The Role of Whistleblowers in Protecting Medicare Integrity

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Medicare is one of the most vital healthcare programs in the United States, providing medical coverage to millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Its success depends on fairness, transparency, and the responsible use of taxpayer money. However, where large sums of funding exist, the potential for fraud and abuse often follows. False claims, overbilling, and deceptive practices not only drain public resources but also undermine the very trust the system is built on. This is why the courage of those who choose to expose wrongdoing plays such an important role in preserving the integrity of healthcare.

medicare fraud

Medicare fraud can take many forms, from billing for services never provided to inflating charges or misrepresenting patient diagnoses to receive higher payments. Some providers even engage in complex kickback schemes or use fraudulent referrals to boost their revenue. These unethical actions not only waste billions of dollars each year but also harm patients by diverting resources away from legitimate care. Fraudulent behavior puts vulnerable people at risk while eroding the credibility of the medical system as a whole.

Exposing this type of misconduct requires both moral courage and legal protection. Many cases of fraud remain hidden because employees or contractors fear retaliation if they speak out. That is why federal laws, including the False Claims Act, exist to encourage and protect those who report wrongdoing. Under this law, private individuals can bring lawsuits on behalf of the government against entities suspected of defrauding federal programs. If the government recovers funds as a result of the case, the whistleblower may receive a percentage as a reward for their contribution.

Becoming a Medicare whistleblower is not a simple or impulsive act. It involves understanding one’s rights, collecting credible evidence, and working with legal professionals who specialize in this area. Whistleblowers may be doctors, nurses, billing specialists, or even patients who notice irregularities in claims or treatment records. What sets them apart is their willingness to take a stand against corruption for the greater good. They recognize that protecting the integrity of Medicare means ensuring that resources go where they are truly needed: to patients, not profiteers.

The process typically begins when someone identifies a pattern of fraudulent or suspicious activity. This could be repeated claims for services not rendered, unusual billing codes, or unexplained charges. Once the evidence is gathered, an attorney familiar with whistleblower law can help determine whether it meets the criteria for a False Claims Act case. The government then reviews the information and decides whether to intervene and pursue the claim. Even if the government declines, the whistleblower can sometimes continue the case independently.

The impact of whistleblower actions on the healthcare system cannot be overstated. Over the years, these cases have recovered billions of dollars in stolen or misused funds, money that can now be redirected toward improving patient care and advancing medical programs. Beyond the financial recovery, whistleblower cases also create awareness and lead to stronger oversight mechanisms within healthcare organizations. They push companies to adopt compliance programs, train employees more effectively, and ensure transparency at every level.

Despite the legal protections in place, whistleblowers still face personal and professional challenges. They may deal with isolation, uncertainty, and fear of retaliation. For this reason, legal and emotional support systems are essential. Advocacy groups and legal professionals dedicated to whistleblower protection play a crucial role in helping these individuals navigate the process safely and confidently. Their work helps create an environment where honesty is valued, and truth-telling is seen as a form of public service.

At a time when healthcare spending continues to rise and the demand for accountability grows, the role of whistleblowers is more important than ever. They are the unseen guardians of fairness, ensuring that funds meant for care are not lost to greed. Their actions inspire integrity within the medical community and encourage others to speak up when they witness wrongdoing.

Bottom Line

In the end, protecting Medicare is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. It is about safeguarding the health and trust of millions who rely on the system for their well-being. Every honest claim, every fair transaction, and every voice raised against fraud contributes to a stronger, more equitable healthcare landscape. Whistleblowers remind us that integrity and courage can make a lasting difference in ensuring that public programs serve their true purpose.

8 Top Tips to Support Women Leaders

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Despite the headway made toward gender parity over the years, progress is still slow. Holding a leadership position as a woman doesn’t come without its challenges. We speak to eight inspirational women from around the world to get their top tips on how to survive and thrive at work.

At Nexford, we’re fortunate enough to have an incredible team including fierce women leaders. So, to support women across the globe, we asked eight of them for their tips on succeeding in your career.

1. Network with other women

“Networking in any industry is important especially in today’s job market. However, for women, networking is sometimes the only way to gain admission or acceptance into specific industries. Networking among women has grown exponentially over the past decade and has given rise to forming female only networking groups.

Not only do these groups offer advice on “moving up the corporate ladder” but also offer support on topics such as asking for flexible hours to care for young children or aging parents, and how to discuss salary increases. They also often include motivational and uplifting stories from others who have faced similar challenges or roadblocks. My advice would be that when deciding which networks to join, do a little research and make sure the network offers open communication while also maintaining professionalism.” 

2. Use compassion to deliver results

“It is a bit of a generalization to say that women are more compassionate by nature than men, but research shows this to be true. The University of Cambridge carried out a study and found that, on average, women have a greater ability to recognize what another person is thinking or feeling. However, being compassionate can be a double-edged sword in the workplace. Some may take advantage of you for your compassion, while others may be inspired by it and support you in your actions.

What really matters is that you are always genuine when expressing compassion. Take the time to understand where your team members are coming from, care for them and show them genuine concern. You should also look at their circumstances and do your best to take that into consideration when deciding on an action plan for your team. Show them that you are not just concerned about your personal or company goals, but also about theirs. Let your actions show that success is not just about your leadership, but about the team’s overall success in the company.”

3. Give praise and recognition in the workplace

“Praising others does not diminish your own value and competency or make you any less of a leader or signal weakness. Regular recognition of skills and achievements builds moral and dedication in your team members while also reinforcing the actions you want continued. Employees who feel valued through recognition are willing to go the extra mile, help out in a pinch, and are less likely to leave.”

According to KPMG Women’s Leadership Study more than half (53%) of working women say that receiving praise influences the perceptions of themselves the most. In other words, support and feedback is important for women’s self-esteem and confidence.

4. Practice gender-neutral recruitment

“Hire people based on skills and competencies, never gender. Recruiters need to be aware of unconscious bias – subconscious processes that affect our decision-making.” There are four areas in recruitment you can practice gender-neutral recruitment, according to Beth.

“Write job ads in an unbiased way. For jobs where we offer flexible work arrangements, we need this to be really clear so that women who have young families are more likely to apply.”

“Practice ‘blind recruitment’ where we mask a candidate’s name, age, and gender when assessing their applications and hire based on the candidate’s skills and competencies.”

“Use objective-type assessments and score cards to determine whether a candidate is qualified or not.”

“Conduct a job evaluation by looking at the rankings and hierarchy of jobs within your organization.”

When it comes to de-biasing language in job ads, a report highlights studies that show how the language used to recruit can influence whether the role will appeal to men or women, affecting the gender split of applicants. Certain language can even deter women from applying for certain roles by inferring that the job is male dominated, and vice-versa.

5. Adjust your mindset and believe in your purpose

“As women, we need to believe in ourselves and nurture self-care. The biggest challenge with this is mindset. Adjusting our mindset means getting over the fear and doubts that we may have been conditioned to. These are the same fears and doubts that told us not to dream about becoming a successful career woman, business leader or politician.

To succeed, we need to learn to truly let go of this mindset and fully believe in ourselves, and even more importantly, our purpose. When women leaders anchor their development of self in purpose, rather than position or perception, this often increases their motivation.”

This is reiterated in a 2013 cover story for the Harvard Business Review, “Women Rising: The Unseen Barriers,” where authors Herminia Ibarra, Robin J. Ely and Deborah M. Kolb argue that “effective leaders develop a sense of purpose by pursuing goals that align with their personal values and advance the collective good.”

6. Your network is your net worth

“I’ve learned from experience that for female leaders, your network of peers is the real treasure as you progress in your career. Be it through men, women or seniors, essentially, it’s all about leaning on your network when you need key advice or want to get something done. Arguably, it’s relationships that open doors.

“Yes, people at the top are great but never underestimate the power of your peers. Your classmates, colleagues, and friends are all part of an ecosystem to help you grow and are the strongest relationships in your network. Reach out to peers from different industries with contrasting skills, talents, and walks of life. This will support you throughout your upward career journey.”

“We are what we tell ourselves, and we appear to others in the ways we present ourselves.”

