Search

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on financial distress (FD) as well as the moderating role of CEO Power (CEO_P) in Pakistan and India's comparative study. A quantitative approach is used in the study and secondary data is collected from financial reports of 110 firms registered at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and also 110 firms at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSX) from the study period 2016 to 2023. Panel data techniques are used for analysis. Both countries with stronger IC are less likely to face FD and CEO_P partially moderate this relationship IC_FD. Findings support this argument. Resource-based view (RBV) theory and managerial discretion theory (MDT) are used in this study. This study uses the modified value-added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) method, which incorporates relational capital (RC) in measuring IC. This study investigates two economies with varying socioeconomic development and stresses the importance of IC in both countries in reducing the risk of FD. It also evaluates whether powerful CEOs use business resources for their benefit or not. This study has some implications for stakeholders, policymakers, and managers of business. These findings suggest that managers should prioritize IC to reduce the risk of default and accounting bodies should formulate strategies to reduce the powers of CEOs to protect the rights of stakeholders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation for treating refractory knee osteoarthritis. METHODOLOGY: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Peoples Medical College Hospital from July 2020 to June 2022 on patients suffering from refractive knee osteoarthritis treated by fluoroscopy-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (FGGNRA). Eighty-six patients enrolled using a convenient sampling technique. The outcome measures included a reduction in pain scores assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks, though follow-up at six and nine months intervals. Data was collected on a predesigned proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 26, and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were treated, with the highest number of patients in the age group of 41-50 years (n=30, 34.9%, Mean. 54.3, Min. 35, Max. 85) having ASA Status-I (n=81, 94.2%). VAS score before the therapeutics block was at an average of 6.6 (±0.8); however, after the procedure, the average score was 2.0 (±0.8). The consequent observation after 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 weeks, six, and nine months showed an average VAS score of 1.9 (±0.8), 1.9 (±0.8), 1.8 (±0.8), 1.8 (±0.8), and 1.9 (±0.9), 2.5 (±0.8) and 2.5 (±0.9) respectively. Major complications after the procedure were numbness (43.0%, n=37), weakness (37.2%, n=32), vascular injury (12.8%, n=11), and paresthesia (7.0%, n=6). CONCLUSION: The FGGNRA technique for refractory knee osteoarthritis can be a promising option for treating knee pain with minor complications and long-term effects.

Linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators are a novel idea for the description of intuitionistic fuzzy information, where linguistic complex concepts are used to describe membership and non-membership. This can convey the hazy information more clearly, and some findings on linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators have been attained. Nonetheless, several linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators in the literature are founded on conventional operational principles, which have certain limitations when used to multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM). In this study, we presented some improved operating rules based on linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy variables (LCIFVs) and changed their features to address these issues. Next, we created a few aggregation operators, such as the enhanced linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy weighted average (LCIFWA) and the linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (LCIFOWA) operator, to fuse the decision information represented by LCIFVs. We also demonstrated that they had a few favorable qualities. We introduced many novel approaches to address the MAGDM issues in the context of the linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy environment, based on the LCIFOWA and linguistic complex intuitionistic fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (LCIFOWG) operators. In short, we employed few real-world scenarios to demonstrate the viability and soundness of the suggested techniques through comparison with other approaches. This unique technique has been applied to plastic waste management selection, and the results are more accurate than the previously used materials and methods.

Atmospheric pressure microplasma is a simple, cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly procedure, which is superior to the traditional nanomaterials synthesis techniques. It generates high yields and allows for a controlled growth rate and morphology of nanomaterials. The silver (Ag) nanomaterials, with their unique physical and chemical properties, exhibit outstanding antibacterial and antifungal properties. Similarly, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials, known for their low toxicity and relatively lower cost, find wide applications in wound repair, bone healing, and antibacterial and anticancer applications. The use of core–shell nanomaterials in certain situations where some nanoparticles can cause serious harm to host tissues or organs is a testament to their potential. A benign material is coated over the core to reduce toxicity in these cases. This review compares the numerous configurations of microplasma systems used for synthesizing nanomaterials and their use in producing Ag, ZnO, and their core–shell (Ag-ZnO) nanomaterials for biomedical applications. The summary also includes the effect of control parameters, including cathode diameter, gas flow rate, precursor concentration, voltage, and current, on the nanomaterial’s characteristics and applications. In addition, it provides a research gap in the synthesis of Ag, ZnO, and core–shell nanomaterials by this technique, as well as the development and limitations of this technique and the use of these nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Nowadays, waste discharge and contaminants in drinking water have emerged as a significant global problem. Therefore, it is necessary to remove these pollutants from the water and photocatalysis is the best technique for this purpose. The co-precipitation technique was employed to produce NiMn2O4 and ZnMn2O4 and a photocatalyst containing NiMn2O4/ZnMn2O4 heterostructure nanocomposite. Various analytical techniques have been ascribed to examine the physical, morphological and optical features of the fabricated catalysts. XRD diffraction peak patterns were utilized to confirm the presence of cubic NiMn2O4, tetragonal ZnMn2O4 and NiMn2O4/ZnMn2O4 phases in a nanocomposite. In photodegradation tests, the nanocomposite catalyst outperformed the individual catalysts. After 60 minutes of visible light exposure, this nanocomposite catalyst eliminated the methylene blue (MB) dye, attaining substantially higher degradation rates than pure NiMn2O4 (66%) and ZnMn2O4 (77%). The nanocomposite catalyst was highly effective against methylene blue (MB) dye with a degradation efficiency of 92%.

