This study examines the effect of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) modification on the brittleness and stiffness of bituminous concrete mixtures and develops a regression model to predict the brittleness ratio (SR). Experimental results reveal that adding LDPE significantly increases stiffness, with brittleness ratios ranging from 1.998 to 3.169. While higher stiffness improves resistance to permanent deformation and rutting, brittleness ratios above the critical limit of 3.0 indicate a risk of premature cracking, especially at low temperatures. This highlights the need to optimize LDPE content to balance stiffness and ductility. A regression model was created to predict brittleness based on proportions of granite (Z₁), sand (Z₂), bitumen (Z₃), and LDPE (Z₄). The model showed good statistical validity, with an F-calculated value of 1.382 (below the critical 2.48 at 5% significance) and an R² of 70.38%, explaining a significant portion of brittleness variability. The Mean Absolute Percentage Deviation of 7.2% between predicted and experimental values confirms its accuracy within acceptable engineering limits. These findings suggest that LDPE-modified bituminous concrete offers improved mechanical performance but requires careful LDPE dosage control to avoid excessive brittleness. The validated model serves as a practical tool for designing durable, sustainable asphalt pavements balancing stiffness and flexibility across diverse environments.

This work is set out to make an appraisal of the contributions of World Trade Organization (WTO) towards enhancing trade in developing countries. Many developing countries have joined the WTO in order to protect themselves against the unfair market practices common in international trade. Developing countries represent the majority members of the institution and participate actively in the WTO trading system. The WTO has provided in its agreements, some Special and Differential (S&D) treatment to developing countries. It is rather a paradox that most of these provisions to a greater extent have not been effective towards enhancing trade in developing countries. The objective of this work is to examine the extent to which the WTO has contributed towards enhancing trade in developing-member countries. The method adopted in this research is doctrinal wherein, both primary and secondary sources of data were collected. The findings reveal among others that, the S&D treatment provisions accorded to developing countries who are vulnerable members of the institution have not been effectively implemented. The WTO lacks an efficient mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of its rules. It is therefore recommended that, the WTO should put in place an effective mechanism to ensure that developed member countries comply with the S&D treatment accorded to developing countries. The organization should equally provide more assistance (tariffs reduction) to developing countries to enable them achieve their economic growth and development. Developing countries on the other hand should establish transparent domestic trade policies necessary to implement the WTO rules.

This paper addresses the concept of sustainable urban design by examining three prominent theories: New Urbanism, Compact City, and Green Urbanism. It analyzes the application of these theories through three significant urban projects: Celebration, Florida (New Urbanism), Hammarby Sjöstad (Compact City), and Atlanta BeltLine (Green Urbanism), based on six core principles of sustainable urban design, including mixed-use integration, sustainable mobility, social equity, environmental efficiency, quality of life, and urban resilience. The analysis reveals that the application of these principles faces considerable challenges. For instance, Celebration demonstrates success in improving public spaces and supporting sustainable mobility but fails to address social equity and environmental responsiveness. Hammarby Sjöstad, on the other hand, integrates urban density with sustainable systems, but economic challenges remain in fully implementing environmental solutions. Atlanta BeltLine offers a strong example of how green urbanism can repurpose old infrastructure into green networks, although social challenges, such as real estate inflation, threaten its social equity goals. The paper concludes with a discussion on the gap between theory and practice, highlighting how social and economic factors play a significant role in limiting the realization of sustainable urban design goals. Finally, it emphasizes the need for collaboration between urban planners, designers, policymakers, and local communities to develop flexible design solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic considerations. This research underscores the complexity of sustainable urban design, emphasizing the importance of adapting theories to real-world challenges in order to create cities that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.

