Frequent consumption of aflatoxins-contaminated spices has been linked to serious adverse health effects among consumers. The likelihood of exposure to these toxins is influenced by the level of public awareness. Controlling aflatoxins contamination throughout the food chain is critical for public health. This study aimed to assess the handling practices and awareness of aflatoxin contamination among micro- and small-scale spice processors. A total of 60 processors from 4 districts of two regions of Tanzania were interviewed. The results showed that while 56.7% of interviewed processors were aware of aflatoxin contamination in spices primarily through training (38.3%) and mass media (30%). However, there were still misconceptions regarding the causes and effects of aflatoxins to human health. It was observed that, poor drying and storage practices, inadequate monitoring of processors aggravated the situation. Nonetheless, all interviewed processors expressed willingness to participate in training programs to ensure quality and safety along the chain. The study findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions to reduce aflatoxin risks in the spice value chain. These should include strengthened food safety inspections and enforcement, as well as tailored training and support for micro and small-scale spice processors. Enhancing their knowledge and ability to adopt proper handling, drying and storage practices is critical for enhancing food safety and safeguarding public health.

Background: Scapulohumeral periarthritis commonly afflicts individuals in their middle age. Its etiology is multifaceted, and treatment presents a challenge with a high risk of recurrence. The main symptoms include shoulder pain and limited joint mobility, seriously affect the quality of life of the patients. Recent research indicate that acupuncture combined with bloodletting cupping can significantly improve the function of activity of shoulder joint and the pain in individuals with scapulohumeral periarthritis. However, these studies have typically been limited in scope, therefore additional research to substantiate the efficacy and safety of these intervention. Methods: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with bloodletting cupping for treating patients with scapulohumeral periarthritis. We conducted an online search of databases in both Chinese and English, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wangfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the use of acupuncture combined with bloodletting cupping in scapulohumeral periarthritis patients. We also examined the references within the identified literature. Search utilised subject headings and free-text terms in both languages, without racial restrictions, for records up to April 3, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated their qualities. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis of the included studies. The protocol of this review was recorded in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PROSPERO). Its registration number is CRD42023454614. Results: This review incorporated 22 RCTs involving a total of 1,774 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that the clinical effective rate (RR=1.25, 95%CI [1.20, 1.30], P＜0.00001) of treating scapulohumeral periarthritis with acupuncture combined with bloodletting cupping was higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The all of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (MD=-1.70, 95% CI [-2.17, -1.22], P＜0.00001). Melle score (SMD=-2.45, 95% CI [-2.55, -2.34], P=0.007]) and recurrence rate (RR=0.23, 95% CI [0.07, 0.77], P=0.02) were lower in the experimental group than in the control group with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: The acupuncture combined with bloodletting cupping for the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome demonstrates definite efficacy and safety, with superior clinical effectiveness, pain relief, improvement in shoulder joint mobility, and reduction in recurrence compared to acupuncture alone. Therefore, it is worthy of being promoted and applied clinically.

Baloxavir marboxil (BXM) is a novel anti-influenza agent that developed in Japan and inhibit the cap endonuclease specifically, and suggested the more clinical effectiveness in influenza. BXM reduces viral shedding more than do neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), and its clinical efficacy is equivalent to that of NAIs but is superior to that of NAIs in the case of type B influenza. BXM does not demonstrate any issues with safety, and treatment with BXM reduces the incidences of complicating sinusitis and bronchitis. Prophylactic administration of BXM inhibits intrafamilial transmission of influenza although low susceptible viruses with a PA/I38X substitution are isolated with a certain frequency following administration of BXM. Finally, In influenza treatment for patients aged 12−19 years and for adult outpatients, BXM can be used with the same recommendation level as oseltamivir.

Introduction: Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare type of stroke caused by partial or complete occlusion of cerebral venous sinuses. Current guidelines recommend the administration of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) during the acute phase and oral Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin for 3-12 months. Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) are an attractive alternative to VKAs as therapy for CVT, for its safety and efficacy as anticoagulation therapy for deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Method: This systematic review is written based on PRISMA guidelines with electronic search performed on various databases for journals published from June 1, 2018 to June 1, 2023. Results: We found four studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, with four randomized controlled studies presenting 179 CVT patients treated with DOAC and 150 patients treated with standard therapy. DOACs used in reviewed studies are Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban. Discussion: Administration of DOACs as anticoagulation therapy in patients with CVT presents better recanalization rate with no significant differences in efficacy compared with VKAs, along with a better safety profile through similar mortality rate across two groups. Conclusion: DOACs as long-term anticoagulation therapy in patients with CVT has better efficacy along with a similar safety profile compared to VKA.

