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One of the principles of green and sustainable chemistry is to use green solvents and one-pot synthetic methods which can eliminate the need for drawn-out separation procedures, purification of intermediate compounds, and the production of waste by-products. Considering these concepts of green and sustainable chemistry, an efficient and novel chemoselective one-pot strategy has been developed for the novel synthesis of 2-Aryl-1,3-azoles via Suzuki and Heck cross-coupling reactions via C-2 arylation of azoles under the discriminate temperature using an ionic liquid as green solvent, promoter and ligand. The chemoselective one-pot synthesis, wide substrate scope, moderate to excellent isolated yield of pure products, mild reaction conditions and recycling/reuse of ionic liquid are highlights of this work.

Business organizations are forced to prioritize ensuring corporate shared prosperity (CSP) through enhancing corporate sustainability performance and stakeholder’s betterment. There is a lack of comprehensive and quantifiable measurement of CSP and existing studies are conceptual and case study based. Thus, this study explores the essential dimensions involved in developing and verifying the corporate shared prosperity measurement which will help researchers to conduct empirical study. This scale development paper may prove valuable to both readers and scholars engaged in the field of sustainability and stakeholder development. Stakeholder theory is used as an underpinning theory. Sixteen (16) items under five (5) dimensions were developed to measure corporate shared prosperity after reviewing the existing literature, verifying by focus group discussion, and analyzing 229 Malaysian manufacturing firms responses using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory composite analysis (CCA). This reliable and valid scale would benefit scholars in measuring CSP and examining the impact of sustainable performance on CSP. Further empirical evaluation based on this developed scale would ensure inclusive, sustainable development for stakeholders and make organizations more resilient. This research is a unique and initial attempt to develop a validated questionnaire survey based tool to measure corporate shared prosperity quantitatively.

Abstract Rising rates of insulin resistance and an ageing population are set to exact an increasing toll on individuals and society. Here we examine the contribution of age and insulin resistance to the association of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism; both critical process in the supply of energy for the brain. Thirty-four younger (20–42 years) and 41 older (66–86 years) healthy adults underwent a simultaneous resting state MR/PET scan, including arterial spin labelling. Rates of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism were derived using a functional atlas of 100 brain regions. Older adults had lower cerebral blood flow than younger adults in 95 regions, reducing to 36 regions after controlling for cortical atrophy and blood pressure. Lower cerebral blood flow was also associated with worse working memory and slower reaction time in tasks requiring cognitive flexibility and response inhibition. Younger and older insulin sensitive adults showed small, negative correlations between relatively high rates of regional cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism. This pattern was inverted in insulin resistant older adults, who showed hypoperfusion and hypometabolism across the cortex, and a positive correlation. In insulin resistant younger adults, the association showed inversion to positive correlations, although not to the extent seen in older adults. Our findings suggest that the normal course of ageing and insulin resistance alter the rates of and associations between cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism. They underscore the criticality of insulin sensitivity to brain health across the adult lifespan.

A stable dividend policy is often in the best interests of both the company and its shareholders. Considering the importance of dividend policy, we examine the determinants of dividend payment in Malaysian Sharia-compliant listed firms and the moderating role of board directors. To this end, we apply a static-panel model using data of Malaysian Shariah-compliant listed firms from 2014 to 2020. We find that ROA (Return on Asset) and Price-Earnings ratio (PER) have a significant positive impact on the dividend payout ratio (DPR). On the other hand, NAV (Net Asset Value) shows a negative and significant relationship with the DPR. Our findings also reveal that the board of directors significantly and positively influence the decision to pay dividends. The findings of the study hold significant importance for corporations in determining a suitable dividend policy that can ensure the sustainability of a consistent dividend payout and ensure their organization's financial stability, particularly in Malaysian-listed Shariah-compliant firms.

