Introduction This study investigated the constraints hindering smallholder goat farmers in Misungwi District, Mwanza, Tanzania, from accessing reliable market information and effectively participating in the goat value chain.Methods Using a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 63 participants (50 farmers, 6 traders, and 7 key stakeholders) and employed structured surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participatory rural appraisal techniques.Results The findings revealed that the goat value chain is largely informal and fragmented, with minimal coordination among actors. Farmers face challenges including inadequate extension services, weak bargaining power, poor infrastructure, dependence on intermediaries, and informal marketing channels. Seasonal price fluctuations and limited access to timely market information further undermine income stability. Despite these constraints, the majority of farmers (86%-88%) expressed strong interest in farm management training, commercial production, and marketing, indicating a strong willing ness to transition toward more market-oriented systems.Discussion The study recommends strengthening extension service delivery, promoting cooperative structures, improving institutional linkages, and implementing targeted capacity-building programs. These strategies are essential to improving commercialization, income generation, and rural livelihoods among smallholder goat farmers in Tanzania.
This study investigates the mechanisms by which leadership style influences FinTech orientation in financial institutions. Grounded in complexity theory and the dynamic capabilities framework, this study explores how strategic agility and innovation function as mediating capabilities linking leadership behavior to FinTech readiness. A structured quantitative survey was administered to top managerial-level employees across banks, insurance firms, and microfinance institutions. A total of 104 complete and valid responses were collected using Go ogle Forms. Structural Equation Modeling using the CB-SEM technique was applied to analyze the data and assess the direct and mediated relationships among the constructs. The study reveals that leadership style has a significant impact on FinTech orientation, both directly and indirectly, through its impact on strategic agility and innovation (total effect leadership style -> FinTech: /3 = 0.457, t = 5.632). While the overall influence of leadership on FinTech orientation was found to be significant, the direct influence was reduced when the mediating factors were controlled for (indirect effects: leadership style -> strategic innovation -> FinTech: /3 = 0.227, t = 2.121, p = 0.034; leadership style -> strategic agility -> FinTech: /3 = 0.420, t = 3.455, p = 0.001). Strategic agility was the strongest predictor, highlighting its critical role in achieving responsiveness and agility in a financially challenged environment with structural barriers (strategic agility -> FinTech: /3 = 0.512, t = 2.961, p = 0.003; compared with strategic innovation -> FinTech: /3 = 0.330, t = 2.064, p = 0.037; and leadership style -> strategic agility: /3 = 0.580, t = 5.262, p G 0.001 vs. leadership style -> strategic innovation: /3 = 0.486, t = 4.549, p G 0.001). This study makes a significant contribution to the literature by empirically testing the capability-mediated model in an economy beset by conflict, supporting the need to enhance leadership practice to develop internal agility and innovation. The study also provides practical insights to financial institutions' professionals on how to overcome structural issues to enable digital transformation through the use of capabilities supported by strong leadership. Beyond finance, the findings demonstrate how leadership-enabled dynamic capabilities can accelerate digital transformation, strengthen organizational resilience, and support innovation management in structurally constrained and uncertain environments.
Pregabalin, a medication with anticonvulsant properties, is used to manage epilepsy as well as alleviate neuropathic pain linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia is commonly treated with pregabalin. Pfizer markets pregabalin under the brand name Lyrica® in various formulations including capsules, oral solution, and extended-release tablets. Although it is beneficial, it can have adverse consequences, particularly on kidney function. This study aims to address challenges associated with oral delivery by formulating a pregabalin microemulsion for topical application. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of the surfactant/cosurfactant ratio on the phase behavior of the microemulsion. The experimental focus was on constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams using aqueous titration. The formation of microemulsions was achieved by combining 0.1 M pregabalin at the aquatics phase, oleic acid, IPM, and R (+)-Limonene oil at the oily phase, which also acted as penetration enhancers, along with PG in different proportions. The formulation had different concentrations of Tween 80 and ethanol, which were used as surfactants and cosurfactants. The results indicated that microemulsion formulations had the potential to serve as a substitute for oral pregabalin. Increased surfactant concentrations resulted in a larger microemulsion area compared to the levels of cosurfactant. An isotropic zone was produced more effectively using a 2:1 ratio of surfactant to cosurfactant, as compared to a 1:1 ratio. Nevertheless, when the quantity of surfactant decreased, the surfactant/cosurfactant blend exhibited reduced efficacy
Introduction Early mobilization (EM) in intensive care units (ICUs) improves patient outcomes, such as reducing ICU-acquired weakness, shortening mechanical ventilation, and decreasing hospital stays. However, its implementation is suboptimal, especially in resource-limited settings like Palestine, where challenges like limited physiotherapist availability, staffing shortages, and high nurse-patient ratios prevail. This study aimed to evaluate barriers related to nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding EM in Palestinian ICUs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 with 159 ICU nurses across eight hospitals in the South West Bank, Palestine. Data were collected using Hoyer et al.'s validated scale to assess knowledge (4 items), attitudes (9 items), and behaviors (13 items) on a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including ANOVA, were performed using SPSS. Results The response rate was 96.4% (159/165). Participants were mostly young (57.2% <= 25 years), male (59.7%), and had bachelor's degrees (56.0%). Knowledge deficits (M = 3.9 +/- 0.7) were the most significant barrier, followed by behavioral (M = 3.3 +/- 0.3) and attitudinal barriers (M = 2.8 +/- 0.5). Age influenced knowledge (F = 3.6, p < 0.05), while higher education (F = 4.8, p < 0.05), and more work experience (F = 4.9, p < 0.05) correlated with better attitudes. Post hoc analysis showed nurses with master's degrees or >= 6 years of experience had significantly better attitudes toward EM (p < 0.05). Conclusions Knowledge gaps, particularly among younger and less-educated nurses, are a primary barrier to EM in Palestinian ICUs. Addressing these gaps through structured educational interventions, locally adapted standardized protocols, and ongoing mentorship programs is essential for improving EM adoption in low-resource settings. Furthermore, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and investing in adequate resources are critical steps that can improve EM adoption and patient outcomes in low-resource critical care settings.
Background and Aims:Organ donation is a vital component of modern healthcare, yet its acceptance varies across populations. Understanding perceptions among future generations and educators is crucial for effective awareness initiatives. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness regarding organ donation among high school students and teachers in the West Bank, Palestine. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 participants (370 high school students and 138 teachers) between March and May 2025. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire following ethical approval. Electronic informed consent was obtained, and anonymity was maintained. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Results:Participants reported moderate mean scores for attitudes (24.16 ± 7.995) and knowledge (6.87 ± 1.598). Students had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than teachers (7.01 vs. 6.51; p = 0.004). Willingness to donate to strangers (students: 20.0%, teachers: 12.3%) or register at a donation center (students: 28.4%, teachers: 39.1%) was low. Among students, gender was significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.001) and attitudes (p = 0.02). Among teachers, urban residence was associated with knowledge (p = 0.002) and attitudes (p = 0.03). Key influencing factors included family support, religious guidance, and low trust in the healthcare system. Conclusion:This study reveals a significant gap between knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to donate organs. Culturally tailored educational programs, religious engagement, and enhanced trust in the healthcare system are essential to promote organ donation in Palestine.