A persistent problem in the pharmaceutical industry that has existed for centuries is the prevalence of counterfeit drugs, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of people are affected by this issue each year. In particular, 4 out of 10 drugs in poor or underdeveloped countries may be adulterated, which can lead to severe adverse events. To address this problem, many countries have implemented regulatory compliance measures such as pharmaceutical drug serialization, which requires the unique identification of every drug package manufactured. This enables tracking and tracing of individual packages throughout the supply chain and helps to prevent counterfeit drugs from entering the market. In this paper, we conduct a systematic review of the serialization process evaluation and its impact on the pharmaceutical industry. We discuss the benefits of pharmaceutical drug serialization, including its ability to improve drug security and reduce adverse events and investigations. We also examine the challenges associated with implementing serialization processes and the regulatory requirements necessary for compliance. Finally, we explore the various tracking and tracing technologies used in serialization processes and their effectiveness in preventing the distribution of counterfeit drugs. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of pharmaceutical drug serialization in ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs in the healthcare industry, particularly in poor or underdeveloped countries where the problem of adulterated drugs is especially prevalent.

This seminar in writing introduced novel cancer thermal therapy using functionalized heat-generating nanoparticles with about 100 nm diameter, administered via intratumor injection. The nanoparticles named magnetites cationic lipid composite particles (MCL particles) were composed of about 10 nm magnetites (Fe₃O₄), a cationic lipid and two neutral lipids. Magnetites in MCL particles generated heat due to external alternating magnetic field (AMF) irradiation to kill cancer cells nearby located. A cationic lipid component conferred several functions to MCL particles necessary for its efficacy and safety. Origination of the therapy with MCL particles was summarized by referring to our earlier reports in 1996-2014. Further characterizations of MCP particles and utility of heat dose index for treatment control were summarized by referring to our recent reports in 2019-2022. Unpublished data were supplemented to support overall understanding of the therapy. Purpose of this seminar is to clarify novel principle of the therapy in comparison with conventional thermal therapies and to discuss its clinical application.

Avian influenza (bird flu) occurs sporadically in American poultry flocks, decimating these flocks and causing substantial economic losses. Avian influenza also impacts the beliefs of food handlers and preparers in the home (home cooks). Although those who properly handle and prepare processed poultry products cannot succumb to avian influenza, there is a widespread belief that one can contract the bird flu from these foods. Beliefs about getting avian influenza from poultry products and intentions to avoid consuming poultry products are the focus of this study of 285 home cooks. False beliefs about getting avian influenza from handling, preparing, and consuming poultry products are apparent in this sample. Correlational analysis also shows that those holding the false beliefs intend to act upon those beliefs by planning not to consume poultry products. Moreover, the false beliefs about contracting avian influenza from poultry products are correlated with a bias to see oneself as less likely to produce food that contains foodborne diseases. These findings are consistent with, and contribute to, the research literatures on belief formation and change, behavioral intentions, and with research showing how guilt by association thought processes underlie false beliefs related to food safety. This research has important implications for poultry and other food processing industries, and for campaigns to persuade the public about real and imaginary risks associated with particular food products.

The characterization of rock mass along the tunnel alignment based on physical, geological and geotechnical data of the project area was used in this work. The support systems were recommended for all geotechnical units using RMR and tunneling quality index (Q-system) support chart. The paper also consists in making a two-dimensional numerical study of the stability of the left lateral slope of the Portal of the tunnel with the Slide 6.0 software and inside provisional support with the Phase.2 2D program. The study shows good results of the internal rock mass stability of the tunnel and satisfactory safety factor (FoS) in terms of collapse analyzes of the lateral slope of the tunnel portals.