This research presents a comprehensive approach for bearing fault diagnosis using artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs). By integrating these networks into vibration analysis, the approach aims to meet the critical need for prompt fault detection. The methodology comprises three key steps: vibration signal acquisition, feature extraction, and fault classification. Experiments were conducted to acquire vibration signals for the test bearings on a machinery fault simulator. Six time-domain features were extracted using MATLAB, creating a comprehensive dataset for training the ANN models with three algorithms: Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation (LMBP), scaled conjugate gradient backpropagation (SCGBP), and Bayesian regularization backpropagation (BRBP). The BRBP algorithm achieved the highest correct classification rate (97.2%), followed by LMBP (90%) and SCGBP (83.6%). To evaluate their efficacy in bearing fault classification, these three networks were simulated, revealing that BRBP could predict all four classes of bearings with zero errors.

Due to continuous operations and manufacturing errors, fatigue cracks can emerge after hours of service; this causes a fan blade failure and potentially ruins an entire engine, turbo machinery, or rotating machinery of a similar kind. This paper focuses on the condition monitoring of the fan blade for detecting cracks occurring in these blades by analyzing the vibration responses. The mathematical formulation is carried out using the matrix method of dimensional analysis, which is dependent on the fundamental quantities of force, Length, Time, and Temperature (FLTƟ) systems of units. Numerical analysis in ANSYS software is done to comprehend the blade harmonic response for the cracked blade condition. Experimentation is also carried out on Tiera fault simulation machinery equipment, where vibration responses are measured and analyzed for crack detection in the blades. The tests were performed for three different cracks of different lengths and analyzed by varying parameters such as load speed, for which experiments are planned using a Box-Behnken design method. The test results were confirmed with the model equations developed, and notable similarities were seen between the analytical, numerical, and experimental analyses. Thus, the proposed study will help detect the cracks in the blades, thus reducing the serious accidents or failure of the machinery.

We examine the key drivers behind management decisions on share repurchase from various theoretical perspectives, including the free cash flow theory and the signaling theory/hypothesis. Specifically, we investigate the relationship between share repurchase and three key drivers: surplus cash, undervaluation, and leverage, along with several control variables. Using a sample of UK-listed non-financial companies from 2012 to 2022, we apply logistic regression, standard OLS regression, and Tobit regression to identify the factors influencing share repurchase. Our findings reveal that firms repurchase shares to distribute cash to shareholders with surplus cash and Surplus investing cash flow. This study also finds that undervalued smaller firms with lower market-to-book ratios and lower leverage are more likely to repurchase shares. Our study highlights the key factors motivating companies’ share repurchases, such as undervaluation, surplus cash, and leverage, examined from various theoretical perspectives, including the free cash flow theory and signaling theory. Focusing on the UK context, as well as adding a new angle in regard to applying logistic regression, standard OLS regression, and Tobit regression in combination, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge in corporate finance. The outcome of the study has plausible implications for financial managers and investors in selecting stocks. Its practical implications will help investors gain a better understanding of the factors and forces influencing share repurchase decisions.

The synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) through biogenic means offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, stable, versatile, and biocompatible approach. In this work, we employed Aloe barbadensis Miller leaf extract for the biosynthesis of Co3O4 NPs, leveraging its rich composition of phenolic groups, polysaccharides, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and various acids. The characterization of the synthesized NPs was performed using XRD, TEM, EDS, FT-IR, TGA-DSC, Raman, XPS, and particle size analysis techniques. Our investigation focuses on evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Co3O4 NPs. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and FICA assays, demonstrating the NPs' ability to scavenge free radicals, reduce ferric ions, and chelate ferrous ions. Antimicrobial testing revealed the effectiveness of NPs against Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, biogenic Co3O4 NPs were utilized as photocatalysts for the degradation of azo dyes (RhB, MB, and CV). Under sunlight exposure for 105 min, biogenic Co3O4 NPs degraded CV dyes by 97.53%. The study also highlighted the remarkable efficiency of azo dye degradation across five cycles of reuse of biogenic Co3O4 NP reuse.

