Denny's and CSCS (in conjunction with HAVI) deployed a cloud-based Source-to-Pay (S2P) solution powered by Ivalua for all 3400 restaurants within 15 months to reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions having a major financial impact on Denny's restaurant operations. The approach of employing a phased rollout led to savings of 18%, equating to $12 million in costs for each year of the project's duration additionally, it allowed for a number of major achievements such as provision of a digital procurement framework, created over multiple older systems. There were also great efficiencies realized through the projects execution due to a 92% first-time match rate and the ability to complete procurement cycles within only 72 hours as opposed to 45 days. Technical innovations achieved included real-time connectivity with SAP/EDW, creation of custom ticketing solutions, creation of analytical reports to deliver information through multiple dashboards used for transaction monitoring. The project established the benefits delivered through the phased approach to deployment, reduced risk to an organization due to implementation decisions and demonstrated the importance of AI-ready cloud architecture for rapid procurement agility. Movement forward will continue by incorporating blockchain, Internet of Things monitoring and generative AI will further expand and enhance savings and position Denny's / CSCS as a leader in digitalizing food service procurement.

The main objective of this research is to investigate some properties of fresh and hardened concrete using glass powder as a partial replacement of cement at percentages of 15%, 25%, and 35% by weight, and to determine the optimum replacement ratio. Four concrete mixes were prepared with replacement levels of 0% (control mix), 15%, 25%, and 35% of cement by glass powder. Six cube specimens were cast for each mix. Tests were conducted on fresh concrete (slump test) and hardened concrete (compressive strength test) at curing ages of 7 and 28 days. The results showed that the workability of concrete increased with increasing percentages of cement replacement by glass powder; however, the slump values remained lower than that of the control mix. Moreover, the results indicated that replacing 15% of cement with glass powder increased the compressive strength by 7% compared to the control mix (0%). Based on the results obtained, the optimum percentage for partial replacement of cement with glass powder is 15%.

Background: Chronic otitis media (COM), encompassing otitis media with effusion (OME) and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), represents the most prevalent pediatric illness and the leading cause of acquired hearing loss in children worldwide. The auditory deficits associated with COM have profound implications for language acquisition, cognitive development, educational attainment, and social integration during critical developmental windows. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize available evidence on the association between chronic otitis media and hearing loss in children, examining prevalence estimates across different populations, the severity and characteristics of hearing impairment, risk factors that modify this association, and the relationship between disease characteristics and auditory outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between 2022 and 2026. Studies were included if they examined children aged 0-18 years with COM, utilized objective audiological assessments (pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, or wideband absorbance), and reported original research data on the association between COM and hearing loss. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising cross-sectional, cohort, and retrospective designs. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. A narrative synthesis was conducted due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Results: The included studies demonstrated a consistent and strong association between COM and hearing loss in children. Global estimates indicate that 34.71 million children under 15 years were affected by COM-induced hearing loss in 2021, representing an 11.32% increase over three decades. Prevalence varied substantially across populations, reaching 55% in Greenlandic children and 34.8% in Alaska Native children. Hearing loss was typically mild-to-moderate conductive impairment, with mean pure-tone averages ranging from 22-45 dB HL. The severity of hearing loss correlated with disease chronicity, effusion characteristics, and specific risk factors including cleft palate, genetic susceptibility (CPT1A Arctic variant), and socioeconomic disadvantage. Wideband absorbance demonstrated strong negative correlations with air-bone gap (R² = 0.94), enabling precise prediction of conductive hearing loss severity. Protective factors included breastfeeding (43% relative risk reduction). Surgical interventions, including tympanostomy tube insertion and rapid maxillary expansion, produced significant and sustained improvements in audiological outcomes and speech-language development. Conclusions: This systematic review provides robust evidence that COM is strongly and consistently associated with hearing loss in children, with the highest burden concentrated in indigenous populations, low- and middle-income countries, and children with anatomical or genetic vulnerabilities. The mild-to-moderate hearing loss typical of COM, while often clinically underrecognized, is sufficient to compromise developmental outcomes during critical periods. The evidence supports targeted screening programs in high-risk populations, timely surgical intervention for persistent disease, and public health strategies addressing modifiable risk factors including breastfeeding promotion and improved healthcare access.