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous sectors globally, with Nigeria experiencing a high incidence of workplace accidents despite the adoption of Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSM) frameworks. This study evaluated the effectiveness of OHSM practices in improving workplace safety across construction companies in Nigeria’s coastal cities. A cross-sectional design was employed, combining quantitative surveys of construction workers (n = 1,400) with qualitative interviews of 35 managers and supervisors. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 28, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. Findings revealed a generally positive perception of OHSM, with 54.4% of workers rating OHS policy effectiveness as “Good” and 52.0% rating health outcomes as “Good.” However, accident frequency remained a concern, with 46.4% reporting accidents occurred “Occasionally” and 31.9% acknowledging them as “Frequent” or “Very Frequent.” Comparative analysis showed indigenous firms were rated higher in policy effectiveness and health outcomes but also reported slightly higher accident frequencies than international firms. Thematic analysis identified five key monitoring and evaluation strategies including routine inspections, regular training, audits, behavioural reinforcement, and access control, Also, five measures of OHSM effectiveness, including compliance observation, incident tracking, KPIs, employee feedback, and benchmarking. OHSM was found to positively influence project outcomes by reducing compensation costs, enhancing reputation, and improving supervision and quality of work. OHSM practices in Nigeria’s construction sector are perceived as effective in policy and health outcomes, yet accident rates remain a critical challenge. The study underscores the importance of continuous training, stricter enforcement, behavioural reinforcement, and systematic performance evaluation.

This study proposes an integrated approach combining geographic information systems (GIS) and geotechnical analyses to assess the stability of the Oued Ayda mountain lake dam, located in the Siliana Governorate, northwestern Tunisia. The mechanical properties of the embankment and foundation materials were integrated into a Mohr-Coulomb geomechanical model, while the pore water pressure distribution was simulated for various representative hydromechanical scenarios: end of construction, normal operation, rapid drainage, and short- and long-term empty reservoir conditions. The stability analysis, performed using the Morgenstern-Price method with the SLOPE/W software (GeoStudio), reveals high safety factors on the upstream side (SF > 3 in the short term and SF ≥ 2 in the long term), indicating good resistance of this slope to hydraulic and mechanical stresses. Conversely, the results show that the downstream slope exhibits significantly lower safety factors, ranging from 1.335 to 1.338 under long-term conditions, particularly during normal operating and rapid drainage scenarios. These reduced values indicate a high vulnerability of this slope to persistent saturation and adverse hydraulic gradients. In conclusion, although the dam exhibits satisfactory overall stability, the downstream slope remains the most vulnerable area of the structure. The results underscore the need for rigorous management of water level fluctuations and suggest reinforcing the drainage system or implementing targeted stabilization measures to ensure the long-term safety and durability of the structure.

This study addresses the critical challenge of material scarcity within Ghana’s creative industries by pioneering the synthesis of professional-grade stage blood from indigenous, locally-sourced materials. In the context of Ghanaian theatre and film, practitioners face significant barriers due to the high cost and limited availability of imported special effects products, often resulting in the use of inadequate substitutes that compromise aesthetic realism, safety, and narrative authenticity. This paper responds by exploring the potential of cassava starch, tapioca, kenkey dough, and fufu wax. Grounded in Schumacher’s theory of Appropriate Technology, the paper reframes indigenous resources not as inferior alternatives but as technologically and contextually appropriate solutions that align with Ghana’s economic, environmental, and social realities. The study provides detailed, reproducible recipes for both flowing and clotted blood variants, validated through practical application in simulated special effects such as gunshot wounds and deep-tissue scars. These formulations meet key performance criteria: visual fidelity under theatrical and cinematic conditions, controlled viscosity, ease of application and removal, and performer safety. Beyond technical innovation, this research contributes to shifting academic and professional discourse from dependency and scarcity toward resourcefulness, sustainability, and artistic self-reliance. It offers a practical framework for reducing production costs, enhancing the quality of visual storytelling, and fostering local value chains within Ghana’s growing creative economy.

Background: Building Information Modelling (BIM) improves safety planning in construction by enabling visualization and simulation to identify and reduce risks. However, its adoption in Nigeria is limited. This study examines the application of BIM in enhancing safety and environmental performance on construction sites in Nigeria. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured online questionnaire distributed to professionals in Nigeria’s construction industry. A purposive sampling method was employed to target respondents with relevant BIM experience. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression at a 5% significance level. Result: Findings show that BIM was fully adopted by 7.0% of organizations, with only 19.8% of respondents using it to identify safety hazards during planning. While 76.8% reported no notable safety benefit, 19.5% identified improved risk management as the key benefit. Most respondents (80.2%) reported no noticeable environmental benefits. Among those who did, improved energy efficiency was the most cited benefit (16.4%). Respondents with 10 or more years of experience were significantly more likely to report enhanced safety and environmental outcomes (AOR = 4.555; p = 0.003) and adequate BIM utilization (AOR = 3.255; p = 0.023). Those with intermediate BIM experience were also more likely to report high enhancement (AOR = 2.857; p = 0.039) and effective tool use (AOR = 2.881; p = 0.050). Conclusion: This study revealed that BIM has the potential to improve construction outcomes in Nigeria if supported by training, experience, and structured implementation.