Herein we have described the Pd-catalyzed sonochemistry driven by [BMIM]-IL as re-useable solvent to synthesize various carbazole scaffolds from 2,2′-dibromodiphenyl. Diverse primary amines were utilised as coupling partners in the presence of [PAIM][NTf2], which exhibits an impactful promoter in the IL medium, thereby avoiding the need for hazardous VOC's. The recyclability of ionic liquids highlights the green approach of the reaction. Further, the synthesized carbazole scaffolds were assessed for antimicrobial activity. Compounds 3e and 3g are found to be highly active. The most probable binding sites for these scaffolds were screened through a computer-simulated docking method with targeted protein.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaf meal as herbal feed additive on rumen protozoal population, enzyme profile and fermentation characteristics in growing crossbred calves. Ten growing male crossbred (Jersey × Tharparker) calves with similar initial body weight of 91.8+1.37 kg, were randomly divided into two equal groups (T1 and T2) and fed individually under stall feeding for 140 days on a mixed ration containing rice straw and concentrate mixture in 50:50 ratio. Two types (C1 and C2) of iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (T2) was partially replaced (4 parts w/w) with Ficus hookeri leaf meal. Daily dry matter intake between two experimental groups was similar. Rumen pH, NH3-N concentration and total rumen protozoal population decreased while ruminal TVFA and propionic acid production increased due to dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaf meal as herbal feed additive. Activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and b-glucosidase enzymes were significantly higher in the rumen liquor of calves fed Ficus hookeri leaf meal. It could be concluded that dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaf meals as herbal feed additive have a potential for reducing rumen protozoal population and ammonia nitrogen concentration with improving ruminal TVFA and propionate production in growing crossbred calves.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its type-2 receptor (V2R) play an essential role in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis by the kidneys. V2R activation also stimulates proliferation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines in vitro. The current studies investigated V2R expression and activity in human RCC tumors, and its role in RCC tumor growth. Examination of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database, and analysis of human RCC tumor tissue microarrays, cDNA arrays and tumor biopsy samples demonstrated V2R expression and activity in clear cell RCC (ccRCC). In vitro, V2R antagonists OPC31260 and Tolvaptan, or V2R gene silencing reduced wound closure and cell viability of 786-O and Caki-1 human ccRCC cell lines. Similarly in mouse xenograft models, Tolvaptan and OPC31260 decreased RCC tumor growth by reducing cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while increasing apoptosis. In contrast, the V2R agonist dDAVP significantly increased tumor growth. High intracellular cAMP levels and ERK1/2 activation were observed in human ccRCC tumors. In mouse tumors and Caki-1 cells, V2R agonists reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation, while dDAVP treatment had the reverse effect. V2R gene silencing in Caki-1 cells also reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation. These results provide novel evidence for a pathogenic role of V2R signaling in ccRCC, and suggest that inhibitors of the AVP-V2R pathway, including the FDA-approved drug Tolvaptan, could be utilized as novel ccRCC therapeutics.

Abstract The field of neuroscience has largely overlooked the impact of motherhood on brain function outside the context of responses to infant stimuli. Here, we apply spectral dynamic causal modelling (spDCM) to resting-state fMRI data to investigate differences in brain function between a group of 40 first-time mothers at 1-year postpartum and 39 age- and education-matched women who have never been pregnant. Using spDCM, we investigate the directionality (top–down vs. bottom–up) and valence (inhibition vs excitation) of functional connections between six key left hemisphere brain regions implicated in motherhood: the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens. We show a selective modulation of inhibitory pathways related to differences between (1) mothers and non-mothers, (2) the interactions between group and cognitive performance and (3) group and social cognition, and (4) differences related to maternal caregiving behaviour. Across analyses, we show consistent disinhibition between cognitive and affective regions suggesting more efficient, flexible, and responsive behaviour, subserving cognitive performance, social cognition, and maternal caregiving. Together our results support the interpretation of these key regions as constituting a parental caregiving network. The nucleus accumbens and the parahippocampal gyrus emerging as ‘hub’ regions of this network, highlighting the global importance of the affective limbic network for maternal caregiving, social cognition, and cognitive performance in the postpartum period.

