesize and summarize current evidence on factors of acute diarrheal illnesses among under-five children in Ethiopia. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Global Index Medicus, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and the Cochrane Library. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The methodological quality of each included article was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality assessment tool for cross-sectional and case-control studies. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of diarrheal illnesses. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using I2 test statistics and Egger's test, respectively. The statistical analysis was done using STATA™ software version 14. Results: Fifty-three studies covering over 27,458 under-five children who met the inclusion criteria were included. The pooled prevalence of diarrhea among under-five children in Ethiopia was found to be 20.8% (95% CI: 18.69-22.84, n = 44, I2 = 94.9%, p < 0.001). Our analysis revealed a higher prevalence of childhood diarrhea in age groups of 12-23 months 25.42% (95%CI: 21.50-29.35, I2 = 89.4%, p < 0.001). In general, the evidence suggests that diarrheal risk factors could include: i) child level determinants (child's age 0-23 months, not being vaccinated against rotavirus, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, and being an under-nourished child); ii) parental level determinants {mothers poor handwashing practices [pooled odds ratio (OR) = 3.05; 95% CI:2.08-4.54] and a history of maternal recent diarrhea (pooled OR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.94-5.25)}; and iii) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) determinants [lack of toilet facility (pooled OR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.05-2.33)], lack handwashing facility (pooled OR = 4.16, 95%CI: 2.49-6.95) and not treating drinking water (pooled OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.50-3.46). Conclusion: In Ethiopia, the prevalence of diarrhea among children under the age of five remains high and is still a public health problem. The contributing factors to acute diarrheal illnesses were child, parental, and WASH factors. A continued focus on improving access to WASH facilities, along with enhancing maternal hygiene behavior will accelerate reductions in diarrheal disease burden in Ethiopia.

A Journey Through the First to Eighteenth Issue of JKAHS

The Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (JKAHS) is an official publication of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS), a government organization founded on October 20, 2011, by an act of the Parliament of Nepal [1]. KAHS was established with the objective of enhancing the quality of healthcare services, medical education, and research in remote and underserved areas of Nepal. The establishment of JKAHS in 2018 is a reflection of commitment of KAHS to these goals, providing a dedicated platform for the dissemination of scientific knowledge and clinical experiences in the health sciences [2].JKAHS is a peer-reviewed, international medical journal that operates under a diamond open access model, that means all its contents are freely accessible to readers without any subscription or paywall barriers [2]. This model not only broadens the journal’s audience, including researchers, students, policymakers, and the general public, but also aligns with the mission of KAHS to disseminate knowledge widely and equitably [1]. Importantly, JKAHS does not charge any fees for the submission, processing, or publication of manuscripts, thus removing financial barriers for authors and promoting inclusivity in scientific publishing. Additionally, to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of its content in the internet, JKAHS archives all its articles in LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe) and CLOCKSS (Controlled Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe) [2]. These archiving systems safeguard the integrity and usability of the published work, ensuring that it remains available to future generations.It is triannual journal publishing three issues per year, and is available both online and in print with pISSN 2616-0064 and eISSN 2676-1327 [2]. This regular publication schedule ensures a steady flow of new research and insights, contributing to the continuous advancement of medical knowledge.Achievements and milestonesOne of our significant achievements has been in indexing of JKAHS in two national databases namely Nepal JournalOnline (NepJol) in 2019 [3] and NepalMedLine (NepMed) in 2020 [4]. The NepJol is hosted by Central Library (TUCL) and it is hosted by Ubiquity Press [3] whereas NepMed is hosted my Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) [4]. A part from these national databases, we have been indexed in DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journal) [5] and Hinari [6] in 2023. In the earlier days after indexing in NepJol, individual articles were assigned an unique DOI (digital object identifier) from NepJol (10.3126/jkahs). Later on we have taken our own DOI (10.61814/jkahs) directly from CrossRef under the sponsroship under GEM (Global Equitable Membership (GEM) Program from CrossRef [7]. This recognition is a testament to the quality and impact of our published research. Being indexed has enhanced the visibility and accessibility of our articles, attracted a broader readership and fostered greater academic collaboration.

