Background: Occupational hazards in dentistry biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial pose significant risks during undergraduate training. We assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding occupational hazards among undergraduate dental students to identify gaps that can be addressed through education and policy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies between 15 December 2025 and 30 January 2026. A structured, self-administered questionnaire (six sections: demographics; knowledge; attitude; practice; domain-specific awareness; training/need assessment) was completed by 453 students. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) summarized KAP; only fully completed questionnaires were included. Results: Of 453 respondents, 311 (68.6%) were female; 150 (33.1%) reported prior formal training on occupational hazards. Knowledge was moderate: most students recognised that dentistry involves biological/chemical/physical hazards (78.4%) and the cumulative risks of X-rays (84.5%); however, awareness was lower for chemical hazards (formaldehyde 59.0%; mercury 65.8%), with notable “don’t know” responses. Attitudes were strongly positive 87.9% agreed occupational hazards are a serious concern and 85.7% endorsed PPE use yet 81.9% considered undergraduate training insufficient. Self-reported safety practices were generally high for infection control (87.0% “always/often”) and biomedical-waste disposal (89.2%), but only 53% always used protective eyewear during curing. High prevalences of work-related ill-health were reported: musculoskeletal disorders 52.1% (shoulder pain most common), psychological stress/burnout 70.2%, and glove-related irritation/latex allergy 64.7%. Importantly, 88.5% expressed willingness to attend structured occupational-safety workshops. Conclusion: Undergraduate dental students showed positive attitudes and generally good safety practices, but notable gaps in formal training and knowledge especially regarding chemical hazards and ergonomics remain. High levels of musculoskeletal problems and stress highlight the need to integrate structured occupational-safety education, practical training, and wellness support into the curriculum.

On the palm are seen several angles known as ‘ATD’ angle, ‘DAT’ angle and ‘ADT’ angle. These angles are very useful medically. The aim of this study was to determining the palmar angles of down’s syndrome subjects in Nigeria. The study recruited 201 subjects, 101 Down syndrome subjects and 100 control subjects. The subjects were selected using a convenience sampling method from special and inclusive schools in Nigeria. Autocad program was used to measure the angles with high reliability. Data were collected and analysed using Mann Whitney U test. The results showed that Down syndrome had significantly higher ATD angle and significantly lower DAT and ADT angles when compared to control subjects. In conclusion, the result implies that Down syndrome showed high correlation with ATD, DAT ADT angles. These angles should serve an adjunct diagnostic tool for early screening and intervention of Down syndrome patients in Nigeria.

Retained primary tooth/teeth are common clinical findings encountered by orthodontists. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of retained primary teeth among orthodontic patients. A seven-year retrospective study, with data obtained from patients' records who attended the Child Dental Health Departmental clinic from 2019 to 2025. Information collected included age, sex, molar relationship, skeletal pattern, and retained teeth. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26, with a significance level set at p-value < 0.05. The study involved 366 children and adolescents, 157 males (42.9%) and 209 females (57.1%). A total of 109 retained primary teeth were found in 58 subjects (15.9%), 38 females (65.5%) and 20 males (34.5%), with a mean age of 12.4 ± 3.6 years. Retained primary teeth were more common in the 10-19-year age group, 45 (77.6%). Most, 66.1%, were in the maxillary arch, maxillary canines most frequently affected, 30 (27.5%. A single retained tooth was more frequently observed in the 0–9-year age group (53.8%), whereas multiple ones were more common among adolescents, (55.6%). There were no statistically significant association between the number of retained teeth and age, sex, molar relationship, or skeletal pattern (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant association between the number of retained teeth and orthodontic treatment (p=0.01). Overall, retained primary teeth were common findings among the studied children and adolescents, more frequently occurring in females and adolescents, especially in the maxillary arch, with maxillary canines mostly involved. The significant association with orthodontic treatment highlights their clinical importance.

