ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 26, 2025
Electronic Payment System Adoption and Marketing Success of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Atuo Eucharia Chinasa
Page no 525-533 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbms.2025.v10i11.004
The study empirically examined the relationship between electronic payment system adoption and marketing success of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The population of this study comprises the customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. There are 4,461,546 registered customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt (National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, 2025, www.nigerianstat.gov.ng). The researcher employed the Taro Yamen Formula to reduce the population to a reasonable sample size. The study has 4,461,546 customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, which implies that the population of the study is known and cluster sampling technique, was therefore used to determine the sample size of 399 through the use of Taro Yamene’s formula. Multiple regression analysis was used with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 21) analyze to the data. The study concludes that Based on the findings of the results, the study concludes that electronic payment system adoption strongly and positively relates with marketing success of electricity distribution companies in Port Harcourt as it creates a means of enhancing and increasing customer’s satisfaction which in-turn leads to customer loyalty. The study further recommends that, electricity distribution companies should ensure that e-wallet applications must always follow trends or developments in online consumer consumption patterns in Port Harcourt.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 26, 2025
Advanced Damage Detection and Load Optimization in Hybrid Composite Structures Using Multi-Scale Simulation and Machine Learning
Shanmugam Kamalanathan
Page no 660-673 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2025.v10i12.007
Hybrid composite structures (e.g., carbon–glass laminates, fiber–metal laminates, and multi-material sandwich panels) offer superior stiffness-to-weight performance but exhibit complex, multi-mode damage mechanisms such as matrix cracking, fiber breakage, delamination, and interface debonding. These damage modes are often difficult to detect early and expensive to simulate at full structural scale with high fidelity. This paper proposes an integrated framework that combines multi-scale progressive damage simulation with machine learning (ML)–assisted damage inference and load optimization. At the microscale and mesoscale, damage initiation and evolution are captured using established composite failure criteria and degradation laws (e.g., Hashin-type mechanisms), while structural-scale response is computed using reduced-order surrogates calibrated from multi-scale results. On the data side, guided-wave/shock-response features and simulated strain-field descriptors are mapped to damage states using supervised and uncertainty-aware ML models. Finally, a load optimization module minimizes peak interlaminar stresses and damage growth rate under service constraints. A case study on a hybrid laminate panel demonstrates that the proposed pipeline can (i) identify early delamination and matrix cracking signatures with high classification performance, and (ii) reduce damage-driving stress metrics through ML-guided load redistribution.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
The Importance of Health Education for Mammogram Screening: A Review Article
Hanan Rakan Mutlaq Alshammari, Maram Saleh Zaben Alshammari, Bodoor Ebrahim Awadh Alammar, Reem Rashed Awad Alshammari, Hissah Mohammed Saeed Alsipyany, Shawqi Ayyad Minees Al-Shammari, Ghada Saud Nohaeir Alghazi, Meznah Khalid Mohammed Alhouty, Jawza Basheer Mohammad Albeshir, Noud Nayaf Sultan Alotaibi
Page no 582-583 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.007
Breast cancer represents the most prevalent cancer type among women in Saudi Arabia. Despite the availability of early detection programs via mammography, participation rates remain suboptimal due to limited awareness and prevalent misconceptions regarding the screening process. This review aims to consolidate and critically analyze published studies examining the impact of health education on women’s awareness and knowledge of mammogram screening. Evidence indicates that structured health education interventions delivered in healthcare settings or through community campaigns and digital media significantly enhance women’s knowledge and encourage early detection practices. The findings underscore the necessity of sustained educational programs and active involvement of healthcare professionals, particularly radiologic technologists and nurses, to optimize breast cancer prevention and early detection.
