This study aims to analyze the role of mass media in influencing the escalation of social conflict in society. Mass media, both conventional and digital, have significant power in shaping public opinion and influencing public perceptions of sensitive social issues. In the context of Indonesia's pluralistic society, non-objective and provocative reporting can accelerate the rise of social tensions and exacerbate intergroup conflict. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a literature review method, drawing on sources from various scientific journals, books, and previous research reports. The results indicate that media can act as both a trigger and a mitigator of conflict, depending on how information is presented to the public. Media that prioritizes the principles of peace journalism can help create cross-group communication, foster empathy, and strengthen social solidarity. Conversely, biased and sensational media can exacerbate differences and lead to social disintegration. Therefore, media practitioners require moral responsibility, professional ethics, and social awareness to ensure their function remains oriented toward truth, justice, and peace. Thus, mass media holds a strategic position in building social harmony amidst the diversity of Indonesian society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a major catalyst in transforming work patterns and organizational culture across various sectors. This study aims to provide an in-depth description of changes in work culture after the pandemic using a qualitative descriptive method. Data were collected through literature reviews from scientific journals, books, and relevant research reports. The results show that the pandemic triggered significant transformations in organizational work systems, particularly through the adoption of flexible work models such as work from home (WFH) and hybrid working. This shift was accompanied by an increased reliance on digital technology as the primary tool for coordination, communication, and performance evaluation. In addition to systemic changes, the pandemic fostered new organizational values such as flexibility, empathy, trust, and work-life balance. Human-centered leadership has become increasingly vital for maintaining employee motivation and psychological well-being. In the context of human resource management, recruitment, training, and performance evaluation have become more result-oriented, emphasizing actual contributions rather than physical presence.

Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana, especially among children <5y of age and the elderly. However, comprehensive data on its prevalence and distribution remain limited. This systematic review addresses this gap by analysing the prevalence, regional variations, risk factors, antimicrobial resistance and mortality rates of pneumonia in Ghana. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and African Journals Online databases, including 21 studies with a total of 124 582 participants. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence and subgroup differences based on age, region and participant type. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test and meta-regression, with sensitivity analysis also conducted. Study quality was evaluated using standardized Joana Briggs Institute checklists for prevalence studies. The pooled prevalence of pneumonia in Ghana was 22.01%, with significant regional variations. The highest prevalence was observed in a study conducted in the Greater Accra and Northern regions (32.31%), while the lowest was in the Upper West (4.83%). The prevalence in children <5y of age was 17.79%. Hospitalized patients had a higher prevalence (22.14%) than community children (21.49%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen, with high resistance (>70%) to co-trimoxazole, gentamicin and tetracycline. Key risk factors included indoor air pollution and seasonal changes. The mortality rate for pneumonia was found to be 3.07%. This systematic review highlighted significant regional disparities, pathogen resistance patterns and environmental risk factors that shape the burden of pneumonia in Ghana, providing critical evidence for targeted public health strategies. The findings highlight avenues for future research, including environmental drivers of transmission, focusing on underreported regions and surveillance of antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from pneumonia patients.

Highlights from the Science family of journals.

The teaching of molecular methods through programs designed to answer real-world questions is rare. Here, we use the shark fin trade and take a problem-based approach that introduces students to the molecular methods used in conservation biology and genetics. The teaching of biodiversity loss and the sheer magnitude of the problem can lead to students feeling ecological grief and helplessness. To combat this, here, we describe a semester-long lab class that tackles a contemporary problem in conservation and the associated biodiversity loss. The class takes students from project design and sample collection to the publication of results in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals. These publications have been picked up by local and international media and have been used in policy documents outlining shark conservation strategies. This gives students a sense of achievement, which helps alleviate the sense of helplessness and despair that frequently manifests when discussing global challenges such as biodiversity loss. Participants came from a wide array of backgrounds, with diverse scientific experiences ranging from no molecular laboratory experience to those who are comfortable and already competent with molecular techniques. Student evaluations and comments over a 5-year period overwhelmingly indicate the successful nature of this problem-based approach to learning.

