The synthesis and characterization of a novel zeolite-A/ZnO/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite were explored for the adsorption removal of heavy metals from pharmaceutical wastewater. The zeolite-A, ZnO nanoparticles, GO, and their composite were synthesized via hydrothermal, green, Hummer’s, and wet impregnation methods, respectively. The synthesized samples were characterized using some analytical tools. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of zeolite A, ZnO, and GO, with characteristic peaks aligning with standard crystallographic data. The composite structure displayed unique diffraction shifts, indicating the interaction between ZnO and the zeolitic framework. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct morphological features of individual components and their successful integration within the composite. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping further validated the composition of the nanocomposite and homogeneity. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis demonstrated a high surface area of 115.70 m²/g for the composite, significantly higher than its individual constituents, alongside improved pore structure and volume. The adsorption performance was assessed for Cd, Fe, and Cr ions, showing superior removal efficiencies within 40–50 min, with maximum adsorption capacities of 107.92 mg/g (Cr), 98.28 mg/g (Fe), and 94.51 mg/g (Cd). Increased nanosorbent dosage and temperature positively influenced removal efficiency, achieving complete elimination at optimized conditions. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, confirming chemisorption as the dominant mechanism, while equilibrium data aligned with the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption. The composite exhibited excellent stability and reusability across multiple cycles, demonstrating its potential for practical wastewater treatment applications and its sustainability for heavy metal remediation, offering a promising solution for mitigating environmental pollution from pharmaceutical wastewater.

Dental caries is the localized destruction of dental tissues by bacterial activity; the carious lesion is the result of demineralization of enamel-and later of dentine by acids produced by plaque microorganisms as they metabolize dietary carbohydrates. This study was conducted in two schools in Khartoum state, aimed to isolate and identify bacterial and fungal pathogens from dental caries infected school children. A total of 50 male students were enrolled in this study. The age ranging from 6 to 14 years, with mean of 10.9 + and 2.5 SD. (62%) of participants said they suffer from tooth pain and 19 (38%) of them visited the dentist before. According to eating habits majority of the students 48 (96°) drink milk, 47 (94%) eat sweets/candy, 38 (76%) eat crisps and 35 (70%) take soft drink. Samples were cultured and isolated bacterial and fungal pathogen were identified microscopically and by biochemical tests. Culture results were as follows: 41(82%) of samples showed bacterial and fungal growth, of those positive culture 34 (68%) showed bacterial growth, 1 (2%) fungal growth and 6 (12%) mixed growth (both bacterial and fungal). Streptococcus mutans 27(54%) was the predominant bacteria followed by Enterococcus faecalis 11(22%), Lactobacillus. spp 1(2%), and staphylococcus aureus 1(2%). Seven of the specimens (14%) showed growth of candida albicans. There was no statistically significant association between age/consumption of sweet food and microbial isolation. Significant association was detected between microbial growth and brush change (P. value = 0.041) but not with frequency of teeth brushing. In conclusion, Streptococcus mutans was the predominant bacterium isolated from caries lesions, followed by Enterococcus faecalis. The disease was mostly caused by bacteria, with only one type of fungus, Candida albicans, being isolated. No association was found between the microbial cultures and age, sugar intake, or oral hygiene. The frequency of brush change has significant association with microbial isolation.

Anthropometric characteristics are critical determinants of football performance, yet their associations with fitness outcomes remain inconsistent, particularly in understudied regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of 20 male football academy players in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and explored correlations between these variables. Using a correlational design, standardized protocols (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry guidelines) measured height, weight, limb lengths, circumferences, and waist-hip ratio. Fitness tests included the Illinois Agility Test, 40-m sprint, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, sit-and-reach, standing long jump, and plank hold. Pearson correlations and regression analyses identified relationships between variables. Results revealed a mean thigh circumference of 52.77 ± 1.32 cm and Illinois Agility Test time of 17.87 ± 0.20 seconds. Thigh circumference significantly correlated with agility (r = 0.543, p = 0.013), with regression equation Y = 0.08x + 13.50 explaining 29.5% of variance (R² = 0.295). Conversely, limb length, weight, and calf circumference showed no significant associations with speed, endurance, or power. These findings align with studies highlighting thigh musculature’s role in agility, though contrasts exist in contexts prioritizing vertical power. The study higlights thigh circumference as a key predictor of agility in Nigerian youth players, advocating targeted lower-body strength training for talent development. Future research should explore biomechanical mechanisms and socioeconomic barriers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The development of resistance to various antimicrobial agents by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites poses a major challenge to the medical field in treating the infections they cause. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore new and innovative antimicrobials. A promising solution lies in the use of natural products, such as essential oils, as antimicrobial agents. Herbs and essential oils have been used since ancient times in various aspects of life, including perfumes, cosmetics, agriculture, and industry. In medicine, these essential oils have demonstrated numerous applications, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, fungicidal, and antitumor activities. Essential oils present a viable alternative to synthetic chemicals due to the presence of biologically active compounds, such as phenols and terpenes, that inhibit or prevent pathogen growth. This review paper aims to explore the importance of essential oils, their components, and the mechanisms they use to combat pathogens. It will also highlight their role as a potential solution to multidrug resistance and discuss future prospects.

