Background: This study investigates hairline patterns among the Etche people in Rivers State, Nigeria, with a focus on the distribution and variation in hairline shapes, lengths, and widths. Materials and Methods: Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 227 participants through anthropometric measurements using a digital vernier caliper and measuring tape, assessing patterns by gender, age, and marital status. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the most common hairline type was straight-lined (34.4%), followed by bell-shaped (30.8%) and widow’s peak (30%). The least common hairline patterns were low and high hairlines, each observed in only 0.4% of participants. The average hairline length and width were 61.98 mm and 293.89 mm, respectively, with males displaying longer and wider hairlines compared to females. Singles also showed greater hairline dimensions compared to married individuals. Conclusion: No significant variation was found in hairline characteristics by religious affiliation. These findings contribute valuable anthropometric data on the Etche population and highlight the role of genetic and environmental factors in shaping craniofacial features. The study fills a gap in anthropometric literature and provides a foundation for further genetic, medical, and cultural studies on Nigerian ethnic groups.

Orthodontics has witnessed significant advancements in recent decades. One such innovation is the advent of three dimensional (3D) printed aligners, which offer a promising alternative to traditional wire-and-bracket appliances and conventional ready-made or in-house aligners. The aim of this literature review was to critically appraise the available data and information in the literature about the direct printed aligner, its raw material and to compare it with the traditional thermoformed aligners. The research question of the study was what the proprieties are, the mechanical behaviors, the hazards of the resin used, and the aligners fabricated from the direct 3D-printed process compared to the traditional in-office or aligners made by companies. The answers were elaborated according to the PICO method: Problem: the different properties and related challenges of the use of the new materials in orthodontics, Intervention: the new resins used in and aligners produced by direct 3D-printing, Comparison: aligners produced by companies and made in-office with thermoforming, Outcome; Are the new materials used and the process of fabrication advantageous compared to the thermoformed aligners? The analysis of the studied literature showed that 3D direct printed aligners have some promising advantages in comparison with thermoformed aligners. However, studies of high-quality levels are still required to explore more in depth the potential and the limitations of this new way of manufacturing clear aligners.

The study examined the effect of sulfurization temperature on chemical composition, structural properties and morphological features of CuAlS2 thin films that had been prepared using two – step Vacuum Thermal Evaporation Technique. It was reported that metallic Cu – Al precursor layer first deposited onto soda – lime glass substrates before they were sulfurized and annealed at 573K, 673K, and 773K. The thin films were then characterized by X – ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X – ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to study their crystallographic phase, surface morphology and elemental composition respectively. XRD study disclosed the formation of a chalcopyrite tetragonal CuAlS2 phase with notable variations of crystallinity and lattice parameters as a function of temperature. SEM images revealed that the film morphologies were influenced by sulfurization temperature and EDS analysis suggested non – ideal stoichiometry as a result of incomplete sulfurization at lower temperatures. Overall, the findings highlighted the crucial role of sulfurization temperature in determining material properties. The study also highlighted the potentials of CuAlS2 thin films in optoelectronic devices, particularly solar cells and light- emitting diodes.

The study examined ‘Forest Resources Extraction, Indigenous Livelihood and Sustainability Dilemma in Tropical Africa: Case Study of Akwa Ibom State’ in a bid to restore the forestry sector that is threatened by an alarming rate of deforestation, urban expansion, over-population and high demand for forest based products. 400 copies of questionnaires were administered to respondents in the study area who were farmers, fish processors, canoe builders, fuel wood dealers, timber dealers and furniture designers. Questionnaires as well as semi-structured interviews were used in the study for data analysis. Following the interview done as well as the results of questionnaires retrieved from the study area, it was realized that though forest resource extraction was laced with sufficient economic benefits, yet little efforts were made towards re-afforestation and this challenge the sustainability of the forestry sector in the entire state. At field reconnaissance, illegal logging as well as conversion of forested landscape into peasant farmlands/plantation was spotted. Nevertheless, the study recommended that there should be improved legislation in the forestry sector, provision of alternative job to reduce dependence on forest based services, selective logging and primarily mass campaign on re-afforestation in order to stabilize the ecosystem and protect inter-generational utilization of forest-based products.

