Social Norms and Breastfeeding Practice among Post-Caesarean Women in East Java, Indonesia
1 Dr. Reni Yuli Astutik, 2 Dr. Yenny Puspitasari, 3 Dr. Agusta Dian EllinaBackground: Breastfeeding after caesarean section is often delayed due to post-operative pain, limited mobility, and reduced mother infant contact. In addition to clinical factors, social norms especially support from husbands, family members, and healthcare providers can influence breastfeeding practices. This study examined the association between social norms and breastfeeding practices during the first three postpartum days among post-caesarean mothers in East Java, Indonesia. Methods: a cross-sectional observational study was conducted from July to October 2024 at a hospital in East Java. a total of 296 post-caesarean mothers were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews. Social norms were assessed using a Subjective Norm Scale adapted from the Theory of Planned Behavior, measuring perceived support from husbands, family members, and healthcare providers. Breastfeeding practices were evaluated daily from day 1 to day 3 postpartum using a composite Breastfeeding Practice Index based on WHO indicators. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics. associations were analyzed using Chi-square tests, while changes across postpartum days were assessed using Cochran’s Q test, Friedman test, and post-hoc analyses. Results: high support was reported from husbands (68.2%), family members (62.8%), and healthcare providers (72.3%), while 66.9% of mothers had positive subjective norms. breastfeeding practices improved significantly from day 1 to day 3, with good practices increasing from 60.1% to 64.9% (Friedman test, p = 0.001). all individual breastfeeding indicators improved significantly (Cochran’s Q test, p < 0.05). social norms were significantly associated with breastfeeding practices; mothers receiving high support from husbands, family, and healthcare providers were more likely to practice good breastfeeding (p < 0.01). subjective norm scores were highest among mothers with good breastfeeding practices (p < 0.001).conclusion: early breastfeeding practices among post-caesarean mothers improve over time and are strongly influenced by social norms. strengthening support from husbands, family, and healthcare providers is essential to promote optimal breastfeeding after caesarean delivery.
A Domain-specific Multi-layer Convolutional Algorithm for Gastrointestinal Diagnostics
1 Esha Saxena, 2 Suraiya Parveen, 3 Mohd. Abdul Ahad, 4 Meenakshi YadavThe human body is a highly complex structure, and the presence of disorders further complicates its understanding. Gastrointestinal disorders are one of the issues that affect approximately 40% of the global population. In cases of intestinal disorders, diagnosis can sometimes be challenging, thereby necessitating the use of Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) for accurate internal observation. Different algorithms have boosted the use of AI and DL for medical imaging. In our research, we propose a DL-based algorithm for the identification and classification of GI tract issues from endoscopic images. The CNN is the base architecture with the highest accuracy rate for medical imaging. The system combines multiple layers into the algorithm using various image pre-processing techniques to enhance the accuracy rate. The algorithm is applied to eight different classes of intestinal diseases and achieves an accuracy of more than 90% for each class. Early detection is a blessing to the patient to giving them time to recover. We aim to narrate the potential of AI, DL techniques for endoscopic investigations and try to provide insights for future research directions through this paper.
Depression secondary to complex trauma presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Complex trauma, resulting from repeated interpersonal adversities, disrupts emotional regulation and identity development, often leading to alexithymia and chronic mood disturbances. This case report describes a 37-year-old male with a severe depressive episode following prolonged psychosocial stress and unresolved trauma. The patient demonstrated significant improvement through combined pharmacotherapy and individualized cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy. The case underscores the importance of trauma-informed approaches in the management of depression resistant to conventional treatment.
The Impact of Consultants on the Procurement of Public Construction Projects in Abuja, Nigeria
1 Abubakar B. H, 2 Anigbogu N. A and 3 Maren Mallo DanielConsultants play a pivotal role in public construction procurement by providing technical, managerial and advisory services that shape project outcomes. Despite their importance, procurement inefficiencies persist in Nigeria, raising concerns about the effectiveness of consultancy services, particularly in Abuja where federal construction activities are concentrated. This study examines the extent to which consultants impact the procurement of public construction projects in Abuja, Nigeria. A mixed-methods research design adopting a convergent parallel approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 391 public construction stakeholders, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews conducted 8 professionals. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, including the Kruskal–Wallis test, were used to analyze quantitative data, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative responses. The findings indicate that consultants exert the greatest influence during project implementation (Mean = 4.12), contract execution (Mean = 4.09) and stakeholder engagement (Mean = 4.04). Moderate influence was observed in risk management (Mean = 3.89), quality assurance (Mean = 3.87) and environmental and social impact assessment (Mean = 3.83), while minimal influence was recorded in early-stage procurement activities such as advertisement (Mean = 2.49), approval (Mean = 2.86) and contract award (Mean = 2.93). Hypothesis testing revealed no statistically significant variation in stakeholder perceptions of consultant impact across procurement stages (H = 6.637, p = .156), indicating broad consensus among stakeholder groups. Qualitative findings further demonstrate that consultants contribute substantially to cost control, time management, quality assurance and regulatory compliance, although their technical recommendations are sometimes constrained by administrative and political factors. The study concludes that consultants significantly influence public construction procurement outcomes in Abuja, particularly during implementation and contract administration phases. It recommends enhanced early-stage consultant involvement and the development of a standardized performance evaluation framework aligned with Nigeria’s public procurement system to strengthen accountability, value for money and project delivery outcomes.
Background: Over the years, sport development has progressed rapidly in various climes, with attribution of this growth being accorded to proper management practices. Management practices encompass a range of activities and strategies employed to achieve organizational goals efficiently. However, the researcher observed that the rate of sports development in Kwara State is relatively below expectations due to a gross inadequacy in areas of funding, personnel, equipment, facilities as well as inappropriate training, which may be attributed to poor management practices. Aims and Objectives: Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the perceived influence of management practices on sport development in the Kwara State Sports Commission. Methodology: Descriptive survey research design was employed for this study. The population of the study comprised all 140 Kwara Sports Commission stakeholders. 100 respondents were chosen using the random sampling technique. A researcher-structured questionnaire was employed for this study, with a reliability coefficient of 0.73 obtained using the test-retest method of reliability. Collected data was analyzed using inferential statistics of chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The findings revealed that management practices (funding, personnel, facilities and equipment) have a significant influence on sports development. Conclusion: Based on these premises, it was concluded that the variables altogether, play a distinct role in sport development. The study therefore recommends that funding for grassroots sports programmes should be increased to enhance overall sport participation and development. Furthermore, investment should be made into areas of coach development programmes to enhance their skills and knowledge.
This study investigated the role of Assistive Technology (AT) in influencing Physical Activity Levels (PAL) and Quality of Life (QoL) among Visually Impaired (VI) and Hearing Impaired (HI) students at Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, Nigeria, where access to inclusive education remains challenging despite legal mandates. Using an ex post facto design, a purposive sample of 129 students (67 VI, 62 HI) completed adapted versions of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) and WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire. Data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and independent t-tests at α = .05. Findings revealed high overall AT adoption (72.9% regular use), but with disparities: 92.5% among VI versus 51.6% among HI students. Mean PAL was 2679.57 MET-minutes/week, with HI students significantly more active (3007.03 METs) than VI students (2376.55 METs; t(127) = 5.660, p < .001). AT exerted no significant influence on VI students' PAL but a negative effect on HI students' PAL (β = -.371, p = .003, R² = .138). Similarly, PAL showed no impact on VI students' QoL but a negative association for HI students (β = -.342, p = .007, R² = .117). QoL ratings were comparable across groups (no significant difference; t(127) = .908, p = .366). Based on these premises, recommendations raised include tailored AT for mobility enhancement and adaptive physical programs to bridge activity gaps, fostering equitable health outcomes in special education settings.
Soccer is one of the most popular and complex sports, characterized by rapid, high-intensity motor activities. Owing to its physical demands, including frequent jumping, landing, and sudden directional changes, soccer players are at an elevated risk of developing overuse injuries such as jumper’s knee. This study examined the influence of sleep pattern, stress pattern, nutritional pattern, and health status on injury prevention among soccer players in tertiary institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria. An ex post facto research design was adopted, and a sample of 93 participants was selected using multistage sampling procedures. Data were collected with a validated questionnaire (reliability coefficient r = 0.76), while percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression were employed for analysis at a 0.05 alpha level. The results revealed that sleep pattern showed an inverse relationship with injury prevention (β = -0.092, p = 0.388), stress pattern demonstrated a significant positive relationship (β = 0.443, p < 0.001), and nutritional pattern exhibited a negative but non-significant relationship (β = -0.030, p = 0.756). Based on these findings, it was concluded that stress, sleep, and nutritional patterns collectively contribute to injury prevention among soccer players in tertiary institutions in Kwara State. The study recommends that athletes should be encouraged to observe adequate rest after competitions to facilitate recovery from injuries, while coaches and trainers should enforce structured sleep and nutritional regimens to enhance players’ performance and reduce injury risks.
Domestic Violence and its Associated Factors among LGBTQIA+ Communities in Urban Myanmar
1 Winn Lwin Htoo, 2 Theingi Maung Maung, 3 Hnin Pwint Phyu, 4 Kyaw Swa, 5 Dusita Phuengsamran, 6 Sarunya SujaritpongBackground: Domestic violence can be defined as a range of harmful behaviors that occur in any relationship regardless of their race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, socioeconomic backgrounds and educational level when someone is exerting power and control over the others. Although the prevalence of domestic violence against women was expressed in Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey, the data on violence against LGBTQIA+ people was limited in Myanmar context. Moreover, Penal Code 377 prohibited unnatural sex including sodomy and it can sentence to prison up to 20 years in Myanmar and violence against LGBTQIA+ people are unacknowledged and underreported. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the period prevalence of domestic violence against LGBTQIA+ people in Myanmar and to explore associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 322 LGBTQIA+ people living in two big cities in Myanmar-Yangon and Mandalay were collected in June 2023, through an online platform. Association between domestic violence in LGBTQIA+ people and potential factors were analyzed using chi-square statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression models. Results: The period prevalence of domestic violence among LGBTQIA+in the past 12 months was 30.49%. Gender identity, homophobic expression of family members and experienced stigma were significantly associated with ever-experienced domestic violence. Compared to cisgender, transgender and queer participants were more exposed to domestic violence, showing2.97 (95% CI: 1.29, 6.94) and 2.80 times (95% CI: 1.09: 7.43) respectively. Participants whose family members expressed homophobia were 2.38 times (95% CI:1.24, 4.64) more likely to experience domestic violence. Respondents with experienced-stigma had a 5.24 time (95% CI: 2.49, 11.70) of higher risk to domestic violence. Conclusion: The study revealed that laws and policy should be strengthened to protect LGBTQIA+rights, and more support services should be available for the victims of domestic violence in Myanmar.