7. Perception is Empowering

“Why is self-confidence at the pinnacle of self-destruction? Is it because women try to reach the summit of perfection with everything they do? If yes, they cannot succumb to the idealistic notion of knowing that what they do is good enough. If so, why are women so hard on themselves and feel the need to strive for perfection, even with the most ordinary things in their lives?

I believe it all has to do with how women perceive themselves. Perception is empowering. We are what we tell ourselves, and we appear to others in the ways we present ourselves. It is time to put the self-empowering mantras on repeat until we no longer need to hear it because we truly believe it.”

A recent study from psychological scientists Natalia Karelaia of INSEAD and Laura Guillén of the European School of Management and Technology found that female leaders could benefit from holding positive perceptions of themselves with the study stating that it “resulted in favorable psychological and motivational consequences.”

8. Embrace subjective feedback

“During your career, you’ll get a lot of subjective feedback – your voice is not loud enough, you are too bossy or bitchy, you are too nice and not authoritative enough, you have unpopular opinions. What I always try to remember is that feedback is a subjective interpretation based on the views of the person who gives feedback. Therefore, feedback allows you to learn how other people think and how you project yourself. So, work on the feedback that hurts you the most and make small adjustments while maintaining your authenticity. It is all about developing your toolkit rather than changing who you are.”

In fact, subjective feedback in the workplace is very common as Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio writes on gender bias in Harvard Business Review. She writes: “One of my findings, using content analysis of individual annual performance reviews, shows that women were 1.4 times more likely to receive critical subjective feedback (as opposed to either positive feedback or critical objective feedback). That’s because annual evaluations are often subjective, which opens the door to gender bias (“Tom is more comfortable and independent than Carolyn in handling the client’s concerns”) and confirmation bias (“I knew she’d struggle with that project”), among other things.”

How Going Green Can Promote Better Sleep For You and Your Family

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There are many reasons why you might want to live a greener lifestyle. Going green means that you reduce your carbon footprint, support the environment that you’re living in today, and create a better world for future generations. However, there is another major benefit to going green that many people overlook, and that’s improving your sleeping habits.

Many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep in today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world. With so many stressful things to consider in our day-to-day lives, it is often difficult to shut off at the end of a long day. However, switching to a greener lifestyle could give you the boost you need to achieve a sweeter and greener slumber.

Here are just 3 ways that going green might be able to promote better sleep for you and your family.

1. You Spend Less Time on Your Devices

One of the best things you can do when you’re “going green” is to spend less time glued to your smartphone and other electric devices. A lot of us have our lives constantly connected to a phone or tablet. However, with a green lifestyle, you’ll be more mindful about the time you spend “unplugged”. An example would be choosing not to use your smartphone in the bedroom when you go to sleep at night.

Cutting your exposure to electronic devices and bright lights for an hour or so before you lay your head down to sleep will work wonders for your sleeping patterns. Remember, the blue light of your phone has been scientifically proven to keep us awake at night, because it mimics natural light, and confuses your circadian rhythm.

2. You’ll Reconnect with Nature

Another common improvement to “going green” involves reconnecting with nature in a multitude of different ways. For some, this might mean composting your coffee and growing your own vegetables in your garden. Moreover, you can also reconnect with nature by bringing more flowers and plants into your home.

Certain plants have the power to improve the air quality in your house, so you’re less likely to struggle with your breathing when you go to sleep. What’s more, there are flowers and blossoms that can improve your quality of sleep through aromatherapy too. Studies have proven that something as simple as inhaling the smell of lavender before bedtime can make it easier for people to drift off and enjoy a better quality of sleep.

indoor plants at addiction recovery center

3. You’ll Change What You Eat

Finally, going green can also work wonders for improving your family’s health and fitness by changing what you eat. For instance, a lot of people living a green lifestyle will give up on red meats entirely, and start eating more grains and other positive, healthy foods like apple cider vinegar and honey. Studies have proven that the more red and processed meats you eat, the more likely you are to die early of any cause. Don’t forget to get a full private scan to get a complete reassurance of your health concerns.

Of course, going green doesn’t have to mean becoming a vegan or vegetarian. It could mean that you simply eat more healthy and organic foods, bringing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. When you cut processed and sugary foods out of your life, you’re less likely to be kept awake by a variety of additives and preservatives at night. What’s more, you might find that you’re not as hungry or likely to snack during the evenings, which again can keep you awake while your body is digesting food instead of sleeping.

Vegan Recipes for College Students

Going Green Could Change Your Life

Going green isn’t just a positive step for the planet. It is also an important way to transform your life and create a healthier routine for you and your family. A green lifestyle that supports stronger connections to nature, a healthier, more organic diet, and less exposure to screens will improve your health and help you to sleep more soundly too.

What have you got to lose? Give green living a try.

Solar Skins: The Ultimate Guide to Aesthetic Urban Energy Solutions

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Cities are built from surfaces—glass, metal, stone, and shade. Solar skins turn those surfaces into quiet power plants, weaving electricity generation into façades, canopies, railings, and street furniture without sacrificing design intent. Instead of treating energy as an add-on, solar skins make it part of the architectural language and the public realm.

For metropolitan teams shaping growth in sunbelt markets, the fit is especially clear. Firms delivering land development services in San Antonio can capture value from high-irradiance hours by treating façades and shade structures as productive assets from day one of site planning.

building-integrated photovoltaic (PV)

What Are Solar Skins?

Solar skins are building-integrated or infrastructure-integrated photovoltaic (PV) products designed to perform as envelope systems while generating electricity.

They include:

  • BIPV cladding: opaque or translucent modules that replace spandrels, rainscreens, soffits, or parapet infills.
  • Solar glazing: semi-transparent glass with micro-cells or thin-film layers that deliver both daylight and power.
  • Flexible PV films: lightweight laminates that conform to curves, metal skins, and composite panels.
  • Urban furniture PV: canopies, bus shelters, acoustic barriers, guardrails, bike stations, and wayfinding totems with embedded PV.

Panels aren’t scattered; they’re drafted. Module dimensions, joint lines, and edge details are coordinated to the façade grid so the result reads architectural. With structural and envelope input from day one, you can tap innovations in green structural engineering—such as ventilated PV rainscreens that both cool the envelope and produce electricity.

Why Solar Skins Belong in Urban Design

1. Use the city’s surface area

Dense districts have limited roof real estate but abundant vertical and sloped planes. Solar skins monetize those planes—especially east and west faces that catch morning and late-day sun when grids are most stressed.

2. Reduce peak loads

Façade-integrated PV often produces power in late afternoon, shaving demand charges precisely when utilities price electricity highest.

3. Improve building physics

PV cladding can function as a ventilated rainscreen, lowering heat gain and protecting sublayers. In hot climates, that pairing—electricity plus thermal moderation—elevates comfort and trims operating costs.

4. Make sustainability visible

A transit shelter lit by the PV canopy above or a school with solar spandrels turns climate action into a daily, legible story for the community.

How Solar Skins are Reshaping Sustainable City Planning

This technology unlocks a new paradigm for architects and urban planners. No longer is the solar array an isolated piece of machinery; it becomes an integral part of the building’s identity. This is a leap from additive sustainability to innate sustainability, where the energy-generating capability is baked into the design from the very first sketch.

The implications for urban resilience are profound. Cities are dense consumers of energy, and their vast surfaces—roofs, walls, even noise barriers along highways—represent an untapped resource. Solar skins transform these passive surfaces into active, power-generating assets. This distributed energy model lessens the strain on centralized grids, particularly during peak demand hours.

Solar Skins Urban Use Cases

Transit corridors

PV canopies at bus stops power lighting, e-ink schedules, cameras, and emergency call stations. Off-grid options reduce trenching and speed approvals.

Retail and mixed-use podiums

Glass-glass PV over arcades generates power while providing shaded, dappled light for cafés and queues.

Campus and civic buildings

Libraries, labs, and arenas can deploy PV fins on east/west façades to capture peak-producing sun, with public dashboards that translate kWh into relatable impacts.

Parking and mobility

EV charging roofs with solar glazing support chargers, wayfinding, and micro-mobility docks—often with battery buffering to flatten peaks.

