This study examines the implications of exchange rate gaps on key macroeconomic indicators in Nigeria, focusing on foreign exchange reserves, GDP growth rates, and the current account balance. Using empirical analysis over a time series framework from 1980 to 2022, the study implements linear and non-linear ARDL methodologies. Findings indicate that exchange rate gaps significantly negatively impact Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves, GDP growth, and current account balance. Policy recommendations include infrastructure investment, sectoral diversification, and sound monetary policies to mitigate inflationary pressures exacerbated by exchange rate volatility.

Background: The global healthcare system faces significant challenges, including workforce shortages, increasing demand for services, and rising costs. Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) is crucial in addressing these issues, as it ensures effective resource allocation and workforce optimization. Aim of the Study: To investigate the impact of strategic human resource management practices on the efficiency of healthcare service delivery. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 1.5 years (February 2023 to August 2024) at [Place of Study] in Saudi Arabia. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 230 healthcare professionals across various roles. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, checklists, and document analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26) to identify key trends and associations. Result: The study found that the majority of healthcare workers perceived the healthcare sector as adequately staffed and supported by effective HR strategies. However, concerns were raised regarding staff development programs, the availability of medical supplies, and the adequacy of timely promotions. Notably, 74.35% of respondents agreed that staffing was sufficient, while only 13.48% strongly agreed that development programs were available. Conclusion: Strategic HR management plays a critical role in enhancing healthcare service delivery efficiency by aligning workforce skills with organizational goals. However, gaps in staff development and resource availability highlight areas for improvement. Targeted HR interventions, including ongoing professional development and better resource management, are essential to improving healthcare service quality.

Groundwater aquifer from solid waste dumpsites is probable of discharging toxic pollutant to groundwater which is unsafe to human health and local ecosystem. This study was conducted to examine the physicochemical qualities of groundwater around solid waste dumpsite in Aba, Abia State during wet and dry seasons. The physicochemical analysis of the groundwater samples was determined in accordance with the standards of the American Public Health Association (APHA). The results obtained from the groundwater samples were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) permissible limit of those studied parameters in drinking water. The physicochemical values obtained from the groundwater around the dumpsite in both season shows that some of the tested parameters existed in values higher than both WHO and NSDWQ standards for drinking water quality. The results also showed that the concentrations of cadmium, aluminum, iron and zinc were within the WHO and NSDWQ standard, whereas, the concentrations of chromium, copper and lead exceeded the WHO and NSDWQ standards for drinking water quality in both studied seasons. Findings from this study suggest that dumpsite solid waste could impact negatively on some physicochemical qualities of groundwater sited around their vicinity. Therefore, the location of solid waste dumpsites around residential areas should be discouraged.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections with a considerable impact on healthcare systems. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance globally, particularly in high-frequency regions such as Bangladesh, identifying prevalent pathogens and understanding their resistance patterns is essential for effective treatment. Objective: This study aims to analyze the common pathogens causing UTIs in a private outpatient setting in Bangladesh and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility profiles to guide empirical therapy and enhance local treatment protocols. Methodology: This three-year prospective observational study (2021-2023) involved 58 UTI patients from a private chamber in Bangladesh. Urine samples were cultured, and bacterial isolates were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility to commonly used drugs, including cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones. Data on organism frequency, resistance, and sensitivity were analyzed. Results: Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (58.6%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (20.7%) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (13.8%). High sensitivity was observed for E. coli to Imipenem (100%) and Meropenem (96%), while significant resistance was noted to Ciprofloxacin (48.5%) and Cefixime (48%). MSSA and Klebsiella spp. similarly showed high susceptibility to carbapenems, with notable resistance to fluoroquinolones in MSSA. Conclusion: The high prevalence of E. coli as the primary UTI pathogen and its resistance patterns in this private setting underscore the necessity of targeted antibiotic selection. The study advocates for carbapenems in cases with suspected resistance and highlights the importance of regular sensitivity testing and antibiotic stewardship in outpatient settings to improve patient outcomes and mitigate resistance.