Effect of breathing relaxation exercises on reducing pain during chest tube removal: A meta-analysis

BackgroundChest tube removal (CTR) is perceived as a distressing experience by patients due to moderate or severe pain. Pain management is considered to be the primary nursing role. Relaxation takes the patient away from the thought of pain and increases the release of endorphins, further reducing pain PurposeThe aim of this study is to provide evidence of the effectiveness of breathing relaxation exercises in reducing pain during chest tube removal. DesignA meta-analysis. MethodsDatabase searches were carried out in Pub med, Complementary Index, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, OpenAIRE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Supplemental Index, Science Direct without restriction of year up to September 2023. The study was carried out in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and Cochrane 2021 recommendations. The intervention effects were pooled using the random effects model. The Risk of Bias 2 tool was' used to assess the risk of bias.Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. FindingsA total of 6 randomised controlled trials were included. Breathing relaxation exercises was determined to have an excellent and negative effect on pain intensity assessed immediately after chest tube removal (Hedge's g=-1,557,%95 GA=-1,841- -1,274, 280 hasta (negzersiz=139; nkontrol=141), p = 0.000). Breathing relaxation exercises was determined to have a high and negative impact on pain intensity assessed 15 min after chest tube removal ((Hedge's g=-0.816, 95 % CI=-1.299–0.333, 320 patients (nexercise=159; ncontrol=161). , p = 0.000). ConclusionsBreathing relaxation exercises were found to be effective in reducing pain immediately after chest tube removal and 15 min after chest tube removal.

An Intersectional Analysis of Gender-Specific Barriers to Adolescent Health Literacy in South Africa

Various studies have shown that influencing factors such as gender, race, and socio-economic status could significantly impact adolescents’ health literacy in South Africa. The adolescent stage is crucial for acquiring and developing health-promoting knowledge and behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the gender-specific determinants that prevent adolescents from accessing, understanding, and utilizing health-related information and services through an intersectionality theoretical lens. This study used content analysis of secondary data from 2010 until 2023 from electronic databases such as SciELO, Google Scholar, the Directory of Open Access Journals, Scopus, and governmental reports. From the initial 102 articles and documents obtained from the search process, a total of 26 papers were included in this study. The results indicated that gender roles, cultural norms, heteronormativity, gender-based violence, and associated stigmatization are gender-specific barriers to adolescents’ health literacy in South Africa. Based on the study findings, I argue that multi-stakeholder engagement is needed to address the identified barriers and collaboratively develop and implement a gender-responsive health literacy programme that promotes equitable and non-judgmental access for young people to health information and services in South Africa.

LITERATURE REVIEW: MODEL CONTINUITY OF CARE PELAYANAN KEBIDANAN DEPRESI POSTPARTUM

During the postpartum period, midwives not only assess the physical examination and breastfeeding process, but also must assess the emotional well being and social support of the postpartum mother. The Continuity of Care (CoC) midwifery care model makes mothers get to know their caregivers better, this is one of the midwifery care models that provides services to help women build relationships with their caregivers. Postpartum depression is a major health problem, having a dangerous impact on postpartum mothers, their babies, and their families. The prevalence of depression in the Southeast Asia region is 27%, while in Indonesia the prevalence of depression is 3.7% and ranks second after India at 4.5%. This study aims to determine the Continuity of Care model for midwifery services with postpartum depression. The type of research used in this research is literature review research using 5 journals from the sources used in the form of journal search studies in electronic databases such as the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), ScienceDirect and EBSCO in full text form. So it can be concluded that a strong relationship between mothers and midwives who are known for providing continuous care, results in increased trust, more personal and loving care, and better sharing of information will reduce postpartum depression. To address knowledge gaps and methodological deficiencies in the existing literature, articles on postpartum depression in Asian countries need to further explore the role of physical, biological and cultural factors.

Forest Therapy Research in Europe: A Scoping Review of the Scientific Literature

This scoping review aims to outline key discoveries, gaps in knowledge, and potential future directions in the field of forest therapy research in Europe. Clinical studies investigating the effects of forest therapy sessions in Europe were systematically screened through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Google Scholar (search date: January 2024). This review encompasses 26 selected studies, collectively engaging 2775 participants across various European countries, including Italy, Poland, Spain, Germany, Finland, Hungary, Sweden, Iceland, and Switzerland. These studies predominantly measured psychological outcomes such as mood states, affect, attention levels, subjective wellbeing, and quality of life. Additionally, physiological assessments were conducted, covering vital signs, salivary cortisol, body composition, and blood count. Notably, most of the investigation sites were covered by evergreen forests. Forest therapy practices in Europe demonstrated significant benefits in psychological aspects, including relaxation, mood enhancement, and improved wellbeing, accompanied by physiological improvements, particularly in asthma patients. While a fair-to-good methodological quality was identified in randomized controlled trials, the acknowledged weaknesses point towards a need for more rigorous and standardized research approaches. In conclusion, this comprehensive scoping review provides valuable insights into the current landscape of forest therapy research in Europe, highlighting its potential to positively impact both physical and mental wellbeing. The findings underscore the need for further research addressing methodological limitations and exploring gaps in understanding, thereby contributing to the continued advancement of forest therapy as a holistic wellbeing intervention within the European context.

