Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a major global health burden characterized by chronic pain, inflammation, and psychosocial stress. While pharmacological approaches like hydroxyurea offer partial relief, integrative therapies including Ayurveda based sound and mantra therapy provide supportive, culturally appropriate options. This paper reviews the evidence and principles behind the use of sound healing, mantra chanting, and music-based interventions in SCD management, highlighting their roles in pain relief, stress reduction, emotional stability, and quality of life improvement.

Production of biodiesel represents a way to attain economic growth by increasing and securing energy supply for the developing countries, and it can also create job opportunities and an attractive source for the farmers. The research aims to utilize the Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) plant as a valuable alternative for producing biodiesel. The attention was drawn to the Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) due to the plant having the advantage of needing less water compared to other plants. Also, the Citrullus colocynthis plant can be planted in different climate conditions, so it has a good impact on the production capacity. Furthermore, the use of p-p-toluene-4-sulfonic acid monohydrate (PTSA) as an acid catalyst for pretreatment of Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) is the first time to use the acid as a catalyst with Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) oil to produce biodiesel. Citrullus colocynthis (L.) plant seeds were collected from western and northern Sudan; the oil was extracted through screw press extraction using an oil extractor; and the Citrullus colocynthis oil (CCO) was treated to reduce the free fatty acid (FFA) contents before starting the transesterification reaction using 0.3% p-toluene-4-sulfonic acid monohydrate (PTSA) as an acid catalyst. FFA was reduced to 0.3%, and FFA conversion was 91.76%. The final biodiesel produced was found to be 98.51%. The physiochemical properties of biodiesel were flash point 228°C, measured by the Seta Multiflash Cleveland Flash Point Tester; kinematic viscosity at 40°C, 5.094 cSt, measured by the viscometer (Petro Test Instrument Model TV400); pour point, -30°C, measured by the Cloud and Pour Point Test Cabinet (Norma Lab Analysis Instrument Model P592-France); and density at 150°C, 0.878 gm/cm³, measured by the Digital Density Meter (Petro Instrument Model DMA4500). The results attained in this study conformed to the international standard specifications for biodiesel fuel. The results of this study show that the Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) oil has the potential for use as an industrial feedstock for biodiesel production. PTSA can be used as a catalyst in the pretreatment of CCO via esterification reaction, where it showed very high catalytic activity to reduce the free fatty acids (FFA) content in the CCO; also, it has less environmental impact due to its ease of recoverability and reusability.

The connecting factor formula is a distinctive concept in private international law and serves as a universal rule for resolving conflicts of laws. This paper examines the influence and role of private international law theories in the formation and development of connecting factor formulas by analyzing different stages of doctrinal evolution and representative scholarly perspectives. The study aims to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding and applying these formulas.

Anatomy has always been the cornerstone of medical science, providing the essential basis for diagnosis, surgery, and therapeutics. While modern anatomy relies on dissection and microscopic techniques, its origins lie in the traditions of Greek physicians and the scholarly contributions of Arab and Islamic medicine. Within this heritage, the study of Tasrῑḥ Shaḥm wa Áḍalāt (anatomy of subcutaneous fat and muscle) highlights the integration of descriptive observation, philosophical reasoning, and clinical application. Greek physicians like Galen laid the groundwork with detailed, albeit animal-based, descriptions of muscles, tendons, and subcutaneous tissues, influencing subsequent generations despite notable inaccuracies in human applications. Arab scholars, building on these translations via institutions like the House of Wisdom, advanced anatomical understanding through systematic dissections and clinical observations, particularly in soft tissues such as subcutaneous fat (shahm) and muscles (aḍalāt). This synthesis not only preserved but enriched Greco-Roman texts, setting the stage for medieval medical progress. Through an analysis of primary Unani manuscripts, historical commentaries, and modern anatomical references, the works of Hippocrates, Al-Rāzī, Al-Majūsī, Ibn Sīnā, Al-Jurjānī, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Hubal al-Baghdādī, Ibn al-Quff, and Al-Masīḥī were examined. Their observations not only contributed to theoretical anatomy but also influenced practical medicine, such as methods of pulse detection, surgical approaches, and interpretations of disease. The comparison between classical and modern anatomy reveals that while ancient scholars provided largely descriptive and functional insights, contemporary anatomy has advanced these ideas with histology, imaging technologies, and biomechanics. Fat (shaḥm) was described as a nutritive reserve and protective cushion, whereas muscle (áḍalāt) was identified as the organ of movement, strength, and resilience. These early views, while framed in pre-modern contexts, share meaningful continuities with contemporary understandings of physiology. This review explores the perspectives of classical Greek and Arab scholars on fat and muscle, emphasizing their significance in both structure and function.

