International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies

Development of a multiple representation digital platform for STEAM-based deep learning with the 3DE model

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This research is motivated by the limited digital learning platforms capable of integrating various forms of representation to support STEAM-based in-depth learning, particularly in physics subjects that require high conceptual understanding. To address this need, this study aims to describe the feasibility of the Digital Multiple Representation Platform (DMRP) as an innovative learning medium designed to facilitate conceptual understanding and encourage interdisciplinary integration in the STEAM context. This research method uses a Research and Development (R&D) design based on the DDDE (Decide, Design, Develop, and Evaluation) model to systematically guide the platform creation and validation process. Data were collected using an expert validation questionnaire covering aspects of content feasibility, pedagogy, interface appearance, interactivity, and technical aspects. Validation was carried out by learning media experts and physics material experts to assess the quality and suitability of the platform for instructional purposes. In addition to quantitative data, the study also involved qualitative feedback from educators and students through open-ended interviews to obtain an in-depth overview of the platform's practicality and acceptability. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive techniques to calculate a feasibility score, while qualitative data were analyzed to identify suggestions for improvement and aspects that support the platform's effectiveness. The results of the study show that the DMRP achieved an average media validation score of 80% and a content validation score of 79%, both of which are categorized as very feasible to be implemented in learning. The conclusion of this study shows that integrating various representations in a digital environment can effectively improve conceptual understanding, creativity, and student engagement in STEAM-oriented physics education. Overall, the developed DMRP offers a pedagogically grounded model to support deep learning and interdisciplinary thinking, which contributes to the development of digital innovation in STEAM education.

Economic diversification and sustainable development in Saudi Arabia: Evaluating the vision 2030 initiative

Awadelkarim Elamin Altahir Ahmed, MUTAZ.T. MAHMOUD — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The Saudi Economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in international oil prices. This prompted the Saudi Government to introduce different initiatives to diversify its economy, including the Saudi 2030 Initiative, which is aimed to diversify the Saudi economy and promote sustainable development. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Saudi 2030 Vision Initiative in terms of promoting economic diversification and evaluate its influence on sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. The study has utilised a mixed method approach, triangulating quantitative data from 300 respondents through a cross-sectional survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews from 15 stakeholders from government, private sector, and academia. This study has revealed that institutional support and human capital development challenges significantly mediate the relationship between the current state of economic diversification and sustainable development outcomes of the Saudi Vision 2030. The qualitative findings highlighted challenges in implementation, such as cultural resistance and regulatory compliance issues. This study has provided a comprehensive assessment of the Vision 2030 Initiative and offered insights to comprehend the complex dynamics of economic transformation and sustainable development in the Saudi context. The result shows that the Saudi 2030 Vision initiative has helped to achieve significant progress in diversifying the economy by creating new non-oil sectors, including information technology, tourism, and renewable energy. The study findings have valuable implications for informing policymakers to establish improved strategies to enhance the effectiveness of diversification efforts.

Designing a model of environmental, social, and governance reporting: Evidence from Iraqi banks

Ahmed Fayez Hakim, Amin Rostami, Amin Hajiannejad — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study aims to design a conceptual model of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting with-in the Iraqi banking sector. It seeks to address the significant gap in understanding the drivers, strategies, and outcomes of sustainability reporting in a post-conflict economy heavily reliant on natural resources. Employing a qualitative research design based on Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 28 experts, including bank executives and academic specialists in Iraqi banking and environmental affairs in 2024. A purposeful and snowball sampling technique was used until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data analysis followed a systematic three-stage coding process: open, axial, and selective coding, to develop a comprehensive model. The study resulted in a multi-faceted model for ESG reporting in Iraqi banks. The core phenomenon is the development of ESG reporting, driven by causal conditions such as environmental requirements, international pressures, and political characteristics. Contextual conditions (e.g., the country's accounting environment, financial incentives) and intervening conditions (e.g., corporate governance, bank structure, managerial behavior) influence the strategies adopted. Key strategies include identifying a responsible entity for sustainability, developing national standards, establishing internal committees, and providing targeted training. The implementation of these strategies leads to significant outcomes, including enhanced social trust, improved employee quality of life, environmental preservation, capital market growth, and improved financial reporting quality. The findings demonstrate that advancing ESG reporting in the Iraqi banking industry requires a holistic approach that considers a complex interplay of external pressures and internal organizational factors. The Central Bank of Iraq and the government are pivotal in facilitating this process through guideline formulation, oversight, and financial incentives. This research provides an actionable framework for Iraqi bank managers and policymakers to systematically enhance transparency and accountability. The identified model can guide the development of localized ESG standards, inform regulatory decisions, and help banks attract international investment by demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. The study's insights are also transferable to other resource-dependent economies with similar regulatory and post-conflict challenges.