This work is about comparing trends of population growth and number of legislative laws adopted. Number legislative laws adopted per year reflect growing aspirations of a growing population of a people centric society. A deviation from the population growth trajectory could be mostly due to internal issues affecting legislation of laws; which needs to be studied.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
Assessing Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Management of Febrile Convulsions in Children Under Five Years in Manna Mission Hospital and Designing Targeted Educational Interventions to Address Identified Gaps
Mavis Berko, Agnes Berko, Daniel Safo, Collins Agyei Menka
Page no 333-342 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2025.v08i12.007
Febrile convulsions are the most common paroxysmal events in childhood and are a leading cause of emergency visits, frequently provoking fear, distress, and harmful home practices among caregivers. This study assessed mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding home management of febrile convulsions in under‑five children at Manna Mission Hospital and identified gaps to inform targeted educational interventions. A descriptive cross‑sectional hospital‑based study was conducted among 100 mothers who’s under‑five children were admitted with a diagnosis of febrile convulsion between 1 July and 31 August 2022. Data were collected using a structured interviewer‑administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 23 using descriptive statistics. Most participants were aged 20–39 years, and 70% had heard of febrile convulsions and believed they could be managed. Overall, mothers demonstrated generally adequate knowledge and predominantly positive attitudes; 92% agreed that febrile convulsions are a serious condition and 81% rated prescribed medications as very beneficial. In addition, 60% strongly agreed that every febrile child should be taken to a hospital. However, despite this favorable knowledge and attitude profile, 70% provided medically incorrect responses regarding specific home management actions, indicating substantial gaps in practical skills and reliance on inappropriate or potentially harmful practices. These findings reveal a critical knowledge–practice disconnect and underscore the need for structured, context‑appropriate, nurse‑led educational interventions focused on safe home recognition and first‑line management of febrile convulsions. Implementing and evaluating such interventions in Hospital could reduce preventable complications and improve child health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
Sedimentary Facies Analysis and Depositional Environment Reconstruction of Clastic Successions in Opi and Environs, Anambra Basin (Ajali and Nsukka Formations)
Onuoha Thomas Tochukwu, Nwafor Emmanuela Nnedimma, Abdulmumuni Barikisu Momoh, Ozobialu Benedicta Ngozi, Ogbodo Ugochukwu Kingsley, Nwachukwu Martin Chijioke
Page no 630-640 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2025.v10i12.007
Detailed sedimentary facies and depositional environment studies were carried out on clastic deposits outcropping around Opi and its environswithin the Ajali and Nsukka Formation of the Anambra Basin. This defines the depositional facies, and sandstone hydrodynamics. The results revealed sixlithofacies which are systematically recognized into four genetically connected facies associations based on the textural parameters and diverse sedimentary structures derived from the hydrodynamic controls. The sedimentary facies include Structureless sandstone facies, Heterolith facies, Mudstone facies, Wave ripple facies, Parallel laminated sandstone facies and Planar Cross bedded Sandstone facies with its respective structural elements pivotal in the qualitative and quantification of the lithofacies and facies association description. The facies associations systematic paleo-environment diagnosis reveals depositional in fluvial, upper shoreface to lower shoreface depositional settings. The sandstones are predominantly medium to coarse grained and poorly sorted, indicating high-energy depositional conditions. Furthermore, their symmetrical skewness suggests the depositing medium operated at a steady velocity over a prolonged period, a characteristic feature of fluvial systems.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
The African Growth Opportunity Act and Ghana’s Exports: A Synthetic Control Approach
Espoir Adjei, Justine Exonam Amekoe
Page no 549-561 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjef.2025.v09i12.006
What is the economic impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on Ghana’s exports? Using a synthetic control method, a quasi- experimental approach, and a panel dataset for the periods 1965 through to 2018, this study examines the effects of AGOA on Ghana’s exports as a share of GDP. The findings show that AGOA has transitory positive effects in the initial stages but negative effects in the medium run. The positive impacts are largely attributed to sound macroeconomic environment and the discovery of oil while the negative impact is mostly due to the fall in US demands for exports from Africa in the wake of 2008-2009 financial crisis. AGOA does not automatically improve exports as a share of GDP of its member countries, which suggests the need for complementary government policies. However, the AGOA looks promising for Ghana if it is embarked by good policies.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
Influence of Speed Endurance and Speed–Agility–Quickness Training on Cardiovascular Fitness in Male College-Level Kho-Kho Players
Dr. P. K. Kavithashri, Mr. A. Ganesan, Dr S. Rameshkumar, Mr. P. Natarajan
Page no 126-131 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijap.2025.v08i06.004
