Search Results (1,295)

Background: Supply chain management (SCM) research has expanded across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), yet the field remains fragmented. Limited synthesis exists on how regional conditions shape research themes, theories, and methods. Methods: This study applies the PRISMA 2020 protocol to review SCM articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from January 2000 to March 2025. After screening and eligibility assessment, 512 peer-reviewed studies were retained. Bibliometric mapping and thematic coding were used to identify publication trends, research streams, theoretical lenses, and methodological patterns. Results: SCM research increased sharply after 2015, reflecting national diversification agendas, logistics reform, digitalization, and exposure to global supply chain disruptions. Three dominant streams were identified: resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation. Research output is concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while cross-country comparative studies remain scarce. Empirical studies rely mainly on cross-sectional surveys and SEM-based analysis, with limited longitudinal, qualitative, mixed-method, and comparative work across the region. Conclusions: The study develops an integrative SCM capability framework linking regional structural conditions, capability development, and supply chain outcomes. The findings support managers and policymakers seeking resilient, sustainable, and digitally enabled supply chains, and define clear future research priorities for the MENA region. Full article

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with a range of cognitive alterations; however, the relationship between PTSD and intelligence remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to examine potential differences in intelligence associated with exposure to traumatic events and/or a diagnosis of PTSD in adults aged 18 years and older. A systematic search was conducted across three major academic databases—PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science—to identify empirical studies assessing intelligence or closely related cognitive constructs in individuals with PTSD or a history of trauma exposure. After applying predefined inclusion criteria, 12 studies were included in the review. Intelligence was assessed using various psychometric instruments, encompassing both global intelligence measures and specific domains such as verbal intelligence and vocabulary. Overall, the findings consistently indicated a negative association between intelligence and PTSD, with lower intelligence scores more frequently observed among individuals with PTSD or significant traumatic exposure. Due to the correlational design of the studies included, causal relationships cannot be established. Consequently, it remains unclear whether intelligence is affected by PTSD or whether higher intelligence may serve as a protective factor against the development or severity of the disorder. From an intelligence research perspective, these findings highlight cognitive ability as a key factor associated with vulnerability and resilience in trauma-related psychopathology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mandibular reconstruction following ablative oral surgery is particularly challenging in elderly patients due to comorbidities and reduced physiological healing potential. While vascularized bone flaps represent the gold standard, the combination of an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and a bone reconstruction metallic plate may be considered as a less invasive alternative. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of such reconstructive techniques, in terms of success rate and complication rate, in patients aged over 55. Methods: Studies were included if the sample size consisted of at least 20 patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with an ALT flap and plate following oral cavity resection for benign or malignant conditions. Studies were excluded if relevant outcomes were not reported and the mean age was <55 years. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. The last search was made on 26 February 2026. Data extracted included patient demographics, clinical outcomes and postoperative plate-related and overall complications. Risk of bias assessment was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for cohort studies and case series. Proportional meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the overall clinical success and the complication rate. Results: Of the 525 studies initially screened, four studies including a total of 329 patients (292 males, 37 females) with an overall mean age > 55 years were included. Mean hospital stay ranged from 10 to 24 days. The overall clinical success rate of the ALT flap procedure was 97% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 92%, 99%). Flap-related complications were rare, with flap loss reported in only one patient and partial necrosis or failure affecting up to 6.6% of cases. Conversely, the overall plate-related complications rate was 28% (95% CI: 15%, 41%), with plate exposure rates ranging from 10% to 38.7% in the included studies. Wound complications, including infection and fistula formation, ranged from 20% to 38.7% of patients. Conclusions: In patients over 55, despite the not negligible rate of complications, the use of ALT flaps and reconstruction plate represents a viable alternative to vascularized bone flaps for mandibular reconstruction, particularly when comorbidities or frailty preclude more complex procedures. Further studies with a large sample size are needed to validate these findings and guide clinical decision-making. Full article