Background: The term toxoplasmosis is reserved to describe the clinical or pathological disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii and T. gondii infection for an asymptomatic primary infection or persistence of the parasite in tissues (chronic or latent infection). Objective: To evaluate the significance of detecting Toxoplasma gondii antigens in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of acute toxoplasmosis, assessing its potential role in early intervention and treatment monitoring. Materials and Methods: The samples of the present study consisted of 39 women,31 of them infected with toxoplasmosis and 6 of them did not have toxoplasmosis, their age range was between (17-41) years, the blood samples were collected from Central Public health Laboratories (CPHL) in the period from (May 2022 to November 2022). Human Toxoplasma gondii ELISA kit is for the qualitative determination of Toxo-gondii in human serum. Results: The results of the present study showed in Table (1) since there were 26(96.3%) of housewife women had IgG Abs of T.gondii, while there was 1(3.7%) of employment women had IgG Abs of T.gondii , there were a significant differences between job categories and antibodies (IgG Abs) of T.gondii P=0.32. Conclusions: IgG Abs and IgM Abs of T.gondii presents more in housewife women than employment women. The Ag of T.gondii present in aborted women more than in non-aborted women. The Ag of T.gondii present more in women who had IgG Abs of T.gondii more than in women who had IgM Abs of T.gondii.

The Blind Assassin, is the masterpiece by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, whose complex structure, various themes and identity concerns have always been the focus of controversy among literary critics. However, few of them explore the otherization of male and female characters’ collective identities in the novel through narrative focalization. Thus, based on some theories relevant to identity concerns and feminist narratology, the paper tries to investigates how camera focalization simulating objective observation——constructs and others the collective identities of both sexes through embedded news clippings. The analysis reveals that female collective identity is othered through patriarchal mechanisms and the reduction of women to decorative objects under the gaze. Meanwhile, male collective identity undergoes otherization through intra-group power struggles. Thus, the paper exposes the co-domination and the co-shaping of both sexes by masculinity and patriarchal culture, and Atwood’s advocation of decentralized gender view and harmonious relationship between the two sexes, providing a reference for the relevant studies on identity politics and narrative forms.

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a compound sickness origin via a fundamental interaction compound which is un inheritable factor–environment in addition defined through inflaming toward neurodegenerative the cells of the central nervous system stop working or die demonstration. Alteration the pathologic process and the line of multiple sclerosis due to different molecular modification, which including rises in interleukins, chemokines, NO, species of activated oxygen, self dertermining radicals and glutamate. Material & Methods: This study included 37 patients taking (5 males ,32 females) and 25 healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained from the biological treatment Unit for neurological diseases in Baghdad Teaching Hospital in the period from November 2023 to March 2024. The serum was isolated by centrifuging blood samples at 1000g for 5 minutes. Human TNF-ɑ levels were quantified using an ELISA kit (Elabscience Biotechnology Inc., USA;133Hu, Lot. no. L240214179.Following the manufacturers protocol. Results: The results of the present study showed that patients with M.S. had higher levels of TNF-α 34.33 pg/ml while control group had lower levels of TNF-α 28pg/ml, there were a significant difference between patients, P=0.028. Conclusion: Patients with M.S. had higher levels of TNF-α than their levels in control group, provided a fundamental indication that an increment of TNF-α happen topically inside the central nervous system of patients with M.S.

Introduction: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease of unknown etiology that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. Environmental triggers, particularly viral infections, have been implicated in disease onset. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and cholestatic jaundice. Initial serological workup revealed acute hepatitis A (HAV) infection. Despite conservative management, liver function continued to deteriorate. Autoimmune screening showed high-titer antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and liver biopsy revealed interface hepatitis with portal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and fibrosis (A3F1), consistent with AIH. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential role of HAV infection as a trigger for autoimmune hepatitis. In cases of persistent liver dysfunction after acute viral hepatitis, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for evolving autoimmune liver disease.