Role of Strengthening Exercises in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review
1 R. Rajyalakshmi, 2 A. P. Rakshitha, 3 S. Hemavathi, 4 M. ManognaBackground: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative condition common complaint and a leading cause of pain, functional limitation, and disability among the growing population. In addition to structural common degeneration, peri-articular muscle weakness, particularly of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip musculature, plays a vital part in symptom strictness, altered biomechanics, and complaint progression. It's believed that quadriceps strength training may reduce pain and meliorate functional exertion in cases with knee osteoarthritis. This improvement is generally attributed to increased quadriceps strength. This study excavated whether quadriceps muscle strength increases with abating pain, perfecting functional exertion in the knee (KOA).Encyclopedically, osteoarthritis (KOA) is the leading cause of disability. The most current complaints associated with (KOA) are neck pain, common stiffness, and weakness in the muscles of the lower branches. These symptoms impede movement and affect in functional limitations. Objective: This narrative review aims to completely examine the part, mechanisms, and validation supporting strengthening exercises in the operation of knee osteoarthritis. Ideal the purpose of this narrative review is to examine the part of strengthening exercises in reducing pain, perfecting common stability, and enhancing functional issues in individualities with knee osteoarthritis. Styles A comprehensive literature quest was conducted using electronic databases, including Google Scholar and Pub Med. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including Google Scholar and Pub Med. Keywords such as knee osteoarthritis, strengthening exercises, quadriceps strengthening, hip abductor strengthening, and resistance training were used to identify relevant review articles, randomized controlled trials, and clinical studies published over the last 15 years. Selected studies focusing on muscle strengthening interventions and their effects on pain and function in knee OA were analyzed. Findings: Validation from the literature constantly demonstrates that strengthening exercises targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles significantly reduce pain, meliorate gait mechanics, enhance common stability, and meliorate functional performance measured through validated outgrowth tools analogous as WOMAC and gait parameters. Progressive resistance training and functional unrestricted- chain strengthening exercises show superior benefits compared to range- of- stir exercises alone. Conclusion: Strengthening exercises form a fundamental element in the conservative exertion operation of knee osteoarthritis. Incorporating structured and progressive muscle- strengthening programs can substantially meliorate the quality of life and functional independence in individualities with knee OA. Keywords Knee osteoarthritis, quadriceps strengthening, hip strengthening, pain reduction, resistance training, gait, and function
Framing the Tigray War: Identity Targeting Discourse in Ethiopian Mainstream Broadcast Media
1 Tsigabu Hailekiros Nigusse, 2 Professor Challa RamakrishnanThis study examines how three leading Ethiopian mainstream media outlets Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), Amhara Mass Media Agency (AMMA), and Ethiopian Satellite Television and Radio (ESAT) reported and framed the Ethiopia–Tigray war and how identity-focused language appeared in ways that could increase tension between groups. The study uses a qualitative multiple-case approach and combines qualitative content analysis with key informant interviews to understand how wartime narratives were produced, what editorial choices shaped coverage, and how media ethics were handled during a national crisis. The content analysis is based on 180 carefully selected conflict-related items drawn from prime-time news, talk shows, and available transcripts or web texts. Key informant interviews were conducted with journalists, editors, media scholars, regulators, and civil society monitors who were directly involved in, or closely observing, conflict communication. Data were coded through an iterative process informed by dangerous-speech research and by themes that emerged from the Ethiopian context. The findings show that identity-related hostility was often communicated through recurring framing patterns. Coverage frequently relied on strong security narratives and labeling practices, which could present opponents as threats and simplify complex events into moral “us versus them” divisions. In several cases, responsibility for violence was discussed in ways that could be read as collective blame, and some expressions reduced empathy by using exclusionary or degrading descriptions. Competing narratives of victimhood also appeared, where suffering was highlighted for some groups while minimized for others. In addition, the idea of necessity and national survival sometimes made harsh actions appear reasonable or unavoidable. Differences across outlets were also clear. EBC and AMMA more often reflected official security and unity frames, while ESAT more often challenged federal narratives, but could still intensify polarization through identity-centered talk. Interviewees stressed that limited access to conflict zones, weak verification conditions, political pressure, and newsroom polarization reduced careful editorial control. The study highlights practical ways to improve conflict-sensitive reporting, including clear rules on identity labels, stronger verification and corrections, careful quotation practices, and editorial review of loaded metaphors before broadcast.
Molar Distalization in Orthodontics: A Comprehensive Review
1 Dr. Anjum Shaikh, 2 Dr. Pooja Gangare, 3 Dr. Sija Alaien John, 4 Dr. Isha Gupta, 5 Dr. Sweta KaushikCorrection of Class II malocclusion by distalization of maxillary molars with intraoral appliances is a non-extraction treatment approach, which has been described as an alternative to Head Gear. From the past few years, the procedures have undergone rectification to achieve treatment objective more precisely. This has been made possible by a better understanding of bone physiology, tooth movement, biomechanics and newer biomaterials. Nowadays newer distal zing appliances, like the Jones Jig, Lokar distalizer and Carrière distalizer, have been developed which have compact designs and cause minimal discomfort to the patient. Refinement in these appliances is concentrated mainly on achieving bodily movement of the molar rather than simple tipping. These appliances are also operator friendly as these are easy to insert and remove. Researchers have focused on the simplicity and efficiency of these intraarch devices. Which improves the continuity and constancy of forces? Oral hygiene is easier to maintain and the need for patient compliance is eliminated.
Background: The rising incidence of cognitive disorders, including dementia, underscores the urgent need for cost-effective and ethically compliant animal models to study neurodegenerative mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic strategies. Nano particle-induced neurotoxicity has emerged as a promising approach for modelling cognitive impairment; however, the synthesis route plays a critical role in determining nano particle biocompatibility and toxic potential. Objective: This study compares biologically synthesized aluminium oxide nano particles (bio-Al?O? NPs) with chemically synthesized aluminium oxide nano particles (chem-Al?O? NPs) to establish a safe and reliable cognition-deficit model in zebra fish (Danio rerio).Methods: Al?O? NPs were synthesized via (i) a green method using Citrus aurantium (orange peel) extract and (ii) conventional chemical precipitation. Characterization involved UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Following Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) protocols, zebra fish embryos and larvae were exposed to graded NP concentrations. Developmental endpoints included survival, hatching success, cardiac function, and morphological defects. Neurobehavioral assays assessed locomotors activity, zone preference, and anxiety-like responses. Results: Bio-Al?O? NPs were spherical (8–25 nm), partially amorphous, and exhibited minimal aluminium release (0.0201 ppm), whereas chem-Al?O? NPs were rod-shaped (8–11 nm), highly crystalline, and contained elevated aluminium levels (6.83 ppm). Chem-Al?O? exposure induced significant developmental toxicity, including pericardial edema, reduced heart rate, and pronounced behavioural impairments. Bio-Al?O? NPs elicited subtle but measurable cognitive disturbances with negligible structural abnormalities. Conclusion: Green-synthesized Al?O? NPs provide a safer alternative for inducing cognition-related phenotypes in zebra fish, offering a sustainable and effective platform for neurotoxicity modelling and therapeutic screening. This work emphasizes the influence of synthesis strategies on nano toxicological outcomes and supports zebra fish as a valuable model for neurobehavioral research.
Tony Kushner’s Angels in Americais a seminal theatrical work that captures the emotional, social, and political turmoil wrought by the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s America. This article examines the complex dynamics of love and abandonment through the fractured relationship between the central characters Louis Iron son and Prior Walter, foregrounding the crisis of care and responsibility during systemic neglect. Drawing on critical interpretations and philosophical frameworks, particularly Erick Sierra’s and other scholars’ analysis of ideological love versus embodied responsibility, this study argues that Kushner critiques sentimental love that collapses under the weight of suffering and elevates ethical love as a sustained presence and accountability. This article situates the personal trauma of abandonment within broader structures of homophobia, government indifference, and cultural stigma, highlighting how the AIDS crisis exposes the limits of liberal intellectualism and demands a redefinition of love as praxis. Through close textual analysis and engagement with secondary scholarship, this study contributes to the understanding of queer love, ethical failure, and social marginalization in contemporary American dramas.
Sustainability Disclosure and Corporate Financial Performance of Listed Oil & Gas Firms in Nigeria
1 C.P Ugwu, 2 E Emengini, 3 Dr. O.LudeThe study examined the effect of sustainability disclosure on financial performance of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The main objective of this study therefore was to examine the effect of sustainability disclosures on the financial performance of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The independent variable, sustainability disclosures, was proxied by sustainable economic disclosure, sustainable environmental disclosure and sustainable social disclosure while the dependent variable, financial performance, was proxied by return on assets (ROA), return on Equity (ROE) and Profit after Tax. The research design adopted for this study was ex post facto, secondary data were used and the population of the study was 11 listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria while the sample consisted of all the 11 listed oil and gas firms. In order to ensure robustness in the analysis of the data and hypothesis testing, it incorporated two control variables, which are total assets and firm size. Pretest estimations like descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation test, Levine, Lin, and Chu (LLC) Unit Root Test, Pedroni Residual Co integration Test was carried out and panel regression analysis was used for the analysis. The findings revealed that economic sustainability disclosure for the period of this study has negative and significant impact on return on assets of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria, environmental sustainable disclosure for the period of this study had positive but insignificant impact on return on equity of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria, social sustainable disclosure for the period of this study had negative and insignificant impact on profit after tax of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria.
The parabolic method of teaching was employed basically because it was an effective way of instruction; it also explains pictorially and concretely to convey spiritual or moral truth about God, which may not be readily understood by the hearers if rendered in abstract terms. Despite their relevance, there has been limited empirical investigation on how CRS teachers perceive and utilize these parables in classroom instruction, especially in addressing contemporary challenges such as dishonesty, bullying, intolerance, and indiscipline. Understanding teachers’ perceptions and practices is essential for strengthening moral education in secondary schools. The objectives were to, find out the teachers’ general perceptions on parable of the Sower for promoting positive values and investigate influence of teachers’ gender, qualification and school type on their perceptions. The study employed a descriptive survey research type, targeting all Senior Secondary School CRS teachers in Ekiti State. A sample of 150 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected through a researcher-designed and validated questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.84 established via the test-retest method. Research questions were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviation, while three hypotheses were tested using t-test and ANOVA at the 0.05 significance level. Teachers’ perceptions were measured on a five-point Likert scale ranging from Very Low Extent to Very Large Extent, later grouped into High, Moderate, and Low categories. Findings obtained from the study revealed that the majority of the CRS teachers’ level perception indicated a Large Extent and Very Large Extent to the research questions. The study also showed that there was no significant difference in teachers’ perception of positive values among senior secondary school students in Ekiti State based on gender and school type; however, there was a significant difference in teachers’ qualifications. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher concluded that CRS teachers generally perceived parable of the Sower as effective instrument for instilling moral values among students in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was recommended that teachers should deliberately integrate other parables into classroom teaching as moral guides and undergo regular training to contextualize them for modern challenges, while that parents should be up and doing in the discharge of their duties, and moral education should be emphasized in schools.