It is a moment of great pride to present the first issue of the Journal of Saidu College of Dentistry (JSCD). This journal reflects our shared vision to promote scientific thinking, clinical excellence, and research culture within the dental community. Dentistry today is not limited to treating teeth — it is about understanding how oral health affects overall well-being. With rapid progress in biomaterials, digital dentistry, and preventive care, dental professionals must stay informed and base their decisions on the best available evidence[1,2]. Through JSCD, we aim to provide a platform where clinicians, researchers, and students can share knowledge that improves patient outcomes and strengthens dental education. This inaugural issue brings together original research, clinical case reports, and review articles that highlight both innovation and practical relevance. Each contribution demonstrates the hard work of our authors, the careful review by our experts, and the dedication of our editorial team. We encourage dental professionals and academicians across Pakistan and beyond to contribute to JSCD. By publishing honest, well-conducted research and clinical experiences, we can collectively enhance the standard of dental care and promote continuous learning in our profession. On behalf of the editorial board, I would like to thank all contributors, reviewers, and readers for their valuable support. Your participation and trust will help J SCD grow into a credible and respected scientific journal for the dental community.

Research training during medical residency is essential to consolidate the scientific identity of family medicine and strengthen its contribution to health systems. In this regard, residency provides the ideal setting to develop critical thinking, integrate evidence into practice, and generate scientific knowledge based on clinical reality. However, this formative potential faces persistent barriers—such as insufficient methodological training, shortage of qualified mentors, limited time, and weak institutional support—that hinder the development of a research culture. Overcoming these limitations requires integrating research as a transversal component of the curriculum, supported by mentorship programs, collaborative networks, and academic incentive policies that ensure the continuity and quality of research projects. Likewise, it is essential to strengthen scientific journals, promote rigorous editorial processes, and establish sustainable funding mechanisms that foster equity in the dissemination of knowledge. Within this framework, research in family medicine must be understood as an ethical and professional commitment that links primary care with evidence generation. Fostering a scientific culture enhances the quality of clinical practice and reinforces patient-centered care.

Improving global access to pain management medications for cancer patients remains a critical priority. Nurses are now understood to play an essential role in cancer pain medication management, yet the barriers and facilitators they encounter require urgent identification. This systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators for nurses in managing cancer pain medication. This systematic review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)'s guidelines for qualitative systematic reviews. Eleven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Scopus, OPENGREY.EU, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) and SinoMed) were searched from their inception to 9th July 2025. Articles were evaluated for quality using JBI critical appraisal tools. Data extraction was performed according to JBI standardised protocols, and evidence synthesis was conducted using JBI meta-aggregation, which involved extracting findings, categorising them into thematic groups and synthesising them into comprehensive statements. Twenty-four qualitative studies were reviewed in the present study. Two synthesised findings regarding the barriers and facilitators for nurses in managing cancer pain medication were integrated: (1) Barriers for nurses to manage cancer pain medication were summarised into five categories: systemic barriers, resource barriers, knowledge and skills barriers, financial and cultural barriers and communication and psychological barriers; (2) Facilitators for nurses to manage cancer pain medication were summarised into three categories: nursing capacity building, supportive care environments and collaborative support systems. Multilevel barriers impede nurse-led cancer pain management, necessitating policy reforms (e.g., tiered prescribing), investments in telehealth/training and culturally responsive interprofessional collaboration. Prioritising facilitators, capacity building, supportive environments and collaboration is vital to empower nurses in delivering equitable, evidence-based pain relief. This review equips clinical managers and policymakers with evidence to implement policy and practice reforms, such as tiered prescribing and interprofessional collaboration, which are critical to empower nurses in delivering effective cancer pain management. This systematic review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO prior to the initiation of the search (Registration ID: CRD42024570807). There was no patient or public contribution.

Scientific journals often rely on informal methods to evaluate reviewers, such as editor ratings and author feedback. Reviewer self-assessment offers a promising, yet underexplored, approach to improving the peer-review process. This study examined the factors associated with reviewers’ self-assessments. We surveyed 642 reviewers and editors from three Information Systems (IS) conferences (January–February 2020), and 144 responses were analyzed using quantitative inferential statistics. Most respondents were male (72.2%) and based in Europe (59%). We found no significant association between self-assessment and conventional experience markers (reviewing and publishing experiences). In contrast, significant associations were observed between higher self-assessment and the perceived importance of feedback from editors (χ2 = 19.689, p ≈ 0.002), feedback from authors (χ2 = 25.168, p < 0.001), and formal training (χ2 = 14.64, p ≈ 0.047). Although our sample comes from IS settings, these mechanisms are process-based; therefore, these findings could be extended to a broader peer review ecosystem. Overall, organizational interventions, structured feedback from editors and authors, and formal training are more closely related to reviewers’ self-assessments than accumulated publishing or reviewing experience.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-22352-0.