Nigeria is home to numerous distinguished poets who craft classical poetry inspired by ancient Arab traditions. One notable modern Nigerian poet is Dr. Muhammad Mansur Jibril, a lecturer in the Department of Arabic Language at Bayero University in Kano, and the author of the poetry collection titled "The Flower of Joy." This collection features sixty-five poems spanning various genres, totaling one thousand two hundred thirty-four [1234] verses, many of which describe the poet's travels within Nigeria and abroad. The themes addressed in this collection include didactic poetry, divine love, pride, satire, praise, flirtation, and elegy. This study will specifically focus on travel poetry. The aim is to analyze the construction of travel poems within the collection, highlighting the extent of the poet's creativity in this genre and positioning this creativity from a regional to a global perspective. The research employs an inductive and analytical approach, structured as follows: the concept of construction among linguistics, the notion of poetic construction among critics, the aesthetics of the openings, the aesthetics of the conclusion in the poems of the collection, the aesthetics of the poem's sections, and finally, the conclusion along with a list of references.

Immune cell activation is a feature of COVID-19, that leads to cytokine storm which causes neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, related to psychiatric symptoms due to the depletion of neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, and glutamate which play a major role in adult neurogenesis. ACE2 receptors are expressed in the hippocampus and decreased neurogenesis in this region is a major factor behind the neuropsychiatric disorders. SARS-CoV-2 can affect the brain indirectly through neuroinflammation and altered neurochemical signaling and even mild COVID-19 infections can lead to sustained microglial activation, which disrupts neural networks and impairs cognitive function. The long COVID-19 may be associated with cognitive dysfunction in those who recovered and immunological response may affect synaptic pruning and reduced anterior cingulate cortex volume at one year after COVID-19. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or PASC, commonly known as Long COVID is a significant public health concern and "brain fog" is one of the most debilitating cognitive impairments, affecting memory, concentration, and executive function occurring in 88% of cases. Brain fog may be linked to persistent changes in neurotransmitter levels, particularly involving dopamine and serotonin which play an essential role in cognition, attention, and emotional regulation. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the chemokine CCL11, is linked to cognitive impairments in patients with persistent symptoms. Neuroprotective agents that support neuronal health, such as antioxidants and mitochondrial enhancers and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic and direct current enhance cortical excitability are investigated in cognitive recovery. Evaluation of the currently predominant VUM (a Variant Under Monitoring), LP.8.1, and the most recently designated NB.1.8.1, is increasing as 10.7% of global sequences reported recently due to minor mutations in spike protein. In May 2025, TAG-CO-VAC (Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine) advised that the monovalent vaccines targeting against JN.1 or KP.2 lineages are highly appropriate.

Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are widely used for birth control. There are reported adverse effects associated with HCs and liver and kidney function in people on hormonal contraceptives. Limited studies exist to establish these reports; it is however crucial to elucidate any potential associations between these medications with liver and kidney dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the impact of hormonal contraceptives on liver and renal function. For this study, a total of 50 participants were used; 25 of the total participants are women of reproductive age, using hormonal contraceptives, while the other 25 participants are women of reproductive age, not using hormonal contraceptives. The participants were recruited from Orita-Obele and Arakale health centers, Akure, Ondo State. The results showed a significant increase (p<0.001) in both creatinine and urea levels when compared to the control, but no significant increase (p>0.05) in both sodium and potassium ion concentrations. A significant increase (p<0.0001) in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT) activity, along with a significant increase (p<0.01) in bilirubin level, were observed in the case when compared with the control group. The results suggest that the alterations observed in kidney and liver function of subjects on hormonal contraceptives may indicate potential impairment. Understanding these interactions is crucial for ensuring the safe use of hormonal contraceptives and managing any potential risks to liver and kidney health, thereby guiding clinicians in prescribing these medications and monitoring their effects.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that play a crucial role in bone resorption. The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation results in osteoporosis. Therefore, substances that can suppress osteoclast formation are potential candidate materials for drug development or functional foods. There have been reports that extracts or purified compounds from marine micro- and macroalgae can suppress osteoclast differentiation. Symbioimine, isolated from the cultured dinoflagellate Symbiodinium sp., had suppressive effects against osteoclast differentiation in osteoclastlike cells. Norzoanthamine, isolated from the colonial zoanthid Zoanthas sp., has been shown to have anti-osteoporosis activity in ovariectomized mice. In response to marine extracts, the fucoxanthin- rich component from brown algae has been shown to have suppressive effects against osteoclast differentiation. An extract of Sargassum fusiforme has recently been shown to have anti-osteoporosis activity. This extract suppressed both osteoclast differentiation and accelerated osteoblast formation in separate in vitro experiments. In this study , we have undergone an in-silico interaction study of the each target proteins , namely TNFRSF11B, LRP5, RANKL, NOX4 , ER,PTH1R , sclerostin, NR3B1, HDAC with both reported anti-osteoporosis drugs (namely Calcitriol, Alendronate, Risedronate, Ibandronate, Zoledronate, )and phyto-chemical compounds (Symbioimine Norzoanthamine fucoxanthin, Largazole, dieckol, 1-(30,50-dihydroxyphenoxy)-7-(200,400,600-trihydroxyphenoxy) 2,4,9-trihydroxydibenzo-1,4,-dioxin , Biselyngbyaside, ikarisoside A, bolinaquinone,) obtained from algae. Interaction of phytochemical compound with target proteins shows better binding affinity as compared to drug molecules like Calcitriol and Alendronate. Thus, these marine algae and their extracts may be sources of marine medicinal foods for the prevention of osteoporosis.

This study involves the use of the histology of the mantle of a periwinkle species, Tympanotonus fuscatus, as a biomarker tool, to investigate and evaluate the ecological pollution status of two different water bodies, Bodo and Creek Road water-sides, in River State. The study involved the sampling of ten (10) feral table sized fish from two stations along the creeks of the experimental sites (Bodo and Creek Road water bodies), with similar specie, size and number from a reference site (ARAC – African Aqua-culture Centre). The test fish mantles were harvested from the fish caught from both experimental sites for histological evaluation, while the control mantles were harvested from fish harvested from ARAC. The percentage prevalence of histological alterations showed that fish from Bodo water-body had the worse outcome (25%), followed by Creek Road water-body (21.7%) and ARAC having the best outcome (6.6%). mantle histology has proven to be an explorable biomarker for evaluation of environmental status.

Taking cost-effective and efficient medical and wellness care at a beautiful location while enjoying a great vacation is profound as medical and wellness tourism. The medical and wellness tourism sector can play a decisive role in the growth of the economy, GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings of any country in the world. Unani medicine is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine being practiced in many countries, including India, under the patronage of the Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India. The principles of treatment employed in the Unani system are four-branched, which include dietotherapy, regimenal therapy, pharmacotherapy and surgery. Of them, the first three modes may be practically applied in the establishment of medical and wellness tourism centres in Unani medicine. Due to its holistic approach, this system of medicine has high potential for the treatment of many chronic ailments, viz., osteoarthritis, liver diseases, vitiligo, obesity, psychosomatic disorders, etc., to name a few, through its unique detoxification therapy called regimenal therapy. Various regimenal procedures, viz., cupping, hirudotherapy, irrigation therapy, etc.; many modified diets, like barley water, honey water, etc.; and certain special pharmacotherapeutics, such as munḍīj va mushil (concoctive & purgative) therapy and muqwaviyyāt (tonics), are useful for the treatment of various illnesses. Incorporation of these detoxification regimens, dietetics, and drug therapy may exert a significant influence on the outcomes of cosmeto-therapeutics, rejuvenation of mind, neuro-rehabilitation, etc. These are some of the core areas where the Unani system may play a stellar role in boosting medical tourism. Hence, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush may devise such ways and means to further strengthen the already existing Unani medical and wellness centres to attract foreign as well as domestic tourists for their healthcare issues.

This study examines the suitability of piezoelectric floor mat systems for harvesting energy in high traffic areas like the student centers. The study is aimed at solving the problems of small energy production, toxic materials and the ability to scale up current piezoelectric energy harvesting systems. The study involves experimental simulation of using 40 piezo transducers, a 2W02G rectifier, two 2F, 5.5V super capacitors for energy storage, an ND0603PC booster amplifier for output regulation and two LiPo batteries in series, to supply stable power to a case study Centre. Both the supporting circuit diagram and MATLAB/Simulink simulation were utilized to show that this system works well for independent power generation. Simulations and tests on circuits reveal that the system delivers an average output power greater than the required standard, 400–600 μW per step versus 134.2 μW per step. Rectifying the energy from 1,000 steps yields AC voltages varying from 20–80V which are then changed to DC at 18–75V. At the beginning, the super capacitors charge with 5–6V to last for 10–30 seconds before leveling off at 3.7–5.5V and the LiPo batteries provide about 5–20 mAh after being active for 10 minutes. Trials show that the device produces constant electricity under various stress tests, showing good conversion, storage and release of energy for powering small electronic devices. The results confirm that piezoelectric floor mats can be used affordably to produce energy anywhere in busy areas, thereby aiding efforts to make urban environments and the planet more sustainable. In the future, more experiments and improvements are required for deploying the technology on a wider scale.

