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Legalising marijuana for medical purposes: is it as bad as society thinks?
Marijuana has been used extensively throughout the world for a multitude of purposes. Its history can be traced from Shen Nung, a Chinese Emperor, way back in 2727 B.C. Marijuana also was extensively known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, with usage extended throughout the Islamic empire in the Middle East and North Africa. Marijuana first appeared in the Western Hemisphere in 1545, when Spaniards brought it to Chile to use as fibre. Many plantations in North America grew hemp, or Cannabis, for use in paper, clothing, and rope manufacturing. With this, legislation comes into play as a form of societal order to mitigate the adverse effects that come along with Marijuana. Among the earliest legislation to regulate the application of Marijuana can be found in India where it introduces tax for Marijuana and the law on banning of marijuana only comes later in British India and Singapore. Since then, legislation regarding Marijuana has evolved to a point where it encourages discourse regarding the validity of said law. The inquiries still stand on why marijuana is legal and illegal in some jurisdictions, what the medicinal properties of marijuana are if it does have benefits, and whether it outweighs the disadvantages. This study will comparatively examine the existing laws and regulations as well as their implications from various jurisdictions on the usage of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Besides that, this study will identify the perception of law students and medical practitioners on the legalisation of marijuana especially for medical purposes by using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 115 respondents. Data analysis was performed using Google Forms to obtain all the necessary data and figures. The results of this study can be used by policymakers to consider legalising marijuana with a proposed effective legal framework
Empowering choices: a review of family planning and contraceptives
Family planning is crucial and offers benefits for individuals, families, and society. The use of contraceptive methods is key to promoting good health, addressing population growth, and meeting reproductive health needs.
Sociodemographic factors often influence knowledge and practices surrounding family planning. This article reviews previous studies on women's family planning and contraceptive use, discussing knowledge, attitudes, and
behaviours, and evaluating the relationship between sociodemographic factors. It integrates findings from previous research and highlights issues. The online search for nursing and medical journals published between 2018 and 2023, as well as the library databases, was accessed through electronic databases. The studies were critically appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. The studies included were critically appraised for quality. There were 40 studies in this review. The findings were synthesized by organizing the studies based on common themes, objectives, and patterns. Four main themes emerged regarding family planning and contraception: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and the relationship between
sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practice. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the sociodemographic factors influencing family planning and contraceptive use.
Numerous factors, such as financial situation, age, occupation, ethnicity, religion, and level of education, all have a significant impact on this issue. Therefore, healthcare professionals and policymakers must collaborate to
develop interventions that raise public awareness and promote positive changes, ultimately leading to better outcomes for women and society. This review serves as a vital foundation for developing culturally appropriate,
evidence-based therapies
Inclusive education for all: A case study of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The global movement toward inclusivity reflects a growing recognition of the need to provide equitable access to education for all learners. This paper examines the practice of inclusive education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on English teachers’ attitudes toward teaching children with disabilities in foreign language classrooms. Data were collected from 20 English teachers using the structured interview, after which their responses were thematically analysed. The findings reveal mixed perspectives; some teachers expressed reservations about teaching in inclusive classrooms, while others strongly advocated for inclusive practices; expressing a willingness to adopt effective strategies and methodologies to integrate learners with disabilities. By capturing and highlighting the teachers’ views and practices on inclusivity, this paper provides insights into the common challenges they face and the strategies they employ to integrate students with disabilities into classrooms, hence contributing to the ongoing efforts to create more equitable and supportive learning environments for all students, particularly those with disabilities
Computational docking-based investigation of Garcinia mangostana bioactive compounds as H1N1 influenza A virus neuraminidase
The H1N1 influenza virus, responsible for global pandemics, remains a significant public health challenge due to its high transmissibility and frequent mutations that render many antiviral drugs less effective. Current treatments, such as neuraminidase inhibitors, face limitations including drug resistance and adverse side effects. Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen), a tropical fruit traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, contains bioactive compounds with potential antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study explores the molecular docking of G. mangostana phytochemicals to identify potent inhibitors of the H1N1 neuraminidase enzyme, aiming to provide a foundation for the development of safer, plant-based antiviral therapies
Religious libraries a gateways to inclusivity: insights from mosque and church libraries