Sports performance in high-intensity, intermittent games like Kho-Kho rely heavily on cardiovascular endurance, speed, agility, and movement efficiency. Structured training programs that target these components are essential for optimizing player performance. This study investigated the effects of speed endurance training, saq (speed, agility, and quickness) training, and combined training on cardiovascular endurance among collegiate male Kho-Kho players. A total of 60 participants, aged 18–25 years and with prior intercollegiate competitive experience, were randomly assigned to four groups: Speed Endurance Training (Group I), SAQ Training (Group II), Combined Training (Group III), and a Control Group (Group IV) that did not receive any specific training intervention. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, with three 60-minute sessions per week conducted on alternate days in the evening to ensure consistency in environmental conditions. A randomized pre-test–post-test control group design was employed, with cardiovascular endurance measured using standardized assessments before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis using paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and Scheffe’s post hoc test revealed significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance in all experimental groups compared to the control group. Among the training programs, the Combined Training Group exhibited the greatest overall improvement, indicating that integrating Speed Endurance and SAQ training produces superior cardiovascular adaptations. These findings underscore the importance of multidimensional, sport-specific training strategies in enhancing the physiological and performance capacities necessary for competitive Kho-Kho players.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
The Changes in Orthodontic Treatment Need in Children Over Time: A Longitudinal Evaluation of Self-Correcting Malocclusions
Rakan Saud Aloqaili, Hassan O Alansari, Samah Hussain Alshareef, Reyouf Ayad Aldarrab, Shahad Ahmed Almakenzi
Page no 503-510 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2025.v10i12.002
Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize longitudinal evidence on the natural changes in orthodontic treatment need among children and adolescents, with a specific focus on identifying malocclusion traits that demonstrate a potential for spontaneous correction over time. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, SienceDirect, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from inception to November 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were longitudinal cohorts assessing children and adolescents in mixed or early permanent dentition, with no prior orthodontic treatment at baseline. Outcomes included changes in treatment need measured by indices like the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) or Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and observed self-correction of specific malocclusion traits. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Four prospective cohort studies (n=1,253 participants) were included. The evidence revealed a non-linear trajectory of malocclusion prevalence, characterized by an initial decrease from primary to mixed dentition, followed by an increase in early permanent dentition. Despite this, a net decrease in treatment need was observed for many individuals during the transition from mixed to permanent dentition, with one study reporting decreased DAI scores for 60.8% of children. High rates of spontaneous correction were documented for specific traits: anterior open bite (87-99%), Class II malocclusion (83%), and unilateral posterior crossbite (83%). Nevertheless, a persistent, clinically significant treatment need remained, with 22% of 11.5-year-olds classified as having severe or extreme need. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment need in children is dynamic, not static. While significant self-correction occurs for traits like anterior open bite and posterior crossbite, a substantial proportion of children develop a definitive need for intervention by early permanent dentition. These findings underscore the importance of longitudinal monitoring and cautious timing of orthodontic assessments, particularly during mixed dentition when transient traits may overestimate true long-term need.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
Development and Validation of Stability- Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Impurities in Linezolid Oral Suspension Dosage Forms
Nagajyothi Bhavanam, Govardhan Rao Thalluri, Ramakrishna Myneni, Nithin Kumar Pallepati, Pranitha Sambu, Navaneeswar Reddy Kalluru
Page no 1236-1244 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i12.015
A quality by design (QbD)-based on high resolution, stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for determining the impurities in Linezolid oral suspension dosage forms. Using this method six known were impurities qualified, and two degradants were quantified with excellent peak resolution. Using pH 3.0 0.02M potassium phosphate buffer as buffer. For mobile phase-A consisted of 80% buffer, acetonitrile 10%, and 10% methanol in the ratio of 80:10:10(v/v/v), while mobile phase B consisted of methanol and buffer in the ratio of 60:40, (v/v) methanol and buffer. The column was maintained at a temperature of 30°C, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. UV wavelength at 254 nm. The method exhibited high specificity and demonstrated linearity over the concentration range of 0.502–6.025 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (r²) greater than 0.999. Accuracy exceeded 97%. The method was validated in accordance with the guidelines established by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), covering parameters such as specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Forced degradation studies revealed that Linezolid oral suspension was sensitive to acid and oxidative stress conditions. The developed method is considered suitable for routine quality control applications, including impurity profiling and stability-indicating analysis of Linezolid oral suspension.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
