The growing resistance of Salmonella typhi to antibiotics is a major public health challenge, justifying the search for natural therapeutic alternatives. This study aims to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial activity of essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum and Cymbopogon citratus on a strain of S. typhi isolated in Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized organoleptically and physicochemically. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar diffusion method, supplemented by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and then statistically analyzed by ANOVA. The results show a higher extraction yield for S. aromaticum (0.85%) than for C. citratus (0.31%). The essential oil of S. aromaticum showed more pronounced antibacterial activity (inhibition diameter: 10 mm) compared to that of C. citratus (3 mm) and the reference antibiotics. The MIC of S. aromaticum was estimated at 80%, indicating concentration-dependent activity. Thus, the essential oil of S. aromaticum is an effective source of natural antibacterial agents against S. typhi, although further studies (molecular and in vivo) are needed.

This quasi-experimental pre–post interventional study evaluated the effect of a structured health education program on patients’ knowledge and practice related to warfarin therapy in River Nile State, Sudan, during 2024–2025. Adult outpatients receiving warfarin for at least one month were enrolled using consecutive sampling and assessed before and after the intervention. A total of 150 participants completed both assessments. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering key knowledge domains (indications, adherence, drug and food interactions, adverse effects, missed-dose management, and monitoring requirements) and self-reported practice behaviors. The intervention consisted of standardized face-to-face educational sessions supported by printed materials. Changes in knowledge and practice scores were analyzed using appropriate paired statistical tests. At baseline, most participants demonstrated poor warfarin-related knowledge despite high self- reported adherence. Following the educational intervention, there was a marked improvement across nearly all knowledge domains, with the mean knowledge score more than doubling and the majority of participants transitioning to a good knowledge category. Improvements were particularly notable in awareness of drug and food interactions, recognition of warning signs, and appropriate management of missed doses. Self-reported adherence remained high before and after the intervention, suggesting a ceiling effect. Overall, the study demonstrates that a brief, structured educational intervention is a feasible and effective approach to substantially improving warfarin-related knowledge in a low-resource outpatient setting, highlighting the importance of integrating patient education into routine anticoagulation care to enhance medication safety.

Infectious diseases remain a major threat to enhanced poultry production, resulting in significant financial losses and disruptions to productivity and food security. This study tested the efficacy of breeding for improving resistance to infectious bird diseases and compared the immune responses and survival of immigrants. The birds used in this study included an indigenous breed (Local Desi), an improved dual-purpose breed (Rhode Island Red), a commercial layer breed (White Leghorn), a commercial broiler strain, and a CRISPR-mediated MHC-enhanced line. The birds in the controlled challenge were 300, while the replication was 20 per breed × disease combination. The two-way analysis of variance indicated significant effects of breed, disease challenge, and the breed-by-disease interaction on mortality, survival, and antibody titer. The enhanced CRISPR line revealed the lowest average mortality of ≈12–15% while the highest antibody titers were ≈7.5–8.2 log₂ units. The broiler type’s average percentage was the highest at ≈32–38%. The indigenous birds were average as well; they had a stronger immune response than the commercial birds. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant negative association between titer and mortality. r = −0.72, P < 0.001, and a positive association between titer and survival. With r = 0.76 and P < 0.001, a high heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated positively with mortality, indicating stress-related vulnerability. These results demonstrated substantial genetic variability in resistance characteristics and supported the implementation of genomic and gene-editing methods to promote immune efficiency inquisitiveness in breeding. Also, it helps to increase sustainability.

The study of the theory of justice has long been a central focus in legal and political philosophy. However, modern academic discourse is often dominated by Western thinkers such as John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, and Robert Nozick, who emphasize utilitarian, egalitarian, and libertarian perspectives on justice, respectively. This paper seeks to broaden these perspectives by presenting perspectives on justice from Asian philosophical traditions, particularly China, through the teachings of Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. This approach aims to demonstrate that justice can be understood not only structurally and institutionally, but also morally and relationally. In Confucius's view, justice is rooted in benevolence (ren), moral fairness (yi), and social order (li), where harmony between individuals is the ultimate goal of society. Mencius reinforced this view by asserting that justice arises from human innate goodness and empathy for the suffering of others, while Xunzi emphasized the importance of moral education and a strict social order to curb human evil tendencies. All three-position justice as the result of character formation and moral responsibility, not simply the application of formal law. When compared with Rawls, it is clear that Confucian theory of justice places greater emphasis on the formation of just individuals, rather than simply a just system. Rawls emphasizes procedural justice and equality of rights, while Confucius emphasizes social harmony and personal virtue. Thus, this paper asserts that there is no single and perfect theory of justice; justice must be understood as a cross-cultural dialogue between structure and morality, between the rational West and the ethical East. A synthesis of the two can serve as the basis for developing a more humane, contextual, and relevant concept of justice for contemporary global society.

