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Purpose – This paper aims to examine the devastating effects of the ongoing conflict in Gaza on its education system, a phenomenon termed “Educide”. The study documents the systematic destruction of educational infrastructure, including schools and universities, as well as the targeted killing of students and educators, which impedes current and future access to education. The paper argues that this deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s educational institutions aims to erase Palestinian culture, identity and resilience, thus hindering any prospects for SDG4. The authors emphasize the urgent need for international accountability and support to rebuild Gaza’s education sector, preserving its role in societal development, identity preservation and human rights. Design/methodology/approach – This research paper uses a qualitative design, using data gathered through a comprehensive review of both grey and scholarly literature to assess the impact of the ongoing conflict on Gaza’s education system. By analyzing official reports, working papers and conference abstracts, the study compiles evidence of the systematic targeting and destruction of educational infrastructure in Gaza. This approach allows for an in-depth understanding of the conflict’s immediate and long-term effects on educational access, infrastructure and cultural preservation. The methodology underscores the critical implications of these findings and calls for urgent international intervention and accountability to protect education in conflict zones. Findings – The paper’s findings reveal severe, systematic destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure, including schools and universities, with extensive loss of life among students and educators. The research shows that this “Educide” disrupts educational access for current and future generations, stifles intellectual growth and threatens the preservation of Palestinian identity and heritage. Evidence indicates that such deliberate targeting aims to destabilize Gaza’s social structure and hinder long-term development. The findings highlight the urgent need for international accountability to halt these acts, safeguard education as a fundamental right and rebuild Gaza’s education system to ensure resilience and continuity amid conflict. Research limitations/implications – The research faces several limitations, including reliance on secondary sources, such as gray literature and official reports, which may limit firsthand insights and real-time data accuracy. In addition, the ongoing nature of the conflict restricts access to updated information and complicates direct assessment of damage. The study’s qualitative approach may also limit the ability to quantify the full extent of destruction and long-term impacts on educational outcomes. Finally, the challenging political environment may affect the availability and reliability of certain sources, potentially leading to gaps in comprehensive data on Gaza’s educational infrastructure and human resource losses. Practical implications – The practical implications of this paper underscore the urgent need for international intervention to protect Gaza’s education sector. Highlighting the concept of “Educide”, the study calls for policies to prevent the targeting of educational institutions in conflict zones and mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. It advocates for comprehensive support to rebuild Gaza’s educational infrastructure, ensuring students and educators can safely return to learning environments. This research also serves as a foundation for policymakers, NGOs and human rights organizations to implement sustainable educational recovery programs to preserve Palestinian identity, cultural heritage and long-term development amidst ongoing challenges. Social implications – The social implications of this paper are profound, as it highlights the erosion of Gaza’s educational foundations and its broader effects on Palestinian society. The systematic destruction of schools and universities disrupts education and impacts community resilience, cultural preservation and intergenerational knowledge transfer. This “Educide” undermines social cohesion by depriving young Palestinians of safe learning environments, vital support networks and prospects for socioeconomic stability. The study emphasizes the need for global support to restore these educational spaces, ensuring that education can continue to foster community strength, identity and hope within Gaza’s society amid conflict. Originality/value – This paper is original in its focus on the concept of “Educide” in Gaza, a term describing the systematic targeting and destruction of educational infrastructure as a means of cultural and societal erasure. By framing the deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s education sector within a genocidal context, the paper offers a novel perspective on the intersection of conflict, education and cultural preservation. It contributes uniquely to academic and policy discourse by combining documented evidence with a call for international accountability, emphasizing the critical role of education as both a human right and a foundation for resilient societies in conflict zones.

In this paper, we analyse the impact of the institutional quality on the sustainable development in 11 MENA countries during the period 1996-2021. Despite the significant improvement that has known some countries in recent years in terms of development indicators, the MENA authorities still require more efforts to improve their governance and to enhance the developmental impact of oil revenues. However, the deterioration of the institutional environment indicators remains the biggest obstacle to achieve the development goals, and limits the effectiveness of economic reforms. We find with FMOLS, DOLS and CCR estimations that there is a positive and significant relationship between the adjusted net saving as sustainable development factor and the institutional quality index at the level of 1%. However, when squared adjusted net savings is included, the relationship turns negative, indicating that there is still evidence of a fragile political framework and a frail understanding of politics in MENA nations.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is twice as common in Black individuals compared with in White individuals, and diabetes mellitus (DM) disproportionately affects Black patients. Although numerous studies have shown a correlation between DM and MM, this has not been studied in the context of race and in vivo mechanisms. We conducted a retrospective clinical study of 5383 patients with MM of which 15% had DM (White, 12% and Black, 25%). Multivariable Cox models showed reduced overall survival (OS) for patients with DM (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.47; P < .001). This appeared to be driven by a marked difference in OS between White patients with and without DM but not in Black patients. In contrast, obesity was associated with better OS in Black patients but not in White patients. To complement this analysis, we assessed MM growth in a genetically engineered immunocompromised nonobese diabetic (Rag1-/-/muscle creatinine kinase promoter expression of a human IGF1R [M] with a lysine [K] to arginine [R] point mutation) mouse model to evaluate the mechanisms linking DM and MM. MM.1S xenografts grew in more Rag1-/-/MKR mice and grew more rapidly in the Rag1-/-/MKR mice compared with in controls. Western blot analysis found that MM1.S xenografts from Rag1-/-/MKR mice had higher phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein (Ser235/236) levels, indicating greater activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Our study is, to our knowledge, the first to evaluate racial differences in DM prevalence and survival in MM, as well as the effect of DM on tumor growth in mouse models. Our results suggest that DM may contribute to the higher incidence of MM in Black patients; and to improve survival in MM, DM management cannot be ignored.

