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Big data are known to improve operational efficiency, competitiveness, and performance. Despite these unprecedented benefits, the understanding of how big data transform organizational processes remains limited. To address this gap, this research empirically investigates how big data analytics management capabilities (BDAMC) influence innovation performance. This study bases its assumptions on the dynamic capability and knowledge-based views. A PLS-SEM analysis of 199 firms reveals that establishing BDAMC is essential for fostering organizations’ innovation performance. This study advances knowledge by demonstrating that BDAMC enhances organizations’ strategic agility, which subsequently boosts innovation performance. Moreover, the empirical findings reveal that developing BDAMC is crucial for achieving strategic alignment, which in turn reinforces innovation performance. These unique findings hold significant practical value for managers and consultants seeking to leverage big data-related systems within organizations.

The increasing concern about the environment has enhanced the utilization of sustainable products in every field of life, from common household items to fabrics. Although cotton is a plant-based fiber, its cultivation requires large amounts of water and pesticides. Therefore, the future of product development demands environmental friendliness. To overcome the problems of cotton related to the environment, a novel sustainable fabric was developed by using Tencel and jute fiber for the apparel industry to reduce the usage of cotton. In this current study, six blended yarns of two counts (10 & 20 Ne) of Tencel and jute (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30) were developed by ring spinning to weave fabric in two weave designs (Plain & Twill). These developed fabrics were assessed for mechanical, comfort, and hand properties. The results revealed that the blended fabric with a high content of Tencel is good in terms of mechanical, comfort, and hand properties, except for stiffness, pilling resistance, resilience, and drapeability. Additionally, fabric woven with a fine yarn count is also good in the above-stated properties, except for stiffness, resilience, and wrinkle recovery. However, fabrics woven with a twill weave design have good comfort and hand properties, except for smoothness and drapability. On the other hand, fabric with a plain weave design is good in terms of mechanical properties, except for tear strength. The comparison of TJ blended fabric with PC blended fabric shows that the tensile strength, air permeability and OMMC of JT blended fabric is 8.31%, 96%, and 29.46% higher than PC blended fabric but tear strength is 99% less. Furthermore, statistical analysis was performed to check the effect of the input variables on the response factors, and it was found that the effect of yarn count on all output responses is statistically the most significant.

Given the carcinogenic properties of formaldehyde-based chemicals, an alternative method for resin-finishing cotton textiles is urgently needed. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to introduce a sustainable resin-finishing process for cotton fabric via an industrial procedure. For this purpose, Bluesign® approved a formaldehyde-free Knittex RCT® resin was used, and the process parameters were designed and optimized according to the Taguchi L27 method. XRD analysis confirmed the crosslinking formation between resin and neighboring molecules of cotton fabric, as no change in the cellulose crystallization phase. Several machine learning models were built in a sequence to predict the crease recovery angle (CRA), tearing strength (TE) and whiteness index (WI). Assessment of modelling was evaluated through the use of various metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R2). Results were compared to those from other regression models, such as principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and fuzzy modelling. Based on the results of our research, the LSSVR model predicted the CRA, TE, and WI with substantially more accuracy than other models, as shown by the fact that its RMSE and MAE values were significantly lower. In addition, it offered the greatest possible R2 values, reaching up to 0.9627.

Nanoscale surface roughness has conventionally been induced by using complicated approaches; however, the homogeneity of superhydrophobic surface and hazardous pollutants continue to have existing challenges that require a solution. As a prospective solution, a novel bubbled-structured silica nanoparticle (SiO2) decorated electrospun polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous membrane (SiO2@PU-NFs) was prepared through a synchronized electrospinning and electrospraying process. The SiO2@PU-NFs nanofibrous membrane exhibited a nanoscale hierarchical surface roughness, attributed to excellent superhydrophobicity. The SiO2@PU-NFs membrane had an optimized fiber diameter of 394 ± 105 nm and was fabricated with a 25 kV applied voltage, 18% PU concentration, 20 cm spinning distance, and 6% SiO2 nanoparticles. The resulting membrane exhibited a water contact angle of 155.23°. Moreover, the developed membrane attributed excellent mechanical properties (14.22 MPa tensile modulus, 134.5% elongation, and 57.12 kPa hydrostatic pressure). The composite nanofibrous membrane also offered good breathability characteristics (with an air permeability of 70.63 mm/s and a water vapor permeability of 4167 g/m2/day). In addition, the proposed composite nanofibrous membrane showed a significant water/oil separation efficiency of 99.98, 99.97, and 99.98% against the water/xylene, water/n-hexane, and water/toluene mixers. When exposed to severe mechanical stresses and chemicals, the composite nanofibrous membrane sustained its superhydrophobic quality (WCA greater than 155.23°) up to 50 abrasion, bending, and stretching cycles. Consequently, this composite structure could be a good alternative for various functional applications.