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and the absence of effective screening strategies. As a result, primary prevention is a critical approach to reducing disease burden. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on modifiable lifestyle, reproductive, and environmental factors associated with OC risk, based on a comprehensive PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science search conducted through April 2026. Consistent protective associations have been reported for reproductive factors, including parity, breastfeeding, oral contraceptive use, salpingectomy, and tubal ligation. Among lifestyle factors, excess body weight is modestly associated with increased OC risk, while evidence regarding physical activity remains inconclusive. Diets rich in fiber and aligned with a Mediterranean pattern appear protective, potentially through hormonal modulation and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, pro-inflammatory diets high in trans fats and refined carbohydrates may increase risk, whereas omega-3 fatty acids show potential protective benefits. Chronic pelvic inflammation, particularly related to Chlamydia trachomatis infection, has been linked to elevated epithelial OC risk. Smoking demonstrates a dose–response association with mucinous tumors. Environmental exposures, including genital talc use and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, have linked to a possible, albeit modest, increase in risk, although the causal mechanisms remain uncertain. Although individual associations are generally modest, their cumulative population impact may be substantial. Integrating lifestyle-based prevention strategies into gynecologic practice and public health initiatives could represent a cost-effective approach to reducing OC incidence and improving women’s health outcomes. Full article

Freezing rain is a high-impact winter weather phenomenon that acts as a major disturbance agent in forest ecosystems, causing canopy damage, stem breakage, tree mortality, and long-term changes in forest structure and functioning. Although ice storms have been studied for decades, research on freezing rain impacts on forests remains fragmented across multiple disciplines, and few studies have attempted an integrated synthesis that simultaneously combines climatological, ecological, and methodological perspectives. In this study, we present a systematic and integrative review of the scientific literature on freezing rain and forests, combining a large-scale bibliometric analysis with an in-depth qualitative synthesis. A total of 241 publications retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were analyzed following PRISMA guidelines. The bibliometric assessment examined publication trends, geographic distribution, institutional contributions, research domains, and keyword networks. The qualitative review synthesized current knowledge on freezing rain climatology, forest damage mechanisms, species-specific vulnerability, major ice storm events, detection and modeling approaches, and ecological consequences. Results reveal a strong increase in scientific output over the last two decades, dominated by research from North America and northern Europe. Ice accretion intensity emerges as the primary driver of forest damage, while species traits, crown architecture, tree size, stand structure, topography, and exposure strongly modulate damage severity. Freezing rain affects a wide range of forest types worldwide and triggers both immediate structural damage and long-term ecological effects, including altered successional dynamics and reduced forest productivity. Recent methodological advances—including passive remote sensing (e.g., optical satellite data), active remote sensing (e.g., LiDAR), experimental ice storm simulations, reanalysis datasets, and machine learning approaches—have significantly improved detection, monitoring, and forecasting capabilities. Despite these advances, major research gaps remain, particularly regarding long-term ecosystem recovery, trait-based vulnerability, socio-economic impacts, and future freezing rain regimes under climate change. This review highlights freezing rain as an increasingly important but underappreciated forest disturbance and underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and adaptive management strategies in ice-prone regions. Full article

Background:Outdoor physical activity encompassing structured exercise, recreational activities, and environmentally facilitated movement, during pregnancy may confer benefits through both exercise and exposure to natural environments and sunlight. However, evidence on maternal health outcomes remains heterogeneous and has not been systematically mapped. This scoping review aimed to synthesize research on outdoor physical activity and nature-based environmental exposure during pregnancy, and their associations with maternal metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health outcomes, as well as pregnancy-related outcomes. Methods: The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between January 2013 and February 2026. Records were screened against predefined eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed with design-specific tools: PEDro for randomized controlled trials; the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for cohort and case–control studies; and JBI and CASP checklists for cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, pilot, and qualitative studies. Results: Of 935 identified records, 22 met the eligibility criteria. Outdoor exposure was operationalized through structured outdoor programs (mainly walking-based), self-reported outdoor activity patterns, and environmental indicators such as residential greenness and neighborhood walkability. Outcomes clustered into metabolic and cardiometabolic measures, mental health indicators, pregnancy and birth outcomes, and behavioral or environmental determinants of physical activity. Overall, most studies (17 of 22) reported at least one positive association, with the most consistent evidence for metabolic outcomes and mental health, whereas pregnancy and birth outcomes yielded more heterogeneous results. Conclusions:Outdoor physical activity and supportive natural or built environments may be associated with favorable maternal metabolic and mental health during pregnancy. Nevertheless, heterogeneity in exposure assessment and study design limits comparability and constrains causal inference. Future research should standardize outdoor exposure metrics and apply designs capable of isolating environmental effects from exercise alone. Full article

