Latest news with #Kashani
Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
A Kolkata periodical that shaped a revolution in Iran
'What is Iran's illness?' 'The principles of humanity,' 'The organization of constitutionalism,' 'Prosperity is the basis of liberty,' 'What is the reason that Iran's affairs cannot be organized?' 'What are the benefits of an assembly for the people?' These were just a few headlines that appeared in Habl al-Matin, a Calcutta-based Persian periodical. While they may seem remarkably contemporary, given the current situation in Iran, these issues and ideas were published more than a century ago. Habl al-Matin played a pivotal role in shaping Iran's Constitutional Revolution more than a century ago. Although this short-lived attempt (from 1906 to 1911) at parliamentary rule fell short of its ultimate aims, it set the stage for the Revolution of 1979 that ended monarchical rule in Iran. Calcutta, the capital of British India, was a key point for the circulation of information, especially Persian-language publications, throughout the subcontinent in the 19th Century. The city had a Persian printing press, and people from Iran would come here to get their work printed. One such publication was Habl al-Matin (The Firm Cord), launched in 1893 with the aim of reporting developments from the Kingdom of Persia — then ruled by the Qajar dynasty — to Persians both within and outside the country. The periodical was founded by Jalal al-din Kashani (1863-1926) who hailed from the city of Kashan. 'He was probably trained as an akhund (one who reads the Quran), and even though he hardly ever made his living as an 'alim, he never gave up the long flowing robe (the qaaba) and the white turban that identifies one,' Kingshuk Chatterjee, professor at the University of Calcutta, wrote in Contours of Relationship: India and the Middle East (2017). After trying to sell carpets in Turkey and Egypt, and travelling through Bombay, Madras, Penang, Java, Singapore, and possibly Rangoon, Kashani arrived in Calcutta around 1888. He would be the driving force of Habl al-Matin till his passing, Chatterjee wrote. Kashani continued to write most editorials even after losing his eyesight during the final decade of his life — he would dictate the text to his daughter, Fakr al-Sultan 'Mo'yedzadeh', who had by that time taken over the day-to-day affairs of the periodical. Initially, Habl al-Matin was not overly critical of the Qajar dynasty. But the increasing unpopularity of ruler Muzaffar al-din Shah, who reigned from 1896 to 1906, led to a stark turnaround in the periodical's editorial stand by 1898. The Shah had raised taxes, triggered a financial crisis because of his extravagant lifestyle, granted political and economic concessions to Europeans and Russians in return for loans, and publicly punished prominent merchants — policies that Habl al-Matin was critical of. With the periodical advocating for reforms and limits to the authority of the Qajars, the Shah banned its circulation within the empire. But this only increased the magazine's popularity, with merchants smuggling it into Iran. While on his deathbed, the Shah finally gave in to public pressure and signed into law the country's first Constitution, establishing a representative Assembly (the Majlis) in 1906. Habl al-Matin was one of the foremost proponents of constitutionalism (mashrutiyat), and a firm critic of those calling for a restoration of despotic rule. Habl al-Matin along with other periodicals such as Akhtar (the Star) published in Istanbul, Hikmat (Wisdom) published in Cairo, and Qanun (Law) published in London, also helped add new vocabulary into Persian political language. 'Issues discussed in these periodicals included the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, women's rights, a reinterpretation of Iranian history from the bottom up rather than a mere dynastic chronicle, and descriptive accounts of progressive movements in Europe and the rest of the world,' Hamid Dabash, professor at Columbia University, wrote in Iran Without Borders: Towards a Critique of the Postcolonial Nation (2016). In 1907, as press restrictions relaxed, Habl al-Matin opened an edition in Tehran as well. This edition later moved to the city of Rasht, and was published till July 1909. Habl al-Matin began to lose popularity by the later years of Iran's constitutional experiment, as print journalism proliferated in the country: from 35,000 copies at one point, the periodical could sell no more than two to three thousand copies by the 1910s, wrote Nassereddin Parvin in Encyclopedia Iranica (2002). Like other publications by expatriate Iranian communities, Habl al-Matin does not seem to have made a lot of money as well. 'Jalal al-din's wife is known frequently to have complained complained that the old man sunk his family's entire wealth from trade (especially of carpets) into the venture,' Chatterjee wrote. Jalal al-din Kashani died in 1926, and his daughter continued to print the periodical for the next four years, before finally shutting it down. But the periodical left behind an indelible mark in Iran's history — one that can be felt even today. The Constitutional Revolution failed. British and Russian intervention effectively reinstated the monarchy of Qajars. But Habl al-Matin and other similar periodicals helped establish the direction of the debate about reforms in the country. They directed 'the spirits of the French and Russian revolutions towards the making of the Constiutional Revolution, prompting the emergence of the first left, liberal, and Islamist political ideologies,' Dabash wrote. The writer is Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani Named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Bay Area Award Winner