Poly(ether-block-amide), often abbreviated as PEBA, is a novel polymer which is a combination of polyamide and poly ether group. The present study aimed at the fabrication of PEBA fibers by both melt and solution electrospinning. The effects of process parameters of both electrospinning techniques on fiber diameters and morphology were researched. The obtained fiber substrates were characterized for their morphology, changes in chemical composition, thermal properties, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity. Optimum results (as minimum average fiber diameter of 1.92 ± 3.31 µm) in case of melt electrospinning were obtained at tip-to-collector distance (TTCD) of 60 mm, voltage 20.0 kV, collector speed 55 rpm, and melt temperature 270 °C, whereas in case of solution electrospinning TTCD of 200 mm distance and voltage of 20 kV yielded the lowest average fiber diameter of 0.37 ± 0.34 μm. Keywords: PEBA, Melt electrospinning, Solution electrospinning, Hydrophobic membranes

This novel study emphasizes to compare the properties of 100% cotton fabric printed with pigments and reactive dyes. For this purpose, a bleached cotton fabric was printed in light, medium, and dark shades with pigments and reactive dyes. In terms of fabric comfort properties (stiffness, pilling resistance, crease recovery angle) and tensile strength particularly in deep shades, pigment printing has better results than reactive printing. However, with respect to fabric performance properties (surface friction and tear strength) and rubbing fastness, pigment-printed fabric was found inferior to reactive printed fabric. It was observed that reactive printed fabric exhibits better one way moisture-transmitting capability and overall moisture management capability. Reactive printed fabric exhibits better air permeability as compared to pigment printed fabric. Both reactive and pigment printing have comparable color fastness.

The empirical assessment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from different perspectives is an ever-green research agenda because of their enormous contributions to developed and developing economies. However, the size and resource limitations hinder the progress of SMEs. In this regard, business networks and connections have great potential to enable SMEs’ access to scarce and valuable resources. Entrepreneurial SMEs’ healthy relationships and connections with stakeholders can yield dynamism and innovativeness. Despite that, the understanding of these networks and connections over the innovation capability of entrepreneurial SMEs is limited and needs further empirical investigation. Thus, this study is among the preliminary ones which assay the impact of network capability on innovation capability in the entrepreneurial SMEs context. This study also investigates the above relationship through social capital. The study ground its assumptions based on dynamic capability theory and collected feedback via a questionnaire from 199 entrepreneurial SMEs operating in Pakistan. After ensuring the reliability and validity of collected feedback, the study employed the partial least square structural equation modeling technique to analyze it. Results of the study expand the understanding by unveiling that network capability has a substantial positive impact on innovation capability. This implies that by fortifying network capability, entrepreneurial SMEs substantially enhance their capabilities to innovate. Results also affirm that by building strong network capability, entrepreneurial SMEs boost their social capital, which subsequently has a positive and significant impact on innovation capability. Finally, by operationalizing the proposed model in the entrepreneurial SMEs context, this study made novel contributions to the literature of network capability, social capital, innovation capability, and entrepreneurship.

Purpose: Institutional theory is a reasonable explanation for the motives of corporate social responsibility (CSR) behaviours (e.g. corporate green innovation). The existing literature defines institutional pressure as threats for legitimacy when firms operate within a country or a region; one area that has received little attention is the situation when a firm extends its operations across borders to pursue internationalisation. The study investigates the impact of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on green innovation at the firm level. Design/methodology/approach: The zero-inflated negative binomial regression models are estimated to analyse the data collected from 2065 manufacturing enterprises listed in China during 2007–2017 (n = 14 129). Green innovation is measured by the number of green patents, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) International Patent Classification (IPC) Green Inventory. Findings/results: The findings show that OFDI is positively associated with green innovation for emerging market enterprises (EMEs). Furthermore, compared with investment in emerging economies, OFDI in developed economies has a stronger positive relationship with corporate green innovation. The positive effect of OFDI on corporate green innovation will be higher for EMEs located in sub-national regions (i.e., province of the home country) with lower levels of institutional development. Practical implications: Emerging market enterprises should overcome organisational inertia and compete in a broader market to enhance their awareness and ability of green innovation. Originality/value: This article contributes to the existing literature by exploring institutional pressure faced by EMEs when they operate overseas (e.g. OFDI) can play a significant role in influencing green innovation, and enriches our understanding of EMEs’ inclination towards CSR (e.g. green innovation) in the context of internationalisation.