Obesity and reproductive health: Pathophysiological mechanisms and emerging interventions

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This review examines the multifaceted relationship between obesity and human reproduction, emphasizing the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms by which excessive adiposity impairs fertility in both women and men. We synthesized findings from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies to explore how obesity influences hormonal balance, gametogenesis, and treatment outcomes in assisted reproduction. Mechanistic pathways, including insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, were critically analyzed. In women, obesity disrupts ovulation, oocyte maturation, and hormonal regulation, primarily through insulin resistance, altered adipokine secretion, and mitochondrial and ER stress. In men, obesity compromises spermatogenesis, testosterone production, and sperm quality via hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These disruptions lead to poorer outcomes in fertility treatments, including decreased oocyte quality and live birth rates. However, interventions such as weight reduction, pharmacological therapies (metformin, GLP-1 agonists), and bariatric surgery significantly improve reproductive outcomes. Obesity exerts profound, bidirectional effects on reproductive health through metabolic and molecular disturbances. Comprehensive management integrating lifestyle, pharmacological, and surgical strategies offers a promising route to restore fertility in obese individuals. Recognizing obesity as a critical determinant of reproductive potential highlights the need for integrated metabolic and reproductive care.

The strategic role of inter-coopetition in driving hospital sustainability under rising healthcare costs

Achda Ferdians, Arief Arief, Agustinus Bandur, Asnan Furinto — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Rising healthcare costs continue to threaten the long-term viability of hospitals, particularly private general hospitals in Indonesia. This study aims to examine the strategic role of Inter-Coopetition Strategy (SKA) in strengthening hospital business sustainability (KB), while also analysing the effects of Integrated Preventive Care (PPT), Value-Based Care Orientation (OPN), and Digital Capability (KDD) under increasing financial pressures. A concurrent mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were obtained from 180 hospital managers through structured surveys and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). To complement and contextualise the statistical results, qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with selected hospital leaders.The results demonstrate that OPN and SKA have significant positive direct effects on KB, while SKA mediates the relationships between PPT and OPN with KB. Digital capability (KDD) also emerges as a strong determinant of sustainability, indicating the essential role of technology in improving operational efficiency and organisational resilience. Although the direct effect of PPT on KB was relatively weak quantitatively, qualitative evidence confirms its strategic relevance, suggesting that preventive care contributes most effectively to sustainability when implemented within collaborative hospital networks. The study concludes that inter-coopetition serves as a critical mechanism for enhancing hospital business sustainability in an increasingly costly healthcare environment. When combined with value-based care, preventive services, and digital capabilities, SKA enables hospitals to achieve integrated pathways toward resilience and performance continuity. The findings provide actionable guidance for hospital leaders to embed preventive and value-driven care into strategic planning, strengthen inter-hospital collaborative–competitive arrangements, and invest in digital infrastructure to support agile and data-informed decision-making. At the policy level, the results highlight the need for aligned incentives and regulatory support—particularly within the national health insurance system—to ensure the financial and operational sustainability of hospital services.

Financial performance analysis of Saudi Riyad bank (2020-2024)