Increase in microbial resistance of commonly used antibiotics is a major health concern globally this has necessitated researchers to focus on cheaper alternative materials which could perform the role of antibiotics. This study aimed at investigating the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) and exploring the synthesized nanoparticles as sources of antimicrobials. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles was tested against ten different bacteria namely; Enterobacter agglumerans, Corynebacterium bovis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. The results from this study revealed that four out of the test organisms (S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli and Bacillus subtilis) were susceptible to the ZnO nanoparticles. The diameter of the zones of inhibition (ZOI) ranging from 14.50 – 25.50 mm. The synthesized nanoparticles showed the highest activity with S. aureus (ZOI = 25.50 mm, followed by B. cereus (22.00 mm), E. coli and B. subtilis (14.50 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results showed that ZnO NPs was most effective against S. aureus and B. cereus at 25% concentration while minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was at 50%. These findings revealed that zinc oxide nanoparticles have great potentials for inhibiting clinical isolates; thus, their use as an alternative means for new drug discovery should be encouraged.

This study aimed to investigate the microbiological quality of two marine fishes collected from several local markets in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: Otolithoides pama (Poa fish) and Harpadon nehereus (Bombay duck). The total viable bacterial count ranged from 6.1 × 10² to 4.4 × 10⁵ cfu/g, while coliform counts showed 40 × 10¹ to 2.03 × 10³ cfu/g, and fungal counts showed 2.7 x 10² to 8.6 x 10⁶ cfu/g, indicating high amounts of microbiological contamination from different sources. In addition, the Presence of Vibrio spp. and Staphylococcus aureus was detected, with concentrations ranging from 7.0 × 10¹ to 9.8 × 10⁷ cfu/g. The examination of an Otolithoides pama sample revealed that both species of Shigella and Salmonella occurred TNTC (too numerous to count), thus indicating a source of significant contamination. The discovery of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Providencia alcalifaciens by biochemical characterization further brings public health issues to the foray. Antibiotic test results indicated resistance to several commonly used antibiotics, i.e., co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone, which seriously threatens antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food chain. Hence, enhanced hygiene practices, regulatory reinforcement, and the implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) in fish handling, storage, and transportation are urgently needed to protect consumer safety and minimize public health impacts associated with contaminated seafood.

Culture plays a significant role in the development of the nation. India has rich cultural diversity and plurality, among which traditional game is one that used to occupy much of the leisure time of children and youth. These games are played informally with minimal equipment and infrastructure and with unwritten, simple, and flexible rules. The few popular traditional games in India are Camel Race, Game of Dice, Archery, Bull Race, Buffalo Race, Marbels, Mallakhamb, Kite flying, Hopscotch, Spinning the Top, Boat Race, and Kalaripayattu. Today's fast-paced lifestyle, urbanization, unit families, and popularity of video games are discouraging children from playing outdoor games. Still, these games have enough potential to provide unique opportunities for physical development, amusement, creativity, the transmission of culture, peer group interactions, and overall good life. The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze the different components of traditional games that develop social and motor skills that may lead to a good life among children. For the collection of data, the present study used primary and secondary sources, which included questionnaires, books, websites, and journals. It was observed that rural children largely engage in traditional games, which are locally organized, and safe. It was noted that many types of traditional games, such as games of physical skill, strategy, memory, rhythmic games, simulation, and verbal games, play an important role in the development of children's minds, cognitive ability and motor skills including balance, coordination and can also develop social skills like collaboration, cooperation, communication, mutual respect, cultural exchange, problem-solving, and overall well-being and healthy Life. UNESCO recognized the Traditional Games as a world intangible cultural heritage. The Association for International Sports for All (TAFISA, Germany) and UNESCO are jointly striving hard to safeguard and promote traditional games across the world. TAFISA adopted a mission in 2018 to create a better world through play by 2030.