Beginning Syntax: An Introduction to Syntactic Analysis aims to present the basic concepts of syntactic theory to readers without requiring prior linguistic knowledge. Starting from the ideas of modern generative linguistics, the author systematically introduces basic concepts and the latest developments in linguistic theory in a step-by-step fashion. Topics covered include Phrase Structure Rules, X’-theory, Wh-movement Rules, Universal Grammar, Movement Parameters, and the Architecture of Grammar. The book explores multiple perspectives in natural languages, emphasizing the relationship between linguistics and cognition, society, and politics. It highlights the importance of formal and cognitive theories, treating language as a program running on the hardware of the brain and positioning syntactic theory at the core of cognitive theory. Chapters One through Six provide a detailed exposition of the foundational knowledge in syntax, while Chapter Seven expands the explanatory scope of Generative Grammar. It describes the distribution of word order features of world languages and proposes the wh-movement parameter hypothesis, offering the necessary analysis for understanding Parameter Hierarchies. Then, it systematically introduces the five components in a particular overall grammar model. The publication of this book is considered a milestone, as it utilizes the Parametric Comparison Method to analyze universal patterns and diversities in world languages. It develops Chomsky’s (2005) theory of parameter differences related to the third factor in language and Greenberg’s (1963) hypotheses on language universals and word order typology. The book focuses on providing scholars with in-depth foundational knowledge in syntax, inspiring thoughtful consideration of deep-seated issues in language structure.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with atherosclerosis as a central pathological process driven by lipid imbalances. Apolipoproteins A (apoA) and B (apoB) are key regulators of lipid metabolism and atherogenesis, representing protective and pro-atherogenic roles, respectively. ApoA, primarily found in high-density lipoproteins (HDL), facilitates reverse cholesterol transport and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk. In contrast, apoB, a major component of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and other atherogenic lipoproteins, promotes cholesterol deposition and plaque formation within arterial walls. This article reviews the metabolic pathways of apoA and apoB, elucidates their opposing roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, and highlights their clinical utility as biomarkers. The apoB/apoA-I ratio emerges as a superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to traditional lipid measures, enabling improved risk stratification and personalized management. Advancements in apoB quantification and the therapeutic potential of targeting apolipoproteins underscore their importance in future strategies to prevent and treat CVDs globally.

Recent research has shown that Kiswahili is faced with lack of full implementation of language policy at various levels yet scholars have argued that language policy performs a substantial role in the enhancement of performance as well as the comprehension of the language. It is based on this thrust that this study was carried out to explore the challenges associated with enforcing school language policy in secondary schools. The study was conducted in 30 out of 300 public secondary schools found in Bungoma County. Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to sample the target groups. The questionnaire and focused group discussion guide and document analysis guide were used to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which included the use of frequencies, percentages and narrations. The study established that the challenges associated with the enforcement of school language policy were dependent on the type of school. In view of the above findings, it was recommended that day sub-county secondary school administrators, both in rural and urban areas should come up with stringent measures in enforcing the school language policies because of the nature of their schools. It is hoped the finding of this study would help MOEST, principals of schools and teachers in formulating school language policy that aim at enhancing students achievements in languages offered in the curriculum.

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Somalia, with varying prevalence influenced by environmental, demographic, and regional factors. Mogadishu, as a major urban center, presents unique malaria dynamics requiring localized data for effective control. This study analyzes malaria prevalence and testing patterns at Kalkaal Hospital, using gold standard diagnostic test microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests, from January to October 2024. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on malaria diagnostic records, including 11,497 tests performed at Kalkaal Hospital's hematology department. Data collected included test results, patient demographics, service settings (inpatient/outpatient), and department-specific testing patterns. Standard microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic were employed for diagnosis. Statistical analysis assessed positivity rates and identified testing trends. Results: Out of 11,497 tests, 10 cases (0.087%) were confirmed positive, while 11,487 (99.913%) were negative. The outpatient department accounted for 80% of positive cases, with obstetrics and gynecology contributing the highest proportion (30%), followed by internal medicine/cardiology and pediatric services (20% each). The highest testing volumes were recorded in emergency (3,247 tests) and pediatric services (2,683 tests). Monthly data showed a peak in positive cases during January (6 cases) and April (2 cases), suggesting seasonal influences on malaria transmission. Conclusions: This study found an exceptionally low malaria prevalence in Mogadishu, reflecting low malaria infection rates in Mogadishu Somalia. This is in coherence with recent studies that suggest Mogadishu, Somalia, may be transitioning towards a non-malaria zone. However, the low positivity rate suggests potential overuse of malaria testing for febrile illnesses in this urban setting.

Dentigerous cyst (DCs) is the type of odontogenic cyst and is the one of the most common type of cyst occurring in the jaw. Dentigerous cyst is clinically asymptomatic and is found radiographically. It encloses the crown of impacted tooth. Histological evaluation is important in such cases as sometimes radiographically interpretated Dentigerous cyst is diagnosed as Unicystic ameloblastoma, dental follicle or an odontogenic keratocyst. In this case report, 18years old boy is reported with clinical diagnosis of pericoronitis and radiographic finding of Dentigerous cyst which on histopathological investigation revealed features of plexiform ameloblastoma on post-operative excisional biopsy.

In the era of artificial intelligence, the proliferation of AI-generated images has blurred the boundaries between reality and digital fabrication. Technologies such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have enabled the creation of highly realistic synthetic images—commonly known as deepfakes—which pose substantial challenges in domains like digital media, cybersecurity, and legal forensics. While these advancements offer innovative applications in entertainment and simulation, their potential misuse can lead to misinformation, identity theft, and erosion of public trust. This project proposes an AI-powered image authenticity detection system that leverages a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to accurately classify images as either real or AI-generated. The system is built with an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to upload and analyse images in both individual and batch modes. Key features include real-time prediction with confidence scoring, visual result displays, confusion matrix generation, and performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, and recall. The model achieves an overall classification accuracy of 82.7%, demonstrating strong potential for real-world applications in detecting synthetic media. By combining deep learning techniques with user-centric design, the system provides a practical and transparent solution for addressing the rising concerns of digital image manipulation. It serves as a critical tool for enhancing media authenticity and combating the spread of AI-generated misinformation.

Maritime piracy and border crimes pose significant threats to Cameroon’s security and regional stability and this justifies why the Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a focal point of global concern in Africa. This tumultuous maritime environment has weathered ongoing challenges over time, necessitating a meticulous examination of its security landscape. The study argues that the ineffectiveness of Cameroon’s maritime security is largely due to weak legal framework, colonialism, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, corruption and lack of regional cooperation. It further highlights the fact that the country’s piracy laws are often ineffective, and enforcement agencies lack the capacity and resources to combat piracy and related crimes. In addition, Cameroon faces significant maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, including limited resources for maritime patrols, surveillance, and judicial capacity, inadequate ports and coastal infrastructures, corruption and the involvement of organized criminal networks in maritime crimes and the lack of trust between coastal communities and law enforcement agencies. The study that made use of primary and secondary data, reveals that poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities in coastal communities are the root causes of maritime insecurity, piracy, armed robbery and oil related crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. To address these threats, Gulf of Guinea countries need to strengthen their legal framework to ensure effective prosecution of maritime criminals and to align its laws with international standards and invest in maritime security capacity building, including training for coast guard personnel, intelligence gathering, and judicial personnel. The study makes necessary policy recommendations and concludes that, for peace to return in the Gulf of Guinea, the evolving nature of challenges necessitates continued efforts to address emerging threats in the dynamic maritime security landscape.

Students’ views on their assessment play a pivotal role in shaping their learning experiences and trajectories. This qualitative study aimed to explore the views of Greek university graduates regarding their assessment during their undergraduate studies. The sample consisted of 30 graduates, and data were collected through written narratives in response to a given prompt. Qualitative content analysis revealed key categories, including assessment methods and frequency, interpersonal relationships with professors and peers, advantages and disadvantages of assessment, feedback, and objectivity. The findings suggest that, although assessment was primarily traditional, graduates’ interpretations and expectations align with contemporary trends in higher education assessment, such as sustainable assessment and assessment for learning. Furthermore, there were indications that graduates’ views on assessment influenced their learning approaches.

Retirement presents a pivotal life transition that can offer both liberation and adversity. This qualitative study explores the personal experiences of Nigerian retirees, shedding light on post-retirement challenges. Using purposive sampling, an in-depth interviews were conducted involving two (2) focus group discussions with six (6) retirees as participants in each group, who are residents of Government Residential Area (G.R.A) Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State, Nigeria. The data of the study participants’ showed that majority served an average of 35 years in active service. Despite this, the study revealed that retirees struggle to balance their newfound freedom with (1) financial constraints, (2) health issues, (3) demands of family obligations, and (4) lack of proper records/profiling in active service. Also, participants expressed dissatisfaction of their pensions and gratuities arrangements, which are not properly managed by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive retirement education, transparent pension fund management, improved healthcare access, and institutional reforms aimed at easing the transition into retirement. Policy implications and suggestions for future research were examined to enhance retirees’ post-retirement success.

Stray dog populations have significant ecological, social and health impacts on both human and wildlife populations. In urban areas, these feral pose challenges such as the spread of zoonotic diseases, aggressive encounters, and competition for resources, affecting public safety and sanitation. In wildlife habitats, stray dogs disrupt the ecosystem by preying on native species, transmitting diseases, and competing with the indigenous predators. Additionally, human activities, including improper waste disposal and habitat encroachment aggravate the issue by providing the feral dogs with sustenance and shelter. Effective management strategies that include sterilization programs, community engagement, and policy interventions, are essential to mitigate the negative consequences while fostering sustainable coexistence. This paper explores the complex interactions between stray dogs, humans and wildlife and outlines effective strategies for balanced management.

