Articles

Background: The search for antimalarial molecules from plants necessitates comparative studies of ethnomedicinal antimalarial plants to quickly identify those that may be used in further search. Therefore, the median lethal dose, LD50, and the antiplasmodial activities of the methanol extracts of the stem barks of Anthocleista vogelii, Bligha sapida, Voacanga africana, and the leaf of Momordica charantia were evaluated against Plasmodium berghei berghei-infected mice using prophylactic, chemosuppressive, and curative models to compare their activities and identify the most active for further evaluation. Methods: The plant materials were collected, authenticated, and voucher specimens were deposited at the Faculty of Pharmacy Herbarium, OAU, Ile-Ife. They were separately macerated in methanol, and the median lethal dose, LD50 determined using Lorke’s method. The percentage parasitaemia, percentage reduction, chemosuppression and clearance, survival time, and percentage survivor of each, in the three models of antiplasmodial test against Plasmodium berghei berghei infected mice were assessed. Pyrimethamine and Chloroquine were positive controls, while normal saline was a negative control. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student Newman-Keuls post hoc test (p < 0.05) was used for the analysis of data. Results and Conclusion: The lowest prophylactic ED50 and ED90 values 304 and 624 mg/kg of AV, comparable chemosuppressive ED50 values of all extracts and the significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of ED50 and ED90 of MC and VA in the curative assay can guide the selection of the plant extract(s) for further antimalarial evaluation.

Background: Obesity is a global health concern associated with a range of perioperative challenges, particularly during general anesthesia. Altered respiratory mechanics, pharmacokinetics, and increased comorbidities in obese patients may compromise anesthetic safety and recovery outcomes. Despite rising obesity rates in Libya, local data on anesthesia-related risks in this population remain limited.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of obesity on anesthetic recovery times and hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing general anesthesia in a public hospital in Libya.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 20 adult surgical patients from January to May 2023. Patients were divided into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2)and non-obese groups. Parameters assessed included time to spontaneous ventilation, Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) removal time, eye-opening time, and post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) discharge time. Intraoperative hemodynamic measures and the prevalence of comorbidities were also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: Obese patients (n = 12) exhibited significantly longer recovery times compared to non-obese patients (n = 8): spontaneous ventilation (12.8 vs. 9.4 min, p = 0.002), LMA removal (14.1 vs. 10.1 min, p = 0.001), eye opening (13.5 vs. 9.7 min, p < 0.001), and PACU discharge (68.3 vs. 49.5 min, p < 0.001). Obese patients also had lower mean arterial pressure (82.4 vs. 91.5 mmHg, p = 0.026), higher heart rates (95.2 vs. 88.3 bpm, p = 0.041), and reduced oxygen saturation (94.1% vs. 96.7%, p = 0.018). Comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes were significantly more prevalent among obese patients.Conclusion: Obesity significantly prolongs anesthetic recovery and impairs hemodynamic stability in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia. These findings support the need for targeted perioperative strategies, preoperative risk stratification, and extended postoperative monitoring for obese individuals, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.

The capabilities approach, based on the work of Sen and Nussbaum, proposes a transformation in housing design by prioritizing human well-being over economic criteria. This framework assesses individuals’ real opportunities to develop fulfilling lives (“capabilities”), responding to contemporary challenges such as climate change and urbanization. Recent studies indicate that 68% of architects integrate this approach into sustainable projects (Chen, et al. Journal of Sustainable Architecture, 2023, Q1), demonstrating its relevance for creating resilient and inclusive environments. The methodology combines theoretical analysis (UTAUT model for technology adoption and the capabilities approach) with global case studies. Designs are examined that incorporate: Smart technology: IoT and AI systems for security and energy efficiency; Biophilic design: Integrating nature into interior spaces; and Net-Zero Homes (NZEH): Energy self-sufficiency through renewables. Data were collected from projects in Belgium, Australia, and the US, assessing social and environmental impact using well-being and sustainability metrics. We determined the results and discussed the approach using Positive Impact: Smart-technology homes improve autonomy in older adults by 72% (Liu, et al. Gerontology, 2022, Q1). Projects such as Savonnerie Heymans (Brussels) reduced energy consumption by 40% through solar panels and thermal insulation, while increasing social cohesion with community spaces. Biophilic design: Associated with 30% less stress and 25% higher productivity; Barriers: High initial costs (up to 20% more than conventional housing) and regulatory complexity limit widespread adoption. Furthermore, feminist and decolonial critics warn that the approach can perpetuate inequalities if it ignores sociopolitical contexts. In conclusion, the capabilities approach revolutionizes future housing by merging human well-being, sustainability, and inclusion. However, its implementation requires overcoming economic and ethical challenges: Accessibility: Universal designs for vulnerable populations. Collaborative governance: Policies that balance innovation, data privacy, and affordability. Cultural adaptation: Integration of non-Western perspectives. Projections indicate that NZEHs will grow by 40% by 2030, highlighting their potential to build equitable and resilient societies.

The objective of this research was to estimate the energy potential of walnut pruning residues (biomass) as a renewable resource for use in greenhouse heating systems in the south-central region of the state of Chihuahua. To achieve this, data were collected on the weight of fresh firewood generated per tree based on trunk diameter, considering three common pruning methods practiced in the area. Additionally, the percentage of weight loss during the biomass drying process was determined, and the regional area cultivated with walnut trees was documented. Based on this information, the potential energy availability and the feasibility of its use as a sustainable energy source for the agricultural sector under controlled climate conditions were calculated.

