Search Results (69)

The theological rendering of economics in the Bahá’í Faith—particularly from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—advocated progressive taxation, a strong welfare state, the abolition of trusts, and the redistribution of wealth. These orientations directly diverge from “neoliberal” economic theory, especially as articulated by Frederick Hayek: concerns that social justice exacerbates poverty and claims that progressive taxation is “discrimination.” Despite these seemingly antithetical orientations, there has been a slow and tentative, if not uneasy, meeting of Bahá’í and neoliberal ideals in global organizations and scholarship. Through a comparative analysis of the writings of both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Friedrich Hayek, I first illuminate the fundamental disagreements on economy and society between Bahá’í theology and neoliberalism. Second, I cover recent scholarship on the moralization of markets and the sacralization of financial actors in order to contextualize the historical and contemporary unions of theology and economy. Third, I outline how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s theological vision and Hayek’s neoliberal theories accrete around four mutual worldviews, which can tempt hermeneutic deemphases of the fundamental divergences in Bahá’í and neoliberal logics: (1) the duality of human nature, (2) the limits of materialist reason, (3) the apotheosis of the market and self-love, and (4) sacrificial submission to transcendent authority. Full article

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the biological activities of the aerial parts of Alkanna corcyrensis Hayek (AC), an endemic Greek species not previously studied. Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract was performed using UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF–MS/MS combined with molecular networking analysis. Additionally, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined. Chromatographic separations were carried out to isolate major compounds, and the antioxidant capacity, along with enzyme inhibitory activity, was assessed. The analysis led to the tentative identification of 86 compounds, including 67 phenolic compounds (mainly caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides), 10 pyrrolizidine alkaloids of trachelanthamidine, platynecine, and retronecine types, and nine organic and fatty acid derivatives. Among these, one flavonol glycoside (kaempferol-O-malonyl methyl ester hexoside) and three pyrrolizidine alkaloids (9-sarracinoyl-trachelanthamidine/isoretronecanol, retronecine-pentoside, and trachelanthamidine/isoretronecanol-hexoside) were reported for the first time. The extract exhibited high TPC (74.45 mg GAE/g extract) and TFC (46.66 mg GAE/g extract). Chromatographic separations resulted in the isolation of five major metabolites, namely rosmarinic acid, danshensu, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, and quercetin-3-O-glycoside. Biological evaluation revealed considerable antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase (6.65 mmol ACAE/g extract). Overall, this study highlights the remarkable phytochemical diversity and richness of AC among alkanet species and demonstrates its promising antioxidant potential, laying the foundation for further investigations towards its future exploitation. Full article

Given the rising use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), we sought to assess practice trends in overall survival (OS), complete gross resection (R0), and postoperative mortality following debulking surgery. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify 34,982 stage IIIC and IV EOC patients between 2010 and 2017 who underwent surgery. Annual proportions of patients receiving IDS and PDS were calculated. Median OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Joinpoint models were fitted to evaluate surgical trends. Statistics were performed using SPSS and Joinpoint. Of 34,982 patients, 10,460 (29.9%) underwent IDS. IDS patients were older, more likely to have stage IV disease, and more likely to be non-White. Median OS was higher in the PDS group (54 vs. 38.8 months, p < 0.001). Postoperative 90-day mortality was lower in the PDS group (1.7% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001), though IDS patients had a lower 30-day readmission rate (6.2% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001). IDS patients were less likely to undergo extensive surgery (27.4% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.001) and more likely to achieve R0 resection (42% vs. 38.6%, p < 0.001). The IDS rate increased from 18.9% to 40.6% (annual percentage change (APC): 11.8%, p < 0.05) from 2010 to 2017. Median OS improved from 46.6 to 51 months (APC: 1.9%, p < 0.05), driven by the PDS cohort. The R0 resection rate rose from 34.8 to 41% (APC: 2.65%, p < 0.01), driven by the PDS cohort (APC: 2.83%, p < 0.01). Postoperative 90-day mortality decreased from 2.4% to 1.5% (APC: −4.64%, p < 0.05), due to a reduction in PDS patients (APC: −6.83%, p < 0.05). There was no change in the rate of extensive surgery over time. In conclusion, from 2010 to 2017, increased triage of patients to NACT was accompanied by a higher R0 resection rate and reduced postoperative mortality in PDS patients, with no observed detriment to OS. This data suggests improvement in case selection between IDS and PDS. Full article