Background: Nursing orientation programs are critical for integrating newly hired nurses into healthcare settings, enhancing their clinical competence, patient safety, and job satisfaction. Despite their importance, the effectiveness of these programs in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes is not always fully understood. This study evaluates the impact of Aster Sanad Hospital's nursing orientation program on newly hired nurses. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 164 newly hired nurses who completed the orientation program within the past six months (January 2024 to July 2024). The survey assessed nurses’ perceptions of the program’s impact on their clinical knowledge, confidence, patient safety, and ability to provide high-quality patient care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study found generally positive responses to the orientation program. Most participants (51.2%) strongly agreed they were well-informed about the program, and over half (53.7%) felt the program contributed to improved patient safety. Regarding knowledge acquisition, 51.2% of nurses strongly agreed that the program enhanced their clinical knowledge, and 95.8% felt it would help them provide better patient care. Confidence in delivering independent care was high, with 97.6% agreeing that the program increased their self-efficacy. Additionally, staff satisfaction (56.1%) and patient satisfaction (58.5%) with nursing care were positively influenced. However, 52.4% of nurses suggested that modifications to the program were necessary to better meet clinical and organizational needs. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the nursing orientation program at Aster Sanad Hospital has a positive impact on new nurses' clinical competencies, confidence, and patient safety outcomes. It also improves staff and patient satisfaction. However, ongoing program evaluation and adjustments are needed to address evolving healthcare demands and ensure continued effectiveness in preparing nurses for independent practice.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is widely regarded as a robust encryption algorithm, ensuring secure communication and data protection. However, physical vulnerabilities such as side-channel attacks (SCAs) pose a significant threat to its implementations. This paper investigates various types of SCAs, including power analysis and electromagnetic analysis, and explores countermeasures like masking techniques to enhance AES resilience. The study includes an implementation of AES in Vivado using Verilog and a detailed analysis of masked and unmasked designs to validate the effectiveness of proposed countermeasures.

Background: Displaced extra-articular tongue-type calcaneal body fractures are complex injuries that significantly impair foot function and quality of life. Traditional open surgical techniques pose risks such as wound infection and prolonged recovery, necessitating less invasive alternatives. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, outcomes, and complications of managing these fractures with minimally invasive cortical compression screws, enhancing recovery and mobility. Methods: Between September 2015 and April 2016, 165 patients with displaced extra-articular tongue-type calcaneal fractures were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: the minimally invasive longitudinal approach (MILA) and the sinus tarsi approach (STA). Postoperative outcomes, including complication rates, functional assessments using AOFAS scores, and radiographic evaluations, were analyzed. Results: The MILA group demonstrated shorter operative times (45.9 minutes) and lower wound-healing complications (2.9%) compared to the STA group (61.9 minutes and 12.5%, respectively). Both groups had comparable functional outcomes for Type II and III fractures, but the STA group showed significantly better results for Type IV fractures (56.3% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.017). Conclusion: Both MILA and STA are effective for treating displaced extra-articular tongue-type calcaneal fractures, with MILA offering advantages in operative efficiency and lower complications for less severe fractures. However, STA is preferred for complex fractures due to superior anatomical reduction and functional outcomes. This supports a tailored approach in surgical technique selection based on fracture severity.

Background: End-stage heart failure patients awaiting heart transplant often require Ventricular Assisted Devices (VAD) to support systemic and pulmonary circulation and to improve ventricular function, symptoms, and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This study evaluates the health-related quality of life in patients with VAD and was conducted at the Cardio Ventricular Assisted Devices Clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh. Methods: This retrospective cohort study design included all eligible VAD patients who were still attending the cardio ventricular assisted devices clinic at KFSHRC, Riyadh. Each study participant was assigned a detailed questionnaire to assess and evaluate HRQoL outcomes measured in physical limitations, emotional stress, sexual activity, and social function from the date of device insertion to the time of data collection. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS 22; IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA). Results: Between February 2016 until June 2020, 26 patients were eligible for the study. The patients' support scores were moderate to high, indicating a positive effect on their HRQoL, with a mean score of 57.69 in emotional activity, a mean score of 34.07 in physical activity, and a mean score of 83.17 in social activity. The study's results show that the level of HRQoL varies among patients with VADs. Conclusion: Participating patients with VAD reported excellent health-related quality of life in all domains, with moderate to high support scores indicating a positive effect on their HRQoL. There is currently a lack of study on HRQoL in patients with VADs in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study may provide a baseline understanding of current challenges in the care of heart failure patients with VAD awaiting a heart transplant.

