Mohammed Aljuaid

This research proposes a novel framework for enhancing heart disease prediction using a hybrid approach that integrates classical and quantum-inspired machine learning techniques. The framework leverages a combined dataset comprising Cleveland, Hungarian, Switzerland, Long Beach, and Statlog datasets, encompassing 1190 observations. After preprocessing and removing 272 duplicate entries, the final dataset consists of 918 unique observations. Data preprocessing has been performed to handle missing values, outliers, and correlations. Feature selection has been employed to identify the most relevant attributes for heart disease prediction. Subsequently, both classical and quantum-inspired models are trained and optimized. The classical models utilized Genetic Algorithms (CGA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (CPSO) for hyperparameter tuning, while the quantum-inspired models employed Quantum Genetic Algorithms (QGAs) and Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO). A Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier has been used in both classical and quantum domains. Tenfold cross-validation has been performed to assess model performance using metrics such as accuracy, F1-score, precision, sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). The performance of the classical and quantum models has been compared to existing state-of-the-art approaches. The results demonstrated the potential of the proposed hybrid framework in achieving improved heart disease prediction accuracy and robustness.

The present study deals with the formulation of a hydrogel based on the positively charged niosomes for the delivery of testosterone at an improved skin permeation rate and offering sustained release. Testosterone-loaded niosomes (F1, F2, F3) were prepared with different concentrations of an octadecyl amine as a positive charge inducer combined with Span 60, Tween 60, and cholesterol; subsequently, these were incorporated into a hydrogel matrix of xanthan gum, iota carrageenan, and hyaluronic acid. Characterization confirmed stability, encapsulation efficiency, and diffusion-controlled drug release for each formulation. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that formulation H3, with the highest concentration of octadecyl amine, achieved maximum release and systemic absorption compared to H1, H2, and the marketed Androgel reference. Strong IVIVC correlation supports the potential of niosome-based hydrogel for the transdermal delivery of testosterone and that HF provided an optimized and sustained release of the hormone for clinical applications in hormone replacement therapy.

Background: Patient satisfaction is a key indicator for improving healthcare delivery, yet the influence of gender preferences on healthcare providers remains underexplored. Cultural norms and gender perceptions often shape the patient preferences, affecting access to care, patient–provider relationships, and overall satisfaction. Thus, this study investigates the patients’ gender preferences and their impact on satisfaction in Tanzania. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design, collecting data from five health centres: Mikongeni, Konga, Mzumbe, Tangeni, and Mlali. A total of 240 randomly selected respondents participated in the study. Gender preferences were categorized as male, female, and both, and determinants were analyzed using a multivariate probit model (MPM), while satisfaction was analyzed using an ordered logit model (OLM). Results: Results reveal that female providers were preferred for empathy (58.30%), intimate care (50.00%), and receptionist roles (50.00%), while males were favored for surgery (50.00%), professionalism (0.86), and IT roles (41.70%). Professionalism (0.75) and communication (0.70) had the strongest positive effects on very high satisfaction. Male provider preference was strongly linked to higher satisfaction (0.84), while female preference showed a mild effect (0.23). Insurance (0.32) and care at Tangeni Health Centre (0.70) boosted satisfaction, while consultation fees (−0.26) reduced it. Conclusions: The study recommends that healthcare systems address gender stereotypes by equipping all providers with both technical and relational care skills, regardless of gender. It also highlights the need for culturally and religiously sensitive care practices that acknowledge how societal norms shape patient preferences and satisfaction. To enhance patient-centered care, policies should promote affordability, broaden insurance coverage, and integrate patient feedback on gender preferences into healthcare delivery models.

This study examines the role of financial awareness (FA), financial capability (FC), and their influence on risky financial behaviors—risky paying behavior (RPB), risky borrowing behavior (RBB), and financial goals (FGs)—among agro-industrial MSMEs in East Java. This study also explores the moderating effects of expected future financial security (EFFS) and current money management stress (CMMS) in the context of seasonal income fluctuations. This study employed a quantitative approach using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 4. Data were collected through surveys with 287 MSME owners in six cities/regencies in East Java, selected using a random sampling method. The research variables were measured using validated scales adapted from previous studies. FA significantly influenced FC, RPB, and RBB, whereas FC positively impacted FG. RPB had a strong positive effect on FG, whereas RBB showed no significant relationship. The mediation effect of FC between FA and FG was significant, highlighting its pivotal role in achieving FG. However, the moderating effects of EFFS and CMMS on the FC–FG relationship were not significant, suggesting their limited direct impact in this context. This study reveals the urgent need for tailored financial literacy programs that address specific issues faced by MSME owners, such as managing irregular cash flows and minimizing risky financial behavior. Financial institutions should develop accessible financial tools and products for agro-industrial MSMEs.