In this study, oil was experimentally extracted from pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) using a chemical Soxhlet extraction, cold solvent extraction and mechanical pressing. The Percentage yields were found to be 39.5%, 30.2%, 26% respectively. The physicochemical properties were determined according to AOAC, AOCS and ASTM standards. Free fatty acids content of the oil was found to be 1.2% as oleic acid, acid value (2.4 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (6.77 meq oil), saponification value (191.09 mg KOH/g), iodine value (104.81 g I₂/100 g), density (0.931 g/ml) at 25°C, kinematic viscosity (48.05 cSt )at 40°C. The color of pumpkin seed oil was greenish brown, pH(6), cloud point (-5 °C), refractive index (1.471), water content (1.95%). Additionally, the elements in the oil were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The fatty acid composition of the oil was` analyzed utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the oil contains about 22.57% saturated fatty acids and 73.21% unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the functional groups present in the oil.

In this study, pumpkin seed oil extracted by the Soxhlet solvent method was converted into biodiesel using the transesterification process. This process involved the reaction between the extracted oil and alcohol (methanol) in the presence of a catalyst (NaOH) at an ideal temperature of 60 °C. The reaction resulted in the production of mono-alkyl esters (Biodiesel) and glycerol as byproducts. The functional groups of biodiesel were identified using the FTIR technique. The properties assessed included density, viscosity, color, flash point, cloud point, water content, pour point, total acid number, copper strip corrosion, and sulfur content. The properties were compared with the properties of fossil diesel according to ASTM D 6751 standard. Biodiesel was blended with fossil diesel (B20) as well as with fossil diesel and ethanol in different proportions. These blends were studied and compared with ASTM D 7467 standard. The results showed that biodiesel met all the requirements to be an alternative fuel. Moreover, its blends substantially complied with the standard.

Background: Transitioning to full oral feeding is a critical developmental milestone for preterm infants and a primary requirement for hospital discharge. The Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) is a novel, evidence-based technique designed to strengthen oral muscles and decrease the length of hospital stays. Despite its clinical benefits, the successful implementation of PIOMI depends heavily on the competence and attitudes of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses. Objective: This review aimed to appraise the current state of knowledge and practices among neonatal nurses regarding the implementation of PIOMI. Method: A systematic approach was employed to search electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid (Medline), and Elsevier. The search focused on peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years using specific keywords such as "PIOMI," "oral feeding practices," and "neonatal nurses' knowledge." Strict inclusion criteria ensured the selection of empirical studies focused on NICU settings and nurse-led interventions. Result: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review of literature reveals that while PIOMI significantly improve feeding efficiency and reduce hospital stays, a notable disparity exists between nurses' positive attitudes and their practical competence. Several studies highlighted that structured training programs significantly improve nurses' knowledge levels and the speed at which infants achieve independent feeding. Conclusion: The literature underscores the efficacy of PIOMI in optimizing developmental outcomes for preterm infants. However, the gap between nurse enthusiasm and clinical skill necessitates the integration of standardized, competency-based educational programs into NICU protocols. Collaborative efforts to involve parents in feeding interventions and the adoption of standardized assessment scales are crucial for fostering the successful transition to oral feeding and improving the overall quality of neonatal care.

Background: Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a chronic, progressive encephalitis affecting one hemisphere of the brain. Intractable focal seizures, progressive neurological & cognitive decline and hemispheric atrophy are common clinical and radiological presentations of the disease. Objective: To see the clinical spectrum & short-term treatment outcome of Rasmussen Encephalitis. Method: It was a prospective interventional study, conducted at Department of Pediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2022 to July 2023. Total 15 patients with Rasmussen encephalitis were evaluated after IV Methylprednisolone therapy at the doses of 20-30 mg/kg/day. Results: Among 15 patients, 8 (53.3%) were aged 5–10 years and 7 (46.7%) were <5 years; males predominated (11, 73.3%). All presented with seizures, hemiparesis, neuroregression, and cognitive impairment. Dysarthria was observed in 10 (66.7%) and facial nerve palsy in 4 (26.7%). Focal seizures were most common (7, 46.7%), followed by generalized tonic–clonic seizures (3, 20%). EEG showed unihemispheric slowing in 12 (80%) and generalized slowing in 3 (20%). Neuroimaging revealed unihemispheric insular–perisylvian atrophy with basal ganglia involvement in all cases. Following IV methylprednisolone, seizure frequency improved in 13 (86.7%) and EEG improved in 8 (53.3%). Conclusion: All patients with Rasmussen encephalitis presented with seizure, hemiparesis, neuroregression & cognitive impairment. IV Pulse methylprednisolone therapy were effective where seizure frequency reduced more than three-fourth cases & electroencephalographical improvement occured more than half of the cases of all Rasmussen encephalitis.