Calliandra portoricensis (CP) is used in ethnomedicine to manage breast inflammation. We investigated the anti-mammary tumour effects of fraction from CP in rat model of mammary tumorigenesis induced with N methyl N nitrosourea (NMU) and benzo (a)pyrene (BaP) and MCF-7 cells. In vivo, thirty-two female Wistar rats were assigned into four equal groups: Group 1 (control), group 2 received [NMU (50 mg/kg) +BaP (50 mg/kg)], group 3 received [NMU (50 mg/kg) +BaP (50 mg/kg) + CP (100 mg/kg)] and group 4 received [NMU (50 mg/kg) +BaP (50 mg/kg) + vincristine (VIN) (500 μg/kg)]. The NMU and BaP was injected intraperitoneally to rats at age 7, 10 and 13 weeks for twelve weeks. Thereafter, CP (orally) and vincristine (i.p) was administered for two weeks. In vitro, CP and VIN concentration-dependently inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells by over 80% at 100 µg/mL. The CP and VIN elevated Bax by 4.2 and 1.5 folds, and decreased myeloperoxidase by 75% and 82%, respectively, while CP alone decreased interleukin-1β by 34% in vitro. In vivo, [NMU+BaP] increased weight and organo somatic weight of mammary gland by 3 and 2.9 folds; total bilirubin, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde by 23%, 51% and 52%, respectively. In [NMU+BaP] rats, weak expression of caspase-3, Bax, and strong expression of iNOS and NF-kB activities were observed, with histological alteration. The GC-MS fingerprint of CP fraction revealed the presence of hexadecanoic acid methyl ester as the most abundant constituent. Treatment with CP ameliorates mammary tumour through mechanisms that involve anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic reactions.

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, poses significant challenges to poultry production worldwide due to its impact on productivity and economic costs. This review consolidates current findings on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of coccidiosis affecting chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and pigeons (Columba livia) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India. By synthesizing existing literature and field study data, we provide an overview of prevalence rates, species diversity, and genetic characteristics of Eimeria spp. The role of environmental factors, host immunity, and management practices in shaping disease dynamics is also discussed. The review underscores the critical need for region-specific control measures and highlights potential future research avenues aimed at enhancing disease prevention and management strategies.

This case study details a Dharma practitioner's journey in using spiritual practices to help her father overcome severe, long-term urticaria. Her father's condition, which began after killing and consuming live aquatic animals, gradually worsened despite extensive treatments with both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. When these interventions failed, the practitioner turned to the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, implementing the Three Golden Buddhist Practices. She dedicated herself to reciting Buddhist scriptures on her father's behalf, while he progressively adopted vegetarianism and Buddhist practices. Ultimately, he experienced a profound, lasting improvement in his skin condition, which doctors had previously deemed incurable. This case highlights the potential role of Dharma in addressing karmic illnesses and its significance in treating conditions viewed as spiritual or karmic in origin.

