Fictionalisation of women’s oppression shows writers’ commitment at different times to keep readers abreast with trending issues which are seemingly despicable to the society. This paper draws attention away from representations on the overburdened issue of inter-gender oppression; of men and women, to intra-gender oppression among women. It aims to examine the latter, with particular focus on how it is enabled in a relationship between adults and children. It considers this topic as an important literary theme that is yet to be given significant scholarship attention. Its significance rests on the fresh perspectives it offers and helps to expand on the overall issue of oppression that has continued to plague the society. It uses Ted Elemeforo’s Child of Destiny to provide credible evidence. The qualitative analysis procedure is employed, with the support of the intersectionality theory relating to feminism, and Marxism, to explain how oppression thrives in the society despite consistent opposition. The findings affirm that women oppress and exploit members of their sex. This happens mostly in unequal social relations like, between adults and underprivileged children as demonstrated in the meeting between the text’s female characters: Madam Lizzy and Ebika. It shows that this practice is aided by salient social factors like class, age, sex among others, which inevitably stand in the way of eradicating oppression. The paper, thus, concludes that oppression has to be seen as a complex phenomenon requiring multifaced approach to be eliminated.

This paper presents the results of the reliability-based design of pad foundation based on the results of the geotechnical investigation of the soil sample collected at 1m to 5m depth in Abuloma Community, Rivers State. Three boreholes, namely BH1, BH2 and BH3 were excavated utilizing a manual auger to depths of 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, and 5m respectively. Laboratory investigations were conducted on the soil samples in the laboratory to determine the geotechnical properties of the soil such as soil cohesion, Poisson’s ratio, unit weight, angle of internal friction, and modulus of elasticity of the soil respectively. The bearing capacity of the soil at each selected location was obtained using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity formula. The results of the laboratory investigations on the soil properties such as cohesion, Poisson’s ratio, specific weight, internal friction angle, and elasticity modulus of the soil were used to conduct the reliability assessment and reliability-based design of the pad foundation at Abuloma using the method of response surface. The descriptive statistics of the geotechnical parameters were obtained utilizing a statistical tool called Minitab 17.0. The Full Factorial method of design of Experimental Design was used to obtain the design points. The types of probability distribution of the basic random variables were established using Anderson Darling Statistics. The performance functions were developed were developed considering bearing capacity and immediate settlement failure of the pad foundation at the four selected locations. The First Order Reliability technique implemented in MATLAB was used in the reliability estimates. The findings revealed that the Abuloma soil is safe only for a foundation pressure of 50KPa and for foundation pressures of 50KPa, 100KPa and 150KPa respectively when considering settlement criterion. The reliability indices generally decreased with increase in values of variation coefficient of soil cohesion, internal friction angle and soil density respectively. The MATLAB code developed is very easy for application geotechnical and coastal applications.

One Onion - Many Cuts. Just like an onion can be cut into rings, slices, cubes, or strips, learning can be designed in different ways to suit the needs of all learners. This is more scientific because one size cannot be suitable for all i.e., learning through individualized process and it gives recognition of individuality among the learners. Individualized instructional strategies have emerged as an emerging and necessary pedagogical response to learner in contemporary classrooms. However, its theoretical articulation often remains complex or abstract for practitioners. This paper introduces ‘The Onion Pedagogy’ as a metaphorically grounded yet epistemologically structured framework to conceptualize differentiated instruction based on the need and aspirations of the learner. Just as an onion can be cut into rings, slices, cubes, or strips while retaining its essential core, learning objectives remain constant while instructional strategies vary according to learner needs. The ‘core’ represents epistemic understanding; the ‘layers’ characterize gradations of conceptual depth; and the ‘cuts’ represent individualized pedagogical strategies. Drawing from modern psychological theories such as Constructivism, Social constructivism, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Personalized learning theory, those framework and model offer a structured, holistic and inclusive approach to child-centric pedagogy. The teachers and educators are seen as a ‘seasoned chef’ who adopt pedagogical method based on need of the children. The paper highlights the theoretical framework, classroom practices and implications for teacher education, and understand the alignment with India’s National Education Policy (2020). The Onion Pedagogy provides an inclusive methodological framework that not only promotes equity and equality but also focus on the learner’s diversity.

This study examines a comparative rhetorical analysis of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s 2015 and 2023 open letters. It explores how he strategically employs Aristotelian appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos to influence political discourse in Nigeria. Through a qualitative analysis of both texts, the research reveals a clear evolution in Obasanjo’s rhetorical approach, shaped by the country’s shifting political and socio-economic landscape. The 2015 letter adopts a confrontational tone anchored in authoritative ethos and fear-based pathos, reflecting national instability and leadership dissatisfaction, while, by contrast, the 2023 letter embodies a more inclusive and hopeful rhetoric, emphasizing collective responsibility and logical argumentation to engage an increasingly participatory electorate. The study demonstrates how political communication adapts to contextual realities and public expectations. It contributes to the growing body of African rhetorical scholarship by highlighting the dynamic interplay between credibility, emotion, and logic in shaping persuasive political messages. The findings suggest that rhetorical evolution is not merely stylistic but a strategic response to democratic maturation and audience awareness.

Background: Clear aligner therapy (CAT) offers aesthetic and hygienic advantages over traditional fixed orthodontic appliances. However, its uptake is influenced by patients' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions (KAP) and acceptance of the treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP towards CAT among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and to identify demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a private hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, involving all consenting follow-up orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance orthodontic therapy. A validated self-administered questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and KAP toward CAT. Data were analysed using SPSS v26 and R software, employing chi-square and logistic regression. Results: Among 232 participants, only 50% had heard of CAT, and just 27.6% demonstrated good knowledge. About 52.2% showed a positive attitude, and 50.9% had a favourable perception. Significant associations were found between attitude and age (p = 0.022), education (p = 0.030), ethnicity (p = 0.035), and income (p = 0.013). Income uncertainty was a negative predictor of a favourable attitude (OR = 0.42, p = 0.025). Conclusion: Knowledge of CAT among patients treated with fixed appliances is limited, despite moderate awareness and positive attitudes. Educational and economic factors significantly influence acceptance. Improved education and affordability could enhance uptake of aligner therapy.

English for General Academic Purpose (EGAP) is crucial for cultivating high-quality innovative talents, focusing on developing their practical competence in academic English for communication, research and professional practice. With the in-depth integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education, traditional EGAP teaching faces challenges like insufficient interaction and inefficient personalized guidance. Thus, human-computer collaborative teaching becomes an inevitable direction for EGAP reform. Based on previous research deficiencies and the latest AIGC development, this study optimizes the “one-core, three-orders and seven-synergies” model (grounded in PBL and supported by AIGC), integrating strengths of teachers, AI systems and students to expand EGAP teaching boundaries. Supplemented with new empirical data and cases, it verifies the upgraded model’s effectiveness, providing targeted theoretical and practical support for AI-EGAP integration and promoting EGAP teaching quality.

Laser dentistry has emerged as a significant advancement in modern dental practice, offering a minimally invasive alternative to conventional instruments such as scalpels and rotary devices. Its growing popularity is driven by improved precision, enhanced patient comfort, reduced postoperative complications, and expanding clinical applications across multiple dental specialties. This narrative review aims to explore the expanding role of lasers in dentistry, focusing on their fundamental principles, clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and future directions. The literature consistently highlights benefits such as reduced bleeding, decreased pain, faster healing, and improved patient acceptance. However, challenges including high cost, operator dependency, learning curve, and variability in clinical evidence continue to limit universal adoption. Overall, laser dentistry represents a transformative tool in contemporary dental care, with strong potential for further integration into routine practice as technology advances and evidence continues to grow.