The persistent increase in atmospheric CO₂ levels presents a dual challenge of environmental mitigation and sustainable energy generation. This study introduces a unified nano-engineered platform combining nanostructured metals, plasmonic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and defect-rich TiO₂ to drive selective CO₂ conversion into CO, CH₄, and CH₃OH. By leveraging synergistic nano-interfaces, this work integrates catalytic activity with optoelectronic functionality, enabling simultaneous energy harvesting and chemical transformation. Nanostructured metals provide tailored surface states for CO₂ adsorption, while plasmonic nanoparticles induce hot-electron injection, and quantum dots facilitate directional charge transfer. Defective TiO₂ layers introduce oxygen vacancies that localize charges and modulate reaction pathways. Comprehensive material characterization using TEM, XRD, XPS, PL, and UV–Vis spectroscopy confirms controlled interface formation, defect density, and optical enhancement. CO₂ conversion experiments under gas-phase and photo-assisted modes demonstrate tunable product selectivity via defect engineering and electrical bias application. The hybrid platform achieves enhanced Faradaic efficiency, turnover number, and operational stability compared to conventional systems. Mechanistic insights reveal that defect-plasmon-quantum dot interactions govern charge localization and transfer, providing a predictive framework for reaction steering. Integration with photovoltaic and optoelectronic modules showcases the feasibility of combined chemical and energy conversion, offering a pathway toward scalable, smart CO₂-to-fuel system. These findings provide a transformative approach to CO₂ utilization, highlighting the potential for decentralized renewable energy generation and sustainable fuel production. The methodology and insights reported herein establish a foundation for designing multi-functional catalytic systems with controllable reaction pathways and integrated energy recovery.

This study was conducted to investigate the concentration level of heavy metals in the water, sediment, and five fish species of the Argungu River and two surrounding lakes in Kebbi State, Nigeria. This was carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The metal with the highest mean concentration in all fish species is Fe, followed by Cu, Pb, Cd, and Cr. The mean concentration of metals determined in the water samples ranged from 0.01 ± 0.00 mg/L to 52.52 ± 0.09 mg/L, and for sediment samples, it ranged from 0.25 ± 0.00 mg/kg to 97.70 ± 0.53 mg/kg. Hyperopisus bebe has the highest concentration of all the heavy metals analyzed. The metal concentrations in the fish samples were ranked in the following sequence: Malapterurus electricus > Alestes baremose > Clarias gariepinus > Hydrocunus brevis > Tilapia zilli. The overall concentrations of heavy metals detected in the fish, water, and sediment samples were in the following order: Fe > Pb > Cu > Cd > Cr. Fe and Pb accounted for over 90% of all the metals studied. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to reveal significant differences in the measured variables. Concentrations are often lower in water, followed by sediment and fish. The results obtained indicated that the heavy metal concentrations in the fish, sediment, and water were found to be above the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization. Thus, the study revealed that there is significantly high heavy metal pollution in these fish species sampled from Argungu River and the surrounding lakes, and the consumption of the available fish species in the river may cause harmful effects to human beings.

Background: Immunization during pregnancy, specifically with Tdap and Influenza vaccines, is vital for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite global recommendations, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal due to knowledge gaps, safety concerns, and negative attitudes among expectant mothers. Aim: This review evaluates the current state of knowledge and attitudes regarding Tdap and Influenza vaccination among pregnant women and assesses the impact of educational interventions on vaccine uptake. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024. The search utilized keywords related to pregnancy vaccination, Tdap, influenza, and educational interventions. A total of 27 studies (24 quantitative, 1 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods) were included in the final synthesis. Results: Findings reveal significant global variations in vaccine awareness. Studies from Saudi Arabia, India, and China reported low levels of knowledge regarding vaccine safety and the benefits of maternal immunization. In contrast, European studies generally showed higher awareness, though misconceptions regarding fetal risks persisted. Across all regions, the primary barriers to vaccination included fear of side effects, lack of healthcare provider (HCP) recommendations, and misinformation. Conversely, educational interventions—including tailored mobile applications and provider-led health education—demonstrated a marked increase in vaccine acceptance and uptake post-intervention. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps and lack of HCP encouragement are critical barriers to maternal immunization. Structured educational interventions and strong provider-patient communication are essential strategies to demystify vaccinations and improve uptake. Future research should focus on longitudinal, culturally tailored interventional studies to develop effective public health campaigns.

Bulbar ulcer bleeding remains a frequent cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, although its incidence has decreased with the use of proton pump inhibitors and the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between bulbar ulcer topography and clinical severity. This was a prospective analytical study conducted over a 28-month period, from April 2020 to August 2022, including patients admitted on an emergency basis for upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to a bulbar ulcer. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tobacco consumption were the main identified risk factors. A marked male predominance was observed, and anterior localization of the bulbar ulcer was significantly associated with an increased risk of hemodynamic instability.

