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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduction: The synchronous association of a Complete Hydatidiform Mole (CHM) and an Exaggerated Placental Site (EPS) is a rare clinical entity. Although benign, EPS can histologically mimic malignant lesions such as Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor (PSTT), posing a major diagnostic challenge. We report a case illustrating the value of primary surgery in a 50-year-old multiparous patient (G4P4) who presented with persistent metrorrhagia. Presentation of case: Clinical examination revealed an enlarged uterus (corresponding to 12 weeks of gestation), and ultrasonography demonstrated a typical "snowstorm" pattern associated with serum beta-hCG levels > 400,000 mIU/mL. Given the advanced maternal age and hemorrhagic risk, a total abdominal hysterectomy with ovarian conservation was performed as the primary intervention. Clinical discussion: Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed a CHM associated with a florid proliferation of intermediate trophoblasts infiltrating the superficial myometrium (EPS). The global architectural analysis provided by the hysterectomy specimen allowed for the exclusion of deep invasion and neoplasia (PSTT) without the systematic need for complex immunohistochemistry. The postoperative course was favorable, with beta-hCG negativization within 8 weeks and no need for adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: In perimenopausal patients, primary hysterectomy constitutes a safe and effective therapeutic option for high-risk hydatidiform moles. It enables a precise histological diagnosis of EPS by offering a complete architectural view, thereby avoiding diagnostic errors and unnecessary adjuvant treatments.

Objectives: 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 physical performance variables, specifically flexibility, among inter-collegiate cricketers. Materials and Methods: A total of 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 a specified intervention period, while the control group continued with their regular physical activities without any specialized training. Flexibility was selected as the dependent physical performance variable and was assessed using a standardized flexibility 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. Results: The results revealed significant improvements in flexibility 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 flexibility. Comparative analysis between the experimental groups indicated differences in the magnitude of improvement, with kinetic chain–based training demonstrating a positive influence on flexibility development. Conclusions: The findings of the study indicate that structured open and closed kinetic chain exercise interventions are effective in enhancing flexibility 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 physical performance.

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has fundamentally disrupted traditional arbitration processes, introducing new complexities and opportunities at the intersection of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and online arbitration. This study examines the legal and practical challenges arising from the integration of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and online arbitration. The research addresses the problem of adapting traditional dispute resolution frameworks to decentralized automated agreements that transcend national borders. Using doctrinal analysis and comparative review of legal sources, case studies, and real-world platforms, the study identifies key types of smart contracts and evaluates on-chain and off-chain arbitration models. Findings highlight both the efficiency and transparency offered by blockchain-based dispute resolution, as well as persistent issues such as jurisdictional uncertainty, enforceability, technical vulnerabilities, and privacy risks. The results underscore the need for clear legal standards, technical safeguards, and the adoption of advanced technologies. The study recommends promoting interoperability, specifying governing law in smart contracts, and leveraging AI and off-chain execution systems to enhance the robustness and adaptability of digital dispute resolution.

The article examines the concept of the adaptability of Roman law as a potential foundation for shaping the legal framework of a future civilization. Historically, Roman law demonstrated a high degree of flexibility in integrating new legal subjects for example, the mass inclusion of freedmen into the civil and economic circulation of Ancient Rome and in systematizing their legal status. The author draws parallels between these historical precedents and contemporary challenges associated with the emergence of new participants in legal relations, namely artificial intelligence (AI) and robots. The philosophical foundations of Roman law are analyzed, including the influence of Stoicism and Cicero’s concept of natural law, and it is shown how these ideas may serve as a basis for regulating relations between humans, AI, and robotic systems. In the futurist section of the article, drawing on R. Kurzweil’s ideas on technological singularity and the philosophical concepts of F. Nietzsche (The Übermensch), the possibility of a symbiosis between humans, artificial intelligence, and robotics is discussed. The article proposes a doctrine of “technological neo-Roman law,” grounded in the principles of humanism, meritocracy, and inclusivity, capable of providing a normative foundation for an era in which AI becomes an equal participant in social, economic, and legal processes. The article is written in the genre of scholarly research with elements of futurist analysis and is accompanied by references to the works of jurists, Stoic philosophers, Roman emperors, and contemporary futurists.

The article examines how interstate competition serves as a catalyst for scientific and technological progress while simultaneously accelerating the evolution of legal systems. From a historical-comparative perspective, it analyzes the precedent of the Roman Empire, in which law functioned as a “social technology” for integrating and governing a multinational space, reducing transaction costs and ensuring institutional resilience under the limited technological dynamism of antiquity. This experience is compared with the contemporary U.S.–China technological race, where rivalry manifests not only in large language models and robotics but also in infrastructural strategies for supercomputing (data centers, “cold” territories, and energy solutions). The theoretical framework incorporates ideas of “creative destruction” and conflict strategy, allowing competition to be interpreted as a source of a parasocial effect of mutual acceleration even in the absence of direct cooperation. Methodologically, the study relies on interdisciplinary comparative-historical analysis, a political-economic assessment of innovation policy, and scenario modeling over a 10–20-year horizon. The article substantiates a shift in law from a reactive model toward anticipatory regulation (sandboxes, iterative norms, smart contracts) and formulates the concept of “super-law” an adaptive, technologically oriented, and human-centered normative architecture for the era of AI and autonomous systems. The study concludes that competition can be productive provided it is constrained by legal and ethical safeguards and that international “rules of the race” are necessary to minimize escalation risks and unsafe technological competition.

