Chronic wounds, notably diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries, impose significant clinical and financial challenges worldwide due to persistent microbial colonization and poor healing. Bacterial cellulose (BC), produced by Komagataeibacter xylinus, is recognized for its purity, mechanical strength, and water retention, but lacks antimicrobial properties. To enhance its effectiveness, functionalization with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is suggested, as they provide antimicrobial and antibiofilm benefits. However, their use is restricted by issues of cytotoxicity and stability. This review comprehensively draws together progress from 2020 to 2025 on BC–AgNP composites as futuristic antimicrobial wound dressings. Major segments are dedicated to the discussion of synthesis methods (in situ, ex situ, electrochemical, and green methods), structure–property relationships and characterization techniques, juxtaposed with studies, in vitro, in vivo, and an emerging clinical scope of antimicrobial activity, cytocompatibility, and wound-healing efficacy. Recent advancements in hybrid composites with bioactive molecules, graphene oxide, or plant-derived reductants have been noted for their potential to reduce toxicity and enhance healing. Key challenges for clinical translation include issues with reproducibility, scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term safety. Future directions to address these obstacles involve eco-friendly synthesis methods, controlled silver release, multifunctional design, smart sensor integration, and large-scale trials. As a complete unit, BC–AgNP composites can be regarded as one group of composites which display a large potential in being developed as safe, efficient, and sustainable wound dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Background and aim: Failure of heart (HF) represents a cause of illness and death. A common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), identified as rs2295490, within the human gene tribbles pseudokinase 3 – glutamine at position 84 (TRB3 Q84) has been linked to a predisposition for early diagnosis of insulin resistance at a young age and type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess serum TRB3 Q84 levels in individuals with heart failure and to explore potential associations with selected biochemical markers. Materials and methods: A study was conducted involving 120 Iraqi participants, 60 heart failure patients; their ages ranged from <40 – 70> years (35 males and 25 females). To compare the results, 60 healthy adults were included as a control group; their ages ranged from <40 – 70> years (35 males and 25 females). The serum of TRB3 Q84 levels and markers of metabolic like BMI, W/H, SBP, DBP, creatinine, urea, AST, ALT, BNP, FSG, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI and TGF-β were measured. The results were measured by statistical analysis. Results: As comparison between the groups of heart failure and control, respectively, the *mean* of the biomarkers showed a significantly increased of BNP levels (140±9 versus 50±7, P=0.02), FSG (104.3±8 versus 82.5±6, P=0.03), insulin (10±0.5 versus 6±0.2, P=0.05), *HOMA-IR* (4.1±0.3 versus 2.5±0.2, P=0.02), TGF-β (4.5±0.4 versus 3±0.2, P=0.02) and TRB3 Q84 (3±0.2 versus 1.85±0.1, P=0.01), while the mean of QUICKI levels showed a significantly decreased in the group of heart failure as compared with the group of control, respectively (0.38±0.02 versus 0.59±0.03, P=0.01). A strong significant direct correlation between TRB3 Q84 and BNP, FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR and TGF-β levels, while QUICKI levels *showed* a strong* *significant* *indirect* correlation with *TRB3 Q84* level. Conclusions: A *significant* *strong* - *positive* *correlation* was observed* between* TRB3 Q84, BNP, FSG, insulin, HOMA-IR and TGF-β biomarkers, while a significant strong negative correlation was identified between TRB3 Q84 and QUICKI in heart failure patients. Therefore, TRB3 Q84 levels may be used as an early diagnostic marker to identify permanent corneal fibrosis in heart failure patients.

Businesses and the structure of innovation management are being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI). With regard to the rapid advancement of technology and the replacement of traditional human functions, artificial intelligence (AI) can lead management to reevaluate an organization's entire plan for innovation. The ramifications for innovation management in the future are reviewed and examined in accordance. Numerous sectors use project management, and it is not exempt from the advancements that the use of AI keeps bringing about globally. Nevertheless, AI is not yet widely used in businesses, particularly not in all project management domains. Although the exact causes are unknown, they appear to be connected to the unpredictability of using the use of AI in project management (PM). This paper's goal was to recognize the potential and constraints of AI in the particular field of project management through a thorough literature review that allowed for the analysis and correlation of the chosen articles and the discovery of some trends and patterns. A web-based survey and meets with professionals in the field were done to find out how AI might affect the project management industry in the future. In the end, it was clear that, despite certain unexplored areas, the academic community is growing more and more curious in this field.

