Diphtheria remains a significant public health concern in India despite the availability of routine immunization. This survey-based review analyzes national surveillance data (2020–2024), WHO–UNICEF immunization reports, and responses from frontline healthcare workers to assess the current trends, antitoxin accessibility, and challenges in early diagnosis. Findings indicate a shift in disease burden from young children to adolescents and young adults, mainly due to waning immunity and low booster-dose coverage. Limited availability of Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), delays in procurement, and cold-chain constraints continue to affect timely case management across several states. Early diagnosis also remains difficult because initial symptoms resemble common upper respiratory infections, primary-care staff have limited training, and rapid diagnostic tools are not uniformly available. Overall, the survey highlights an urgent need for improved booster-dose coverage, decentralized DAT stock management, and stronger early-detection systems to reduce diphtheria-related morbidity and mortality in India.

This study was conducted to assess genetic variability for maturity and panicle components in rice. A set of 22 F5:6 lines along with their 13 parents genotypes were assessed in randomize complete block design (RCBD) with three replications grown at Agricultural Research Station, Baffa Mansehra during 2023 growing season. The data were recorded on seven morphological traits. Highly significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) were also detected across parental lines and F6 progenies for all traits. ‘Swatai 2014’ showed the maximum heading (80 days) among the parents, and ‘Dilrosh’ the shortest maturity period (101 days). Fakhre Malakand had maximum number of primary branches per panicle (12), while it was Swat 2 for maximum secondary branches per panicle (30.1). Among the F6 lines, ARS-185 and ARS-201 took least days to heading (89 days) while ARS-201 took least days to mature (121 days). ARS-245 had the greatest value for number of primary branches per panicle (11.7) whereas line ARS-155 had the maximum value for number of secondary branches per panicle (28.3). Days to maturity (0.92) had the highest heritability estimates followed by days to heading (0.86) and culm length (0.81). Flag leaf area (24.36%), culm length (25.86%) and secondary branches per panicle (18.46%) exhibited high genetic advance as percent of mean. The better performance of ARS-201, ARS-245, and ARS-155 on maturity and panicle attributes indicated a useful trait that implied on utilization in multi-location yield trials.

Traditional methods of wastewater treatment, in the past, have aimed at removing pollutants and compliance to regulations as a result of which have proven to be inefficiency and resource wastage. Nevertheless, growing demands of water scarcity, climate change, and requirements to adopt a circular economy have fuelled the shift into next-generation biological processes, which redefine the concept of wastewater as a resource, as opposed to a waste stream. This review assesses critically emerging paradigms in biological treatment that go beyond traditional activated sludge systems and incorporate the new developments in the fields of microbial ecology, synthetic biology and bioelectrochemical systems and nature-inspired engineering. Special focus is made on new microbial consortia, designed metabolic routes, and system-wide process advancement that allow the recovery of nutrients, generation of bioenergy, and the manufacture of value-added biochemicals in a better way. The article also assesses the role of hybrid biological systems in the treatment of wastewater under energy-neutral or energy-positive processes, including microbial electrochemical systems and algae-bacteria systems. The problem of techno-economic feasibility, operational resilience, and scalability are discussed systematically to reduce the gap between the innovation over the laboratory scale and its application in the real world. This article identifies the key gaps in knowledge, regulatory issues, and barriers to integration that may not be able to be easily adopted since they point to the recent advances in various fields. Finally, the review also provides a future-based structure of planning sustainable wastewater treatment processes in accordance with a circular bioeconomy, with future-generational biological processes being the core elements of the future water infrastructure in cities and industry.