هدف البحث إلى تقييم واقع النظم الخبيرة بأبعادها: الأجهزة، البرمجيات، المتعاملون مع النظام الخبير، وذلك من خلال استطلاع آراء الموظفين الإداريين في الشركة العامة لمرفأ اللاذقية. اعتمد الباحث على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وشمل مجتمع البحث الموظفين في المستويات الإدارية العليا والمدراء التنفيذيين في الشركة العامة لمرفأ اللاذقية، أما عينة البحث فهي عينة ميسرة بلغ عدد أفرادها (200) إداري، حيث قام الباحث بتوزيع (200) استبانة، تم استرجاع (173) استبانة صالحة للتحليل الإحصائي، وبنسبة استجابة بلغت (86.5%). أظهرت النتائج أن واقع النظم الخبيرة بأبعادها: الأجهزة، البرمجيات، المتعاملون مع النظام الخبير، في الشركة محل الدراسة هو واقع ضعيف.

هدف البحث إلى تعرف مستوى جودة الحياة الأسرية لدى طلبة مرحلة التعليم الثانوي العام في مدينة اللاذقية، ومستوى الأفكار اللاعقلانية لديهم، ودراسة العلاقة بينهما. ولتحقيق الغرض من البحث تم استخدام المنهج الوصفي التّحليلي، واشتملت عينة البحث على (544) طالباً وطالبة، وتم تطبيق مقياس جودة الحياة الأسرية الذي تألف من (52) بنداً، ومقياس الأفكار اللاعقلانية، الذي تألف من (48) بنداً. وقد توصل البحث إلى أنَّ مستوى جودة الحياة الأسرية لدى طلبة مرحلة التعليم الثانوي العام في مدينة اللاذقية جاء متوسطاً، ومستوى الأفكار اللاعقلانية لديهم مرتفعاً، ووجود علاقة عكسية قوية بين جودة الحياة الأسرية والأفكار اللاعقلانية لدى طلبة مرحلة التعليم الثانوي العام في مدينة اللاذقية، وعدم وجود فرق دال إحصائياً في مستوى جودة الحياة الأسرية لدى طلبة مرحلة التعليم الثانوي العام في مدينة اللاذقية تبعاً لمتغيري (الجنس والفرع)، ووجود فرق دال إحصائياً في مستوى الأفكار اللاعقلانية لديهم تبعاً لمتغير الجنس لصالح الإناث، وتبعاً لمتغير الفرع لصالح الفرع العلمي.

Purpose: To investigate the 12-month outcomes of ziv-aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in eyes previously treated with aflibercept. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with nAMD previously treated with aflibercept for at least 12 months and subsequently transitioned to ziv-aflibercept between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022, for a period of at least 12 months. Participants were identified, and their clinical and imaging information was extracted from our electronic health records system. Data on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, injection intervals, central retinal thickness (CRT), volume cube presence of subretinal fluid (SRF), and intraretinal fluid (IRF) were obtained. Main outcome measures included changes in BCVA, injection intervals, CRT, SRF, and IRF before and after 12 months of ziv-aflibercept treatment. Results: Fifty-four eyes of 44 patients were included in the study. After 12 months of ziv-aflibercept treatment, BCVA decreased by 0.84 ETDRS letters (P = 0.424) compared to BCVA at the last visit prior to conversion from aflibercept. Injection intervals decreased by 1.18 weeks (P = 0.489). CRT significantly decreased by 15.66 µm (P = 0.005). SRF was present initially in 31.5% of eyes and decreased to 22.2% (P = 0.125). IRF was present initially in 42.6% of eyes and decreased to 35.2% (P = 0.219). Conclusion: Ziv-aflibercept demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining treatment outcomes in nAMD eyes previously treated with aflibercept. The treatment was well-tolerated with no reported adverse events. Ziv-aflibercept may be a cost-effective alternative and a potential solution to the financial burden associated with conventional anti-VEGF agents.

