Study Methodology Research Articles

Dynamic object detection using sparse LiDAR data for autonomous machine driving and road safety applications

Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) sensor offers solutions to extract real-time information of vehicle’s surroundings and can provide a new opportunity to improve the road safety related issues in mixed traffic conditions. This paper explores fundamental principles and combination of algorithms, to accurately detect, classify and track surrounding vehicles on expressways using a vehicle mounted cost-effective LiDAR sensor in dynamic conditions. The proposed approach employs algorithms such as Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise, Random sample consensus, and Kalman filter on 3D LiDAR data for ground and non-ground points segmentation, object clustering, road boundary identification, vehicle classification and tracking. Trajectory data of the tracked vehicles is used to estimate their relative positions and speeds. The surrounding vehicles were classified into three categories: two-wheelers, four-wheelers and heavy-vehicles. The proposed method achieves an accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score above 94 %, demonstrating its robustness. The resilience and versatility of the proposed algorithm were validated through comprehensive evaluations on a significant dataset spanning over 8000 km (around 3.6 million frames) of driving data collected under varied environmental scenarios on expressway. Further, various applications of proposed methodology in road safety studies are discussed. The approach can extract real-time micro-level trajectory data for surrounding vehicles on expressways in any lighting condition, which is useful for researchers and can be used in connected and autonomous vehicles. It also provides valuable information for assessing surrogate safety measures and identifying road safety issues and suggesting countermeasures, including advanced and cost-effective driver assistance system applications.

The State of the Art of Methodological Research on the Role of the Brand in Local Products

The products of the territory play an important role in the economic life of a country. They provide the right framework for economic and social development at the local and national levels. In the Albanian literature, there are no in-depth studies regarding the methodology used to increase the value of the local brand, and as a result of not researching this factor, this study helps the brand with local indicators. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the methodology in general and the method used in the research on the role of the brand with indicators of origin in local products in Albania. Methodologies are suggested, which consist of the examination of all methodological approaches for the role of the brand with local indicators and the identification of the method for researching the case study. For the importance of branding agricultural and livestock products with local indicators and preserving their originality and development, the concept of the methodology and method that must be followed in order to give accurate results and the values that the local brand carries in itself in development is important of it and the area that is applied to increasing the economic performance of agro-processing industries. The literature shows that the impact of increasing the value of the territorial brand in our country is based on the case study method and the cross-case research methodology. Meanwhile, in order to prove the importance of the local brand in increasing the consumption of products and increasing the income of the industries in this sector, the STATA program was used to process the data collected from consumers, and the "R" program was used to process the data of the collected industries. From the results of the research, it has been established that the local brand affects the increase in consumption and income in the agricultural and livestock agro-processing industries. This paper serves as a methodology for studies in this field that are necessary for the case of Albania.

Sustainable food supply chain: exploration, identification, and analysis of the critical drivers for the foxnut (Makhana) industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to recognize and prioritize the critical drivers (CDs) essential for establishing a sustainable foxnut supply chain (SFNSC) aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. The objective is to make a meaningful contribution to the longevity and well-rounded sustainability of the foxnut industry by scrutinizing pivotal factors that endorse triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability aspect throughout the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach A systematic approach, integrating literature reviews and government reports, identified potential CDs for a sustainable foxnut supply chain. Expert opinions refined the list with the help of fuzzy-Delphi method (FDM), and the final CDs were analyzed with fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (F-DEMATEL) to establish their causal relationships and hierarchical importance. Findings The study identifies the top three CDs for a SFNSC: “Branding of the product”, “The Global increase in demand” and “Value addition of the foxnut”. Moreover, “Storage infrastructure”, “Mechanized processing” and “Proper transportation facilities” also contribute to the sustainability of the foxnut supply chain. Research limitations/implications The results hold significance for various stakeholders in the foxnut industry, encompassing producers, policymakers and researchers. The identified CDs can guide decision-making and resource allocation to improve the sustainability of the foxnut supply chain. The study's framework and methodology can also be applied to other industries to promote sustainable practices and achieve SDGs. Originality/value This study enhances understanding of CDs for an SFNSC. FDM and F-DEMATEL techniques analyze causal relationships and rank key factors. The SFNSC model may help other major foxnut producers to become more sustainable.