Competitive sports demand not only physical excellence but also psychological resilience, yet the silent mental struggles and anxiety experienced by athletes remain largely underappreciated. Thus, the paper examines the domain of silent mental struggles and anxiety experienced by competitors across athletic and professional sports performance settings. While visible aspects of competition receive substantial attention from coaches, psychologists and support staff, the internal psychological battles that unfold away from the spotlight remain critically under-addressed. The conceptualization of "silent" struggle refers to the internalized, unexpressed cognitive and emotional distress that competitors frequently conceal due to fears of appearing weak, losing competitive standing, or disappointing teammates and mentors. Findings indicate that performance anxiety often operates through a dual pathway: facilitative anxiety, which can enhance focus and drive and debilitative anxiety, which impairs concentration, elevates perceived threat and triggers maladaptive coping mechanisms such as avoidance, perfectionistic paralysis or substance use. Psychoeducational interventions, cognitive restructuring techniques and peer-support models show promise, yet implementation remains inconsistent across levels of competition. Ultimately, the silent mental struggle is not merely a welfare concern but a performance imperative. Recognizing anxiety as a universal, manageable aspect of high-stakes engagement can transform how competitors, coaches and institutions approach mental preparation, resilience training and long-term athlete development.

Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) is a chemical convulsant that can generate seizure in humans and rodents which mirror the effects of naturally occurring pathological seizure disorders. This study aimed to investigate the role of methanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (METT) on neurological behavior and motor coordination in PTZ-induced epilepsy in male mice. A total of 50 mice were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=10) as: Control (0.2ml saline orally); PTZ (single dose 35kg/mg s.c); Diazepam (1ml/100g-i.p) used as reference control; Low dose (LD: 400mg/kg) and High dose (HD: 800mg/kg) of METT was administered orally for 14 days after which PTZ (single dose, 35kg/mg s.c) was induced on the 22nd day. Seizure was confirmed using the Racine scale. Neurological test include; open field test (OFT) and social behavior test (recognition memory) and fine motor coordination using beam balance. These behavioral studies were performed 24 hours after the completion of the PTZ dose. OFT results showed that METT extract and diazepam significantly reduced locomotor activity (line crossing and rearing), but HD of METT suppresses line crossing better than diazepam. Centre square duration did not differ significantly, but METT extract and diazepam significantly reverse exploratory behavior (stretch attend posture and freezing duration). METT extracts was more potent than diazepam in ameliorating the abnormal social behavior posed by PTZ. Mice treated with diazepam and METT extract showed fine motor coordination which reduced the beam crossing time. METT may have anti-epileptic effect against PTZ-induced epilepsy in mice, and could be a better remedy than diazepam against epileptic seizures.

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in ionic liquids (ILs) solvent has been adopted as a greener alternative to conventional organic solvent reaction media, due to their environmentally benign and tunable physicochemical properties benefits. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) using imidazolium-based ionic liquids (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ([EMIM]MS) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ([BMIM]MS) as both solvent and stabilizing agents, via a chemical reduction pathway. The NiNPs were characterized by UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The UV-Vis analysis showed broad surface plasmon resonance bands between 300 and 350 nm, confirming NiNP formation, with spectral shifts revealing smaller particles in [EMIM]MS compared to [BMIM]MS. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic bands for O–H, C–H, C–C, and C–N vibrations, indicating strong coordination between ionic liquid molecules and the nickel surface. SEM micrographs showed that NiNPs synthesized in [EMIM]MS were smaller (45–60 nm), spherical, and uniformly dispersed, and those obtained in [BMIM]MS were larger (60–80 nm) with slight aggregation. Synthesis was also done in ethylene glycol and the resulting NPs were irregular and aggregated. These results confirm that imidazolium-based ILs enable controlled synthesis and stabilization of nickel nanoparticles, providing a green and efficient route for nanomaterial production.

The study empirically examined the relationship between electronic payment system adoption and marketing success of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The population of this study comprises the customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. There are 4,461,546 registered customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt (National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, 2025, www.nigerianstat.gov.ng). The researcher employed the Taro Yamen Formula to reduce the population to a reasonable sample size. The study has 4,461,546 customers of Electricity Distribution Company in Port Harcourt, which implies that the population of the study is known and cluster sampling technique, was therefore used to determine the sample size of 399 through the use of Taro Yamene’s formula. Multiple regression analysis was used with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 21) analyze to the data. The study concludes that Based on the findings of the results, the study concludes that electronic payment system adoption strongly and positively relates with marketing success of electricity distribution companies in Port Harcourt as it creates a means of enhancing and increasing customer’s satisfaction which in-turn leads to customer loyalty. The study further recommends that, electricity distribution companies should ensure that e-wallet applications must always follow trends or developments in online consumer consumption patterns in Port Harcourt.