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among adolescents is a growing public health concern, particularly in low-income and Black communities. However, little is known about how social determinants of health shape e-cigarette perceptions in this population. Aims: This study examined social determinants associated with perceptions of e-cigarette safety among Baltimore high school students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (CEASE Youth: School Survey) was conducted with 604 Baltimore high school students aged 14–20. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing perceptions of e-cigarette safety, as well as parental education, race/ethnicity, parental employment, household composition, and community tobacco use. Results: Higher parental education was associated with lower perceived e-cigarette safety among students. Students in higher grades also reported lower perceived e-cigarette safety. In contrast, male students—particularly those in upper grades—were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as safe. Race/ethnicity, household composition, parental employment, and community tobacco exposure were not associated with perceived e-cigarette safety. Conclusion: Higher parental education, female gender, and being in higher grades were associated with perceiving e-cigarettes as unsafe. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address vaping perceptions among youth in urban settings.

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by advancements in Information Technology (IT), with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems playing a pivotal role in reshaping operations. These systems offer integrated solutions that streamline key business processes, such as production, inventory management, supply chain optimization, regulatory compliance, and data integration, contributing significantly to operational efficiency and organizational agility. This paper explores the evolution and impact of ERP systems within the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting their contributions to overcoming the industry’s inherent challenges, including complex regulatory requirements, the need for accurate and real-time data, and the demand for supply chain resilience. The integration of cloud-based ERP solutions, the incorporation of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT), and enhanced data analytics capabilities have revolutionized pharmaceutical IT. These advancements not only reduce operational costs, improve forecasting accuracy, and enhance collaboration but also ensure compliance with stringent global regulations, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA guidelines. Moreover, ERP systems have been instrumental in managing the pharmaceutical supply chain, ensuring product traceability, and improving inventory control and order fulfillment processes. This manuscript examines how ERP systems enable pharmaceutical companies to maintain high standards of product quality, improve decision-making, and ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs through robust tracking and auditing mechanisms. A case study of a pharmaceutical company that implemented an ERP system demonstrates the tangible benefits, including increased operational efficiency, improved compliance rates, and enhanced customer satisfaction. However, despite the clear advantages, challenges such as customization complexities, data integration issues, and resistance to change remain. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, ERP systems will remain a cornerstone of digital transformation, facilitating smarter decision-making, better resource management, and enhanced collaboration across global operations. This paper also identifies future trends, including the potential of AI and blockchain technologies in further strengthening ERP systems and transforming the pharmaceutical landscape.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. While surgical interventions such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are effective in severe cases, conservative treatments are critical for early and intermediate disease management. This review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of both conservative and surgical treatment approaches, including lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, pharmacological interventions, regenerative medicine, and surgical procedures. The integration of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized as a key strategy for optimizing clinical outcomes and tailoring interventions to disease severity.

In today’s world of a globalized economy and ubiquitous digital transactions, businesses are hungry for ways to increase transaction efficiency and security. In the real economy, solutions that scale to fit transaction volume or velocity are equally valuable. This is true for clearing and settlement and for the day-to-day needs of buyers and sellers alike. Clever observers of both cash and digital transactions can spot cases where technology that supports transaction security or safety can strengthen consumer-borrower ties, mitigate default risks, and reduce recidivism. In general, a cloud solution for payment processing and merchant services solves two major barriers to optimum business technology: lack of scalability and lack of security [1]. The extension of current practice has its advantages, but new solutions unlock significant opportunities for both consumers and financial institutions [2]. The focus of this work is on the provisioning of cloud-based payment processing and merchant services to financial institutions and established global organizations, although the options available with these services mean they are potentially applicable to a wide range of group entities, including non-trading organizations, pension administrators, and group treasurers. With the increased attention to cybersecurity, a mass of data is available to assist the IT departments of the major payment processors, merchants, and acquirers to get cybersecurity on the radar of C-level executives [3]. The case is put forward for the increased targeting of and reporting to the Board’s Audit, Risk, and Liability Committees of publicly held payment processors and merchants to reduce fraud losses and mitigate the reputation and class action lawsuit risk due to data breaches. The progress of technology in the payment sector requires all stakeholders to have a collective approach in order to mitigate fraud and cybersecurity-related risks in new products and services to enhance consumer confidence and the proportion of retail cashless transactions [4].