This paper addresses the increasing "mechanization" of work in the modern transactional economy by proposing a non-Western, human-centric conceptual framework for organizational purpose. While modern management literature focuses on productivity-driven metrics, this study interrogates the theoretical gap between organizational branding and lived ethics. Utilizing a thematic analysis of the Guru Granth Sahib, the research explores how the ethical triad of Kirat Karo (honest labour), Naam Japo (mindful awareness), and Vand Chhako (sharing) transforms work from a survival-based transaction into a vehicle for human dignity and social harmony. By synthesizing these ancient principles with contemporary constructs like Self-Determination Theory and the Triple Bottom Line, the paper analyses the Tata Group as a successful institutionalized model of this triad. The findings suggest that integrating gratitude and interdependence into organizational structures offers a sustainable route to reducing worker alienation and fostering psychological safety.
Users' Perceived Efficiency of Services in Academic Libraries; Suggestion for Library Management
1Dr. Obia Gopeh Inyang; 2Dr. Christopher Okoi Offem; 3Dr. Oluyemi Ayorinde Akintoye; 4Dr Cecilia Undie Angrey; 5Dr. Lane Kajang Joshua; 6Dr. Vivian Arrey Mbaze-EbockThis study assessed users’ perceived efficiency of services in academic library and offered suggestions for improvement to library administration. Descriptive survey was used to solicit information from1800 respondents in nine tertiary institutions using questionnaire. Data analysis was done using tables, and simple percentages. Results revealed that users perceived many library offers as services to a very high percentage like lending (100%), reference (96.45%), user education (84.89%), current awareness (95.26%), Selective Dissemination of Information (84.39%) and photography (95.43%). However, interlibrary loan (28.86%), reservation (17.47%), and exhibition/display (33.82%) saw high disagreement. Additionally, from table 3, there was a high disagreement frequency- approximately, 93% of users showed that librarians lacked service management skills, leading to arbitrary service delivery as 7% identified service managers among librarians. Only 7.89% and 3.38% claimed to have made service suggestions, while 99.66% did not, indicating poor user-management engagement and feedback practices. In conclusion, since a service is to be of value to a customer, library program should be planned so that every user makes use of all library offers within their time of study so they can personally benefit from all services. Suggestions were made for the future.
Truancy, a practice that carries desire effects on the students in particular, has become prevalent among students across different levels of education. It is more worrisome considering the involvement of higher education students in truancy because they are expected to exhibit more seriousness towards school attendance owing to their age and previous academic experiences. This study therefore aimed to investigate social media as predictor of truancy behavior among undergraduate students of university of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. It also examined the level of social media usage and truancy behavior among students. The study is a survey of correlation type. The study’s sample size was 381 respondents selected using both the convenience and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used was a questionnaire type tagged “Social Media and Truancy Behavior Questionnaire”. The instrument possessed a reliability coefficient of 0.91 having been subjected to the split-half method. Data was analyzed using the mean score and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistics. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that undergraduate students engage in moderate social media usage while their level of truancy behavior was high. Further, social media usage positively predicted truancy behavior among undergraduate students. It was concluded that the high prevalence of truancy behavior underscores the need for targeted interventions among undergraduate students. It is therefore imperative that the university management implements robust attendance monitoring systems and maintain responsible use of social across universities in order to minimize rate of truancy among undergraduates.
Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis Unmasked by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Tendon Xanthomas.
1 Nikhil Kumar, 2 Ranwir Kumar Sinha, 3 Pradosh Kumar Sarangi, 4 Manish Raj, 5 Varsha Vijayan, 6 Anandraj Vaithy KCerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare auto somal recessive lipid storage disorder caused by mutations in the CYP27A1 gene, resulting in deficiency of sterol 27-hydroxylase, a key enzyme in bile acid synthesis. Impaired bile acid metabolism leads to accumulation of cholesterol and cholesterol in multiple tissues, particularly the brain, tendons, and eyes. We report a case of a 32-year-old male who presented with multiple symmetrical tendon swellings involving the Achilles tendons and elbows, along with progressive lower limb stiffness and a history of early-onset cataracts. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated bilateral T2/FLAIR hyper intensities involving the cerebellar dentate nuclei and per ventricular white matter. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the tendon swellings revealed numerous foamy macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and cholesterol clefts in a lipoidal background, consistent with xanthomatous pathology. Biochemical evaluation was suggestive of CTX. This case highlights the diagnostic value of FNAC as a simple and minimally invasive adjunct, particularly when correlated with clinical and radiological findings, and underscores its usefulness in resource-limited settings for early recognition of CTX.
Evaluation on Use of Waste Plastic for Soil Stabilization: A Review
Ms. Bhagyashree Prakash Chelani, Dr. Rajesh Dhoble, Dr. Prasad Prakashrao Dahale, Mrs. Vaishali P. KesalkarPlastic has become an integral part of daily life; however, its widespread use has created significant environmental challenges due to improper disposal. One effective and sustainable approach to managing plastic waste is its use in soil stabilization. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of waste plastic bottle fibers for reinforcing soils. It examines the effectiveness of plastic as a soil reinforcement material and suggests suitable fiber dimensions and proportions for optimal performance. The study highlights that waste plastic bottles can be efficiently recycled for soil stabilization applications by considering key soil properties such as optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS).
With the growing importance of Chhattisgarhi as a language and culture in education, media, and governance, there has been a need for good English-to-Chhattisgarhi translations. Existing systems that carry out translation suffer from three main setbacks: one, they are exclusively text-based; two, they lack structure for dealing with low-resource languages; and three, they have no means to embed visual or prosodic context that shape idiomatic expressions and discourse styles. These limitations yield translations that are literal, morphologically inconsistent, and semantically misaligned with multimodal cues. To combat this situation, the authors describe a validated multimodal translation framework consisting of five analytically novel methods arranged in sequential data flow. First, the Cross-Modal Event-Pivot Graph Induction (CEP-Graph) aligns English semantics with visual events with the Hindi language existing as a morpho-syntactic pivot, ensuring event-role coherence. Second, the Grounded Lexico-Semantic Transfer with Contrastive Pivoting (GLST-Pivot) enforces the transfer of concepts into Chhattisgarhi while giving role-faithful lexicalization under visual constraints. Thirdly, the Neural Morphology-Syntax Composer for Chhattisgarhi (NMSC-CG) generates morphologically complete and syntactically valid sentences by means of neural FST-augmented composition. Fourth, Prosody- and Gesture-Aware Idiomatic Refiner (PGAIR) integrates prosodic and gestural cues to conditionally diffusingly edit into idiomaticity and register variation in process. Finally, Self Validating Multimodal Quality Estimation with Feedback (SM-QEF) ensures reference-free validation, error localization, and self-training signals to maintain improvements with a small quantity of annotated data samples. The experimental analysis manifests consistent performance improvement, showing end-to-end improvement by +10.8 BLEU, +11.7 chrF++, and +1.2 MOS in human evaluation against the baseline cascaded system. The proposed pipeline studies and optimizes alignment, lexical transfer, morphology, idiomaticity, and quality validation under a unified structure, therefore providing a validated pathway to robust multimodal translation in low-resource languages.
An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm, Janta College, Bake war, Etawah during Rabi season of 2023-24 and 2024-2025. The experimental site is located approximately 23 km east of the district headquarters in Etawah. The site is located at 26.661565°N, 79.170517°E at an elevation of 142 m above mean sea level and falls under the sub-tropical climate zone. The region gets an average of 1143 mm of rain every year. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seventeen treatments replicated thrice. The results revealed that in comparison with other given treatments T17 application of recommended dose of NPK through chemical fertilizer + Boron @ 2 kg/hac + Sulphur @ 30 kg/hac + Zinc @ 15 kg/ha to potato plants cv. Kufri Khyati under the UP conditions can relatively lead to enhanced quality in terms of Specific gravity, Starch content (%), Protein (%), TSS, Ascorbic acid content of the potato.
How Consumption Values Spark Green Cosmetics Buying: The Mediator Role of Positive Word of Mouth
1 Farsana. C & 2 Dr. K. VidhyakalaCommunities worldwide are becoming progressively more conscious of environmental issues, leading to a rising demand for environmentally friendly product alternatives among consumers. This trend is also evident in the beauty industry, where numerous brands are expanding their offerings to include green beauty products, and new eco-friendly beauty brands are constantly entering the market. This research seeks to analyze how the functional, social, emotional, conditional, and epistemic dimensions of the Theory of Consumption Value impact intentions of consumers to choose green cosmetics and to assess whether the relationship between these variables is mediated by positive word of mouth. Purposive sampling method was used to choose 250 consumers of green cosmetics and surveyed with a structured questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested using PROCESS macro in SPSS 25.The results of linear regression analysis demonstrate a strong correlation between the intention to purchase green cosmetics and consumption value dimensions, with positive word-of-mouth serving as a mediator in this relationship. The study’s findings contribute valuable theoretical and practical insights into green consumer behaviour.
The crux of this research paper is to determine the scope of right against self-incrimination which is guaranteed under the Indian constitution. To prevent the police or investigators from misusing their power, it is important to protect an accused person from being forced into making self-incriminating statements. This includes cases where confessions are obtained under pressure or through neuroscientific techniques that could violate their right to privacy. Furthermore, the researcher will lay emphasis upon the various landmark judgements which have been passed by the Hon'ble judiciary over the past many decades, for deciding the very scope of this right in context of right to privacy as guaranteed by the Indian constitution under the ambit of right to life.
Facilitators and Barriers to the Adoption of Lifestyle and Therapy Mobile Health Applications
1 Stuti Sehgal; 2 Kusum Lata; 3 Naval GargThis qualitative research examined the facilitators and the barriers to use of lifestyle and therapy mobile health (mHealth) applications in 30 adult users (P1-P30) in a semi-urban Indian environment, to fill the gaps in user trust, privacy issues, and features of the mobile health application that would determine long-term use. With semi-structured thematic analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews, seven general themes were identified: general usage perceptions (ex: motivations to use stress reduction, sleep improvement), app design/usability (easy interfaces appreciated by P1-P3, P24-P29), technical access (crash, storage in P21-P27), social support (family sharing, unanimous doctor recommendation), motivation/engagement (gamification, progress tracking in P24-P25), therapy specific apps (mood tracking), and others. Deductive coding found 10 key barriers; validity (poor quality data), technology (incompatibility), usability (poor layouts), data privacy/security (data insecurity in P2, P4, P24-P30), use/adherence (poor engagement), knowledge/skills gaps, patient-physician issues, individuality, implementation (resistance of clinicians), costs. The main facilitators were personalization (individual reminders), user empowerment, social/professional validation and system integration. The results are in line with the TAM, DOI, and TDF recommendations and emphasize usability, trust, and cultural considerations to contribute to improved adoption through user-friendly design and privacy protection.