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading global health issue, especially in low-income countries, and is strongly associated with dyslipidemia, a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite known associations, the specific relationship between lipid profiles and hypertension remains inadequately explored in local populations. This study aimed to assess the association between lipid profile components and hypertension among adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 participants (50 hypertensive and 50 normotensive individuals) at Sirat e Mustaqeem health care center, Karachi, from October to December 2024. Patients aged 30–60 years, with no prior antihypertensive treatment or chronic comorbidities, were enrolled using purposive sampling. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedures. Fasting venous blood samples were collected for lipid profile analysis, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and HDL-C. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v21, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study population included 65% males and 35% females. Most hypertensive patients exhibited elevated levels of TC, LDL-C, and TG, while HDL-C levels were comparable between groups. ANOVA analysis showed a significant association of cholesterol with BMI (F = 25, p < 0.05) and LDL levels (F = 20, p < 0.05). However, no within-group variability was observed, suggesting potential data homogeneity or recording issues. Conclusion: The findings suggest a significant association between dyslipidemia—particularly elevated TC, LDL-C, and TG—and hypertension. Routine monitoring of lipid profiles in hypertensive patients is recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Background: Social media has become an integral part of daily life for adolescents but it is influencing their mental well being significantly. This study investigates social media usage patterns among students of a Government Senior Secondary School in Abuja and their effects on mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 265 students, selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected on age, gender, family structure, social media use, experiences of cyberbullying, and mental health indicators via a structured self-administered questionnaire. Analysis utilized IBM-SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics for quantitative variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Findings revealed that 56.9% of respondents were aged 16-18 years, with 60% female. Most (58.5%) used social media for 1-3 hours daily, while 6.9% exceeded 10 hours. Motivations included social connection and entertainment, with 17.3% reporting experiences of cyberbullying. Mental health assessments indicated that 56.5% displayed poor mental health, though 42.3% retained optimism. Notably, family structure significantly affected digital engagement (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study underscores the prevalent use of social media among adolescents and its substantial impact on mental health, highlighting factors like cyberbullying. The alarming rate of poor mental health emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including digital literacy education, enhanced mental health support, and community programs to promote responsible social media use.

Early prediction of nurses’ turnover and turnover intention is essential to enhancing staff retention, ensuring job satisfaction, and maintaining the quality of patient care. This systematic review evaluated studies that used machine learning techniques to predict either actual nurse turnover or turnover intention, with the goal of identifying key predictive variables and assessing model performance. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA guidelines. Out of 596 records screened, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were appraised using the CASP Clinical Prediction Rule Checklist. The most frequently reported predictors were salary and age. While several models, such as Decision Tree and Random Forest, demonstrated high internal predictive accuracy, external validation was lacking across all studies, limiting generalizability. Future research should focus on validating models in diverse populations and healthcare settings and on improving standardization in outcome measures and reporting practices to enhance the applicability of predictive models in nursing workforce planning.

The breeding behaviour of Grey Jungle Fowl (Gallas sonneretti)) was studied in village Bari of district Doda of Jammu and Kashmir near agricultural fields during the month of June of 2024. During the course of observation it was observed that female lays 8 eggs in a nest on the ground near agricultural fields. The incubuton period is 21 days. But surprisingly on 15th day of incubation all the eggs were found to be disappeared from nest.

This thesis aims to explore the intricate interactions, reactions, and counteractions of vitamins within the human body. Vitamins are essential organic compounds required in small quantities for the proper functioning of various physiological processes. While each vitamin plays a unique role, their interdependencies and potential for interactions are crucial to understand. This thesis examines the mechanisms behind vitamin interactions, including absorption, metabolism, and potential antagonistic or synergistic effects. By delving into these complexities, this research seeks to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how vitamins interact, react, and counteract with each other, and their implications for human health

Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) remains a crucial environmental and public health concern in most of the fastest urbanizing areas, even in Nepal. An exploration of public opinion and economic feasibility of MSWM using sustainable strategies in Gaindakot Municipality, an expanding urban municipality of the Nawalparasi (East) District, is carried out. Employing a mixed-methods study design that comprises household surveys, interviews with stakeholders, field observation, and qualitative waste composition analysis, the current study presents an integrated analysis of the waste management system in the municipality. The findings indicate that despite 82% of the residents citing solid waste as the major problem, organized waste management practices are not consistently followed. Although 65% of the households utilize the municipal waste collection service, 16% still follow hazardous practices such as open dumping. This behavior pattern is also sustained by infrastructural deficits, such as the absence of engineered landfill facilities and composting facilities. Field surveys indicate that the city generates approximately 16.14 metric tons of waste daily, of which more than 60% is organic in composition, representing a gigantic potential for composting as well as energy production. The estimated daily revenue from recyclable waste material is NPR 63,760, i.e., it is economically worth implementing a circular model of waste management. There are, however, institutional problems like an absent master plan for integrated waste management, no technical capacity, and poor coordination among the stakeholders. In order to fill these ambiguities, the study makes the following practical suggestions: implementation of source segregation, facilitation of public-private partnerships, provision of economic incentives, and institutional capacity building through tailor-made training and policy support. The research provides policymakers, planners, and development agencies critical findings centered on the necessity for a socially inclusive, economically feasible, and environmentally sound MSWM system responsive to the condition of secondary cities in the Global South.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen a surge in popularity in Kenya, with athletes from various backgrounds participating in the sport. However, with this growth comes an increased risk of performance-enhancing substances (PES) use. The intense physical demands of MMA may drive athletes to seek an edge through these substances, leading to significant concerns about health risks and sports integrity. The aim of this study is to assess the practices regarding PES, traditional herbs (TH), and food supplements (FS) among Kenyan MMA athletes. Additionally, the study explores the sources of PES, the factors motivating their use, and the efficacy of current anti-doping testing practices. To conduct the study, a cross-sectional survey design was employed, sampling 800 athletes from a target population of 4,000 across six MMA federations. Data were collected using structured questionnaires adapted from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) with pre-testing to ensure reliability. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and One- and Two-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 22. The results indicate that the majority of MMA participants are male (79.9%), with a median age of 25 years and a mean age of 26.8±4.1 years. Over half of the athletes perceived PES as a problem, but less than one-third viewed traditional herbs as a concern. Food supplements were used by nearly a fifth of the athletes, with bodybuilders showing the highest usage rate (44.4%). Coaches, team doctors, and physiotherapists were primary sources of these substances, while some athletes reported chemists and medical practitioners as suppliers of PES. The study found that the primary reasons for using PES and FS were to boost economic status through prize money, with additional pressures from coaches, family, and colleagues. Anti-doping testing revealed that 20.6% of athletes had been tested out of competition, while 34.4% believed they could provide a sample that wasn't theirs, indicating flaws in the testing process. The study concludes that while many MMA athletes recognize the risks associated with PES, there is a lack of consistent understanding regarding the risk of taking traditional herbs and food supplements. This inconsistency, combined with external pressures, may lead to risky behavior, compromising the athletes' health and the sport's integrity. To address these issues, the study recommends implementing comprehensive education programs for MMA athletes, coaches, and support personnel to raise awareness of PES risks. Strengthening anti-doping regulations and monitoring sources of PES and FS is also crucial. Additionally, promoting ethical coaching practices and addressing external pressures can foster a safer environment and uphold the values of fair competition in Kenyan MMA.

Implementing curriculum goals at tertiary institutions is a complex and challenging task. However, by understanding the challenges and complexities involved one can proffer solution to it. Therefore the paper examined the word curriculum, curriculum goals, characterisitics of good curriculum in achieving its goals, which were discussed of a good curriculum, prerequisite for effective curriculum goals, university and its curriculum goals, colleges/institute of education and their curriculum goals, science and technology educational institutions and their curriculum goals. The paper discuses constructive curriculum to attain it curriculum goals, the principles of curriculum goals construction, curriculum implementation were also discussed, the needs for curriculum goals, its implementation for Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, complexity of curriculum goals implementation, challenges of curriculum goals implementation at tertiary institutions and solutions/recommendations of curriculum goals implementation to were proffered like, developing strategies to overcome these obstacles and ensure that their graduate are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.