This study aims to investigate the flexural behavior of simply supported one-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs constructed with high-strength concrete (HSC) and normal-strength concrete (NSC), reinforced with either glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars or conventional steel reinforcement. Four large-scale reinforced concrete (RC) slabs were tested under four-point bending. The failure and cracking loads, deflection, crack patterns, and failure modes were considered as main parameters. Results showed that GFRP-reinforced slabs (both NSC and HSC) had higher deflections by 2.60 times and lower ultimate loads by 21.0% to 32.0% compared to steel-reinforced slabs. GFRP-reinforced specimens also experienced sudden failure due to bar rupture and exhibited wider cracks. The experimental results compared with those from analytical predictions based on ACI 440, CAN/CSA S806, and Eurocode 2, the results were in accordance. While CSA S806-12 slightly underestimated cracking loads for HSC-GFRP slabs, it provided accurate mid-span deflection estimates. Eurocode 2 predictions for crack widths were within 10% of the values observed.

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and high mortality. Early recognition and protocolized interventions are critical for improved outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence-based strategies relevant to medical–surgical settings, focusing on early detection, fluid resuscitation, antimicrobial stewardship, hemodynamic support, source control, and nursing-led monitoring. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration among nurses, physicians, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and dietitians, in alignment with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. Persistent challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, delayed diagnosis, and resource limitations are discussed, alongside future directions including novel biomarkers, personalized care pathways, AI-driven early warning systems, and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs. Optimized nursing protocols, enhanced interprofessional communication, and advanced monitoring strategies can significantly reduce sepsis-related morbidity and mortality.

Introduction: Recent epidemiological data demonstrate that disease flares often occur without apparent cause but there is evidence that certain environmental factors may trigger the disease such UV light, infections, certain hormones, and drugs. Here, we report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus flare with neuropsychiatric manifestations notably lupus encephalitis, lupus headache, movement disorder, mood disorder, anxiety and cardiovascular manifestation as pulmonary embolism triggered by malaria and urinary infection with Escherichia coli in an elderly Malian woman at the "Polyclinique REVIERA" of Bamako that had been successfully treated. Clinical Observation: An 79-year-old Malian female with history of systemic lupus erythematosus currently under azathioprine, arterial hypertension under candesartan, three episodes of erysipelas, chronic gastritis and a recent history of pulmonary embolism was hospitalized to the "Polyclinique REVIERA" of Bamako with a 5-days history an altered level of consciousness, temporospatial disorientation, broca’s aphasia preceded by a 10-days history of nausea, vomiting, anorexia, epigastric pain, pain in joints and fever and a 1-month history of headache developed and persisted despite investigation and treatment associated with insomnia, anxiety, anhedonia, difficulty in concentrating and loss of energy. Neurologic examination was markedly for broca’s aphasia, myoclonia, seizure, and the Glasgow scale was 07/15. Rheumatologic examination revealed pain and tumefaction left elbow joint, but no deformation of the joints. The dermatological examination noted erythematous-squamous placard on 1/3 of the legs, alopecia and intertrigo. The initial SLEDAI score assessment noted a very high activity of diseases with more than 20 points. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus flare with neuropsychiatric manifestations notably lupus encephalitis, lupus headache, movement disorder, mood disorder, anxiety and cardiovascular manifestation as pulmonary embolism triggered by malaria and urinary infection with Escherichia coli was considered. The treatment with prednisone at a dose of 1 mg per kilogram of body weight a day with 1-year tapering course associated with adjuvant treatments preceded by a bolus of 600 mg of methylprednisone was initiated. Azathiopurine at a dose of 75 mg a day was maintained. Hydroxycloroquine at a dose of 400 mg a day was added. Artesunate 120 mg and imipenem cilastatin 500 mg/500 mg were prescribed and adequately administered. Her anterior medications were continued such candesartan 16 mg and rivaroxaban 10 mg. The fifteenth hospital day SLEDAI score assessment noted a mild activity of diseases with 5 points. The patient was discharged with 2-week follow up visit appointment. Conclusion: Our case highlights the importance of discussing lupus encephalitis in any case of encephalitic syndrome, especially after having ruled out infectious and neoplastic causes.