In this study, the field strength variability (FSV) at Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and the maximum angle of incidence was estimated using the measured monthly climatic data obtained from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) during the period of forty-two (42) years (1981 to 2022). The two climatic zones considered in this study are the Guinea Savannah and Coastal regions with two locations in each; Makurdi and Ibadan in the Guinea Savannah; Ogoja, and Warri in the coastal region. The findings indicated that for the four locations, the maximum average values of FSV at UHF obtained were 1.2459dB,1.2015dB, 1.2878dB and 1.4249dB, which occurred in the rainy season, the positive values observed indicate a strong signal with good reception quality while the maximum average values of angle of incidence measured were 0.6461º, 0.5334º, 0.6172º, and 0.4824ºfor Makurdi, Ibadan, Ogoja, and Warri respectively. The average maximum angle of incidence were found to be 0.5177º, 0.4126º, 0.4652º and 0.4013º for the locations during the studied period in which Makurdi and Ogoja values fall within the range of values (0.5º - 1º).

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy has intensified the need for next-generation materials capable of efficient solar energy harvesting and storage. Here, we present a novel class of polymer-based functional materials designed for simultaneous high-efficiency solar energy conversion and integrated energy storage. By engineering the molecular architecture and incorporating multi-functional dopants, these materials exhibit enhanced light absorption, charge carrier mobility, and electrochemical stability under real-world operating conditions. The unique design allows photogenerated charges to be directly stored within the material matrix, effectively combining photovoltaic and supercapacitor functionalities into a single device. Experimental studies demonstrate a record-breaking energy conversion efficiency of 22.7% and stable energy retention over 1000 charge–discharge cycles. Advanced characterization techniques, including ultrafast spectroscopy and in situ electron microscopy, reveal the synergistic interactions between polymer chains and functional additives, which are crucial for maximizing performance. This work introduces a paradigm shift in the design of multifunctional polymeric materials, enabling scalable, lightweight, and flexible devices suitable for next-generation wearable electronics, autonomous sensors, and off-grid energy solutions. The proposed strategy not only addresses the critical challenges in conventional solar and storage systems but also opens new avenues for the rational design of integrated energy devices with unprecedented performance metrics. The presented research underscores the transformative potential of functional polymers in achieving sustainable and compact energy solutions, providing a roadmap for future innovation in solar-driven energy technologies.

A simple, accurate, and cost-effective UV spectrophotometric method was developed and validated for the estimation of Vonoprazan fumarate in tablet dosage form. The solvent system utilized was 0.1N hydrochloric acid, and the drug exhibited a maximum absorbance (λmax) at 281 nm. The method obeyed Beer–Lambert’s law within the concentration range of 10–50 μg/ml with a correlation coefficient (r²) of 0.9997, indicating excellent linearity. The assay value was found to be 100.3% w/v, within the acceptable range of 90–110%. Precision and accuracy studies yielded results of 99.86% and 99.88%, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were calculated to be 1.557 μg/ml and 4.719 μg/ml. Validation was carried out as per ICH guidelines for parameters such as linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and ruggedness, with %RSD values less than 2%, confirming the reliability of the method. The developed method proved to be simple, rapid, and precise, making it suitable for routine quality control analysis of Vonoprazan fumarate in pharmaceutical formulations. Keywords: Vonoprazan fumarate, UV spectrophotometry, Method validation, ICH guidelines, Linearity, Precision, Accuracy, Quality control.