District energy sharing

Multiple buildings can aggregate solar-skin output into shared storage, underwriting common-area loads and essential services.

Performance by Orientation and Climate

  • South façades deliver steady output; overhanging PV louvers can be tuned to equinox/solstice angles for balanced yield and shading.
  • East/West façades excel at peak-time generation (morning/evening), which tends to carry higher economic value than mid-day kWh.
  • Diffuse-light regions still benefit: semi-transparent PV in atria and skylights captures scattered light without harsh glare.
  • Maintenance matters: specify self-cleaning coatings, accessible wash points, and integrate PV zones with façade access systems (BMUs, rails, anchors).

Rule of thumb: Not every square meter must be PV. Target the right surfaces (angle, shading context, visibility, cleaning access) rather than blanket coverage.

Codes, Standards, and Approvals

Treat solar skins as you would any envelope or glazing assembly—with an electrical bonus:

  • Fire, wind, and impact: test assemblies, not just modules, to meet local code and NFPA/EN standards.
  • Electrical safety: conceal raceways; provide labeled combiner points; implement rapid-shutdown per fire department protocols.
  • Historic and design review: matte finishes, color-matched spandrels, and alignment with existing jointing often clear aesthetic hurdles.
  • Documentation: include wiring diagrams, fire service placards, and operations/maintenance plans in submittals.

Position the energy narrative as part of life safety, durability, and resilience—not as a separate gadget spec.

Cost, ROI, and Incentives

The economics differ from rooftop PV because BIPV replaces conventional materials:

  • Shared CapEx: a PV spandrel can offset the cost of a metal panel or stone cladding while producing electricity.
  • Value of time-of-use: late-day output from vertical PV can command higher avoided costs.
  • Durability and warranty: glass-glass PV modules often match or exceed premium cladding lifespans.
  • Incentives and green financing: BIPV frequently qualifies for the same credits as rooftop PV; ESG-linked loans and green bonds can lower the cost of capital.

Procurement tip: Specify performance targets (kWh/m²/year by orientation) in the façade package, so bidders price both the look and the yield.

Implementation Roadmap (From Concept to Commissioning)

1. Discovery and envelope strategy

Map solar resource to the massing early. Identify “Tier 1” surfaces (high-yield, high-visibility), “Tier 2” (supporting), and “No-go” (heavily shaded or inaccessible).

2. Schematic design

Lock module dimensions to the façade grid; choose transparency levels; fix colorways and reflectance; pre-coordinate junction boxes and wire paths.

3. Engineering and mockups

Test structural loads, thermal movement, acoustic performance, and glare. Build a full-size visual mockup to validate color consistency and masking patterns.

4. Commercial structure

Decide on direct purchase, PPA, or lease. Align metering (behind-the-meter vs. front-of-meter) with ownership and incentive rules.

5. Permitting and utility interconnection

Bundle electrical, structural, and fire documentation. Engage AHJs early; share shutdown protocols and placards.

6. Construction and QA/QC

Coordinate tolerances between façade installers and electricians. Verify string continuity, insulation resistance, and labeling before close-out.

7. Commissioning and handover

Calibrate monitoring. Train facilities teams on cleaning cycles, visual inspections, and performance thresholds.

Risk Management

  • Glare and reflectance: simulate at pedestrian, cyclist, and driver eye heights; specify anti-reflective coatings and frit patterns to keep luminance within comfort thresholds.
  • Soiling and pollution: in urban canyons, schedule gentle wash cycles; avoid horizontal ledges; detail drip edges.
  • Replacement strategy: keep 2–3% spare modules per façade family; confirm interchangeability and end-of-line availability.
  • Vendor diligence: require third-party test results, production quality certifications, and bankability references.

Key Metrics to Track

  • kWh/m²/year by orientation (design vs. actual)
  • Peak demand reduction (kW shaved in late afternoon)
  • Envelope U-value and SHGC with PV vs. baseline
  • Lighting and plug load offsets (which meters are impacted)
  • Payback and IRR under current tariffs and incentives
  • Embodied carbon tradeoffs vs. alternative cladding (for ESG reporting)

Consistently measuring these indicators turns a showcase façade into a replicable playbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are solar skins as efficient as rooftop panels?

Module-level efficiency can be comparable, but orientation and shading matter. The economic win often comes from time-of-use value and material substitution, not just raw percentage efficiency.

Will solar skins change the look of my building?

They can match many façade palettes using ceramic inks and coatings. The best results happen when module sizes and joint patterns are coordinated from schematic design.

What about maintenance?

Treat PV surfaces like premium glazing: periodic rinsing, visual inspections, and simple electrical checks. Specify coatings and access systems during design to keep O&M routine.

Do they work in cloudy climates?

Yes—diffuse light still produces power. Semi-transparent PV in atria and skylights performs well in overcast regions without sacrificing daylight quality.

How do I finance a project like this?

Options include direct purchase, green bonds, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and on-bill financing. The right path depends on ownership goals, tariff structures, and incentive eligibility.

Conclusion: Making the City’s Skin Work Harder

Solar skins invite architects, engineers, and city leaders to think of surfaces as infrastructure. They make power generation visible and useful at the places people live, work, wait for the bus, and gather. When integrated thoughtfully—composition first, performance specified, and maintenance planned—solar skins can cut peak demand, elevate design, and broadcast civic intent without visual compromise.

If your next project brief mentions resilience, cost control, or public trust, bring solar skins into schematic design—right alongside massing, envelope, and daylight studies. Treat them not as tech, but as craft. Done well, the city’s skin does more than look good; it works.

The Promise of Equitable EdTech: Debunking Common EdTech Myths

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Equitable EdTech or education supported by technology has become a debate topic for the entire world. Moreover, the pandemic has fueled talking about the pros and cons of incorporating education with technology.

But if you really pay attention to the talks of the correct and learned people, you will realize that equitable EdTech is the future. It exists for a better future. It gains its name equitable EdTech because you need equal amounts of education and technology for a brighter future.

If you ask ib extended essay writer or experts in journalism, they will give you a great perspective of equitable EdTech that will lead us to a future that we all dream of.

But there have been some myths circulating about EdTech which are misleading people especially parents. They are confused about whether they should support EdTech or continue relying on the traditional methods of education.

So here are some common myths related to EdTech which we are going to bust for you.

Debunking Common EdTech Myths

1. EdTech will replace teachers

How in the world is it possible to replace teachers? It is practically impossible. In fact, teachers are synonyms for learning.

EdTech will not replace teachers but it will provide them with materials and ways for an enhanced teaching experience. EdTech ensures that teachers have their upper hand at teaching. In fact, without teachers, even EdTech will have no meaning.

The interactive classrooms already have eased the teacher’s tasks and improved students’ learning. For example, a simple Pythagoras theorem could be taught while the triangle moves along in 3d and builds itself. These visuals will help the students to grasp the teachings early and remember them as well.

Thus, no teachers will extinguish if equitable EdTech is practiced.

2. Students will suffer from increased screen time

First of all who are we comparing students’ screen time to? Because adults spend more than half of the day in front of the screens. And if you compare them with the past generations, well internet and stuff were not easy to access then.

But yeah it is important to limit screen time but it is also important to educate. And if education gets entertaining, interactive, and engaging through screens, then it is better to give a break than completely stop it. Here is where EdTech comes to play.

Equity EdTech demands students to balance screen time and do on-ground research. It pushes students to read books, discover learning materials practically, and physically explore the environment.

Thus, EdTech does not mean only screen and technology for the students. It is actually providing the best of both worlds.

3. EdTech will replace physical classrooms

Again this is a big no-no.

How can students learn the importance of staying in a community unless they go out and explore the world? And a child’s first community learning experience apart from home is school.

online education

So no matter how much the world advances, the physical classroom can never be replaced.

Yes, virtual classrooms have taken over but teachers and students are cringing to go back to school. In fact, EdTech has ensured that even in the pandemic education does not come to a standstill.

So no matter how advanced the technology gets, the love and need for physical classrooms will always exist.

Conclusion

Implementing equitable educational technology is the need of the hour. Every educational institute must weigh its pros against the cons. In fact, EdTech has a proven record of students learning and grasping better than the traditional education system. It has known to make the children sharper and sensible, but with the help of teachers!

