Background: This requires substantial support and resources in chemical waste management and recycling, such as automated technology, chemical data management systems, advanced materials, etc. The growing need for efficiency and sustainability in waste management systems is leading industries to adopt IoT-based applications in monitoring and optimizing chemical waste disposal and recycling systems. For instance, IoT-based techniques are adding real-time tracking, automated segregation, and predictive analytics, which can help make waste management much more efficient. Despite their benefits, myriad challenges remain to the adoption of IoT-enabled systems, including high implementation costs, regulatory inconsistencies, technical expertise gaps, and data security concerns. Tackling these issues is essential to improving waste management practices, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting environmental sustainability. Aim: The current paper investigates the trends, problems, and future directions in chemical waste management and recycling optimization with IoT-based approaches. It specifically explores the knowledge, level of use, and perceived effectiveness of IoT-based waste management systems, where it also aims to determine whether there are barriers and factors that influence the widespread implementation of IoT-based waste management systems. The findings of the study will inform the industries, policymakers, and the environmental agencies to encourage or accelerate the adoption of the IoT in waste management and propel the sustainable waste disposed of solutions. Methodology: Based on structured survey interviews with 110 respondents, including representatives from chemical industries, waste management companies, environmental non-government organizations, government agencies, and academic researchers. The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive evaluation of IoT implementation in chemical waste management. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to assess awareness levels, adoption rates, challenges, and perceived benefits of IoT-assisted waste management. In order to position the findings in the context of existing literature, a systematic literature review was also conducted focusing on smart waste tracking, hazardous waste management, and IoT use cases for sustainability. Findings: The paper provides important insights to characterize the status of IoT-enabled waste management by finding out the awareness level about the IoT-based waste management along with its adoption barriers. While 58% of the respondents were aware of IoT-enabled waste tracking, only 30% had implemented IoT within their organizations. According to the report, regulatory compliance requirements (50%), cost efficiency (45%), and sustainability goals (40%) were the primary factors driving IoT adoption in waste management. The most important barriers identified were high implementation costs (50%), lack of technical expertise (40%), and concerns around data privacy and security (35%). Respondents believed that 55% of respondents said government incentives like grants and standard regulatory frameworks (48%) would greatly increase adoption rates. Conclusion: But to facilitate broader adoption, we need to solve for the cost, technical and regulatory challenges. The results underscore the role of tailored financial motivations, supportive government laws, and sectoraliszied training initiatives in adopting the use of IoT in waste management. Further work can address cost-benefit analysis, case studies in paradigm shift in implementing IoT-based systems and frameworks on secure, scalable and smart waste management. Transforming chemical waste management into a smart and eco-friendly system will require collaboration across sectors, between industries, policymakers, and technology providers

Background: Implant-supported fixed prostheses have gained popularity as a modality of treatment in the rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients in terms of their good functional and esthetic results. Nevertheless, they have to be evaluated regularly in order to facilitate evidence-based clinical decisions. Objective: To evaluate the survival rate of implant-supported fixed prostheses in partially edentulous patients. Methods: The study was a prospective cohort study that took place in a tertiary care dental teaching hospital and lasted 24 months. A total of 80 patients with partially edentulous patients who were rehabilitated with implant-supported fixed prostheses through consecutive sampling were enrolled. The data were evaluated with the SPSS software. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was done and compared by the use of the log-rank test, p-value ≤ was taken to be statistically significant. Results: The total 24-month survival of the implant-supported fixed prosthesis was 95%. Four prostheses failed in the follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier analysis established high chances of survival during the follow-up. Statistical significance was not found in terms of survival depending on the location of implant, type of prosthesis, or even smoking status (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Implant-supported fixed prostheses showed good clinical results and high survival rates in partially edentulous patients in the medium term. The findings back the claim that they should be used as a reliable and predictable form of treatment, provided that proper clinical guidelines are adhered to.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in maternal healthcare, offering predictive capabilities to assess and manage pregnancy complications. This review examines the role of AI-driven techniques, including machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and hybrid models, in improving risk prediction for conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and recurrent pregnancy loss. A systematic analysis of recent literature highlights the strengths of AI-based models in analyzing maternal health data, ultrasound images, and wearable sensor readings to enable early detection and personalized risk assessment. However, challenges such as data quality, model interpretability, algorithmic bias, and integration into clinical workflows remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. AI-powered predictive frameworks integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology show potential for real-time maternal health monitoring, enhancing preventive care and timely interventions. Furthermore, AI applications in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) improve embryo selection and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, although ethical concerns and regulatory compliance require further exploration. This review underscores the need for explainable AI (XAI) approaches, data standardization, and ethical oversight to ensure reliable and equitable maternal healthcare solutions. Future research should focus on enhancing AI transparency, addressing dataset biases, and developing clinically viable AI systems to optimize pregnancy risk prediction and maternal-fetal health outcomes..