Natural grazing is the dominant system, understanding the composition and characteristics of available vegetation becomes essential for maintaining productivity and ecological balance. This study aims to analyze and identify the types of forages and non-forages found on natural livestock ranches in Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua. Through field surveys, direct observations, and sample analysis, the research categorized plant species into forage and non-forage groups based on their palatability, nutritional content, and potential use for livestock. We applied Chi-square, Cramers’ V, PCA, and k-Means cluster test to measure association of plants and locations of the samples. However, we also predicted the additional population species projection using iNext software. The results revealed Warayaro’s natural rangeland is a heterogenic pasture that consists of 15 types of fodder which include 9 grasses, 1 legume, and 5 types of other fodder, either of native and nonnative origin (14 genuses from 8 families) dominated by Paspalum dilatatum Poir. The botanical composition of the natural pasture in Warayaro consists of 86.7% grasses, 10.5% legumes and 2.8% other forages. If other forages are excluded, the botanical composition is 89.2% grasses and 10.8% legumes. CF (Closed to Forest) shows the highest projected species richness. There is no significant association between the number of forage plant species and the location. The Cramér’s V indicates that the strength of the relationship between location and species count is weak. Therefore, the distribution of forage plant species tends to be uniform across the plot locations and does not show statistically consistent differences. However, a significant proportion of the vegetation consisted of non-palatable or low-nutrient species, indicating a need for improved pasture management and enrichment. This study provides crucial baseline data for resource planning, livestock development programs, and ecological conservation in the area.
Relationship between Financial Sustainability and Universities Performance in Kwara State, Nigeria
1 Dr. Rasaq Lanre Abdulkareem, 2 Ahmed-Zakariyyah Rahmat BukolaFinancial sustainability is pivotal for universities performance in academic standards, and strong academic performance enhances financial viability, creating a cycle that supports the long-term success of educational institutions. This study therefore investigated financial sustainability and university’s performance in Kwara State, Nigeria. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design of correlation type, using a purposive sampling technique. A self-designed questionnaire was administered on 127 bursary staff across three universities in term of federal, state and private in Kwara State. a researchers’ designed questionnaire titled Financial Sustainability Questionnaire (FSQ) and Student Academic Performance Pro-forma were used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed research questions were answered using percentage and mean aggregate while the hypotheses formulated were tested using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The findings of the study include that while universities demonstrate strength in financial governance, challenges persist in areas involving revenue generation, adaptive financial planning and a high level of academic achievement; there was significant relationship between financial sustainability and performance of universities, there was significant relationship between internally generated revenue and the performance of universities; there was significant relationship between cost management practices and the performance of universities; there was significant relationship between financial planning and the performance of universities; and there was significant relationship between expenditure control and the performance of universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. This study concluded that while universities exhibit strength in financial governance and academic performance. More so financial sustainability as a whole had significantly predicted institutional performance. It was recommended that universities should prioritize innovative and diversified revenue strategies alongside adaptive financial planning to strengthen long-term sustainability; university administrators should ensure financial sustainability strategies directly aligned with academic and institutional objectives; and universities should strengthen and expand their IGR sources, such as commercial ventures and alumni support, to enhance institutional effectiveness.
This research examines the media coverage of political defection and its effects on the stability of Nigeria's democracy, focusing on its influence on governance. Political defection in Nigeria is a prevalent phenomenon influenced by the country's volatile political climate, where motivations often center around the pursuit of relevance, economic gains, and personal ambition rather than ideological fidelity. Such defections can disrupt the balance of power, leading to significant ramifications for governance. The media serves a critical function in informing the public and advocating for political accountability; however, its coverage can be marred by bias, oversimplification, and information overload, which complicates the public's understanding of these complex dynamics. This study underscores the need for a nuanced analysis of how media narratives shape public perception of political defection and the resulting implications for democratic stability. It highlights the transactional nature of Nigerian politics, where party stability is often compromised by opportunistic behaviors. Moreover, the ethical challenges faced by the media in accurately representing these events are explored, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism in fostering an informed electorate. The findings suggest that enhanced media literacy and ethical reporting practices are vital for cultivating a more resilient political landscape in Nigeria, ultimately supporting the ideals of democracy and good governance. Addressing the issues of bias and accuracy in media reporting is imperative for ensuring the public remains well-informed about the implications of political defection on governance and democracy.
Intensity Distribution for Spread Function in Two Line Resolution
1 G. Krishnaiah, 2 M Amaranath, 3 Dr. T. Kiran KumarAccording to sparrow criterion, two-point sources are said to be resolved when the second derivative of the total distribution of irradiance in the diffracted image of the two- points, vanishes at a point midway between the respective Gaussian image points. When this condition is satisfied, the distance between the two object points gives the sparrow limit of resolution. In the resultant irradiance distribution curve, the central dip just vanishes when the resolution begins. Initially the dip is at the middle point between the two Gaussian image points when the separation between two-point object is larger than the critical limit. As the distance between the points is reduced, the dip reduces in its upward concavity and it just vanishes at a particular separation of the two-point objects.
Social Norms and Environmental Intentions: A Case Study of Ukhrul District, Manipur
1 Hokhuimi Ramrar; 2 Maitreyee RoyThe study explores the connection between social norms and the intention of the people to engage in environmentally friendly activities in the Ukhrul district of Manipur. The results showed that the relationship between subjective norms and intentions was moderate but statistically significant. Hence the hypothesis was confirmed that persons recognizing social expectations to be the most important issue are the ones to be involved in Pro environmental behaviour (H1). On the other hand, the results of the independent samples t-tests showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the impact of social norms on different age groups (H2) and on gender (H3). The average scores of adults and elderly, alongside men and women, were very similar, suggesting that societal norms are a stable source of Pro environmental intentions across various demographic groups. The findings align with the Theory of Planned Behavior and highlight the role of social demand as one of the main aspects in the development of the environmental intentions.
Background: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of oral mucosal conditions with an increased risk of progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). India carries one of the highest global burdens of oral cancer, largely due to the widespread use of smokeless tobacco, areca nut, and smoking products. Although several epidemiological studies on OPMDs have been conducted across different regions of India, the true national burden remains unclear because of variations in study design, sample size, and population characteristics. A comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence is therefore essential to understand the epidemiological profile of OPMDs in India. Objective: To estimate the pooled prevalence of major oral potentially malignant disorders in India and describe their epidemiological distribution through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, IndMED, Google Scholar, WHO South-East Asia reports, MOHFW India publications, Science Citation Index, WHO Index Medicus, Reference Citation Analysis, and OpenGrey from inception. Observational studies reporting prevalence data on OPMDs in Indian populations were included. Study quality was assessed using standardized tools. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed based on study setting and type of lesion. Results: A total of eligible studies providing 162 prevalence estimates and including 823,845 participants met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 52 were of high quality, 71 of moderate quality, and 7 of low quality. Among community-based studies, pooled prevalence was 4.3% for leukoplakia, 2.7% for oral submucous fibrosis, 5.8% for palatal lesions/nicotine stomatitis, 1.2% for erythroplakia, and 1.1% for oral lichen planus. Hospital-based studies showed higher prevalence, particularly for leukoplakia (6.7%), oral submucous fibrosis (4.5%), lichen planus (7.5%), erythroplakia (2.5%), and palatal lesions (11.5%). Tobacco use, areca nut chewing, male gender, diabetes, and low body mass index were consistently associated with increased risk. Conclusion: OPMDs pose a major public health burden in India. Early detection, habit cessation, and community-based screening are essential to reduce malignant transformation and oral cancer incidence.
Refugee Status Determination (RSD) remains the central mechanism through which asylum seekers obtain international protection. Yet, despite the global framework established under the 1951 Refugee Convention, states retain significant procedural autonomy in designing their respective asylum systems. This autonomy has generated substantial procedural fragmentation across jurisdictions, producing divergent evidentiary standards, appeal mechanisms, timelines, and access to legal representation. This article argues that such fragmentation undermines the effective protection of asylum seekers’ rights, particularly the right to a fair hearing and the principle of non-refoulement. Drawing on a comparative analysis of the United Kingdom and Nigeria, the article demonstrates how variations in procedural safeguards create structural risks of rights erosion, even where states formally comply with international obligations. While international law permits a degree of procedural discretion grounded in state sovereignty, this discretion is not unlimited. International human rights law imposes minimum standards of fairness that constrain domestic asylum procedures. The article concludes by proposing a normative framework for minimum procedural guarantees in RSD processes, aimed at reconciling state sovereignty with the imperative of effective refugee protection.
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons, often driven by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Experimental models commonly utilize neurotoxins such as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), MPTP, and Rotenone to replicate PD-like pathology via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated neuronal damage. Methods: This clinical study evaluated the therapeutic potential of a Unani polyherbal decoction in three patients (two males, one female) aged 40–80 years with Parkinsonism. Each received 50 mL of the formulation twice daily for 90 days. Motor function was assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) before and after treatment. Results: Post-treatment assessments revealed notable improvements in UPDRS scores: Case 1 (16.7%), Case 2 (21.7%), and Case 3 (26.3%). Statistical analysis using a paired t-test demonstrated a significant reduction in motor symptoms (t = 6.3, p < 0.001), suggesting potential therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: The intervention appeared safe and yielded promising motor improvements. However, the absence of a control group and the limited sample size constrain generalizability. Future studies should adopt randomized controlled designs with larger cohorts to validate these findings. Moreover, incorporating mental health assessments (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) may enhance understanding of the neuropsychological dimensions of Parkinsonism and its response to integrative therapies.
The paper investigates the impact of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) variables such as Design (D), Land-Use Diversity (LUD), Destination Accessibility (DA) and the Distance to Transit (DT) on the ridership demand (RD) in Bengaluru. It is based on a major survey of 970 commuters conducted within an 800-meter area around metro stations. The respondents were to complete a structured questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale; the data analysis was conducted with the help of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). It was identified that all four TOD factors had statistically significant and positive effect on the ridership demand. It reveals that improved urban design, a mixed land use, easier access to destinations, and a closer distance to transit stations are all ways of enhancing the use of public transport. The study contributes to the existing literature regarding sustainable urban mobility in India by confirming the connection between TOD characteristics and transit demand. Its results provide concrete recommendations to planners and policymakers on how to incorporate the TOD principles in development plans to boost ridership and reduce the use of private vehicles.