This study examines corporate compliance with net-zero emissions targets and environmental regulations in Indonesia and South Korea, with the aim of exploring lessons Indonesia can apply from South Korea's experience. The study uses a comparative, descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through a review of legal documents, government regulations, corporate reports, scientific journals, and international publications. The analysis focuses on comparing Indonesia's voluntary compliance system, which still relies on fiscal incentives and non-sanction evaluations, with South Korea's mandatory compliance system through the Framework Law on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth and the Korea Emissions Trading Scheme (K-ETS). The results show that South Korea's success in encouraging corporate compliance with net-zero is supported by a binding legal framework, integrated ESG reporting, and digital emissions monitoring. Meanwhile, Indonesia is still in the policy commitment stage. The study recommends strengthening the net-zero legal framework, integrating ESG-based reporting systems.

Since 1990, Dhaka has experienced rapid, unplanned urban expansion, profoundly altering land-use patterns and intensifying local climate extremes in one of the world’s most densely populated megacities. This study aims to quantify three decades of land use and land cover (LULC) changes and evaluate their associated impacts on land surface temperature (LST), near-surface air temperature, and rainfall, with a view to informing climate-resilient urban planning. Landsat 5 TM (1990) and Landsat 9 OLI-2/TIRS-2 (2022) imagery were analyzed using ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine to classify built-up areas, vegetation, bare land, and water, achieving high accuracy (κ = 0.93). LST was estimated using radiometric calibration, NDVI-based emissivity correction, and the mono-window algorithm, while long-term climate data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department supported trend analysis. Findings reveal a 41.15% increase in built-up area, largely at the expense of vegetation (–31.02%), resulting in a 4.87 °C rise in peak LST and a 71 mm increase in annual rainfall. Strong positive correlations (|r| ≥ 0.99) show that each 1% gain in built-up land adds approximately 0.12 °C to LST and enhances convective precipitation, whereas vegetation loss exerts a cooling and drying effect. These dynamics are exacerbating urban-heat-island intensity, disrupting seasonal rainfall, and increasing flash-flood and health risks. To counteract these effects, the study recommends vertical urban densification, conservation of wetlands and green belts, and integration of green–blue infrastructure alongside high-resolution remote sensing and climate modeling for adaptive urban policy and planning. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 10 (2): 153-177 (December 2024)

This paper aims to analyze the livelihood status of the urban poor in Dhaka city. A total of 120 households from one urban poor or slum settlements were surveyed. Based on participants’ responses in the study area, we utilized a Likert scale from 0 to 1. This scale was subsequently classified into different categories based on the specific dimension being assessed. The study revealed different levels of livelihood capital in the poor households, which reflected their overall livelihood status. The findings indicated a challenging situation for slum dwellers. Although the human capital score was relatively good compared to other capitals, there were lack of formal education and training opportunities. Financial capital was notably in poor condition, with very low income, expenditures, savings, and limited asset ownership. While housing structures in the slum were good, insufficient sanitation and water supply facilities led to a moderate physical capital status. Social capital was characterized by strong community relationships but limited organizational participation, resulting in a moderate status. Overall, the livelihood status of the slum dwellers was moderate. The findings recommend that greater importance should be given to improving capitals to enhance the adaptive capacity of the urban poor households to reduce their poverty and to cope with periods of crises. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 10 (2): 195-210 (December 2024)

The primary goal of this study was to explore the relationship between coping mechanisms and the extent of social support to the mental well-being of single mothers. Additionally, the research investigated how demographic variables relate to this dependent construct. An adapted Bangla version of the measuring tool was employed i.e., coping orientation(Zaman and Liza, 2024), social support (Shimul, 2007), andmental well-being scale(Zaman and Liza, 2024) to collect data from a sample of 250 single mothers (92 divorced, 55 separated, and 103 widowed) selected purposively from various places social organizations, parenting groups, or even through mutual friends in Dhaka city. Results suggested that coping orientation and social support were significantly and positively correlated with mental well-being. The findings on social support indicated that two key predictors-friends and significant others collectively accounted for 12.8% of the variance in mental well-being. Among these, friends emerged as the most influential predictor, explaining 9.9% of the variance on its own. Additionally, the analysis of coping orientation and mental well-being showed that two significant predictors, emotion-focused and problem-focused coping, together accounted for 23.1% of the variance. Emotion-focused coping was the strongest predictor, explaining 16% of the variance on its own. The joint effect revealed that the four significant predictors explained jointly 30.8% of the variance, and the strongest predictor of mental well-being was emotion-focused, which alone explained 16% of the variance. The results identified five significant predictors that collectively explained 36.9% of the variance, with emotion being the strongest predictor, accounting for 16% of the variance on its own. The findings also revealed a significant relationship between demographic factors such as age, marital status, education, and the number of children and mental well-being. The study underscores the importance of coping orientation and social support in enhancing the mental well-being of single mothers. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 10 (2): 178-194 (December 2024)