Simple Study Habits That Can Transform Your Grades

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Let’s be real – we’ve all had that moment of staring at an open textbook, hoping the words will magically make sense. The truth is, studying doesn’t have to feel impossible. Developing smart, consistent study habits can completely change how well you learn (and how calm you feel during finals week).

Studyfy’s 2025 research found that students who used structured routines improved their grades by 29% within one semester. That’s proof that simple, realistic changes in daily learning habits make a huge difference.

A laptop rests on a desk next to an open book and a pen, suggesting a good study environment.

And for students juggling part-time jobs, family, or sports, managing time is tough. That’s why many turn to helpful tools like do homework for me, where the homework help service team helps students stay organized while focusing on mastering key concepts. Daniel Walker, an education expert at Studyfy, says, “The right tools don’t replace effort – they multiply it.”

So, let’s explore some practical, science-backed good study methods that will make you more productive, confident, and ready to ace your next test.

Create a Consistent Study Schedule

The first step to success? Consistency.

Building a regular routine helps train your brain to focus faster and retain more information. According to Studyfy’s survey, 67% of top-performing students study at the same time each day.

Time of Study Average Retention Rate (%) Recommended Duration
Morning (8-11 a.m.) 78% 2 hours
Afternoon (1-5 p.m.) 72% 2-3 hours
Evening (6-9 p.m.) 69% 1.5 hours

Consistency builds a mental rhythm – your brain starts expecting focus at certain times, making it easier to get into “study mode.”

Tips to keep your routine steady:

  • Use a planner or app to track sessions.
  • Stick to the same study spot to create a mental association.
  • Schedule breaks (seriously, your brain needs them).

The key is to make your schedule realistic, not rigid. A routine that works with your life will always beat one that fights against it.

Set Clear Goals for Each Study Session

Studying without goals is like driving without directions. Clear, achievable targets turn vague effort into visible progress. Students who set micro-goals – such as “learn five definitions” or “summarize Chapter 3” – were 38% more likely to retain material long-term.

Here’s a simple framework for setting study goals:

  1. Define your objective: What exactly do you want to achieve?
  2. Set a time limit: Keep it short and focused (30-50 minutes).
  3. Reward yourself: A snack, walk, or quick scroll on social media after finishing helps keep motivation high.

Example:

Instead of saying, “I’ll study biology today,” say, “I’ll understand photosynthesis and answer three related questions.”

Small goals make learning more fun and help you see progress faster – a big win for motivation.

Take Effective Notes and Review Regularly

Writing isn’t just recording – it’s processing. Studyfy’s data shows that students who take handwritten notes remember 22% more than those who only read. But it’s not just how you write – it’s what you do after.

Note-Taking Style Retention Increase (%) Best For
Cornell Method 30% Organizing complex topics
Mind Maps 25% Visual learners
Summary Notes 18% Quick reviews before exams

To make reviewing effective, try these steps:

  • Revisit your notes within 24 hours of class.
  • Summarize main ideas in your own words.
  • Quiz yourself – active recall cements memory.

This combo of writing, reviewing, and self-testing is one of the most effective ways to study.

Use Active Learning Techniques

Passive studying – like rereading – gives you a false sense of mastery. Active learning, on the other hand, gets your brain working harder, which improves retention and understanding.

Studyfy’s research on good study skills tried to answer how to study better and found that students who practiced active learning performed 41% better on exams than those who relied only on reading.

Active learning can look like this:

  • Teaching the concept to a friend (or even to your dog).
  • Using flashcards or apps like Quizlet.
  • Solving practice problems instead of rewatching lectures.
  • Applying what you’ve learned in real scenarios or group discussions.

Think of studying as a workout – reading is stretching, but practicing is lifting weights. That’s how your brain builds strength.

Prioritize Rest, Nutrition, and Balance

You can’t study effectively if you’re running on fumes. Rest, food, and relaxation aren’t “breaks” from studying – they’re part of it.

Studyfy’s 2025 report found that students who slept 7-8 hours nightly had 24% better focus than those who didn’t. And yes, breakfast helps too – students who ate before studying showed a 16% boost in recall performance.

To keep your brain happy:

  • Get consistent sleep (no more all-nighters).
  • Drink plenty of water – dehydration affects concentration.
  • Eat brain foods like nuts, berries, and salmon.
  • Take movement breaks every hour.

Healthy habits might not feel like “study hacks,” but they make every study session count.

Seek Help When You Need It

No one succeeds alone – even top students rely on guidance. Whether it’s from teachers or peers, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Studyfy’s 2024 report also found that 59% of students who reached out for assistance during tough semesters improved their GPA by at least one full point. That’s huge.

Here’s how to ask for help effectively:

  • Identify where you’re stuck – be specific.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute before exams.
  • Use multiple sources – professors, classmates, online tutors, or homework help service
  • Review feedback carefully to avoid repeating mistakes.

If you’re buried under assignments or struggling to manage time, professional support options can take some pressure off. These tools don’t do the work for you – they guide you to understand and manage it better.

Studyfy’s researchers note that students who use guided learning platforms and professional tutoring report a 33% increase in confidence and time management efficiency. Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t doing it all alone – it’s knowing when to ask for help.

Conclusion: What Are Good Study Habits For You?

Building good study habits isn’t about studying harder – it’s about studying smarter. The secret lies in routines that match your energy, strategies that make learning active, and support systems that keep you motivated.

Whether it’s setting micro-goals, improving focus, or seeking help from a trusted homework help service, consistent effort pays off. Students who plan strategically, rest regularly, and stay curious not only raise their grades but also enjoy learning more.

So next time you sit down with your notes, remember – every small, smart step brings you closer to mastery. Studying isn’t just about passing exams; it’s about shaping how you think, learn, and grow for life.

References:

الاقتصاد الأخضر والتمويل

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شهد العقد الماضي انتقالاً ملموسا للبلدان العربية نحو الاقتصاد الأخضر. فمن الصفر تقريباً في اعتماد انظمة اقتصاد أخضر أو استراتيجية مستدامة، أصبح هناك أكثر من سبعة بلدان وضعت استراتيجيات من هذا القبيل أو أدرجت عناصر الاقتصاد الأخضر والاستدامة في خططها. وقد ترجمت الاستراتيجيات الخضراء في مجموعة من التدابير التنظيمية والحوافز التي أدخلت في هذه البلدان لتسهيل التحول. وأعطى ذلك إشارة قوية للقطاع الخاص لزيادة الاستثمارات في قطاعات الاقتصاد الأخضر أضعافاً، وخاصة الطاقة المتجددة، وهو أمر واضح في المغرب والأردن والإمارات، حيث تم استثمار البلايين في مزارع الطاقة الشمسية وطاقة الرياح. وينفذ المغرب خطة لتوليد أكثر من نصف كهربائه من الموارد المتجددة بحلول سنة 2030.

a sustainable world

أدى هذا التحول إلى زيادة الوعي والاعتراف بالمكاسب الاقتصادية والاجتماعية والبيئية الحقيقية الناجمة عن الانتقال إلى اقتصاد أخضر ومستدام. وينعكس ذلك في زيادة فرص العمل التي تخلقها الاستثمارات الخضراء، والكفاءة في استخدام الموارد الطبيعية والقدرة التنافسية والوصول إلى الأسواق. ويمكن تنويع الاقتصاد وتنشيطه من خلال خلق أنشطة وفرص جديدة مثل: الطاقة المتجددة، مصادر المياه المتجددة الجديدة من خلال معالجة مياه الصرف وإعادة استخدام المياه المعالجة وتحلية المياه، الزراعة المستدامة والعضوية، المنتجات الصناعية الخضراء، المجتمعات المستدامة، المباني الخضراء، نظام النقل العام الأخضر، السياحة البيئية، جنباً إلى جنب مع النظم المتكاملة لإدارة النفايات الصلبة التي يمكنها توليد الطاقة وإنتاج السماد العضوي وإعادة استخدام المواد.