The brain is composed of disparate neural populations that communicate and interact with one another. Although fiber bundles, similarities in molecular architecture, and synchronized neural activity all reflect how brain regions potentially interact with one another, a comprehensive study of how all these interregional relationships jointly reflect brain structure and function remains missing. Here, we systematically integrate 7 multimodal, multiscale types of interregional similarity ("connectivity modes") derived from gene expression, neurotransmitter receptor density, cellular morphology, glucose metabolism, haemodynamic activity, and electrophysiology in humans. We first show that for all connectivity modes, feature similarity decreases with distance and increases when regions are structurally connected. Next, we show that connectivity modes exhibit unique and diverse connection patterns, hub profiles, spatial gradients, and modular organization. Throughout, we observe a consistent primacy of molecular connectivity modes-namely correlated gene expression and receptor similarity-that map onto multiple phenomena, including the rich club and patterns of abnormal cortical thickness across 13 neurological, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Finally, to construct a single multimodal wiring map of the human cortex, we fuse all 7 connectivity modes and show that the fused network maps onto major organizational features of the cortex including structural connectivity, intrinsic functional networks, and cytoarchitectonic classes. Altogether, this work contributes to the integrative study of interregional relationships in the human cerebral cortex.

The demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable materials for nonstructural and structural applications grows by the day. Polymeric composites reinforced with fillers and fibres are considered to have increased strength and desirable wear resistance. Abrasive wear of industrial and agricultural based components are currently one of the most serious issue. Therefore, the current research reports on the influence of Halloysite-Nanotubes (HNTs) loading on the three body abrasive behavior of bi-directional silk fibre (SF) and basalt fibre (BF) reinforced epoxy (Ep) composites. Rubber wheel with dry sand abrasion testing in accordance with ASTM G65-16e1 was performed with four control parameters such as filler content, load, abrading distance and silica sand size. The tests were planned as per orthogonal array of Taguchi (L27). Significant impact of control factors were identified using ANOVA (Analysis of variance). The results demonstrated that adding HNTs to SF-BF/Ep nanocomposites significantly improved the wear resistance and the combination of A2, B1, C3 and D1 control factors yields the lower specific wear rate (SWR). Findings exhibit that the load and abrading distance were the most significant parameters affecting the abrasive wear of SF-BF/Ep nanocomposites followed by filler content and silica sand size. Microstructural features were observed via scanning-electron-microscopy (SEM).

Context: As Diabetes is the most common co morbidity reported with covid-19 infection Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus -2 (SARA CoV-2) which brought about the ongoing pandemic gave opportunity to study the impact of diabetes on hospital stay and mortality of diabetic patients who contracted the corona virus infection. Objective: To study the duration of hospital stay and mortality rate of diabetic patients with moderate to severe covid 19 infection/severe acute respiratory illness and compare it with non diabetic patients of same disease. Method: This was a retrospective observational study in which the records of diabetic patients admitted with severe acute respiratory illness, during the ongoing pandemic, in Al Ameen Medical College Hospital were studied and were compared with the non diabetic patients admitted for the same. The duration of stay and mortality was compared statistically. No distinction was made with respect to type 1& 2 diabetes as they were clubbed together in the same group. Results: Mean duration of illness in diabetic group was 8.1 with SD of 6.9 days and in non diabetic group was 8.4 days with SD 6.5(p value= 0.8). Mortality was 32.5% among diabetics and 15.7% in non diabetics (p value= 0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that the duration of hospital stay and mortality was considerably higher in diabetics than non diabetic counterparts. Therefore due attention should be given by general diabetic population to keep their blood glucose levels under control especially in this period of ongoing covid 19 pandemic.