A Novel Video-Based Methodology for Automated Classification of Dystonia and Choreoathetosis in Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy During a Lower Extremity Task.

Movement disorders in children and adolescents with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) are commonly assessed from video recordings, however scoring is time-consuming and expert knowledge is required for an appropriate assessment. To explore a machine learning approach for automated classification of amplitude and duration of distal leg dystonia and choreoathetosis within short video sequences. Available videos of a heel-toe tapping task were preprocessed to optimize key point extraction using markerless motion analysis. Postprocessed key point data were passed to a time series classification ensemble algorithm to classify dystonia and choreoathetosis duration and amplitude classes (scores 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4), respectively. As ground truth clinical scoring of dystonia and choreoathetosis by the Dyskinesia Impairment Scale was used. Multiclass performance metrics as well as metrics for summarized scores: absence (score 0) and presence (score 1-4) were determined. Thirty-three participants were included: 29 with dyskinetic CP and 4 typically developing, age 14 years:6 months ± 5 years:15 months. The multiclass accuracy results for dystonia were 77% for duration and 68% for amplitude; for choreoathetosis 30% for duration and 38% for amplitude. The metrics for score 0 versus score 1 to 4 revealed an accuracy of 81% for dystonia duration, 77% for dystonia amplitude, 53% for choreoathetosis duration and amplitude. This methodology study yielded encouraging results in distinguishing between presence and absence of dystonia, but not for choreoathetosis. A larger dataset is required for models to accurately represent distinct classes/scores. This study presents a novel methodology of automated assessment of movement disorders solely from video data.

Goals of Morbidity and Mortality meetings in paediatric acute care. A qualitative case study.

Morbidity and Mortality meetings are conducted in varied clinical contexts including paediatrics. Widely cited as an educational or quality improvement tool, the reality is more complex. In this qualitative study, the aim was to explore the perceived goals of the paediatric acute care Morbidity and Morbidity meeting. This study used semi-structured interviews and observation within a qualitative case study methodology. Data were collected in a large paediatric quaternary hospital. Analysis generated themes related to meeting observations and the participant's interpretation of meeting goals. A total of 44 interviews were conducted with 14 nurses, 29 doctors, and 1 allied health professional. Thirty-two meetings in six clinical departments were observed. Two themes were developed: complex and nuanced goals; and tensions and contest between and within goals. Meeting goals to evaluate care, learn, support, adhere, and change and respond were sometimes in competition and had varied interpretations. Morbidity and Mortality meetings in this setting are valued and occupy a complex role which reaches beyond identification of measurable patient safety interventions. Understanding goals more fully can lead to optimised conduct and meaningful measurement of efficacy. The strength in these meetings may be the way they promote an embedded safety culture, and an informed and skilled workforce.

A Primer for Increasing Competency in Forensic Psychiatry Research.

Empirical research is foundational to the discipline of forensic psychiatry. Candilis and Parker provide a cogent systematic review of the empirical literature on restoration of competence to stand trial using National Institutes of Health quality metrics. Components of the study methodology are highlighted, as they represent current best practices for conducting a systematic review. A discussion of strategies to increase empirical research uptake in forensic psychiatry is pursued alongside concrete examples of how the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Research Committee can help facilitate this goal.

Bioinoculation Effect of Frankia sp. and Microbial Bioagents on Growth and Development of Elaeagnus latifolia L. seedlings: An Endangered Plant Species of North East India

Aims: Analyses were done on the role of rhizospheric symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Non-AM fungus and a bacterium in growth and development of E. latifolia L. seedlings. Study Design and Methodology: The seedlings were inoculated with recognized AM fungal strain (Glomus mosseae, Gm 1), non-AM fungus (Trichoderma harzianum, Th-13) alone and nitrogen fixing bacteria Frankia sp. in combined form (both, dual and triple/ tripartite consortium) and analysed for their effect on growth parameters i.e. increase in length, diameter, circumference, Sturdiness quotient (Sq), Biovolume index (Bi) and Plastochron interval index (Pi) of the target plant species. Results: Qualitative analysis have revealed that the consortium treatment containing Glomus mosseae and Frankia sp. (FS-03) resulted in more increase in the length (7.0 ±0.25 cm), diameter (1.3 ±0.25 cm), circumference while the highest biovolume index was observed in the consortium treatment of Frankia sp. along with Glomus mosseae, Trichoderma harzianum viz. Fs-04 (280.96 ± 20.0) and sturdiness quotient of 0.25 including reduced phyto-mortality and initiating rapid phyllogenesis in inoculated seedlings as compared to control seedlings. In contrast to control seedlings, which are covered in depth in this work, a similar pattern with negligible variance in all analyzed parameters as indicated above were also seen in other alone and combined treatments. Conclusion: As a result, it was shown that both AM alone and consortium inoculations with Frankia sp. increased this plant species' adaptation and resilience.