Background/Objectives: No Arabic-language version of the Observable Social Cognition Rating Scale (OSCARS) is available that allows to properly and specifically assess social cognition (SC) in Arabic-speaking populations. This study aimed to examine the preliminary psychometric characteristics of the Arabic translated version of the OSCARS, including factor structure, reliability, concurrent validity, and measurement invariance across sex. Methods: This cross-sectional study has been conducted during February and March 2024 and included 113 chronic, remitted, and clinically stable patients with schizophrenia. Results: The originally proposed two-factor model (Social Cognitive Bias and Social Cognitive Ability) showed acceptable model fit after removal of two items that yielded low factor loadings (items 2 and 3). Total and factor scores showed good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.85–0.94. Measurement invariance was established across sex groups at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. No significant differences emerged between male and female patients for latent mean scores of the OSCARS. Finally, concurrent validity was supported by appropriate patterns of correlations with functioning, recovery, and emotional intelligence measures. Conclusions: The Arabic OSCARS stands out as a brief, valid, reliable, and comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate SC in Arabic-speaking patients with schizophrenia based on the perspectives of interviewers. Offering this measure to clinicians and researchers who work in Arab settings may close the existing gap in the assessment of SC in schizophrenia. Due to its easy and fast application, the Arabic OSCARS is believed to be highly valuable in clinical and research practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although people with schizophrenia appear to experience emotions like healthy individuals, previous studies suggest that their ability to engage in empathic emotional responses might be impaired. As per our knowledge, no studies in the Arab world have investigated empathy in patients with schizophrenia, which is likely due to the lack of valid and reliable measures to assess the empathy construct among Arabic-speaking people. The aim of this research is to validate the Arabic version of the Pictorial Empathy Test (PET) in patients with schizophrenia from Lebanon. Methods: A two-month cross-sectional study was carried out at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross during January and February of 2024. The average age of the 113 participants in this study was 57.52 ± 10.35 years and 63.5% of them were men. Data were collected through in-person interviews. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using SPSS AMOS version 29. Parameter estimation utilized the maximum likelihood approach. In order to examine sex invariance in PET scores, a multi-group CFA was conducted. Measurement invariance was assessed across configural, metric, and scalar levels. Evidence of invariance was determined based on the criteria: ΔCFI ≤ 0.010, ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.015, or ΔSRMR ≤ 0.010. Results: CFA revealed that the Arabic PET exhibited a unidimensional factor structure. The PET demonstrated solid internal consistency (ω = 0.93, α = 0.93). Measurement invariance testing confirmed that the scale performed equally well across sexes. A linear regression analysis found that female sex and higher levels of alexithymia were significantly correlated with lower levels of affective empathy. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the Arabic version of the PET is a reliable and valid tool for measuring affective empathy in Arabic-speaking patients with schizophrenia. The culturally adapted and validated Arabic PET would help detect affective empathy deficits, design and implement context-tailored interventions, and encourage future research in this area in the Arab region. Future research should aim to validate the PET against behavioral tasks like the Empathic Accuracy Task to improve its ecological validity. Full article