وقد أدرجت مصر والمغرب وقطر والإمارات بالفعل قوانين المباني الخضراء في مجتمعات حضرية وساحلية جديدة، مثل مدينة جلالة ومدينة العلمين الجديدة في مصر ومدينة مصدر في أبوظبي ومدينة محمد السادس الخضراء في المغرب. وقد اعتمدت بعض استراتيجيات السياسة العامة، مثل رؤية السعودية 2030، نوعاً من المحاسبة للرأسمال الطبيعي، بوضع قيمة سارية للموارد الطبيعية. وتعطي رؤية السعودية 2030 مثالاً على تحول جذري، مقارنة بالمحاولات السابقة الأقل جرأة للإصلاح. وأدت الإجراءات المالية التي اتخذتها المصارف المركزية في لبنان والإمارات والأردن إلى زيادة حادة في عدد وقيمة القروض التجارية التي تقدمها المصارف للمشاريع الصديقة للبيئة. وهي تشمل المشاريع الكبيرة التي ينفذها القطاع الخاص، بالإضافة إلى المنشآت المنزلية التي تعزز الكفاءة، ولا سيما في مجال الطاقة الشمسية والمتجددة بشكل عام. واطلق الأردن سنة 2017 سلسلة مشاريع تعتمد الاقتصاد الأخضر.

شهد العقد الماضي انتقالاً ملموسا للبلدان العربية نحو الاقتصاد الأخضر

وقد أعطى اعتماد أهداف التنمية المستدامة عام 2015 زخماً جديداً للبلدان في جميع أنحاء العالم، بما في ذلك المنطقة العربية، لتكثيف الجهود الرامية إلى وضع استراتيجيات وسياسات مستدامة وخضراء لتحقيق هذه الأهداف.

وفي حين ازداد حجم الموارد المالية الموجهة لتمويل الاستثمارات الخضراء في المنطقة العربية،  لكنه بقي أقل من المطلوب. لكن من المتوقع أن توجه حصة متزايدة من إجمالي الاستثمارات إلى مشاريع التنمية الخضراء والمستدامة في السنوات المقبلة. وأحد المؤشرات على الاتجاه الجديد هو أن تمويل عمليات التنمية، خاصة للبنى التحتية، من المؤسسات الإنمائية الوطنية والإقليمية العربية خلال الفترة 2006-2016 بلغ 51 بليون دولار أميركي، أي نحو 57 في المئة من إجمالي التمويل التراكمي (90 بليون دولار أميركي) على مدى فترة الأربعين سنة منذ عام 1975.

ومع ذلك، فهناك حاجة إلى ما يتجاوز هذا بكثير، إذ يتعيّن على الدول العربية تخصيص مبلغ إضافي لا يقل عن 57 بليون دولار سنوياً من مصادر محلية وخارجية لدعم تنفيذ أهداف التنمية المستدامة. ولا يتوفر الآن سوى جزء صغير من هذا المبلغ.

Al-Ghabawi Landfill in Jordan: Progress and Challenges

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Every day, 4,000 tons of waste, mostly municipal solid waste (MSW), is transported to Jordan’s largest and most modern landfill, Al-Ghabawi. Situated in a semi-arid desert area 40 km from Amman, the site encompasses a 2000 km2 area of land unsuitable for cultivation  with the nearest residential area 7 km away. Most of the waste  originates from Amman, with smaller quantities coming from Russeifa and Zarqa, collectively accounting for 50% of the country’s total waste. Specialized steel-wheeled tractors drive over  the waste heaps, compacting the material and removing oxygen, which subsequently  facilitates anaerobic decomposition.

alghabawi landfill

Of the nine landfill’s cells, cells no. 1, 2, 3, and 4 are capped, filled, and closed, while cell 5 is  expected to be closed soon. Cell no. 6, however, is currently being filled and is expected to  hold approximately 5.15 million tons of waste. The estimated lifespan for cells 1–9 is  projected to extend until 2035. However, monitoring of the structure and electricity  generation will continue for a prolonged period afterward.

The landfill cells occupy half of the Al-Ghabawi site, and the remaining 1000 km2 area can be  utilized for new cells or other innovative waste management projects after 2035. The gas  collection system engineered within the cells generates approximately 4.8 MW of electricity per hour, supplying 50% of the Greater Amman Municipality’s electricity consumption. The  electrical capacity is expected to be expanded upon the completion of the remaining waste  cells.

leachate pond at alghabawi landfill

Leachate collection pond at the Al-Ghabawi Landfill

Leachate from the waste in the cells is collected via designed pumps and directed to  collection ponds. Insulating protective material placed beneath the open ponds prevents  infiltration into the groundwater and soil, allowing the pond water to evaporate at its own  pace. Isolation materials are also used as a foundation for the cells, serving as protection  against soil contamination and leakage. As part of the circular economy, the compost  production from mixing food waste, horse manure and leaves has led to success since 2023. The success of the project has been the close collaboration of Greater Amman Municipality, AL-Ghabawi landfill and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and financial support of the EU.

The composition of leachate primarily depends on the climatic conditions of the geographical location,  the waste composition, and the age of the landfill; regardless, there is a risk of heavy metal  content. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Water’s new project, the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Al-Ghabawi, which aims to develop and expand the water management  system, will also address the leachate in the ponds. The sludge from the leachate, however,  will be managed by Al-Ghabawi for recycling. The Ministry of Water’s innovation has been awarded a bronze accolade by the EBRD for its project, in recognition of its planning and  solution-oriented approach to sustainable water management in practice.

composting plant at al ghabawi landfilll

Development and Progress

Jordan has a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for environmental protection  and solid waste management, including the Environment Protection Law No. 6 of 2017 and  the Solid Waste Management Framework Law No. 16 of 2020, both enforced by the Ministry  of Environment (MoEnV). This framework entails fines starting from 50 JD and upwards  because of improper waste disposal, depending on the nature, form, and location of the  littering. In response to the Ministry’s frustration over littering, fines were raised from 20 JD to 50 JD in 2020. Enforcement of the laws is followed by the Greater Amman Municipality and  the Royal Department for Environment and Tourism.

Simultaneously, the Amman Municipality educates its employees and the public through  lectures and courses on waste separation, recycling, sustainability, and the practical  implications of environmental preservation. Environmental police visit schools to give lectures  on environmental science, striving to instill environmental protection norms from an early  age.

Challenges to Overcome

Continued population growth also leads to an increased volume of waste.  The population in Jordan is expected to increase rapidly towards the year 2050. Some cities  are still recovering from the influx from Syria, which significantly increased waste, while the  country simultaneously faces a high financial burden and lack of large-scale recycling systems.

To keep pace with the high speed of large waste volumes, the “not in my backyard” and “the  tragedy of the commons” mentality must change. When climate campaigns theoretically  and visually convey that waste undergoes a long process—from collection, transportation, sorting, encapsulation, related pollutant emissions, along with technological and economic  limitations, people understand that garbage does not vanish from existence after being thrown into the container.

Furthermore, cities need to implement lidded waste separation containers at all residential  buildings. This would prevent cats or dogs from accessing the waste, thereby preventing them  from tearing the waste bags and spreading the refuse on the sidewalks.

The Role of Waste Hierarchy in Waste Management

The waste hierarchy is made up of prevention, re-use, recycling, recovery, and finally landfill disposal, which stands in direct contrast to today’s global “buy and discard” culture.

Prevention: The first step at the top of the hierarchy refers to minimizing purchases. It  is advised not to buy food when hungry and not to buy a garment immediately. Write a shopping list of what you need. If one sees a nice sweater they want to buy,  they should wait a week before purchasing to ensure it is not a result of marketing  automation used by the fashion industry, which triggers our brain’s reward system  and makes us associate purchasing with happiness.

Re-use: Lending or borrowing clothes from friends is a much more environmentally  friendly alternative. Circulating goods as much as possible extends the product’s life  cycle, thus reducing the climate footprint and the burden on landfills. Or perhaps one  can repurpose the garment by sewing on beads? Use your creativity.

Recycle: Separate the materials if prevention is not possible.

Recovery: Convert waste material into energy (electricity or heat) or send to landfill if it cannot be  recycled.

Disposal: Landfill or incinerate it.

