Background: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) offers aesthetic and hygienic advantages over traditional fixed orthodontic appliances. However, its uptake is influenced by patients' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions (KAP) and acceptance of the treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP towards CAT among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and to identify demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a private hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, involving all consenting follow-up orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance orthodontic therapy. A validated self-administered questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and KAP toward CAT. Data were analysed using SPSS v26 and R software, employing chi-square and logistic regression. Results: Among 232 participants, only 50% had heard of CAT, and just 27.6% demonstrated good knowledge. About 52.2% showed a positive attitude, and 50.9% had a favourable perception. Significant associations were found between attitude and age (p = 0.022), education (p = 0.030), ethnicity (p = 0.035), and income (p = 0.013). Income uncertainty was a negative predictor of a favourable attitude (OR = 0.42, p = 0.025). Conclusion: Knowledge of CAT among patients treated with fixed appliances is limited, despite moderate awareness and positive attitudes. Educational and economic factors significantly influence acceptance. Improved education and affordability could enhance uptake of aligner therapy.

English for General Academic Purpose (EGAP) is crucial for cultivating high-quality innovative talents, focusing on developing their practical competence in academic English for communication, research and professional practice. With the in-depth integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education, traditional EGAP teaching faces challenges like insufficient interaction and inefficient personalized guidance. Thus, human-computer collaborative teaching becomes an inevitable direction for EGAP reform. Based on previous research deficiencies and the latest AIGC development, this study optimizes the “one-core, three-orders and seven-synergies” model (grounded in PBL and supported by AIGC), integrating strengths of teachers, AI systems and students to expand EGAP teaching boundaries. Supplemented with new empirical data and cases, it verifies the upgraded model’s effectiveness, providing targeted theoretical and practical support for AI-EGAP integration and promoting EGAP teaching quality.

Managerial pricing decisions are central to organizational profitability but are often compromised by systematic cognitive biases. This study investigates how anchoring, loss aversion, and overconfidence distort managerial pricing judgments and identifies the psychological mechanisms through which these effects occur. The study pursues four objectives: first, to quantify the individual effects of anchoring, loss aversion, and overconfidence on pricing accuracy; second, to examine their joint and interactive influence on pricing distortions; third, to develop and empirically test a bias-corrected managerial pricing framework integrating behavioral factors; and fourth, to generate robust empirical evidence that advances the fragmented behavioral pricing literature and informs debiased pricing practices. Using a between-subjects experimental design, 240 experienced managers were randomly assigned to anchoring, loss-aversion, overconfidence, or control conditions and completed a realistic pricing simulation. Pricing error was measured as deviation from optimal benchmarks, alongside assessments of cognitive distortion and confidence bias. Results show that all three biases significantly increased pricing errors, with anchoring and loss aversion exerting the strongest direct effects. Mediation and structural equation modeling reveal that cognitive distortion is the primary pathway through which bias-inducing conditions translate into pricing errors, while confidence bias plays a secondary but reinforcing role, particularly under overconfidence. When multiple biases co-occur, their effects compound, producing larger deviations from optimal prices. The findings make a theoretical contribution by providing an integrated, pricing-specific account of multiple managerial biases and empirically validating a dual-mediation framework linking bias, cognition, and pricing outcomes. Practically, the results highlight the value of structured decision protocols, calibration training, and decision-support systems as effective interventions for improving pricing accuracy and managerial decision quality.

The present study examined the impact of treadmill and resistance training packages on selected motor fitness components and skill performance variables among hockey players. A pre-test and post-test randomized group design was employed. Forty-five male hockey players (aged group 19–25 years) were selected from affiliated colleges of Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India. They were randomly assigned into three groups: group I Treadmill Training Group (TTG), group II Resistance Training Group (RTG) and group III Control Group (CG), with fifteen participants in each group. The TTG and RTG underwent their respective training interventions on alternate days for twelve weeks, while the control group followed their regular academic routine without additional training. Motor fitness variables such as cardiovascular endurance and agility, along with performance variables including stick control and passing accuracy, were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted by using paired sample t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed significant improvements (p ≤ .05) in all selected motor fitness and performance variables for both experimental groups compared to the control group. The findings indicate that treadmill training and resistance training packages are effective methods for enhancing physical fitness and skill performance among university hockey players.