Leather industry is a significant source of industrial wastewater pollution with effluent that is high in toxic metals like chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe). The contaminants are very dangerous to the environment and human health because of their toxicity, persistence and their potential to accumulate bio-accumulate. The research problem under study involves the creation of a magnesium oxide/zinc oxide (MgO/ZnO) nanocomposite that has a high selectivity in the removal of specific toxic metals in the tannery wastewater. A co-precipitation technique was used to produce the nanocomposite, which was then heated at 450oC to produce a crystalline material with improved surface properties. The successful formation of the nanocomposite and high surface reactivity of the nanocomposite were confirmed using characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer Bfer Emmett Teller surface area analysis. The experiments of batch adsorption were performed to determine the influence of the pH, contact time, dosage of adsorbent, and the initial concentration of metal on the efficiency of removal. Findings indicated that the MgO/ZnO nanocomposite had a high adsorption capacity, which reached high levels of toxic metals reduction under the conditions of optimal parameters. The data of adsorption were well-fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models of adsorption, which showed monolayer and heterogeneous adsorption. These results indicate that MgO/ZnO nanocomposites could be used as an economical and sustainable substitute of the treatment of tannery wastewater, and has a possibility of large scale uses in industrial wastewater treatment.

Introduction: COVID-19 has spread around the world. The objective of this study was to explore clinical features among young patients with COVID-19. Material and methods: Ninety patients with severe cases of COVID-19 infection in Western Chongqing were collected between January 21 and March 14, 2020. Patients were then further stratified into four groups by age: youth (< 39 years); middle-aged (39–48 years), middle-elderly aged (49–60 years), and elderly (> 60 years). Comparison of clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging findings, and treatment effects between groups. Results: 22, 27, 19, and 22 cases were in the youth, middle-aged, middle-elderly, and elderly groups respectively. No significant difference existed between gender or by smoking status among the four groups. The clinical indicators of severe disease in the youth group differed significantly from the other three groups and included the lymphocyte count (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein level (p = 0.03), interleukin-6 level (p = 0.01), chest computed tomography (CT) findings (p < 0.001), number of mild cases (p = 0.02), education level (p < 0.001), and CD4 + T lymphocyte level (p = 0.02) at the time of admission, and the pneumonia severity index (PSI) at the time of discharge (p < 0.001). The complications (p < 0.001) among the youth group were also significantly different from the other groups. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of young patients are relatively mild. This may be related to higher education levels, prevention awareness, and willingness to accept prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic among the population in addition to good immune function.

This thesis examines the theme of isolation in contemporary world by using the literary analysis of the book the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. The paper explores how the transformation of Gregor Samsa and his alienation by Kafka are indicative of the overall human state of the post-modern era of modernity, industrialization, and the loss of human bonding. The study uses both existentialist as well as psychoanalytic theories in order to interpret how the social structures, expectations of the family, and financial pressures of capitalism lead to the decay in identity and belonging. The paper also relates the symbolic confinement of Gregor with the modern-day forms of isolation; psychological and social forms experienced in an ever-mechanized and individualistic world. The study, based on a close analysis of the text, demonstrates that the story by Kafka is a timeless reflection of the contemporary human conflict of seeking meaning, communicating, and acceptance in the world that is divided. Still, in the end, the thesis presents the idea that it is not just The Metamorphosis that sums up the isolation of its main character, but also criticizes the alienating nature of the modern world.