This study investigated the effect of interlocking board membership on financial performance of publicly quoted companies in sub-Saharan Africa. Ex-post facto research design was adopted and secondary data were obtained from yearly audited annual reports and accounts of publicly listed companies. The study was conducted using sixty (60) publicly listed companies drawn from all sectors in three (3) countries of sub-Saharan Africa namely; Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, from 2013–2023. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive, post-estimation, and inferential statistical techniques. The estimation technique was the generalized method of moment and the results revealed that interlocking board membership insignificantly influence financial performance proxied by return on assets of the publicly listed companies in sub-Saharan Africa. The implication of the finding is that board interlocking board membership is not a major driver of performance of quoted companies in sub-Saharan Africa. The study recommends among others that interlocking board membership should not be encouraged as the study found it insignificant in explaining financial performance.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause a variety of illnesses, from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome. The SARS–COV–2 outbreak was first reported by the World Health Organization in China and has now become an epidemic, reflecting the extremely high transmissibility of the virus, which has caused great concern and stress among people around the world. Research suggests that prevention, risk education, and promotion of self–care behaviors can slow the spread of the disease in communities, and identifying sources of transmission can be effective in controlling it. The mortality rate of this virus is significantly higher in the elderly and people with underlying diseases compared to healthy people. Coronavirus is a challenging disease and can be easily transmitted in public places, and the number of people infected with this virus is increasing exponentially across all ages and groups. Therefore, increasing public awareness of this disease and providing positive psychological programs and teaching prevention methods in the media can reduce mental problems in society, in addition to reducing mortality and the number of patients.

The area under castor oil cultivation in Iran has varied over the years. In 2019, the area under castor oil cultivation in Iran was about 11.02 thousand hectares, according to the FAO report (FAO, 2021). This is while in 1996, the area under castor oil cultivation was higher and then decreased. Castor oil can be extracted using a variety of methods, including cold pressing, solvent extraction, and screw pressing. These methods utilize different tools and techniques to separate the oil from the castor seeds. Deserts are often associated with areas of high atmospheric pressure, particularly subtropical high-pressure zones. This high pressure is due to sinking air, which warms and dries, leading to low rainfall and desert conditions. Conversely, low-pressure systems typically bring cloudy, rainy weather, not desert conditions. Chromosomes are string-like structures that store genetic information and are located in the cell nucleus. These structures are made up of DNA and protein and pass genetic information to new cells during cell division. The number of chromosomes in a castor bean seed is 20 (2n=20). This number means that each castor bean cell has 20 chromosomes, which are located in pairs (10 pairs) in the cell nucleus. Castor (Ricinus communis) is important in Iran as a valuable plant, both medicinally and industrially. Castor oil is traditionally used in traditional medicine for various treatments and is also known as an important source for oil production in industry. In this research we concluded that castor bean plants can be cultivated in desert environments, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, due to their drought tolerance and adaptability to various soil types. While they prefer well-drained, fertile soil and a specific temperature range, castor beans can thrive with minimal rainfall and even tolerate slight soil acidity. Their deep-rooted nature allows them to draw moisture from deeper soil layers, making them suitable for water-scarce regions. In this research we concluded that the toxicity of raw castor beans depends on the percentage and size of the ricin toxin. Although the lethal dose for adults has been identified as about 4 to 8 seeds, reports of human poisoning from these seeds are very rare. In addition we concluded that Castor beans contain a highly toxic protein called ricin. During the oil extraction process, high heat inactivates and destroys this protein. After processing and purifying castor ricin, the final product is completely purified and becomes usable. Castor oil is one of the oldest medicinal plants in the world. Determining the genetic diversity of plants, including castor oil, plays an important role in identifying superior genotypes for use in plant breeding programs. For this purpose, the genetic diversity and relationship of castor oil ecotypes, resistance to salinity, and response to organic and mineral fertilizers were investigated in this study.