This study examines the evolution of the center–periphery structure in Japanese intellectual history through the thought of Motoori Norinaga and Yanagita Kunio. It explores how Japan sought self-identity and independence under external cultural and academic pressures. During the Edo period, under the influence of Chinese civilization, Motoori Norinaga reinterpreted the Huayi distinction, emphasizing indigenous tradition and Shinto thought while rejecting China’s absolute centrality and repositioning Japan as a cultural center. In the modern era, facing a Western-dominated academic system, Yanagita Kunio proposed “national folklore studies” to secure the autonomy of Japanese scholarship through a strategy of relative centralization. By comparing their approaches, this study reveals both continuity and transformation in Japan’s center–periphery structure. It argues that despite differences in historical context and disciplinary focus, both thinkers retained the hierarchical logic of the center–periphery framework while redefining Japan’s position within it.

Endodontic pharmacology constitutes a fundamental pillar in modern dental practice, integrating pharmacological principles with clinical endodontics to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The primary objectives include pain control, elimination of microbial infection, and facilitation of periapical healing. Advances in pharmacology, microbiology, and biomaterials have significantly improved treatment success; however, challenges such as antibiotic resistance, opioid misuse, and management of medically compromised patients demand a rational and evidence-based approach. This review comprehensively discusses pharmacological agents used in endodontics, their mechanisms, clinical applications, and recent trends, while emphasizing safe prescribing practices and patient-centered care.[1]

Laser dentistry has emerged as a significant advancement in modern dental practice, offering a minimally invasive alternative to conventional instruments such as scalpels and rotary devices. Its growing popularity is driven by improved precision, enhanced patient comfort, reduced postoperative complications, and expanding clinical applications across multiple dental specialties. This narrative review aims to explore the expanding role of lasers in dentistry, focusing on their fundamental principles, clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and future directions. The literature consistently highlights benefits such as reduced bleeding, decreased pain, faster healing, and improved patient acceptance. However, challenges including high cost, operator dependency, learning curve, and variability in clinical evidence continue to limit universal adoption. Overall, laser dentistry represents a transformative tool in contemporary dental care, with strong potential for further integration into routine practice as technology advances and evidence continues to grow.

This study investigates the effects of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) leaf extract on hormonal levels, semen quality, and sperm cell morphology in male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomized into three groups: control, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg extract-treated groups, and administered for 28 days. Hormonal assays revealed significant dose-dependent reductions in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels in treated groups (p < 0.05). Semen quality analysis showed a significant decline in semen color, consistency, pH, sperm motility, and live proportion, alongside increased abnormal sperm morphology and non-motile spermatozoa, especially in the 800 mg/kg group. Furthermore, differential sperm abnormalities, including head deformities, twisted tails, and bent mid-pieces, were significantly elevated in treated groups, indicating structural and functional damage to sperm cells. The results suggest that Cucumis sativus leaf extract, at higher doses, impairs male reproductive hormones, semen quality, and sperm morphology, potentially due to oxidative stress or phytochemical-induced toxicity. This aligns with prior studies on phytotoxic effects of plant extracts, where flavonoids, alkaloids, and other bioactive compounds were implicated in reproductive toxicity. However, the exact mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear and warrants further exploration. This study provides a foundation for understanding the reproductive toxicity of Cucumis sativus leaf extract, emphasizing the need for cautious use of herbal preparations containing this plant.

Background: Although ESWL is considered safe for upper ureteric stones, the use of JJ stents may influence complication rates and patient morbidity. Objective: To assess the outcome of ESWL for upper ureteric stones with or without Double-J stent. Methods: In this prospective comparative study, 62 patients with upper ureteric stones were randomly allocated into stented (n=31) and non-stented (n=31) groups. Post-procedural complications including ureteric colic, steinstrasse, fever, suprapubic pain, and LUTS were recorded and analyzed. Results: Ureteric colic was significantly lower in the stented group compared to the non-stented group (12.9% vs 35.5%; p<0.05). However, suprapubic pain was significantly higher in the stented group (41.9% vs 16.1%; p<0.05). The incidence of steinstrasse and fever did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05). Lower urinary tract symptoms were significantly more common in the stented group, including urinary frequency (48.4% vs 9.7%; p<0.01), urgency (54.8% vs 16.1%; p<0.01), and dysuria (61.3% vs 19.4%; p<0.01). Gross haematuria did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Although JJ stenting reduces ureteric colic after ESWL, it is associated with significantly higher lower urinary tract symptoms and patient discomfort. Routine pre-ESWL stenting is therefore not recommended in uncomplicated upper ureteric stones ≤2 cm.