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of pre-extubation RLN assessment using bedside ultrasound in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included 72 patients who underwent elective transhiatal or transthoracic esophagectomy from March 2023 and March 2024. Demographic, surgical, and anesthetic data collected. RLN function was assessed pre-extubation using high-frequency laryngeal ultrasound and findings compared with postoperative laryngoscopic confirmation and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Ultrasound visualization of RLN mobility was successful in 94.4% of patients. RLN palsy was detected in 16.7%, with a strong correlation with laryngoscopic confirmation (p = 0.002). Patients with abnormal ultrasound findings had significantly higher rates of hoarseness (p = 0.005), stridor/re-intubation (p = 0.017), and prolonged ICU stay (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Pre-extubation ultrasound is a feasible and reliable tool for early detection of RLN palsy after esophagectomy. Its routine use may improve patient safety by identifying those at risk for airway complications before extubation

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity that severely affects patients’ functional capacity and quality of life (QoL). This prospective, comparative, interventional study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of combined Curcumin and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy versus Curcumin alone and PRP alone in improving QoL among OSMF patients. The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jinnah Hospital, Karachi, from January 2024 to January 2025, involving 90 clinically diagnosed OSMF patients randomized into three groups (n=30 each). Group A received Curcumin alone, Group B received PRP alone, and Group C received combined Curcumin + PRP therapy. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, while clinical outcomes such as mouth opening and burning sensation were also recorded. Results demonstrated that the combined therapy group exhibited the greatest mean increase in mouth opening (9.4 ± 2.1 mm) and the most substantial reduction in burning sensation (VAS: 7.8 ± 1.2 to 1.3 ± 0.9), along with the highest WHOQOL-BREF score improvement (23.8 ± 5.6, p < 0.001). No major adverse effects were reported. The synergistic anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of Curcumin and PRP were reflected in improved mucosal flexibility, pain reduction, and enhanced overall QoL. The findings suggest that the Curcumin + PRP combination offers a superior, safe, and biologically integrative therapeutic option for OSMF management..

This study investigates the impact of curricular and co-curricular activities on fostering academic and social competencies among elementary school students. Employing a descriptive survey design, the research involved 60 students from public and private elementary schools. A researcher-designed five-point Likert scale, comprising 20 items (11 assessing academic skills and 9 evaluating social skills), was administered to the participants. The scale included 18 positive and 2 negative statements. Findings indicate that both curricular and co-curricular activities significantly contribute to the development of academic and social skills, equipping students for future success. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in skill development across gender, school type (public vs. private), or family structure (nuclear vs. joint). These results underscore the universal benefits of such activities in elementary education

Background : Postoperative seroma and surgical site infections remain significant complications in large ventral divarication repairs combined with abdominoplasty. The management of extensive dead space created during on lay mesh reinforcement is critical. This study evaluates whether passive siphon drainage or active suction drainage is more effective in reducing these complications and enhancing recovery. Objectives:To compare the efficacy of siphon drainage versus suction drainage in preventing seroma formation and surgical site infections (SSI) among patients undergoing on lay mesh repair for large ventral rectus divarication. Methodology : A prospective Study was conducted at Riphah International University Hospital involving 38 female patients. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group 1 received siphon drainage (closed gravity system), while Group 2 received active suction drainage (Vacuderm). All patients underwent standardized on lay mesh repair with "quilting" sutures and abdominoplasty. Follow up included clinical assessments and soft tissue ultrasound at early (5–7 days), intermediate (14–16 days), and late (29–31 days) postoperative intervals. Results : A total of 38 patients were included in the study, divided equally into two groups. The mean age was 45.5 ± 10.6 years in Group 1 and 42.4 ± 13.9 years in Group 2, with no statistically significant age difference between the groups. Clinically significant seroma requiring needle aspiration was observed in 10.53% of patients (n = 2) in each group, and this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.999). Subclinical seroma detected by ultrasonography during the late postoperative phase was identified in 31.57% of patients in Group 1 and 26.31% in Group 2, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.619).Surgical site infection occurred in 5.26% of patients (n = 1) in both groups, with identical infection rates and no statistically significant difference observed (p > 0.999). Comparative analysis of recovery parameters and postoperative complication frequencies demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the two drainage techniques (p > 0.05). Conclusion : There is no statistically significant difference between siphon and suction drainage in preventing clinical or sub clinical seroma and infections following large ventral divarication repair. While seroma incidence remains moderately high in obese patients, both drainage methods provide comparable outcomes when combined with meticulous quilting techniques. Surgeons may choose either system based on cost and availability without compromising patient safety or the efficiency of the surgical repair