Mutaz T. Mahmoud — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study investigates the financial performance of Saudi banks, with a specific focus on Riyad Bank during the period 2020–2024. It uses a set of key financial ratios, the analysis examines liquidity ratios, solvency ratios, non-performing loans, profitability ratios, and utilization ratios. The paper aims to determine the stability of the bank's financial performance and provide recommendations for maintaining and improving the positives and addressing and mitigating weaknesses. The study employs an analytical approach to evaluate financial data collected from the annual reports of Riyad Bank and the Saudi Central Bank for the period from 2020 to 2024. The analysis aims to assess the financial performance of Saudi banks in general and to evaluate the performance of Riyad Bank in particular. The results show that the liquidity ratio analysis showed that the bank may need to re-evaluate its liquidity management strategies to ensure that it can meet its obligations, especially sudden or large withdrawal requests. The bank's solvency ratio increased overall, peaking in 2023 (107.9%); starting in 2024 (104.5%), the bank is making efforts to improve its solvency and increase its capital. The paper noted that the non-performing loan ratio was low during the study period. The return on equity showed that the bank has significantly improved its ability to generate earnings from its equity. The return on assets analysis indicates that the bank has demonstrated excellent asset management efficiency. The bank's efficiency ratio declined, indicating that the bank was able to control its expenses relative to revenue growth. The utilization ratio analysis shows a shift toward increased lending after 2020; the bank should ensure that it maintains strong liquidity management and risk controls to protect against the risks associated with lending more than its deposits. This paper contributes to the analysis and evaluation of the financial performance of Saudi banks, focusing on Riyad Bank, one of the largest leading banks listed on the Saudi Capital Market Authority. The aim is to maintain and develop positives and address deviations to mitigate financial, market, operational, and legal risks. It also provides administrative and operational insights into the bank's performance to enhance its reputation, market value, and competitive advantage. The findings are based on historical data and may not fully reflect the current or future performance of the bank. The results provide important administrative and operational insights for Riyad Bank to enhance its reputation, market value, and competitive advantage, thereby fulfilling its mission to society. The study emphasizes the importance of analysing the financial performance of Saudi banks to preserve positives and mitigate negatives, which aids in financial decision-making and contributes to the stability and efficiency of bank operations.

Strategic pathways to sustainable performance: The role of leadership, governance, and innovation in Indonesian local public services

Dyah Suskandari, Avanti Fontana, Elok Savitri Pusparini — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study examines how transformational leadership fosters collaborative governance to enhance innovation and sustainable performance within Indonesian local governments. In decentralized systems, where authority and resources are dispersed, achieving coherence and innovation in public service delivery remains a major challenge. Using a quantitative explanatory approach, survey data were collected from public service organizations across Indonesian regions and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The findings reveal that transformational leadership directly strengthens collaborative governance and sustainable performance, while its influence on innovation performance is fully mediated by governance processes. Collaborative governance, in turn, enhances innovation capability and contributes to sustainability primarily when innovation performance is effectively realized. These results highlight a sequential interdependence among leadership, governance, and innovation in advancing sustainable outcomes. Innovation performance emerges as the critical mechanism through which leadership and governance translate into economic competitiveness, social inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. The study bridges micro-level leadership practices, meso-level governance mechanisms, and macro-level sustainability goals, offering practical insights for policymakers and public managers to strengthen collaborative frameworks and innovation capacity for accelerating sustainability in decentralized governance settings.

Diverging perceptions, converging outcomes? The role of provincial governance in corporate innovation in Vietnam

Cao Chuong Nguyen — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The objective of this study is to analyze the impacts of subnational governance on innovation at the corporate level in Vietnam using the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) and the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) as principal indicators. The analysis uses panel data from the 63 provinces for the years 2011 to 2021. Regression analysis is conducted to evaluate the relationship between business R&D investment and PCI and PAPI. Both indices measure the same phenomenon but from different angles: the PCI is based on governance perceptions from the business community while PAPI is based on participatory citizen assessments. The findings suggest that both indicators of PCI and PAPI are significantly relevant for corporate R&D investment decisions but in different ways. While PCI clearly encourages higher R&D, PAPI does not seem to have substantial influence on empowerment. Additionally, the relationship between PCI and PAPI rankings is weak, showing that there is some disconnect between business and citizen views of the effectiveness of local governance. The results support that innovation at the firm-level is primarily driven by governance quality, as measured by PCI, while citizen governance measure, PAPI, is not as strongly linked to innovation-relevant corporate outcomes. Policymakers can enhance the local innovation ecosystem by prioritizing improvements in governance dimensions such as transparency, regulatory quality, and administrative support as measured by the PCI.

Calculation of the Luneberg optical lens and applications

Arkady Khorunzhenko, Mikhail Lavrentiev, Andrey Marchuk — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This paper presents a numerical approach for designing radially symmetric Luneburg lenses with arbitrary source and image positions. The method reconstructs the refractive index distribution by inverting an Abel-type relation and uses adaptive Gauss–Kronrod quadrature to ensure high accuracy without manual tuning. The algorithm is validated against the classical Luneburg profile and applied to two focusing scenarios: transformation of a plane wave into a converging wave with a prescribed focal distance, and focusing of radiation from a finite-distance point source to a target point. Ray tracing with an explicit Euler scheme and Huygens-based wavefront simulations confirm that an initially planar front segment collapses precisely to the designed focus. Using the optical–hydrodynamic analogy, the obtained refractive index distribution is converted into a seamount depth profile, and nonlinear shallow-water simulations demonstrate significant wave amplitude amplification near the predicted focal area. The results provide a universal framework for the synthesis of gradient-index lenses and offer practical insights into tsunami wave focusing caused by natural seabed topography.