Case Presentation: A 9-year-9-month-old female was presented at our private clinic accompanied with her parents and referred from a general practitioner, and the preclinical examination revealed atypical craniofacial structure and skeletal features such as abnormal posture and movements adding on atypical behavioral manifestations such as temper tantrums, speech difficulties, dementia, and destructive behavior.

A bioactive film was developed using cricket (Acheta domestica) protein (Cric-Prot) and Caralluma fimbriata extract-based nanoparticles [Car-Fim-NPs (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 % w/v)] to augment the storage stability and functional value of cheddar cheese (Ched-Chee). The Car-Fim-NPs were developed using an ultrasonication-mediated (20 kHz, 500 W, 10 min, pulse duration of 5/5 s on/off) green method. The addition of Car-Fim-NPs modified the film characteristics [density (%), WVTR (mg/mt2), transmittance (%), elongation at break (%), and colour (L*, a*, b*)] and enhanced its antioxidant [DPPH, ABTS and FRAP activities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant release (%)] and antimicrobial (inhibitory halos against E. coli and S. aureus) potential. Application of the films containing Car-Fim-NPs (1.0–3.0 %) increased the antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP activities), lipid (TBARS and free fatty acids) and protein (total carbonyl content) oxidative stability, and microbial quality (microbial counts) of the Ched-Chee during 90 days of storage. The sensory quality of Ched-Chee showed a significant increase after day 30 till the storage end. Gastrointestinal digestion simulation augmented the antioxidant potential of Ched-Chee. Overall, the results indicate the possibility of the use of Cric-Prot-based film containing Car-Fim-NPs to enhance the storage quality of Ched-Chee.

The European Ocean Observing Community (EOOC) integrates inputs from diverse entities dedicated to comprehensively monitoring and forecasting oceanic phenomena in European Seas. With increasing climate and anthropogenic pressures, the urgency of ensuring the EOOC’s preparedness to observe Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) is evident. This paper advocates for the adoption of a scoring approach designed to evaluate the readiness of the EOOC in observing and forecasting key ocean phenomena. The proposed scoring methodology can be applied at both European and potentially regional and/or national levels, and emerges as a transformative tool for scrutinizing the EOOC’s capability to predict and monitor key ocean phenomena. Our findings, based on the application of the scoring approach, suggest that while the community demonstrates commendable readiness levels for certain oceanic phenomena, 83% remain in developing stages, oscillating between “Idea” and “Trial” readiness levels. A closer examination exposes critical shortages predominantly in the coordination and observational facets (Process), and data management and information products (Output). The implications of these identified gaps reach far beyond academic realms, profoundly affecting diverse sectors and societal resilience (e.g., energy sector). The suggested scoring approach serves as a clear call for strategic investments and heightened support for the European observing community. By adopting a regular and systematic scoring methodology, we not only measure progress at present but also pave the way for a resilient and future-ready EOOC.

The emergence of precision agriculture (PA) has brought a radical change in the agriculture sector and significantly contributed to agronomic development. In recent years, academic research on PA has increased at an unprecedented pace. However, a comprehensive picture of how PA can benefit the agriculture sector is still lacking. In addition, there is a clear scarcity of studies on PA that evaluate the impact of this paradigm on agriculture resources and inform practitioners about the importance of data-driven farming and agriculture. Therefore, we attempted to employ a bibliometric method to ascertain the current state-of-the-art and dynamics of PA. The findings of the analysis highlighted four distinct phases and the most predominant enabling technologies in PA. Additionally, we reviewed the key trends and put forth insightful recommendations for future research by researchers and practitioners. In terms of contributions, this review developed an integrative framework comprising PA-related technologies, PA application areas, and PA advantages. Furthermore, the challenges of PA were identified and categorized into four broad groups. Finally, the study's novelty resides in its systematization of the PA literature and its recommendations of several research directions for advancing PA in the agriculture sector.

