Explore the vast range of titles available.

Pharmaceutical and biomedical products that are developed for therapeutic use are either synthesized in the laboratory or naturally derived from living sources [...]

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is significantly related to food companies due to its prominent impact and greater dependency on the environment, economy, and society (triple bottom line — TBL). The CSR-related threats and opportunities’ scale are shifting from single companies to networks and supply chains of the food sector. In this regard, this study empirically evaluates CSR initiatives by using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) methodology. So to develop an ISM–MICMAC-based framework, at first, CSR initiatives were chosen from existing literature with experts’ advice. Later, MICMAC analysis results showed that “employee trainings and workshops” and “employee welfare and empowerment” are significant CSR initiatives that could help CSR’s integration in the food sector of Pakistan, whereas CSR initiatives “community betterment” and “contribution towards economic development” proved least significant in the model. This study recommends that food sector firms should promote employee-based strategies in the firms. Moreover, the empirical findings of this study help to better understand CSR initiatives and their role in the implementation of CSR in the food sector of developing countries.

In the recent era, energy management practices (EMPs) have gained significant importance in developed countries, due to their cost efficiency and the potential to protect the environment. However, developing countries are not particularly serious about adopting and implementing sustainable construction practices, due to the different barriers that hinder them from doing so. Therefore, the complete adoption of effective EMPs is still at the initial stage. The objective of this study is to identify the barriers to EMPs adoption, in the construction sector of Pakistan. Initially, the barriers were identified from the earlier studies and screened by the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM). These screened barriers were then evaluated through the ISM. The results of the ISM show that there happens to be a “lack of communication and collaboration among project stakeholders,” “attitudinal, cultural and behavioral resistance to adopt EMPs”, “lack of top management support and interest in energy management issues,” “no condition for implementing EMPs on construction site,” and “lack of financing schemes to implement energy management technology,” as the top barriers to EMPs adoption in the construction projects pertaining to Pakistan. Thus in this regard, this study empirically contributes to EMPs literature that is based on the developing countries and supports the policymakers in developing appropriate strategies to reduce energy consumption in construction projects—especially in developing countries.

The debate about the adoption of green technologies (GTs) is trending due to increasing environmental concerns across the globe. In the context of the manufacturing industry, the research about enablers to GT adoption while using the ISM-MICMAC approach is scarce. Hence, the empirical analysis of GT enablers is being done in this study using a novel ISM-MICMAC method. Firstly, the research framework is developed by using the ISM-MICMAC methodology. Then, enablers to GTs were extracted from existing studies and validated by experts. Results showed that the most significant enabler to GT adoption is providing incentives for green manufacturers (1) in the ISM model. So, manufacturing firms must take initiatives for GTs to mitigate the negative environmental impact of industrialization without losing their earnings. This research brings substantial empirical scholarship to understand GT enablers and their contribution in GT enabler incorporation in the manufacturing industry of developing economies.

The present work reports studies on the effective removal of Rhodamine-B (RhB) using Aliquat-336 modified Amberlite XAD-4 resin in the fixed-bed columns in series. The effect of flow rate (Q = 2 to 6 mL·min−1), bed height (h = 3.5 to 7 cm) and initial RhB dye concentration (Cin = 10 to 20 mg·L−1) was studied. When a single column was used, 93% RhB dye was removed in 3 h at Q= 2 mL·min−1, Cin = 10 mg·L−1, and h = 7 cm. When three columns in series were used, almost 100% dye was removed until 80 h. The maximum breakthrough time (142 h) and saturation time (244 h) were found by keeping Q= 2 mL·min−1, h = 7 cm of each column and Cin = 10 mg·L−1. Mathematical modeling of the breakthrough curves was done by using Yoon-Nelson, Clark, Wolborska, and pore diffusion models. The Clark model best fitted the experimental data. The possible interaction mechanism between Aliquat-336 and RhB dye was proposed. The column was regenerated in continuous mode using 1 M HCl solution and maintaining a flow rate of 2 mL·min−1.

Reducing energy usage and promoting energy management practices remain hot issues in the construction sector. Construction firms are not interested to adopt energy conservation and management practices in their projects. Despite the successful integration of energy management practices in developed nations, their adaptability in developing countries, especially in Pakistan, is at a slow pace. Therefore, drivers to energy management practices need to be realized for its adoption. Based on this, the current study intends to evaluate the drivers of energy management practices adopted in the construction sector of Pakistan by using a four-stage methodology. Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and Matrice d’Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliques a un Classement (MICMAC) analysis were integrated with prioritizing essential drivers. Increased tax imposition on construction companies for energy usage and pollution contribution, promotion of investment subsidies for energy efficiency technologies, and increased enforcement of government rules and regulations regarding on-site energy management practices arose as significant drivers to adoption of energy management practices in the construction sector of Pakistan. These results will be helpful for policymakers to develop effective policies for integrating energy management practices in the construction sector. This study contributes significantly by developing a novel model of drivers affecting EMP adoption in the Pakistani construction sector. Further research might be expanded to other developing countries to validate current results.