SAN FRANCISCO, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serve Robotics (the "Company" or "Serve") (Nasdaq: SERV), a leading autonomous sidewalk delivery company, today announced that Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Ali Kashani has been named a 2025 Entrepreneur Of The Year® Bay Area Award Winner by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US).This prestigious award, now in its 40th year, honors entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are building and scaling successful, innovative businesses. Dr. Kashani was selected by an independent panel of judges including past winners, top CEOs and other business luminaries. Judges assessed candidates on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment, long-term value creation and company growth and impact. Dr. Kashani is now eligible for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 National Awards, to be presented at the EY Strategic Growth Forum® in November. 'I'm deeply honored to receive an award that celebrates the entrepreneurial journey,' said Dr. Kashani. 'This recognition is only possible because of the incredible team of makers and dreamers who've worked tirelessly alongside me to build Serve into the enterprise it is today.' Dr. Kashani's entrepreneurial journey began with a vision to make delivery more sustainable, economical and accessible through robotics. In 2017, he founded what would become Serve Robotics as a skunkworks robotics initiative within Postmates. Following Uber's acquisition of Postmates, Dr. Kashani led the spinout of Serve as an independent company in 2021. Under his leadership, Serve has grown from an internal startup to a publicly traded company, completing tens of thousands of commercial deliveries in major U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Atlanta. About Serve RoboticsServe Robotics develops advanced, AI-powered, low-emissions sidewalk delivery robots that endeavor to make delivery sustainable and economical. Spun off from Uber in 2021 as an independent company, Serve has completed tens of thousands of deliveries for enterprise partners such as Uber Eats and 7-Eleven. Serve has scalable multi-year contracts, including a signed agreement to deploy up to 2,000 delivery robots on the Uber Eats platform across multiple U.S. markets. For further information about Serve Robotics (Nasdaq: SERV), please visit or follow us on social media via X (Twitter), Instagram or LinkedIn @serverobotics. About EYEY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ContactsMediaAduke ThelwellHead of Communications & Investor Relationspress@ Investor A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
21-04-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Understanding Fertility Options: Dr. Bana Kashani Offers Expert Insights During National Infertility Awareness Week
ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As more individuals delay starting a family, having accurate information and understanding fertility options is increasingly important for those trying to conceive now or planning for the future. In recognition of National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW, April 20–26), a movement founded by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and supported by sponsors like First Response, Dr. Bana Kashani, M.D., OB-GYN, Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist, emphasizes the value of fertility education and proactive reproductive planning. 'Fertility isn't always a straightforward journey, and understanding your options early can make a meaningful difference,' says Dr. Kashani. 'Fertility isn't always a straightforward journey, and understanding your options early can make a meaningful difference,' says Dr. Kashani. 'Whether you're thinking about starting a family soon or just want to keep your options open for the future, being proactive about your reproductive health empowers you to make informed choices that align with your goals and lifestyle.' Below, Dr. Kashani shares her expert insights on understanding fertility options and preservation, as well as how to effectively navigate conversations with healthcare providers. What tests are available to understand fertility? Fertility testing varies based on your needs. At-home tests help track ovulation and peak fertility days, while in-office tests can identify causes of infertility and guide treatment. For women, testing often includes checking hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and ultrasounds. For men, common tests include semen analysis, hormone tests, and testicular ultrasounds. Do my lifestyle choices impact fertility? Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress can influence fertility by affecting hormone balance and egg and sperm quality. Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet supports reproductive health, while poor nutrition, along with excessive alcohol and caffeine intake, may lead to imbalances. Smoking and vaping can also harm fertility by affecting hormone levels and reproductive function. While moderate exercise is beneficial, excessive physical activity can disrupt ovulation or lower sperm quality. Additionally, high stress levels can affect hormone regulation and make it harder to conceive. Does birth control affect fertility? It's a common misconception that birth control can cause long-term fertility issues, when in reality, it doesn't permanently affect fertility. Hormonal birth control methods, like the pill, patch, or IUD, prevent ovulation and endometrial implantation, and once you stop using them, your fertility usually returns to normal within a few months. However, it can take longer for some people, especially after long-term use, as it may take time for your menstrual cycle to fully regulate. What is the difference between IUI and IVF? IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) involves directly inserting sperm into the uterus during ovulation and is commonly used for mild infertility issues like unexplained infertility or mild male factor problems. IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, culturing embryos in the lab and then transferring embryos into the uterus. IVF is typically used for more severe infertility issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes, significant male factor infertility or advanced maternal age and tends to have higher success rates than IUI. At what age and under what circumstances should someone consider egg freezing? Egg freezing is a viable option for women who want to preserve fertility for future use, particularly if they're not ready for children now but may want them later. The best time to freeze eggs is typically in the late 20s to early 30s, when egg quality and quantity are still high. It's also recommended for women facing medical treatments like chemotherapy, those with reproductive health issues, such as endometriosis or PCOS, or those with a family history of early menopause. Additionally, women who delay parenthood due to career or personal goals may consider egg freezing to keep their options open. What advice do you have regarding navigating conversations about fertility with your healthcare provider? Knowledge is power, so it's essential to do your research before talking to your healthcare provider and come prepared with questions. Take time to evaluate your fertility goals, including how many children you'd like and any ethical or personal preferences for treatments. It's also helpful to provide detailed information about your menstrual cycle, including any pain or irregularities that could point to an underlying condition. Lastly, consider discussing the option of meeting with a fertility specialist for a more detailed conversation and to complete preliminary fertility testing. Dr. Kashani also encourages individuals to take advantage of the growing resources available for those navigating fertility. 'RESOLVE offers free support groups and other resources to empower people through every stage of their fertility journey. First Response also offers community support through The Pregnancy Hub, an online space designed to connect and inspire those navigating fertility and parenthood. Accessing these resources can help individuals feel less alone, make more informed decisions, and find emotional support during what can often be a complex and challenging time,' adds Dr. Kashani.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best CPAP machine for 2025, according to medical professionals
Worried about looking and sounding like Darth Vader while using a CPAP machine? Fear not — CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) technology — has come a long way since its inception in the early 1980s. Today's best CPAP machines are much quieter, more comfortable and far less intrusive than you might imagine. "I have tons of patients who tried CPAP five or 10 years ago and failed, but they come back now and do well with it because technology has improved," says Atul Malhotra, MD, pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine specialist and professor of medicine at UC San Diego Health. If you notice signs of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, restless sleep or feeling tired all the time, it's time to see a doctor. Sleeping well is not only crucial for your mental and physical health, but untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health issues, including diabetes, stroke and heart problems. Yet the latest numbers show only 1 in 5 Americans with sleep apnea knows they have it. Among the 30 million affected by the condition, just 6 million have been diagnosed, according to 2022 data from the American Medical Association. "The only way to diagnose sleep apnea is through a sleep study, which can be done either at home or overnight in a sleep center," says Sam A. Kashani, MD, board-certified sleep medicine assistant clinical professor at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Once you're diagnosed, your doctor will discuss sleep apnea treatment options, including possible weight loss or positional therapy, in which a special device helps you snooze on your