Metaverse decline, growth in online videos increases: implications to libraries

Purpose This paper aims to explore the decline of the metaverse and the concurrent growth of online videos, examining their implications for libraries. It analyzes factors contributing to the metaverse decline, such as technical issues and privacy concerns, and explores the emergence and popularity of online video platforms. Design/methodology/approach This study applied the interpretive content/document analysis of literature harvested from different databases of Scopus, Web of Science and Directory of Open Access Journals. Given the shift in digital consumption patterns and their impact on libraries, the paper systematically reviews the literature to elucidate the changing landscape of digital engagement and its implications for library services and outreach efforts. Findings The paper identifies technical issues, privacy concerns and a lack of interoperability as key factors contributing to the decline of the metaverse. Conversely, the growth of online videos is driven by the emergence of platforms, increasing accessibility to high-speed internet and a diversification of content offerings. These trends reshape user preferences and behaviors, presenting both challenges and opportunities for libraries. Originality/value The decline of the metaverse and the rise of online videos underscore the importance of adaptation and innovation for libraries. To remain relevant in the digital age, libraries must transform their services to meet the demand for on-demand content and multimedia resources. The findings highlight the need for libraries to invest in digital literacy and media literacy programs, embrace emerging technologies and forge strategic partnerships with online video platforms. By adapting to changing trends and user preferences, libraries will continue to fulfill their mission of providing access to information and knowledge in the digital age.

Conceptualisation and Role of Market Access in Pharmaceutical Industry: A Scoping Review.

Understanding the concept and dynamic process of the evolution of professional identity and roles of market access (MA) in the pharmaceutical industry (pharma) is critical to personal, interpersonal, and professional levels of development and impact. The aim was to carry out a scoping review of the conceptualisation of MA within pharma. BioMed Central, WorldCat.org, and Directory of Open Access Journals were searched from 2003 to 2023. All articles on concepts or definitions and other surrogate terms on MA in pharma were selected. Keywords generated from an initial cursory literature search on MA in pharma were used in conjunction with AND/OR as search terms. Using the data charting method, key findings were mapped and summarised descriptively. inductive analysis was performed, allowing codes/themes that are relevant to the concept to emerge. Arskey and O'Malley's six-stage framework and the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews extension checklist were used as the review and reporting templates. The databases search yielded 222 results. Following title and abstract screening, a total of 146 papers were screened, and 127 of them were excluded. Full-text review was conducted for 19 papers that were deemed by two reviewers to meet the eligibility criteria. One of the authors arbitrated on disputed papers for inclusion. Only 14 of the included papers were found to meet the criteria for the final analysis. Five conceptual dimensions of MA in pharma were identified as "right products", "right patient", "right price", "right point" (time), and "right place" (setting). Market access in pharma is a process that commences with the development and availability of the right products that are proven to be efficacious and disease/condition-specific (including medications, medical devices, and vaccines); specifically produced for the right patients or end users who will maximise best clinical outcomes and economic value; delivered at the right point in a timely, sustained, and efficient manner, given at the right price (commercially viable or reimbursed price that represents good value); and conducted within the economic, policy, societal, and technological contexts, with the overarching goal of achieving the best patient outcomes and ensuring product profitability.

Efficacy of clear aligner wear protocols in orthodontic tooth movement-a systematic review.