Pauline Teachings and Academic Discipline among Secondary School Students in South-Western Nigeria
1 Abimbola, Michael Omotayo, 2 Dr. J. Abdur-RafiuThis paper examines the perceived influence of Pauline teachings, particularly the exhortation in 2 Timothy 2:15 on academic discipline among secondary school students in South-Western Nigeria. While academic discipline has traditionally been studied in relation to psychological, socio-economic, and institutional factors, limited attention has been given to the role of religious ethics in shaping students’ learning behaviour. Drawing from empirical data in a completed thesis, this study investigates Christian Religious Studies (CRS) teachers’ perspectives on how Pauline values such as diligence, self-control, perseverance, and commitment to truth impact students’ academic engagement, moral responsibility, and overall learning outcomes. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from 600 CRS teachers across urban and rural secondary schools. Quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics and ANOVA examined the extent to which teachers perceive Pauline teachings as influencing students’ study habits, adherence to school rules, and ethical conduct in academic tasks. Findings indicate that CRS teachers regard Pauline teachings as highly effective in promoting academic discipline, reducing tendencies toward laziness, encouraging sustained study routines, fostering resilience in the face of academic challenges, and enhancing students’ moral resolve in academic contexts. Teachers in rural schools emphasized the role of these teachings in overcoming socio-environmental limitations, while those in urban schools highlighted their effectiveness in mitigating distractions and promoting self-regulation. Based on these insights, the study recommends intentional integration of Pauline ethical principles into the CRS curriculum, continuous professional development for teachers on values-based pedagogy, and policy reforms that support the creation of academic cultures grounded in moral education. These measures are expected to strengthen the connection between moral formation and academic achievement, ensuring that Nigerian secondary school students develop both intellectual competence and ethical character. The study contributes to the literature on value-based education by demonstrating the practical relevance of biblical teachings in contemporary educational contexts.
The Godna tattoo tradition constitutes a significant form of indigenous body art among Indian tribal communities, embodying identity, spirituality, ecological knowledge, and social organization. As an embodied cultural practice, it transcends aesthetic ornamentation and operates as a symbolic system embedded in ritual life, gender relations, and collective memory. However, processes of modernization, urbanization, and cultural homogenization increasingly threaten its continuity. This study examines the anthropological significance of the Godna tradition and analyzes the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in safeguarding indigenous cultural heritage. Based on qualitative interpretive analysis of ethnographic and secondary literature, and informed by symbolic anthropology, structural functionalism, material culture studies, and feminist anthropology, the paper evaluates AI-based tools—such as digital documentation, pattern recognition, oral tradition preservation, and virtual reconstruction—as mechanisms for preservation. It argues that AI must remain ethically grounded, community-centered, and aligned with indigenous knowledge systems to ensure sustainable cultural continuity.
Background: Periodontal disease is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition that affects a large proportion of women of reproductive age. Over the past two decades, growing scientific evidence has suggested a possible association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, mediated through inflammatory and microbial pathways. Obstetricians and gynecologists, who provide primary antenatal care, are in a key position to recognize oral health problems and facilitate timely dental care during pregnancy. Objective: To assess the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices of obstetricians and gynecologists regarding the association between periodontal health and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 87 obstetricians and gynecologists. The sample size was calculated using standard statistical methods with 80% power and a 5% level of significance. A structured questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge related to periodontal health, attitudes toward oral health integration in antenatal care, clinical practices, and perceived barriers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most participants were aged 30–39 years (37.93%), and 55.17% were male. Although the majority (85.06%) agreed that pregnant women should be referred for dental evaluation, only 20.69% had attended oral health-related continuing medical education programs. Awareness of the association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes was reported by 64.37% of respondents. Oral health enquiry and referral practices were inconsistently followed. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of awareness (56.32%) and time constraints (19.54%). Conclusion: Obstetricians and gynecologists demonstrated moderate awareness and generally positive attitudes regarding periodontal health in pregnancy; however, routine integration of oral health into antenatal care was limited. Strengthening interdisciplinary education and developing structured referral pathways may help improve comprehensive prenatal care.
Perineal Anastomotic Urethroplasty in the Management of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury: Our Outcome
1 Dr. Manas Sasmal; 2 Dr. Sagar Chakraborty; 3 Dr. Snehasish Saha; 4 Dr. Tapan Kumar MandalObjective: we aimed to assess the surgical and patient-reported outcomes of perineal anastomotic urethroplasty for pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI). Method: The retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. We included 35 male patients who underwent perineal delayed anastomotic urethroplasty for PFUI, and comprised data from March 2023 to November 2025. Clinical data was as well as patient-reported outcomes were noted using a predesigned questionnaire. Result: Among the 35 cases, success was observed in 32(91.4%). Spontaneous return of good erection was seen in 21 patients, irrespective of the outcome of anastomotic urethroplasty. Most patients reported high satisfaction with quality of life, surgical results, while sexual performance showed mixed outcomes. Conclusion: Delayed anastomotic urethroplasty was found to be effective in providing long-term restoration of urine flow. Improvement in erectile function, and restoration of fertility were seen in long-term restoration of urine flow. Improvement in erectile function were seen in long-term successful cases.
Aims & Background: To evaluate the prevalence of oral hygiene status and examine its association with diet, dental trauma, tooth erosion, and fluorosis among 3–14-year-old school-going children in the Ratnagiri region of the Konkan, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive analytical study was done amongst 600 school children aged 3–14 years (294 males and 306 females). The oral hygiene status was assessed using the Gingival Index (Löe and Silness, 1963), Plaque Index (Silness and Löe, 1964) and the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). Results: Amongst 600 participants, 119 (19.83%) were aged 3–7 years, 258 (43.00%) were aged 8–10 years, and 223 (37.17%) were aged 11–14 years. The prevalence of gingivitis was high in boys (GI: 1.490, PI: 1.688) compared to girls (GI: 1.470, PI: 1.659). The incidence of gingival bleeding, mild enamel fluorosis, and dental erosion is seen to have a positive association with diet and tooth brushing. While Enamel fracture is most prevalent among 11-14-year-old children (38.73%), enamel fluorosis (85.71%) is most prevalent in 8-10-year-old children, as determined by using the paired t-test and analysis of variance. Conclusion: The findings reveal a major shortfall in dental treatment among children in this region, highlighting barriers to accessing and utilising oral health care services. Targeted oral health education, regular recall visits, and ongoing monitoring are crucial for enhancing both gingival health and overall oral health in this population. Clinical significance: However, observations from this study can be used to determine the impact of various risk factors on the oral health of the children in different districts of the Konkan region. This will aid in preparing oral health policies for the Konkan population.
Postoperative Outcome of Laser Fulguration of Posterior Urethral Valve - An Observational Study
1 Surajit Sasmal; 2 Anirban Bhunia; 3 Pramod Kumar Sharma; 2* Sagnik Maiti; 2** Subhasish Santra; 2*** Akash Kumar Gupta; 2**** Indrajeet PaulIntroduction: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common cause of congenital bladder outlet obstruction in male children. Timely diagnosis and surgical ablation are crucial to prevent long-term renal and bladder dysfunction. Holmium: YAG laser fulguration has emerged as a precise and minimally invasive technique. Aim: To evaluate the postoperative outcomes of laser fulguration of PUV in terms of renal function, bladder dynamics, and complications. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted on 8 male patients (age range: 2 weeks–8 years; median: 6 months) who underwent laser fulguration of PUV. All patients were followed for 6 months with serial serum creatinine, estimated GFR, ultrasonography, Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and uroflowmetry in toilet-trained children. Results: Preoperative mean serum creatinine was 1.6 ± 0.4 mg/dL, which improved to 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL at 6 months. eGFR improved from 42 ± 12 to 75 ± 15 ml/min/1.73m². Hydronephrosis improved in 6 patients, while 2 developed chronic kidney disease stage 3. Vesicoureteral reflux was present in 3 patients; it resolved in 2, while 1 persisted. Bladder dysfunction was noted in 2 patients requiring pharmacotherapy. Among 3 toilet-trained children, 2 achieved good continence with improved uroflowmetry patterns. Postoperative complications included febrile UTI in 2 patients and residual valve requiring re-ablation in 1 case. Conclusion: Laser fulguration of PUV is a safe and effective technique providing significant improvement in renal function and urinary dynamics. However, some patients continue to experience persistent bladder dysfunction or CKD, underscoring the importance of early intervention and long-term follow-up.
Phytoremediation with Ricinus communis L.: A Review of its Potential and Applications
1 Kalpana Agarwal; 2 Smita Purohit; 3 Akshita Khandelwal; 4 VaishaliEnvironmental contamination by heavy metals and organic pollutants has intensified with rapid industrialization and unsustainable agricultural practices, posing serious ecological and health risks. Conventional remediation methods are often costly and environmentally disruptive, driving interest in plant-based alternatives. This review focuses on R. communis L. (castor bean) and its microbial associations as promising agents in phytoremediation. The discussion highlights mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytodegradation, alongside the physiological and biochemical responses of R. communis under heavy metal stress. The synergistic role of rhizosphere and endophytic microbes, which enhance pollutant bioavailability, reduces oxidative stress, and improves plant growth and metal uptake. By synthesizing current evidence, this review underscores the relevance of R. communis–microbe partnerships as sustainable tools for remediating contaminated soils and mitigating pollution impacts, and for nanotechnological interventions to optimize remediation efficiency.
Background: In the transition toward Industrial Revolution 5.0, the cultivation of higher order cognitive abilities, specifically creativity and critical thinking, has become a prerequisite for academic and professional excellence. While global frameworks (UNESCO, UNICEF) and India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocate for mother tongue-based instruction, there is an increasing shift toward English (L2) mediums. Despite theoretical links between language and cognition, empirical evidence remains scarce regarding how the language of instruction predicts creative thinking and critical thinking. Objectives: To compare the creative thinking of students receiving instruction in their mother tongue (Bengali) with those receiving instruction in a second language (English).To compare the critical thinking of students receiving instruction in their mother tongue (Bengali) with those receiving instruction in a second language (English).To determine whether language of instruction predicts creative thinking. To determine whether language of instruction predicts critical thinking. Methodology: A descriptive survey research design was employed on a sample of 280 Grade IX students, aged 14-16 years, from various schools in West Bengal, India. Creative thinking was measured using Mehdi’s (1973) Verbal Test of Creative Thinking (VTCT), and critical thinking was assessed via the Ghosh and Saha Critical Thinking Test (GSCTT). The data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and linear regression. Results: The findings revealed that Bengali-medium students scored significantly higher in creative thinking and critical thinking compared to their English-medium counterparts (p< .01). Regression analysis indicated that the language of instruction is a significant predictor of cognitive abilities, accounting for 54.8% of the variance in creative thinking (R2= .548) and 54.1% of the variance in critical thinking (R2= .541). Conclusion: Instruction in the mother tongue reduces extraneous cognitive load, enabling students to utilize mental resources for higher-order thinking. These results provide empirical support for NEP 2020 mandates, suggesting that educational systems must prioritize the mother tongue to ensure language acts as a bridge rather than a barrier to cognitive development.
