The prevalence of malocclusion, a common dental condition characterized by misaligned teeth and jaws, has significant implications for oral health, aesthetics, and overall quality of life. This study investigated the prevalence of malocclusion in Rivers State, Nigeria, a region with diverse demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of participants- 310 (148 males and 162 females) from various communities was assessed clinically for malocclusion patterns, including spacing, crowding, crossbite. open bite, and overbite. Data were analyzed to identify the distribution of malocclusion and associated factors such as age, gender, and habits: like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing. Majority of the subjects were found to have Angle's Class 1 molar relationships (80.3%). There was a significantly larger proportion of females (52.2%) as compared with their male counterparts (47.8%). Majority of the children had normal overjet (69.2%) and overbite (55.5%). However significant gender differences were found More females were found to have normal overjet and overbites than their male counterparts, whilst males were found to have a larger proportion of reduced overjet's and overbites. A normal dentoalveolar relationship was a predominant finding. However, crowding of the arches was found in 14.4% whilst 59.5% had spaced arches. Anterior and posterior crossbite was found in 17.1% of the population, whilst open bite was seen in a smaller proportion of 7.1 % Findings revealed that malocclusion is prevalent among both children and adults in Rivers State, residents (children), with specific patterns correlating with socio-demographic variables and oral habits. The results emphasize the need for targeted orthodontic interventions and public health initiatives to address the burden of malocclusion in the region. This study contributes valuable data to the limited research on malocclusion in Nigeria, serving as a foundation for policy formulation and further investigations.

This quantitative correlational study investigated the availability of ICT resources and the level of teacher ICT competence as predictors of curriculum delivery in Nigerian upper basic schools. The research was conducted in South‑West Nigeria using a descriptive survey design. A sample of 312 teachers was selected from public schools, and data were collected via structured questionnaires on ICT resource availability, teacher competence, and curriculum delivery. The findings revealed a pervasive scarcity of ICT resources, with only the electricity supply recording availability above 50 percent. Other critical instructional technologies, such as computers, projectors, interactive whiteboards, internet connectivity, and ICT laboratories, were largely absent, creating structural barriers to effective technology integration. Teacher competence was found to be moderate, with relatively higher proficiency in basic operations such as computer use and word processing, but weaker skills in multimedia integration, online platform management, digital assessment, and troubleshooting. Curriculum delivery was rated moderately effective, with teachers performing strongly in traditional pedagogical practices but demonstrating limited use of ICT tools to support and reinforce learning. Correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between curriculum delivery and both ICT availability and teacher competence. Regression analysis further revealed that these two factors jointly predicted curriculum delivery, explaining 40 percent of its variance, with teacher competence emerging as the stronger predictor. The study concluded that sustainable improvement in curriculum delivery requires simultaneous investment in ICT infrastructure and teacher professional development. It is recommended that policymakers prioritize equitable resource provision, continuous pedagogy‑focused training, and curriculum reforms that embed ICT integration as a core instructional strategy.

Worldwide, the prevalence of overweight and obesity due to lifestyle is on the rise. Numerous health problems, including metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases, are significantly correlated with it. This study evaluated the protective effects of selected varieties of Solanum lycopersicum on liver and kidney markers in albino rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). A total of twenty-five healthy male albino rats weighing between (150–180 g) were fed high fat diet for the first four (4) weeks, and rats weighing above 300g were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each for another four (4) weeks. Group 1 served as the normal control group, Group 2 served as the negative control (rats fed a high-fat diet only), Group 3 was administered the standard drug (5mg/kg Lovastatin), Groups 4 and 5 animals were administered 200mg/kg body weight of two different varieties of Solanum lycopersicum. After 4 weeks of administration, rats were euthanized, blood sample was collected and centrifuged for analysis. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total bilirubin (TB), Conjugated bilirubin (CB), total protein (TP), albumin, (ALB) creatinine, urea, uric acid, and electrolytes were measured. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) elevation of liver enzymes and kidney markers in HFD-fed rats. At the same time, the Solanum lycopersicum-treated groups exhibited a marked improvement in both liver and kidney parameters compared to the HFD control. The study concludes that Solanum lycopersicum possesses hepatoprotective and renoprotective potential, suggesting its nutritional importance in preventing diet-induced metabolic disorders.