لماذا تظل أشجار القرم في الإمارات عُرضة للخطر

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تمتلك دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة العديد من الكنوز الخفية، مثل أشجار القرم. تكمن وظيفتها في عزل الكربون (carbon sequestration) وليس إنتاج الأكسجين. يُطلق على نوع أشجار القرم الموجود في الإمارات اسم “القرم الرمادي” (Avicennia marina)، وغالبًا ما يوجد في منطقة الخليج. وقد اختارت هذا الموقع تحديدًا بسبب مياهه المالحة وشبه الاستوائية ألضحله. خلال العقدين الماضيين، واجهت أشجار القرم تهديدات هائلة مع تزايد التطور الساحلي السريع في الإمارات (حسيبة، 2025).

mangroves in the UAE

إشكالية الهشاشة

إحدى التهديدات الرئيسية التي تواجه أشجار القرم في الإمارات هو تطوير الجزائر الاصطناعية. لإنشاء جزيرة اصطناعية، يتم استصلاح الأراضي عن طريق التجريف. يتم التجريف عن طريق الحفر العميق للمناطق المستهدفة، مما يزيل الرواسب المختلفة ويخلق طبقة أكثر سمكًا من الأراضي القابلة للسكن. هذه العملية يمكن أن تقتل بذور القرم الصغيرة. تتكسر جذور أشجار القرم وتتراكم على سطح الماء، مما يمنع ضوء الشمس من الوصول إلى الأنواع البحرية المختلفة تحت الماء في الأعماق (سوسيولوجي وآخرون، 2019).

أثيرت المخاوف بشأن النظم البيئية لأشجار القرم في الإمارات بسبب مشروعات التطوير الساحلية في جزيرة السعديات وجزيرة اللؤلؤ، وكلتاهما تقعان في أبوظبي. وكان هذا سببًا معقولًا للقلق، حيث يمكن أن يؤدي استصلاح الأراضي إلى تغيير تدفقات المد والجزر ونقل الرواسب، وهما أمران حيويان لصحة أشجار القرم.

في الوقت الحالي، هناك مراقبة محدودة لأشجار القرم، حيث تزدهر الإمارات بشكل رئيس اعتمادًا على صناعات معينة مثل العقارات والنفط والتجارة. ومع التمويل المحدود، يقل احتمال قيام العلماء بإجراء أبحاث حول مواضيع بيئية ذات تأثير ضئيل. كما يساهم نقص الوعي في قلة “العلم المدني” (citizen science) الذي يضطلع به الأفراد.

كيف تعيقنا الأساليب الحالية لاستعادة أشجار القرم؟

في الإمارات، غالبًا ما تصبح التربة الساحلية المتأثرة بأعمال البناء أو التلوث متراصة (مضغوطة)، مما يمنع المياه من التسرب إلى داخل الأرض. يؤدي هذا النقص في تسرب المياه إلى تعطيل الظروف المشبعة بالمياه التي تحتاجها أشجار القرم للنمو والازدهار. كما تتم إزالة العناصر الغذائية بسبب ذلك، مما يجعل من الصعب حدوث التجدد الطبيعي.

تُعرف الإمارات بأخذها مسألة استعادة أشجار القرم على محمل الجد. ومع ذلك، فإن زراعة البذور لا تؤدي دائمًا إلى النجاح، خاصة عند اختيار المواقع دون دراسة كاملة لظروف النمو الضرورية. حتى لو تم استيفاء معظم المعايير، فإن فقدان عامل أو عاملين رئيسين فقط – مثل تدفق المد والجزر أو ملوحة التربة – يمكن أن يؤثر بشكل كبير على بقاء أشجار القرم، نظرًا لأن هذه الأشجار شديدة الحساسية للتغيرات البيئية.

على سبيل المثال، في مشروع تجريبي عام 2023 بالقرب من منطقة الظفرة، تمت زراعة آلاف شتلات القرم في منطقة ساحلية تفتقر إلى الفيضانات المدية المتسقة. مع أنّ التفاؤل الأولي، انخفض معدل البقاء حيٌّ يُرزَق بشكل حاد في غضون أشهر، مما يسلط الضوء على كيف يمكن أن يؤدي سوء اختيار الموقع إلى إهدار الموارد وتثبيط الجهود المستقبلية.

يوضح الشكل 2 كيف تغير الغطاء النباتي لأشجار القرم في الإمارات على مر السنين، بناءً على دراسة أجريت عام 2023. ومع ذلك، كان قياس مناطق أشجار القرم بدقة أمرًا صعبًا. في بعض الأحيان، كانت النباتات البرية القريبة تُحسب عن طريق الخطأ على أنها أشجار قرم، أو كانت مناطق أشجار القرم تتقلص عند إزالة النباتات البرية. هذه المشكلات تجعل من الصعب على العلماء تحديد المدى الدقيق للغطاء النباتي لأشجار القرم.

كيف تتحسن جهود استعادة أشجار القرم

الاستشعار عن بعد

في مشروع الإمارات الجديد لزراعة 50,000 شتلة قرم، سيتم استخدام الاستشعار عن بعد لمراقبة التقدم. ستستخدم هيئة البيئة تقنية الطائرات دون طيار (الدرونز) من شركة “ديندرا” (Dendra)، حيث تمتلك الوسائل اللازمة لزراعة بذور القرم بدقة باستخدام نظامها الآلي لنشر البذور. كما أن الطائرات دون طيار مزودة بالذكاء الاصطناعي، مما يجعلها مفيدة جدًا لتتبع صحة البذور ومراقبة الاضطرابات لمزيد من البحث.

خصوصية الموقع

في أم القيوين، وجد مشروع استعادة أطلقته هيئة البيئة أن التربة التي تحتوي على المزيد من العناصر الغذائية والطين كانت قادرة على الاحتفاظ بالمياه من المد العالي ومساعدة شتلات القرم على الإنبات. ونتيجة لذلك، أصبح هذا الموقع نموذجًا لاختيار مناطق الاستعادة المستقبلية ذات المواصفات المماثلة للتربة.

UAE mangrove conservation

الاستدامة طويلة الأمد

يعتمد تعافي النظام البيئي على أهداف الاستدامة طويلة الأمد. في الإمارات، يتم تنفيذ الحلول القائمة على الطبيعة في المناطق المعرضة للتآكل مثل أم القيوين، والظفرة، وبحيرة القرم الشرقية في أبوظبي، كما هو موضح في “المبادئ التوجيهية لاستعادة أشجار القرم”. تتم دراسة التقنيات المتقدمة مثل نماذج التعلم العميق (مثل UNet++) لمراقبة نمو أشجار القرم ودمج هذه البيانات في المنصات المناخية العالمية. يساعد هذا صانعي السياسات والسلطات البيئية على تتبع عزل الكربون ومواءمة جهود الاستعادة مع الأهداف الوطنية للحياد الكربوني.

الخاتمة: دعوة للعمل

وسط شواطئ الإمارات الذهبية، ترتفع أشجار القرم كرموز للمرونة والتجدد. تبث هذه الغابات الساحلية الحياة في الأرض – فتحميها من التآكل، وترعى التنوع البيولوجي البحري، وتحتجز الكربون من أجل مستقبل أنظف. إن استعادة أشجار القرم ليست مجرد زراعة أشجار؛ إنها زراعة للأمل. فكل بذرة تُزرع هي خطوة نحو الانسجام بين الطبيعة والتقدم.

ترجمة: عبدالله فيصل السلامة

طالب وطموح يسعى لتحقيق التميز في مسيرته الأكاديمية والمهنية. يتقن اللغتين العربية والإنجليزية. يتميز بشغفه الدائم لاكتساب المعرفة وتطوير مهاراته في مختلف المجالات.

Note: The English version of the article is available at this link.

Why New Zealand Has Encountered Atypical Gale-Force Storms in October 2025

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New Zealand has just experienced a very atypical weather system of gale-force winds reaching hurricane-force in certain locations across the land. It appears to have been triggered by the warm weather over the Antarctica in the previous month of September, As a result, the whole of New Zealand had to brace itself for abnormally higher temperatures and persistent gale force winds causing havoc across the nation.

aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle

Temperatures across the land reached nearly 30 degrees on the day of peak impact.  The regions across the land were under severe weather warnings with fire bans and unessential services and activities brought to a sudden halt.