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life globally. While numerous factors have been implicated in its aetiology, the role of anthropometric variables such as stature remains understudied, particularly in sub-Saharan African populations. This study investigates the relationship between stature and lower back pain among adults in Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 410 adult participants was conducted using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Data collected included sociodemographic information, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), physical activity levels, occupational characteristics, and the presence and severity of LBP. Statistical analyses including Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations and predictive relationships between stature and LBP. Results: The prevalence of LBP among participants was 43.4%. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between stature and LBP occurrence (r = -0.184, p = 0.001), indicating that shorter individuals reported LBP more frequently. Pain severity was significantly higher among those in the lower stature category (<160 cm) (χ² = 14.2, p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis identified sedentary occupation, frequent lifting, physical inactivity, high BMI, and short stature as significant risk factors for LBP. Logistic regression confirmed stature as an independent predictor of LBP, with the odds of experiencing LBP decreasing by approximately 4% for every 1 cm increase in height (OR = 0.96, p = 0.006). Conclusion: Stature is a significant anthropometric predictor of lower back pain among adults in Irrua. Individuals of shorter height are more vulnerable to both the occurrence and severity of LBP, particularly when compounded by modifiable lifestyle and occupational risk factors. These findings underscore the need for height-sensitive ergonomic designs, preventive health screening, and policy interventions that incorporate anthropometric diversity into public health planning.

ATD angle is important dermatoglyphic trait that is being used for medical purposes. The study aimed at determining the ATD angle of autistic and control subjects in Nigeria. A total of 200 subjects was used, 100 autistic (82 males and 18 females) and 100 (65 males and 35 females) control subjects. The subjects were selected from various special schools in Nigeria using convenient sampling. Scanning method was used to collect the data. After that an Autocad software was used to measure the three tri-radii on the palm to get Atd angle. The data obtained were analysed using SSPS and Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for the results. The result showed a lower atd angle for autism than control subjects for both sexes and both hands and for females’ subjects. However, the left hand of male autistic subjects showed higher Atd angle when compared to the control subjects. The results revealed no significant difference between the Atd angle of autistic and control subjects (P>0.05) in Nigeria. Conclusively, the study deduced that ATD angle alone may not be enough in screening autism as it may not differentiate autism from control.

Background: Middle age involves shifts in neuromuscular and functional aspects that impact women’s motor fitness and gait. Among women in this age range, balance, coordination, reaction time, and gait pattern declines can increase the risk of functional limitations later in life. Although multicomponent exercise programmes have proven benefits for older women, there is a lack of evidence for middle-aged women, particularly for short-duration interventions. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the impact of a six-week multicomponent exercise programme on some motor fitness components and gait patterns of middle-aged women. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 apparently healthy women aged 40-55 years old into two groups. Based on a non-repeated random number, all the volunteers were divided into two groups; control group (N=20) and experimental group (N=20). The experimental group completed a supervised six-week multicomponent exercise program, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities. The motor fitness variables and their assessing tools included reaction time (ruler drop test), hand-eye coordination (alternate-hand wall-toss test), and balance (unipedal balance test). The 10 m walk test was used to assess gait performance. The intervention program was conducted four days a week for about 50 minutes, with difficulty increased each week. Results: The experimental group offered improvements in all of the assessed components of motor fitness and in gait performance. However, between group differences did not reach significance, although in the experimental group there were positive changes in reaction time, coordination, balance, and speed of gait. Conclusion: Positive trends were observed in motor fitness and gait parameters in middle-aged women after participating in a six-week, multicomponent exercise program. Findings demonstrate that short-term, structured multicomponent exercise programs may be effective in preventing decline in functional mobility and midlife neuromuscular efficiency; however, longer term exercise interventions are required to achieve significant improvements.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) presents a significant public health burden in Kerala, India, where oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in pathophysiology. This prospective interventional observational study aimed to evaluate the effect of fresh Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica) juice supplementation on Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over a six-month period. The study was conducted at a Government Health Center in Kerala involving 156 patients with diagnosed T2DM (>5 years), baseline HbA1c between 7–9%, and strictly defined criteria excluding smokers and alcohol consumers to isolate the intervention's effect. Participants received daily supplementation of fresh Amla juice (equivalent to four fruits) for six months alongside stable standard pharmacological management. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and six months. The study cohort demonstrated high compliance with the intervention. The mean baseline HbA1c was 8.12 ± 0.54%, decreasing to 7.47 ± 0.48% post-intervention, representing a statistically significant mean reduction of 8.0% from baseline (p < 0.05). No significant adverse events were reported. Adjunctive supplementation with fresh Amla juice resulted in significant glycemic improvement in non-smokers and non-alcoholics, supporting the integration of dietary antioxidants in diabetic care protocols.

This study investigates how Financial Technology (FinTech) contributes to the development of a sustainable finance ecosystem in Middle Eastern countries with a focus on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. The research uses a qualitative research design and secondary data, the study evaluates the current state of FinTech adoption, its role in advancing ESG-led financial practices and the barriers limiting effective implementation. The findings shows that strong growth in digital financial services but persistent challenges related to regulation, infrastructure and technological capability. The study concludes with policy recommendations to improve FinTech-driven sustainability and long-term financial resilience across the region.

