The accurate determination of fluoride concentration in environmental and drinking water is critical for protecting public health and ensuring compliance with international water quality standards. In this study, a validated and efficient photometric method for fluoride quantification was developed using the Spectroquant Fluoride Test (Merck). The method is based on the reaction of fluoride ions with alizarin complex one and lanthanum (III) in a weakly acidic buffered medium to form a stable violet-colored complex, the absorbance of which is measured photometrically. The analytical procedure exhibits excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and precision across two quantifiable ranges: 0.10–2.00 mg/L and 1.0–20.0 mg/L F⁻, in accordance with EPA Method 340.3 and APHA Standard Method 4500-F E. Comprehensive validation was conducted to assess linearity, accuracy, and reproducibility, along with extensive interference studies covering common ions and organic substances. The findings confirmed negligible interferences under the optimized conditions, demonstrating the robustness of the method for diverse aqueous matrices. The reagents showed high chemical stability within the recommended storage conditions, maintaining consistent analytical performance over time. Owing to its simplicity, rapid execution, and low operational cost, this photometric approach represents a practical alternative to more complex techniques such as ion-selective electrodes and ion chromatography. The method’s applicability to groundwater, surface water, seawater, wastewater, and drinking water highlights its reliability as a universal tool for routine monitoring and regulatory compliance in fluoride analysis.

The increasing incidence of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire with 17,300 new cases reported in 2020, has motived improvements in patient care, marked by the establishment of a National Centre for Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with international standards regarding the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs, which pose risks to healthcare personnel, patients, and the environment. The methodology encompassed all stages of the anticancer drug management circuit. Failure modes in management that could lead to risks, particularly during the handling of anticancer drugs, were analyzed using the Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) method. These failure modes or non-compliant practices were previously identified using the Cyto-SAT tool, which is adapted for evaluating anticancer drug handling practices in low- and middle-income countries. The median compliance rate with good practices was 69%. Among all identified or potential failures, 61 risks were identified. Regarding processes directly involving pharmaceutical activities, specifically logistics and preparation, 21 risks were prioritized. Twenty-seven actions were defined to control them. During the study, the rate of safe practices at the CNRAO was higher than the average rate in low-income countries and that of middle-income countries. For a new centre, the CNRAO shows promising results. It is essential to continue and improve the implementation of safe handling practices to protect both patients and healthcare staff.

Objectification, according to Martha Nussbaum, is the act of treating someone as an instrument or object. And objectification theory offers a significant framework for comprehending, researching, and intervening to enhance the lives of women in a sociocultural environment that sexually objectifies the female physique and links a woman’s value to her physical appearance and sexual abilities. Further, sexual objectification encompasses a broad range of practices and institutions that contribute to the portrayal of women as mere sex objects. This objectification theory explicates the harms and wrongs of sexual objectification, as it explains the association between instrumentalization and the processes of social stereotyping facilitate its functioning. This paper, therefore, investigates how Mira is sexually objectified in Shashi Deshpande’s The Binding Vine, and its devastatingly traumatic impact on the victim’s psyche.

This research aimed to assess common bean genotypes for genetic diversity, heritability, and genetic advancement under varying concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) in hydroponic systems. Eight common bean genotypes were grown and evaluated in a two-factor completely randomized design with three replications in three NaCl concentrations (0 mM, 150 mM, 300 mM) at the Molecular lab of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during 2022. Analysis showed substantial differences among eight genotypes for all traits across three NaCl levels. Mean ranges under 0, 150, and 300 mM NaCl concentration 10.93 to 20.87 cm, 8.71 to 21.43 cm, and 11.64 to 21.58 cm for hypocotyl length, and from 13.02 to 23.63, 10.51 to 15.9, and 6.96 to 12.99 for chlorophyll content, and from 32.33 to 46.67 cm, 34.00 to 57.33 cm and 33.50 to 45.67 cm for plant height, and from 10.73 to 15.30 cm, and 11.10 to 15.30 cm and 10.00 to 15.70 cm for epicotyl length. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.62 to 0.93 for various traits of common bean genotypes in all three levels of NaCl. The highest heritability was recorded for hypocotyl length (0.93) in 150mM NaCl concentrations, while the lowest heritability was recorded for plant height (0.62) in 300mM NaCl and also for hypocotyl length in 0mM 0.62 NaCl concentrations. The highest genetic advance value was estimated for plant height (8.26) in all NaCl concentrations, i.e., 4.10 in 0 mM NaCl, 8.26 in 150 mM NaCl, and 3.96 in 300 mM NaCl, respectively. Based on the current experiment, genotypes SW-32, GL299, and GL-287 appeared to be superior, with the highest values for plant height, chlorophyll content, and hypocotyl length. These results are recommended for future breeding programs aimed at improving salt tolerance in common bean genotypes.

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: Maxillary canines are the second most frequently impacted teeth after third molars, with a prevalence of approximately 2% in the general population. The etiology of canine impaction is multifactorial, involving both environmental and genetic factors. Among the candidate genes associated with tooth development, PAX9 plays a crucial role in odontogenesis and tooth bud positioning. Genetic variations in PAX9 have been linked to dental anomalies such as agenesis and impaction; however, evidence regarding their association with maxillary canine impaction remains limited, particularly in the Indian population. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between PAX9 gene polymorphism (SNP rs4904210) and maxillary canine impaction in an Indian population sample. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 60 subjects (30 cases with impacted maxillary canines and 30 controls with normally erupted canines) aged 10–40 years. Venous blood samples were collected, and DNA was isolated using standard protocols. The PAX9 gene was amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with the enzyme HpaII for genotyping. Statistical analyses, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and chi-square tests, were performed to determine the association between genotypes and the occurrence of canine impaction. Results: The study population showed no significant differences in age or gender distribution between cases and controls (p > 0.05). Among the cases, unilateral impaction was more common (73.3%) than bilateral (26.7%). Both case and control groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No statistically significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of PAX9 (rs4904210) were observed between the two groups, indicating no genetic association with maxillary canine impaction. Conclusion: The present study found no significant association between PAX9 polymorphism (rs4904210) and maxillary canine impaction in the Indian population studied. Although PAX9 plays a critical role in tooth development, this specific SNP does not appear to influence canine impaction risk. Future studies with larger, ethnically diverse samples and broader genetic analysis are warranted to better understand the multifactorial etiology of maxillary canine impaction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.