Abstract Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease and is characterized by progressive growth of fluid-filled cysts. Growth factors binding to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) stimulate cell proliferation and cyst growth in PKD. Nintedanib, a triple RTK inhibitor, targets the vascular endothelial growth-factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth-factor receptor (PDGFR), and fibroblast growth-factor receptor (FGFR), and is an approved drug for the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma and idiopathic lung fibrosis. To determine if RTK inhibition using nintedanib can slow ADPKD progression, we tested its effect on human ADPKD renal cyst epithelial cells and myofibroblasts in vitro, and on Pkd1 f/f Pkhd1 Cre and Pkd1 RC/RC , orthologous mouse models of ADPKD. Nintedanib significantly inhibited cell proliferation and in vitro cyst growth of human ADPKD renal cyst epithelial cells, and cell viability and migration of human ADPKD renal myofibroblasts. Consistently, nintedanib treatment significantly reduced kidney-to-body-weight ratio, renal cystic index, cystic epithelial cell proliferation, and blood-urea nitrogen levels in both the Pkd1 f/f Pkhd1 Cre and Pkd1 RC/RC mice. There was a corresponding reduction in ERK, AKT, STAT3, and mTOR activity and expression of proproliferative factors, including Yes-associated protein (YAP), c-Myc, and Cyclin D1. Nintedanib treatment significantly reduced fibrosis in Pkd1 RC/RC mice, but did not affect renal fibrosis in Pkd1 f/f Pkhd1 Cre mice. Overall, these results suggest that nintedanib may be repurposed to effectively slow cyst growth in ADPKD.

Measurement(s) brain activity Technology Type(s) functional magnetic resonance imaging • FDG-Positron Emission Tomography Sample Characteristic - Organism Homo sapiens Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14977851

Abstract Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging measures pathological alterations in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Disruption in functional connectivity may be a potential biomarker of ageing and early brain changes associated with AD-related genes, such as APOE and BDNF. The objective of this study was to identify group differences in resting-state networks between individuals with BDNF Val66Met and APOE polymorphisms in cognitively healthy older persons. Dual regression following Independent Components Analysis were performed to examine differences associated with these polymorphisms. APOE ε3 homozygotes showed stronger functional connectivity than APOE ε4 carriers. Males showed stronger functional connectivity between the Default Mode Network (DMN) and grey matter premotor cortex, while females showed stronger functional connectivity between the executive network and lateral occipital cortex and parahippocampal gyrus. Additionally, we found that with increasing cognitive reserve, functional connectivity increased within the Dorsal Attention Network (DAN), but decreased within the DMN. Interaction effects indicated stronger functional connectivity in Met/ε3 carriers than in Met/ε4 and Val/ε4 within both the DMN and DAN. APOE/BDNF interactions may therefore influence the integrity of functional brain connections in older adults, and may underlie a vulnerable phenotype for subsequent Alzheimer’s-type dementia.

The purpose of this research work is to explore the potential of nano silicon dioxide (nSiO2) with the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CF/Ep) composite for achieving better wear resistance and viscoelasticity. An effort is made to improve the material behavior by modifying epoxy with silane treated nSiO2. Ultrasonication process is used to disperse the nano particles uniformly within the matrix material. Mono CF/Ep composite and hybrid nSiO2-CF/Ep composites are fabricated by vacuum bagging method. Post curing of the composites is carried out effectively. Dry sliding wear tests are conducted using Taguchi technique by considering four levels, three factors namely, filler loading (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 3 wt.%), sliding velocity (0.75, 1.5, 2.25 and 3 m/s) and load (15, 30, 45, and 60 N). Further from the analysis of variance, the impact of each factor and level on specific wear rate (Ks) and coefficient of friction (COF) are examined. The result revealed that the lowest Ks and COF are in 3 wt.% nSiO2 filled CF/Ep hybrid composite. The optimum control factor-level combinations identified from the experiments, for achieving lowest Ks (0101×10-13 m3/Nm) and COF (0.221), are 3 wt.% filler loading, sliding velocity of 0.75 m/s, and an applied load of 60 N. Based on Signal to noise graph, confirmation test is conducted. Worn surface of the composites are analyzed utilizing scanning electron microscope. Damping behavior of the composites is analyzed from room temperature till 160 °C. As the filler content increased, storage modulus (E') and glass transition (Tg) temperature increased. 3 wt.%, nSiO2 filled composite showed higher E' of 18386 MPa and Tg of 87.3 °C.