This research addresses the significant challenge of unreliable wireless communication, which hinders the performance of ZigBee-based wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in precision agriculture. A dual-slope log-distance path loss model was developed to accurately predict signal propagation complexities in dense vegetative environments for improved wireless communication. The study was conducted on a cassava farm in Ondo State, Nigeria, characterized by vegetation heights of 1.8 meters, making it an ideal site for investigation. A systematic methodology was employed, incorporating radio frequency measurements in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight conditions. This involved deploying two XBee S2C modules operating at 2.4 GHz, with one designated as a coordinator and the other as a router. The collection of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and throughput data occurred at 5 meter intervals, with variations in the router's orientation. Results revealed a maximum communication range of 70 meters under non-line-of-sight conditions, compared to 140 meters in line-of-sight scenarios, where the path loss exponent was determined to be 1.78. The path loss exponents for the cassava fields were found to be 2.55 and 4.25. The developed dual-slope path loss model showed a strong fit to additional empirical data from a separate cassava farm location, achieving a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 3.30 % and an R-squared value of 0.94. Hence, this model offers a comprehensive framework for characterizing radio wave propagation in agricultural environments, enhancing data transmission reliability and energy efficiency in smart farming applications.

Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture soils to distroy various pathogens. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the media in Western Europe and North America extensively covered the issue of birds on agricultural land being poisoned by aldrin, dieldrin, and heptachlor, which were commonly used as seed dressings. To highlight this issue, an experiment was performed to examine the effects of sodium fluoride on Japanes quail growth, biochemical and histology of kidney. In the present work, forty-eight sexually male Japanese quail, weighing 105gm, were used, divided in 4 equal groups as A, B, C & D having 12 quails in every group. Quails were acclimatized for two weeks. After acclimatization experimental treatments were applied to their respective groups. Duration of experiment was 30 days. Sodium fluoride was given to quails orally with the help of gavage on daily basis. Quails in group C handled with 3.75mg/kg dose and group D handled with 5.0mg/kg dose showed significant changes in physical, biochemical and renal parameters as compared to control group. These treatments also cause significant reduction in final weight of birds. Birds in groups B with 2.5 mg/kg dose showed non-significant results. On 3.75mg/kg exposure, the highest accretion of fluoride occurred in the kidney. Sodium fluoride exposure significantly increased the kidney injury and other renal biomarkers. The histopathological variations such as necrosis of parenchymal cells, congestion and hemorrhage varied in dose dependent manner of sodium fluoride.

Background: Nurses play a vital role in caring for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe respiratory or cardiac failure. However, this area of nursing practice presents unique challenges. Accordingly, understanding these challenges is essential to improve patient care and support nurses' well-being. Aims: This study aimed to investigate and identify challenges nurses face in providing care to patients on ECMO. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study of eligible nurses was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh City (KFSH&RC-R). A survey instrument developed by the principal investigators was used to collect data. A panel of ECMO specialists and clinical experts validated the survey content. Results: A total of 66 nurses (75.8% females, 60.6% aged 25–34 years, 33.3% with 1–5 years of nursing experience, and 87.9% holding a bachelor's degree in nursing) participated in the study. The identified challenges were managing complex equipment, maintaining stability, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, addressing ethical dilemmas, managing high acuity, coping with stress, and prioritizing self-care. Conclusions: These findings highlight the multifaceted challenges nurses face in caring for patients on ECMO, which influence their well-being, job satisfaction, and the quality of care provided. Thus, interventional strategies to address these issues in this specialized area are urgently required.

Background: Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) encompasses a spectrum of pregnancy-related disorders, ranging from benign hydatidiform mole to malignant choriocarcinoma, and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical presentation and follow-up outcomes of patients diagnosed with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD). Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical presentation and follow-up outcomes of patients diagnosed with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, from November 2012 to November 2013, included 70 GTD patients. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, analyzed via SPSS, and ethical approval was obtained with assurances of confidentiality and voluntary participation. Results: Among 70 patients with GTD, 55.71% were aged 21–30 years, and 91.43% came from below-average income groups. The most common symptom in molar pregnancies was per vaginal bleeding (55.56%), while persistent mole and choriocarcinoma patients frequently presented with bleeding and lower abdominal pain (52%). A large proportion (77.78%) of molar pregnancies had uterine sizes larger than the period of gestation. Regular follow-up was observed in 74% of patients, and 100% underwent serum β-hCG testing. Most hydatidiform mole patients (80%) achieved remission, while 10% of choriocarcinoma cases resulted in death. Conclusion: Consistent monitoring and early detection significantly improve the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD).