Storm Daniel struck northeastern Libya on September 10, 2023, causing severe infrastructure damage and significant human loss. Derna was the most affected city, with the University of Derna suffering extensive damage and the tragic loss of 37 medical students. Medical students face unique psychological and academic stressors, and tend to have higher rates of psychiatric disorders compared to their peers of the same age. This is the first study to investigate the storm’s psychological impact on medical students at the University of Derna. The study has a cross-sectional design and lasted from February 1 to March 1, 2024. We used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess anxiety and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression, along with sociodemographic questions in our questionnaire. We included only active students enrolled in the 7-year undergraduate program at the University of Derna. Statistical tests such as the chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis. About 225 students completed the survey. The means and standard deviations for GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were 9.2 (3.9) and 10.8 (5.0), respectively. The prevalence of anxiety was 42.2% for cases classified as moderate and severe (cut-off ≥10). Depression had a prevalence of 51.1% for cases classified as moderate, moderately severe and severe (cut-off ≥ 10). Suicidal ideation was reported at a rate of 48.9% for “several days” or more and at 16.5% for “more than half of the days” and “nearly every day.” Internal displacement following the storm was significantly associated with both anxiety (p = 0.033) and depression (p = 0.003). However, age, gender, year of study, monthly allowance and residence status (living with family or alone) did not show a statistically significant association with either anxiety or depression (p > 0.05 for all variables). Logistic regression analysis identified gender as the only significant predictor of anxiety (p = 0.041) and internal displacement as the sole significant predictor of depression (p = 0.023). Medical students at the University of Derna reported high rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation following Storm Daniel. Internal displacement was significantly associated with both anxiety and depression. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address medical students’ mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being.

A type of signal-interference fourth-order dual-band bandpass filter (BPF) with multiple out-of-band transmission zeros (TZs) is reported. A second-order dual-band BPF block is firstly discussed, which is composed of two microstrip-to-slotline vertical transitions that are back-to-back connected by means of an in-parallel asymmetrical microstrip-line-based closed loop. It exhibits spectrally symmetrical passbands regarding the design frequency fD and three TZs at the inter-band region. Subsequently, by using stepped-impedance-line segments at the longest path of the transversal signal-interference closed loop, its dual-band BPF counterpart with second-order spectrally asymmetrical dual passbands is presented. Next, in order to increase the filter order as well as the number of out-of-band TZs for augmented stopband attenuation, a fourth-order dual-band BPF circuit is conceived. To this aim, two Y-shaped stepped-impedance microstrip stubs are loaded at the input and output ports of the previously devised second-order frequency-symmetrical dual-band BPF block. The RF operational principles of all these dual-band BPFs are detailed through their associated transmission-line-based equivalent circuits. Moreover, for experimental-demonstration purposes, a 1.154-/2.818-GHz two-layer microstrip proof-of-concept prototype of a fourth-order sharp-rejection dual-band BPF is designed, simulated, and characterized. It features inter-band power-rejection levels higher than 28.68 dB and lower-/upper-stopband attenuation levels above 40.92 dB from DC to 4.64 GHz.

A clay from Weslatiya that is widely used in Tunisian ceramic production has abundant reserves but generates significant waste, posing environmental concerns if not handled appropriately. This study explores the valorization of this local clay by incorporating ceramic waste (chamotte) and quartz sand to produce eco-friendly materials, in line with sustainability and circular economy principles. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal that incorporating chamotte at levels exceeding 15% by weight improves the material’s properties. The Young’s modulus of the composite increases to 80 GPa, more than 2.5 times that of the basic clay. Chamotte can replace up to 30% of quartz sand without significantly affecting densification or porosity while preserving structural integrity. This approach offers flexibility in terms of material composition, enhancing performance and promoting sustainability by reusing waste materials for high-performance ceramics in industrial applications.

In recent years, the Sultanate of Oman has made strides in telehealth services to improve healthcare access for underserved patients, specifically through telephone consultations and digital appointment scheduling. However, the lack of technological infrastructure, insufficient training for healthcare providers and the absence of a unified digital system limit its full potential. As a result, patients in remote areas experience delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Decades of systemic oppression in Syria, from the 1963 state of emergency to the 2011–2024 conflict, have caused widespread psychological devastation. Arbitrary imprisonment, torture and sexual violence have been systematically weaponised. Following the fall of the Syrian regime in December 2024, freed political prisoners face severe mental health challenges due to years of inhumane conditions and trauma. This paper emphasises the urgent need for specialised mental health interventions and outlines evidence-based pathways to healing. A coordinated, multi-tiered response, integrating local and international efforts, is essential to prioritise mental health aid, restore dignity and support survivors in rebuilding their futures.

The authors describe an international project to improve quality of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) provision in a low- to middle-income territory. Shortcomings in professional training and delivery of clinical care had been identified, including staffing limitations, outdated ECT machines and use of unmodified treatment. The UK Royal College of Psychiatrists, the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestinian Ministry of Health collaborated to provide new equipment, deliver specialist training and develop a modern service protocol. The resulting improvements, such as the introduction of electroencephalogram monitoring and stimulus dosing, are detailed, along with obstacles encountered, lessons learnt from the project and aspirations for the future.

In Ghana, the institution of chieftaincy, a traditional political governance system, is saddled with a number of conflicts which have far-reaching implications for food security in affected communities. This study examined how the infamous Bimbilla chieftaincy conflicts in the Northern Region of Ghana undermined the food security situation in the context of hunger, famine and sudden rise in food prices. A total of 383 respondents were randomly and purposely selected in a convergent mixed-methods study design. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were the main primary data collection methods. The study revealed that the chieftaincy conflicts significantly impacted hunger (β = –0.152, t = –2.807, p = 0.005) and famine (β = 0.188, t = 3.443, p = 0.001). A sudden increase in food prices (β = 0.006, t = 0.113, p = 0.910) stood as the only food security factor which was not affected substantially by the chieftaincy conflicts.

Aims: Medical training, particularly in psychiatry, often confronts students with emotional challenges that extend beyond clinical skills. Recognizing that medicine is as much an art as it is a science, we invited fourth year medical students at the University of Birmingham to enter a creativity competition whilst on their psychiatry placements.

This project aimed to provide a reflective outlet for the students, encouraging them to explore and express their emotional responses to the realities of psychiatric practice. By drawing parallels between their own experiences and those of their patients, the students were able to utilise art as a source of personal insight on their clinical practice.

Methods: During their 5 week psychiatry rotation, students were invited to create and submit an artistic piece inspired by their clinical encounters. Creative submissions – ranging from poetry and paintings to drawings and even baking – were accompanied by a brief explanation of the inspiration behind the work. On the final day of placement, students had the opportunity to present or perform their piece in front of their peers, fostering an environment of shared reflection and support. One entry in each rotation would be selected as a prize winner, however the main focus of the project was to encourage students to utilise art as a medium of self-reflection and therefore understanding what impact the process had on them was key.

Results: 23 students participated in the initiative, producing a diverse collection of artworks that authentically portrayed their personal and professional experiences with mental health. Extracts from the explanations that accompanied the entries highlight that the students benefited from using art as a medium for processing and communicating complicated feelings about their psychiatric placement. The students reflected that art can be used as a therapeutic tool for both patients and clinicians. Many used their creative expression to consider the importance of seeing beyond the label of a diagnosis and to focus on the actual lived experience of the patient in front of us.

Conclusion: The creativity competition was met with enthusiasm, underscoring the value of artistic expression in medical education. Moreover, it suggested that integrating creative projects into clinical rotations can enrich students’ learning experiences and bolster empathy. It also encouraged students to continue to use creativity as an outlet to improve their own wellbeing in busy clinical periods. Future plans include publishing the entries in an anthology to share the moving artwork with a wider audience.