The pharmaceutical supply chain has become increasingly complex and vulnerable to various risks, including counterfeit drugs, diversion, and fraud. As these challenges threaten patient safety and the integrity of global healthcare systems, serialization has emerged as a pivotal innovation in pharmaceutical logistics and regulatory compliance. Serialization involves assigning unique identifiers to individual drug packages, enabling precise tracking and authentication at every stage of the supply chain. This process provides unprecedented transparency, enhances product security, and facilitates real-time monitoring of pharmaceutical products as they move from manufacturers to end consumers. Despite its potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical traceability, the integration of serialization technologies faces numerous obstacles. These include high implementation costs, regulatory inconsistencies across regions, and the technological challenges of managing vast amounts of data. Moreover, the complex, multi-tiered nature of the global supply chain introduces additional risks related to data integrity, cybersecurity, and interoperability between systems. As pharmaceutical companies seek to navigate these challenges, innovations in serialization technology—such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and radio frequency identification (RFID)—are providing promising solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce fraud, and increase visibility. This manuscript explores both the innovative advancements and the key challenges associated with the integration of serialization in the pharmaceutical supply chain. It delves into the evolving regulatory landscape, highlighting the need for global harmonization of serialization standards, and examines the impact of serialization on securing pharmaceutical distribution networks. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration among manufacturers, technology providers, and regulatory bodies in overcoming implementation barriers and realizing the full potential of serialization. As the pharmaceutical industry moves towards a more interconnected and data-driven future, serialization promises to play a central role in shaping the next generation of drug safety and supply chain management. By addressing the hurdles to adoption and leveraging emerging technologies, the pharmaceutical sector can create a more secure, transparent, and efficient supply chain that better serves public health and fosters greater trust among consumers and healthcare professionals alike.

The synthesis and optimization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) is fundamental to pharmaceutical drug development, directly influencing drug efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Over recent years, significant advancements in synthetic methodologies and manufacturing technologies have transformed API production. This manuscript provides an overview of the latest innovations in API synthesis, focusing on key techniques such as green chemistry, continuous flow chemistry, biocatalysis, and automation. Green chemistry principles, including solvent substitution and catalytic reactions, have enhanced sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption. Continuous flow chemistry offers improved reaction control, scalability, and safety, while biocatalysis provides an eco-friendly alternative for synthesizing complex and chiral APIs. Additionally, the integration of automation and advanced process control using machine learning and real-time monitoring has optimized production efficiency and consistency. The manuscript also discusses the challenges associated with regulatory compliance and quality assurance, highlighting the role of advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry in ensuring API purity. Looking ahead, personalized medicine and smart manufacturing technologies, including blockchain for traceability, are expected to drive further innovation in API production. This review concludes by emphasizing the need for continued advancements in sustainability, efficiency, and scalability to meet the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical industry, ultimately enabling the development of safer, more effective, and environmentally responsible medicines.

The study aimed to examine the availability of protective clothing and its usage among workers at the University of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana. It used the Accident-Proneness Theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action to achieve the study's objectives. The study adopted the positivist research paradigm. The study used a descriptive design with mixed methods. The study population comprised all workers and supervisors whose work demands the use of protective clothing at the University of Cape Coast. The study used multistage sampling techniques (stratified, purposive, proportional and Systematic random sampling techniques) to select one hundred and ninety-six departmental workers and five (5) supervisors in the University. The main instruments for data collection were a Semi-structured questionnaire and an unstructured interview guide. Mean and standard deviation, frequency count, and percentages were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed through the development of data categories and themes. The study concluded that “not all the protective clothing for the various departments were available. The University ensured that workers used what was in stock at the department. The protective clothing supplied to the various departments was insufficient, so their continuous use of the existing ones got them defaced, bringing about shortages. The study also revealed that workers used protective clothing most often, but not all used it because safety laws were relaxed. The study recommended that the University ensure a regular and adequate supply of PPC, insist on its usage, and enforce the use of PPC by all workers whose work demands it.