Climate change and anthropogenic activities has altered the land along the central coast of Bangladesh. It is already documented that this region faced different climate induced hazards and disasters due to lack of natural protections such as mangroves. Besides soil erosions are prominent in this region causes loss of ecosystem capacity to provide service. This study aims to assess the ecosystem integrity depletion and the impact severity of changing land in the ecological context over two decades (2000-2024). Using the Landsat imagery in Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform this study assessed the Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) for the year 2000 and 2024 and calculated the changes of land categories. Spatial severity of impact (SSI) is calculated from these changing land categories and the ecosystem integrity (EI) is also calculated for two years to assess the depletion of ecosystem from the base year 2000. The study found that the highest reduction has been observed in crop land, accounting for 69.4% to 52.5% of total area. The increasing number of homestead vegetation with rural settlement from 964.1 to 1602.9 sq.km reflects the increasing anthropogenic stress of the study area while waterbodies has been almost doubled from 2000 to 2024 indicating intensified erosion. Furthermore, the highest 58.5% of total areas facing moderate level of severity impact due to the negative alterations of land while eight unions across three districts had most of the areas (over 70%) facing very high impact of negative land alterations and most of these regions are on the edge of the Meghna estuary. On the other hand, the assessment of ecosystem integrity has shown that it reduced from 30963.6 to 29990.5 sq.km reflection of lowering ability of the land is mainly due to the degradation of land. The study also identified that almost 47.3% of total land is facing high depletion of ecosystem where 24.3% of total land have experienced very high degradation from the base year along the Meghna River estuary and the north eastern part of the study area. The improvement of the ecosystem also seen in most of the islands and in the central part of the study area. Among all other unions Hajipur union’s 98.57% of total areas experienced higher degradation. The Kala paraupazila have highest six number of unions have more than 70% areas high ecological degradation. The results of this research are pertinent in explaining the spatial configuration of ecological vulnerability in the extremely dynamic coastal setting will help policymakers and environmental managers to implement sustainable coastal land-use strategies, mitigating adverse ecological impacts and promoting resilience. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 10 (2): 211-238 (December 2024)

The corona virus pandemic was an unavoidable situation worldwide. The study's objective is to determine the impacts of COVID-19 on the livelihood of informal workers and the associated challenges. The primary and secondary data regarding the livelihoods of informal workers were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0.The primary data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The study found that many COVID-19 cases among residents impact a wide range of incomes, especially for those with lower incomes. The research was conducted among workers in informal sectors and low-income individuals, including rickshaw pullers, hawkers, drivers, waste pickers, and housemates. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining social distancing and hygiene behaviors exacerbated the livelihoods of informal workers. Moreover, workers in the informal sector were affected in various ways, including disruptions to the food supply chain, health insecurity, and limited working opportunities due to movement restrictions during the lockdown. Therefore, people in informal sectors lost their purchasing power due to job losses and movement restrictions. The study helps policymakers and victims understand how to better prepare for the pandemic next time. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 10 (2): 125-142 (June 2024)

This study examined the relationships of smartphone addiction, psychological distress, and self-efficacy among Bangladeshi adolescents. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 320 school-going adolescents (160 girls and 160 boys) aged from 13 to 17 years (M = 15.00, SD = 1.41) in Dhaka. Convenience sampling techniques was used. Bangla version of Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) scales were used to collect data from the respondents. Obtained data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics, correlation, t-test, and mediation analysis by Hayes’ Process Macro with the help of SPSS 27 version. Results revealed that smartphone addiction was positively correlated with psychological distress (r = .86, p&lt; .01) and negatively correlated with self-efficacy (r = –.88, p&lt; .01). Psychological distress was also negatively correlated with self-efficacy (r = –.84, p&lt; .01). No significant gender differences were found in smartphone addiction, self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Mediation analysis indicated that psychological distress partially mediated the relationship between smartphone addiction and self-efficacy. These findings suggested that increased smartphone use may elevate psychological distress and diminish adolescents self-efficacy. The results highlight the importance of early interventions aimed at managing smartphone use and improving adolescents’ mental health and self-efficacy. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 10 (2): 143-152 (June 2024)