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse group of environmental pollutants capable of interfering with hormonal and immune system regulation. In recent years, increasing concern has been raised about the effects of chemicals, including bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), insecticides, and parabens, on maternal and fetal health, primarily due to their widespread exposure in human populations. Pregnancy represents a critical window characterized by tightly regulated hormonal and immunological adaptations. Emerging evidence suggests that EDC exposure during this period may alter maternal microbiota, disrupt immune responses, and interfere with endocrine signaling. These changes may increase susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections, including bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and intrauterine infections, all of which are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review summarizes the current evidence on the sources and mechanisms of exposure to endocrine disruptors during pregnancy and examines the potential biological pathways linking endocrine disruption to the development of infections. Particular emphasis is placed on the interactions between immune regulation, hormonal signaling, and changes in the microbiome, which may contribute to increased susceptibility to infections. A deeper understanding of these complex mechanisms is critical to improve risk assessment, develop effective public health strategies, and ultimately protect maternal and fetal health in an environment of increasing chemical exposure. A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, including studies published up to January 2026. Full article

Background: Nimodipine is routinely used in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but the optimal route of administration remains uncertain. Intravenous and enteral delivery differ in pharmacokinetics, yet the clinical relevance of these differences is unclear. This scoping review aimed to map evidence on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of intravenous and enteral nimodipine and their relationship with clinical outcomes. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 1982 to March 2026. Studies in adult aSAH patients reporting PK and/or PD outcomes after intravenous or enteral nimodipine were included. Data were synthesized qualitatively. Results: Twenty studies were included. Intravenous administration provided higher and more consistent systemic exposure, whereas enteral administration showed low and highly variable bioavailability, particularly via nasogastric tubes. Despite these differences, pharmacodynamic effects were not clearly related to systemic concentrations, and hypotension occurred similarly across routes. Evidence on cerebral physiology was limited. Randomized studies showed no significant differences in delayed cerebral ischemia, infarction, or functional outcomes between routes. Conclusions: Pharmacokinetic advantages of intravenous nimodipine do not consistently translate into pharmacodynamic or clinical benefits, although available evidence is limited and heterogeneous. The PK–PD relationship appears weak, and further research is needed to guide optimized administration strategies. Full article

The construction industry remains among the most hazardous, with workers in horizontal transportation infrastructure facing additional risks from dynamic work zones, live traffic exposure, and variable environmental conditions. Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) offer new approaches to accident analysis and prevention, yet their applications toward improving occupational safety in transportation construction have not been comprehensively reviewed. This paper presents a systematic review of 54 studies published between 2016 and 2025 collected from two online databases (Transportation Research International Documentation and Web of Science). This review synthesizes how immersive technologies contribute to occupational risk assessment, safety training, and real-time hazard monitoring in the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and work zones. Each study is classified across two dimensions: the immersive medium (VR, AR, etc.) and the operational context within the construction lifecycle (onsite tools, offsite monitoring and planning, simulation-based analysis, and workforce education). This dual classification is the first to systematically map immersive technology applications for occupational safety, specifically within horizontal transportation infrastructure. The findings of this review demonstrate the unique use cases of each immersive medium, revealing that VR is primarily used for controlled experimentation and full-immersion remote analysis, whereas AR and handheld devices are preferred for field-deployed applications. Despite these promising capabilities, widespread adoption remains limited by hardware constraints, challenging field conditions, and organizational resistance. This suggests that future work should focus on safety systems tested in real-world settings and rigorously evaluated by domain experts to enable their integration into standard workplace risk management practices. Full article

Pesticide exposure is a plausible but incompletely characterized contributor to kidney injury. This review integrates current clinical, epidemiologic, experimental, and mechanistic evidence on pesticide-related nephrotoxicity, focusing on glyphosate-based herbicides, paraquat, organophosphate insecticides, and atrazine. A structured search of PubMed and Web of Science identified English-language studies published between January 2015 and February 2026. Of 635 records screened, 61 human studies were retained for full-text evaluation, and relevant animal, in vitro, and regulatory sources were additionally reviewed for mechanistic interpretation. Across pesticide classes, the proximal tubule emerged as the most consistent renal target, although downstream pathways differed, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, transporter disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptotic signaling, and fibrotic remodeling. Human evidence was strongest for acute kidney injury following severe poisoning, whereas associations between chronic occupational or environmental exposure and chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease were more limited and heterogeneous. Biomarkers including kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), β₂-microglobulin, cystatin C, interleukin-18 (IL-18), cytochrome c, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) often detected early tubular stress before abnormalities appeared in conventional renal indices. Overall, pesticide nephrotoxicity is best conceptualized as a spectrum of mechanism-specific tubular injury signatures, supporting a shift toward biomarker-informed early detection, improved hazard identification, and more mechanistically grounded risk assessment. Full article