Without pigments, life would lack vibrancy. The natural world presents us with a kaleidoscope of colours from the lush green grass of home to the warm, ruddy hues of an autumn forest. These colours, with few exceptions, arise from natural pigments found in living organisms. Beyond providing visual appeal, pigments fulfil essential biological functions. Among the various classes of natural pigments, carotenoids stand out for their wide distribution and diverse roles in biological systems. Lycopene a red carotenoid pigment, is abundant in tomatoes, apricots, guavas, watermelons, papayas, and pink grapefruits, with tomatoes serving as the primary source in the human diet. Notably, lycopene demonstrates a strong ability to quench singlet oxygen, making it a powerful antioxidant. Its vivid colour and lack of toxicity also make it a valuable natural food colorant. In addition to its antioxidant properties and use as a natural colorant, lycopene demonstrates considerable potential in both medical and dental fields. It has been recognized as an effective adjunctive, non-invasive therapeutic agent in the management of several oral diseases, including leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, lichen planus, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, lycopene contributes to the preservation of periodontal health by preventing the breakdown of supporting tissues. This review highlights the mechanism of action, multifaceted role of lycopene, particularly emphasizing its preventative and therapeutic potential in managing a range of oral health conditions.

Background: Cancer cachexia, often referred to as cancer wasting, is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and systemic inflammation. It affects up to 80% of patients with advanced malignancy and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite increasing recognition, it remains underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical consequences, and effectiveness of interventions for cancer cachexia across malignancies. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and meta-analyses reporting prevalence, outcomes, or interventions in adult cancer patients were included. Studies were pooled using a random-effects model. Primary outcomes were prevalence and overall survival; secondary outcomes included treatment tolerance, quality of life, and intervention efficacy. Results: Forty-eight studies comprising 23,400 patients were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of cachexia was 49.2% (95% CI 43.1–54.8), highest in pancreatic (74%) and lung cancer (63%) populations. Cachexia was associated with a 41% higher risk of mortality (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.23–1.61) and reduced chemotherapy tolerance (RR 1.38). Nutritional interventions alone were insufficient, whereas multimodal approaches (nutrition, pharmacologic agents, exercise) improved weight stabilization and quality of life. Anamorelin drug showed moderate efficacy in increasing lean body mass, though survival benefit remained unproven. Conclusion: Cancer cachexia is highly prevalent and clinically significant, yet interventions remain suboptimal. Early identification and multimodal treatment should be integrated into oncology practice. Future research must focus on biomarkers, standardization of diagnostic criteria, and novel therapeutic targets.

This research analyzes the impact of Financial Constraints, Income Shifting, and Sustainability Reporting on tax avoidance, with Institutional Ownership as a moderating variable. The sample consists of 34 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2021 to 2023, using purposive sampling methods. Data were analyzed using panel data regression with EViews 12. The results indicate that Income Shifting and Sustainability Reporting significantly affect Tax Avoidance, while Financial Constraints do not impact Tax Avoidance. Additionally, Institutional Ownership moderates the effect of Income Shifting on Tax Avoidance but does not moderate the effects of Financial Constraints and Sustainability Reporting on Tax Avoidance. This study meets classical assumption tests and found no issues with multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, or autocorrelation. The findings highlight the importance of Institutional Ownership in monitoring tax avoidance and the need for transparency in sustainability reporting.

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease of tomato, primarily driven by asexual reproduction through sporangia and zoospores. This study presents the first confirmed report of self-fertile P. infestans isolates in Northeast India, capable of producing sexual oospores, signifying a major shift in the pathogen's survival strategy. Infected tomato plants collected between November and December were cultured on rye agar at 18 ± 1°C. Oospore initiation occurred after 28 days, with mature oospores averaging 35 µm in diameter. These self-fertile isolates formed oospores independently and exhibited pathogenicity as confirmed by Koch's postulates. Field observations over five years in semi-temperate conditions (10–17°C, high humidity) confirmed oospore formation in senescing tissues. This discovery suggests that P. infestans may now overwinter in soil via oospores, increasing its persistence and genetic diversity, and possibly resulting in earlier and more severe outbreaks. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated management strategies targeting both asexual and sexual propagules.