Religious libraries play a vital role in preserving, disseminating, and engaging with their respective traditions and communities. This study explores the similarities and differences between mosque libraries and church libraries to uncover meaningful insights into how these religious institutions fulfil their roles. The primary aim is to identify commonalities and distinctions in how mosque and church libraries operate, focusing on their collections, services, and community engagement. Interviews with library managers and users will offer firsthand insights. The findings show that the commonalities of mosque and church libraries are perceived variously by the congregations. The library becomes the place for education, social experiences, and recreational activity. Both religious libraries share a commitment to preserving sacred texts and fostering educational initiatives. Differences in governance, access policies, and community outreach will also be discussed. This study fills a gap in comparative library research by examining two distinct religious knowledge systems. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of religious libraries as agents of inclusivity, capable of connecting diverse communities and promoting harmony in society
Visual and narrative engagements with the “Subak” system: a thematic analysis of sustainability learning through creative interpretation in Bali
Subak, Bali’s traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) system rooted in Tri Hita Karana, integrates water management, spiritual practice, and communal governance. This study investigates how Singaporean university students engaged with Subak during a cross-cultural, place-based learning program. Through immersive field visits to Subak Pulagan, located about 30 kilometers Northeast of Denpasar, students produced drawings and narratives to interpret ecological, cosmological, and social relationships. Using phenomenographic inquiry combined with thematic and factor analysis, six themes were identified: sacred water, spiritual ecology, collective governance, temple networks, sustainability threats, and symbolic meaning. Findings show that students perceived Subak as a dynamic socio-ecological system and demonstrated ethical awareness and intercultural understanding. Framed by Critical Pedagogy of Place, their creative expressions revealed processes of reinhabitation and decolonization. The study underscores the value of arts-based, culturally grounded learning for deepening engagement with Indigenous ecological knowledge in Bali
Integrating health disaster risk management into urban resilience in Malaysia: barriers, practices and construct validation
The
COVID-19 pandemic highlighted critical
vulnerabilities in Malaysia's urban health systems and
disaster risk management, particularly in responding to
complex health emergencies in densely populated
areas. This study examines barriers and current
practices of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk
Management (Health-EDRM) within the context of
urban resilience. A quantitative survey was conducted
among 179 practitioners across multiple agencies.
Descriptive analysis identified key barriers, including
overwhelmed healthcare capacity (M = 3.29, SD =
0.957), low public compliance (M = 3.20, SD = 0.925),
and insufficient resource allocation (M = 3.13, SD =
0.985). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to
assess the reliability and validity of the key constructs.
The validated constructs, such as governance, risk
assessment, preparedness, capacity building, and
recovery demonstrated strong internal consistency and
sampling adequacy. These findings highlight systemic
gaps in current practices and provide empirical evidence
that existing Health-EDRM approaches remain
insufficient to address the complexity of urban
disasters. By validating these constructs, this study lays
the groundwork for an integrated framework to guide
policymakers and practitioners in strengthening
governance, multisectoral collaboration,
preparedness for future health emergencies
Special education in the Sultanate of Oman
The study aimed to identify the current state of the special education system in the Sultanate of Oman and its role in supporting individuals with special needs. It also sought to propose a strategy for the development of the special education system in the Sultanate. The study employed the descriptive-analytical method due to its suitability for the nature of the research. The study concluded with a proposed strategy for the development of the special education system in the Sultanate of Oman
Waqf microfinance as an alternative and sustainable government empowerment tool towards women in Northern Nigeria: a perceptional analysis
Purpose – The study investigates the perception of Northern Nigeria’s women toward addressing
unemployment and enhancing microeconomic activities using the uniquely proposed Waqf
microfinance model.
Design/methodology/approach – This quantitative study relies on analytical techniques using random and
probability sampling strategies. Based on their geographical distribution and business sector diversity, the study
selected 346 businesswomen and customers participating in local businesses in Northern Nigeria. Structural
equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used for the analyses.
Findings – The study indicates a strong relationship between Waqf microfinance and women’s empowerment in
promoting women’s sustainable development. Therefore, the study suggests using Waqf microfinance
frameworks towards an endowment to empower women’s microeconomic activities in Northern Nigeria. The
findings also justify the direct and indirect effects of the relationship in promoting sustainable schemes for
women’s empowerment in Nigeria. Further, it indicates the potential for a women’s empowerment scheme using
Waqf’s microfinance based on SEM.
Practical implications – The study sheds light on the potential of Waqf microfinance as a tool for developing
microeconomics through women’s empowerment in Northern Nigeria.
Originality/value – This study marks a significant milestone in the field. It is the first to explore the perception
of Waqf microfinance as a viable choice for women’s empowerment