Background: Dermatoglyphics, the study of unique, immutable epidermal ridge patterns, emerges from the same embryological ectoderm as the nervous system during early gestation. This shared origin posits it as a potential phenotypic marker for neurodevelopmental anomalies like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most studies are from Western populations, with a paucity of gender-stratified data from South Asia. Objectives: This study aimed to conduct a gender-wise comparative analysis of digital dermatoglyphic patterns between autistic and neurotypical children in Northern Bangladesh, to identify potential pattern deviations associated with ASD. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study enrolled 100 Bangladeshi children aged 5–15 years: 50 diagnosed with ASD (38 male, 12 female) and 50 age-matched neurotypical controls (26 male, 24 female). Bilateral fingerprints were acquired using a ZKT ECO biometric scanner and classified into Arch (A), Ulnar Loop (UL), Radial Loop (RL), and Whorl (W) patterns using DigiDoctors software (v1.0.1). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0, employing Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests where appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Significant inter-group differences were observed (p<0.001). The autistic group exhibited a higher frequency of: Arch (12.6% vs. 4.4%; OR=3.15, 95% CI: 1.89-5.25), Whorl (36.4% vs. 32.4%), and Radial Loop (3.6% vs. 1.2%). Ulnar Loops were significantly lower in the autistic group (47.4% vs. 61.6%). Gender-stratified analysis revealed autistic males had significantly higher frequencies of Arch, Whorl, and Radial Loop compared to neurotypical males. Autistic females showed a pronounced increase in Arch pattern (16.67% vs. 2.92%; p<0.001) but lower frequencies of Whorl and Radial Loop. Radial Loops were absent in autistic females. Conclusion: This study provides the first gender-stratified dermatoglyphic profile of autistic children in Bangladesh, revealing distinct pattern deviations that differ between males and females. The findings support the hypothesis of altered ectodermal development in ASD and suggest dermatoglyphics could serve as a low-cost, non-invasive adjunctive tool in multidisciplinary ASD assessment, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further large-scale, familial, and genetic correlational studies are warranted.

In this study, pumpkin seed oil extracted by the Soxhlet solvent method was converted into biodiesel using the transesterification process. This process involved the reaction between the extracted oil and alcohol (methanol) in the presence of a catalyst (NaOH) at an ideal temperature of 60 °C. The reaction resulted in the production of mono-alkyl esters (Biodiesel) and glycerol as byproducts. The functional groups of biodiesel were identified using the FTIR technique. The properties assessed included density, viscosity, color, flash point, cloud point, water content, pour point, total acid number, copper strip corrosion, and sulfur content. The properties were compared with the properties of fossil diesel according to ASTM D 6751 standard. Biodiesel was blended with fossil diesel (B20) as well as with fossil diesel and ethanol in different proportions. These blends were studied and compared with ASTM D 7467 standard. The results showed that biodiesel met all the requirements to be an alternative fuel. Moreover, its blends substantially complied with the standard.

In this study, oil was experimentally extracted from pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) using a chemical Soxhlet extraction, cold solvent extraction and mechanical pressing. The Percentage yields were found to be 39.5%, 30.2%, 26% respectively. The physicochemical properties were determined according to AOAC, AOCS and ASTM standards. Free fatty acids content of the oil was found to be 1.2% as oleic acid, acid value )2.4 mg KOH/g(, peroxide value )6.77 meq O₂/kg oil(, saponification value )191.09 mg KOH/g oil(, iodine value )104.81 g I₂/100 g(, density )0.931 g/ml( at 25°C, kinematic viscosity )48.05 cst (at 40°C. The color of pumpkin seed oil was greenish brown, pH) 6(, cloud point )-5 °C(, refractive index )1.471(, water content )1.95%(. Additionally, the elements in the oil were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The fatty acid composition of the oil was analyzed utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the oil contains about 22.57% saturated fatty acids and 73.21% unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the functional groups present in the oil.