This study examined the relationship between taxation and the growth of the agricultural sector in Nigeria using annual time series data spanning from 1994 to 2024. The research employed an ex-post facto research design and relied on secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was adopted as the estimation technique to analyze both the short-run dynamics and long-run relationships among the variables. The tax revenue variables examined include personal income tax (PIT), capital gains tax (CGT), value-added tax (VAT), customs and excise duties (CED), and stamp duties (STD), while agricultural sector output served as the dependent variable. The results from the long-run ARDL regression revealed that personal income tax had a positive and statistically significant impact on agricultural output, suggesting that higher personal income tax revenues may enhance government capacity to invest in the agricultural sector. Conversely, capital gains tax, value-added tax, customs and excise duties, and stamp duties all showed significant negative effects on agricultural development, indicating that these forms of taxation may inhibit agricultural productivity or reflect inefficiencies in public expenditure allocation. The study concludes that while some forms of tax revenue, such as personal income tax, can positively contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector, others may have detrimental effects, especially when not reinvested effectively into agricultural infrastructure, research, and extension services. The findings imply a need for a more strategic and sector-focused tax policy that balances revenue generation with the imperative of stimulating agricultural growth. Based on these findings, the study recommends that government authorities should ensure that revenues from personal income tax are effectively channelled into agricultural development programs. Tax policies should be restructured to reduce the negative impacts of other forms of taxation on agricultural activities. Efforts should also be made to enhance transparency and accountability in the utilization of tax revenue to ensure that funds are directed toward critical areas such as irrigation, mechanization, rural infrastructure, and agro-processing.

Quantum chemical study of some thiomethyl quinolines on inhibition of aluminium corrosion in hydrochloric acid and effect of thiomethyl group at 5,6 and 8 position on quinoline was investigated theoretically with the aid of material studio using density functional theory (DFT). The simulations were performed by means of the DFT electronic program DMol3 using the Mulliken population analysis in the Material Studio. DMol3 permits analysis of the electronic structures and energies of molecules, solids and surfaces. The analysis of the quantum chemical parameters, the adsorption parameters form the simulation of the molecules, the Mulliken and Hirshfeld values of the fukui indices for the three molecules of the 5-TMQ (5-thiomethylquinoline), 6-TMQ (6-thiomethylquinoline) and 8-TMQ (8-thiomethylquinoline) indicated that all the three molecules exhibits very high potential for inhibition of aluminium corrosion in HCl environment, with 8-TMQ being the best among all. The most popular parameters which play a prominent role are the eigen values of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), the HOMO-LUMO gap (ΔE), chemical hardness and softness, electro-negativity and the number of electrons transferred from inhibitor molecule to the metal surface. All the molecules showed a very good corrosion inhibition tendency, however, 8-TMQ molecule gives better aluminium corrosion inhibition potential than other two molecules. The orientation of the thiomethyl substituent on the core quinoline was found to be responsible for intra-molecular hydrogen bonding which leads to weaker attraction to the aluminium surface for the 6-TMQ and 5-TMQ molecules hence lower corrosion inhibition tendency than 8-TMQ molecule despite having the same molecular mass.

Jalinūs (Galen), a Greek physician, writer, and philosopher, made significant contributions to the advancement of medical knowledge and conducted numerous dissections and observations of the brain and nerves, providing detailed descriptions of their structures and functions. His contributions to the nervous system anatomy and disease theory were significant, and he was the first to identify the brain as the site of termination for all five senses, which laid the foundation for further research into the functions of the nervous system. His theories on the nervous system were revolutionary, challenging prevailing beliefs and paving the way for further research, and his anatomical drawings and descriptions helped uncover the neuromuscular system under the control of the brain, as well as the structure and function of the respiratory and speech systems. Additionally, his studies on respiration and the recurrent laryngeal nerve solidified the idea that the brain is the site of rational power guiding human behavior. Furthermore, he differentiated sensory from motor nerves by palpation and believed the brain and nerves were responsible for sensation and thought. Jalinūs’ work on the nervous system, which included the vivisection of animals, laid the groundwork for future discoveries and advancements in the field. Despite these controversies, Jalinūs (Galen) remains significant and continues to influence modern medical practice. In this paper, we have reviewed the contributions of Jalinūs (Galen) to the advancement of knowledge in the anatomy of the nervous system.

Present research work was aimed to study preliminary wound healing activity of different extracts of aerial parts of Enicostema axillare using incision and excision wound models in experimental animals. Aerial parts of Enicostema axillare was extracted successively with petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous solvents and obtained respective extracts. Each extract was tested qualitatively for detection of phytochemicals present in extracts using various chemical tests. Pharmacological screening of all extracts were performed using incision and excision wound models in experimental animals. Wound healing effect was observed by measurement of tensile strength of wound tissue of animals from incision model. Wound contraction measurement and biochemical estimation of wound tissue was performed in excision wound model. Results of present study was confirmed that methanol extract of Enicostema axillare was showed significant (P<0.05) increase in tensile strength of wound tissue on 9th day. Higher percentage of wound contraction was observed with methanol extract between day 8-16th and complete healing was observed on 18th day. This fast healing also supported by significant (P<0.05) increase in hydroxyproline and protein content of wound tissue in excision model. Effect was compared with the marketed formulation (Povidone-Iodine ointment). In conclusion, healing effect of methanol extract of Enicostema axillare may be contributed by phenolic compounds, flavonoids and glycosides present in the extract.

Refinery wastewater has been causing environmental pollution with serious adverse health effects and environmental destruction. This study aims at evaluating the capacity of cassava peels and sugarcane bagasse biosorbents in removing heavy metals, and organic pollutants from the oil refinery wastewater. The proximate and minerals composition of the cassava peels (CP) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was determined using the method of AOAC. The pH, turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were determined using digital pH meter, turbidity meter, 5-Day BOD test, and colorimetric technique, respectively. The heavy metals, phenol, and total oil and grease (TOG) content was estimated using AAS and colorimetric method of AOAC. Batch adsorption test was conducted using completely mixed batch reactors (CMBR) method. The results showed that CP and SCB contain significant (p < 0.05) amount of ash (5.38 %, 2.15 %), fiber (20.63 %, 3.83 %), carbohydrate (7.87 %, 27.64 %), proteins (1.87 %, 1.42 %), moisture (1.20 %, 14.99 %), and lipids (2.52 %, 4.22 %), respectively. The CP (3.72mg/100g, 5.41mg/100g, 8.1mg/100g, 3.00mg/100g, 6.52mg/100g, and 4.26mg/100g) contain high significant (p < 0.05) amount of sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and copper compared with that of the SCB (2.33mg/100g, 2.10 mg/100g, 5.40mg/100g, 1.88mg/100g, 2.09mg/100g, and 2.14mg/100g), respectively. The pH value of the wastewater sample treated with the biosorbents was significantly (p < 0.05) high compared with the pH value of the untreated wastewater sample. At significant (p < 0.05) reduction in turbidity, COD, and BOD was observed in the wastewater sample treated with combination of the biosorbents compared with the untreated wastewater. The wastewater sample treated with combination of the biosorbents demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decreased in phenol and TOG content compared with the untreated wastewater. The biosorbents exhibited high removal efficiency against cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium up to 65.70 %, 80.30 %, 52.46 %, and 72.70 %, respectively. The biosorbents displayed a methylene blue and Congo red dye removal efficiency of 85.66 % and 74.23 %, respectively. The R2 value of lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, methylene blue and congo red dye for Langmuir isotherm model is higher than that for Freundlich isotherm model. Thus, the experimental equilibrium data for heavy metals and the dyes were best fitted to the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model.

Among the driving forces of sustainable economic growth in South Asia, digital financial inclusion has turned out to be one of the most powerful especially when we consider the fast technological change and huge growth of fintech ecosystems. This paper discusses how Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) influences the sustainable economic growth of the South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal that are the focus of this paper. The study follows a descriptive and analytical approach to research. It uses primary data that were collected from 275 respondents, and secondary data that were obtained from international databases such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Regression and correlation analyses were carried out to assess the extent of association between digital financial inclusion indicators and sustainable growth indicators. The results indicate that Digital Financial Inclusion has a significantly positive effect on Sustainable Economic Growth (B= 0. 267, p < 0. 05). Moreover, the correlation results reveal a moderate positive correlation (r = 0. 452, p < 0. 01) between digital financial inclusion and the indicators of sustainable growth. The comparative analysis shows that countries with a higher adoption rate of digital payments, internet penetration, and financial account ownership have a better sustainability performance. Even though the explanatory power of DFI is limited, the paper verified through its analysis that digital financial ecosystems are enabling factors for entrepreneurship, SME expansion, employment creation, and poverty alleviation. The study argues that digital financial inclusion is one of the driving forces for sustainable development in South Asia but not its sole factor, thus highlighting the importance of complementary institutional and policy reforms.

Hybrid composite structures (e.g., carbon–glass laminates, fiber–metal laminates, and multi-material sandwich panels) offer superior stiffness-to-weight performance but exhibit complex, multi-mode damage mechanisms such as matrix cracking, fiber breakage, delamination, and interface debonding. These damage modes are often difficult to detect early and expensive to simulate at full structural scale with high fidelity. This paper proposes an integrated framework that combines multi-scale progressive damage simulation with machine learning (ML)–assisted damage inference and load optimization. At the microscale and mesoscale, damage initiation and evolution are captured using established composite failure criteria and degradation laws (e.g., Hashin-type mechanisms), while structural-scale response is computed using reduced-order surrogates calibrated from multi-scale results. On the data side, guided-wave/shock-response features and simulated strain-field descriptors are mapped to damage states using supervised and uncertainty-aware ML models. Finally, a load optimization module minimizes peak interlaminar stresses and damage growth rate under service constraints. A case study on a hybrid laminate panel demonstrates that the proposed pipeline can (i) identify early delamination and matrix cracking signatures with high classification performance, and (ii) reduce damage-driving stress metrics through ML-guided load redistribution.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize longitudinal evidence on the natural changes in orthodontic treatment need among children and adolescents, with a specific focus on identifying malocclusion traits that demonstrate a potential for spontaneous correction over time. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, SienceDirect, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from inception to November 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were longitudinal cohorts assessing children and adolescents in mixed or early permanent dentition, with no prior orthodontic treatment at baseline. Outcomes included changes in treatment need measured by indices like the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) or Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and observed self-correction of specific malocclusion traits. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Four prospective cohort studies (n=1,253 participants) were included. The evidence revealed a non-linear trajectory of malocclusion prevalence, characterized by an initial decrease from primary to mixed dentition, followed by an increase in early permanent dentition. Despite this, a net decrease in treatment need was observed for many individuals during the transition from mixed to permanent dentition, with one study reporting decreased DAI scores for 60.8% of children. High rates of spontaneous correction were documented for specific traits: anterior open bite (87-99%), Class II malocclusion (83%), and unilateral posterior crossbite (83%). Nevertheless, a persistent, clinically significant treatment need remained, with 22% of 11.5-year-olds classified as having severe or extreme need. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment need in children is dynamic, not static. While significant self-correction occurs for traits like anterior open bite and posterior crossbite, a substantial proportion of children develop a definitive need for intervention by early permanent dentition. These findings underscore the importance of longitudinal monitoring and cautious timing of orthodontic assessments, particularly during mixed dentition when transient traits may overestimate true long-term need.