Continental rifting is the process by which land masses separate and create new ocean basins. The emplacement of large igneous provinces (LIPs) is thought to have played a key role in (super) continental rifting; however, this relationship remains controversial due to the lack of a clearly established mechanism linking LIP emplacement to continental fragmentation. Here, we show that plume flow links LIP magmatism to continental rifting quantitatively. Our findings are further supported by the sedimentary record, as well as by the mineralogy and petrology of the rocks. This study analyzes the early Cretaceous separation of West Gondwana into South America and Africa. Prior to rifting, Jurassic hiatuses in the stratigraphic record of continental sediments from both continents indicate plume ascent and the resulting dynamic topography. Cretaceous mafic dyke swarms and sill intrusions are products of major magmatic events that coincided with continental rifting, leading to the formation of large igneous provinces in South America and Africa, including the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, Equatorial Magmatic Province, Paraná–Etendeka, and Karoo. It has been suggested that dyke intrusions may weaken the lithosphere by reducing its mechanical strength, creating structural weaknesses that localize extensional deformation and facilitate rift initiation. The sedimentary analysis and petrological evidence from flood basalt magmas indicate that plumes may have migrated from the depths toward the surface during the Jurassic and erupted during the Cretaceous. It is thought that the resulting fast plume flow, induced by one or more mantle plumes, generated a dynamic force that, in combination with lithospheric weakening from dyke intrusion, eventually rifted the lithosphere of West Gondwana. Full article

The advancement of modern concretes, such as printable concrete, fluid concrete with adapted rheology, and ultra-high-performance concrete, has increased the importance of understanding structural build-up in cement-based materials. This process, which describes the time-dependent evolution of rheological properties, is a key factor to ensure the stability of concrete by influencing segregation, bleeding, formwork pressure, numerical modeling, and multi-layer casting. As a result, the structural build-up of cementitious materials has become a significant area of research in recent years. The structural build-up of cement based-materials results from both a reversible part (thixotropic behavior), driven by colloidal interactions, and an irreversible part, caused by cement hydration and the formation of C-S-H bridges. Various experimental techniques have been developed to investigate these processes, with various factors affecting the thixotropic behavior and overall structural build-up of cement suspensions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of structural build-up in cement pastes. It covers measurement methods and key influencing factors, including the water-to-binder ratio (w/b), admixtures, temperature, and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). By consolidating the existing knowledge and identifying research gaps, this review aims to contribute to the development of sustainable, high-performance cement-based materials suitable for modern construction techniques. Full article

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes a methyl-CpG-binding protein (MeCP2) that acts as a repressor of gene expression, crucial in neurons. Dysfunction of MeCP2 due to its pathogenic variants explains the clinical features of RTT. Here, we performed histological and RNA analyses on a post-mortem brain sample from an RTT patient carrying the p.Arg106Trp missense mutation. This patient is part of a cohort of 56 genetically and clinically characterized RTT patients, for whom we provide an overview of the mutation landscape. In the RTT brain specimen, RT-PCR analysis detected preferential transcription of the mutated mRNA. X-inactivation studies revealed a skewed X-chromosome inactivation ratio (95:5), supporting the transcriptional findings. We also mapped the MECP2 transcript in control human brain regions (temporal cortex and cerebellum) using the RNAscope assay, confirming its high expression. This study reports the MECP2 transcript representation in a post-mortem RTT brain and, for the first time, the in situ MECP2 transcript localization in a human control brain, offering insights into how specific MECP2 mutations may differentially impact neuronal functions. We suggest these findings are crucial for developing RNA-based therapies for Rett syndrome. Full article

Wheat, a cornerstone of Jordan’s food security and agricultural economy, has experienced fluctuating production dynamics. Population growth, climate variability, and the gradual integration of advanced farming technologies drive these fluctuations. As the population expands, the demand for wheat naturally escalates, placing increased pressure on local production capabilities. This study aimed to analyze the impact of demographic (population) and climatic parameters of rainfall and maximum and minimum temperature on wheat production in Jordan from 1995 to 2022. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques and statistical analysis methods, specifically utilizing Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), were used to analyze the relationship between wheat production and population within specific periods; this study revealed an inverse relationship of coefficient of determination with (R² = −0.56, −0.78 and −0.89) for the north, middle, and south regions of Jordan, respectively. A direct relationship between wheat production and rainfall and temperature is explored, especially in the southern areas of Jordan (R² = 0.63 and 0.81), respectively. Generally, rainfall accounted for (32.26%) of the variations in wheat production, while the minimum temperature contributed (30.74%). The effect of maximum temperature was less significant, explaining the variations (13.24%). GWR tests confirmed these climatic factors’ independence, indicating each’s direct impact on wheat production. However, the total decrease in wheat production from 1995 to 2022 comprised approximately 34.19% of production. However, the total reduction in wheat production is shown from 1995 to 2022, approximately 34.19% of production. This study recommends conducting further research to delve deeper into the interplay between population growth, climatic changes, and agricultural practices, exploring the potential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate the decline in wheat production and ensure food security in Jordan. Full article