Academic hospitals in the Toronto region collaborate to optimize occupational health and safety.

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 cases began to rise in Ontario, Canada, the central role of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to ensure the well-being of hospital workforce became highly visible. While Ontario's hospitals concentrated efforts to meet each challenging and uncertain wave stressing the system, it was apparent that there is a lack of consistency in best practices and policy response across the healthcare sector. Additionally, the unprecedented pressure on healthcare workforce as they attempted to meet the pandemic's new surging demands resulted in workforce shortages and increased levels of burnout, making it difficult to engage, support, and retain the staff necessary for delivering highest quality of services. The Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN), a dynamic consortium of 14 healthcare organizations, established a collaborative to implement an integrated effort and align on structure, processes, and standards that will increase strength and defensibility of TAHSN programs. To foster community building, identify areas of common concern, and co-create practices during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, a structured network of 14 OHS Directors across the healthcare organizations was established. This article discusses the origin of the TAHSN collaborative, the thriving community vision for partnership, and the case study methodology used to combine capabilities to showcase innovation and excellence in care together.

The utility of coping through emotional approach: A meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine associations between attempts to cope with stressors through the two facets of emotional approach coping (EAC; i.e., processing and expressing stressor-related emotions) and indicators of physical and mental health. EBSCO databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Collections were searched from inception to November 2022. In all, 86 studies were included in a meta-analytic evaluation using a random-effects model and meta-regression analysis. EAC was associated with better overall health (r = .05; p = .04; 95% confidence interval = [.003, .10]). Emotional expression (EE) and emotional processing (EP) also were positively associated with better overall health, although these relationships were not statistically significant. In meta-regressions examining specific health domains, EAC was linked to better health in biological/physiological, physical, and resilience-related psychological adjustment domains, as well as to worse outcomes in the risk-related psychological adjustment and mental/emotional distress domains. Results for EE and EP mirrored this pattern; however, only EP was associated with more engagement in health-promoting behaviors. Coping with stressors through emotional approach appears to be associated with better mental and physical health, with some observed differences for EE and EP. The literature on EAC and health is marked by heterogeneity across study methodologies and measures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

System Reform: The Ever-Elusive Quest—An Australian Study of How System Middle Leaders’ Role Enactment Influences the Attainment of Policy Coherence

Within an educational context, the current aim of policy translation is to achieve policy coherence by strategically and structurally aligning components, enabling whole system reform. While acknowledging the importance of this coherence conceptualisation, the current literature perspective primarily emphasises message conveyance, and lacks a dimension that identifies policy coherence as the result of how individuals, including middle leaders, interpret and translate policy into actions, both individually and collectively. System middle leaders occupy a unique position within organisational structures, as they bridge the gap between executive system leaders and school- based leaders. To investigate how policy is interpreted and translated within their roles and the impact this has on attaining policy coherence, this study employed an interpretivist approach to exploratory case study methodology, grounded in a review of authoritative literature. The aim was twofold; first, to enhance understanding of policy coherence development at the system middle level by exploring the role enactment of system middle leaders within a large Australian government education system; and second, to examine the interconnectedness and impact of leaders’ role enactment on policy coherence for system reform. Findings suggest that achieving policy coherence is hindered by a lack of role clarity among system leaders, in relation to policy implementation, stemming from the inconsistent interpretation and translation of policy into system strategy documentation and a deficiency in formal policy interpretation and role induction practices. As a result, individual system leaders often turn to informal policy interpretations and interactions with peers to clarify roles, leading to role tensions, accountability ambiguity and partial policy implementation. As a result, this study concludes that the integration of role theory, policy implementation theory and organisational alignment theory offers an interpretivist insight into the development of policy coherence for system reform, illuminating a theoretical pathway and practical recommendations for systems to attain policy coherence.