Development of Value Added Laddu by using Green Gram and Barnyard Millet
1 Karuna Singh; 2 Jeetendra Singh; 3 Sharma IshikaThe purpose of the current project, "Development of Value-Added Laddu Using Green Gramme and Barnyard Millet," was to standardise and develop a product that includes dates, barnyard millet, and green gram. This study focused on enhancing the processing method, evaluating the chemical and physical characteristics of the value-added laddu, and conducting microbiological testing. The developers combined barnyard millet and germinated green gram with dates, which serve as a natural sweetener, to produce a gluten-free dish. Moong bean, is also referred to as Green gram, is valued for its great fibre content, simple digestion properties, and rich protein proportion. It is known to lower the risk of certain common diseases nowadays, like obesity, diabetes, cancer, and,to some extent, cardiovascular diseases. It is frequently reported to have health advantages. In this study, for the control and treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4), various laddu formulations were prepared by standardising the amount of moong dal and barnyard millet at 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, and 60% while adding 40% dates consistently in every sample. For sensory evaluation of developed samples, a 9-point hedonic scale was used, which assessed the product’s sensory qualities, including colour and appearance, flavour, texture, taste, and general acceptance. Out of all the developed samples, the highest average sensory score (6.73 ± 1.21) was formulation T4, it was prepared using 60% germinated moong dal and barnyard millet flour.
This comparative study investigates how female protagonists in Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace, Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Lowland, and Kamila Shamsie’s Burnt Shadows employ ethical strategies of trauma articulation within patriarchal constraints, encompassing voiced testimony, undecodable silence, and graceful rupture. Grounded in Cathy Caruth’s concept of trauma as unspeakable and belated, Felman and Laub’s ethics of testimony, Heriyati et al.’s analysis of silence as resistance, Eveno’s fault lines of transgenerational rupture, and Foucauldian discourse theory, the article examines how Grace Marks, Gauri Mitra, and Hiroko Tanaka navigate trauma’s ethical complexity. Grace’s institutional testimony mobilizes a listening community, transforming personal atrocity into a public witness and subverting patriarchal silencing through legal and psychiatric power structures. Gauri’s reflective silence embodies an undecodable resistance to normative gender roles, and her individual fault lines evade ethical judgment. Hiroko’s graceful silence transmits massive transgenerational trauma across geopolitical ruptures, resisting commodification and verbal articulation. These ethical strategies reveal trauma’s ambiguity beyond the binaries of speech and silence, highlighting literature’s capacity to witness unwitnessable atrocity and fostering critical gender awareness. The study advances feminist-postcolonial trauma scholarship by mapping diverse survival strategies against patriarchal oppression and expanding pedagogical approaches to trauma narratives.
Factors Determining Satisfaction with Tooth Color
1 Mabiaku Y.O, 2 Mabiaku T.OBackground: Tooth color is an important and integral determining factor of a beautiful smile, hence the continued development of safe and effective methods of treating tooth discoloration. However, the concept of satisfaction with tooth color could be subjective, being influenced by several factors. Aims and Objectives: To determining the factors that influence satisfaction with tooth color among a segment of patients with tooth discoloration, visiting the Restorative dentistry clinic of a tertiary health institution in Southern Nigeria, for treatment. Methodology: It was a comparative interventional study, involving 70 participants recruited consecutively from the outpatient clinic of the dental centre within the study period. Different restorative treatment methods were used for the management of tooth discoloration. A questionnaire (Global scale of Satisfaction) was administered to the study participants to determine their level of satisfaction with their tooth color before treatment, at 2 weeks, and 8 weeks after treatment.Result: Before treatment, 69(98.6%) of the participants were unhappy with the color of their teeth; the relationship between degree of dissatisfaction and social class was statistically significant(p=0.032), and the relationship between Vita shade assessment and satisfaction with tooth color was statistically significant (p=0.001).statistically significant (p>0.05) as a determinant, except for the baseline satisfaction with tooth color (p=0.000), At the first recall visit (2 weeks after treatment), the majority of the participants, 62(88.6%), were satisfied with their tooth color, while at the second recall visit (8 weeks after treatment), almost all the participants, 67(95.8%), were satisfied with their tooth color. The improvement in the level of satisfaction with tooth color after treatment was statistically significant (p=0.001). After treatment, no independent variable was a significant determinant (p>0.05) of satisfaction with tooth color, except for the improvement in tooth shade\color itself (p=0,001).
This study looks at how social commerce features and influencer marketing influence the fashion buying habits of Gen Z consumers in Tiruvallur district. A quantitative research design collected data from 100 participants to examine the effect of digital tools like "Shop Now" buttons and human factors like influencer trust. The results, analysed using SPSS, show a strong positive correlation (r = 0.630) between influencer recommendations and impulsive buying behaviour. Regression analysis indicates that the research model accounts for about 46% of the differences in consumer purchases. Specifically, "Influencer Recommendations" and "Shop Now" buttons are the most important predictors of purchase intent. These findings suggest that Gen Z values a mix of social proof and convenience. The study concludes that while personalized feeds are useful, the direct encouragement from a trusted influencer, along with an easy checkout process, drives fashion sales in the digital age.
Gender, Power and Religion: An Intimate Interface
Dr. Kalyani SarangiWe are in the age of dualities, dichotomies, discriminations, exclusions and marginalizations. Species biasness (human-nonhuman), racial (black-white), sexual (male-female-transgender), caste discrimination (Brahmana-Ksatriya-Vaisya-Sudra) and male chauvinism are the order of the day. Gender plays a crucial role in the lives of both men and women. Being a woman, she is already excluded and if she is a dalit woman, she is doubly excluded. She is leveled as the second sex. Neither her voice is heard in the family nor in the community. A philosophic gaze points to the intricate relationship between gender, power and religion and their interconnectedness. Gender roles and power dynamics have long been intertwined with religious ideologies, shaping societal structures, norms, and individual identities. This paper examines how religious beliefs and practices both reinforce and challenge gender norms and power hierarchies. The intersection of gender, power, and religion is multifaceted, encompassing diverse manifestations such as the exclusion of women from religious leadership roles, the enforcement of gender-specific dress codes, the entry of specific gender to the sanctum sanctorum and the regulation of reproductive rights. Furthermore, religious institutions often serve as sites of both resistance and perpetuation of gender inequalities, reflecting broader power struggles within society. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of critically examining the intersections of gender, power, and religion to understand the complexities of social inequality and to foster more inclusive and equitable societies. It tries to show that how religion is more misunderstood than understood regarding women. By shedding light on these dynamics, it provides insights for scholars, policymakers, practitioners and ethical thinkers seeking to address issues of gender justice and religious pluralism in contemporary contexts.
Reading Memory as an Extension of Reality in the Select Poems of Pradip Kumar Patra
Swasti Bisai, Dr. Tanushree NayakThere is a core relationship in-between memory and reality. Any situation is being regarded as incident but when it get past on that time it is being considered as memory. In simple words memorable incidents are regarded as memory. Although past is not always memorable. Memory is not always positive and happy. Memory can be seen as an extension of reality because it bridges the gap between the past, present, and future. It doesn't merely store events but actively shapes how we experience and interpret the world. Our memories give continuity to reality, allowing us to recognize patterns, understand contexts, and anticipate outcomes based on prior knowledge. Without memory, reality would become fragmented, a series of disconnected moments without coherence or meaning. What people remember is not a perfect replication of the past but a dynamic reconstruction influenced by emotions, biases, and present circumstances. This reconstructed nature means memory doesn’t just reflect reality but it creates a personalized version of it. Memories preserved this way are not just personal but can become collective, contributing to shared narratives and histories. The interplay between memory and reality is also central to identity. People are deeply tied to what they remember. Memories anchor us, providing a sense of self and place within the flow of time. In a sense, memory extends reality by making it not only a physical experience but also a deeply psychological and emotional one. Reality, then, is not just what we perceive in the moment but also what we carry with us from the past. The present can also be the ingredient of memory. The present paper is going deal with the theme of memory in connection with the poetry of Pradip Kumar Patra. He is a contemporary Odia poet writing in English. In his poetry he has written on nature, landscape, memory, love etc. There are many poems where the poet Patra has sketched about memory. In Midnight Divinity, he talks about memory in poems like, “Death is a Chasm,” “Learning through Loss,” “Love and Devotion,” “Memory of Previous Life,” “Pigeon,” “Prospect of Hope,” “Sense of Belonging,” etc. In The Winding Path he talks about the same in “About a lost identity,” “A night in Assam,” “Evening in a Village,” “Precious life,” “Puri,” “Rural joy” etc. In Panoramic Shillong he talks about the same in “A Sketch of Happiness,” “An Evening in Assam,” “A Morning in Assam,” “Guided by Memory,” “While Dissecting Memory” etc. Thus, this paper will express the theme of memory in several ways through the poetry of P. K. Patra.
Organisational Culture, Employee Drive, and Performance Outcomes: Integrating Review
1 Daniel Gezahegn Badeg & 2 Dr. K V. Ramana MurthyThe global banking sector is progressively recognizing the critical role that employee motivation and organizational culture play in a company's success. The primary causes of this awareness are the transformation of workplace dynamics and the rapid digital revolution. While there has been a significant amount of research conducted on culture and motivation in isolation, there is a dearth of research on the interaction between these elements and the impact it has on overall performance, particularly in the finance sector. This integrative review employs Denison's organizational culture model in conjunction with Self-Determination and Expectancy theories of motivation to integrate findings from over 24 years of empirical research. Research indicates that cultures that emphasize adaptability and engagement enhance intrinsic motivation, which in turn enhances the long-term performance of human capital and operational capabilities. In contrast, an excessive emphasis on mission and consistency may lead to extrinsic motivation, which could accelerate the organization's financial success but compromise its reputation and ethics. The review advocates for "enabling control," a leadership strategy that integrates employee autonomy with value-driven consistency, in order to achieve optimal performance. The report continues by exploring potential future research directions, emphasizing the importance of long-term, multi-level, cross-cultural studies on the changes in digital banking.
This paper aims to understand menstruation as a developmental milestone through the cultural lens. It tries to look at menstrual experiences within the Indian context and also through global cultural perspectives. Menstrual experiences are diverse and mostly dictated by religious and cultural beliefs in society. It also has strong psychological and sociological implications. These experiences can also build an attitude towards menstruation and bodily autonomy, which can be positive or negative. It is essential to understand and study these aspects to address the cultural taboos or stigmas associated with them. This paper also looks at the urban and rural experiences of women regarding menstruation and access to menstrual products in India. It tries to explore the sustainable menstrual practices by Indian women and the accessibility of the same. It tries to highlight the implications of various stigmatising practices on the mental health of women.
An Efficient Process Monitoring Approach for Banbury Mixer Using Crssand Dewma Charts
1Dr. Kaviyarasu Velappan & 2Inbarasi MugilanIn tyre manufacturing, Banbury mixing is an essential process wherein thermal stability has to be sustained to circumvent premature scorch and degradation of the rubber compound. Deviations in rotor speeds, fill factors, and mixing periods tend to increase the occurrence of overheating conditions, though the temperature limits may not be breached. In this paper, an innovative framework for design and development of overheating and sudden scorch conditions in tyre manufacturing has been designed and analyzed, utilizing Circular Ranked Set Sampling (CRSS) and DEWMA control charts for exponentially distributed inter-arrival data. In this regard, the exponentially distributed data model for analyzing the inter-arrival time between successive overheating events has been proposed and analyzed. CRSS has been used for efficacious sampling of subgroup estimates, yielding better results compared to SRS and RSS methods. Numerical and graphical results are provided to support the applicability of the proposed approach in tyre manufacturing processes.