China has high-speed development in the long term, while environmental protection is also given importance by society. The evidence of China can be analyzed and emulated by other countries. The project of ESG is popular globally, and the carbon intensity is considered an essential factor for the country, and economic growth may decrease the carbon intensity because economic growth is fueled by industry transition. The primary and secondary industries are not as efficient as the tertiary industry. This essay can give evidence to policymakers or independent units to make decisions under sustainable development. This study uses Stata software to conduct the analysis, and the analysis employs Chinese economic data and carbon-related data from world bank and the OWID CO₂ Dataset, respectively, from 1965 to 2024. The model chooses Carbon Intensity as the dependent variable and chooses Economic Growth as the independent variable. After that, the model employs Coal CO₂ Emissions per Capita, Services, Value Added (% of GDP), and Oil CO₂ Emissions as the Control Variables. From the empirical analysis, we can draw the conclusion that Economic Growth and Services, Value Added (% of GDP) are significantly associated with carbon intensity. And Coal CO₂ Emissions per Capita and Oil CO₂ Emissions are positively significantly associated with carbon intensity. China is an acute evidence for the developing countries to conduct an industry transition, and the carbon intensity decrease associated with a high-quality environment, which benefits all the citizens living in the country. The air conditioning and temperature also affect the earth ecosystem indirectly. China is still investing human, political, and capital resource to the tertiary industry and is accelerating the industry transition, which boosts its economic growth. Environmental protection should be put in the right place and be associated with the quality of living standards.

The fingerprint examination is one of the most reliable methods of personal identification in forensic science due to the uniqueness and permanence of friction ridge patterns. In addition to primary ridge characteristics and minutiae, microscopic features such as sweat pores (level 3 fingerprint details) provide valuable information for detailed Forensic analysis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of sweat pores characteristics in determining the age and sex of individuals through Poroscopic examination of fingerprints. A total of 150 participants were included in the study and categorized into three different age groups, each consisting of 25 males and 25 females. The fingerprint samples collected from all participants were examined under a digital microscope at 50x magnification, and specific pore parameters such as pore size, pore shape, interspacing between pores, and pore density were analysed. The combined analysis of these pore parameters indicates that poroscopy can provide useful microscopic information that may assist forensic examiners in estimating the approximate age group and differentiating between individuals based on sweat pore characteristics.

Background- Pyogenic granuloma is a common reactive oral lesion characterized by rapid vascular proliferation and tissue remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its regulators, TIMP-2 and RECK, are key modulators of extracellular matrix turnover and angiogenesis, but their roles in pyogenic granuloma remain unclear. Aim- This study aimed to assess the expression and possible role of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK in the biologic behaviour of Pyogenic granuloma. Methods- This was a laboratory based immunohistochemical study of pyogenic granuloma cases seen at the Department of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine, UCH Ibadan, Nigeria between January 2000 and December 2011. 50 cases of pyogenic granuloma were sectioned and stained with commercial antibodies for MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK. Immunohistochemical staining of cells in individual cases was assessed at X100 magnification. Immunohistochemical assessment of MMP2, TIMP2 and RECK were expressed in proportions/percentages. Mean scores for MMP-2, TIMP-2 and RECK as well as MMP-2: TIMP-2 and MMP-2: RECK in all the cases of pyogenic granuloma were compared using the Independent Sample T test. Results- All of the cases expressed MMP2 and 88% of cases expressed TIMP-2 while RECK is positive in 80%. The mean MMP2: RECK ratio in pyogenic granuloma is 2:1. TIMP -2 is significantly higher in males than females (p = 0.005) while mean MMP2:TIMP2 is significantly higher in females than males (p = 0.000). Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore the relationships between MMP-2 and its inhibitors, TIMP-2 and RECK, in pyogenic granuloma. A weak negative correlation was observed between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression (r = −0.093), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.521). Similarly, simple linear regression analysis showed that MMP-2 expression was not a significant predictor of RECK expression (β = 0.02, p = 0.882), with the model explaining virtually none of the variance (R² = 0.00). Conclusion- MMP-2 is expressed in all pyogenic granuloma cases and exceeds the levels of its inhibitors, TIMP-2 and RECK, consistent with its role in driving angiogenesis. Its expression appears largely independent of TIMP-2 and RECK, suggesting additional regulatory factors influence MMP-2 activity in these lesions.

Background: Hypertensive crisis is a continuum of elevated blood pressure that may cause acute target-organ damage and represents life-threatening complications if not treated and controlled urgently. Although the emergency department (ED) setting has historically been advocated as the appropriate environment for acute blood pressure control, the importance of enhanced primary care in responding to some high-risk vascular presentations is increasingly emphasized in modern healthcare systems. Comparative “Real-world” data on outcomes in the management of HC by ED and primary care (PC) perspectives regarding treatment of patients presenting with HC in the Middle Eastern health system is scarce. Objective: To compare clinical management, time to blood pressure control, complication rates and outcome of hypertensive crisis between emergency department (ED) and primary care setting in Qatar. Methods: A parallel observational study was done in 75 adult patients diagnosed with hypertensive crisis from January to November 2025. Patients were treated in ED (n = 45) or primary health care (n = 30). Demographics, comorbidities, treatment approaches, time to response and outcomes were described and compared by statistical methods using test of significance (p < 0.05). Results: In ED patients who were managed with IV antihypertensive treatment, blood pressure reduction was significantly faster, intravenous antihypertensive use was significantly greater, and early complication rates were significantly lower. The majority of cases of hypertensive urgency were effectively controlled with oral pharmacracy and outpatient follow-up at primary care centers. Blood pressure was controlled in total in 66.7%, partially in 25.3% and was uncontrolled with continued medication in 8.0%. Conclusion: Emergency departments are essential for hypertensive emergencies, but appropriately resourced primary care facilities can safely and effectively treat hypertensive urgency, preserving healthcare resources and mitigating inappropriate hospital use.