Earth Sciences Meteorology scientists related this threatening weather patterns that pounded across the nation and were traced back to weather conditions encountered across Antarctica in September. In September down at the southern pole region, the upper atmosphere recorded very warm atmospheric conditions that arose suddenly and unexpectedly.  Because of these warmer conditions in the upper atmosphere, there was a weakening in the polar vortex which became ‘wobbly’ and adopted a more oblong shape that the typical wave flow pattern.

The low pressure that was over the continent of Antarctica was displaced over the Southern Ocean and subsequently accentuated the pressure gradient through the atmosphere. As the atmospheric conditions approached and began crossing the island nation of New Zealand, the temperatures were very high and persistent, and the winds intensified into gale-force winds with some regions even reaching hurricane-force winds (over 200kmh).

Spring weather in this part of the globe is highly variable and temperatures can rise above normal but this event was very extreme and severe for those regions that experienced the full force of the weather system’s impact.

It is anticipated that more high winds and hot temperatures may continue and reappear in the coming week or ten days. The land may experience another threatening surge in temperature and in wind. The best forecast is for highly variable weather patterns over the coming weeks. There is also the anticipation of more rain may be brought into the region also.

Cereal Supply Chain in the MENA Region

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The cereal supply chain in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is highly exposed to disruption risks due to vulnerabilities at both production and post-production stages. Inappropriate climate conditions, water scarcity, fragmented farm structure, insufficient access to input, and inappropriate use of arable land are some prominent production-related problems. On the other hand, high harvest-post-harvest losses, lack of storage capacity, heavy dependence on imports, and lack of investment in technology are among post-production vulnerabilities.

wheat field in the middle east

The World Bank classifies MENA region as comprising 19 countries, spanning from the Atlantic Ocean (adjacent to Morocco) to the Arabian Sea (adjacent to Oman), with only eight of those, namely Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Tunisia have substantial cereal production. Remaining 11 countries; Bahrain, Djibouti, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, and Yemen have very less or no production. In 2022 total wheat and barley production of the region was 38.5 million tons, whereas total consumption was far higher, with around 90 million tons. The gap between production and total consumption fills in with import, leading the region to be one of the largest wheat-barley importing zone in the world (22% of global total imports) by 49 million tons in 2022 (FAO, 2024 a,b).

Individually assessing the countries in the region, none exhibit self-sufficiency in wheat. Bahrain, Djibouti, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen have ratios below 10%, demonstrating near-total dependence on imports. Conversely, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Libya, and Palestine have ratios ranging from 15% to 45%. Lastly, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt possess ratios exceeding 50% (FAO, 2024c). It is crucial to acknowledge that, despite a high self-sufficiency ratio, the majority of cereal imports in the region originate from nations that produce cereal, where 82% of the total population resides.

wheat imports in MENA

Source: FAO 2024c

Measures for mitigating risks and improving resilience of cereal supply chain in MENA

Measures for risk mitigation and improvement of resilience in the cereal supply chain differ upon factors of climatic conditions, cereal production capacities, agronomic practices, land structure, storage and transportation infrastructure, gross domestic product, population growth and import dependency ratio. As conditions of 19 MENA countries differ from each other, measures that should be taken are based on specific conditions of each of them.

For instance, building stockpiles is a critical measure that could be preferred by all MENA countries because of their dependence on import. However, the countries that have no production and heavily dependent on import could embrace this policy more, bearing in mind that stockpiling is exposed to the risks of spoilage and so, a good management is essential.

Scientific literature indicates that countries worldwide are actively pursuing free trade agreements (FTAs) to enhance international economic and trade collaboration, since they provide increased flexibility in regulations and facilitate coordination. This sort of regional and/or free trade agreements with cereal exporting countries could be more binding to ensure sustainable flow of cereals by minimizing exposure to the risks of export restrictions at the time of crises (Zeng et al. 2025).

Countries that have moderate cereal production have more options for mitigating risks and improving resilience in supply chain. In addition to the measures mentioned above, those countries could focus on improving productivity of their domestic production which is significantly low in MENA countries. Use of improved varieties, climate-smart agronomic practices, efficient water management, integrated pest and disease management, advanced mechanization and use of up-to-date technology in production do not only increase productivity but also ensure sustainable use of resources and decrease environmental impacts.

MENA region demonstrates substantial harvest and post-harvest losses, with an average of 14% of the total yield from 2000 to 2022 (FAO, 2024d). This figure is substantially higher than the global average of 4%. Minimizing losses along supply chain will reduce import dependency, increase producers’ income and stabilize domestic prices. Timely harvesting, coupled with appropriately calibrated harvesters, enhanced transportation and storage facilities, and an efficient market that considers the interests of producers can increase production by minimizing losses at harvest and post-harvest stages.

Productivity increase and loss reduction measures can succeed when paired with an inclusive extension program, a target-oriented agricultural research initiative, and substantial infrastructural investments which should be funded by the governments since it could be very costly. A top-down strategy that facilitates the engagement of all stakeholders in the value chain should be favored when establishing programs, ensuring that they incorporate diverse perspectives and ultimately encourage stakeholders to embrace measures and policies developed in collaboration.

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the CERERE project. CERERE (CEreals REsiliency REvolution for agile supply chain management in the Mediterranean) is funded by the PRIMA Programme 2023 – Section 1 – Food Value-chain 2023 – Topic 1.3.1 (RIA) – Increasing resilience of agri-food supply chain (cereal) in the MENA region, Grant Agreement No. 2331 (Deliverable 2.5: Macroeconomic analysis of cereal supply chain in the MENA region and in the Mediterranean area). The views expressed belong to the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the PRIMA Foundation.

References

FAO (2024a, December 20). Crops and livestock products. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL

FAO (2024b, December 20). Crops and livestock products. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/TCL

FAO (2024c, December 20). Part-5- Metadata. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.fao.org/4/i2490e/i2490e05.pdf

FAO (2024d, December 20).  Food balances (2010 -). Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/FBS

Zeng H, Chen S, Zhang H and Xu J (2025) The effects and mechanisms of deep free trade agreements on agricultural global value chains. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 8:1523091. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1523091

السواك : فرشاة الأسنان العربية العضوية

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منذ القدم, استخدم الإنسان العديد من التقنيات الطبيعية للحفاظ على صحة الفم والأسنان, ومن هذه الأدوات استخدم أغضان وجذور الأشجار المتواجدة طبيعياً في المناطق التي قطنها, ومن هذه الأشجار شجرة الآراك أو Salvadora persica  المنتشرة في المنطقة العربية. تسمى الأعواد المشتقة من شجرة الآراك بالمسواك أو السواك, يرجع إستخدام السواك في المنطقة العربية إلى عصر ما قبل الإسلام,  لكن كان للإسلام عظيم الأثر في إنتشار وإستمرارية إستخدام السواك في العالم, فكما ورد في الأحاديث الشريفة عن الرسول محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم يعتبر إستخدام السواك جزءاً مهماً من الطقوس الدينية الإسلامية للحفاظ على نظافة الفم وصحة الأسنان واللسان, كما نسبت الأحاديث  النبوية العديد من الفوائد الصحية الأخرى للسواك بما في ذلك تعزيز الذاكرة والبصر، والمساعدة على الهضم، وتخفيف الصداع، وتخفيف ألم الطواحين وتقوية مخارج نطق الكلام وتصفية الصوت والتخلص من بحة الصوت.

natural toothbrush

شجرة الآراك

تنتمي شجرة الآراك إلى الفصيلة الآراكية, وهي شجرة دائمة الخضرة تعيش في المناطق الحارّة والإستوائيّة والصحراويّة, أزهارها صفراء تميل إلى الخضرة، أما ثمارها والتي تسمى بالكباث فهي صغيرة الحجم بطعم ٍ حلوٍ يكون لونها في البداية أخضراً ومن  ثم يتحول إلى الأحمر وعند النضج  تصبح سوداء اللون, وتتميز شجرة الآراك – أو كما تسمّى أحياناً شجرة السواك- بمقاومتها للجفاف وملوحة التربة.