Background: Toumbak, a form of smokeless tobacco made from Nicotiana rustica and sodium bicarbonate, is widely used in Sudan and poses potential health risks, particularly concerning cardiovascular function. Despite its high prevalence, especially among adult males, limited data exist regarding its impact on blood pressure.Objective: To assess and compare blood pressure parameters among Sudanese Toumbak users and non-users, and to investigate the association between Toumbak use, age, and gender with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP).Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2025 among 1000 Sudanese adults (500 Toumbak users and 500 matched non-users) aged 18–60 years in Khartoum State. Blood pressure measurements were recorded using a digital sphygmomanometer following WHO guidelines. Independent t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare SBP, DBP, and PP between groups. A p - value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Toumbak users exhibited significantly elevated SBP (141.7 ± 21.9 mmHg), DBP (89.3 ± 6.0 mmHg), and PP (52.4 ± 19.3 mmHg) compared to non-users (SBP: 121.2 ± 3.2 mmHg, DBP: 80.5 ± 3.8 mmHg, PP: 40.7 ± 3.9 mmHg), with p < 0.001 for all parameters. Males demonstrated significantly higher SBP (145.6 ± 24.0 mmHg) and PP (56.7 ± 22.1 mmHg) than females (SBP: 137.8 ± 18.6 mmHg, PP: 48.2 ± 14.5 mmHg). While no statistically significant differences were observed in BP across age groups, adolescents and middle-aged users had the highest SBP.Conclusion: Toumbak use is significantly associated with elevated blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk, particularly among male users. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions and awareness campaigns addressing the health consequences of smokeless tobacco in Sudan.

Microscope dentistry has been shown to enhance the visual capabilities and motor skills of dentists, regardless of their specialization. Additionally, there is an often-overlooked benefit: cognitive support. This assistance boosts confidence in their tasks, leading to improved decision-making by influencing the prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, using a microscope helps protect the brain’s mental functions, which is crucial in a profession that demands precision and focus. Overall, this tool promotes the health and well-being of the operator by integrating ergonomic principles.

Anthropogenic activity has escalated the planet’s temperature and resulted in dire consequences on our environment, and our health, whether physical or mental. The imbalance created in the planet’s environmental conditions has consequently caused a rupture in mental health, and ecoanxiety has become one of the adverse indirect repercussions. Not quite recently, a sense of urgency has been spreading in the literature of climate change, evoking a call for action, and requesting commitment from us all: individuals, communities, and countries. This paper attempts to establish a link between the climate crisis and ecoanxiety in the aim to restore our cognition of our roles to save the planet, salvage our health and preserve, and conserve, environmental resources for future generations.

This study used smartphones as an Instructional tool to determine their effects on students’ Interest and retention in Agricultural Water Engineering in Colleges of Education, Benue State, Nigeria. Five purposes of the study were stated, five research questions were posed and answered with means and standard deviations, and five hypotheses formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Quasi-experimental design of non-randomized pre-test post-test control group design was utilized. The research was carried out in two Colleges of Education in Benue State, Nigeria, with a population of 410 NCE Students. The population size of 200 NCE III students was sampled from colleges of Education, Katsina-Ala and Oju in the study area. The research instruments were ‘Basic Agricultural Water Inventory Test’ (BAWEIIT) and Basic Agricultural Water Retention Test (BAWERT), AND were validated by three experts. The reliability coefficient of the instruments was 0.74. The study found that the students who were taught with SIT demonstrated positive interest and enhanced their retention (XS=3.92) in Basic Agricultural Water Engineering than those taught without Smartphones. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean interest and retention rating scores (XS = 1.24 > 0.05), in Basic Agricultural Water Engineering (AGE, 324) concepts with Smartphone as an instructional tool (SIT). Based on findings, recommendations were made that smartphone (SIT) should be included among instructional materials in the scheme of lesson delivery for lecture by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in the curriculum for both teaching and learning activities at the Colleges of Education in Benue State. There should be constant, strong Wi-Fi connections power National Commission for Colleges of Education instructional via College administrators should orient lecturers and students by organizing workshops and seminars on how to effectively utilize smartphones for their academic activities. College administrators should endeavour to supervise implementation of smartphones as instructional tools in Agricultural Water Engineering and NCE courses for students

Background: The motivation of this paper is to analyze the growing air pollution level in the city of Bengaluru, as it was once a green city but is now facing problems with the use of private vehicles, such as increasing levels of air pollutants. Green buildings focus on reducing their negative environmental impacts by using less energy and water, and causing less disruption to the environment during construction. Green buildings, which also strive to enhance human health through the design of healthy indoor spaces, are arguably less well-known.Objective: The main objective is to analyze the most suitable zone in Bangalore for the construction of green buildings. The review of existing green building technologies with the use of natural materials, renewable energy, water conservation, and indoor air quality.Method: The methodology will include a study of six green building literature reviews with eminent researchers and scientists. The main principles of green building include having indoor air quality of Nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter are the most common air impurities released into the atmosphere by the variability of natural processes and human actions. The advantages of lessened energy and water use are well known, but the potential advantages of green buildings for human health have only lately come into focus. In addition, case study review for Electronic City, Whitefield, and International Airport in BangaloreResult: To address the comparative study of case study review, Bangalore city data was collected regarding the pollutant levels, then linear regression models were created and reviewed to design green buildings in the future. Conclusion: The goal of the study is to comprehend how toxins, a rise in urban population density, the usage of novel artificial resources, and traffic contamination all work together to worsen indoor air quality and increase harmful impacts on people.