Nanomaterial and its application in textiles are emerging as vast and diverse field due to enhanced functionalized characteristics. This study emphasizes the fabrication of tungsten trioxide nanostructured rods and analyzes its electrostatic and ultraviolet resistance properties. These nanorods are synthesized by hydrothermal method. Through hydrothermal method rod like nanostructures were grown on polyester fabric as it withstands curing temperature easily. The growth mechanism of the film is investigated. Electrostatic analysis of treated polyester fabric was failed but the analysis of seeded solution revealed that it has tunable transmittance modulation under different voltages and repetitive cyclic between the clear and blue states. Ultraviolet resistance of 100% seeded polyester fabric was higher than untreated fabric with respect to increasing concentration of nanorods. Results show that although the seeded solution is perfect, the conductivity of tungsten trioxide cannot be achieved on textiles.

Abstract Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) have defective DNA repair and are at a high risk for cutaneous malignancies. Standard treatments for XP are limited in scope and effectiveness. Understanding [...]

Gene therapy holds great promise for the treatment of many dermatologic diseases. (1-4) However, practical application of gene delivery has proven to be challenging. Numerous hurdles must be overcome if [...]

Photodynamic therapy has been reported as a successful approach in inducing choroidal osteoma decalcification and stabilization. Although, photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment to prevent tumor growth toward the foveola in extrafoveal osteomas, decalcification may be complicated by secondary choroidal neovascularization, necessitating close monitoring in these patients. Purpose: To describe a patient with a choroidal osteoma treated with photodynamic therapy to prevent tumor growth in whom choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developed after being treated with photodynamic therapy. Methods: Case report. Results: A 5-year-old Hispanic woman presented with an asymptomatic choroidal osteoma, temporal to the macula of her right eye. According to the patient's mother, her medical, surgical, and family history was unremarkable. At examination, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in both eyes. After 11 months of follow-up, signs of tumor growth toward the fovea without any signs of CNV was noted. Photodynamic therapy was performed to prevent invasion of the foveola. Two months thereafter, the patient developed CNV in the macula region in the right eye, decreasing visual acuity to 20/200. The patient was treated with four total intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg of bevacizumab over 24 weeks, which resulted in inactivation of the CNV and improved visual acuity to 20/20. Choroidal neovascularization had been never reported in her past history and her follow-up visits over 7 years. In addition, no evidence of recurrent neovascular activity or tumor growth was reported. Conclusion: Choroidal osteoma is a benign tumor that can result in vision-threatening complications, caused by tumor growth and tumor decalcification. Photodynamic therapy is an effective modality in inducing choroidal osteoma decalcification and stabilization; however, CNV due to reperfusion following photodynamic therapy can be seen in the retina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: To describe the use of topical mitomycin-C in sclerostomy revision for recalcitrant idiopathic uveal effusion syndrome. Methods: A 50-year-old healthy man presented with painless, gradual vision loss in the right eye. He underwent multimodal retinal imaging with wide-field fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and B-scan and A-scan ultrasonography. He was found to have idiopathic (non-nanophthalmic) uveal effusion syndrome with choroidal and serous retinal detachments in the right eye and a peripheral choroidal detachment in the left eye. Central vision became threatened in the right eye. Medical treatment with oral corticosteroids and surgical treatment with choroidal drainage through sclerostomies and sclerostomy revision were administered. Results: Initial treatment with systemic corticosteroids was ineffective. Subsequent choroidal drainage through sclerostomies only partially resolved the effusion. Later sclerostomy revision with application of topical mitomycin-C led to complete resolution with anatomical stability maintained after at least 42 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Successful use of topical mitomycin-C in sclerostomy revision has not previously been reported in idiopathic (non-nanophthalmic) uveal effusion syndrome. We propose that topical mitomycin-C may be considered as a potential therapeutic adjunct in the treatment of refractory idiopathic uveal effusion syndrome before further sclerostomy procedures are attempted in additional quadrants of the eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To demonstrate a technique for using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to simulate leakage in eyes with diabetic macular oedema and determine the sensitivity and positive predictive value of detecting leaking microvasculature on OCTA using fluorescein angiography (FA) as the comparative norm. Methods 6×6 mm OCT angiograms were overlaid with the corresponding OCT thickness maps. Microvascular abnormalities on the OCT angiogram