REVIEW ARTICLE | Feb. 5, 2026
Diagnostic AI Across the Life Sciences (2015–2025): A PRISMA-Scoping Review and Bibliometric Synthesis of External Validity, Calibration, Fairness, and Reproducibility
Sehar Rafique, Kashaf Chaudhary, Syed Haroon Haidar, Umar Rashid, Sohaib Usman
Page no 122-141 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i02.002
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming diagnostic decision-making across the life sciences, yet evidence remains fragmented across human, veterinary, plant, environmental, and microbial domains. We conducted a PRISMA-ScR scoping review (protocol preregistered on OSF; details in Supplement) and bibliometric analysis covering 2015–2025. Searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore (plus arXiv/bioRxiv tagging) identified 28,541 records and 68 preprints; after de-duplication and dual screening, 689 primary studies met inclusion criteria (with 42 preprints analyzed descriptively but excluded from citation-based bibliometrics). Human medicine dominated the corpus (81.3%), followed by veterinary (6.2%), plant (5.1%), environmental (4.2%), and microbial diagnostics (3.2%). Modalities were led by medical imaging (65.0%), then omics (18.0%), time-series (8.1%), spectra (4.1%), text (2.9%), and eDNA (1.9%). Reported performance was high (median AUROC 0.94), but external validity and transparency were limited: only 28.0% performed external validation, 9.0% used prospective designs, and 5.2% reported probability calibration. Reproducibility signals were weak (code availability 22.9%, data availability 18.0%, explicit preregistration rare), and fairness/bias assessments appeared in 7.0% of studies, concentrated in human health. Bibliometrics showed rapid year-on-year growth, with the United States (32.1%) and China (28.4%) leading output and collaborations. Trends indicate a shift from task-specific CNNs to multimodal/foundation-model approaches and early data-fusion gains, but consistent gaps persist in leakage controls, calibration, subgroup reporting, and regulatory alignment. We recommend domain-aware, leakage-resistant splits; at least one independent, real-world evaluation; prevalence-aware metrics with calibration and decision-utility; open datasheets/model cards; and federated/external benchmarking to probe generalization. These practices can convert impressive internal results into dependable, equitable diagnostics that work across clinics, farms, rivers, and labs.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Feb. 5, 2026
Relationship between Hypothyroidism Management and Patient Quality of Life: A Systematic Review
Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Elmasry, Mazen Mohammed Altamimi, Khalid Faisal Eid, Abdullah Saud Alshebli, Ali Salem Hamoud Alhamidah, Reem Mohsen Alshammari
Page no 89-94 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2026.v12i02.001
Background: Levothyroxine (LT4) therapy is highly effective for biochemical correction of hypothyroidism, yet many patients report persistent symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) despite achieving target thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Whether alternative management strategies meaningfully improve HRQoL remains clinically important. Aim: To systematically review and qualitatively synthesize evidence on the relationship between hypothyroidism management approaches and patient quality of life. Methods: A systematic review was performed following PRISMA principles. Eligible studies were primary clinical studies evaluating adults with hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism in which HRQoL was measured and related to a management approach, treatment strategy, formulation, or biochemical response. Nine studies met eligibility and were synthesized qualitatively due to heterogeneity in populations, interventions, comparators, and HRQoL instruments. Results: Evidence from large randomized trials in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism showed no clinically meaningful HRQoL benefit from LT4 compared with placebo or usual care. In primary hypothyroidism, switching from LT4 tablets to liquid LT4 was consistently associated with improved patient-reported QoL in selected cohorts, often without major changes in thyroid biochemistry. Trials of LT4/LT3 combination therapy generally did not demonstrate consistent HRQoL superiority over LT4 alone, although some studies reported patient preference or selective domain improvements. Observational studies and surveys repeatedly documented impaired HRQoL among LT4-treated patients compared with controls, and HRQoL was frequently weakly correlated or not correlated with TSH/FT4 within the reference range. Conclusion: Quality of life in treated hypothyroidism is influenced by more than biochemical normalization alone. LT4 treatment in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism does not appear to improve HRQoL, while liquid LT4 may improve HRQoL in selected, dissatisfied, or absorption-challenged patients. Combination therapy remains an inconsistent strategy for HRQoL improvement. Future research should prioritize patient-centered outcomes, identify phenotypes of persistent symptoms, and test targeted management pathways using validated thyroid-specific HRQoL instruments.