Tourism is a strategic sector for Indonesia’s economy but remains vulnerable to global and domestic crises. This study aims to analyse the implementation of sustainable tourism practices and their relationship with the financial resilience of tourism destinations in Jakarta and West Java. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected through surveys of 150 respondents (tourism enterprises, destination managers, and local communities) and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. The research instruments measured three dimensions of sustainable tourism (economic, socio-cultural, environmental) and five dimensions of financial resilience (revenue stability, diversification, cost efficiency, adaptation and innovation, institutional support). Results from Structural Equation Modelling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) reveal that sustainable tourism practices significantly and positively influence financial resilience (β = 0.62; p < 0.01). The economic dimension contributed the most, followed by socio-cultural, while environmental was positive but not significant. These findings highlight that sustainability not only addresses socio-ecological concerns but also serves as a key strategy to strengthen the financial resilience of tourism destinations. Theoretically, this study reinforces the Resource-Based View and Stakeholder Theory within the Indonesian tourism context. Practically, it provides recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, including strengthening policy support, diversifying tourism products, enhancing digital innovation, and engaging local communities. Thus, sustainable tourism practices can form a foundation for developing resilient and competitive destinations in the future.

Background: Despite all the strategies put in place by WHO and the International AIDS control program, such as free HIV screening and free distribution of ART’s, large numbers of adolescents and young adults still find it difficult to comply with their treatment regimens. Hence, the purpose of this study to identify the barriers and factors facilitating compliance and non-compliance to ART among HIV positive adolescents and young adults and to evaluate the sense of well-being of the patients receiving treatment at the Buea Regional Hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was carried out at the Buea Regional Hospital from June 1st to August 31st, 2022. A convenient sampling technique was used to enroll consented participants, whereby a structured questionnaire was administered as they came to the treatment center for their appointments. Data was collected from respondents on demographic characteristics, compliance to ART was evaluated using a well-structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Excel 2013 at 0.05 significance level. Results: Out of the 150 participants, an overall compliance rate of 68.7% was observed against a non-compliance rate of 31.3%. Taking medication when feeling depressed was significantly (p=0.016) associated to compliance with treatment than sometimes not taking medications when feeling depressed. Moreover, stopping to take medication when feeling depressed was significantly (p=0.010) associated with compliance compared to sometimes not taking medication when feeling depressed. The factors associated with non-compliance were; taking medication when feeling depressed significantly (p=0.016) associated with non-compliance than not taking medication when feeling depressed. Not taking medication sometimes when feeling depressed significantly (p=0.010) associated with non-compliance than not taking medication when feeling depressed. The highest percentage scored for being worried (over the last two weeks) resulted from the fact that most of the participants had little interest in carrying out daily tasks (16.4%). Nevertheless, majority of respondents (76.0%) had a very good sense of well-being characterised by minimal levels of being bothered over the last two weeks. Conclusion: The factors associated with compliance to ART have been categorised as religious, cultural, family and community factors; patient related factors; socio-economic factors; work place related factors; and health care team and system related factors. Some factors such as a female gender, age greater than 49 years, higher levels of education, positive perceptions of treatment, high motivation, satisfaction with information provided by physician and higher CD4 count at initiation of ART were also identified.

With the deepening of globalization and the increasing frequency of cross-cultural exchanges, Asian films have gradually emerged in the international film market and become an important bridge connecting the East and the West. As a classic Asian film, The Joy Luck Club, with its unique narrative and profound thematic connotation, has attracted the attention and love of many audiences. In the movie, the phenomenon of code-switching appears frequently. This paper applies Verschueren's theory of linguistic adaptation to analyze the cultural adaptation embodied in the phenomenon of code-switching in The Joy Luck Club, so as to analyze the impact of code-switching on the cross-cultural communication of Asian families. It reveals the complex mentality of cultural identity, identity construction and conflict resolution of Asian groups in cross-cultural communication.

The widely accepted belief that plain and lithium heparin containers are the choice for the collection of samples for renal function testing was investigated. This was conducted in addition to the effect of sampling conditions and diet types on renal function testing. A total of 100 subjects were recruited for the study, and renal function parameters such as creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and glucose were estimated using the Randox (UK) test kits on a semi-automated chemistry analyser (Contec-China). The containers used for the analysis include plain, lithium heparin, fluoride oxalate, and K2EDTA, whereas the sampling conditions were grouped into fasting, starvation, and random. The diet types consisted of carbohydrates, protein, and lipids. The results of the investigations were statistically analysed using One-Way Anova (Post-Hoc) on SPSS version 18-20 and level of significance pegged at 95%. The findings reaffirmed the suitability of plain and lithium heparin containers as the choice for renal function testing. Furthermore, sampling conditions were found not to have a palpable effect on the accuracy and precision of renal function parameters, whereas, lipid-rich diet impacted creatinine and urea concentrations. Conclusively, the gradation of the suitability index of routine containers for renal function test is plain > lithium heparin>K2EDTA>fluoride oxalate. Also, diet types should be considered when considering the clinical implication of renal function parameters.