Photoelectrocatalytic Synthesis of Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy and CO₂ Conversion
Muhammad Hussain Khan, Huda Muslim, Javed Karim, Junaid Ali, Rasheed Ahmad, Mubarra Muzaffar, Maira Muzaffar, Kubra Gul, Abbas Abubakar
Page no 744-764 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2025.v10i11.007
This study presents a forward-leaning approach to constructing hybrid organic–inorganic nanomaterials through a photoelectrocatalytic pathway tailored for sustainable energy generation and selective CO₂ conversion. The work integrates light-driven charge activation with surface-engineered catalytic interfaces, allowing the material to operate under mild conditions while maintaining high stability. By combining organic donor groups with inorganic semiconductor frameworks, the system ensures efficient charge mobility, stronger adsorption of CO₂, and controlled intermediate formation. This synergy enables faster reaction kinetics and enhances product selectivity without relying on harsh chemical inputs. Experimental results show that the hybrid structures exhibit notable improvements in photocurrent density, quantum efficiency, and carbon-based product yield when compared with conventional single-phase catalysts. The material’s architecture also supports extended operational durability, mitigating surface deactivation and maintaining consistent performance across repeated cycles. Mechanistic analysis indicates that the coexistence of organic functionalities and inorganic lattice sites opens new reaction channels, creating a balanced environment for electron transfer and catalytic turnover. This approach demonstrates a practical and scalable route toward low-energy CO₂ transformation technologies, offering a blueprint for advancing renewable-driven chemical production. The findings underscore the potential of photoelectrocatalytic hybrid materials as versatile platforms capable of bridging energy conversion and carbon-management applications. The study ultimately lays a clear foundation for next-generation catalysts engineered to operate at the crossroads of sustainability, efficiency, and molecular precision.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
Auricular Morphometry and Its Forensic Significance among the Okrika Tribe of Rivers State, Nigeria
Erekosima, B. U, Horsfall, A. U, Amadi, H, Paul, J. N, Oluta, E. T, Okpara, D. C
Page no 738-743 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2025.v10i11.006
Background: The external ear plays a significant role in clinical, surgical, and forensic sciences. Anthropometric data are essential for surgeries, hearing aid design, and forensic identification. Ethnic diversity influences auricular morphology, emphasizing the need for population-specific data. This study provides data on the Okrika tribe, exploring sexual dimorphism and applications in clinical and forensic practice. Aim: To establish anthropometric auricular parameters for the Okrika tribe, with potential applications in clinical and forensic contexts. Materials and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 450 Okirika indigenes (245 males, 205 females) aged 18+ years with no ear abnormalities or previous surgeries. Digital vernier calipers measured ear length, width, lobular length, and lobular width on both ears. Measurements were taken with subjects sitting upright and head in Frankfort horizontal plane. Data were analyzed using R programming environment, with sex differences assessed via independent sample T-test and correlations with stature via Pearson's/Spearman's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study enrolled 450 Okirika participants (245 males, 205 females). Males were significantly taller, while females had higher BMI and greater central obesity. Males had larger right lobule width (17.3mm vs 16.3mm) and left ear width (31.1mm vs 30.3mm). Ear width measurements showed prominent sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism was most pronounced in ear width measurements, with males having larger dimensions. External ear dimensions didn't correlate with stature in males and females. Ear size and height are independent traits, making ear measurements unreliable for predicting stature. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into Okrika tribe's external ear morphology, highlighting significant sexual dimorphism in auricular width dimensions. The findings offer a valuable reference for clinicians and forensic experts, guiding reconstructive surgery and sex estimation. The study contributes to external ear morphometry knowledge, emphasizing the need for population-specific research in diverse populations.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 23, 2025
Utilization of Crushed and Powdered Waste Glass in Cementitious Composites: From Microstructure to Service Life
Dr. Shameem Banu Shaik
Page no 302-312 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjce.2025.v09i11.003