The Fifth Industrial Revolution (Industry 5.0) foregrounds human–machine collaboration, sustainability, and resilience as organizing principles for next-generation cyber-physical systems. Yet the identity and access management (IAM) architectures inherited from Industry 4.0 remain perimeter-centric, policy-static, and blind to the behavioral dynamics of human–AI teaming. This paper introduces the Human-Centric Zero Trust Identity Architecture (HC-ZTIA), a novel framework that repositions identity as the adaptive control plane for Industry 5.0 environments. HC-ZTIA integrates three mutually reinforcing innovations: (1) a Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture (JEPA)-driven Behavioral Identity Assurance Engine (BIAE) that learns abstract world models of operator and machine-agent behavior to perform continuous, context-aware identity verification without relying on raw biometric surveillance; (2) a Privacy-Preserving Adaptive Authorization Protocol (PP-AAP) employing zero-knowledge proofs and federated policy evaluation to enforce least-privilege access across human, non-human, and hybrid identity classes while satisfying data-minimization mandates; and (3) a Resilience-Oriented Trust Degradation Model (RO-TDM) that provides formally verified fail-safe identity governance under adversarial, degraded, or disconnected operating conditions characteristic of operational technology (OT) and critical infrastructure. The framework is grounded in the Agile-Infused Design Science Research Methodology (A-DSRM) and formally extends National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-207 and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Zero Trust Maturity Model by addressing five identified gaps in human-centric identity governance. Simulation results, validated through Monte Carlo trials with 95% confidence intervals, provide preliminary evidence that HC-ZTIA reduces identity-related breach exposure by 73.2% (±4.1%) while maintaining sub-200 ms authorization latency under the simulated conditions, offering a principled bridge between Zero Trust rigor and Industry 5.0 human-centricity. Full article

This scientometric review examines the evolution and scope of invasive (blood and tissue) and non-invasive (faeces, hair, and saliva) sampling in terrestrial mammal population genetics, with particular emphasis on the comparability of observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and the inbreeding coefficient (Fis) between studies published from 1985 to 2026. Searches in Web of Science and Scopus, filtered under PRISMA/PRISMA-S criteria, yielded a compendium of articles analysed with Bibliometrix and VOSviewer 1.6.20 to quantify temporal production, keyword evolution, collaborative networks, and publication outlets. Searches in Web of Science and Scopus, filtered under PRISMA/PRISMA-S criteria, yielded a broad corpus of 145 articles for general scientometric analyses, of which 85 met the eligibility criteria for the focused analysis of Ho, He, and Fis. The field shows steady growth (annual rate ≈ 6.1%), substantial authorship and international collaboration, and increasing thematic diversity. Adoption of non-invasive sampling has accelerated, broadening spatial and taxonomic coverage, but also increasing exposure to DNA degradation and genotyping error when laboratory quality control is insufficient. Across the literature, reporting of quality control practices (e.g., extraction blanks, negative PCR controls, multi-tube replication, and error-rate estimation) has improved over time but remains inconsistent. Comparisons indicate that differences in Ho, He, and Fis between invasive and non-invasive sampling are generally modest once marker system and species are taken into account. These findings indicate that quality control and transparency in reporting, rather than invasiveness per se, are the main factors determining comparability among studies. The scientometric patterns also reveal a methodological transition from microsatellites to SNP-based and reduced representation approaches, with implications for synthesis across marker types. Overall, this review identifies geographic and taxonomic biases in research effort and highlights the need for standardised reporting of DNA quality indicators, inclusion thresholds, and validation protocols to strengthen genetic monitoring in mammalian conservation. Full article