فوائد الآراك الصحية والإقتصادية

من الناحية الصحية, فإن القيمة العلاجية والطبية الفريدة للسواك مثبتة وبالأدلة العلمية, حيث يمزج السواك بين عنصريين أساسيين للحفاظ على صحة الفم والأسنان وهما: المواد الكيميائية الفعالة ذات الخواص المضادة للجراثيم الضارة, والتقنيات الميكانيكية المرنة التي تساعد على الوصول إلى جميع المناطق في الفم دون القيام بحت الأسنان وبالتالي عدم التسبّب بحساسيتها ودون التسبب بأي أذى للثة. ولقد أظهرت الأبحاث أن السواك إذا ما استخدم بالطريقة الصحيحة فإنه يحافظ على صحة الفم بفعالية عالية ويعمل كمضاد للمايكروبات المسببة لإصفرار الأسنان وتشكل طبقة البلاك plaque ، كما أنه يمتلك خصائص طبية تجعل منه علاجاً فعالاً لإلتهاب اللثة وأداة ممتازة لتبييض وتطهير الأسنان ووسيلة للقضاء على رائحة الفم الكريهة مع توفير رائحة فم لطيفة. كما ولقد ثبت علمياً أن تركيب السواك يحوي مكونات طبيعية مفيدة تعمل كمواد مضادة للإلتهاب والإحتقان وعلاج تسوس الأسنان والتي لا توجد عادة في معاجين الأسنان التجارية .

وهذا ولقد حصل السواك على قبول عالمي حيث شجعت منظمة الصحة العالمية على إستخدام عصي المضغ كأداة فعالة للحفاظ على النظافة الفموية. أما تجارياً، فلقد أنتجت بعض البلدان مثل السعودية ومصر وسويسرا والهند والباكستان وماليزيا معاجين أسنان تحوي العناصر الفعالة الموجودة في شجرة الآراك.

يعد الآراك أو S.persica    من الناحية الإقتصادية نباتاً متعدد التطبيقات, إذ يستفاد من ثماره كفاكهة تمتاز بحلاوة الطعم ذات قيمة غذائية عالية للإنسان والطير, كما وترعى النوق والأغنام على أوراقه وثماره وأغضانه حيث أنها غنية بالدهون وتساعد على زيادة وزن المواشي وكمية إنتاجها من الحليب, كما وتحوي أوراق وثمار الآراك مواد غذائيّة مهمّة تعمل على تقوّية أجسام الأغنام والإبل, أيضاً يستخرج من الآراك الصمغ والراتنجات (Resin). بالإضافة إلى ذلك، فإنه يستخدم كنبات في تربية النحل والناتج في هذه الحالة عسلٌ غني بالمركبات الطبية الطبيعية. ليس هذا فحسب,  بل وتحتوي بذور الآراك على نسبةٍ عاليةٍ جداً من الزيت تصل إلى 40% من محتوى هذه البذور, هذا الزيت ذو قيمةٍ اقتصاديةٍ مرتفعة حيث يستخدم في صناعة الصابون والمنظفات ويعتبر هذا الزيت بديلاً جيداً لزيت جوز الهند, ويستخدم زيت الآراك موضعياً على الجلد لعلاج الروماتيزم وتمسح به أجساد الأطفال الحديثي الولادة نظراً لخواصه المطهرة .

مما لا شك فيه أن السواك أداة إقتصادية للحفاظ على نظافة الفم نظرًا لوفرتها ولسهولة إنتاجها،  ولكن ومن المدهش أنه وبالرغم من الإستخدام التاريخي والواسع النطاق للسواك في المنطقة العربية, إلا أنه لم يتم بحث إستخدامه سابقاً من الناحية البيئية كأداة للحفاظ على الصحة الفموية ومقارنة ذلك مع تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة, إذ يمكن إستغلال الإستخدام الواسع للسواك في البلاد الإسلامية بيئياً وذلك بتقديم السواك كأداة صديقة للبيئة وفريدة من نوعها  لتنظيف الفم والأسنان كما سيوضح لاحقا.

فوائد الآراك البيئية

أولاً من الناحية الزراعية

تنتشر زراعة الآراك أو S.persica على نطاق واسع في عدة مناطق في شبه الجزيرة العربية وذلك ليس فقط لإستخدام فروعها كفراشي أسنان طبيعية، إنما أيضاً لتوظيف النبات نفسه كمصداتٍ للرياحِ ولتشكيل أحزمةٍ طبيعيةٍ لحماية محاصيل البستنة والزراعة, كما وتُزرع أشجار الآراك في الأودية الصحراويّة لتثبيت التربة ومنع إنجرافها, هذا وتساعد زراعتها في إستصلاح موائل الكثبان الرملية وإستغلال التربة المالحة في الزراعة.

ثانياً من ناحية الحفاظ على المصادر الطبيعية

تعتبر عمليتي إنتاج السواك وإستهلاكه عمليتان مستدامتان وتحافظان على عناصر البيئة من ماء وهواء وتربة,  فمن حيث التركيب فهو يتركب من مادة عضوية بحتة متوفرة طبيعياً,  أما من ناحية الإنتاج فلا تحتاج عملية إنتاجه إلى خبرة أو أية موارد أو مواد إضافية أو مصانع أومعدات ضخمة, كما أنه على عكس عملية تصنيع فراشي الأسنان ومعاجين الأسنان الصناعية, فإن إنتاج السواك لا يولد نفايات صناعية نهائياً ولا يلوث الهواء كما تفعل الصناعات الحديثة, أضف إلى ذلك أن إنتاجه  يعتمد بشكل كامل على الطاقة الشمسية الطبيعية فقط فهو بذلك موفر للطاقة ولا يعتمد على طاقة الوقود الأحفوري الملوثة للبيئة,  أما من ناحية إستهلاك المياه  فإن نبتة S.persica تتمتع بقدرة عالية على تحمل ملوحة التربة حيث يمكن لبذور هذا النبات أن تنمو في ماءٍ مالحٍ معدل ملوحته dsm 15,

كما تتميز هذه النبتة بإستهلاكها الضئيل للماء حيث أن شجرة الأراك قادرة على تحمل بيئة قاحلة للغاية مع متوسط ​​هطول أمطار أقل من 200 ملم سنوياً.  وحتى بعد الإستخدام, فإن السواك صديق للبيئة حيث أن التخلص من بقاياه سهل جداً نظراً لطبيعته العضوية.

السواك وأهداف التنمية المستدامة للأمم المتحدة

وعند الرجوع إلى أهداف التنمية المستدامة للأمم المتحدة (SDG), نجد أن إستخدام السواك كبديل مستدام لفرشاة الأسنان الصناعية يحقق بصورة مباشرة أو غير مباشرة الأهداف التالية :

  1. الهدف الثالث المتمثل بتمتع الجميع بأنماط عيش صحية.
  2. الهدف السادس المتمثل بتوافر المياه للجميع وإدارتها إدارة مستدامة.
  3. الهدف السابع المتمثل بالطاقة نظيفة والمستدامة.
  4. الهدف الحادي عشر المتمثل بمدن ومجتمعات محلية مستدامة.
  5. الهدف الثاني عشر المتمثل بوجود أنماط إستهلاك وإنتاج مستدامة.

الخلاصة

مما سبق يستنتج أنه يمكن تبني السواك بسهولة كفرشاة أسنان صديقة للبيئة وكبديل أخضر لفرشاة الأسنان البلاستيكية التقليدية للحفاظ على نظافة الفم وصحة الأسنان, حيث أنه فرشاة أسنان عضوية طبيعية تتميز بوفرتها وبسهولة إستخدامها وبإنخفاض تكلفتها وتكلفة إنتاجها وتوفيرها للماء والطاقة مع عدم إنتاجها للنفايات الصناعية أو تسببها بالتلوث سواء في أثناء عملية التصنيع أو بعد الإنتهاء من الإستخدام, هذا وإن زراعتها تعتبر إستصلاحاً للتربة المالحة  وذات قيمة إقتصادية وبيئية مهمة.