side. However, the gold standard of sleep apnea treatment remains CPAP. "Any sleep apnea, whether the mildest or the most severe, can be treated with a CPAP," says Kashani. Your doctor will prescribe your CPAP machine with specific settings, especially the crucial pressure level, explains Ronald Chervin, MD, professor of neurology, chief of the division of sleep medicine and director at Sleep Disorders Centers at the University of Michigan. Once your doctor selects the ideal type of machine for your needs, you can go ahead and get your equipment from a medical supplier. "The company who provides the CPAP usually will give you an orientation on how to use it and show you the different options to help you find the most appropriate and most comfortable facepiece," says Kashani. It's essential to be well-informed about your options to advocate for yourself and ensure you get the ideal equipment available, especially when navigating insurance matters. With that in mind, here's a look at some of the best CPAP machines on the market today. Your doctor can help determine which type of sleep therapy device best suits your needs and condition. The main options include: CPAP machines: These are continuous positive airway pressure machines. Standard CPAP machines release air at a fixed pressure while you sleep. Automatic CPAP (APAP): APAP machines deliver auto-adjusting positive airway pressure therapy. The machines use algorithms to adjust pressure to your needs as you sleep. "The advantage is that it may allow you to spend more of the night at a lower pressure than you would otherwise," says Chervin. Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): BiPaP machines are PAP devices that deliver two different air pressure levels: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. "A BiPAP treats obstructive sleep apnea, plus, if you have issues or difficulty with ventilation, it can help with that," says Chervin. He adds that BiPAP machines may offer more comfort for patients who require very high levels of pressure. Travel CPAP machines: Travel CPAP machines are small, portable and usually not covered by insurance. Beyond size, "the biggest difference might be in the humidification system," says Chervin. "They don't have a humidifier chamber." Instead, travel CPAP machines often use filters for waterless humidification, which can be drying. To find the best CPAP machine for you, consider the following: Sleep apnea severity: "For moderate or severe cases of sleep apnea, treatment is indicated," says Husain. "Your physician will consider options like a dental appliance, nasal sprays or a CPAP machine. Surgery is an option, but typically only after more conservative options have failed, particularly attempts with an oral appliance or CPAP." Travel needs: Insurance often doesn't cover a travel CPAP machine, but if you're a frequent traveler, a smaller, lightweight machine is something to consider. While standard machines can be used for travel, they're more cumbersome. "Remember, CPAP machines are considered necessary medical equipment. In the US, they don't count toward your two-bag carry-on allowance. They're permitted as an additional medical device," says Husain. Mask selection: The options include nasal CPAP masks, which fit over the nose in a triangular or oval shape, and nasal pillow masks, which sit below the nose using silicone "pillows" to create a seal. Finding the right CPAP mask is highly personal and often requires trial and error. "You may have to try them all before you know what you like," says Malhotra. "There's no way to know by looking at a mask whether you'll like a nasal pillow or nasal mask any more than you can decide chocolate or vanilla before you've tried it." However, Husain notes that mouth breathers will need a full face mask. Sound levels: While today's best CPAP machines are relatively quiet, "sometimes the noise, either of a poor fit or the machine itself, can bother your bed partner," says Husain. "Of course, the sound of the machine is much more appealing than the intermittent sound of loud snoring." Humidity control: A CPAP machine's airflow can dry out your nasal passages and airway, making proper humidification essential for comfort. While individual humidity needs vary, a humidifier's water capacity is crucial for users who need higher moisture levels. Most travel machines use filters rather than water chambers for humidification, which can affect moisture delivery. Comfort features: Most machines offer pressure adjustments to help you sleep better. The ramp feature starts with lower pressure and gradually increases to your prescribed level, making it easier to fall asleep. And EPR reduces pressure during exhales, creating a more natural breathing pattern. Cost and coverage: While insurance coverage varies by plan, understanding available machines and features will help you advocate for the best option for you. Standard CPAP machines are typically covered by insurance, but travel models usually require out-of-pocket payment, although you may be able to use your FSA or HSA to cover the cost. Given their price, budget becomes especially important if you're paying out of pocket. We talked with four leading sleep experts about what makes an effective CPAP. Their expertise helped us find machines that work well for various