Biostatistics stands at the forefront of health sciences, serving as a vital link between raw data and meaningful health insights. This review explores the foundational principles of biostatistics and highlights its diverse applications across clinical trials, epidemiology, genomics, public health policy, environmental health, and healthcare quality assurance. By employing statistical tools such as probability theory, regression models, and machine learning techniques, biostatistics enables researchers to decode complex datasets, evaluate risk factors, and assess the effectiveness of medical and public health interventions. Special attention is given to the role of biostatistics in shaping evidence-based policies, driving precision medicine, and improving health outcomes. The review also addresses the pressing need to integrate biostatistics education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, noting the gaps in statistical literacy among healthcare professionals. Common errors in statistical interpretation, such as misuse of summary measures and misunderstanding of p-values and confidence intervals, are discussed to emphasize the importance of accurate application. In conclusion, biostatistics not only enhances the scientific rigor of health research but also ensures data-driven decision-making in clinical and public health practice.

Computational chemistry is becoming a key tool for comprehending and creating new treatment materials due to the growing need for sustainable and effective wastewater treatment methods. This study thoroughly examines the molecular modeling, material design techniques, and mechanistic insights that support the creation of novel wastewater treatment solutions. Researchers can decipher the molecule-level adsorption, degradation, and catalytic processes of pollutants by utilizing density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and quantum chemistry computations. In addition to making, it easier to identify active sites and reaction pathways, these insights also make it possible to rationally design functional materials with improved specificity and efficiency, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), graphene-based composites, and photocatalysts. The optimization of structural and electrical characteristics is made possible by molecular modeling, which also helps forecast the physicochemical interactions between pollutants and treatment materials. Furthermore, machine learning integration and computational screening are becoming effective strategies for speeding up the search for new therapeutic ingredients. Recent developments in computational methods for wastewater treatment are summarized in this study, emphasizing the cooperation between theoretical forecasts and experimental confirmations. The focus is on how computational insights drive process optimization and material innovation in the removal of new pollutants, heavy metals, dyes, and medicines. To create next-generation materials for water purification, the paper ends by describing upcoming potential and difficulties in combining data-driven design, multiscale simulations, and green chemistry principles. This integrated computational method has the potential to transform wastewater treatment technology and advance public health and environmental sustainability.

Introduction: HIV infection is frequently responsible for a variety of digestive manifestations, both infectious and tumoral in origin. Upper GI endoscopy is a key diagnostic tool. Materials and methods: This study aims to describe the endoscopic aspects of upper digestive lesions in patients with HIV infection (PLHIV). Conducted between July 2017 and July 2024. Results: this study included 28 PLHIV patients who underwent oesophago-duodenal fibroscopy (FOGD) + Biopsies. The most frequently observed lesions were congestive gastritis (59.2%), mycotic esophagitis (25%) and erosive gastritis (22%). Histological study confirmed a predominance of chronic gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori (77%). Conclusion: These results confirm the importance of endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of digestive complications of HIV.

This study presents the development and validation of a stability-indicating UPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of Sulfamethoxazole and Clindamycin in both bulk and formulated forms. The method was validated following ICH Q2(R1) guidelines, assessing parameters such as accuracy, precision, and ruggedness. Forced degradation studies were conducted under various stress conditions, including acidic, basic, oxidative, wet heat, and UV exposure, to evaluate the stability of the drugs. The method demonstrated high accuracy with recovery rates between 99.62% and 100%, and precision with %RSD values below 0.23%. Significant degradation was observed under acidic and basic conditions, while the drugs remained stable under oxidative and wet heat conditions. The developed method effectively distinguishes the active pharmaceutical ingredients from their degradation products, confirming its suitability for routine quality control and stability testing.

Background: Interprofessional rivalry marked by competition, a lack of collaboration, and role conflicts among healthcare professionals has become a major hurdle in health systems, especially in low- and middle-income areas like Abuja, Nigeria. These tensions can really undermine teamwork, the quality of care, and overall health outcomes. Even though there's increasing concern about this issue, we haven't fully explored how such rivalry impacts service delivery and the performance of the health system in Abuja. Objectives: The goal of this systematic review is twofold: first, to gather and synthesize existing evidence on how interprofessional rivalry shows up and what drives it within the health system; and second, to evaluate the effects of this rivalry on health services. Methodology: To do this, we conducted a thorough search across various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar, looking for both peer-reviewed and grey literature. We included studies that examined interprofessional dynamics in health facilities. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality using PRISMA guidelines, and we applied thematic synthesis to bring together both qualitative and quantitative findings. Discussion: Our review revealed ongoing rivalry between key professional groups, particularly between doctors and allied health workers. This rivalry is often fueled by perceived inequalities in leadership, pay, and recognition. Such tensions lead to fragmented care, poor communication, high staff turnover, and resistance to collaborative policy efforts. The broader systemic effects include weakened governance, flawed referral systems, and compromised patient safety. Additionally, context-specific issues like weak regulatory oversight and the politicization of professional bodies make the situation even worse. Conclusion: Interprofessional rivalry in the health sector has significant systemic implications that jeopardize the quality, equity, and sustainability of health services. There’s an urgent need for targeted interventions to address these challenges.