The study Investigates empirically the Impact of technological development on deposit money banks’ performance in Nigeria using annual lime series covering a period of 13 years, which is between 2009 Ql and 2021 Q4. To accomplish this objective, descriptive statistics, the unit root test, and Toda- Yamamoto modelling techniques were adopted for the analysis. The study shows that the number of points of sale does not affect deposit money banks' performance; and the number of mobile payments does not affect deposit money banks’ performance in Nigeria, but the number of automated teller machines enhances deposit money banks Performance. The study therefore concludes that technological development enhanced deposit money banks’ performance in Nigeria within the period of study. The study recommends that efforts be made to improve the efficiency of ATM service delivery in the country. There is a need to always fund the machines to ease transactions and prevent the risk of customers carrying cash over long distances to banks.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of Orangetheory fitness training, yogic practices, and their combined application on psychological stress among obese school students. Sixty obese students aged between 12 and 14 years from schools in and around Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, were selected as participants. The subjects were randomly assigned into four groups consisting of fifteen students each. Group I participated in Orangetheory fitness training, Group II performed yogic practices, Group III underwent a combined programme of Orangetheory training and yoga, while Group IV served as the control group without any specific intervention. Psychological stress was considered the dependent variable and was measured using the standardized Every and Grinodo Psychological Stress Scale. The experimental programmes were conducted for twelve weeks with five sessions per week. Data were collected before the commencement of the training and immediately after the completion of the intervention period. The collected data were analysed using the dependent t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Whenever the adjusted post-test F-ratio was found significant, Scheffe’s post-hoc test was applied to determine the paired mean differences. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05. The findings revealed significant differences among the experimental and control groups, and the combined training programme produced greater stress reduction compared with the individual training methods.

Glomus jugulare tumors are rare, highly vascular paragangliomas of the skull base that pose significant surgical challenges due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures and their propensity for extensive local invasion. In low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, limitations in access to advanced imaging, preoperative embolization, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and blood products further complicate management. The objective is to describe the surgical technique, perioperative management, and outcomes of patients with glomus jugulare tumors managed in a Nigerian hospital. This was a prospective case series of patients with radiologically confirmed glomus jugulare tumors managed surgically from January 2024 to December 2025. Preoperative evaluation included cranial nerve assessment and cross-sectional imaging. Surgical approaches, extent of resection, estimated blood loss, perioperative complications, and functional outcomes were analyzed. Seven patients were included, with a mean age of 45.7 years. Hearing loss and lower cranial nerve dysfunction were the most frequent presenting symptoms. Gross total resection was achieved in 5 patients (71.4%). The mean estimated blood loss was 253 ml. One patient (14.3%) developed new or worsened postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits, which improved during follow-up. No perioperative mortality occurred. Adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended for subtotal resections but could not be administered due to limited availability. Despite significant resource constraints, surgical management of glomus jugulare tumors in Nigeria is feasible with acceptable oncological and functional outcomes. Early diagnosis, meticulous microsurgical technique, and a multidisciplinary collaboration remain critical for optimizing patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Lichens, a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae, possess a remarkable array of biological properties. This study explored the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of extracts from two lichen species: Bulbothrix isidiza and Parmotrema reticulatum. The disc diffusion method revealed promising antibacterial activity in both lichen extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, the ethyl acetate extract of B. isidiza and the ethanol extract of P. reticulatum exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay confirmed antioxidant activity in both lichen extracts, with scavenging activity increasing with extract concentration. These findings suggest the potential for these lichens as sources of natural antimicrobials and antioxidants. Further research is necessary to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for these activities and assess their potential therapeutic applications.

The gold jewellery takes a unique position in the Indian consumer market, and it is both a cultural object and an investment tool as well as a branded luxury item. The increasing trend of the unorganised local jewellers to the organised and brand-oriented jewellery retailers has increased the concern to examine the determinants of consumer buying behaviour in the culturally based markets. The purpose of the study was to investigate brand-led gold jewellery purchasing behaviour in the socio-cultural and economic aspects with a particular reference to PC Chandra, Kolkata. The descriptive and analytical research design was taken and 250 branded gold jewellery consumers in Kolkata were used as a sample on which the primary data were collected with the help of a structured questionnaire. The paper utilized percentage analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis and paired sample t-test to verify the hypotheses suggested. The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between socio-cultural factors and brand-led buying behaviour of gold jewellery. The socio-cultural influence was also observed to have a great impact on the purchase intention of the consumers. In addition, the research determined that there existed a substantial gap in the exposure to brand-related attributes among consumers and the perception of the gold jewellery brand created by PC Chandra, indicating that there was a perception-exposure gap in the study. It has a contribution to the relevant literature by introducing a combined, city-based, empirical research of the brand-based buying behaviour of gold jewellery and it also has a contribution to the management knowledge by providing empirical research on the enhancement of brand strategies in culturally intensive markets.