Background: Sampling time and containers used for sample collection are crucial preanalytical processes, dictating the accuracy and precision of lipid profile results. We compared the effect of sampling time and routine container on lipid profiles. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year students of the Department of Biochemistry at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, in 2024. A total of 150 participants were recruited for this study. Fasting, starvation, and random blood samples were collected from each patient into plain containers, lithium heparin, K2EDTA, and fluoride oxalate containers simultaneously on daily staged structures. Samples in anticoagulant tubes were immediately centrifuged, and plasma was obtained while samples in plain containers were made to clot before centrifugation to obtain serum. The plasma and serum obtained were used to estimate the concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) using an automated chemistry analyzer. Results: The study shows a significant mean increase (P<0.05) in TC and LDL concentrations in the fasting and starvation groups compared to the control and random samples. Similarly, the anticoagulants used revealed a significant mean increase (P>0.05) in the concentrations of TC and LDL in lithium heparin and fluoride oxalate compared to EDTA and plain containers. Furthermore, the findings revealed a significant increase in triacylglycerol concentration in the lipid diet group when compared to other groups, whereas other parameters were stable. Conclusions: Random sampling in lipid profile estimation could be more suitable for fasting or starvation sampling. In a similar vein, the suitability index of sample containers placed K2EDTA and plain containers as a better choice for lipid profile estimation, comparable to lithium heparin and fluoride oxalate.

In Ngandajika (Democratic Republic of Congo), given the state of our soils, farmers and researchers resort to chemical fertilizers, such as NPK, to achieve the expected yield. Jatropha curcas by-products used in composting would be a strategic solution to this dilemma. Jerky (Jatropha curcas L.) is a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family. Pressing its oil-rich seeds produces a by-product, the cake, the accumulation of which causes an environmental problem. To address this problem, the use of this by-product in compost was considered and is the subject of this study. Five types of compost were developed using cake alone or combined with animal waste (small ruminant droppings or poultry droppings). The composts were then tested on the yield of cabbage apple. The experimental design used is completely randomized, comprising 6 treatments repeated three times each. The study showed that mixing cake with 10% of small ruminant droppings resulted in good quality compost with a high nitrogen and potassium content (Ntot 1.83%; Ktot. 1.76%). Compost made with Jatropha cake and 20% of small ruminant droppings resulted in the best yield in both total biomass and apple biomass. The different composts made from Jatropha curcas cake significantly improved the chemical characteristics of the soil. These different results therefore show that cake is a good material for the production of compost. This recovery therefore makes it possible to avoid the unnecessary and harmful accumulation of this product and helps to solve the environmental problem it constitutes.

This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into aerodynamic optimization processes for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) prototypes in subsonic wind tunnel environments. Traditional aerodynamic testing, while reliable, often demands extensive manual parameter adjustments and prolonged experimental cycles. By incorporating AI-driven computational models, machine learning algorithms, and real-time data analytics, we demonstrate a more efficient approach to shape refinement, drag reduction, and stability enhancement. Our results show that AI-based optimization reduces testing time by up to 35% while improving lift-to-drag ratios and aerodynamic stability. The findings underscore the potential of AI to transform UAV design cycles, reduce costs, and accelerate the deployment of advanced aerial systems.

The chlorophyll a (Chl. a) and b (Chl. b) and carotenoid contents of 10 distinct medicinal plants have been determined in the current investigation. Young and mature leaves were found to have different chlorophyll a (Chl.a) and b (Chl.b) and carotenoid contents in terms of quality. For the purpose of evaluating the chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration, 10 different medicinal plant species were chosen, including Pterocarpus santalinus, Azadirachta indica, Phyllanthus emblica, Tridox procumbens, Swietenia mahagoni, Hardwickia binata, Pithecetobium dulce, Cassia fistula, Dalbergia latifolia and Syzygium cumini. In all cases, adult leaves had more chlorophyll and carotenoid content than young ones. It has been demonstrated that the age of the leaves has a significant impact on the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids.