The increasing lifespan and trend toward retention of third molars has led to a growing population of older adults with impacted third molars. While traditionally managed through early prophylactic extraction, contemporary evidence suggests that asymptomatic impacted third molars in healthy elderly patients may be safely monitored or managed conservatively. However, when intervention becomes necessary, advanced age presents unique surgical challenges, including prolonged healing, increased complication rates, and higher anesthetic risks. This review examines the current evidence on pathology prevalence, risk stratification, surgical considerations, and alternative treatment approaches, including coronectomy and watchful monitoring strategies, in the geriatric population.

Introduction: Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and physical health. However, among university students, sleep disturbances and irregular sleep patterns have become increasingly prevalent due to academic stress, poor lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Aim: This study investigated the relationship between anthropometric body composition and sleep quality among university students. The research aimed to assess how specific anthropometric indices such as Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, neck circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)—influence sleep quality and duration. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 423 participants selected through stratified sampling across various faculties. Anthropometric data were collected using standard procedures, while sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a widely validated tool. Results: Descriptive analysis showed that 33.6% of the participants were either overweight or obese, with a mean BMI of 23.8 ± 3.7 kg/m². Furthermore, 59.3% of the students reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score > 5), and the mean sleep duration was 6.6 ± 1.2 hours, which falls below the optimal range for young adults. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between anthropometric indices and PSQI scores (p < 0.001), indicating that increased body fat is related to poorer sleep quality. Notably, neck circumference (r = 0.42), BMI (r = 0.39), and waist circumference (r = 0.33) were strongly associated with sleep disturbances. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that BMI (β = 0.26), neck circumference (β = 0.33), and waist circumference (β = 0.15) significantly predicted poor sleep quality, accounting for approximately 29% of the variance in sleep outcomes (R² = 0.29, p < 0.001). WHR, however, did not emerge as a significant predictor. Conclusion: The study concludes that poor anthropometric profiles are strongly associated with sleep disruption among university students.

Against the background of China’s doctoral recruitment system shifting from scale expansion to quality orientation, the institutional logic and operational effectiveness of doctoral admissions have come under continuous attention. Taking International Relations as a disciplinary entry point, this study selects Tsinghua University and Peking University in China, together with the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University in Japan, as comparative cases. Through institutional document analysis, the paper examines the organizational structure, selection procedures, and decision-making mechanisms of doctoral admissions in International Relations across these universities. The findings indicate that Chinese universities place stronger emphasis on procedural standardization and comparability, relying primarily on centralized institutional arrangements and document-based evaluation to complete the selection process. In contrast, Japanese universities depend more heavily on laboratories or research units and faculty judgment, positioning research fit at the core of admission decisions. These differences reflect institutionally embedded choices shaped by disciplinary structures, configurations of academic communities, and state–university relations.

The crime of incitement to suicide through social media is one of the most dangerous new crimes created by technology, as perpetrators exploit the virtual space to spread suicidal thoughts or provide means for them, as digital platforms and electronic games are exploited to psychologically influence children and adolescents and push them to end their lives This phenomenon requires legal and technical cooperation to tighten penalties, deter perpetrators, and protect users from “killer games” and electronic bullying that facilitate the spread of this behavior. Which at the same time requires a new legal adaptation that differs from the traditional one, and focuses on the criminal liability of the electronic instigator and proving it with digital evidence. With the need to confront it with strict legislation. In light of the rapid technological development, social media has become a double-edged sword, as some of its platforms have turned into fertile arenas for the spread of cybercrimes, including the most serious crime: “incitement to suicide.” Incitement is no longer limited to reality, but has moved to a wide virtual space targeting vulnerable groups This crime represents a major challenge to penal legislation that seeks to confront this anti-social behavior. Especially with the technological development and the rapid spread of inflammatory content through social media, especially among teenagers and young people. What is considered a real problem, especially in the adequacy of traditional legal texts in confronting crimes of electronic incitement to suicide, and the difficulties of proving criminal responsibility via the Internet. This requires analyzing the elements of the crime (physical and moral) in the electronic context Shedding light on the criminal liability of the instigator, adopting a descriptive and analytical approach to compare legal texts and apply them to real-life cases.

Abnormal menstrual flow is a common concern among young women, especially in academically demanding environments. Despite growing awareness of the impact of nutrition and body composition on reproductive health, there remains a scarcity of localized data, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, exploring how anthropometric indices correlate with menstrual disturbances. To investigate the relationship between anthropometric variables Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage and abnormal menstrual flow among female students in the College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 408 female medical undergraduates selected using multistage random sampling. Data were collected via a validated self-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, logistic regression, and ROC analyses were performed using SPSS v25, with significance set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of AMF was 68.9%, with menorrhagia (31.4%) being most common. Over 30% of respondents had elevated body fat, and 25% were overweight. Positive correlations were observed between BMI, waist circumference, WHR, body fat %, and specific AMF types (particularly menorrhagia and polymenorrhea). Logistic regression revealed waist circumference >88 cm and body fat ≥30% as strong independent predictors. ROC analysis indicated body fat % had the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.81), followed by waist circumference (AUC = 0.77). Anthropometric measures especially body fat percentage and central adiposity are significantly associated with abnormal menstrual flow. These findings highlight the need for routine body composition screening and menstrual health education in university health services.