AI-based early warning mechanism for poultry farms: Evaluating acoustic signal algorithms for bird health and sustainable production

Halleluyah Oluwatobi Aworinde — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study examines the rising consumption of animal products in Africa amid concerns about declining production. It suggests that food production needs to increase by 25% to meet the demands of a growing population. The experimental study involved 100 poultry birds divided into two groups: one inoculated with chronic respiratory disease (CRD), and one uninoculated. Over 65 days, audio signals were collected three times daily in a controlled environment with ethical approval. A nano 32 BLE sensor was used to collect a dataset of 346 audio signals from the farm. These signals were categorized as healthy, disease-related, or noisy. To identify the most effective model for early detection of poultry diseases, three algorithms utilizing audio signals were evaluated: MFCC, MFE, and Spectrogram. Results showed the Spectrogram algorithm outperformed others, with 99.2% accuracy, 99.3% F1-score, and 0.05 loss. The MFCC algorithm had 85.6% accuracy, 85% F1-score, and 0.38 loss, while the MFE algorithm achieved 97.4% accuracy, 97.3% F1-score, and 0.08 loss. Implementing it can support sustainable development goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by improving poultry farming and reducing economic losses.

The vision of science, technology, and innovation among children and adolescents in Córdoba, Colombia

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The socioeconomic development of nations depends on advances in science, technology, and innovation. It is in this context that a society that values and constructs favorable meanings around these elements manages to remain at the forefront of an increasingly globalized world. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of science, technology, and innovation held by children and adolescents enrolled in school in three municipalities of Córdoba, Colombia. An exploratory-interpretive study with a qualitative approach and phenomenological-hermeneutic design was conducted. 32 participants participated in focus groups. The results yielded significant constructs around science as a principle of knowledge, technology as a medium between what is learned and what is lived; and innovation as a space for projecting and transforming the future. The constructs developed by children and adolescents are influenced by the characteristics of the social, ethnic, and school environment in which they operate. This should be considered in future research and the development of educational plans that allow for a practical and consistent approach to STEM.

Transforming the passenger journey: The role of artificial intelligence in future-ready airports

Lúcia Piedade, Mariana Marques, Alexandra O’Neill, Ana Macau — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Air transport is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key enabler of efficiency, security, personalization, and sustainability. This study investigates how AI is reshaping airport operations and passenger journeys, combining an extensive literature review with original quantitative research involving 744 air travelers. The research employs a descriptive and exploratory design to assess public perceptions of AI integration across areas such as automated check-ins, facial recognition, predictive analytics, and sustainability management. Statistical and thematic analyses reveal high acceptance of AI for safety, logistics, and environmental optimization, yet persistent concerns about privacy, transparency, and ethical governance. Results show that while 95% of respondents trust AI in security contexts and 85% value its potential for personalization, 87% prioritize sustainability as the key criterion for future airport innovation. The findings highlight a nuanced balance between technological enthusiasm and ethical caution. The study concludes that AI must be implemented through human-centered, transparent, and sustainability-aligned frameworks to gain public trust and long-term legitimacy. Ultimately, AI is positioned not merely as a technological upgrade but as a strategic instrument for building inclusive, resilient, and future-ready airports.

Microstructural performance of quartz-based pre-filtration devices for oil/water separation

Nthabiseng Ramanamane, Mothibeli Pita — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Effective and affordable technologies are urgently needed for oily wastewater treatment, where conventional polymeric membranes suffer from fouling and ceramic membranes remain cost-prohibitive. This study investigates quartz particles (0.8–1.8 mm) as a low-cost pre-filtration medium for oil/water separation, focusing on the influence of raw versus acid-washed surfaces. Experiments using a packed quartz bed demonstrated that both media substantially reduced influent oil concentrations (initial 4393.80 mg/L), with raw quartz achieving 98.07% removal and washed quartz further improving efficiency to 98.48%. Surface cleaning enhanced quartz performance by eliminating impurities, increasing effective porosity, and restoring natural hydrophilicity, thereby improving adsorption and minimizing pore blockage. These findings highlight washed quartz as a structurally robust, scalable, and environmentally sustainable medium that can serve as a first-line barrier in multi-stage oily wastewater treatment systems. The slight yet meaningful efficiency gain with washed quartz demonstrates its industrial relevance, as even marginal improvements translate into significant operational benefits at scale. Overall, quartz offers a practical, low-cost alternative to conventional filtration materials, reducing the treatment burden on downstream polishing units and supporting water reuse in oil-intensive industries.