The increasing demand for concrete, coupled with the environmental burden associated with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production and natural aggregate depletion, has intensified the search for sustainable alternative materials. Waste glass, generated in large quantities worldwide and often landfilled due to recycling constraints, has emerged as a promising resource for cementitious composites when processed as powdered waste glass (PWG) or crushed waste glass. This review critically examines the utilization of waste glass as a sustainable binder and aggregate replacement, with particular emphasis on microstructural evolution, durability performance, and service-life implications. The pozzolanic reactivity of finely ground waste glass, driven by its high amorphous silica content, leads to secondary calcium silicate hydrate formation, portlandite consumption, and pore refinement. These microstructural modifications result in improved later-age mechanical strength, reduced permeability, enhanced resistance to chloride ingress and chemical attack, and effective mitigation of alkali–silica reaction when appropriate fineness and replacement levels are adopted. The review synthesizes quantitative data from recent studies to establish performance trends, identify optimal replacement ranges, and clarify durability mechanisms governing long-term behavior. Remaining challenges, including variability in glass composition, standardization of test methods, and limited long-term field data, are highlighted. Overall, the findings demonstrate that waste glass, when properly processed and proportioned, can contribute significantly to durable, low-carbon cementitious composites and support circular-economy-based infrastructure development.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 23, 2025
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetes Properties of Celba pentandra L. Gaertn. on Drosophila melanogaster
Olufunke Christy Akanji
Page no 419-428 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2025.v10i12.001
Antioxidants are bioactive molecules that safeguard cells against oxidative stress, a condition that induces cellular injury and is implicated in the development of various chronic diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from inadequate insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of the methanolic leaf extract of C. pentandra using an experimental model of Drosophila melanogaster subjected to a high-sucrose diet. The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated using several assays, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), lipid peroxidation inhibition, reducing power capacity, and reduced glutathione (GSH) quantification. The antidiabetic activity of the plant was assessed through in vitro α-amylase inhibition and in vivo analysis using D. melanogaster exposed to a high-sucrose diet. A total of thirty-five (35) D. melanogaster were utilized, divided into five experimental groups. Metformin (16 mg) was employed as the reference drug, while C. pentandra extract was administered at concentrations of 2 and 4 mg. The experiment was conducted over a ten-day period, after which the flies were analyzed for glucose and total protein levels. The in vitro antioxidant evaluation of C. pentandra methanolic extract demonstrated substantial activity across all assays, with notably higher lipid peroxidation inhibition (84.73%) and reducing power (20.52%) compared to the standard antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (50.13% and 17.26%, respectively) at 500 µg/mL. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in α-amylase inhibitory activity (21.83%, 22.55%, and 23.60%), although the values remained lower than those of the standard drug, acarbose (52.76%, 54.20%, and 68.04%) at 500, 750, and 1000 µg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that the extract’s ability to modulate glucose metabolism may improve with increasing concentrations. In in vivo assays, metformin produced the lowest glucose concentration (40 mg/dL), while the 4 mg C. pentandra extract-treated group showed reduced glucose levels (60 mg/dL) compared to the 2 mg group (150 mg/dL). Protein concentration analysis revealed no significant differences (P < 0.05) among the extract-treated groups, whereas both the normal (non-diabetic) and metformin-treated controls exhibited similar protein levels (80 mg/dL). Overall, C. pentandra methanolic extract demonstrated potent lipid peroxidation inhibition and superior reducing power, indicating its potential to mitigate oxidative stress. Furthermore, its glucose-lowering effect suggests a promising antidiabetic activity, possibly through enhanced insulin sensitivity.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 23, 2025
Comparison of Intra-Ocular Pressure Values Obtained Using Goldmann Applanation Tonometer and Air-Puff Non-Contact Tonometer in Glaucoma Patients
Mahmoud Zakiyya, Hashiya Kana, Sadiq Abdullahi, Olusegun Bamidele Olaniyi, Akabe Joseph, Umar Fatima Hudu
Page no 572-577 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.005
Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is crucial for diagnosing and managing glaucoma. The Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) is the gold standard for IOP measurement, and while the Pulsair non-contact tonometer (NCT) has shortcomings, it appears to offer certain advantages and therefore is a viable option. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability of NCT as a reliable alternative to GAT for assessing IOP in adult glaucoma patients. This cross-sectional study assessed 200 eyes of 101 patients at a tertiary hospital in Northern Nigeria. We measured IOP with both GAT and NCT. The mean age of the participants was 56 ± 13.2 years. The right eyes had mean IOP values of 16.44mmHg and 14.96mmHg (p<0.05) with GAT and NCT, respectively, while those of the left were 17.59mmHg and 17.01mmHg (p < 0.05). The pachymetrically corrected IOP values in the right eyes were 19.31mmHg and 18.20 mmHg (p<0.05) for GAT and NCT, respectively, while those in the left were 20.05mmHg and 19.22 mmHg (p>0.05). Pachymetrically corrected NCT and GAT showed a positive correlation of 0.861 (p<0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement, especially for pachymetrically corrected data of NCT and GAT, with a considerable majority of subjects (76% for right eyes, 80% for left eyes) showing differences of 1-3 mmHg, while an average of 14% of all eyes had no difference. In conclusion, the NCT provided reliable IOP measurements; however, CCT corrections may be required, as NCT results appear to be more subject to CCT variations.