Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply rooted cultural practice with far-reaching consequences for the health, dignity, and rights of women worldwide. The study assessed the perception and knowledge of female genital mutilation among indigenous childbearing women in the Awka-South Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of knowledge and the level of perception of indigenous childbearing women in Awka, South L.G.A. of Anambra State towards female genital mutilation. The hypotheses were that there is no significant association between the level of knowledge and the level of perception of indigenous childbearing women in Awka-South L.G.A. of Anambra State towards female genital mutilation and that parity of indigenous childbearing women in Awka-South L.G.A. is not significantly associated with their perception. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The sample size was 437 indigenous childbearing women, and a multistage sampling technique was used. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The reliability test indicated 0.72. The data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS); descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage, and mean were used to analyze research questions, and inferential statistics, chi-square, were used to test hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The data were presented in tables for clarity. The findings of the study revealed that the majority, 77.2%, had a negative perception of FGM, and the majority, 64.0%, of the respondents had poor knowledge of FGM. There was no significant association between the level of knowledge and the level of perception of FGM among indigenous childbearing women, with p-value = 0.094, and the parity of indigenous childbearing women is not significantly associated with their level of perception of FGM with p-value = 0.431. In conclusion, indigenous childbearing women showed negative perceptions towards FGM, and indigenous childbearing women had poor knowledge of FG. It is recommended that healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies implement comprehensive education programs targeting indigenous childbearing women to improve their knowledge and understanding of FGM.

The tourism and hospitality industry plays a vital role in the global economy, and service quality is a key factor in the success of this sector. A menu is a carefully designed list of food and beverage offerings provided by a restaurant or hotel, serving as both a functional guide for customers and a powerful marketing tool. This study examines the role of menus as a marketing tool for promoting tourism and hotel products in Libya, with objectives aiming to investigate the impact of various menu elements on consumer attitudes toward restaurants and their subsequent behavioural intentions. A quantitative approach is adopted for this descriptive research, with a sample size of 300 consumers with SEM PLS as data analysis technique. This study contributes to the understanding of the significance of menu design and content in shaping consumer perceptions and behaviour within the hospitality industry he conclusion of this study based on the research results state both of Design, Attractiveness, and Professionalism positively influences Customer experience. Design, and Professionalism are not positively influencing Satisfaction, Attractiveness positively influences Satisfaction. Design, attractiveness, professionalism not positively influences loyalty intention with customer experience as a mediating variable and Design, attractiveness, professionalism not positively influences loyalty intention with satisfaction as a mediating variable. The implication of this study underscores the need for appealing, culturally authentic menus to enhance customer experience and satisfaction in Libya's hospitality industry. While menu elements influence perceptions, additional strategies are needed to build loyalty. The findings offer practical and strategic insights for improving marketing and customer engagement.

Cassava garri is the most common food consumed in West Africa sub-region with more than 70% of the product harvested in Nigeria. This study was aimed to analyze the chemical and biological properties of processed garri marketing in Kebbi State for food safety perspective. Nutritional and anti-nutritional factors of the garri samples were analyzed using standards methods. Heavy metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Bacteria and fungi were also isolated and identified. DNA was extracted from E. coli and A. flavus and was successfully used for PCR. The results revealed that the proximate shows moisture (12.6±0.94 %), crude fiber (5.56±0.08 %), Ash (2.96±0.12 %) and crude protein (2.09±0.16 %) had the highest percentage whereas crude fat (0.77±0.02 %) had the least percentage. The anti-nutritional factors shows that cyanides had the highest content of (111.8±2.28 mg/100g) compare to alkaloid (10.7±3.66 mg/100g) and phytates (2.11±0.34 mg/100g), whereas the oxalates had the least contents of (0.18±0.03 mg/100g). The heavy metals shows that cadmium (Cd) 0.73±0.09 ppm, lead (Pb) 0.61±0.35 ppm and asenic (As) 0.25±0.02 ppm had the highest concentration, whereas mercury (Hg) had the least concentration 0.19±0.02 ppm. A 338 cultured (100%) of bacteria were identified: the highest frequency was recorded from Escherichia coli 136(40.2 %), Micrococcus luteus 129(38.2 %) and Streptococcus pneumonia 39(11.5%), while the least was recorded from Staphylococcus aureus 34(10.1 %). A 26 cultured (100%) of fungus were identified: with Aspergillus flavus 10(38.5 %), Aspergillus niger 8(30.8 %), Aspergillus fumigatus 3(11.5 %) and Aspergillus clavatus 3(11.5 %), had the highest frequency of isolation, whereas Rhizopus sp 2(7.7 %), had the least frequency of isolation. The amplified products obtained with primers specific for both Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus were 900 bp and 700 bp. The study suggests that people should avoid regular intake of garri without a proper thermal treatment so as to minimize disease/intoxication before consumption.