Reading and Mechanical Accuracy Writing Skills of Senior Secondary Students of Arabic in Oyo State
Musibau, Lawal AdebayoReading is the ability of a reader to make meaning out of printed text while mechanical accuracy in writing is the ability of a writer to write without spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes. Both act as synergy with one another. The purpose is to find out if a significant relationship exists between reading generally and mechanical accuracy writing skills among senior secondary school students of Arabic in Oyo state. The population is all the Arabic students that offer Arabic in Oyo State. The target population was all the senior secondary school students of Arabic while the target population was 119 students who were purposively sampled. Research questions were answered using percentage, mean and standard deviation while the hypothesis was tested using Pearson Correlation Coefficient Moment at 0.005 level of significance. The result shows that there was no significant influence of reading skills on writing skills. It concludes that no significant relationship exists between reading and mechanical accuracy writing skills. It was recommended that practicing teachers should be exposed to seminars and workshops to enable them to have knowledge of teaching and learning of the two skills to teachers and students of Arabic.
Effective Classroom Management Strategies for Students with Excess/Problem Behaviour
1 Gabriel C. Eze, 2 Ekpewu Ovie Raina A., 3 Immaculata C. Eze., 4 Jones A. IsaacManaging excess behaviour among students in Nigerian secondary schools is crucial for enhancing academic achievement and teacher effectiveness. This mixed-methods study investigated effective strategies for curbing excess behaviour, focusing on emotional challenges, counsellor involvement, teacher training, learning difficulties, and positive learning environments. Conducted in Nigerian secondary schools, the study surveyed 200 students, 20 teachers, and 20 counsellors using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Results showed emotional challenges (β = 0.45, p < 0.001) and learning difficulties (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) significantly predicted excess behaviour. Students managed by counsellors exhibited lower excess behaviour (mean = 2.1 vs. 3.2, p = 0.005). Teachers with training reported reduced behavioural issues (mean = 2.3 vs. 3.5, p = 0.018). Implementing a positive learning environment significantly lowered excess behaviour (p < 0.001). The integration of quantitative and qualitative data highlighted the interplay of these factors in managing student behaviour. The findings underscore the importance of addressing students' emotional needs, enhancing counsellor support, and providing teacher training in managing excessive behavior. Schools should prioritize counsellor deployment, teacher training, and fostering positive environments to reduce behavioural issues and enhance learning outcomes. The study's results align with existing literature on emotional challenges, learning difficulties, and environmental impacts on student behaviour, emphasizing context-specific interventions. Recommendations include increasing counsellor availability, conducting regular teacher workshops, providing targeted support for students with learning difficulties, and promoting positive school environments through extracurricular activities and supportive teacherstudent relationships. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders in Nigerian secondary schools to address excessive behaviour, improve academic achievement, and foster holistic student development.
Background: Pregnancy imposes substantial mineral demands on the mother due to fetal skeletal accretion, particularly in the third trimester and physiological hemodilution may influence serum markers used in routine bone profile testing. Objectives: To compare serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and corrected calcium across pregnancy trimesters and in non-pregnant women and to explore associations with selected maternal clinical conditions. Methods: A comparative case-control study was conducted from February 2025 to July 2025 among women aged 20-30 years. The study included non-pregnant controls (n=15) and pregnant women (n=45; 15 each in the first, second and third trimesters). Tests were performed on a VITROS 5600 analyzer. Corrected calcium was calculated as measured calcium + 0.8 × (4.0 - albumin). Group comparisons used one-way ANOVA and Welch's t-test; categorical comparisons used Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean serum albumin and total calcium declined across trimesters (albumin: 4.20±0.30 g/dL in controls to 3.30±0.35 g/dL in the third trimester, p<0.001; calcium: 9.30±0.35 to 8.70±0.42 mg/dL, p=0.001), while corrected calcium remained stable (p=0.78). ALP increased progressively (78±18 U/L in controls to 210±48 U/L in the third trimester, p<0.001). Back pain was associated with higher ALP (185±55 vs 150±48 U/L, p=0.035).Conclusion: Serum bone profile parameters show trimester-wise physiological variation; interpretation should consider albumin-related changes in total calcium and the expected rise of ALP in late pregnancy.
In the post-digital age, the conventional linear approach to career progression has been rendered outdated due to the swift emergence of autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a highly interconnected, global workforce. Although technical skills are still essential, "Global Agility”, which refers to the capacity to adapt across cultural, emotional, and digital divides, has become the key factor for achieving sustained career success. This paper introduces a new conceptual framework that integrates Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Cultural Intelligence (CQ), and AI Fluency into a cohesive model for career preparedness. The proposed framework utilises a triangular integrative model to illustrate how EQ offers the psychological strength to manage disruptions caused by AI, while CQ fosters the collaborative efforts required in decentralised, hybrid work settings.Central to this framework is the role of AI not merely as a tool, but as a collaborative "agent" that augments human soft skills through data-driven self-reflection and predictive career navigation.By shifting the focus from "static skill acquisition" to "dynamic adaptive agility," this study provides a roadmap for higher education institutions and HR practitioners to redesign curriculum and training programs. The findings suggest that the future of career readiness lies at the intersection of human-centric empathy and machine-driven efficiency, ensuring that the global workforce remains both technologically proficient and psychologically prepared for a volatile professional landscape.
Effect of Thermo Physical Properties Variations on Offshore Platforms Deck Plate Corrosion
Jinyemiema, Tamuno K1 & Eneyok, Gogo Quiz-Man2This study investigates thermophysical factors that influence corrosion of deck plate of an offshore platform in seawater environment by evaluating the impacts of corrosion indicator parameters on the degradation of the deck plate. In the analysis, the following parameters were measured: deck plate thickness (δ), relative humidity (RH), seawater pH, air temperature (Ta), steel temperature (Ts), dew point temperature (Td), difference in steel and dew point temperatures (Ts-Td) and wind speed (WS) of the seawater environment. The results indicate variations in RH, seawater pH, Ta, Ts, Td, (Ts-Td), and WS over time. Deck plate thickness reduced from 7.8017±0.02mm to 7.7926±0.01 mm after 120 days, representing 0.12% loss in thickness. Mitigation strategies proposed include the use of high-performance protective coatings, cathodic protection systems, careful material selection, and proactive monitoring to prevent crevice corrosion, pitting, and structural degradation.
Lead-A Silent Killer,So Faster Detection and Remediation is Essential
Peali Banerjee, Anupama SharmaHeavy metals are a menace to the human world. Though in controlled amount these heavy metals do have some importance in human metabolic activity but if they cross permissible level they become a danger to the human race. Leadamong heavy metals poses more danger because of it’s varied sources and often with long exposure with a minimal amount lead causes severe damage. Most of the detection methods of lead are costly, not easily available for common people, sooften lead gets undetected hence becomes a bigger danger.Once detected it’s remediation is also important. Physical and chemical methods of remediation is again costly and not environment friendly ,bioremediation is environment friendly but this method too has it’s short comings often cannot be used to remove larger percentage of lead and in human body this has not been tried out as yet as a therapeutic technique.
Language is a body and combination of words used by a nation, people or race for the communication process. Over the years, the quality of languages spoken by different individuals, most especially in the language instruction, is worrisome and the research therefore investigates how language lecturers perceived indigenous language as a tool of National Development in a North Central University, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sample investigates: a) how language lecturers in both faculties of arts and education perceived indigenous language as a tool of national development. It is descriptive research with all the 175 lecturers in both the five departments offering languages in the faculty of arts and education as the population for the study, while the target population was also 175 lecturers, while the study sample was 77 lecturers, who are purposively sampled. One research question was anchored and answered with the percentage, means and standard deviation which underwent reliability tests using the test-retest method and correlated using Pearson Correlation Coefficient with a value of 0.75 at 0.05 level of significance. The result shows that all the language lecturers perceived indigenous language as a tool for national development, among others. It was concluded that language is a tool of national development and recommended that the government should update lecturer’s knowledge of language learning for national development.
Time-series forecasting is an essential component of data analysis and predictive modelling. The primary objective of time-series forecasting techniques is to minimise the percentage prediction error associated with future observations as much as possible. To achieve this goal, numerous statistical approaches and machine learning models have been proposed to capture temporal patterns and generate reliable forecasts.However,traditional statistical forecasting models often suffer from significant limitations in capturing long-time dependencies, addressing abrupt fluctuations, and dealing with non-linear interactions.To overcome these shortcomings, machine learning approaches have emerged as a powerful tool that has fundamentally revolutionised data analysis in recent years.Nevertheless, their forecasting performance remains sensitive to hyperparameter configuration, whereas manual tuning across high-dimensional hyperparameters can often be time-consuming, inefficient and suboptimal. Consequently, automatic hyperparameter optimisation (HPO) methods have been increasingly adopted. Among these, metaheuristic optimisation algorithms have emerged as innovative and powerful optimization techniquesand are currently among the most widely employed methods, with primary attention given to hyperparameters associated with machine learning architectures. By optimising the hyperparameters of machine learning models, these algorithms can substantially enhance forecasting accuracy and generalisability. This study reviews the performance of different metaheuristic optimisation algorithms and machine learning forecasting approaches, and further proposes a classification of metaheuristic optimisation algorithms and provides a clearer direction for the future design and implementation of hyperparameter optimisation strategies for deep learning models in time-series forecasting.
An Analysis of Interference Problems with Verb Tenses in English and Albanian Language
Rukije LamcjaThis study examines the phenomenon of native language interference in the acquisition of English verb tenses by Albanian learners of English as a foreign language. Based on theories of language transfer and interlanguage, the research focuses on how structural and functional differences between the Albanian and English tense–aspect systems influence learners’ grammatical accuracy. The study adopts a quantitative research design and analyzes data collected from 218 written grammar tests administered to first-year university students in Albania. The tests specifically target present, past, and future verb tenses, where cross-linguistic interference is most likely to occur. The findings reveal that Albanian learners experience persistent difficulties in selecting appropriate English verb tenses, particularly the past perfect, present perfect continuous, and future perfect. High error rates were also observed in the distinction between the simple present and the present continuous, as well as in maintaining a consistent sequence of tenses in past-time narratives. These errors largely stem from negative transfer, overgeneralization, and the absence of clear tense distinctions in Albanian that correspond to English forms. The results confirm that native language interference plays a significant role in shaping learners’ interlanguage system and continues to affect grammatical performance even at higher proficiency levels. The study highlights the importance of explicit instruction and contrastive analysis between Albanian and English tense–aspect systems as effective pedagogical strategies for reducing grammatical interference and improving learners’ accuracy in English verb tense usage.