Aging is associated with gradual mobility decline, often undetected until it affects daily life. This study investigates the potential of smartphone-based accelerometry to detect early age-related changes in gait and stair performance in middle-aged adults. Eighty-eight healthy participants were divided into four age groups: young (20–35 years), early middle-aged (45–54 years), late middle-aged (55–65 years), and older adults (65–80 years). They completed single-task, cognitive, and physical dual-task gait assessments and stair negotiation tests. While single-task walking did not reveal early changes, cognitive dual-task cost (DTC) of stride time variability deteriorated in late middle age. A strong indicator of early mobility changes was movement similarity, measured using dynamic time warping (DTW), which declined from early middle age for both cognitive DTC and stair negotiation. These findings highlight the potential of smartphone-based assessments, particularly movement similarity, to detect subtle mobility changes in midlife, allowing for targeted interventions to promote healthy aging. Full article

Background: Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has traditionally been treated with primary debulking surgery; however, recent phase III trials have demonstrated similar survival outcomes for patients who were randomized to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking (IDS) when compared to patients who underwent PDS. Methods: We sought to evaluate a cohort of patients with EOC diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 who underwent complete cytoreduction (R0—no gross residual disease) during IDS. We compared the outcomes after R0 resection via MIS versus laparotomy in IDS. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used. Cases were stratified by surgical extent and within the MIS cohort by robotic assistance. Surgical outcomes (LOS, readmission rate, 30- and 90-day mortality) were also assessed. Results: In total, 2412 patients were eligible. 624 (25.8%) underwent R0 resection via MIS. Over the study period, the MIS utilization rate increased from 12% to 36%. There was no significant difference in OS between the MIS and open cohorts (51 vs. 46 months, HR 1.1; 95% CI 0.96–1.24). 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were higher in the open group (1.6% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.006) and (1.9% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.003), respectively. Patients in the MIS group were less likely to undergo extensive surgery (41% vs. 53%, p < 0.001). When stratified by surgical extent, no significant difference in OS was observed between MIS and laparotomy (49 vs. 44 months in the extensive surgery group and 53 vs. 50 months in the non-extensive surgery group). Within the MIS cohort, 49% of cases were performed robotically. OS did not differ significantly between robotic and conventional laparoscopic cases (52 vs. 50 months). From 2010 to 2019, there was an increase in the use of robot-assisted laparoscopy (from 6.2% to 25.5%), coinciding with a decline in the laparotomy rate (from 88.1% to 63.5%) (p = 0.008). Conclusions: R0 resection via MIS during IDS showed similar OS and decreased postoperative mortality compared to laparotomy. The increasing utilization of robotic assistance is associated with a decrease in the laparotomy rate. Full article

The rise of cryptocurrencies over the past decade has promised to challenge the dominance of fiat money systems and reshape monetary policy. However, recent developments, including market volatility and the collapse of key exchanges like FTX, have eroded public trust, raising skepticism of a feasible transition to a crypto-based monetary system. This paper explores why cryptocurrencies have not met the expectations of their proponents, particularly those who saw them as a step towards Friedrich Hayek’s vision for competitive currency issuance. While cryptocurrencies reflect some aspects of Hayek’s model, their instability—especially in Bitcoin-like assets—undermines their role as a reliable alternative to fiat money. The paper also considers how central bank independence and regulatory gaps further hinder the development of a robust cryptocurrency framework. Despite the continued relevance of Hayek’s ideas in today’s monetary landscape, the entrenched structures of modern central banks and the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies suggest that a decentralised currency order remains unlikely in the near future. Full article

Dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) virus continue to pose significant challenges globally due to their widespread prevalence and severe health implications. Given the absence of effective vaccines and specific therapeutics, targeting the highly conserved NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain has emerged as a promising strategy. However, limited efforts have been made to develop inhibitors for this crucial target. In this study, we employed an integrated in silico approach utilizing combinatorial chemistry, docking, molecular dynamics simulations, MM/GBSA, and ADMET studies to target the allosteric N-pocket of DENV3-RdRp and ZIKV-RdRp. Using this methodology, we designed lycorine analogs with natural S-enantiomers (LYCS) and R-enantiomers (LYCR) as potential inhibitors of non-structural protein 5 (NS5) in DENV3 and ZIKV. Notably, 12 lycorine analogs displayed a robust binding free energy (<−9.00 kcal/mol), surpassing that of RdRp-ribavirin (<−7.00 kcal/mol) along with promising ADMET score predictions (<4.00), of which (LYCR728-210, LYCS728-210, LYCR728-212, LYCS505-214) displayed binding properties to both DENV3 and ZIKV targets. Our research highlights the potential of non-nucleoside lycorine-based analogs with different enantiomers that may present different or even completely opposite metabolic, toxicological, and pharmacological profiles as promising candidates for inhibiting NS5-RdRp in ZIKV and DENV3, paving the way for further exploration for the development of effective antiviral agents. Full article

This study harnesses Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify optimal areas for olive cultivation in Jordan amidst the challenges of climate change. Recognizing the olive tree’s economic, environmental and cultural significance in the Mediterranean, this research focuses on the impact of altered climatic conditions, such as rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns and increased weather extremes, over the period from 1994 to 2021. By integrating climatic and topographical data, including factors such as altitude, slope, aspect and temperature variations, a multi-criteria analysis pinpoints regions suitable for sustainable olive agriculture. The methodology combines GIS-based spatial analysis with AHP to assess the suitability of various regions for olive farming, taking into account the complex interplay between climate and topography. This approach allows for the evaluation of potential agricultural zones under both current and projected climate scenarios, highlighting northern and western Jordan as areas with the highest suitability due to favorable precipitation and temperature conditions. The results of this study are vital for strategic agricultural planning, offering insights that can help enhance the resilience of olive production against climate variability. By identifying regions with optimal growing conditions and suggesting adaptive strategies, this research aims to support policymakers, agricultural developers and farmers in making informed decisions that ensure the sustainable future of olive farming in Jordan. Full article

Excessive calorie intake leads to mitochondrial overload and triggers metabolic inflexibility and insulin resistance. In this study, we examined how attenuated p38α activity affects glucose and fat metabolism in the skeletal muscles of mice on a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice exhibiting diminished p38α activity (referred to as p38α^AF) gained more weight and displayed elevated serum insulin levels, as well as a compromised response in the insulin tolerance test, compared to the control mice. Additionally, their skeletal muscle tissue manifested impaired insulin signaling, leading to resistance in insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Examination of muscle metabolites in p38α^AF mice revealed lower levels of glycolytic intermediates and decreased levels of acyl-carnitine metabolites, suggesting reduced glycolysis and β-oxidation compared to the controls. Additionally, muscles of p38α^AF mice exhibited severe abnormalities in their mitochondria. Analysis of myotubes derived from p38α^AF mice revealed reduced mitochondrial respiratory capacity relative to the myotubes of the control mice. Furthermore, these myotubes showed decreased expression of Acetyl CoA Carboxylase 2 (ACC2), leading to increased fatty acid oxidation and diminished inhibitory phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), which resulted in elevated mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation. The expected consequence of reduced mitochondrial respiratory function and uncontrolled nutrient oxidation observed in p38α^AF myotubes mitochondrial overload and metabolic inflexibility. This scenario explains the increased likelihood of insulin resistance development in the muscles of p38α^AF mice compared to the control mice on a high-fat diet. In summary, within skeletal muscles, p38α assumes a crucial role in orchestrating the mitochondrial adaptation to caloric surplus by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and regulating the selective oxidation of nutrients, thereby preventing mitochondrial overload, metabolic inflexibility, and insulin resistance. Full article