The synergy between workforce, students, and lecturers in collaborative learning

This research focuses on applying technology in collaborative learning, specifically through online platforms that connect students and the workforce. It is objective is to enhance synergy among the workforce, students, and educators to improve learning quality. The case study methodology follows Creswell’s qualitative approach with five key steps: planning the case study; data collection; analysis; result interpretation; and reporting. The research explores innovative online platforms to create a comprehensive and diverse learning experience. Technology enables access to materials, virtual classrooms, e-books, mobile learning, and internship programs, fostering flexible and engaging education. Collaborative learning with workforce participation enhances effectiveness and skills. Students gain work experience related to their fields through active interaction with practitioners. At the same time, educators refine teaching methods and understand workforce demands-the synergy among the workforce, students, and educators’ mutually beneficial relationships. The workforce leverages student resources for problem-solving and innovation, while students enhance their networks. Educators gain input for curriculum improvement. The research enhances education quality, prepares students for the dynamic workforce, and aligns educational programs with industry demands. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative learning, integrating online platforms to increase skill development.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the dietary fiber menu provision and consumption for older adults living in residential care facilities

BackgroundOlder adults living in residential care facilities are commonly given laxatives to treat constipation; however, these may not always provide full relief, and side effects include diarrhea. Dietary fiber effectively prevents constipation, and international guidelines recommend 25 g/d for optimal laxation. Older adults in residential care rely on the facility menu to provide their nutritional requirements, including adequate dietary fiber. Little is known about how much dietary fiber is provided and consumed. ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the provision and consumption of dietary fiber for older adults living in residential care facilities. MethodsWe systematically searched available literature for studies reporting the analysis of residential care menus and meals consumed by residents aged over 65 y. A meta-analysis was performed on the studies that provided the mean amount of dietary fiber provided and consumed by residents. A random effect model was applied due to the heterogeneity of study methodologies. ResultsThe literature search yielded 4406 publications, but only 28 studies were eligible for our meta-analysis. The study sample comprised 4817 residents. The mean amount of fiber provided to residents was 21.4 g/d [standard error (SE): 1.2; 95% confidence interval: 18.8, 24.2 g/d], the mean amount of fiber consumed by residents was 15.8 g/d (SE: 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 14.7, 16.9 g/d). ConclusionsOlder adults living in care facilities are provided with dietary fiber below the recommended guidelines. Compounding this is that residents consume much less than what is provided and do not meet the recommendations for dietary fiber consumption. There is scope to improve dietary fiber provision, promote consumption to residents to aid laxation, and potentially reduce laxative use and the unwanted side effects of diarrhea.This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023427265.

Too depressed and anxious to speak up: The relationships between weekly fluctuations in mental health and silence at work.

While it is widely acknowledged that some employees are more prone to silence than others, emerging research suggests that silence is much more dynamic than previously indicated, as even the most vocal employee will withhold input in some situations. However, given scant empirical attention to intraindividual fluctuations in silence, several important questions remain regarding its etiological antecedents, the mechanisms underlying such effects, and potential factors mitigating them. We respond by integrating the silence and mental health literature to consider how fluctuations in employees' experiences of depression and anxiety relate to fluctuations in silence via distinct silence motives. Specifically, we propose that employees are likely to engage in silence while experiencing episodes of depression because depressive symptomology shifts perceptions toward voice being pointless (i.e., ineffectual silence motive). Likewise, we propose that employees are likely to engage in silence while experiencing flare-ups of anxiety because anxious symptomology shifts perceptions toward voice being dangerous (i.e., defensive silence motive). Finally, we argue that voice endorsement attenuates these relationships by interrupting the link between silence motives and behaviors, such that employees experiencing heightened ineffectual and defensive silence motives are less likely to remain silent during weeks in which they experience high voice endorsement. We find support for these predictions via an experience sampling methodology study conducted with 136 employees across 4 weeks. We discuss how these results enhance theoretical clarity on the dynamic links between mental health and silence and offer insights into how organizations can counteract intrapersonal variations in silence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Quality Indicators for Transition from Paediatric to Adult Care for Youth with Chronic Conditions: Protocol for an Online Modified Delphi Study.