Morus nigra fruit has therapeutic significance against several clinical manifestations due to polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. This research aimed to investigate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ultrasound-assisted ethanolic (UAE) extract of M. nigra fruit against cholesterol-fed and cigarette smoke-exposed hypertensive rats. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of UAE extract of M. nigra fruit showed higher antioxidant potential against free radicals through DPPH and FRAP assays. The in vivo administration of UAE extract of M. nigra fruit significantly (p ≤ 0.05) alleviated serum total oxidant status while significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed increased expression of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway genes (NFR-1 and Keap-1) while reduced expression of JAK/STAT (JAK-2, STAT-1, STAT-3) signaling cascade and dual oxidases (Duox-1 and Duox-2) genes. Histopathological findings indicated the mild destruction of cardiac fibers and necrosis. Conclusively, UAE extract of M. nigra fruit exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against cholesterol and cigarette smoke-associated oxidative damage and inflammation.

Abstract QSPR mathematically links physicochemical properties with the structure of a molecule. The physicochemical properties of chemical molecules can be predicted using topological indices. It is an effective method for eliminating costly and time-consuming laboratory tests. We established a QSPR between mev-degree and mve-degree-based indices and the physical properties of benzenoid hydrocarbons. To compute these indices, we designed a program using Maple software and the correlation between indices and physical properties was developed using the SPSS software. Our study reveals that the mve-degree-based sum-connectivity $$(\chi ^{mve})$$ ( χ mve ) and atom bond connectivity ( $$ABC^{mve}$$ A B C mve ) index, mev-degree-based Randić ( $$R^{mev}$$ R mev ) and Zagreb ( $$M^{mev}$$ M mev ) index are the three most significant parameters and have good prediction ability for the physicochemical properties. We examined that $$R^{mev}$$ R mev predicts the molar refractivity and boiling point, $${\chi }^{mve}$$ χ mve predicts the LogP and enthalpy, $$ABC^{mve}$$ A B C mve predicts the molecular weight, $$M^{mev}$$ M mev predicts the Gibb’s energy, Pie-electron energy and Henry’s law. Moreover, we computed the indices for the linear [n]-phenylen.

Abstract Cyclodextrin, a potent anti-tumor medication utilized predominantly in ovarian and breast cancer treatments, encounters significant challenges such as poor solubility, potential side effects, and resistance from tumor cells. Combining cyclodextrin with biocompatible substrates offers a promising strategy to address these obstacles. Understanding the atomic structure and physicochemical properties of cyclodextrin and its derivatives is essential for enhancing drug solubility, modification, targeted delivery, and controlled release. In this study, we investigate the topological indices of cyclodextrin using algebraic polynomials, specifically the degree-based M-polynomial and neighbor degree-based M-polynomial. By computing degree-based and neighbor degree-based topological indices, we aim to elucidate the structural characteristics of cyclodextrin and provide insights into its physicochemical behavior. The computed indices serve as predictive tools for assessing the health benefits and therapeutic efficacy of cyclodextrin-based formulations. In addition, we examined that the computed indices showed a significant relationship with the physicochemical characteristics of antiviral drugs. Graphical representations of the computed results further facilitate the visualization and interpretation of cyclodextrin's molecular structure, aiding researchers in designing novel drug delivery systems with improved pharmacological properties.

Cooperative communication through energy harvested relays in Cognitive Internet of Things (CIoT) has been envisioned as a promising solution to support massive connectivity of Cognitive Radio (CR) based IoT devices and to achieve maximal energy and spectral efficiency in upcoming wireless systems. In this work, a cooperative CIoT system is contemplated, in which a source acts as a satellite, communicating with multiple CIoT devices over numerous relays. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are used as relays, which are equipped with onboard Energy Harvesting (EH) facility. We adopted a Power Splitting (PS) method for EH at relays, which are harvested from the Radio frequency (RF) signals. In conjunction with this, the Decode and Forward (DF) relaying strategy is used at UAV relays to transmit the messages from the satellite source to the CIoT devices. We developed a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) framework for joint optimization of source power allocation, CIoT device selection, UAV relay assignment, and PS ratio determination. We formulated three objectives: maximizing the sum rate and the number of admitted CIoT in the network and minimizing the carbon dioxide emission. The MOO formulation is a Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) problem, which is challenging to solve. To address the joint optimization problem for an epsilon optimal solution, an Outer Approximation Algorithm (OAA) is proposed with reduced complexity. The simulation results show that the proposed OAA is superior in terms of CIoT device selection and network utility maximization when compared to those obtained using the Nonlinear Optimization with Mesh Adaptive Direct-search (NOMAD) algorithm.