Soil stabilization is a ground improvement technique aimed at enhancing the strength and bearing capacity of soil, particularly in road construction projects. The combination of multiple stabilization materials allows for achieving better improvements in soil bearing capacity. The use of industrial waste materials offers an eco-friendly solution while repurposing materials that are typically discarded. This study focuses on the engineering application of adding limestone as a natural pozzolanic material. The research involves laboratory testing to measure the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized clay soil samples. The addition of stabilization materials is based on weight ratios, where the ratio of nickel slag to aluminum hydroxide is 1,5, and limestone is added in varying proportions of 2%, 4%, and 6%. The curing of the test specimens is carried out over periods of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days to examine the influence of curing time on the improvement of soil UCS values. The results indicate that the addition of nickel slag and aluminum hydroxide significantly enhances the soil’s UCS. Furthermore, variations in limestone content show that increasing its concentration up to 6% yields optimal results in improving soil strength. This study concludes that the combination of waste materials and limestone can effectively enhance the mechanical characteristics of soil, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for soil stabilization in various infrastructure projects.

Syzygium cumini, a commonly found tree in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and other nations of the sub- continent, is widely studied for its nutrient and therapeutic properties. The fruits of the plant are established to posses various medicinal properties which will create a remarkable breakthrough in exploring active medicinal agents for various ailments. There are medicinal activities reported from various parts of the plant. The wide scope of medicinal research on this plant has created an ardor among phytochemical experts to focus attention on exploring more areas on this plant. The article is a review on various works reported in this plant so far. Detailed verification of works published in various journals with special focus on those holding high regard to phytochemistry was done. It was understood that there are still lot of areas remaining unexplored. The article tries to bring a summarized and comprehensive information on phytochemical works done on the plant in diverse segments.

Problem: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is increasingly acknowledged as vital for educational achievement, obstacles such as inadequate resources, poor teacher training, and the necessity for cultural adaptation impede its efficient execution in several educational environments. Purpose: The objective of this literature review is to examine the fundamental elements of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), its influence on academic achievement and emotional health, and the obstacles encountered in its development and execution within various educational settings. Methods: Methods: The study consolidates information from several studies, including meta-analyses, longitudinal research, and case studies, to evaluate the efficacy of SEL programs in enhancing student outcomes. It examines obstacles to effective implementation and ways for surmounting these hurdles, including improved teacher training and resource distribution. Results: Findings indicate that the five essential abilities of social-emotional learning—self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills—are vital for improving students’ academic achievement, emotional management, and interpersonal relationships. Research indicates that social-emotional learning enhances executive skills, including attention regulation and persistence, resulting in quantifiable academic improvements. Moreover, SEL promotes emotional well-being by alleviating worry, augmenting empathy, and strengthening resilience. Nonetheless, obstacles such as insufficient finance, teacher readiness, and the necessity for cultural adaptations persist in several schools, particularly in under-resourced districts. Conclusion: Although SEL programs have advantages in enhancing academic achievement and emotional well-being, surmounting implementation obstacles necessitates systemic backing, sufficient resources, and ongoing professional development for educators. Confronting these obstacles is essential for guaranteeing the continuous and efficient incorporation of SEL into educational systems.

This paper presents an adaptive traffic light control system designed to enhance traffic flow efficiency using real-time vehicle count data. Implemented in Verilog HDL, the system dynamically adjusts signal timings based on vehicle density in each lane, prioritizing heavily congested lanes to reduce delays and improve throughput. The design employs logical circuit modeling and synthesis for optimal performance. By minimizing congestion and accommodating varying traffic conditions, the proposed system demonstrates significant potential for real-world applications in urban traffic management and intelligent transportation systems.

