Nara University

Abstract Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases (VBZDs) remain a critical global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries and driving significant morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on nano-enabled smart drug delivery system (SDDS) within the One Health framework, emphasizing their role in advancing targeted therapy, controlled release, and theranostics for VBZD management. Nano-enabled platforms such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, metal–organic frameworks, and biomimetic carriers are designed for stimuli-responsive and site-specific delivery, enhancing therapeutic precision, lowering dosing frequency, and reducing the risk of drug resistance. Controlled-release formulations of agents such as artemisinin derivatives, amphotericin B, and ivermectin have demonstrated superior efficacy in the treatment of malaria and leishmaniasis, and in vector control applications. Targeted delivery strategies extend beyond human therapies to address viral reservoirs, infected macrophages, and arthropod vectors, highlighting the cross-species applications central to One Health. Theranostic innovations combine imaging and therapy to enable early disease detection, real-time monitoring, and the design of adaptive treatment strategies. Applications span human, animal, and environmental domains, from nanovaccines and veterinary antimicrobials to nanoparticle-based larvicides and biosensors for vector surveillance. Future directions underscore the integration of AI-driven nanodesign, scalable and eco-friendly synthesis, and harmonized regulatory frameworks to increase accessibility in resource-limited settings. Although clinical trials are limited, ongoing translational efforts indicate the transformative potential of nanomedicine in VBZD control. Ultimately, integrating nano-enabled SDDS into a One Health framework provides a sustainable and collaborative approach to reduce the global burden of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.

Purpose In the light of growing environmental problems and the urgent need to achieve the COP targets, this study seeks to evaluate the influence of human capital (HC), digitalization (ICT) and R&D on environmental quality. This study further tests the moderating role of government effectiveness in moderating the relationship between pertinent variables. Design/methodology/approach The target region for this study was South Asia, and the data time period was 1996–2023. Data were gathered from secondary data sources, such as World Development Indicators (WDI) and Global Footprint Network (GFN). Long-run association between the variables was checked through Westerlund cointegration, Causality among the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test. The final results of the study were estimated through Fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) regression. Findings Our analysis shows that HC reduces carbon emissions (CO2) and ecological footprint (EFP). Interestingly, this positive effect is intensified under the umbrella of effective governance. However, ICT tends to increase CO2 and EFP and, surprisingly, the governance makes this impact even worse. R&D is found to have a positive impact on CO2 and a negative impact on EFP. However, under the umbrella of effective governance, the CO2 impact of R&D becomes less harmful, and its significant contribution to reducing the ecological footprint becomes more effective. Originality/value This research not only enhances existing knowledge but also offers critical insights for policymakers. It helps to achieve COP targets and sustainability initiatives in the region.

In this research work, a ratio‐dependent prey–predator system is investigated for bifurcation and stability analysis. The unique existence of the solution, boundedness, and positivity of the temporal model is derived. Stability analysis of positive steady states is analyzed. Stable and unstable regions for both equilibria are drawn in different parametric spaces. The parametric plots for the different initial conditions are drawn. The diffusive prey–predator model is analyzed for the bifurcation and stability regions. It is observed that the stability regions under the effect of diffusion are increased. To gain the numerical solution of the spatially extended prey–predator model, the operator splitting scheme is derived. The scheme preserves the positivity and other important features of the continuous model. Lastly, a test problem is considered to visualize the accuracy of our scheme. To show the physical behavior of the scheme, 3D and 2D plots are drawn, which clearly show the dynamics of the scheme. Theoretical results are supported by simulations.

Hylocereus undatus (Haworth) Britton and Rose is a popular and extensively used medicinal herb, especially in Asia, which encompasses several medicinal phytochemicals that possess curative properties. This study explored its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antidiarrheal properties by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS)‐based identification of bioactive compounds along with an in silico study. Leaf extract of H. undatus was prepared using n ‐hexane. In vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. In vivo antidiabetic activity was determined by oral glucose tolerance test, and antidiarrheal activity was assessed via castor oil–induced diarrhea in mice. The bioactive compounds were identified via GC–MS. An in silico study was done by a computer‐aided model using the α‐amylase protein. The phytochemical screening exhibited a wide variety of plant metabolites. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, total tannin, and total antioxidant capacity were estimated as 29.73 ± 0.33 mg of GAE/g, 69.3 ± 6.61 mg of QE/g, 14.35 ± 0.221 mg of GAE/g, and 115.58 ± 1.43 mg of AAE/g, respectively. The OGTT test of the extract at 500 mg/kg produced a noteworthy ( p < 0.01) reduction in BGL at 30 min (14.6%), 60 min (26.4%), 90 min (40.9%), and 120 min (49.4%) post‐treatment compared to the control group. In the castor oil–induced diarrhea model, nHE (500 mg/kg, 39.58%) significantly ( p < 0.01) delayed diarrhea onset and reduced total feces. The extent of these activities resembled that of standard loperamide (5 mg/kg, 58.33%). GC–MS identified 72 compounds, including β‐amyrone, lupeol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and vitamin E. In silico study also validated the potentialities of constituents of H. undatus . This is the first integrated study combining in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches to elucidate the pharmacological potential of H. undatus leaves, highlighting the extract as a promising source of therapeutic candidates. Further mechanistic studies are warranted.