Utilization of media in distributing public information in Negeri Liang, Central Maluku

Fatmawaty Rumra, Yuniar Sakinah Waliulu — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study aims to analyse the use of media in disseminating public information in Liang Village, Central Maluku Regency. Public information disclosure is a crucial aspect in realizing transparent, accountable, and participatory governance. The research method employed was a qualitative approach, utilizing data collection techniques that included interviews, observations, and documentary studies. The results show that the Liang Village government utilizes various communication media, both traditional and digital. Traditional media that are still predominantly used include village announcement boards, mosque and church loudspeakers, and face-to-face meetings. Meanwhile, digital media such as WhatsApp groups and social media are beginning to be used to accelerate the flow of information, especially among the younger generation. However, several obstacles remain, including limited internet access, low digital literacy among some members of the public, and a strong reliance on conventional communication methods. This study recommends optimizing the use of digital media in a more structured manner, enhancing the technological literacy of civil servants, and collaborating with community leaders to expand the reach of public information. Thus, appropriate media utilization can improve the effectiveness of government communication and strengthen public participation in national development.

Post-pandemic immune profiles: Antibody patterns in vaccinated individuals with and without Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study aimed to investigate the serological responses to COVID-19 vaccines in the Saudi population post pandemic, a period characterized by presumed hybrid immunity, and to assess demographic and clinical factors influencing antibody responses. IgG antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were assessed using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) in 401 individuals from the Saudi population. Of the 401 participants, 395 were vaccinated and 397 (99%) were positive for anti-SARS-CoV spike protein antibodies, including five of the six unvaccinated individuals. Antibody positivity peaked in ages 20-29 and was lowest in children (0-9 years) and adults over 80 years. IgG levels differed between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants (P < 0.0001) and between sexes (P = 0.0072), but not by vaccine type, dose, or comorbidities. Unexpectedly, vaccinated individuals without prior infection had higher IgG than those with prior infection, challenging the presumed advantage of hybrid immunity. In this Saudi cohort, age and sex significantly influenced spike IgG responses, while vaccine type, dosage, and comorbidities had no effect. Unexpectedly, hybrid immunity showed no advantage, indicating altered immune dynamics at the pandemic’s end. These findings provide valuable insights into population-level COVID-19 immunity and can inform public health strategies and vaccine policies in settings with widespread prior infection or vaccination.

Effect of pre-ECMO mechanical ventilation duration on patient outcomes

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The majority of the critically ill patients who are treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO), are initially supported by mechanical ventilation (MV). The pre-ECMO MV duration of more than 7 days was identified as a contraindication to start ECMO support. This study aims to assess the mortality rate in relation to duration of mechanical ventilation before ECMO initiation, as well as its impact of ECMO successful weaning in Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective cohort study with 13 patients enrolled, who received ECMO support from 2015 to 2019 for both cardiac and non-cardiac indications. All relevant data regarding the MV and ECMO support were extracted and analysed. The whole sample showed a higher mean interval between intubation and ECMO initiation in the successfully weaned group than the group with unsuccessful weaning, with a P value > 0.05. In terms of survival, both groups showed similar MV to ECMO initiation. Total ECMO duration was 10.38 ± 6.55 and 7.60 ± 10.11 for the successful and non-successful weaning groups, respectively (P = 0.56), and was similar for survivors and non-survivors (P = 0.97). Analysis of both subgroups of venovenous ECMO and veno-arterial ECMO was non-significant, both in terms of survival and successful weaning. The pre-ECMO MV duration was significantly higher in patients who were supported by ECMO for more than one week, with a mean duration of 4.50 4.04, in comparison to 1.0 for patients with ECMO support of less than a week (P value=0.041). The impact of pre-ECMO MV duration was not significantly related to ECMO outcomes, including survival and successful weaning, in both ECMO subgroups. However, it may affect the total ECMO support duration.