Background: Diabetes can significantly affect oral health, particularly regarding dental caries, salivary pH, and salivary microorganism composition. While many studies have examined the relationship between blood sugar and periodontal diseases, few have examined the effect of diabetes on dental caries. Objective: To examine salivary changes, the prevalence of dental caries, and its association with bacterial counts and socio-demographic factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods:A total of 100 subjects, with 50 individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and 50 without, were matched according to sex, from whom salivary samples were analysed for pH using pH strips and a culture of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus was done and estimated. Clinical examination included DMFT according to WHO 2013 criteria, and root caries was scored as present or absent. Results: The root caries was significantly higher among diabetics (0.2?0.5 vs 0.08?2.7). The salivary pH was higher among males (6.5) in comparison to females (6.3) (p=0.033). In contrast, no differences were found in the number of teeth affected by coronal caries, salivary pH, S. mutans, or L. acidophilus between the two groups. In the final regression models, age significantly predicted dental caries, while blood sugars ignificantly predicted root caries. Conclusion: Notably, dental caries in the study population was found to be influenced by age, while salivary pH was influenced by gender and root caries by blood sugar levels. It is crucial to raise awareness about the need for routine oral health examinations for people with high blood sugar levels because diabetics are more prone to dental cavities.
Introduction: Aging-related declines in physical health are associated with a reduced overall quality of life, a greater risk of chronic diseases, and a reduction in mobility. The global demographic trend toward an aging population has increased focus to older people's health and well-being. India's elderly population is growing rapidly, which is contributing to issues with age-related health decline. As people age, their physical health declines, which can have an impact on their quality of life. It is commonly known that maintaining the health and functional independence of older adults requires frequent physical activity. Objective: To assess effect of scheduled exercise regimen on physical health outcomes among older adults. Materials and Methods: For a quasi-experimental study, 80 senior volunteers, all 60 years of age or older, who lived in specific old age homes in the state of Punjab and were split into two groups (40 experimental and 40 control), were selected via purposive sampling. Self-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The interventional group followed a scheduled exercise program for four weeks, while the control group continued with their daily routine without an organized exercise program. Physical health outcomes were measured before and after the intervention using standardized tools, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, random blood sugar, waist circumference, BMI, heart rate, and respiration rate. Results: The statistical analysis showed that the experimental group's physical health parameters significantly improved when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the study's findings, older persons' physical health can be improved by following a planned exercise program.
Transparency and accountability have become key pillars that are standing behind effective governance, especially in the administration of public institutions, where the efficient administration of information plays a crucial role in promoting institutional credibility and promoting economic development. This investigation examines the issues of interrelations between information management practices, transparency, accountability and the resultant economic development outcomes among public institutions located in the Ekiti State of Nigeria. Based on the principles of efficacious management and digital administration, the study adopts a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected from thirty-five administrative personnel and twenty-seven information managers scattered over four public tertiary institutions by structured questionnaires. The research instrument was a four point Likert type scale. Descriptive statistics were employed in order to answer the research questions whereas Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses were carried out to examine the hypotheses at the 0.05 significant level using the software package, Statistical Package and System (SPSS). The findings show that most of the institutions have some sort of functioning information management system using digital records, ICT innovations and regular performance reporting to help improve transparency and accountability. A strong positive relation (r = 0.77, p < 0.01) was found between information management practise and the dimensions of transparency and accountability while moderate but statistically significant (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) relation was found between information management and economic development outcomes. Regression analysis (R2 = 0.67) shows there is a significant influence of transparency and accountability on economic development, where information management practises play a role as structural enablers. To some extent, the development impact of information systems is mediated through transparency systems and accountability mechanisms. Accordingly, the need for augmentation of ICT infrastructure, institutionalisation of frameworks for transparency, investment in capacity building and integration of information systems as part of broader administrative reforms, inter agency collaboration, and routine monitoring and evaluation processes is recommended by the study.
Linguistic Approach to Ghotuo Anthroponyms
Odeh, Bestman Esegbuyiota; Eze, Augustina Ngozi; Eze Jacinta Ukamaka; Achadu, Peter Ada; Mamah, Juliana Ginika & Taiwo, Deborah HikmatThis study investigates Ghotuo anthroponyms from a linguistic perspective, highlighting names as a core element of identity that transcends mere labels. The Ghotuo language, an Edoid language spoken by the Otuo people (emi Ghotuo), is primarily located in northern Edo State, southern Nigeria. Adopting a socio-onomastic framework, which merges sociolinguistics and onomastics. The study analyses naming processes in Ghotuo and examines the impact of external influences on its naming system. Data were gathered through unstructured oral interviews and introspection, following a qualitative research methodology. The findings classify Ghotuo anthroponyms into six categories: simple names, compound names, desententialised names, theophoric names, metaphorical names, and names influenced by language contact. Additionally, the typology includes names associated with festivals or days of the week. The study also explores how geographical proximity to Yoruba-speaking communities, particularly in Ondo State, has shaped Ghotuo naming practices. By bridging a gap in the study of Ghotuo anthroponyms, this research enhances understanding of the cultural and linguistic dimensions of naming traditions.
School skipping is one of the major maladaptive behaviours that constitute set-back to academic achievement among students at different levels of education. This study was conducted to examine the correlation between peer influence and school skipping behaviour among secondary school students in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study equally determined the levels of peer influence and school skipping behaviour among students with the aim of suggesting enduring solutions to the menace. The study adopted the descriptive survey of correlation type. A total sample of 382 students was selected through convenience and systematic sampling techniques. The data were collected through a researcher-designed instrument titled“Peer Influence and School Skipping Behaviour Questionnaire”. It possessed a reliability value of 0.89 after being subjected to the split-half and Cronbach alfa formula. Data obtained were analysed with means score method and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that there is a high level of both peer influence and school skipping behaviour among secondary school students. Besides, there was a positive and significant correlation between peer influence and school skipping behaviour. It was therefore concluded that the pervasive influence of peers appears to be a driving force behind the high incidence of school skipping behaviour among students. Counselling services focusing on the peer intervention and adequate monitoring of students’ attendance are recommended for promoting healthy peer influence and regular attendance.
Moral Decadence among University of Ilorin Students; Dress Code as a Question
1 Abdulwahab Rafiu,; 2 Eniola. K. Ola-Alani, ; 3 Dr. Lawal, Musibau Adebayo ; 4 Opara, Moses ChibuezeThe study used the dress code as a question to examine the degree of moral decadence among University of Ilorin students. Two research questions and two hypotheses were presented in the study, which used a descriptive survey research design. 160 students were chosen at random from four departments within the Faculty of Education, making up the study's population. A researcher’s-designed questionnaire titled “Moral Decadence among University of Ilorin Students” (MDUIS) was employed to gather data. Two specialists in childhood education and psychology, respectively, evaluated the instrument's validity, and the Cronbach Alpha reliability method produced an index of 0.69. The study issues were addressed using mean and standard deviation, and the hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square. The findings revealed there is average level of indecent dressing among the students, and there is positive influence of dress code in curbing the menace of indecent dressing among students. It was also revealed that, there was significant difference in the level of indecent dressing on the basis of gender and there was no significant difference in the level of indecent dressing based on departments. It was recommended that decent dressing should be made part of the teaching so as to instill in the students, good moral standard, dress code act should be continuously maintained on the campus so it can be used as an avenue for curbing the menace of indecent dressing among the students in our tertiary institutions. Moreover, female lecturers should work hands-in-hands so as to map out strategies they can use in reducing level of indecency among female students, and the use of dress code in curbing the menace of indecent dressing among the students should not be departmental bias.
Social Mockery in Mr. Macaroni's Selected Skits
1 Akinwande, Banko leIdowu, 2 Nnamdi Uchechukwu IfeoluwaThis study examines the use of social mockery in selected skits of Mr Macaroni, with the aim of exploring how digital comedy serves as a vehicle for social critique in contemporary Nigerian society. Specifically, the study seeks to identify the types of social mockery employed, examine the linguistic and performative strategies used, and analyze how these skits highlight societal issues such as governance failures, gender dynamics, social behaviour, and cultural contradictions. Guided by Billig’s (2005) Social Function Theory of Humour, which emphasizes the role of humour in challenging authority, highlighting societal contradictions, and reinforcing norms through ridicule, a qualitative research design was adopted. Data were purposively sampled from popular skits on digital platforms including YouTube and Instagram, and analyzed through thematic, linguistic, and performative approaches. Findings reveal that Mr Macaroni employs irony, sarcasm, hyperbole, parody, code-switching, and expressive gestures to create humour while critiquing societal flaws. Catchphrases like “Ooin, you are doing well!” serve as recurring motifs that enhance comedic effect and underscore social commentary. The skits effectively expose corruption, challenge patriarchal norms, ridicule irresponsible social behaviours, and highlight cultural absurdities, demonstrating the multidimensional role of humour in entertainment and social reflection. The study concludes that social mockery in Mr Macaroni’s digital skits functions not only to entertain but also to provoke thought, foster critical engagement, and stimulate public discourse on pressing societal issues, confirming the effectiveness of humour as a tool for social critique in contemporary Nigerian digital media.
Aims and Objectives: The study purpose was to determine the effect of Toxic Leadership on the employee engagement and their creativity. Toxicity have been researched often but fewer studies have examined the effect of employee creativity as a mediator of job satisfaction in a toxic workplace. This study examined how creativity mediates job satisfaction and professional desire to work. With a quantitative approach, structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale were distributed to employees of Information Technology firms in Bengaluru City, Karnataka, India. Design and Method-Using descriptive design, data was collected from 406 IT professionals collected through structured questionnaire. We found significant relationship between toxic leadership, creativity and job satisfaction. Employee coping strategies to counteract toxic workplace environment using creativity as a shield is an important contribution to the literature. Relevance to practice-We recommend additional study on sectors or businesses where toxicities are more frequent, specifically toxicity and motivation in remote, work-from-home, and flexible work environments. Conclusion: With proper interventions, the emotional intelligence of leaders may change employee behavior. This study’s findings contribution towards interventions both managerial and organizational that benefits workplace management.
Cloud Computing Enabled Big Multi-Omics Data Analytics
1 Rashmitha v; 1 Anusha S; 2 Sridevi RagupathyThe integration of multi-omics datasets including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and metagenomics has revolutionized modern biomedical research by enabling systems-level understanding of biological processes and personalized medicine. However, the size, heterogeneity, and sensitivity of these data far exceed the capacity of traditional computing systems. Cloud computing provides scalable and flexible resources for storage, processing, and sharing of massive datasets, enabling real-time analytics and collaborative research. This review discusses the architecture, workflow systems, data integration strategies, privacy-preserving mechanisms, and reproducibility frameworks that underpin cloud-based multi-omics data analytics. It also examines major challenges, emerging trends such as federated learning and AI-based integration and offers future perspectives for global-scale bioinformatics infrastructure.