underlying areas of thickening on the OCT thickness map were assumed to be leaking. Two independent readers blindly read the OCTA overlay images then the FA images cropped to the same approximate region to delineate areas of leaking microvasculature. The results were compared to determine the sensitivity and positive predictive value of OCTA for detection of leaking vessels. Results 28 eyes of 19 diabetic patients were included. Each eye demonstrated an average of seven leaking microvascular abnormalities on the OCTA images and 22 leaking abnormalities on the FA images. Sensitivity of leaking microvasculature detection by OCTA was 26.1% and positive predictive value was 68.4%. The correlation coefficient of the two readers' detection of leaking microvasculature was 0.605 for OCTA reads compared with 0.916 for FA. Conclusion OCTA as a whole can be used to simulate leakage, but currently, sensitivity of the technique is low. Further understanding of the OCTA technology may yield novel means of detecting retinal pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To demonstrate longitudinal multimodal imaging findings in a case of neovascular age-related macular degeneration presenting with multiple retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears showing progressive RPE restoration. Methods: Observational clinical case report. Results: A 79-year-old woman diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration developed 3 consecutive RPE tears in her right eye during the course of treatment with intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The RPE tears initially appeared hypoautofluorescent on fundus autofluorescence. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed contractile folds of the RPE with adjacent subretinal fluid and overlying ellipsoid zone disruption. Over an 8-year follow-up period, the RPE defects progressively resolved with a return of patchy fundus autofluorescence. Eyetracked spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed gradual restoration of the RPE band defects over an enlarging Type 1 neovascular lesion. Conclusion: Some RPE tears may show observable remodeling and restoration over time. These changes may be followed longitudinally with multimodal imaging, including eye-tracked spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study established that best method to propagate Jatropha curcus plant is via sapling rather than seed germination in agroclimatic conditions of Lahore, Pakistan having suitable temperature range. Moreover efficiency of drain water (DW) was compared with canal water (CW) and ground water (GW) on physical growth parameters, seed contents and seed oil quality of J.curcus. Impact of water quality was also assessed on the soil quality in terms of electrical conductivity (EC in dSm-1), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). A significant increase in Plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, number of fruit balls, 100 seed weight, fresh seed weight per plant and %age oil yield was observed where DW was applied followed by CW and GW. Proximate analysis indicated the statistically high protein and carbohydrate contents of seed from plants irrigated with DW. However, there was no conspicuous variation in ash contents (%age) and moisture contents (%age) of seed. Similarly positive effects of DW were came out for peroxide value (PV),free fatty acids (FFA), conjugated dienes and conjugated trienes of seed oil. However, water quality did not depict any noteworthy impact on iodine value of seed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to forecast the tax revenue of Pakistan for the fiscal year 2016-17 using three different time series techniques and also to analyse the impact of indirect taxes on the working class. The study further analysed the efficiency of three different time series models such as the Autoregressive model (A.R. with seasonal dummies), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (A.R.I.M.A.), and the Vector Autoregression (V.A.R.) model. In any economy, tax analysis and forecasting of revenues is of paramount importance to ensure the economic and fiscal policies. This study is important to identify significant variables affecting tax revenue specifically in Pakistan. The data used for this paper was from July 1985 to December 2016 (monthly) and focused on forecasting for 2017. For the forecasting of total tax revenue, we used components of tax revenues such as direct tax, sales tax, federal excise duty and customs duties. The results of this study revealed that among these models the A.R.I.M.A. model gives better-forecasted values for the total tax revenues of Pakistan. The results further demonstrated that major tax revenue is generated by indirect taxes, which cause more inflation that directly hits the working class of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To compare the stages of vitreous degeneration in patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT) and macular holes (MH). Methods. A retrospective study was performed analyzing stages of vitreous degeneration of eyes with VMT or MH using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). An analogous review was performed on a control group of eyes with contralateral posterior vitreous detachments. Thirty-four eyes with VMT/MH and 39 control eyes were reviewed. Results. Twenty-seven VMT/MH eyes and 31 control eyes were included. Eyes with VMT/MH demonstrated significantly earlier stages of vitreous degeneration when compared to