Different expedited aligner wear protocols are currently in practice. This review was undertaken to systematically appraise the available evidence on the comparative efficacy of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) across the different wear protocols. Two assessors conducted comprehensive searches of electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, and Clinical Trial Registry, till 18 February 2024. Titles and abstracts were independently screened. Prospective or retrospective studies comparing expedited wear protocols with the conventional 14-day protocol were included. A pre-piloted data extraction form was used. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment employed the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for non-RCTs. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Pro tool. Six studies, including 3 RCTs and 3 non-RCTs, were selected from 9076 records. Four studies (two RCTs and two retrospective cohort) found no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the OTM efficacy between expedited and conventional protocols. Two studies (one RCT and one prospective cohort) found greater efficacy (P < 0.05) with the 14-day protocol, with the RCT reporting greater efficacy for certain movements, such as maxillary posterior intrusion, maxillary posterior distal tipping and buccal torquing, and mandibular posterior intrusion and extrusion. One RCT reported statistically insignificant difference (P > 0.05) in pain perception between the 10-day and 14-day protocols. Two studies demonstrated low RoB, two moderate, and two high RoB. The evidence level was very-low for OTM efficacy and high for pain perception. Meta-analysis was precluded due to significant heterogeneity among the studies. Within the limitations of the study, the 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day protocols did not show any significant difference in OTM efficacy, except for certain movements that exhibited superior outcomes with the 14-day wear. Hence, a 'hybrid aligner-wear protocol', based on clinical judgement, might serve a better alternative in complex situations. PROSPERO CRD42021288179.

Open reduction versus close treatment in management of children mandibular fracture: A systematic review

Mandibular fractures in children are the most common facial bone injury, which is 39% of all fractures. Adequate treatment of mandible fractures was still debated to restore the best physiological and aesthetic outcome. This systematic review aims to compare open reduction and closed treatment outcomes in children with mandibular fractures based on evidence from the current study. Four electronic databases were used: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Google Scholar. Studies included were randomized and non-randomized clinical studies written in English and published in the last 10 years (2014). Children patients under 18 years of age, of any sex, with any mandible fracture treated with any functional appliance. Data was collected using a standard form agreed upon by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias and quality were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). Ten studies were selected for this systematic review, including 554 patients. Half of studies chosen had a high risk of bias, 4 were deemed to have a moderate risk of bias, and one had a low risk of bias. Comparing ORIF and close treatment, we get the incidence of complications versus cases respectively, 9/182 versus 5/372. The data collected, although there is still a lot of bias in this review. We support close treatment as the first line treatment for children’s mandible fractures because the minimal number of possible complications.

Holistic Person-Centered Care in Radiotherapy: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Several types of health care professionals are responsible for the care of patients with cancer throughout their engagement with the health care system. One such type is the radiotherapist. The radiotherapist not only administers treatment but is also directly involved with the patient during treatment. Despite this direct contact with the patient, the narrative tends to focus more on technical tasks than the actual patient. This task-focused interaction is often due to the highly sophisticated equipment and complex radiotherapy treatment processes involved. This often results in not meeting the psychosocial needs of the patient, and patients have acknowledged noncompliance and delayed treatment as a result. The scoping review aims to explore, chart, and map the available literature on holistic person-centered care in radiotherapy and to identify and present key concepts, definitions, methodologies, knowledge gaps, and evidence related to holistic person-centered care in radiotherapy. This protocol was developed using previously described methodological frameworks for scoping studies. The review will include both peer-reviewed and gray literature regarding holistic, person-centered care in radiotherapy. A comprehensive search strategy has been developed for MEDLINE (Ovid), which will be translated into the other included databases: Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library, and the Directory of Open Access Journals. Gray literature searching will include Google (Google Books and Google Scholar), ProQuest, the WorldWideScience website, the OpenGrey website, and various university dissertation and thesis repositories. The title and abstract screening, full-text review, and relevant data extraction will be performed independently by all 3 reviewers using the Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation) software, which will also be used to guide the resolution of conflicts. Sources selected will be imported into ATLAS.ti (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH) for analysis, which will consist of content analysis, narrative analysis, and descriptive synthesis. Results will be presented using narrative, diagrammatic, and tabular formats. The review is expected to identify research gaps that will inform current and future holistic, person-centered care in radiotherapy. The review commenced in November 2023, and the formal literature search was completed by the end of February 2024. Final results are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal by 2025. The findings of this review are expected to provide a wide variety of strategies aimed at providing holistic, person-centered care in radiotherapy, as well as to identify some gaps in the literature. These findings will be used to inform future studies aimed at designing, developing, evaluating, and implementing strategies toward improved holistic, person-centered care in radiotherapy. DERR1-10.2196/51338.