situations, ensuring our picks were top-notch all around. We only focused on trusted brands with solid reputations and paid particular attention to past recalls and quality concerns. You can rest assured; the machines we chose all show a proven track record in both safety and performance. When comparing CPAP machines, we evaluated features that matter most: ramp and AutoRamp settings, exhalation relief, humidifier types, app compatibility, wireless connectivity, power supply options, size and mask compatibility. Each feature was considered for its role in enhancing user comfort and convenience. Finally, to understand real-world experiences, we reviewed customer ratings and feedback from multiple platforms, including CPAP seller websites, YouTube, Reddit and Trustpilot. This helped us learn what works well and what doesn't for actual CPAP users. Selecting a suitable CPAP mask is a matter of personal preference. "It's really based on your breathing habits and what your comfort level is with the various types of CPAP masks," says Husain. Your doctor can help you determine which type of mask is most appropriate for your condition, but in the end, it's your choice. First and foremost, always follow your CPAP manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions. Simple soap and water is typically all you need to clean your CPAP effectively. Be cautious with third-party cleaning devices. They may void your warranty and they've been linked to machine damage, safety issues and recalls. For humidifiers, Malhotra emphasizes proper water management: "Don't let water sit stagnant. Things can grow in it. Tap it out and keep it dry, then refill when you're ready to use it again." Common CPAP challenges include nasal dryness, congestion, digestive issues from swallowing air (like bloating and gas) and eye irritation from mask leaks. Some CPAP users, especially military veterans, may also feel claustrophobic. "They may have very negative connotations with them," says Husain. CPAP masks may also leave temporary marks on your face, which some may feel self-conscious about. Depending on your condition's severity and specific circumstances, you may choose to explore alternative treatment options for sleep apnea, such as: Surgery Weight loss Oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices Positional therapy devices, like the Zzoma Notice signs of sleep apnea? Talk to your doctor. They'll help figure out what's going on and whether a CPAP might help you sleep better. Everyone's sleep needs are different, so the best CPAP for you might not be the best for someone else. Work with your care team to find your perfect match. Understanding your options and features helps you make smart choices together — and can help when advocating for insurance coverage. Ronald Chervin, MD, professor of neurology, chief of the division of sleep medicine and director at Sleep Disorders Centers at the University of Michigan Aatif M. Husain, MD, MBA, professor in the Department of Neurology and chief of division of Epilepsy, Sleep and Clinical Neurophysiology at Duke University Sam A. Kashani, MD, board certified sleep medicine assistant clinical professor at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and president-elect at California Sleep Society Atul Malhotra, MD, pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine specialist and professor of medicine at UC San Diego Health Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delivery robot firm Serve Robotics expands to Miami in first East Coast launch
(Reuters) - Serve Robotics said on Wednesday it was rolling out its sidewalk delivery robot services in Miami, marking its first expansion to the East Coast as part of its goal to deploy 2,000 robots across the United States by the end of 2025. Serve is also strengthening its partnership with fast-food chain Shake Shack and signing on pizzeria Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza as a new client, as part of its entry into the market. Customers who place orders on Uber Eats from select Shake Shack and Mister O1 locations in the Brickell and Miami Beach neighborhoods will receive some upcoming orders through Serve's autonomous delivery robots, the company said. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. San Francisco-based Serve is currently operational in Los Angeles and its planned expansion to the Dallas-Fort Worth market is underway, with the rollout expected by the end of the second quarter. "Everywhere you go, the environment is a little bit different... We had some learnings about how to adapt and train our models when we go to a new location (from our experience in Los Angeles), and we're employing the same playbook here," co-founder and CEO Ali Kashani said in an interview. Serve will also partner with more local restaurants in Miami, Kashani said. The company has been scaling up its operations to become the go-to automation tech supplier for restaurants. It struck a deal in November to acquire Vebu, the company behind the avocado processing robot 'Autocado' seen at burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill. Serve has an agreement with Uber Eats to deploy 2,000 robots by the end of this year. In November, the company saw a 97% year-on-year increase in daily active robots for the September-ended quarter.