The transition from paediatric to adult care poses a significant health system-level challenge impeding the delivery of quality health services for youth with chronic health conditions. In Canada and globally, the transition to adult care is regarded as a top priority in adolescent health in need of readily applicable, adaptable, and relevant national metrics to evaluate and benchmark transition success across disease populations and clinical care settings. Unfortunately, existing literature fails to account for the lack of engagement from youth and caregivers in developing indicators, and its applicability across chronic conditions, primary care involvement, and health equity considerations. Our proposed study aims to establish a consensus-driven set of quality indicators for the transition to adult care that are universally applicable across physical, developmental, and/or mental health conditions, clinical care settings, and health jurisdictions. Using an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach, a panel comprised of youth, caregivers, interdisciplinary healthcare providers, and health system leaders will be established to collaborate with our research team to ensure the study methodology, materials, and knowledge dissemination are suitable and reflect the perspectives of youth and their families. We will then conduct an iterative 3-round Online Modified Delphi (OMD) study (n= 160) to (1) compare and contrast the perspectives of youth, caregivers, health care providers, and health system leaders on quality indicators for transition, and (2) prioritize a key set of quality indicators for transition applicable across disease populations that are the most important, useful, and feasible in the Canadian context. Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) multi-stage analytic approach, data from each panel and stakeholder group will be examined separately and compared to establish a key set of indicators endorsed by both panels. The study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Physicians Services Incorporated. This study will produce quality indicators to evaluate and inform action equitably to improve transition from paediatric to adult care for youth and their families in Canada.

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Lessons Learned from an Integrative Approach to Transforming the Hospital Accreditation System in Lebanon

Background: Lebanon was the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to develop and implement a national hospital accreditation system, but the system has not been updated since 2011. This study aims to describe the process of developing and piloting context-specific hospital accreditation standards in Lebanon, and share lessons from extensive stakeholder consultations. Methods: Mixed-methods approach was used for development and piloting of standards. This included extensive documentation review, stakeholder and expert consultations, standard review, and capacity building for piloting. Experts were required to review standards using pre-identified criteria and expert sub-group meetings were conducted to discuss changes. Piloting of standards included assessment of feasibility and compliance with standards/guiding measures in addition to implementation considerations. Results: More than 60 experts were consulted. Pilot testing showed a positive outcome for clarity, feasibility, and compliance of hospitals to standards. Managing stakeholders’ expectation was challenging at the policy-political encounter. The rigorous expert review led to the development of context-specific and robust standards that provided guidance for hospitals to improve quality care. Results showed that health system changes at the governance, finance and delivery levels are needed to achieve and sustain the gains of accreditation. Conclusions: The study methodology showed the promising influence of using science in development of accreditation standards. Stakeholder involvement remains critical to push the agenda of accreditation. Continuous follow-up to the survey process is recommended to ensure optimal impact of the accreditation system. The process can be scaled up and replicated in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and beyond. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients and public where not involved in this study. While patients and the public bring are key for sharing lived experiences, the development of the standards required deep understanding and expertise especially with regards to healthcare and health systems. Highlights Implications for policy makers • Study can be replicated in contexts without a national accreditation system • Ensuring political commitment is critical for implementation of accreditation • Rigorous approaches are key in managing resistance to change • Stakeholder engagement is pivotal for developing contextualized standards

Assessment of Night Food Market - A Case Study of Puri, Odisha

Abstract: This study accessess the night food market in Puri area, The research explores the unique features of the Puri market scene during night time using a case study methodology and evaluate the assessment of the night food market. This report attempts to paint a clear picture of the viability and potential impact of a night food market in the puri area through in depth analysis and data driven insights. The ultimate objective is to support the creation of an inclusive, sustainable tourism model that enhances the experience for tourists while empowering local communities

Between the People and the Populists: Safeguarding Judicial Independence in a Changing World

This article examines the impact of social media on the dissemination and influence of populist ideology, as well as the strategies populist movements have employed to erode the independence of the judiciary, including public resistance, constitutional amendments, and the expansion of the judiciary. This article analyzes strategies and solutions designed to preserve and safeguard judicial independence. The in question strategy includes strengthening the legal and institutional framework, cultivating a culture that upholds the supremacy of law, increasing judicial accountability, and encouraging collaborative dialogue between judicial institutions. This paper employs a case study methodology to examine the resistance of the judiciary to populist pressures in South Africa, Colombia, and Indonesia. This article’s conclusion demonstrates that the court faces a dilemma between the importance of maintaining judicial independence from populist interests over legal requirements and the necessity of popular opinion for public legitimacy. In the context of populism, this is a challenge for judicial independence. Therefore, this paper encourages collaboration between academics, practitioners, and policymakers to safeguard judicial independence in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly developing world.