Venlafaxine, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, shows analgesic effects in rodents, but its efficacy and pharmacological profile in acute stimulus-evoked nociception may depend on the nociceptive test used and the pharmacological context. The aim of this review was to identify the receptors implicated in venlafaxine antinociceptive effects and to examine which molecular processes most consistently explain its acute antinociceptive profile. We reviewed in vivo rodent studies testing venlafaxine in acute nociceptive assays (writhing, tail-flick, hot-plate, and other eligible acute tests) as monotherapy or associated with other pharmacologically active substances. PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched from 1993 to 5 January 2026, and reference lists were also screened. Outcomes were synthesized and stratified by type of nociceptive test and interaction class. Fourteen studies were identified as relevant to the scope of this review. Venlafaxine produced dose-dependent antinociception across tests, reducing writhing and increasing thermal withdrawal latency. Central administration generally yielded effects at lower absolute doses than systemic routes. Interaction studies most consistently supported modulation of opioid receptors (e.g., leftward opioid dose–response shifts and attenuation of morphine tolerance in repeated-exposure designs), with convergent evidence implicating opioid and α₂-adrenergic mechanisms and context-dependent serotonergic contributions. Additional pathways were variably implicated, including nitric oxide – cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO–cGMP) signaling and oxidative/mitochondrial processes in opioid tolerance paradigms. Preclinical evidence supports venlafaxine as a modulator of acute nociceptive control with notable opioid-interaction potential. Standardized pharmacodynamic reporting and translationally oriented studies are needed. Full article

Explosive ordnance (EO), including AXO (abandoned explosive ordnance), IEDs (improvised explosives devices), and UXO (unexploded ordnance), are widely recognised for their blast and fragmentation hazards, but they also represent a persistent and under-addressed source of occupational chemical exposure for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel. EOD core activities liberate mixed metals and energetic chemicals, resulting in exposures that are multi-route (inhalation of dusts and fumes, dermal loading amplified by sweat and glove occlusion, and ingestion via hand-to-mouth transfer during eating, drinking, or smoking) and multi-temporal (repeated low-dose background plus task-driven spikes), as well as chemically complex. Clinically, this can present as syndromic overlap across acute and chronic domains, with symptoms that are easily misattributed to heat stress, dehydration, infection, or fatigue. Acute effects of concern include neurotoxic presentations (headache, dizziness, confusion, tremor, and seizure), respiratory and mucosal irritation following dust or fume events, gastrointestinal symptoms, and patterns suggestive of acute hepatic or renal stress, particularly when high-intensity tasks occur in hot environments that compound physiologic strain. Chronic outcomes relevant to repeatedly exposed EOD personnel include renal function decline, neurocognitive effects that can degrade operational decision making and safety, persistent haematologic abnormalities, and endocrine disruption signals, with long-latency risks requiring cautious interpretation given sparse longitudinal data and confounding co-exposures. This review synthesises the current evidence base through an EOD lens and translates it into pragmatic clinical and programmatic actions: task-based exposure characterisation; tiered biomonitoring and medical surveillance aligned to operational tempo; incident-triggered assessment pathways after high-residue events; and prevention strategies that work under field constraints, including contamination control zones, hygiene enforcement, glove and respiratory protection optimisation, tool and vehicle decontamination, and measures to prevent secondary transfer and take-home exposure. The central takeaway is practical: EOD programs can reduce morbidity and improve readiness by treating explosive ordnance as a chemical mixture exposure problem, adopting mixture-aware clinical triage, and embedding surveillance and controls that match how EOD work is actually performed. Full article

Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced rat models are widely used to investigate Alzheimer-like neurodegeneration, yet substantial methodological variability limits cross-study comparability. A structured synthesis focused specifically on the methodological architecture of these models, including dose, exposure duration, route of administration, and behavioral assessment, remains lacking. This review aimed to synthesize the behavioral paradigms used to assess learning and memory in rat models of aluminum chloride-induced Alzheimer’s disease, with particular emphasis on dose, duration, and route of administration. A structured narrative review incorporating systematic elements was conducted following PRISMA-informed procedures using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The reviewed literature showed a predominance of oral administration, low-to-moderate AlCl₃ doses and subchronic exposure durations, most commonly 31–60 days. Behavioral assessment was dominated by hippocampal-dependent paradigms, particularly the Morris water maze and Y-maze. Across studies, AlCl₃ exposure was associated with multidomain behavioral impairment accompanied by consistent hippocampal and cortical histopathological abnormalities and convergent biochemical and molecular changes, including cholinergic dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and amyloid- and tau-related alterations. Overall, the available literature does not support a standardized experimental protocol or a clear overall dose–effect or duration–effect relationship. Greater harmonization of study design is needed to improve reproducibility and translational relevance. Full article