Patient management of chronic and subacute dorsal pain may be difficult, especially in cases when the patient does not respond to traditional pharmacologic treatment. It has just come to light that the erector spinae plane block is a potentially useful interventional approach for the treatment of regional pain. In patients who were suffering from subacute and chronic dorsal pain, the purpose of this research was to determine whether or not erect spine plane prolotherapy was helpful in significantly lowering pain across a variety of thoracic levels. All of the patients who had undergone erect spine plane prolotherapy at thoracic levels T1–T12 were included in the prospective review that was carried out. Both subacute (pain that lasted for less than three months) and chronic (pain that lasted for more than three months) pain groups were assigned to patients. At baseline, on the first day, one week, and one month after the surgery, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to evaluate the levels of pain experienced by the patients. In addition, the amount of injection and the block laterality (unilateral vs bilateral) were measured simultaneously. The majority of patients had chronic dorsal pain (n = 173), with T5–T8 and T1–T4 being the most commonly targeted levels. Bilateral erect spine plane prolotherapy were predominantly utilized in chronic cases. Both groups demonstrated substantial pain reduction. In the subacute group, mean NRS scores decreased from 8 at baseline to 2 at one month (75% improvement). Similarly, the chronic group experienced a reduction from 7 to 2 (71% improvement). Prolotherapy performed on the erect spine plane was able to offer considerable and long-lasting pain alleviation in patients suffering from subacute and chronic dorsal pain. The approach was successful at a number of different thoracic levels and has the potential to be a viable option for the therapy of long-term pain, particularly in chronic instances that need bilateral intervention.

This study presents a novel approach to real-time wind tunnel data reduction by integrating a JR3 six-axis force-torque sensor with machine learning algorithms. Traditional aerodynamic testing often involves large volumes of raw data from force balances, which require extensive post-processing. This paper proposes a machine learning-based model that accelerates the data reduction pipeline, allowing for near-instantaneous derivation of aerodynamic coefficients from JR3 balance data. The framework includes a synchronized data acquisition module, signal preprocessing, a trained regression model, and an interactive visualization tool. Results show that the proposed system can achieve real-time performance while maintaining high accuracy, significantly reducing the computational and time costs associated with wind tunnel testing.

Forensic science has a very important role in the crime scene. During the inspection of the crime scene, the concerned scientific officer carefully inspects various types of cases and collects evidence which is prima facie related to the crime scene. All the evidence obtained during the inspection is sent to the forensic laboratory in a sealed condition for physical, chemical, biological and electronic testing. After the test, it is assessed as per the report received that how the incident sent to the lab is related to the crime scene, how the evidence is related to the deceased or the victim, it helps in understanding and solving it in a systematic way. The presented research paper is related to such a case in which a girl dies in a road accident in District Balrampur, State Chhattisgarh, which prima facie appeared to be a normal road accident after seeing the crime scene, but when the investigation was done as per the instructions given by the senior scientific officer to the investigating officer, it emerged as a murder committed under a well-planned conspiracy. In this case, the doctor who conducted the postmortem also It was recommended to give the cause of death only after the forensic report came in. During the investigation of this case, the concerned person was traced and after collecting the evidence, the scene of crime was inspected again by the senior scientific officer and scientific officer of forensics and the evidence found during the inspection was sealed and sent to the forensic laboratory; the test report of which came as expected, so the case was resolved and the accused was punished. In the said case, the scene of crime inspection and the forensic test report of the evidence found at the scene of crime played a major role.

Ocular and oral health are fundamental components of systemic well-being, intricately linked through a complex network of shared risk factors, overlapping inflammatory pathways, and common systemic diseases. Recent advances in biomedical research have increasingly illuminated the bidirectional relationships between these two seemingly distinct anatomical regions, revealing that disturbances in one often reflect or exacerbate pathology in the other. For example, chronic systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders manifest with both ocular and oral complications, underscoring the necessity for integrated healthcare approaches. The convergence of ocular and oral health domains necessitates a cross-disciplinary framework that actively involves dentists, pharmacists, and optics technicians to optimize patient outcomes through early detection, comprehensive management, and patient-centered education. Dentists play a pivotal role by identifying oral manifestations indicative of systemic and ocular diseases, managing oral conditions that may influence ocular health, and facilitating timely referrals. Pharmacists contribute critical expertise in medication management, addressing challenges related to polypharmacy, drug-induced adverse effects affecting both the eyes and oral cavity, and ensuring therapeutic adherence. Optics technicians serve as essential facilitators of vision care, conducting preliminary ocular assessments, assisting in the early detection of ocular abnormalities, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to manage systemic conditions with ocular manifestations. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence elucidating the interconnections between ocular and oral health, delineates the distinct yet complementary roles of these healthcare professionals within an integrated care framework, and discusses existing challenges and future directions for fostering effective interdisciplinary collaboration. By embracing such cross-disciplinary approaches, healthcare systems can move towards more holistic, patient-centered models that improve diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic efficacy, and overall quality of life for individuals affected by complex, multisystem diseases.