the control group (p=0.048) despite significantly greater age (p=0.032). Conclusions. Vitreoretinal interface disease is more often associated with a formed vitreous and an intact premacular bursa. This is contrary to previous assumptions implicating degeneration of vitreous as a precipitating factor of interface disease when in conjunction with abnormal vitreomacular separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's dynamic and global village enforces competitive organizations to adopt new practices, processes, and regulations for survival. This study examined the role of leadermember exchange relationship in organizational change management with mediating role of organizational culture. Supervisors have contributing role to implement the changes. Middle and front line managers have more discretionary power to implement further changes for having better performance. The findings of this study showed that there exist significant and positive relationship between LMX and organizational change management. Furthermore, it is also depicted that organizational culture show mediation between LMX and organizational change management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We checked the validity of Ricardian Equivalence Hypothesis in Pakistan by using structural consumption and saving function. By using ordinary least square method we checked the restrictions of Ricardian equivalence hypothesis that has been rejected by the vale of Wald test. The Engel-Granger causality approach explored uni-directional causality between Government Debt & Private Consumption and Government Debt & Private Saving whereas Bidirectional Causality exists between Government Budget Deficit & Private Saving. Hence, we concluded that fiscal policy is effective in case of Pakistan because Ricardian Equivalence does not hold in Pakistan that indicated the policy makers to use fiscal policy as a stabilizing policy of the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adult mouse prostate has a seemingly endless capacity for regeneration, and sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling has been implicated in this stem cell-driven process. However, it is not clear whether SHH acts on the epithelium or stromal cells that secrete factors required for epithelial expansion. Because little is known about stromal stem cells compared with their epithelial counterparts, we used in vivo mouse genetics tools to characterize four prostate stromal subtypes and their stem cells. Using knockin reporter alleles, we uncovered that SHH signals from prostate basal epithelial cells to adjacent stromal cells. Furthermore, the SHH target gene Gli1 is preferentially expressed in subepithelial fibroblast-like cells, one of four prostate stromal subtypes and the subtype closest to the epithelial source of SHH. Using Genetic Inducible Fate Mapping to mark adult Gli1- or Smooth muscle actin-expressing cells and follow their fate during regeneration, we uncovered that Gli1-expressing cells exhibit long-term self-renewal capacity during multiple rounds of androgen-mediated regeneration after castration-induced involution, and depleted smooth muscle cells are mainly replenished by preexisting smooth muscle cells. Based on our Genetic Inducible Fate Mapping studies, we propose a model where SHH signals to multiple stromal stem cells, which are largely unipotent in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and the survival rate remains low despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The progression of lung cancer is a multifaceted and dynamic phenomenon that encompasses interplays among cancerous cells and their microenvironment, which incorporates immune cells. Exosomes, which are small membrane-bound vesicles, are released by numerous cell types in normal and stressful situations to allow communication between cells. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) possess diverse neo-antigens and cargoes such as proteins, RNA, and DNA and have a unique molecular makeup reflecting tumor genetic complexity. TEXs contain both immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory factors and may play a role in immunomodulation by influencing innate and adaptive immune components. Moreover, they transmit signals that contribute to the progression of lung cancer by promoting metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. This makes them a valuable resource for investigating the immune environment of tumors, which could pave the way for the development of non-invasive biomarkers that could aid in the prognosis, diagnosis, and immunotherapy of lung cancer. While immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating initial-stage cancers, most patients eventually develop adaptive resistance over time. Emerging evidence demonstrates that TEXs could serve as a prognostic biomarker for immunotherapeutic response and have a significant impact on both systemic immune suppression and tumor advancement. Therefore, understanding TEXs and their role in lung cancer tumorigenesis and their response to immunotherapies is an exciting research area and needs further investigation. This review highlights the role of TEXs as key contributors to the advancement of lung cancer and their clinical significance in lung immune-oncology, including their possible use as biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and prognosis, as well as emerging shreds of evidence regarding the possibility of using exosomes as targets to improve lung cancer therapy.