This systematic literature review examines the evolving role of the Scrum Master in contemporary project management, addressing how this critical agile leadership position has transformed since its original conception. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework and employing a PICO-informed search strategy, this study synthesized qualitative insights from peer-reviewed academic and grey literature published between 2010 and 2025. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes characterizing the role's evolution. First, the Scrum Master maintains a foundational identity as a servant leader who facilitates self-organization, though this ideal often conflicts with organizational pressures. Second, the role has expanded beyond its original scope to encompass coordination across scaled agile environments, global distributed teams, and remote work contexts. Third, Scrum Masters function as cultural catalysts who build organizational trust rather than merely managing processes. Fourth, role hybridization has emerged as a prevalent pattern, with Scrum Masters frequently assuming project management responsibilities that create accountability conflicts. Fifth, professionalization through structured competency frameworks and mentorship programs reflects the discipline's maturation, though gaps remain in practitioner supply and diversity. These findings reveal that while servant leadership orientation remains theoretically consistent, practical enactment varies substantially based on organizational maturity and structural clarity. The review identifies implications for organizations optimizing agile transformation, including the need for clear role boundaries and recognition of the Scrum Master as an organizational change agent. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and address diversity dimensions within the profession.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Feb. 5, 2026
Environmental Adult Education as a Tool for Reducing Community Participation in Illegal Oil Bunkering in Ogoni Land
Okorie, Christiana Uzoaru Okorie, Monaue, Godwill Barikpoa
Page no 28-43 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2026.v11i02.001
This study examined environmental adult education for curbing the effects of illegal oil bunkering on Ogoni land, Rivers State. It was guided by three research objectives and three research questions, The population for this study consisted of 1,499 members of 20 Community-Based Organisations (CBOS), which were drawn from farmers and fisherfolk in Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas of Rivers State, out of which 400 CBO members were sampled through a simple random sampling technique. The instruments for data collection were a validated self-developed questionnaire titled “Environmental Adult Education Programme as a Tool for Reducing Community Participation in Illegal Oil Bunkering Questionnaire (EAETRCPIOBQ)”. The instrument had a reliability index of 0.87. Data collected were analyzed using the mean statistics and standard deviation Findings revealed that poverty, unemployment, a lack of livelihood alternatives, weak institutional frameworks, and systemic corruption are central factors sustaining illegal oil bunkering in Ogoni land, despite government intervention. Community members in the area of study are environmentally aware of the impacts of illegal oil bunkering. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended, among other things, that the establishment of job programmes, skill acquisition facilities, and sustainable livelihood prospects in Ogoni land should be given top priority by the government, oil corporations, and development partners.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Feb. 3, 2026
Single Ultra-Short Implants (5.5 and 6.5 mm) for Single-Tooth Rehabilitation of the Mandibular First Molar with Immediate Loading. A Retrospective Study
Eduardo Anitua
Page no 40-49 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i02.001
Background: Extra-short dental implants have emerged as a reliable option for rehabilitating posterior areas with limited vertical bone availability. However, clinical evidence regarding their use as single-unit restorations under immediate loading protocols in the mandibular first molar region remains scarce. Purpose: To evaluate implant survival, marginal bone loss, and biological and prosthetic complications associated with single extra-short implants (5.5 and 6.5 mm) immediately loaded in the mandibular first molar position. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 19 patients rehabilitated with 19 extra-short implants placed in the mandibular first molar region between June 2019 and June 2023. All implants were restored with single screw-retained crowns on a unitary transepithelial abutment and immediately loaded within 24 hours. Implant survival and marginal crestal bone loss were assessed radiographically. The mean follow-up period was 38.6 ± 10.5 months. Results: No implant or prosthetic failures were recorded during the follow-up period, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 100%. Mean marginal bone loss was 0.36 ± 0.13 mm mesially and 0.60 ± 0.16 mm distally. No clinically relevant biological complications were observed. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, immediately loaded single extra-short implants placed in the mandibular first molar region demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes. Careful case selection, conservative surgical protocols, and standardized prosthetic design appear to be key factors for achieving predictable results in this demanding clinical scenario.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is fundamentally reshaping the legal profession, presenting both unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation, and profound ethical and professional challenges. This article argues that the imperative for robust AI ethics must be conscientiously integrated into legal education, particularly within vocational institutions like the Nigerian Law School (NLS). Drawing on an analysis of AI’s role, history, and defining characteristics, the article identifies critical ethical sustainability challenges, including algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, challenges to academic integrity (such as plagiarism and unauthorized content generation), and the critical issue of accountability for AI-generated legal errors. The article proposes that legal education must shift its focus from preventing AI use to teaching responsible, ethical use, equipping future practitioners with the requisite technical literacy, critical thinking, and human judgment necessary to mitigate risks and uphold core professional duties, such as competence, integrity, and the duty not to mislead the court. Ultimately, fostering a culture of ethical and responsible AI engagement is essential to ensure the long-term viability and integrity of the legal profession in the digital age.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Feb. 3, 2026
Development and Testing of California Bearing Ratio Machine for Evaluating the Strength of Materials for Use in Roads and Pavements
Isaac O. Olaniyan, David A. Opeyemi
Page no 62-78 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2026.v11i02.001
An electrically-operated California Bearing Ratio (CBR) machine was designed, fabricated with locally-sourced materials, calibrated and tested with the aim of providing high precision machine obtainable at lower cost. Materials were selected based on the ability to withstand mechanical loads, stiffness and dimensional stability, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, machinability and cost-effectiveness. The major component parts were designed using standard equations. For material components such as the loading frame, CBR moulds and reaction rings, mild steel was used, hardened medium carbon steel was used for the plunger, while high-grade spring steel was used for the load-measuring components for high elastic recovery. Calibration result gave proving ring constant as 0.02 kN/div. CBR test results on soil samples under unsoaked conditions gave CBR values ranging from 4.85 – 6.91 %, indicating poor to fair soils requiring stabilization or treatment for subgrade material. For soil tested under soaked conditions, the lowest CBR value of 0.82% showed poor subgrade soil that requires substantial stabilization, while the sample with the highest CBR value of 3.15% requires significant improvement. Statistical analysis of data using Minitab software version 2018 applied Fisher Pairwise tests for differences of means at 95% level of significance, which showed that soaked 2.5mm and unsoaked 5mm samples with P = 0.007 and soaked 5mm and unsoaked 5mm with P = 0.14 are significantly different for the top, and soaked 2.5mm and unsoaked 5mm having P = 0.028, are significantly different for the bottom. CBR values for all other top and bottom samples are not significantly different.