While the mitigation of climate change is typically framed as a problem globally, the literary genre of climate fiction (cli-fi) plays an indispensable role in shaping the cultural and psychological conditions necessary for collective action. Climate fiction addresses the issue by transforming abstract statistics and distant future projections into tangible, emotionally resonant human experiences. First, cli-fi serves as a "prosthetic imagination," allowing readers to inhabit the lived realities of a warming planet thereby breaking through the psychological barriers of temporal and spatial distance that often paralyse action. By providing concrete sensory details and character-driven plots, these narratives make the "hyperobject" of climate change comprehensible and personally relevant. Thus, the paper is an attempt to examine how climate fiction functions as a repository for future memory and a workshop for social resilience. Unlike purely apocalyptic narratives that can induce fatalistic despair, the most effective works of climate fiction model adaptive strategies, reimagine community structures and explore the ethical dilemmas of mitigation and justice. They offer speculative spaces where readers can confront the emotional weight of loss while simultaneously envisioning pathways toward survivable and even thriving futures. This process of pre-traumatic growth and narrative forecasting is crucial for building the psychological stamina required for long-term civic engagement. Cli-fi shape the perceptual frameworks through which society interprets the world with positive impacts. In a culture saturated with misinformation and short-term thinking, climate fiction provides a counter-narrative that centres long-term responsibility and interconnectedness. To conclude, mitigating climate change requires not only technological innovation but also a transformation of the human imagination. By bridging the divide between knowing and feeling, climate fiction cultivates the moral urgency and collective will needed to translate awareness into action, positioning narrative as an essential, though often overlooked, tool in the global effort to stabilize the planet’s climate.

Background: Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection that is common among breast cancer patients who are under chemotherapy. The rising levels of fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans are a cause of concern in the context of the therapeutic effectiveness of this drug, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge of clinical-molecular studies on cancer in the Middle East. Methods: A prospective, case-control study took place in the period between 1 February 2024 and 4 June 2025 in the Dhi Qar Province, Iraq. A hundred patients with breast cancer (50-75 years) and 100 age-matched controls (healthy individuals) were recruited. Oral swabs had been cultured and isolates were characterized phenotypically and identified by ITS sequencing. Test was done on antifungal susceptibility as per CLSI M27-A3. ERG11, CDR1 and MDR1 expression were determined by RT-qPCR in accordance with MIQE. Sanger sequencing revealed ERG11 mutation as well. Independent predictors of fluconazole resistance were determined with the use of multivariable logistic regression. Results: Candida species were identified in 77 percent of the patients vs. 32 percent of the control group (p < 0.001). C. albicans comprised 75 per cent of isolates. The patient isolates exhibited a significant level of resistance of fluconazole compared to the controls (24.7% vs 6.3% p = 0.01). There was a significant overexpression of CDR1 (median 4.4-fold), MDR1 (3.2-fold), and ERG11 (2.2-fold) in the resistant C. albicans isolates compared with the susceptibles (p < 0.01). Fifty-four percent of resistant isolates were found to have ERG11 mutations. The biomass of biofilm were found to be significantly higher in resistant strains (p = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, previous exposure to fluconazole (OR 4.7), high level of CDR1 expression (OR 5.4) and high biofilm production (OR 3.3) were found to be independent predictors of resistance. The predictive model was good in discrimination (AUC = 0.85). Conclusions: Efflux pump overexpression and, to a minor degree, ERG11 mutations are the major factors that result in fluconazole resistance in oral C. albicans breast cancer patients. The findings highlight the significance of the incorporation of molecular diagnostics in the antifungal stewardship programs in cancer centers.

Background: single pill combinations is proved to achieve patient compliance and hence better blood sugar control and less occurrence of complications of type two diabetes. Objectives: to assess the outcome of fixed dose combination management of diabetic patients by monitor blood glucose and HbA1c, renal function test and body weight, and test its significancy in regard to the previous management. Methodology: Prospective follow up study carried out for a period of 28 weeks, combined pills of pioglitazone 30mg with glyburide 2mg as a single dose drug taken before breakfast-and dapagliflozin 10mg combined with 1000mg metformin as a single dose taken at dinner, measurement of fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, blood urea , creatine and weight and renal function test and weight were done at the start of the study and then repeated 28 weeks later, compliance was assessed using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) with 3 level Likert scale. Results: The eligible subjects who were involved in the study were 72, their mean blood sugar and HbA1c at start of the study was 302.09, 10.40respectively, mean blood urea and creatinine 41.34, 0.72respectively, mean weight was 80.03 kg, by the end of the study period all the reading was reduced to the following levels: , 198.33, 8.43, 40.67, .69 in the same previous order, apart from the mean weight which showed an increase to 81.82. While compliance was increased from score of 6 up to score of 8. Conclusion: Drug combination and single pills have assured compliance and hence blood sugar control and have a negative impact on the occurrence of complications.

Congenital Hypothyroidism is a rare but serious malformative pathology, subject to congenital screening in several countries around the world. its impact once omitted is serious and irreversible. The form with agenesis of the thyroid gland called athyreosis can be associated with several malformations, cardiac, renal or skeletal. Patients living with athyreosis most often have symptoms of chronic hypothyroidism, which can be attributed either to a FT3/F4 ratio that is too low or a defect in the peripheral deiodation of T4 to T3. We report the case of a young girl with athyreosis who maintains a refractory hypothyroidism syndrome.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic complication of pregnancy and is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. The rising prevalence of gestational diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, poses increasing challenges for obstetric and neonatal care. Maternal hyperglycemia alters intrauterine metabolic conditions, potentially leading to adverse delivery outcomes and early neonatal complications. Objective: To evaluate the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on mode of delivery, maternal complications and early neonatal outcomes in a tertiary care hospital setting. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh, from January to December 2025. A total of 150 pregnant women were enrolled, including 75 with gestational diabetes mellitus and 75 without gestational diabetes. Maternal socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric outcomes and early neonatal outcomes were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Women with gestational diabetes had higher rates of caesarean section (52.0% vs. 32.0%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (18.7% vs. 8.0%), preterm delivery (21.3% vs. 9.3%) and polyhydramnios (10.7% vs. 2.7%). Neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes showed increased macrosomia (22.7% vs. 8.0%), neonatal hypoglycemia (18.7% vs. 4.0%) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (24.0% vs. 9.3%). Conclusion: Gestational diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of adverse maternal and early neonatal outcomes. Early detection and comprehensive management strategies are essential to reduce associated morbidity.

Unreinforced masonry (URM) structures in less developed areas are at great risk from the rapid flow of water resulting from flash floods. This study investigates how susceptible unreinforced masonry walls are to the loads produced by flash floods via testing, simulating, and gathering field measurements of existing URM structures. Rather than simulate everything on the computer, the study compiled and reviewed published documents that reported results pertaining to performance trends of different wall configurations, as well as slenderness ratio, strength of mortar, and other boundary conditions, and developed an understanding of performance trends among URM walls. The earliest damage begins with the combined action of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure, which has the greatest effect on slender walls with weak mortar. Walls that contained more reinforced concrete or brick demonstrated better performance, with longer crack propagation before catastrophic failure and higher critical flow rates before cracking. The assessment of fragility determined that the likelihood of a catastrophic failure increases greatly when the water flow velocity exceeds a certain threshold, and that how the structure is designed (geometry) and what it is made of (material quality) are two of the key factors in determining the likelihood of failure during a flash flood event. The results of this study indicate the need to develop new methods for designing and selecting retrofitting systems that will improve the level of flood resistance for masonry structures in areas susceptible to flooding.

Neurodegenerative disorders, are marked by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) exposure has been shown to induce neurodegenerative changes through oxidative damage and inflammation. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Cocos nucifera (coconut water) on AlCl₃-induced neurodegeneration in Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult rats were randomly assigned into eight groups: Group I control (distilled water only), Group II, inducement of ND’s (AlCl₃-only), Group III (donepezil-only), Group IV: ND’s + donepezil (AlCl₃ and donepezil), Group V: ND's + (coconut water 500mg/kg), Group VI: ND's+ coconut water 1500mg/kg, Group VII: coconut water 500mg/kg only and Group VIII coconut water high dose (1500mg/kg only). Neurodegeneration was induced with AlCl₃ (10 mg/kg) for 14 days, followed by 14 days of treatment. Behavioral assessment using the Y-maze evaluated spatial working memory, while biochemical assays measured antioxidant markers—GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD, and MDA. Results revealed that coconut water treatment improved antioxidant status, with significant increases in CAT (group V - 3.60 ± 0.52, group VI - 3.75 ± 0.04) and GPx (group V - 0.04 ± 0.00, group VI - 0.04 ± 0.00) levels (p < 0.05) compared to the AlCl₃-induced group (CAT - 2.19 ± 0.02 and Gpx - 0.04 ± 0.00) indicating enhanced oxidative defense. Although no statistically significant differences were found in Y-maze performance across groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, coconut water did not avert memory loss induced by AlCl3 toxicity at the dosage administered.