This study examines Libyan computer science students’ perspectives on their English for Specific Purposes (ESP) textbook and explores the challenges associated with their use of this textbook in the tertiary education context. A questionnaire adapted from established ESP evaluation frameworks was administered to a sample of 53 undergraduate computer science students. The findings reveal a significant discrepancy between the textbook’s organizational structure and its pedagogical effectiveness. While students acknowledge the clarity of the textbook’s layout and sequencing, they report substantial shortcomings in its instructional content. Specifically, the material is perceived as outdated, overly theoretical, and a lack of authentic, discipline-relevant tasks. Moreover, the results indicate a significant imbalance in skills coverage, with a predominant focus on reading while neglecting listening, speaking, and writing skills that are essential for academic and workplace communication in computer science. The study concludes that the textbook, in its current form, does not adequately align with core ESP principles and therefore requires substantial revision and supplementation with contemporary, practice-oriented materials to better equip students with the communicative competencies demanded by their field.

Movement is one of the major characteristics of every living thing. Transportation involves the movement of people, goods and services from one place to another and with increased population congestion is inevitable. Eastern mass junction Nkwo Triangle Nnewi North (Cross intersection) is not exempted from traffic congestion as it was taken as a case study for this work which focused on the analyses of traffic characteristics and design of traffic signaling control for management of busy intersections. Eastern mass junction Nkwo triangle Nnewi is connected by four roads leading Eastwards to the junction is Eke Amobi road, Westwards is First bank road, Northwards by Nnobi road and Southwards by Round-About junction road. The geometry of the junction is symmetrical towards North and South (8.1 meters) and asymmetric towards East (13.425 meters) and West (12 meters). Based on traffic volumes converted to the PCU values, a traffic signaling scheme was designed mostly based on the Webster’s method of signaling design using the geometries of the roads leading to this junction. Results from signal design showed an optimum cycle lengths of 73 seconds with total effective green times of 55 seconds and amber time of 5 seconds. The designed traffic signal is recommended for Eastern mass junction and other similar junctions to improve their traffic characteristics and reduce the demerits of congestion and delays.

Contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Northwestern Nigeria remains notably low compared to other regions of the country and neighboring African nations. This study examines the socio-cultural and religious influences that shape family planning practices in the region, drawing on data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and relevant literature. Findings reveal that while limited education, spousal consent, restricted healthcare access, and economic hardship contribute to low uptake, socio-cultural norms exert the strongest influence. Cultural expectations of high fertility and male dominance in reproductive decision-making overshadow religious teachings, as the predominant religion in the region does not explicitly forbid contraceptive use. Our research concludes that engaging religious and community leaders in awareness campaigns is essential to dispel misconceptions, promote informed choices, and improve reproductive health outcomes in Northwestern Nigeria.

Food security in hyper-arid regions is constrained not only by water scarcity and soil degradation but by the thermodynamic instability of agricultural climates. In countries such as Qatar and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), extreme diurnal heat loads impose continuous cooling demand on controlled-environment agriculture, rendering food production energy-intensive and economically vulnerable. This study presents a novel multi-layered wall (MLW) designed to establish a controlled microclimate within interior agricultural environments under arid conditions. It is an arrangement of thermally useful materials: a high-thermal-mass clay composite for conductive attenuation; sequential semi-permeable membranes to interrupt and regulate convective exchange; a conditioned cavity that uses stack-driven airflow together with embedded cooling system; a concrete layer providing structural endurance and secondary buffering; and a recycled-plastic insulation layer to reduce residual flux. The assembly sequences moderate resistances and storage capacity to produce thermal lag, flux dispersion, and amplitude damping. Laboratory experiments under controlled radiative loading and sustained heat exposure verify the hypothesis: the MLW suppresses peak internal temperature excursions, flattens thermal gradients across interfaces, and preserves near-baseline interior conditions over prolonged forcing. Energy accounting for indoor farming loads suggests meaningful reductions in cooling demand when MLW-mediated temperature control replaces part of traditional mechanical conditioning. Index Terms- Multi-layered Wall (MLW): Structural configuration designed for progressive reduction of heat transfer. Thermal Insulation: Layers and materials engineered to reduce conductive and convective heat flux. Convective Ventilation: Stack-driven airflow mechanisms that remove excess heat from the conditioning cavity. Thermal Mass: Use of clay-based composites and water loops to absorb and regulate transient heat loads. Desert Agriculture: Application of engineered microclimates to enable sustainable crop production under arid conditions. Sustainable Development: Meeting present developmental needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