In this study, we employ the Laplace Variational Iterational Method (LVIM) as a sophisticated mathematical tool to investigate into the complex dynamics of cancer cells under the influence of chemotherapy. The LVIM, a method combining Laplace transformations and variational iteration techniques, is specifically adapted to address a system of time fractional differential equations (FDEs) that characterizes the temporal behavior of cancer cells. To enhance the efficacy of our approach, we introduce a semi-analytic version of LVIM, which proves to be a powerful and versatile tool for solving mathematical problems involving fractional derivatives. The focus of our analysis centers on elucidating the impact of chemotherapy, with a particular emphasis on drug diffusion within cancer cells and the fractality of DNA walks. Through numerical exploration encompassing varying fractional order derivatives, our study exposes nonlinear behaviors that remain secret in systems featuring only integer order derivatives. Notably, the methodology we propose is not only applicable to the specific cases examined in this research but also exhibits broad versatility, making it suitable for exploring the effects of different drugs and types of cancers. This research contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of cancer cells, aiding in the understanding of the implications for therapeutic strategies in the context of cancer treatment.

Abstract Background Three Amino acid Loop Extension (TALE) belongs to the homeobox group of genes that are important constituents of plant systems. The TALE gene family is instrumental not only in growth and development but also plays an essential role in regulating plant response to environmental adversaries. Results In the present study, we isolated 21 CsTALE genes from the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genome database. Bioinformatics tools were put in place to understand the structural and functional components of the CsTALE gene family. The evolutionary analysis dissected them into seven subclades (KNOX-I, KNOX-II, and BELL-I to BELL-V). The cis-acting elements in the promoter region of CsTALE genes disclosed that they are key regulators of hormonal and stress-related processes. Additionally, the STRING database advocated the concerting role of CsTALE proteins with other key transcription factors potent in plant developmental biology. The CsmiR319 and CsmiR167a-3p targeting the CsTALE15 and CsTALE16, respectively, further assert the importance of the CsTALE gene family posttranscriptional-related processes. Tissue-specific gene expression unfolded the fundamental involvement of CsTALE genes as they were expressed throughout the developmental stages. Under waterlogging stress, the CsTALE17 expressed significantly higher values in WL, WL-NAA, and WL-ETH but not in WL-MeJA-treated samples. Conclusions The present study reveals the evolution and functions of the CsTALE gene family in cucumber. Our work will provide a platform that will help future researchers address the issue of waterlogging stress in the Yangtze River Delta.

Abstract Background Optically active D-amino acids are widely used as intermediates in the synthesis of antibiotics, insecticides, and peptide hormones. Currently, the two-enzyme cascade reaction is the most efficient way to produce D-amino acids using enzymes DHdt and DCase, but DCase is susceptible to heat inactivation. Here, to enhance the enzymatic activity and thermal stability of DCase, a rational design software “Feitian” was developed based on k cat prediction using the deep learning approach. Results According to empirical design and prediction of “Feitian” software, six single-point mutants with high k cat value were selected and successfully constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. Out of six, three mutants (Q4C, T212S, and A302C) showed higher enzymatic activity than the wild-type. Furthermore, the combined triple-point mutant DCase-M3 (Q4C/T212S/A302C) exhibited a 4.25-fold increase in activity (29.77 ± 4.52 U) and a 2.25-fold increase in thermal stability as compared to the wild-type, respectively. Through the whole-cell reaction, the high titer of D-HPG (2.57 ± 0.43 mM) was produced by the mutant Q4C/T212S/A302C, which was about 2.04-fold of the wild-type. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that DCase-M3 significantly enhances the rigidity of the catalytic site and thus increases the activity of DCase-M3. Conclusions In this study, an efficient rational design software “Feitian” was successfully developed with a prediction accuracy of about 50% in enzymatic activity. A triple-point mutant DCase-M3 (Q4C/T212S/A302C) with enhanced enzymatic activity and thermostability was successfully obtained, which could be applied to the development of a fully enzymatic process for the industrial production of D-HPG.

Microplastics are an emerging pollutant of marine environments, affecting fish and other marine biota such as copepods and rotifers. The current study assesses the impact of plastic microbeads on the growth of roho (Labeo rohita) in a 4-month feeding experiment under laboratory conditions. Over a period of 120 days, roho fingerlings were exposed to different concentrations of plastic microbeads (50 mg to 200 mg/kg of feed) mixed into their feed. It was found that the ingestion of plastic microbeads negatively affected the growth of roho and that the concentration of the plastic microbeads directly influenced the growth rate of the fish.