Applied Deep Learning-Based Crop Yield Prediction: A Systematic Analysis of Current Developments and Potential Challenges

Agriculture is essential for global income, poverty reduction, and food security, with crop yield being a crucial measure in this field. Traditional crop yield prediction methods, reliant on subjective assessments such as farmers’ experiences, tend to be error-prone and lack precision across vast farming areas, especially in data-scarce regions. Recent advancements in data collection, notably through high-resolution sensors and the use of deep learning (DL), have significantly increased the accuracy and breadth of agricultural data, providing better support for policymakers and administrators. In our study, we conduct a systematic literature review to explore the application of DL in crop yield forecasting, underscoring its growing significance in enhancing yield predictions. Our approach enabled us to identify 92 relevant studies across four major scientific databases: the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), and ScienceDirect. These studies, all empirical research published in the last eight years, met stringent selection criteria, including empirical validity, methodological clarity, and a minimum quality score, ensuring their rigorous research standards and relevance. Our in-depth analysis of these papers aimed to synthesize insights on the crops studied, DL models utilized, key input data types, and the specific challenges and prerequisites for accurate DL-based yield forecasting. Our findings reveal that convolutional neural networks and Long Short-Term Memory are the dominant deep learning architectures in crop yield prediction, with a focus on cereals like wheat (Triticum aestivum) and corn (Zea mays). Many studies leverage satellite imagery, but there is a growing trend towards using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for data collection. Our review synthesizes global research, suggests future directions, and highlights key studies, acknowledging that results may vary across different databases and emphasizing the need for continual updates due to the evolving nature of the field.

Giant cell arteritis: insights from a monocentric retrospective cohort study.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), more common in Northern European populations, has limited data in Arabcountries. Our study reports GCA's clinical manifestations in Jordan and reviews published research on GCA across Arab nations. In this retrospective analysis, GCA patients diagnosed from January 2007 to March 2019 at a Jordanian academic medical center were included through referrals for temporal artery biopsy (TAB). A comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, and the DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) databases was conducted to identify all relevant English-language manuscripts from Arab countries on GCA without time limitations. Among 59 diagnosed GCA patients, 41 (69.5%) were clinically diagnosed with a negative TAB, and 19 (30.5%) had a positive result. Females comprised 74.6% (n = 44) with 1:3 male-female ratio. The mean age at diagnosis was 67.3 (± 9.5) years, with most presenting within two weeks (n = 40, 67.8%). Headache was reported by 54 patients (91.5%). Elevated ESR occurred in 51 patients (78%), with a mean of 81 ± 32.2 mm/hr. All received glucocorticoids for 13.1 ± 10 months. Azathioprine, Methotrexate, and Tocilizumab usage was 15.3% (n = 9), 8.5% (n = 5), and 3.4% (n = 2), respectively. Remission was observed in 57.6% (n=34), and 40.7% (n = 24) had a chronic clinical course on treatment. Males had higher biopsy-based diagnoses (p = .008), and biopsy-diagnosed patients were older (p = .043). The literature search yielded only 20 manuscripts originating in the Arab world. The predominant study types included case reports and retrospective analyses, with only one case series and onecase-control study.

Craving for Knowledge: The Urge to Access Online Reading Materials by Students during Scientific Research Writing, a Case of Urban Universities of Uganda

Addressing concerns related to online reading materials is paramount as the internet establishes itself as the defining medium for literacy in higher education institutions among the current generation. Globally current debates consistently underscore the relevance of online reading materials to scientific research writing among university students. The current study explored the students’ urge to access online reading materials based on four selected universities in an urban geographical context of Uganda. Using a cross-sectional exploratory research design comprised of mixed approaches, we used descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to investigate the disparity in accessed online reading materials across the universities. An ordinal logistic model established the factors that influence access to online reading materials. The study revealed that university students exhibited moderate utilisation of online resources, primarily accessing materials through platforms like MyLOFT, Google Scholar, University online catalogs, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB). Additionally, the findings underscored notable variations in the mode of access across the studied universities, with access influenced by factors such as sex, type of degree pursued, availability of university ICT equipment, and the research level of students. These insights shed light on the need for tailored strategies to enhance online reading materials accessibility and to support diverse student populations in their academic pursuits, such as subscribing to the publishers of scientific journals. This may improve students’ scientific research writing skills and completion rate, which have remained a formidable challenge in higher education institutions in Uganda.

Turkish Journals Removed from Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) in the Last 10 Years

Turkish Journals Removed from Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) in the Last 10 Years