EFFECTIVENESS OF MENTAL MATH STRATEGY IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS TO GRADE 1 LEARNERS

The research findings unveil significant insights into the effectiveness of a mental math strategy in enhancing the mathematical performance of grade 1 learners. Initially, both control and experimental groups exhibited satisfactory performance attributed to foundational knowledge acquired in kindergarten and initial grade 1 lessons on addition and subtraction. Following the implementation of the mental math strategy, the control group maintained their satisfactory performance, while the experimental group showed remarkable improvement, highlighting the efficacy of instructional materials and drills associated with mental math. Moreover, techniques such as counting up or back and the use of number lines proved effective in augmenting students' mathematical abilities. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed. Firstly, schools and educators are urged to continue enriching students' understanding of whole number concepts using diverse instructional materials and technological resources. Secondly, teachers are encouraged to integrate mental math strategies into their teaching practices, leveraging various learning aids and visual tools to facilitate comprehension. Additionally, both educators and parents are advised to employ counting techniques and number lines through interactive methods such as games and drills to enhance math learning outcomes. Lastly, collaborative learning environments should be fostered, allowing students to engage in problem-solving tasks together, thereby promoting teamwork and peer support while utilizing different mental math strategies. The study's Design and Methodology section provides a comprehensive outline of the research approach, including data collection tools and ethical considerations, employing a descriptive quantitative method to evaluate the efficacy of the mental math strategy in teaching addition.

Stroke care in sub-Saharan Africa: Evaluating the present landscape and proposing strategies for improving outcomes

The burden of stroke is alarmingly high in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), characterized by increasing trends in stroke incidence, prevalence, and mortality. This review details the landscape of stroke care in SSA, encompassing epidemiology, risk factors, care availability, and challenges in advancing stroke care, along with a proposed strategic framework for improvement. Epidemiological studies in SSA indicate a rising trend in stroke incidence and prevalence, with significant variability attributable to differences in study methodologies. Crude incidence rates have risen from an average of 53 (range: 26 – 101) cases/100,000 population between 1973 and 1991 to 88 (range: 25 – 149) cases/100,000 population between 2003 and 2011. Similarly, prevalence rates have shown an upward trend. Stroke mortality in SSA remains high, with variability across studies. Key predictors of mortality include hemorrhagic stroke, gender, National Institute of Stroke Scale score at presentation, and comorbidities such as anemia and human immunodeficiency virus infection. However, the interpretation of mortality rates warrants caution due to methodological limitations. Both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors significantly contribute to stroke risk in SSA. Notably, stroke occurs at a younger age in SSA compared to Western countries. Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and lifestyle factors are among the major modifiable risk factors. The availability of organized stroke care varies significantly across SSA, with more advanced care typically found in higher-level health-care centers. However, efforts to improve access and quality of care are ongoing. The challenges in advancing stroke care in SSA include cultural beliefs, limited access to care, and prohibitive costs. A “5 Ps” framework involving collaboration among policymakers, payers, partners in health care, providers, and patients is proposed to improve stroke care. This review underscores the urgent need for enhanced public health strategies, medical interventions, and collaborative efforts to address the escalating stroke burden in SSA.

Dynamic NMR methodology for kinetic studies

NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) is a popular tool used to characterize the structure of molecules, which is widely used for its high precision and accurate results. Due to these advantages, the NMR technique has been developed for monitoring the changes in the components during a reaction. This is called dynamic NMR technology. The kinetic measuring of a reaction is an important application of dynamic NMR, and the unique design of the methodology allows the NMR technique to be used for the determination of kinetic data such as reaction rates. In addition, dynamic NMR has also been used to monitor the reaction process and determine the reaction mechanism. Dynamic NMR techniques have developed rapidly in recent decades and have led to new research ideas and tools in chemistry and other related fields. In this paper, some examples of kinetic properties of reactions studied by dynamic NMR methods are introduced, including a summary of their development and prospects.