This quasi-experimental pre–post interventional study evaluated the effect of a structured health education program on patients’ knowledge and practice related to warfarin therapy in River Nile State, Sudan, during 2024–2025. Adult outpatients receiving warfarin for at least one month were enrolled using consecutive sampling and assessed before and after the intervention. A total of 150 participants completed both assessments. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering key knowledge domains (indications, adherence, drug and food interactions, adverse effects, missed-dose management, and monitoring requirements) and self-reported practice behaviors. The intervention consisted of standardized face-to-face educational sessions supported by printed materials. Changes in knowledge and practice scores were analyzed using appropriate paired statistical tests. At baseline, most participants demonstrated poor warfarin-related knowledge despite high self- reported adherence. Following the educational intervention, there was a marked improvement across nearly all knowledge domains, with the mean knowledge score more than doubling and the majority of participants transitioning to a good knowledge category. Improvements were particularly notable in awareness of drug and food interactions, recognition of warning signs, and appropriate management of missed doses. Self-reported adherence remained high before and after the intervention, suggesting a ceiling effect. Overall, the study demonstrates that a brief, structured educational intervention is a feasible and effective approach to substantially improving warfarin-related knowledge in a low-resource outpatient setting, highlighting the importance of integrating patient education into routine anticoagulation care to enhance medication safety.

Infectious diseases remain a major threat to enhanced poultry production, resulting in significant financial losses and disruptions to productivity and food security. This study tested the efficacy of breeding for improving resistance to infectious bird diseases and compared the immune responses and survival of immigrants. The birds used in this study included an indigenous breed (Local Desi), an improved dual-purpose breed (Rhode Island Red), a commercial layer breed (White Leghorn), a commercial broiler strain, and a CRISPR-mediated MHC-enhanced line. The birds in the controlled challenge were 300, while the replication was 20 per breed × disease combination. The two-way analysis of variance indicated significant effects of breed, disease challenge, and the breed-by-disease interaction on mortality, survival, and antibody titer. The enhanced CRISPR line revealed the lowest average mortality of ≈12–15% while the highest antibody titers were ≈7.5–8.2 log₂ units. The broiler type’s average percentage was the highest at ≈32–38%. The indigenous birds were average as well; they had a stronger immune response than the commercial birds. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant negative association between titer and mortality. r = −0.72, P < 0.001, and a positive association between titer and survival. With r = 0.76 and P < 0.001, a high heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated positively with mortality, indicating stress-related vulnerability. These results demonstrated substantial genetic variability in resistance characteristics and supported the implementation of genomic and gene-editing methods to promote immune efficiency inquisitiveness in breeding. Also, it helps to increase sustainability.

The study of the theory of justice has long been a central focus in legal and political philosophy. However, modern academic discourse is often dominated by Western thinkers such as John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, and Robert Nozick, who emphasize utilitarian, egalitarian, and libertarian perspectives on justice, respectively. This paper seeks to broaden these perspectives by presenting perspectives on justice from Asian philosophical traditions, particularly China, through the teachings of Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi. This approach aims to demonstrate that justice can be understood not only structurally and institutionally, but also morally and relationally. In Confucius's view, justice is rooted in benevolence (ren), moral fairness (yi), and social order (li), where harmony between individuals is the ultimate goal of society. Mencius reinforced this view by asserting that justice arises from human innate goodness and empathy for the suffering of others, while Xunzi emphasized the importance of moral education and a strict social order to curb human evil tendencies. All three-position justice as the result of character formation and moral responsibility, not simply the application of formal law. When compared with Rawls, it is clear that Confucian theory of justice places greater emphasis on the formation of just individuals, rather than simply a just system. Rawls emphasizes procedural justice and equality of rights, while Confucius emphasizes social harmony and personal virtue. Thus, this paper asserts that there is no single and perfect theory of justice; justice must be understood as a cross-cultural dialogue between structure and morality, between the rational West and the ethical East. A synthesis of the two can serve as the basis for developing a more humane, contextual, and relevant concept of justice for contemporary global society.

The growing resistance of Salmonella typhi to antibiotics is a major public health challenge, justifying the search for natural therapeutic alternatives. This study aims to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial activity of essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum and Cymbopogon citratus on a strain of S. typhi isolated in Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized organoleptically and physicochemically. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar diffusion method, supplemented by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and then statistically analyzed by ANOVA. The results show a higher extraction yield for S. aromaticum (0.85%) than for C. citratus (0.31%). The essential oil of S. aromaticum showed more pronounced antibacterial activity (inhibition diameter: 10 mm) compared to that of C. citratus (3 mm) and the reference antibiotics. The MIC of S. aromaticum was estimated at 80%, indicating concentration-dependent activity. Thus, the essential oil of S. aromaticum is an effective source of natural antibacterial agents against S. typhi, although further studies (molecular and in vivo) are needed.