Candida is the major fungal pathogen of humans causing a variety of afflictions ranging from superficial mucosal diseases to deep seated mycoses. Opportunistic infections due to Candida species occur frequently in cancer patients because of their inherent immunosuppression. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of oral yeast among Sudanese cancer patients with different cancer patients who received different cancer treatment in Khartoum oncology hospital (al Zarra Hospital). Fifty oral swabs were collected from the patients with different age groups ranging from 10 to 100 old, 18\50 were males and 32\50 were females. The study was carried out in the period from December 2021 to May 2022. All samples were first cultured on to Sabouraoud’s dextrose agar media which was supplemented with penicillin antimicrobial agent, from those only 40% were showed growth. Then growth colonies identified by Gram's stain and sub cultured on chromogenic Candida agar media and inoculated on serum for germ tube test. The colonies gave light green colonies were identified as Candida albicans with (18%), which were the most prevalence strain of isolated Candida species, followed by Candida tropicalis which gave blue colonies with (18%) and then Candida kruzei with (4%) which gave creamy-moove colonies. The study showed that the distribution of an oral yeast among cancer patients was 40% and age group over 50 years old were more affected with an oral yeast. That female was most affected with an oral yeast (64%) (32 female) than male (36%) (18 male). Head and neck cancer (HNC) patient were the most affected group among cancer patients (35%). The study showed that cancer patients that affected with an oral yeast resident out of Khartoum city (66%) compared to those from Khartoum city (34%). Also, the oral yeast infection was high in cancer patients that resident out of hospital (86%) compared patient admitted on the hospital (14%). This study concluded that the frequency of an oral yeast in cancer patients who were received treatment was 40%. The most prevelant species was Candida albicans with 18% which followed by Candida tropicalis 18% and Candida kruzei 4%. Patient in age more than 50 years old were more affected with an oral yeast. The most affected cancer patients were those who were diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Competency Based Education (CBE) is a system of education that has increasingly become popular as the preferred mode of delivering education and training locally and globally. However, in spite of the fact that CBE implementation has been initiated in both developing and developed countries, there are social concerns in its implementation that have been alluded to in research. Therefore, the study objective was to determine ECDE teachers’ social concerns on parental involvement in the Competency Based Education in Bungoma County. The study was carried out in ECDE centres in Bungoma County. Descriptive survey research design was used. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. The sample size was 201 ECDE teachers who were identified through simple random sampling and County director of education was purposively sampled. Data was collected through questionnaires for ECDE teachers, interview schedule for the County director of education and focus group discussions for preprimary one (PP1) and Preprimary two (PP2) parents. An observation schedule was used to triangulate the findings. Pilot study was conducted to enhance validity and reliability of the findings. Qualitative data was scored manually then organized and analyzed systematically as per thematic areas in a narrative form. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26). Among the major findings 142 (74.34%) of the sampled teachers revealed that the parents are not supportive in CBE implementation. Further research on enhancing access, equity and inclusion of CBE in pre-primary education is desirable.

Competency Based Education (CBE) is a system of education that has increasingly become popular as the preferred mode of delivering education and training locally and globally. However, in spite of the fact that CBE implementation has been initiated in both developing and developed countries, there are social concerns in its implementation that have been alluded to in research. Therefore, the study objective was to investigate social concerns on administrative support that ECDE teachers encounter in the Competency Based Education in Bungoma County. The study was carried out in ECDE centres in Bungoma County. The study was anchored on Symbolic Interactionism and Social Exchange Theory. Descriptive survey research design was used. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. The sample size was 201 ECDE teachers who were identified through simple random sampling and County director of education was purposively sampled. Data was collected through questionnaires for ECDE teachers, interview schedule for the County director of education and focus group discussions for preprimary one (PP1) and Preprimary two (PP2) parents. An observation schedule was used to triangulate the findings. Pilot study was conducted to enhance validity and reliability of the findings. Qualitative data was scored manually then organized and analyzed systematically as per thematic areas in a narrative form. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26). Among the major findings 159 (83%), revealed that there were inadequate teaching and learning facilities. The teacher pupil ratio for preprimary education was 1:43 far above the recommended ratio of 1:25 learners, 17 (9%) did not have any training on CBE while 164 (86%) lacked adequate training on CBE. Based on findings of the study, the study recommended provision of adequate teaching and learning facilities, training of ECDE teachers and improving the teacher pupil ratio in pre-primary education.

In practical engineering systems, accounting for various uncertainties during the design process is paramount. However, reliability analysis in structural engineering often entails substantial computational costs, particularly when dealing with implicit performance functions and scenarios involving very low failure probabilities. This inherent complexity underscores the challenges faced in real-world applications, where efficient and accurate reliability assessments are crucial for ensuring structural integrity and safety. In recent years, the concept of utilizing surrogate models for reliability analysis has garnered significant attention. The approach outlined in this study employs an innovative surrogate framework that concurrently integrates Cascade-forward Neural Networks (CFNN) and Self-Organizing Map (SOM) networks, alongside an optimized kriging model. The final reliability assessment is then determined as a weighted average of the outputs from these integrated models. To comprehensively illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, a diverse range of examples are included: five mathematical examples and five engineering examples. Furthermore, a detailed discussion highlights the benefits of this proposed method in comparison to alternative approaches. The results demonstrate the effective performance of the developed methodology. For instance, in the mathematical examples, the minimum improvement observed over other methods is an 81%, coupled with an approximate 0% error in reliability calculation. Similarly, for the engineering examples, a minimum improvement of 47% is achieved over existing methods, with the reliability calculation error remaining low at approximately 1%.

Potash, an impure form of potassium salts such as potassium carbonate (K2CO3), has significant applications in agriculture and food preparation. Derived from sources like wood ashes, maize cobs, and Acha hay, potash is used in Nigeria for various local purposes, as food tenderizer and supplement in traditional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and nutritional constituents of potash from some Local Government areas in the Northern zone of Plateau State, Nigeria. The study employed a Laboratory-based analytical approach to determine the chemical and nutritional components of four potash varieties: maize cob, Acha hay, white, and red potash. Samples were randomly collected from Vom Market in Jos South LGA, Fan Market in Barkin Ladi LGA, and Terminus Market in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. The chemical analytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, chloride, and cobalt, were measured in ppm using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) machine (Buck Scientific 205), ultra-violet visible photometer machine and muffle furnace. Additionally, proximate analysis for moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, lipids, ash, Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE) and Metabolizable Energy (ME) was conducted. The analysis revealed significant variations in the chemical and nutritional components among the different potash varieties. Maize cob potash exhibited high potassium (600,000 ppm) and sodium (6,666.7 ppm) levels, while white potash showed substantial amounts of potassium (500,000 ppm) and chloride (115 ppm). Acha hay potash had high potassium (600,000 ppm) and calcium (250 ppm) contents, and red potash contained notable levels of potassium (500,000 ppm) and chloride (110 ppm). Nutritional analysis indicated varying levels of moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, lipids, ash, NFE & ME, highlighting the distinct profiles of each potash variety. The study underscores the diverse biochemical and nutritional profiles of different potash varieties, highlighting their potential health benefits and risks. These findings lay the Background work for further research into the health implications of potash consumption and its role in dietary supplementation.

Background and aim: Cocaine is recognized for its high toxicity to several vital organs, such as the brain, the liver as well as heart and blood vessels. However, the underlying mechanisms of cocaine-induced toxicity remain insufficiently understood. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is the primary molecular chaperone involved in maintaining protein quality, engaging in various cellular activities through its interaction with diverse client proteins and serves as the main coordinator of the cellular proteostasis system. We aimed to assess serum (HSP70) levels in the present study, and to explore potential associations with selected biochemical markers in individuals with cocaine dependence. Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 120 Iraqi participants, comprising 60 males diagnosed with cocaine dependence (aged 18–50 years) and 60 healthy males as control group (aged 18–50 years). Serum levels of HSP70 and various metabolic markers including benzoylecgonine, (SOD), (GPx), (TNF-α), (IL-6), (hs-CRP) and D-dimer were measured in all subjects. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the two groups and evaluate correlations among the investigated parameters. Results: The results indicated that the mean level of the biomarker benzoylecgonine was positive in the cocaine addiction group, whereas it was negative in the group of control, with a significant statistically difference (P= 0.02). Statistical evaluation revealed a significantly reduction in (SOD) levels among individuals with cocaine addiction as compared to the control group (97.7±19.4 versus 223±24.7, P=0.03), respectively. A significantly decline in serum (GPx) levels in group of the cocaine addiction relative to the group of control (99.2±10.7 versus 172.5±13.7, P=0.01), respectively. Serum levels of (HSP70) was a significantly increased in individuals with cocaine addiction as compared to the control group (3.6±1.3 versus 1.01±0.46, P=0.02), respectively. Serum levels of D-dimer was a significantly increased in individuals with cocaine addiction as compared to the group of control (750±35 versus 300±20, P=0.03), respectively. HSP70 levels in this findings revealed a strong significant inverse correlations with SOD and GPx, while a strong significant direct correlation with D-dimer.