The objective of the present study was to identify the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) associated with cultured meat production to increase awareness about the crucial factors that can potentially affect the growth and development of this industry. A SWOT analysis was performed using food science scholars (n = 250) and veterinary professionals (n = 150) as the respondents using an interview schedule and a questionnaire in the form of a Google form was used for meat scientists (n = 50). Being related to the field of meat and food production, their opinion is of paramount importance. Most of the respondents were male (70.0 %, 64.67 %, and 51.20 % for meat scientists, veterinary professionals, and food scholars, respectively) who ate meat as a part of their regular diet (86.0 %, 79.25 %, and 61.25 %, respectively) and perceived cultured meat as unnatural. The ‘skilled human resources’ (80.85 % of meat scientists), ‘available knowledge in the field’ (66.60 % of veterinary professionals), and ‘low carbon footprint’ (63.04 % of food scholars) were perceived as the main strengths. The meat scientists (93.33 %) and veterinary professionals (78.0 %) perceived ‘small-scale and high-cost of production’ as the main weakness. Also, meat scientists (93.33 %) perceived the ‘sophisticated nature of the technology’ and food scholars (61.20 %) considered ‘funding for further research’ as a major weakness. Both the meat scientists (87.23 %) and veterinary professionals (83.30 %) perceived ‘high demand for meat products’ whereas food scholars (61.20 %) considered ‘lower use of land and water’ as the major opportunity. Both the meat scientists (91.30 %) and food scholars (72.0 %) perceived a ‘lack of information about consumer acceptance’ whereas veterinary professionals (74.60 %) considered ‘oligopolistic markets’ as the major threat. Our results have led to a better understanding of various crucial factors related to cultured meat. This can help to develop the right strategic planning and take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of threats and weaknesses. Right strategic planning and proactive measures can have a pivotal role in the social acceptance and the future expansion of this industry.

The study aimed to develop a silkworm pupae protein-based film for enhancing the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of cheddar cheese. The bioactive properties were imparted to the silkworm pupae protein-based film using an optimum level (2.0%) of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract-based nanoparticles (Cat-Ros-NPs) synthesised following a green method. The cheese samples were packaged within the treated film (T2, containing 2.0% Cat-Ros-NPs) and compared with control samples [control (cheese samples without any film), T0 (cheese samples within the films without any bioactive agent) and T1 {cheese samples within the films containing 2.0% C. roseus leaf extract (Cat-Ros-Ext)}] during 90 days trial (4±1 °C). The addition of bioactive agents (Cat-Ros-Ext or Cat-Ros-NPs) increased the thickness (µm) as well as density (g/ml) of the film, thereby decreasing the transmittance (%), solubility (%), moisture content (%), and water-vapour transmission rate (mg/mt2). Both the bioactive agents increased the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) whereas decreased the brightness (L*) of the film. The films enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the enclosed cheese samples during storage and the highest values were recorded for the samples packed within T2 films. The cheese samples packaged within T2 and T1 films showed significantly lower values for lipid oxidation and microbial counts. This positive effect of the films (T2 and T1) was also recorded on protein oxidation (total-carbonyl content) after day 30 and sensory quality after day 60. Our results indicate the successful use of silkworm pupae protein for the development of bioactive packaging for cheddar cheese.

This study examines the impact of conventional and sustainable olive oil production methods on export levels in ten Mediterranean countries from 2011 to 2022. Using panelcorrected standard errors (PCSE) and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), the analysis explores relationships between export quantity, production volume, average annual rainfall, and export levels. The countries are divided into two sub-panels: conventional and sustainable practices. Results reveal a significant positive relationship between export quantity and export levels. In the sustainable sub-panel, the production volume and export relationship are positive but insignificant, while in the conventional sub-panel, it is negative and insignificant. Average annual rainfall positively influences export levels in the conventional panel but has an insignificant effect in the sustainable panel. The study recommends adopting sustainable practices to enhance export levels due to their positive economic and environmental outcomes.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of digital technologies for water use and management in agriculture, examining recent applications and future prospects. It examines key water-related challenges - scarcity, pollution, inefficient use and climate change - and shows how various digital technologies such as Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Big Data, Robotics, Smart Sensors and Blockchain can help address them. The review finds that these technologies offer significant potential for improving water management practices, with Remote Sensing and Artificial Intelligence emerging as the most versatile and widely adopted. Efficient irrigation strategies appear to be the most common application across technologies. Digital solutions significantly reduce water wastage, help identify pollution hotspots, and improve overall water resource management. For example, remote sensing-based approaches (e.g. UAV-mounted multispectral cameras) can accurately monitor soil moisture to optimise irrigation scheduling, while AI-driven models (e.g. random forest or neural networks) can predict groundwater recharge or forecast rainfall events. However, several barriers to widespread adoption are identified, including high implementation costs, lack of technical expertise, data management challenges, and infrastructure and connectivity constraints. The study concludes by suggesting priorities for future research and development, highlighting the need for integrated technological solutions, improved accessibility and affordability, improved efficiency and sustainability, improved water quality, enhanced data management capabilities, and strategies to address emerging concerns such as cybersecurity and the environmental impact of digital technologies themselves. This review aims to inform future research, policy and practice in agricultural water management and support the development of more productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.