Massive amounts of plastic garbage are a serious social problem. There have been several initiatives to address the issue of plastic trash, including techniques for the natural decomposition of plastic. Since polystyrene (PS) is currently one of the plastics most often utilized in numerous industries, its degradation is a serious worldwide concern. In this study, we identified a Pseudomonas sp. Strain PVGSPCDU bacterium that breaks down PS from the superworms' guts. The breakdown of PS by Pseudomonas sp. has hardly been investigated up to this point. Using electronic microscopy, we investigated PS degradation and recorded atomic distribution and contact angle changes with water droplets on the PS surface, which indicate a chemical transition from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. Using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), we investigated chemical structural changes during PS degradation by Pseudomonas sp. to look for the formation of C=O bonds and shifts towards hydrophilicity. According to our research, Pseudomonas, which is found in the superworms' guts, contributes to the breakdown of plastics after consumption. Therefore, the results of this study are important because they show a possible remedy for PS degradation in addition to revealing a new role for Pseudomonas in superworms' guts

Purpose: To evaluate the association between binocular vision dysfunctions (BVDs) and myopia progression in children attending a tertiary eye hospital in North India. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary eye hospital in North India between April 2024 and March 2025. A total of 543 myopic children aged 6–18 years were enrolled; 369 completed 12 months of follow-up. Participants underwent comprehensive refractive, biometric, and binocular vision assessments. Myopia severity was categorized as mild (–0.50 D to –3.00 D), moderate (–3.00 D to –6.00 D), or high (> –6.00 D). BVDs were classified using Scheiman and Wick clinical criteria. Refractive progression was analyzed by changes in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length. Outcomes were compared among children with normal binocular vision, untreated BVD, and BVD receiving therapy. Results: Normal binocular vision declined significantly with increasing myopia severity (70.3% in mild, 55.6% in moderate, and 29.7% in high myopia; p < 0.001). Convergence insufficiency (24.3%) and intermittent exotropia (24.8%) were most common in high myopes. Accommodative dysfunctions were less frequent but linked to high myopia. Over 12 months, untreated BVD was associated with greater myopia progression (–0.36 D, p = 0.0026) compared to children with normal binocular function (–0.30 D, p = 0.0023). Children receiving BVD therapy showed slower, non-significant progression (–0.27 D, p = 0.1883). Specific subtypes such as basic exophoria and accommodative infacility carried higher risk of progression. Axial length elongation paralleled refractive changes, confirming its role as a key biomarker. Conclusion: BVDs, particularly vergence anomalies, are highly prevalent in children with moderate-to-high myopia and are associated with faster refractive progression when left untreated. Vision therapy may help stabilize myopia, though larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm its protective role. Routine screening and early management of BVDs should be integrated into pediatric myopia control strategies.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading malignancy worldwide, strongly linked to tobacco, betel quid, and alcohol consumption. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of OSCC patients are considered a high-risk group due to shared genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess awareness of OSCC and its risk factors among first-degree relatives of OSCC patients, to evaluate compliance with recommended oral cancer screening practices, and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing participation in screening programs. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 110 first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) of histopathologically confirmed OSCC patients. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing awareness, screening compliance, and perceived barriers and facilitators. Results: The mean age of participants was 39.8 ± 12.5 years; males comprised 56.4%. Children formed the largest group of relatives (40%). Overall, 60.9% had heard of oral cancer, while 47.3% recognized tobacco, 34.5% betel quid/areca nut, and 28.2% alcohol as risk factors. Awareness of early warning signs was reported by 34.5%. Only 21.8% had ever undergone screening and 10.9% received periodic check-ups, though 67.3% expressed willingness for future screening. Education level was significantly associated with both awareness (p = 0.01) and compliance (p = 0.03). Major barriers included lack of awareness (38.2%), financial constraints (25.5%), and fear of diagnosis (18.2%), while family history (40.0%) and physician recommendation (34.5%) were key facilitators. Awareness was strongly associated with willingness for screening (80.6% vs. 46.5%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: It is concluded that first-degree relatives of OSCC patients have limited awareness and poor compliance with screening, despite high willingness for future participation. Education is the strongest determinant of preventive behavior, while barriers are primarily informational and financial