Symbols of nature in the diwan Dice of the text by the poet Adnan Al-Sayegh

Asmaa Fares Hussein, Ali Hussein Jloud Alzaidi — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study explores the symbols of nature in the poetry collection Nard al-Nass by the Iraqi poet Adnan Al-Sayegh through a hermeneutic approach that aims to uncover their semantic and artistic dimensions. The research seeks to highlight how natural symbols are transformed into cultural signs and meanings that carry psychological, political, and existential dimensions. Through these symbols, the poet reflects the anxiety of the poetic self and its fluctuation across political, social, and historical levels. The study employs a hermeneutic method, integrating symbolic and semiotic analysis tools, to reveal the multiplicity of meanings and the semantic openness that nature’s symbols offer within the text.

The ruby stone in the Arab scientific heritage from the Umayyad Era to the end of the Mamlūk ERA (41- 923 AH/ 662-1517: A cultural historical study

Salih Maddah Aljedani, Saad Saeed Alqarni — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The objective of this study is to shed light on the achievements of the Arab and Muslim scholars who wrote in the field of rubies, explaining its characteristics, benefits, applications, and places of occurrence during a specific time period in Islamic history that starts from the beginning of the Umayyad era until the end of the Mamlūk era (41-923 AH / 662-1517 AD). The study focused on specific elements that revolve around the origins and names of the ruby stone, its various types and forms, and various uses, and traced the ruby mines and their different locations in the Islamic world during the specified research period. Furthermore, the study discussed rubies extraction methods, physical properties, and market value during these Islamic historical periods, along with rubies defects, and their methods of treatment. The study adopted the descriptive, critical, analytical historical research method, where scientific material was collected from various historical sources, which are then arranged, classified, and presented in the form of a descriptive, analytical, and critical study, supplemented by comparisons with the scientific material contained in contemporary sources. The study concluded with the most important findings extracted therefrom.

Development and evaluation of sulfadiazine-loaded gastric floating microsponge for repurposed cancer therapy

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Sulfadiazine has gained renewed interest as a repurposed anticancer agent owing to its ability to inhibit folate-dependent metabolic pathways and disrupt tumor cell proliferation. However, its therapeutic potential is hindered by poor aqueous solubility, short gastric residence time, and limited absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to develop a gastro-retentive floating microsponge system to enhance gastric retention and sustain release of sulfadiazine for improved absorption. Microsponges were prepared using the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method with Eudragit RS 100 as the polymer matrix. Three formulations (F-1, F-2, F-3) were evaluated for production yield, drug content, entrapment efficiency, floating behavior, in-vitro drug release, surface morphology, thermal characteristics, and short-term stability. All formulations appeared as white, free-flowing microsponge powders with high production yields (91.11–97.72%). Entrapment efficiency ranged from 57.65% to 80.14%, increasing with polymer concentration. All formulations remained buoyant for more than 12 hours, confirming effective floating behavior. SEM analysis revealed spherical, porous structures, while DSC thermograms indicated reduced crystallinity of the encapsulated drug. In-vitro drug release demonstrated sustained release over 8 hours, with F-1 showing the fastest release and F-2 the most controlled profile. Stability studies showed no changes in appearance and minimal variation in drug content over three months. The results suggest that sulfadiazine-loaded gastric floating microsponges can enhance gastric residence, support sustained delivery, and improve the therapeutic potential of sulfadiazine as a repurposed anticancer agent.

When capabilities backfire: Rethinking resource-based theory in health services exports

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

In developing economies, the internationalization of health services remains limited despite increasing investments in firm capabilities and resources. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), this study explores the extent to which internal strengths—both tangible and intangible—contribute to the export performance of Colombian health service firms. Drawing on firm-level data from the national EDIT survey, we employed a mixed-methods quantitative approach combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and a binary Logit model. SEM was used to identify latent constructs representing “Resources” and “Capabilities”, while the Logit model estimated the marginal effects of these and other predictors on the probability of export participation. Findings show that, contrary to RBV expectations, general resources and capability accumulation do not significantly enhance export propensity. Instead, internal R&D investment emerges as the only statistically significant positive predictor of exporting, suggesting that firms focused on innovation have a competitive edge in international markets. The models also reveal that a synergy between resources and capabilities—when not strategically aligned—may even hinder export engagement. These results challenge conventional interpretations of RBV in service sectors, especially in middle-income countries, and underscore the need for innovation-oriented strategies. For both managers and policymakers, the findings highlight the importance of moving beyond capacity accumulation toward targeted investment in research, talent development, and international market readiness.