Introduction: This cross-sectional descriptive study evaluates the experiences and perceptions of healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding the 937 medical call center in Saudi Arabia, a key telemedicine initiative. Aim: To assess HCP satisfaction, identify challenges, and provide recommendations for improvement. Methods: Conducted from November 20th to December 15th, 2022, the study surveyed 454 HCPs, achieving a 90.5% response rate. Results: A majority (86.8%) of respondents were satisfied with the call center, valuing its ease of use and effectiveness in healthcare delivery. However, challenges such as the accuracy of remote medical assessments, the need for clearer telehealth regulations, and concerns over management support and consultation overlaps were identified. The study also highlights the importance of ongoing support and updates, comprehensive telehealth regulations, integration of more medical specialties, and improvements in system integration and data confidentiality. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for strategic enhancements to the 937 call center to further improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency in Saudi Arabia. These enhancements are vital for aligning telehealth services with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.

To encourage technological and industrial innovation, nations worldwide implement "re-industrialization" and "manufacturing return." This study investigates the relationship between GDP growth, expenditure on research and development, and medium- to high-tech as a percentage of manufactured exports on technological innovation in Pakistan. We evaluated long-run and short-run causal relationships using the ARDL, bound-F test, and ECM regression. The study found a positive relationship between GDP growth and technological innovation in the short and long run. In the short run, with a one-year lag, the analysis reveals a positive and statistically significant relationship between technological innovation, medium-high-tech exports, and GDP growth. In the long run, R&D is positive and significant, while economic growth and technological innovation are positive but not statistically significant. There is a 0.38 percent chance that exogenous shocks will eventually lead to equilibrium in the long run. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to allocate resources to research and development, promoting collaborative initiatives, ensuring intellectual property rights, and developing a skilled workforce.

Background: Excessive or inappropriate use of social media has been linked to disruptions in regular work, well-being, mental health, and overall reduction of quality of life. However, a limited number of studies documenting the impact of social media on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are available globally. Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceived social media needs and their impact on the quality of life among the adult population of various selected countries. Methodology: A cross-sectional, quantitative design and analytical study utilized an online survey disseminated from November to December 2021. Results: A total of 6689 respondents from ten countries participated in the study. The largest number of respondents was from Malaysia (23.9%), followed by Bangladesh (15.5%), Georgia (14.8%), and Turkey (12.2%). The prevalence of social media users was over 90% in Austria, Georgia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and the Philippines. The majority of social media users were from the 18–24 age group. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher education level was positively correlated with all four domains of WHOQoL. In addition, the psychological health domain of quality of life was positively associated in all countries. Predictors among Social Media Needs, Affective Needs (β = -0.07), and Social Integrative Needs (β = 0.09) were significantly associated with psychological health. Conclusion: The study illuminates the positive correlation between higher education levels and improved life quality among social media users, highlighting an opportunity for policymakers to craft education-focused initiatives that enhance well-being. The findings call for strategic interventions to safeguard the mental health of the global social media populace, particularly those at educational and health disadvantages.

Objective: This scoping review aims to identify and summarize existing evidence concerning the quality and capacity of PHC services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with a focus on the patients and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of PHC. Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The digital library, PubMed, and the search engine Google Scholar were searched to broaden our results for primary research involving patient and/or health professionals’ perspectives on Primary Healthcare in KSA. Results: A total of 38 publications were selected for the scoping review. Several studies examined patients’ overall satisfaction with PHC services (n=14) while others focused their investigation on specific services provided by PHC (n=3). Several studies assessed the perceptions of certain groups of patients (n=5). Several studies examined health professionals’ perceptions of the use of electronic health records (n=3), the safety culture (n=2), communicable disease management (n=1), emergency services (n=1), laboratory services (n=1), cost-effectiveness (n=1), and leadership (n=1). This review also included studies that assessed the health professionals’ job satisfaction and burnout (n=6). Conclusion: Patients were satisfied with some aspects of PHC services while recognizing that improvements in some areas were needed. These included waiting time, physician–patient communication, access to the services in rural areas, patient involvement in disease management, and oral health. Health workers were positive about certain quality aspects and services provided by PHC such as EHRs, safety culture, communicable disease management, emergency services, and laboratory services. Health workers demonstrated a low level of job satisfaction due to several reasons, including, working conditions, financial incentives, and burnout.