Human communities traditionally rely heavily on moving people, goods, and knowledge. Higher degrees of accessibility and a notable rise in mobility have coincided with modern economic processes. While this tendency dates back to the Industrial Revolution, it picked up speed in the second half of the 20th century with the liberalization of trade, the emergence of economic blocs, and the effective exploitation of global labour and resources. This study applies neo-realism, a theoretical paradigm emphasising the anarchic nature of the international system and the primacy of state interests, to examine the geopolitical consequences of multilateral corridors in the Middle East. The research examines how major infrastructure projects serve as tools of power projection, economic security, and regional influence. It focuses on major initiatives like the Iraq Development Road (Dry Canal), the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the proposed IMEC corridor. The study offers a thorough analysis of the strategic dynamics supporting these corridors by combining a variety of qualitative research techniques, such as literature review, content analysis, and comparison analysis. The results show that while international corridors present issues with sovereignty, reliance, and possible conflicts, they also act as arenas for great power competition, regional power dynamics, and alliance formation. The study provides insights into the strategic manoeuvres of state actors and the underlying power structures influencing regional stability and development by placing these corridors within the larger framework of Middle Eastern geopolitics. This helps to clarify the intricate interplay of competition and cooperation that shapes the region's evolving infrastructure landscape.

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor originating from smooth muscle cells, most commonly affecting the uterus, retroperitoneum, and extremities, while primary involvement of the abdominal wall is exceptionally uncommon. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with a progressively enlarging mass on the left abdominal wall over six months. Imaging studies revealed a 10 × 3.9 × 13 cm well-defined lesion arising from the external oblique muscle, without intra-abdominal extension or distant metastasis. A core needle biopsy demonstrated spindle-shaped tumor cells with elongated, hyperchromatic nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for smooth muscle actin (SMA), h-caldesmon, vimentin, CD68, and CD45, and negativity for pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), desmin, CD34, S100, myogenin, MDM2, and EMA, confirming the diagnosis of a pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma rich in osteoclast-like giant cells (FNCLCC grade III). The patient underwent wide local excision with tumor-free (R0) margins. She did not receive adjuvant radiotherapy due to financial constraints. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis and clear resection margins. At six months of follow-up, there was no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis. This case highlights the rarity of primary leiomyosarcoma of the abdominal wall and underscores the importance of imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for diagnosis. Complete surgical excision with negative margins remains the mainstay of treatment, and long-term follow-up is essential due to the risk of recurrence and metastasis.

Objectives: To analyze the existing literature on the outcomes of metformin usage among prediabetic patients. Methods: A thorough search across four databases identified 914 relevant publications. After removing duplicates using Rayyan QCRI and screening for relevance, 77 full-text articles were reviewed, with 6 studies ultimately meeting the criteria for inclusion. Results: We included six studies with a total of 295 pre-diabetic patients and 197 (66.8%) were females. Across the included studies, metformin demonstrated consistent benefits in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering fasting glucose and HbA1c levels, particularly when combined with lifestyle interventions such as exercise. Several studies showed delayed or reduced progression to type 2 diabetes (T2D). Metformin was especially effective in individuals with higher baseline fasting plasma glucose or insulin resistance. Adverse effects were minimal and infrequently reported. However, metformin alone was not universally effective in preventing diabetes, emphasizing the importance of combined interventions. Conclusion: Metformin is a safe and effective adjunct therapy for delaying or preventing T2D in individuals with prediabetes, particularly when used alongside lifestyle changes. Early initiation may offer greater benefits in preserving insulin function and reducing β-cell stress. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and optimal patient selection criteria.

This study focuses on the successful production and detailed characterization of surfactant-aided bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanoparticles (NPs), designed specifically to enhance their use in environmental remediation. The BiVO4 NPs were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method, followed by the addition of a surfactant before the final calcination step. The researchers proposed that this surfactant-assisted approach would allow for precise control over the particle size, morphology, and surface area, which, in turn, would significantly boost the material's catalytic action. The resulting BiVO4 NPs were thoroughly analyzed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red microscopy (FTIR), Energy dispersive X-ray microscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). These tests confirmed the formation of crystalline BiVO4 NPs with highly desirable structural and optical properties, particularly strong visible-light absorption. The prepared BiVO4 NPs demonstrated exceptional efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants (such as selected dyes or pharmaceuticals) when exposed to visible light. The rate of degradation was markedly superior to that achieved by BiVO4 synthesized without the surfactant. This enhanced performance is attributed to the resulting better charge separation and an increased number of available active sites on the nanoparticle surface. Furthermore, the surfactant-functionalized BiVO4 NPs also exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains, thereby establishing the material as a truly multi-functional agent. The combined, improved performance in both photocatalysis and antibacterial activity positions these surfactant-assisted BiVO4 NPs as a promising, cost-effective, and highly active nanomaterial for advanced applications in wastewater treatment and the preservation of public health.

The coconut or Cocos nucifera L., is a traditional plant that is treasured across the world for its many uses beyond its delicious taste and refreshing water. Coconuts harbor a rich array of phytochemicals, that include terpenoids contributing to their nutritional value and therapeutic potential. This review embarks on a journey to unveil the diverse profile and nutritional perspectives of terpenoids in coconut possessing health-promoting properties. Terpenoids, comprising a variety of compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenoids, exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby bestowing health benefits on consumption. Understanding the pharmacology of terpenoids in coconut and its nutritional implications helps for maximizing its utilization in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of phytoconstituent (terpenoids) in coconuts as a source of bioactive compounds and highlight avenues for future research that harness their full potential for human health and well-being.

This study examines the effect of credit risk management (CRM) on the financial performance of Saudi Arabian banks and investigates whether this relationship differs between Islamic and conventional banking models. Using panel data from 40 banks covering 2020–2024, the study incorporates key credit-risk indicators including NPLA/PLAL, PLAL/TLA, NPLA/TLA, TLA/TAS, and LDR and applies multiple regression and group-comparison tests. The results reveal that CRM significantly influences profitability, with higher non-performing loan ratios reducing ROE, while stronger lending intensity (LDR) and higher loan concentration (TLA/TAS) enhance performance. Comparative tests indicate substantial differences in credit-risk profiles across bank types but no significant difference in financial performance levels. However, interaction-term analysis demonstrates that the impact of credit-risk indicators on ROE varies meaningfully between Islamic and commercial banks. Overall, the findings underscore CRM’s essential role in sustaining profitability and highlight the moderating effect of banking model structures within Saudi Arabia’s Basel-aligned regulatory environment.

During the production of cement, a significant amount of CO2 emissions is generated. To address this issue, Lime Stone Calcinated Clay (LC3) was introduced in cement as a sustainable alternative, reducing the use of cement by 40-50% by replacing LC3 in the cement. This study investigates the effectiveness of LC3 in the hydration process, microstructural analysis, and sustainability. At the time of hydration, calcium hydroxide was generated, which, when mixed with metakaolin, produced a significant amount of CSH gel, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength and microstructural properties. Sturdy carboaluminates are created when limestone and aluminates interact, increasing chloride and sulfate resistance. Geometrical stability is ensured by controlled ettringite development and calcium Aluminate Ferrite trisubstituted (Aft)- Alumina-Ferric oxide-mono (AFm) transitions, although reinforcement is sustained by carbonation resistance. LC³ attains mechanical and durability properties when compared with conventional cement by decreasing emissions by reducing approximately 50% clinker factor and calcination temperatures from 700-900 °C.