This study examines the current state of robotics for bladder cancer in recent years, thereby enabling researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field and anticipate future advancements. A thorough search was performed on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) to identify literature about bladder cancer robotics published from 2004 to 2023. Bibliometric methods, such CiteSpace and VOSviewer, were used to examine publications, nations, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords. The 1678 papers from 2004 to 2023 showed an increasing trend in yearly publications related to robotic surgery for bladder cancer. Regarding publishing volumes and citations in this field, the United States, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Urology, and Guru Khurshid A were the top nation, organization, journal, and author. Interestingly, eight of the top 10 publications in terms of citations were published in JCR1 designated scientific journals. Terms like "complications," "outcomes," "trial," "enhanced recovery," and "minimally invasive diversion" are emphasized in the study, suggesting that they are important and current research issues. Recent hotspots include clinical studies evaluating outcomes and problems across various procedures, nevertheless, more work is required in the areas of minimally invasive surgery and improved recovery.

This research examines whether language styles in U.S. health news relate to scientificness. Study 1 uses human ratings to train machine learning models that classify sentences as scientific or nonscientific. A text mining approach predicts the proportion of scientific sentences, on the basis of language features. Two style categories emerge: one reflecting ideal professional standards of science journalism (hedging, neutrality, objectivity) and another linked to science complexity (low readability, complexity, formality). Study 2 then tests whether perceptions of these six features influence perceived scientificness and intended outcomes through message experiments.

Conducting original research within bachelor's and master's theses (dissertations) and publishing thesis results in scientific journals has multiple advantages. This study aimed to analyze types and publication outcomes of bachelor's and master's theses defended by students of health sciences studies in Croatia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of bachelor's and master's theses of students of health studies in Croatia, defended by May 14, 2022, and a cross-sectional study of mentors who were surveyed for publication output. We analyzed theses from repositories. Thesis mentors were surveyed via e-mail about the publication of the thesis content in scholarly journals. Additionally, three online sources (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google) were used to find theses-based publications. We surveyed mentors of bachelor's and master's theses of health sciences students in Croatia. We analyzed 9861 theses, 7979 (81%) bachelor's and 1882 (19%) master's theses. Most (66%) of master's theses were based on original research, compared to 21% of bachelor's theses. Mentors of 3910 (40%) theses responded to the survey, indicating that 176/3910 (4.5%) of theses results were published in scientific journals. Through additional search of online sources, we found that from all analyzed theses, 276 (2.8%) articles were published in a scholarly journal. Among published articles, 229 (83%) were published in Croatian journals. Most analyzed theses were not based on original research. Results of a few theses were published in a scientific journal. Institutions should encourage mentors and students to conduct original research within theses and to publish thesis results in a journal, to further develop health sciences.

ObjectivesConducting original research within bachelor’s and master’s theses (dissertations) and publishing thesis results in scientific journals has multiple advantages. This study aimed to analyze types and publication outcomes of bachelor’s and master’s theses defended by students of health sciences studies in Croatia.DesignWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of bachelor’s and master’s theses of students of health studies in Croatia, defended by May 14, 2022, and a cross-sectional study of mentors who were surveyed for publication output.SettingWe analyzed theses from repositories. Thesis mentors were surveyed via e-mail about the publication of the thesis content in scholarly journals. Additionally, three online sources (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google) were used to find theses-based publications.ParticipantsWe surveyed mentors of bachelor’s and master’s theses of health sciences students in Croatia.ResultsWe analyzed 9861 theses, 7979 (81%) bachelor’s and 1882 (19%) master’s theses. Most (66%) of master’s theses were based on original research, compared to 21% of bachelor’s theses. Mentors of 3910 (40%) theses responded to the survey, indicating that 176/3910 (4.5%) of theses results were published in scientific journals. Through additional search of online sources, we found that from all analyzed theses, 276 (2.8%) articles were published in a scholarly journal. Among published articles, 229 (83%) were published in Croatian journals.ConclusionsMost analyzed theses were not based on original research. Results of a few theses were published in a scientific journal. Institutions should encourage mentors and students to conduct original research within theses and to publish thesis results in a journal, to further develop health sciences.