Due to extensive industrial activities, many environmental challenges have devastated human beings and environmental integrity. Therefore, sustainable supply chain (SC) practices (lean, green, and agile — LGA) gained momentum in the manufacturing industry. Considering the importance of LGA-SC, this study investigates the impact of LGA-SC practices on green innovation (GI), supply chain competitive advantage (SCPA), supply chain responsiveness (SCR), and sustainable firm performance (SFP). Data were collected from employees of the manufacturing industry in China. The proposed conceptual framework was verified by using structural equation modeling. The empirical results indicate that LGA-SC practices are statistically associated with GI, SCR, SCPA, and SFP. Moreover, this research finds that GI and SCR play mediating roles between LGA-SC practices and SCPA. GC positively moderates the relationship between LGA-SC practices and GI, and IP also acts as a strong moderator between GI and SCPA. To the authors’ best knowledge, this study is the pioneer to provide insights about a novel framework combing LGA-SC practices, SCPA, and SFP with mediating role of GI and moderating role of GI and IP. This study supports managers of the Chinese manufacturing sector to further extend strong roots for LGA-SC adoption.

Green Lean Six Sigma adoption (GLSA) is an emerging concept that enhances product quality, safety and the overall performance of the firms. Few studies attempted to explore and examine the DFs of GLSA towards creating a strong urge in the stakeholders for long-term economic, ecological and productivity advantages. Major 32 DFs were initially explored to fill this gap by conducting a literature review and semi-structured interviews with different experts. Then, using the Delphi method, 28 DFs pertinent to the construction industry of Pakistan were screened, and established a seven-stages structural model by employing the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique. Through Matriced’ Impacts Croise’s Multiplication Appliquee a UN Classement (MICMAC) method, the DFs were categorized into “autonomous,” “dependent,” and “linking” segments. The results signify that “energy efficiency,” “government incentives,” “waste minimization,” “resources conservation and recycling,” and “water efficiency” were the top five DFs for GLSA. Further, the comparison with other countries reveals that the most significant driving force, “government incentives,” is substantial for GLSA in the emerging economy of Pakistan. This article enhances knowledge of significant DFs for GLSA, furnishing a considerable source for managers, professionals, and policymakers to encourage GLSA at a wider level.

Apremilast (APM) is a novel, orally administered small molecule drug approved for treatment of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Due to its low solubility and permeability, it is classified as a class IV drug according to BCS classification. Dose titration is recommended during APM treatment due to its tolerability and twice-daily dosing regimen issues. In this study, three different APM-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (F1-F3) were prepared by single emulsion and evaporation method. Based on particle size, PDI, zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), drug loading (%DL), and spectral characterization, the nanoparticles (F3) were optimized. The F3 nanoparticles were further evaluated for in vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats. The optimized nanoparticles (F3) had particles size 307.3±8.5 nm with a low PDI value 0.317, ZP of -43.4±2.6 mV, EE of 61.1±1.9% and DL of 1.9±0.1%. The in vitro release profile showed a sustained release pattern of F3 nanoparticles of APM. The pharmacokinetic results showed 2.25 times increase in bio-availability of F3 nanoparticles compared to normal APM suspension. Moreover, significant increase in half-life and mean residence time confirms long-term retention of F3 nanoparticles. Bioavailability enhancement along-with long-term retention of the APM-loaded PLGA nanoparticles might be helpful for the once-daily regimen treatment.

This study investigates the development of topically applied non-invasive chitosan-nanoparticles (CSNPs) for ocular delivery of tedizolid phosphate (TZP) for the treatment of MRSA-related ocular and orbital infections. An ionic-gelation method was used to prepare TZP-encapsulated CSNPs using tripolyphosphate-sodium (TPP) as cross-linker. Particle characterization was performed by the DLS technique (Zeta-Sizer), structural morphology was observed by SEM. The drug encapsulation and loading were determined by the indirect method. In-vitro release was conducted through dialysis bags in simulated tear fluid (pH 7) with 0.25% Tween-80. Physicochemical characterizations were performed for ocular suitability of CSNPS. An antimicrobial assay was conducted on different strains of Gram-positive bacteria. Eye-irritation from CSNPs was checked in rabbits. Transcorneal flux and apparent permeability of TZP from CSNPs was estimated through excised rabbit cornea. Ionic interaction between the anionic and cationic functional groups of TPP and CS, respectively, resulted in the formation of CSNPs at varying weight ratios of CS/TPP with magnetic stirring (700 rpm) for 4 h. The CS/TPP weight ratio of 3.11:1 with 10 mg of TZP resulted in optimal-sized CSNPs (129.13 nm) with high encapsulation (82%) and better drug loading (7%). Release profiles indicated 82% of the drug was released from the TZP aqueous suspension (TZP-AqS) within 1 h, while it took 12 h from F2 to release 78% of the drug. Sustained release of TZP from F2 was confirmed by applying different release kinetics models. Linearity in the profile (suggested by Higuchi’s model) indicated the sustained release property CSNPs. F2 has shown significantly increased (p < 0.05) antibacterial activity against some Gram-positive strains including one MRSA strain (SA-6538). F2 exhibited a 2.4-fold increased transcorneal flux and apparent permeation of TZP as compared to TZP-AqS, indicating the better corneal retention. No sign or symptoms of discomfort in the rabbits’ eyes were noted during the irritation test with F2 and blank CSNPs, indicating the non-irritant property of the TZP-CSNPs. Thus, the TZP-loaded CSNPs have strong potential for topical use in the treatment of ocular MRSA infections and related inflammatory conditions.