Women’s economic empowerment is central to achieving inclusive growth and reducing gender disparities in India. In recent decades, women have made notable progress in education, employment, and entrepreneurship; however, their economic participation remains constrained by wage inequality, limited access to resources, and persistent socio-cultural barriers. This study examines the key dimensions of women’s economic empowerment, including financial inclusion, skill development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and access to decision-making platforms. It also evaluates the role of government programs such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Skill India Mission, and Digital India, which have created avenues for enhancing women’s economic roles, particularly in rural areas. Despite these advancements, challenges such as low labor force participation rates, occupational segregation, and limited household bargaining power continue to hinder full empowerment. The paper argues that sustainable economic empowerment requires not only policy support but also a transformation of institutional structures and cultural norms. Enhancing women’s economic agency is essential for equity, poverty reduction, and long-term national development. All the data source has taken from secondary sources and various government report and women empowerment related books and research articles. In this paper divide has two sections first -Global scenario of economic empowerment of women and Second Indian scenario of economic empowerment of women and with three objectives.

This study examined the relationship between delivery risk management and logistics performance of e-commerce platforms in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated how infrastructure risk management and security risk management influence delivery speed and order fulfilment accuracy. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from employees of registered courier service companies involved in e-commerce delivery operations in Abia State. A total of 250 questionnaires were administered, out of which 238 were validly returned, representing a response rate of 95.2%. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression techniques. The findings revealed that infrastructure risk management and security risk management are widely implemented by courier companies and are positively associated with logistics performance outcomes. The regression results indicated that infrastructure risk management and security risk management significantly and positively influence delivery speed (R² = 0.49) and order fulfilment accuracy (R² = 0.46). The study further showed that both dimensions of delivery risk management jointly explain a substantial proportion of the variance in logistics performance. Consequently, all the formulated hypotheses were supported. The study concludes that effective delivery risk management plays a critical role in improving logistics performance within e-commerce operations. The study recommends that courier companies strengthen route planning, infrastructure adaptation strategies, and security mechanisms such as real-time parcel tracking and theft prevention measures to enhance delivery reliability and customer satisfaction.

This paper explores the intricate relationship between governance and economic development in Africa, with a specific focus on Nigeria. Nigeria, as Africa's most populous nation and one of its largest economies, offers a compelling case study of how governance impacts economic trajectories. Marx and Engels' concept of historical materialism was employed to deepen the understanding of governance and economic development dynamics in post-colonial Africa, with a specific focus on Nigeria's current governance system. This choice is also because it seeks to establish a scientific foundation for fostering a better future for humanity. Secondary sources of data were collected and analyzed mostly in descriptive forms. This study, describing Nigeria's economic and development trajectory as a microcosm of the broader African experience suggests that the quality of governance can either strengthen a weak economy or stifle a potentially thriving one. It underscores the significant impact of governance, highlighting the paradox of Nigeria's vast natural resources coexisting with persistent poverty and underdevelopment. It attributes this to governance issues such as lack of visionary leaders, corrupt practices, embezzlement /misappropriation of public funds, inefficiency, ineptitude, weak institutional capacities, and undue foreign influence. The paper recommends that well-managed and adequately funded Civil Societies Organizations (CSOS) and NGOs have the potential to alleviate the impact of poor governance in Africa and contribute to the establishment of a better society.

Background: Gingival biotype (now often termed periodontal phenotype) describes gingival thickness, keratinized tissue width, and underlying bone morphology. This phenotype has significant influence on periodontal disease progression, clinical outcomes, aesthetic stability, and response to therapy. Aim: To assess gingival biotype distribution in a defined population and evaluate its association with periodontal parameters, specifically probing depth and gingival recession. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study involving 85 systemically healthy subjects aged 20–40 years was conducted. Gingival biotype was assessed by both probe transparency and transgingival probing methods. Probing depth and gingival recession were recorded for mandibular anterior teeth. SPSS software employed appropriate inferential statistics; p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Thin gingival biotype was predominant, and there were statistically significant associations between biotype and both probing depth and gingival recession (p<0.05). Conclusion: Gingival biotype significantly influences periodontal parameters; therefore, routine assessment should be standard in periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning.