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.

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.

Schiff bases are effective corrosion inhibitors for metals like mild steel, copper, and aluminum, offering high efficiency, adaptability, environmental stability, and cost-effectiveness. This study examines how substituents and molecular structures influence their corrosion-suppressing capabilities. It also analyzes the effects of metals and environmental factors such as temperature and pH on their performance. The relationship between inhibition efficiency and Schiff base concentration is explored to provide insight into their protective mechanisms. Industrial applications are discussed, particularly in coatings, mechanical engineering, and the oil and gas sectors. A key focus is on integrating nanotechnology into Schiff bases to enhance their protective properties. Innovations like nanoscale surface treatments, controlled release via nanocapsules, and nanocomposite coatings are highlighted as promising advances for next-generation corrosion prevention. The study emphasizes the need for future research into environmentally sustainable Schiff bases, novel derivatives with enhanced characteristics, and extensive industrial testing. The integration of nanotechnology is identified as a critical area for development, potentially leading to more effective and durable corrosion prevention solutions. These advancements position Schiff bases as a versatile and sustainable choice for industrial corrosion control.

The research examines the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in waste management systems, using Bee'ah AI City Vision in Sharjah, UAE, as a case study. Research checks the application of advanced AI models, including long short-term memory (LSTM) network and transformer-based models, in adaptation to waste collection efficiency and sustainable urban rule. Conclusions display a 30% lower environmental footprint due to a 25% decrease in operating costs, waste volume prediction, and LSTM network in passage optimization. The transformer model also enabled a 20% increase in public satisfaction by increasing the accountability of services through emotion analysis. Research reflects AI's ability to increase operational efficiency, environmental stability, and governance in the public sector, as well as the main challenges, including AI decision-making data secrecy, algorithm bias, and transparency.

Introduction: The rehabilitation of areas with localized horizontal atrophy in the molar region or with reduced interdental spaces using dental implants is challenging. In many cases, horizontal regeneration must be performed prior to implant placement, which increases the morbidity of the procedure, particularly considering it involves a unitary implant. For these situations, narrow-diameter implants with reduced platforms offer a viable solution to address localized atrophies successfully. This case series demonstrates situations resolved with these implants in a safe and predictable manner. Materials and Methods: Narrow implants with a diameter of 3.3 mm and a narrow platform (3.0 mm) were prospectively analyzed. These implants were placed in molar positions and rehabilitated as single-unit restorations in cases of localized horizontal atrophy with reduced mesiodistal spaces, avoiding the use of regenerative techniques to restore lost width. The primary variable evaluated was implant survival, followed by crestal bone loss and the occurrence of surgical or prosthetic complications during the follow-up period. Qualitative variables were described using frequency analysis, while quantitative variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation. Implant survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Thirteen patients were recruited, receiving a total of 15 implants that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 73.3% were placed in the mandible, with position 46 being the most frequent location. All the implants studied had a diameter of 3.3 mm with a platform of 3.0 mm and were placed for unitary molar rehabilitation, using screw-retained crowns supported by single abutments. Implant lengths were 5.5 mm in 33.3% of cases and 6.5 mm in the remaining 66.7%. The mean mesial bone loss at the end of the follow-up was 0.49 mm (+/- 0.21), while the mean distal bone loss was 0.43 mm (+/- 0.28). Conclusions: Narrow-platform (3.0 mm) and reduced-diameter implants can be placed in molar regions and rehabilitated as single-unit restorations in cases of localized horizontal atrophy, reduced interproximal spaces, or both factors combined, with favorable outcomes.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated exploration of convalescent plasma (CP) therapy. This phase-II RCT evaluated CP's efficacy in 30 severe COVID-19 patients (June 2020–July 2021), comparing standard care (n=30) with CP-added therapy (n=30). Despite historical success in viral outbreaks, evidence remained conflicting. We assessed 28-day mortality, clinical improvement, and safety, addressing gaps in donor antibody variability and timing. Objective: To determine therapeutic Role of Convalescent Plasma (CP) therapy in the treatment of severe COVID-19. Methods and Procedure: It was a Randomized Controlled phase-II Trial which was carried out at COVID-19 unit and ICU Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from 01June 2020 to 31July 2021. Plasma was collected and supplied in the department of Transfusion Medicine of BSMMU and transfused in patient at ICU, BSMMU. After proper evaluation 30 healthy donors required amount of convalescent plasma of COVID-19 was collected by continuous flow cell separator. The collected convalescent plasma was transfused to; 30 (INTERVENTION ARM) severe ill patients receiving standard treatment protocol admitted in ICU, BSMMU, Dhaka. Then the improvement of these patients was observed and another 30(control) patients receiving standard treatment protocol only and comparison was made. Before administration of the plasma it was screened for RCT-PCR for covid-19. HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV and other infections. Results: The study included 60 COVID-19 patients (30 control, 30 intervention) with comparable baseline characteristics (mean age 51-53 years; 40% vs. 56.6% males). The intervention group showed significantly higher baseline D-dimer (4.3 vs. 0.5 µg/mL, p<0.001) and ferritin (1045 vs. 631 ng/mL, p=0.049). Both groups had similar 28-day mortality (26.6%, RR=1.00, p=0.95), hospitalization duration (10 vs. 9 days), and discharge rates (63.3%). Clinical parameters improved over time, with mortality declining from 7.1% (Week-I) to 4.5% (Week-IV). Conclusion: In conclusion, this phase-II randomized controlled trial demonstrated that convalescent plasma (CP) therapy did not significantly improve 28-day mortality or other clinical outcomes in severe COVID-19 patients compared to standard care alone.

This study examines heavy metal contamination and bioaccumulation in earthworms across three sites in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Are Oil Palm plantation, Irasa waste dumpsites, and EKSU Teak plantation. Soil and earthworm samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed the highest contamination at Irasa waste dumpsites, with Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations averaging 45.2 mg/kg, 8.4 mg/kg, 36.7 mg/kg, and 112.5 mg/kg, respectively. Are Oil Palm plantation exhibited moderate contamination, with Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn averaging 29.5 mg/kg, 4.2 mg/kg, 18.6 mg/kg, and 67.9 mg/kg. The EKSU Teak plantation showed the lowest levels, averaging 15.3 mg/kg for Cu, 2.1 mg/kg for Cd, 9.8 mg/kg for Pb, and 35.4 mg/kg for Zn. Bioaccumulation analysis revealed a strong correlation with soil contamination, with earthworms from Irasa waste dumpsites containing the highest concentrations of Pb and Cd, at 25.3 mg/kg and 5.6 mg/kg, respectively. Earthworms from Are Oil Palm recorded 13.1 mg/kg for Pb and 2.9 mg/kg for Cd, while those from EKSU Teak had the lowest levels, at 6.5 mg/kg for Pb and 1.5 mg/kg for Cd. The study highlights significant heavy metal contamination and bioaccumulation gradients influenced by anthropogenic activities. The elevated contamination at Irasa waste dumpsites emphasizes the need for pollution control and remediation strategies to protect soil and ecological health.