The inadequate supply of educational teaching aids and truly functional laboratories to aid teaching and learning of sciences across Nigeria, particularly Zamfara State, due to high cost incurred in acquiring them has necessitated the invention of a multifunctional mobile teaching aid and intervention laboratory for schools. The invention is a home-grown, purpose-built game changer to positively leverage the educational sector to enhance quality and effective Science, Technology. Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria. Thus, the article x-rays banditry activities in Zamfara State and feasibility of integrating mobile-laboratory-intervention for skills acquisition in Zamfara State. The study adopted a mixed method research design using both qualitative and quantitative data. Four research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population consisted of 280 principals selected from three educational zones in Zamfara State using multi-stage sampling technique. A self-designed instrument was used for data collection. The questionnaire was subjected to face-and content validity by experts in education and gave a reliability coefficient of 0.85 using Cronbach Alpha reliability test. Mean and standard deviation were used for answering the research questions while t-test analysis was used in testing the hypotheses for the study at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed no significant difference in the opinion of the respondents on the impact of banditry activities on STEM education for skills acquisition in Zamfara State. The study recommended among others that the provision of multifunctional mobile laboratory intervention, organization of workshops and conferences on the significance of STEM education should be encouraged at all levels.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health and economic concern in Saudi Arabia, affecting more than 20% of adults. Insulin remains a cornerstone in DM management, but the country relies significantly on imported products. Hence, this results in high healthcare expenditures and variable availability. In line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has prioritized the localization of insulin manufacturing to ensure sustainable access, reduce import dependency, and enhance national health security. This paper explores the clinical, economic, and policy implications of localizing insulin production in the Kingdom. The current work used a case study methodology to assess the feasibility, challenges, and strategic opportunities for the domestic production of innovative insulins, such as Degludec and IDegAsp. The study supports the development of public-private partnerships, investment in biotechnology infrastructure, and regulatory reform to foster a robust local biopharmaceutical ecosystem. By 2027, Saudi Arabia aims to meet 50% of its insulin demand through local production, making it the first country in the GCC region to produce innovative insulin. This initiative is expected to promote affordability and position the Kingdom as a leader in insulin innovation.

The integration of neuroanatomophysiology and neuropsychopharmacology links the structural and functional organization of the nervous system with the pharmacological modulation of neural processes, cognition, mood, and behavior, creating an interdisciplinary bridge between neuroscience and clinical practice. Differentiating neurodivergence, understood as natural variations in brain structure and function, from neurological disorders, involving impairments or degenerative processes, is essential for diagnostic accuracy and social inclusivity. Advances in neuroimaging, biomarkers, and targeted pharmacotherapies have enabled earlier detection, better characterization, and personalized interventions. This study aimed to analyze how these fields interact in understanding, diagnosing, and treating neurodivergence and neurological disorders through an integrative bibliographic review. Searches in SciELO, LILACS, BVSMS, and Google Scholar used controlled descriptors and free-text terms, with inclusion of qualitative review articles in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Data extraction emphasized objectives, methods, and findings, prioritizing methodological rigor to integrate theoretical and applied perspectives for improved clinical outcomes.

The BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has become a unified economic bloc that is busily reshaping the frontiers of world governance. Representing more than forty percent of the global population and a growing portion of world GDP, BRICS expresses a different vision of multilateralism, which systematically challenges the normative and institutional dominance of the Western order. This paper conceptualizes BRICS as a norm-entrepreneurial alliance that has the goal of transforming the global orders in finance, trade, and development cooperation without compromising the values of state sovereignty, policy autonomy, and South-South solidarity. This study is based on constructivist international relations theory and the global political economy of institutional change to provide a complete analysis. The qualitative discourse analysis of BRICS summit declarations between 2009 and 2024 and policy communiques is enhanced with the quantitative analysis of the trade, investment, and financial-flow indicators retrieved at the World Bank, IMF, and UNCTAD. The analysis has shown that BRICS has played a tangible role in the spread of multipolar governance norms, and it has also helped to introduce parallel institutions, including the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement. However, the ability of BRICS to cause major transformation is constrained by domestic imbalance in economic strength, political systems, and strategic goals among the participants. The findings have established that though BRICS could drive a more inclusive and equitable global order, its potential is limited to a large extent due to deep gaps between members of the bloc in terms of economic power, political frameworks, and strategic concerns. BRICS exemplifies the irony of global change by shaking the existing power order and at the same time relying on it to maintain stability the multi-faceted nature of reform and continuity that characterizes the modern age of global change. It is important to recognize this duality to comprehend the way international governance is changing in the modern multipolar and highly contested world.