Cocaine (koe kane') is a potent local anesthetic that appears to act by inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels, increasing the threshold for electric excitability of nerve axons and thus decreasing neuroconduction. In the central nervous system, cocaine appears to block both norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake. The aim of this study is to determine the histological effect of crack cocaine on the liver of adult albino wistar rat. A total of forty (40) adult Albino Wistar rats of comparable sizes were used for this study. They were divided into four equal groups (A – D) with ten (10) rats each. Group A served as the control and the rats were given distilled water and feed only. In addition to feed and water, groups B rats were given 0.5ml (100mg) crack cocaine extract and crack cocaine extract, group C rats were given 2ml (200mg) crack cocaine extract, and group D rats were given 5ml (300mg) crack cocaine extract respectively. The drug administration was given daily for 14 days (2 weeks) and the weights of both the test and control animals was monitored before and after administration of crack cocaine extract. The administration of the crack cocaine extracts was given orally. After the administration, the rats were put under light chloroform anaesthesia and the liver were obtained. ANOVA was used to analyze the results of the weight and differences was considered significant at p<0.05 level of confidence. All data was expressed in table as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The results of this study show presence of bridging necrosis and portal fibrosis in the liver histology of test wistar rats administered with crack cocaine at 200 and 300mg when compared with the non-cocaine administered group also a non-significant variation was observed in the body weight of control and test groups across the groups. In conclusion, the use of cocaine can lead to significant and harmful effects on liver histology, resulting from a combination of factors related to the drug's pharmacological actions, metabolism, and physiological responses. These changes stem from cocaine's vasoconstrictive properties, generation of reactive metabolites, direct toxic effects, and interactions with other substances.

The lack of process standardization and formal management tools in animal feed plants can lead to operational variability, negatively affecting production efficiency and final product quality. This study aims to optimize the performance of the operational system of an animal feed plant through the implementation of process standardization, quality assurance, and lean manufacturing tools. The study was conducted under an applied approach using a case study at the “El Aire” animal feed plant, located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The methodology was structured in three phases: process standardization through procedure manuals, flowcharts, and Standard Operating Sheets; strengthening of the quality system through technical specifications and a quality control plan; and implementation of the 5S methodology to improve operational environment conditions. The results show a significant improvement in the control of the production system, reflected in an increase in the level of process documentation, improvements in critical product quality parameters, and an increase in the level of order and cleanliness in operational areas, which rose from an average of 16% to 85%. These actions contributed to greater efficiency in operational execution and improved compliance with production schedules. It is concluded that the structured and progressive application of standardization and lean manufacturing tools strengthens operational management in animal feed plants, even in highly automated environments, providing a solid foundation for continuous improvement and the sustainability of the production system.

The quick use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), especially large language models (LLMs), is changing the way companies report and share financial information. GenAI is becoming more and more popular with finance teams for writing the narrative parts of annual reports, management discussion and analysis (MD&A), sustainability disclosures, and earnings releases. This is because it promises big gains in efficiency and more consistent messaging. At the same time, regulators, standard setters, and audit firms warn about new risks to reliability, including hallucinations, bias, loss of explainability, and weak controls over AI workflows. This paper offers a conceptual and normative examination of (1) the reliability of AI-generated financial disclosures in comparison to human-written disclosures, and (2) the requisite audit procedures and governance mechanisms necessary to guarantee accuracy and integrity. We synthesize evidence on the impact of AI on the quality of financial reporting and audit by using recent empirical and conceptual literature in auditing and accounting information systems, as well as practitioner reports and regulatory guidance. Research in banking and external auditing indicates that the utilization of AI is positively correlated with the quality of financial reporting and external audits, facilitated by enhanced information processing. Simultaneously, survey data reveals apprehensions regarding ethical dilemmas, requisite professional diligence, and professional discernment in the extensive application of AI within the auditing process. We suggest a conceptual framework for evaluating the dependability of AI-generated disclosures that encompasses: (a) the design of AI systems and training data; (b) internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) and AI-specific controls; (c) governance and oversight by management, audit committees, and regulators; and (d) independent verification by external auditors. Building on existing auditing standards (for example, ISA 315 and ISA 330) and emerging technology guidance, we outline a set of risk-based audit procedures tailored to AI-generated narrative disclosures, including data lineage testing, model governance evaluation, analytical procedures on AI text, and expanded documentation requirements. The paper concludes that AI-generated financial disclosures can be at least as reliable as human-written disclosures - and in some dimensions more reliable - provided that entities implement strong AI governance, maintain human-in-the-loop review, and that auditors adapt their methodologies to explicitly address AI-related risks. In the absence of such controls and audit responses, GenAI can materially undermine the reliability, auditability, and credibility of financial reporting.