This study aims to highlight the issue of gender discrimination faced by women and treatment of men to them as a subdominant group based on patriarchic mindset in Pakistan. The major concern of research is to discuss the portrayal of identity crisis, gender bigotry, power of men dominated language and silencing of women in Hijabistan as a feminist discourse. This discourse is a collection of short stories written by Pakistani Feminist writer Sabyn Javeri giving an account of way women are treated in a patriarchic Pakistani society. This collection with all its protagonists being female is an eye opening, thought provoking and socially addressing piece of literature. This study will highlight the theme of suffering based on superior patriarchic mindset. Muted group theory is used as the theoretical framework of research. The selected discourse is analyzed using qualitative methods in light of the theory. The findings of study aim at pointing out reasons women face identity crisis due to silencing and dominance. It shows the association of language with establishing a dominant common discourse in practice. Study highlights women in Pakistan as a sub dominant group and the reasons behind this. It highlighted the portrayal of real life social issue in Pakistani literature and its importance.

Purpose: This study explores and analyzes the various leadership traits within the context of contemporary management practices to develop the organization; focusing on ‘Fashion Maker Ltd.’ by analyzing and applying the theoretical insights of a real-world case study. Research Methodology: Various leadership philosophies and their implications for business firms have been studied through literature review and one case study on ‘Fashion Maker Ltd. Has been focused to get the practical insights of leadership practices. A structured questionnaire with open-ended and close-ended questions, 100 employees from Fashion Maker Ltd were surveyed through random sampling techniques to ensure the equal chance of participating opportunities. Results: In this study, several important traits for effective leadership, including emotional intelligence, integrity and communication skills have been found more highlighted to positively correlated with higher levels of employee satisfaction and perceived organizational success. Limitations: Limited sample size of 100 employees from a single company may not fully represent the broader population. Contribution: This study will provide the valuable insights into the specific traits that contribute on organizational success through effective leadership. Novelty: Combining a theoretical review with a case study provides a unique perspective on letting know the leadership theories application in real world scenario.

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), treatment decisions are guided by clinical judgment based on disease manifestations and safety profiles rather than standardized protocols, particularly for extra-renal involvement. In this study of 356 SLE patients, 190 receiving non-biologic immunosuppressants and 166 receiving biologics, we investigated the association of clinical phenotypes with treatment initiation and the impact of damage (SLICC-DI), comorbidities, and hospitalization history on these choices. Dominant clinical phenotypes were defined qualitatively using BILAG and SLEDAI domains. Logistic regression models with Simes-Hochberg correction revealed that renal phenotypes were strongly associated with mycophenolate initiation (OR = 4.09, p < 0.001), musculoskeletal phenotypes with methotrexate (OR = 4.86, p < 0.001). Belimumab was preferentially initiated in patients with musculoskeletal involvement and high SLEDAI scores (OR = 1.84, p = 0.03; OR = 2.03, p = 0.03, respectively). Notably, the association between mycophenolate and the renal phenotype persisted in the presence of comorbidities but was not observed in patients with SLICC-DI > 0 or more than one hospitalization in the previous year. Similarly, methotrexate and belimumab associations were diminished in patients with a Charlson comorbidity index > 1 or damage (SLICC-DI > 0). This study offers novel insights into the clinical determinants of immunosuppressive therapy selection in SLE and underscore the potential for tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient profiles.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-19654-8.

Head-tilting motions are notable social cues that have a significant impact on human-robot interaction, since prior studies suggest they can enhance the feeling of kawaii given by a robot. Kawaii, a Japanese term referring to cuteness or endearment, is an emotional response that has proven critical for designing socially acceptable robots. However, the influence of head-tilting characteristics remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigate how variations in both the speed and direction of head-tilting motion affect the feeling of kawaii, as well as investigate the effectiveness of hand gestures during the motion. Moreover, we explore whether the kawaii characteristics of an object can be transferred to its surrounding objects, i.e. the kawaii spillover effect, by using the robot and its outfits. We conduct web surveys for three different purposes. First, the feeling of kawaii toward the robot is enhanced when it tilts its head to its right (from participant’s viewpoint) within 0.5–1 s. Second, the hand gesture (hands-on-cheeks) along with the head-tilting motion also enhances the feeling of kawaii toward the robot. Finally, this head-tilting motion with the hands-on-cheeks gesture increases the feeling of kawaii toward the robot and its outfit, as evidence of the kawaii spillover effect.

Collective behaviors in groups emerge from complex webs of direct and indirect interactions among individuals. While pairwise interactions are fundamental to understanding group dynamics, each agent’s historical trajectory confounds causal inference, making it challenging to disentangle direct interactions from those mediated by hidden intermediaries. Here, we address the question: given observational tracking data from only a single pair of agents, can we determine whether their interaction is direct or mediated by an unseen third agent? We propose a framework based on modified transfer entropy analysis across delay times to detect the presence of a hidden intermediary. Our approach reveals a distinct signature: direct interactions exhibit a consistently decreasing modified transfer entropy with increasing delay time, whereas indirect interactions deviate from this trend. This method provides a simple yet versatile tool for uncovering hidden structures in complex systems, with broad implications for networked dynamics in biological, social, and artificial systems.