Background: This study aimed to examine the relationships between anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness performance among adolescent male football academy players in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Understanding these associations could inform player development and training strategies in youth football. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was used to assess 20 male football players aged 15–25 years. Anthropometric variables measured included height (170.62 ± 3.16 cm), weight (62.95 ± 1.92 kg), waist-hip ratio (0.83 ± 0.01), body fat (%), and limb lengths. Fitness attributes evaluated were speed (40-m sprint), agility (Illinois agility test), endurance (Yo-Yo test), flexibility (sit-and-reach), core strength (plank test), and power (standing long jump). VO₂max was estimated using the Siri equation, with Body Density derived from the Jackson and Pollock 3-site formula. Results: The players demonstrated moderate agility (17.87 ± 0.20 sec), sprint speed (5.71 ± 0.06 sec), and VO₂max (35.25 ± 6.12 mL/kg/min). Notably, goalkeepers’ height and VO₂max were perfectly correlated (r = 1.000, p = 0.008), and lower limb length significantly correlated with VO₂max (r = 1.000, p = 0.030). Midfielders' lower limb length strongly predicted sprint speed (r = 0.886, p = 0.019). Other correlations across positions were weak or not statistically significant. Conclusion: Anthropometric traits, particularly limb lengths and height, significantly influence select aspects of physical fitness in football players, varying by playing position. These findings support tailored conditioning programs based on player morphology.

To determine if targeted exercise could reduce overweight and obesity in schoolchildren, a 12-week study was conducted with 60 randomly assigned participants. One group (n=30) received an enhanced exercise intervention, consisting of two extra athletic training sessions per week in addition to their regular physical education. The control group (n=30) continued with the standard curriculum and twice-weekly physical education. Key measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference, body fat, and BMI, were taken as outcome measures. After 12 weeks, the exercise group showed significant improvements in all measured outcomes (p<0.05), indicating the program's success in combating overweight and obesity.

This paper examines Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were through the lens of the Integrated Model of Ideological Representation in Discourse (IMIRD) to explore how environmental risk is communicated as a tension between silence and resistance. Developed by Ogungbemi (2016), IMIRD synthesizes the ideological depth of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the structural precision of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), and lexical analysis to investigate how language encodes power, agency, and ideological positioning. Applying this model, the paper analyzes transitivity structures, agency assignment, and discursive silencing in Mbue’s depiction of a fictional African village devastated by corporate oil pollution. Through a close reading of narrative voice, clause structure, and dialogic framing, we demonstrate how Mbue’s linguistic choices—such as collective narration, passive constructions, and high-transitivity clauses—represent the villagers’ oscillation between voicelessness and defiant resistance. The study reveals how narrative grammar functions as a site of ideological struggle: one where corporate actors are obscured or backgrounded, while subaltern voices struggle for recognition. Ultimately, we argue that How Beautiful We Were is not only a literary account of environmental injustice but also a compelling discourse of resistance, showing how storytelling—when examined through IMIRD—operates as a vehicle for reclaiming agency, memory, and ecological justice.

This study examines biometric identification system as a step towards better crime control in Cameroon, with particular interest to fingerprint biometrics, DNA identification, facial recognition as well as their respective data bases. Cameroon’s biometric identification system is a government initiative aimed at enhancing identity management, security, and access to services through the use of biometric technologies. Fingerprint biometrics, DNA identification and facial recognition technologies are used in Cameroon for crime control. Their respective databases are, however, not well developed but for AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), adopted by Cameroon government as a centralized biometric identification system for managing and authenticating identity documents. International governance on the use of biometrics for crime control has also provided Cameroon with a framework to incorporate the following in its biometric identification system: human right protection, standardization and best practices, accountability, and cross-border crime and cooperation. Legal and institutional frameworks exist that aid in biometric data collection and storage. While biometric identification systems have significant potential for crime control in Cameroon, their current effectiveness is moderate, hampered by infrastructural, legal, and operational challenges. Strengthening legal frameworks, improving infrastructure, ensuring ethical use, and fostering interagency collaboration are essential steps toward maximizing the benefits of biometric technologies in promoting security and justice.