Background: This study investigates the morphometric and morphological characteristics of the external ear in the Omuma population, a distinct ethnic group in Nigeria. The external ear’s unique anatomy and its individual variability, influenced by genetic, environmental, and cultural factors, have applications in forensic science, anthropological research, and clinical medicine. The research aims to provide baseline data specific to this population, filling a gap in the existing anthropometric literature. Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed in Omuma, Rivers State, Nigeria. Participants 250 volunteers aged 16–45 years, with both parents and grandparents from the Omuma ethnic group. Sampling Method: Random sampling, with sample size determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Materials and Techniques: smart camera, 2 cm graph paper, Vernier calipers, and statistical software for analysis. Morphometric data included parameters such as ear length, width, and lobule dimensions. Morphological observations documented variations in ear shape and structure. Results and Discussions: The findings reveal significant morphometric and morphological variations in the external ear among the Omuma population. Sexual Dimorphism: Male participants exhibited larger ear dimensions compared to females. Variations aligned with genetic and environmental influences unique to the Omuma group. The study corroborates earlier findings on the relevance of ear dimensions in forensic identification, reconstructive surgery, and anthropological research. The significance levels observed for ear length, width, and lobule height (p < 0.05) validate the importance of these parameters in distinguishing sex and ethnicity. Conversely, the non-significance of lobule width (p > 0.05) indicates that this measure may not be a reliable indicator of sexual dimorphism in this population. Conclusion: This research provides essential baseline data for the Omuma population, highlighting the clinical, forensic, and anthropological importance of understanding population-specific ear morphology. The results of this study revealed that free earlobes occurred more frequently than attached earlobes and earlobe attachment did not demonstrate any significant correlations with either gender or age group. Also, males had slightly higher lobule lengths and widths than females, but these differences were not statistically significant.

The study examines the financial performance of Indian airline companies for a period of five years from 2020 to 2024 using Constant Market Share Analysis. It focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic's effects and fallout. The study shows notable differences in carriers' financial performance, underscoring the value of flexibility and creativity in dealing with disturbances. For industry participants, the report offers helpful suggestions on how to boost financial stability, increase operational effectiveness, and boost competitiveness in a market that is changing quickly.

Open defaecation (OD) has been strongly linked to high prevalence of cholera and other sanitation-related diseases. This study was conducted to assess the effect of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) on sanitation facilities and the bacteriological quality of natural water sources in Cross River State. The study design was a community-based randomized controlled trial. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting respondents. Data were collected from 744 respondents at pre- and post-intervention. A purposive sampling method was used in sampling natural water sources. Observational checklist and sterilized sample bottles were used in data collection. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 24). Results were presented as frequencies, percentages and tables. The findings showed that respondents indicated that the major challenges of owning toilets (pre-intervention) were cost of constructing one 244 (32.8%), and distance of the toilet location 259 (34.8%) as major causes of OD practice. The same challenges were reported at post-intervention; as cost of construction 270 (36.3%) and distance of the toilet location 283 (38.0%). At pre-intervention, practice of OD was 253 (34.0%) among respondents who had no access to toilets but later reduced to 102 (13.7%) at post-intervention due to improved access to toilets. This infers that there was a statistically significant association between access to toilet and the reduction of OD practices due to the CLTS intervention. The test of hypothesis at both pre- (ϰ2 = 287.749; df = 1; P-value = 0.001) and post-intervention (ϰ2 = 8.334; df = 1; P-value = 0.001) was significant (P < 0.05). At pre-intervention, respondents with access to improved water sources were 119 (16.0%) which was improved to 569 (76.5%) at post-intervention, indicating that there was a statistically significant association between access to improved water sources and the reduction of sanitation-related diseases among respondents due to the CLTS intervention. Bacterial analysis showed that the total coliform and faecal coliform counts for all water samples exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) limits. Based on the findings, the CLTS intervention was effective in increasing knowledge of OD practice, changing wrong perceptions about OD and improving toilet ownership and maintenance. To scale-up the gains of this study, continued commitments to the eradication of OD practices from community members, community leaders, governments at all levels and NGOs is crucial.

Background: Hearing loss is an exceptionally common medical condition, progressing in incidence and severity with age (Cruickshanks, et al., 2023; Isaacson, 2010). The affected population is enormous, including neonates, young people and elderly persons. Hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed (Zahnert, 2011). Audiologic analysis using pure tone audiometer is performed to assess hearing thresholds across the range of frequencies that are important for human communication (Cunningham and Tucci, 2017). The aim of this study is to ascertain the hearing status of Physicians in Rivers State. Methods: This was a prospective study done in the ENT Surgery department of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt between August to September, 2024. One hundred and forty four medical doctors (64males and 80 females), were recruited for the study. Otoscopy was done on all the subjects and thereafter pure tone audiometry (PTA) was performed on them. Results: Data were analyzed and the result revealed that 95 persons (66%) had normal PTA findings, 26 (18%) had mild SNHL and 23 (16%) had mild CHL. Conclusion: It was observed from this present study that most of the doctors have normal hearing status. This is important because a doctor with hearing impairment may not be able to adequately hear and understand presenting complaint (s) from patient, may not also be able to use the stethoscope and mercury sphygmomanometer to check the blood pressure of a patient and also listen to abnormal heart and chest sounds. This may adversely affect the management of the patient. Therefore, it is recommended that doctors should do routine hearing assessment.