The global diffusion of algorithmic management—where data-driven systems allocate work, evaluate performance, and enforce organizational rules—has transformed labor relations across diverse economic and cultural contexts. From digital labor platforms and multinational supply chains to service and manufacturing sectors in both developed and developing economies, algorithmic systems increasingly mediate the relationship between workers and organizations. While these technologies promise efficiency, objectivity, and scalability, their implications for employee trust remain underexplored, particularly from a global perspective. This study investigates how employees across algorithmically managed work environments perceive control, fairness, and autonomy, and how these perceptions shape trust in organizational systems operating under algorithmic governance. Grounded in organizational trust theory and justice-based frameworks, the study adopts a mixed-methods research design combining survey data with semi-structured interviews conducted among employees working under algorithmic oversight in multiple organizational settings. Quantitative findings indicate that perceived procedural fairness, transparency of algorithmic decision-making, and opportunities for autonomy significantly enhance employee trust, regardless of sector or national context. In contrast, opaque algorithms, intensive digital surveillance, and limited avenues for worker voice consistently undermine trust. Qualitative evidence reveals that these challenges are particularly pronounced in contexts characterized by labor precarity, power asymmetries, and weak institutional protections—conditions prevalent in many developing and transitional economies. The findings suggest that algorithmic management often reproduces existing global inequalities by amplifying managerial control while reducing employee agency, especially where workers lack bargaining power or access to explanations and appeals. At the same time, when organizations integrate human oversight, contextual sensitivity, and transparent communication into algorithmic systems, employees are more likely to perceive such technologies as legitimate and trustworthy. This study contributes to the growing global literature on algorithmic management by centering employee perceptions across varied labor contexts and highlighting trust as a critical mediator between technology and organizational outcomes. The study offers practical implications for policymakers and organizations worldwide, emphasizing the need for human-centered, context-aware algorithmic governance to foster fair, autonomous, and trust-based workplaces in an increasingly digitized global economy.

This study aimed to examine the effects of open and closed kinetic chain exercise interventions and to determine how these structured training programs influence selected physiological variables, specifically breathe holding time and VO2 Max, among inter-collegiate cricketers. A total of 45 inter-collegiate male cricketers aged 18–25 years from AAA College of Engineering and Technology, Amathur, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu were selected for the study. The participants were randomly assigned into three groups: An Open Kinetic Chain Exercise Group (OKCEG), a Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Group (CKCEG), and a Control Group (CG). The experimental groups underwent their respective structured kinetic chain training programs for six weeks, while the control group continued with their regular physical activities. Breathe holding time and VO2 Max was selected as the dependent physiological variable and were assessed using a standardized test. Pre- and post-intervention data were statistically analyzed using appropriate inferential statistical techniques to determine significant differences among the groups. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The results revealed significant improvements in breathe holding time and VO2 Max in both the open and closed kinetic chain exercise groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The control group did not exhibit any significant change in breathe holding time and VO2 Max. The findings of the study indicate that structured open and closed kinetic chain exercise interventions are effective in enhancing breathe holding time and VO2 Max among inter-collegiate cricket players. Both training methods proved superior to regular activity alone, highlighting the importance of incorporating kinetic chain exercises into cricket training programs to improve physiological performance.

Purpose ‒ The aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption of Islamic Banking in Uganda, utilizing the theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI). The study investigates the effects of relative advantage, compatibility, and perceived risk on adoption, and evaluates the moderating role of customer awareness in the relationships. Design/Methodology/Approach ‒ A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 256 banking customers in Kampala Metropolitan Area. Data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS. Findings ‒ Findings indicate that relative advantage and compatibility have a significant and positive influence on adoption, whereas perceived risk has an adverse effect. Customer awareness significantly moderates these relationships, enhancing the effects of relative advantage and compatibility and reducing the negative impact of perceived risk Originality/Value ‒This research is among the first empirical investigation of Islamic Banking adoption in Uganda following the launch of the country’s first dedicated Islamic Bank back in 2023. It provides a timely and critical examination of adoption drivers, uniquely introducing and validating customer awareness as a significant moderator within the DOI framework in Ugandan novel context. Research Limitations/Implications ‒ The study's focus on the Kampala Metropolitan Area may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions. Future research could expand the geographical scope. This study addresses a notable gap in the empirical literature on Islamic banking within Sub-Saharan Africa and contributes to understanding financial innovation diffusion in emerging Muslim communities. Practical Implications ‒ The insights provide strategic value to practitioners aiming to promote Islamic Banking in Uganda. Enhancing customer awareness initiatives can accelerate adoption by showcasing the benefits and alignment of Islamic Banking with customers’ financial values. Concurrently, marketing and educational campaigns should explicitly address and mitigate perceived risks to broaden acceptance.