Despite the significant contribution of family-owned business to global economy, these firms often struggle with the quality of financial reporting due to unique governance structures, poor management, and a lack of access to modern technology, which poses challenges to transparency and investor confidence. In view of this, the study investigates the effect of information technology dynamics on financial reporting quality of listed family-owned companies in Nigeria. Longitudinal research design was used on data collected from secondary sources of 37 family-owned companies from 2015 to 2024. The robust pooled ordinary least squares regression was conducted tests to verify interaction between financial reporting quality (FRQ) as dependent variable and the proxy of information technology dynamics; cloud computing cost, extensible business reporting language cost, and artificial intelligence cost. Results revealed that cloud computing cost has a significant affirmative effect while artificial intelligence cost has an insignificant positive effect on FRQ of listed family-owned companies in Nigeria. Contrarily, extensible business reporting language cost has an insignificant adverse effect on FRQ of listed family-owned firms in Nigeria. The study concludes that information technology investments significantly improve financial reporting quality of listed family-owned companies in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that managers should consider prioritizing investments in cloud-based accounting systems as they enhance real-time data capture, facilitate accurate reporting and reduce possibility of human errors thereby boosting transparency and accountability. Furthermore, Regulators and policy makers should create enabling environments that reduce implementation costs and foster technological capacity development.

The problem of applying ceramic glazes to ceramic products first appears during the preparation of ceramic glaze recipes, an issue that is especially evident in the entrepreneurial sector in small and medium-sized ceramic enterprises. Unlike large-scale ceramics factories, these enterprises often lack advanced laboratories or specialized devices for controlling the quality of ceramic glazes. This experimental study aims to ensure the quality of ceramic glazing recipe application by providing applied chemical solutions that are determined by the proportions of additives they contain. Specifically, this experimental study focuses on the use of sodium carboxymethylcellulose as an additive that contributes to controlling the quality of ceramic glazing. In its main outputs, this study aims to provide accurate ratios of additives for glazing recipes that correspond to target application techniques at the level of small and medium-sized ceramic industries.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While Helicobacter pylori is primarily a gastric pathogen, emerging evidence suggests potential extra-gastric manifestations, including possible links to respiratory diseases. However, the association between H. pylori infection and CAP remains poorly characterized. Objective: This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate and synthesize the available evidence regarding the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and community-acquired pneumonia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for publications from January 2021 to January 2026. Studies investigating direct or indirect associations between H. pylori infection and CAP were included. Eight studies met eligibility criteria, encompassing diverse designs including cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and randomized controlled trials. Quality assessment was performed using appropriate tools (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, JBI Checklist, Cochrane RoB 2). Results: Direct evidence for an H. pylori-CAP association was limited, with only three studies providing direct seroepidemiological or immunological data. These demonstrated that H. pylori infection may modulate systemic inflammatory responses (elevated CXCL10 and IL-10; reduced IL-1β and IL-6) and showed non-significant associations with respiratory pathogen co-exposure. Indirect evidence highlighted that proton pump inhibitor use—commonly prescribed for H. pylori-related conditions—was associated with significantly increased pneumonia risk (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.882 for long-term use). Studies in peptic ulcer patients reported postoperative pneumonia rates of 5–12%. Overall evidence quality was moderate, with significant heterogeneity precluding meta-analysis. Conclusion: Direct evidence linking H. pylori infection to community-acquired pneumonia is remarkably limited and inconclusive. The available data suggest that any association may operate through immunomodulatory mechanisms or indirect pathways, particularly proton pump inhibitor use. Well-designed prospective cohort studies with validated H. pylori diagnostics and adequate confounder adjustment are urgently needed to clarify this relationship.