Background: Nursing orientation programs are critical for integrating newly hired nurses into healthcare settings, enhancing their clinical competence, patient safety, and job satisfaction. Despite their importance, the effectiveness of these programs in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes is not always fully understood. This study evaluates the impact of Aster Sanad Hospital's nursing orientation program on newly hired nurses. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 164 newly hired nurses who completed the orientation program within the past six months (January 2024 to July 2024). The survey assessed nurses’ perceptions of the program’s impact on their clinical knowledge, confidence, patient safety, and ability to provide high-quality patient care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study found generally positive responses to the orientation program. Most participants (51.2%) strongly agreed they were well-informed about the program, and over half (53.7%) felt the program contributed to improved patient safety. Regarding knowledge acquisition, 51.2% of nurses strongly agreed that the program enhanced their clinical knowledge, and 95.8% felt it would help them provide better patient care. Confidence in delivering independent care was high, with 97.6% agreeing that the program increased their self-efficacy. Additionally, staff satisfaction (56.1%) and patient satisfaction (58.5%) with nursing care were positively influenced. However, 52.4% of nurses suggested that modifications to the program were necessary to better meet clinical and organizational needs. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the nursing orientation program at Aster Sanad Hospital has a positive impact on new nurses' clinical competencies, confidence, and patient safety outcomes. It also improves staff and patient satisfaction. However, ongoing program evaluation and adjustments are needed to address evolving healthcare demands and ensure continued effectiveness in preparing nurses for independent practice.

This study examines the implications of exchange rate gaps on key macroeconomic indicators in Nigeria, focusing on foreign exchange reserves, GDP growth rates, and the current account balance. Using empirical analysis over a time series framework from 1980 to 2022, the study implements linear and non-linear ARDL methodologies. Findings indicate that exchange rate gaps significantly negatively impact Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves, GDP growth, and current account balance. Policy recommendations include infrastructure investment, sectoral diversification, and sound monetary policies to mitigate inflationary pressures exacerbated by exchange rate volatility.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections during pregnancy, posing significant risks to maternal and perinatal health. Pregnant women are more susceptible to UTIs due to anatomical and physiological changes, including ureteral dilation and urinary stasis. Inadequate management can lead to complications such as pyelonephritis, preterm labor, and low birth weight. Understanding the risk factors and outcomes of UTIs is crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health, particularly in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh. Objective: To identify the risk factors of UTIs among pregnant women and assess their maternal and perinatal outcomes. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary medical college and hospital in Bangladesh from January 2022 to January 2023. Pregnant women aged 13–26 weeks with culture-positive UTIs were included as cases, and age-matched women with negative urine cultures served as controls. A total of 250 participants were enrolled. Data on socio-demographic variables, clinical symptoms, and pregnancy outcomes were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between risk factors and UTI occurrence. Results: The prevalence of mid-trimester UTIs was 12.30%. The majority of cases (40.5%) were in the 20–30 age group. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common causative organism, followed by Pseudomonas and Klebsiella. Risk factors included a history of UTI during the current pregnancy (22%) and increased sexual activity during early pregnancy (34.7%). Asymptomatic bacteriuria was the most frequent condition observed (32.3%). Maternal outcomes included a higher rate of caesarean delivery and preterm labor, while perinatal outcomes showed significantly lower birth weights in infants born to mothers with UTIs. Conclusion: UTIs in pregnancy are associated with significant maternal and perinatal risks, including preterm labor and low birth weight. Routine screening and early intervention can reduce complications. Efforts to improve awareness, prenatal care, and access to healthcare are essential for addressing UTIs in pregnant women, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Groundwater aquifer from solid waste dumpsites is probable of discharging toxic pollutant to groundwater which is unsafe to human health and local ecosystem. This study was conducted to examine the physicochemical qualities of groundwater around solid waste dumpsite in Aba, Abia State during wet and dry seasons. The physicochemical analysis of the groundwater samples was determined in accordance with the standards of the American Public Health Association (APHA). The results obtained from the groundwater samples were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) permissible limit of those studied parameters in drinking water. The physicochemical values obtained from the groundwater around the dumpsite in both season shows that some of the tested parameters existed in values higher than both WHO and NSDWQ standards for drinking water quality. The results also showed that the concentrations of cadmium, aluminum, iron and zinc were within the WHO and NSDWQ standard, whereas, the concentrations of chromium, copper and lead exceeded the WHO and NSDWQ standards for drinking water quality in both studied seasons. Findings from this study suggest that dumpsite solid waste could impact negatively on some physicochemical qualities of groundwater sited around their vicinity. Therefore, the location of solid waste dumpsites around residential areas should be discouraged.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections with a considerable impact on healthcare systems. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance globally, particularly in high-frequency regions such as Bangladesh, identifying prevalent pathogens and understanding their resistance patterns is essential for effective treatment. Objective: This study aims to analyze the common pathogens causing UTIs in a private outpatient setting in Bangladesh and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility profiles to guide empirical therapy and enhance local treatment protocols. Methodology: This three-year prospective observational study (2021-2023) involved 58 UTI patients from a private chamber in Bangladesh. Urine samples were cultured, and bacterial isolates were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility to commonly used drugs, including cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones. Data on organism frequency, resistance, and sensitivity were analyzed. Results: Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (58.6%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (20.7%) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (13.8%). High sensitivity was observed for E. coli to Imipenem (100%) and Meropenem (96%), while significant resistance was noted to Ciprofloxacin (48.5%) and Cefixime (48%). MSSA and Klebsiella spp. similarly showed high susceptibility to carbapenems, with notable resistance to fluoroquinolones in MSSA. Conclusion: The high prevalence of E. coli as the primary UTI pathogen and its resistance patterns in this private setting underscore the necessity of targeted antibiotic selection. The study advocates for carbapenems in cases with suspected resistance and highlights the importance of regular sensitivity testing and antibiotic stewardship in outpatient settings to improve patient outcomes and mitigate resistance.

Background: The global healthcare system faces significant challenges, including workforce shortages, increasing demand for services, and rising costs. Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) is crucial in addressing these issues, as it ensures effective resource allocation and workforce optimization. Aim of the Study: To investigate the impact of strategic human resource management practices on the efficiency of healthcare service delivery. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 1.5 years (February 2023 to August 2024) at [Place of Study] in Saudi Arabia. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 230 healthcare professionals across various roles. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, checklists, and document analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26) to identify key trends and associations. Result: The study found that the majority of healthcare workers perceived the healthcare sector as adequately staffed and supported by effective HR strategies. However, concerns were raised regarding staff development programs, the availability of medical supplies, and the adequacy of timely promotions. Notably, 74.35% of respondents agreed that staffing was sufficient, while only 13.48% strongly agreed that development programs were available. Conclusion: Strategic HR management plays a critical role in enhancing healthcare service delivery efficiency by aligning workforce skills with organizational goals. However, gaps in staff development and resource availability highlight areas for improvement. Targeted HR interventions, including ongoing professional development and better resource management, are essential to improving healthcare service quality.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is widely regarded as a robust encryption algorithm, ensuring secure communication and data protection. However, physical vulnerabilities such as side-channel attacks (SCAs) pose a significant threat to its implementations. This paper investigates various types of SCAs, including power analysis and electromagnetic analysis, and explores countermeasures like masking techniques to enhance AES resilience. The study includes an implementation of AES in Vivado using Verilog and a detailed analysis of masked and unmasked designs to validate the effectiveness of proposed countermeasures.

Background: Displaced extra-articular tongue-type calcaneal body fractures are complex injuries that significantly impair foot function and quality of life. Traditional open surgical techniques pose risks such as wound infection and prolonged recovery, necessitating less invasive alternatives. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, outcomes, and complications of managing these fractures with minimally invasive cortical compression screws, enhancing recovery and mobility. Methods: Between September 2015 and April 2016, 165 patients with displaced extra-articular tongue-type calcaneal fractures were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: the minimally invasive longitudinal approach (MILA) and the sinus tarsi approach (STA). Postoperative outcomes, including complication rates, functional assessments using AOFAS scores, and radiographic evaluations, were analyzed. Results: The MILA group demonstrated shorter operative times (45.9 minutes) and lower wound-healing complications (2.9%) compared to the STA group (61.9 minutes and 12.5%, respectively). Both groups had comparable functional outcomes for Type II and III fractures, but the STA group showed significantly better results for Type IV fractures (56.3% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.017). Conclusion: Both MILA and STA are effective for treating displaced extra-articular tongue-type calcaneal fractures, with MILA offering advantages in operative efficiency and lower complications for less severe fractures. However, STA is preferred for complex fractures due to superior anatomical reduction and functional outcomes. This supports a tailored approach in surgical technique selection based on fracture severity.