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A multi-objective sustainable financial portfolio selection approach under an intuitionistic fuzzy framework
Get PDFNoIn recent decades, sustainable investing has caught on with investors, and it has now become the norm. In the age of start-ups, with scant information on the sustainability aspects of an asset, it becomes harder to pursue sustainable investing. To this end, this paper proposes a sustainable financial portfolio selection approach in an intuitionistic fuzzy framework. We present a comprehensive three-stage methodology in which the assets under consideration are ethically screened in Stage-I. Stage-II is concerned with cal- culating the sustainability scores, based on various social, environmental, and economic (SEE) criteria and an evaluation of the return and risk of the ethical assets. Intuitionistic fuzzy set theory is used to gauge the linguistic assessment of the assets on several SEE criteria from multiple decision-makers. A novel intuitionistic fuzzy multi-criteria group decision-making technique is applied to calculate the sustainability score of each asset. Finally, in Stage-III, an intuitionistic fuzzy multi-objective financial portfolio selection model is developed with maximization of the satisfaction degrees of the sustainabil- ity score, return, and risk of the portfolio, subject to several constraints. The ε-constraint method is used to solve this model, which yields various efficient, sustainable financial portfolios. Subsequently, investors can choose the portfolio best suited to their preferences from this pool of efficient, sustainable financial portfolios. A detailed empirical illustration and a comparison with existing works are given to substantiate and validate the proposed approach.Institution of Eminence, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 under Faculty Research Progra
Ramifications of Covid-19 pandemic mitigation measures on sexual reproductive health services utilization among women and adolescent girls in Kenya
Get PDFYesWomen and the adolescents girls in low-middle income countries continue
to be the most vulnerable individuals in times of disasters such as the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic with emphasis on their Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH); yet hardly many
studies choose to identify gaps that could improve and bring about well-informed
interventions during crisis that do not affect other essential services. Hence, this study
aimed to identify the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic mitigation measures on access and
utilization of sexual reproductive health services and its related SRH outcomes among
women and female adolescents in Kenya.
Methods: A systematic literature review was performed to collate findings on the given
study using 8 databases. Total of 1352 presumably pertinent publication were retrieved of
which 20 studies met the study’s inclusion criteria which included studies with quantitative,
qualitative and mixed methods study designs in full text and in English without duplicates.
Using a data extraction table, thematic analysis was carried out to yield the study findings.
Results: Two themes were identified including; service access related outcomes with the
sub-themes of maternal health services and HIV/AIDS services and pandemic specific
stressors with the sub-themes of Covid-19 mitigation stressors and socio-economic
stressors. The findings implied that, women of reproductive age SRH access and utilization
was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic’s mitigation responses with adverse SRH health
outcomes.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected sexual reproductive
health services among women and female adolescents in Kenya. The given main findings
indicated and recognized the existence of improper set policies and mitigative measures
during crisis management, affecting essential services such as SRH
Adaptation of Model Transformation for Safety Analysis of IoT-based Applications
No full textYesThe Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm has continued to provide valuable services across various domains. However, guaranteeing the safety assurance of the IoT system is increasingly becoming a concern. While the growing complexity of IoT design has brought additional safety requirements, developing safe systems remains a critical design objective. In earlier studies, a limited number of approaches have been proposed to evaluate the safety requirements of IoT systems through the generation of static safety artefacts based on manual processes. This paper proposes a model-based approach to the safety analysis of the IoT system. The proposed framework explores the expressiveness of UML/SysML graphical modelling languages to develop a dynamic fault tree (DFT) as an analysis artefact of the IoT system. The framework was validated using a hypothetical IoT-enabled Smart Fire Detection and Prevention System (SFDS). The novel framework can capture dynamic failure behaviour, often ignored in most model-based approaches. This effort complements the inherent limitations of existing manual static failure analysis of the IoT systems and, consequently, facilitates a viable safety analysis that increases public assurance in the IoT systems
Developing Dependable IoT Systems: Safety Perspective
No full textYesThe rapid proliferation of internet-connected devices in public and private spaces offers humanity numerous conveniences, including many safety benefits. However, unlocking the full potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) would require the assurance that IoT devices and applications do not pose any safety hazards to the stakeholders. While numerous efforts have been made to address security-related challenges in the IoT environment, safety issues have yet to receive similar attention. The safety attribute of IoT systems has been one of the system's vital non-functional properties and a remarkable attribute of its dependability. IoT systems are susceptible to safety breaches due to a variety of factors, such as hardware failures, misconfigurations, conflicting interactions of devices, human error, and deliberate attacks. Maintaining safety requirements is challenging due to the complexity, autonomy, and heterogeneity of the IoT environment. This article explores safety challenges across the IoT architecture and some application domains and highlights the importance of safety attributes, requirements, and mechanisms in IoT design. By analysing these issues, we can protect people from hazards that could negatively impact their health, safety, and the environment
An investigation on the effects of beam squint caused by an analog beamformed user terminal utilizing antenna arrays
Get PDFYesIn the equivalent frequency-based model, the antenna array gain is utilised to characterise the frequency response of the beam squint effect generated by the antenna array. This impact is considered for a wide range of uniform linear array (ULA) and uniform planar array (UPA) designs, including those with and without tapering configurations. For a closer look at how the frequency response of the array adapts to the variations in the incidence angle of the signal, the bandwidth of the spectrum is varied and investigated. To study this effect, we have considered using the gain array response as an equivalent channel model in our approach. Beam squinting caused by distortion in the frequency response gain can be verified by one of two equalisers: a zero-forcing (ZF) equaliser or a minimum mean square error (MMSE) equaliser. Different cases with their analysis and results are studied and compared in terms of coded and uncoded modulations.Satellite Network of Experts V under Contract 4000130962/20/NL/NL/FE, and in part by the Innovation Program under Grant H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 SECRET-722424
Political uncertainty, corruption, and corporate cash holdings
Get PDFYesExposure to political corruption and political uncertainty separately demands opposing risk management responses: to reduce cash to minimize expropriation and to increase cash to hedge policy risk. We study how local political corruption and political uncertainty interact in their impact on corporate cash holdings within the United States. We find robust evidence that firms located in states with higher corruption scores react to increases in local political uncertainty by increasing cash holdings more than those in less corrupt settings. This behavior suggests that firms in more corrupt settings find it expedient to raise cash to facilitate influence of officials in the face of local political risk. We find further support for this conclusion by showing that politically engaged firms respond to our measure of political risk by increasing cash and increasing spending on campaign contributions. Our findings point to a potential channel through which different jurisdictions experience the entrenchment and persistence of corruption
Genotoxic effects of a novel form of Gold Nanoparticles loaded with Hesperidin on head and neck cancer lymphocytes compared to effects from healthy control lymphocytes and Squamous cell Carcinoma of Maxillary sinus
Get PDFThe head and neck cancers (HNC) are a group of cancers that begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. Therefore, they are commonly known as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus (MC) is a rare type of HNC, and it is a very aggressive tumour. This cancer is typically diagnosed at a very advanced stage and most patients have a poor survival rate and prognosis. This study is based on the synthesis and applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with hesperidin (Hsp) as a targeted drug delivery system. AuNPs are ideal for loading different drugs and delivering them to targets sites due to their stability, small size, substantial surface area, non-cytotoxic and inert nature. Hsp is a naturally occurring substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. The main aim of this research was to develop a highly efficient and safer method to deliver Hsp to the target sites. The Hsp with poor solubility and bioavailability render it only slightly absorbed, requiring a delivery system to reach its therapeutic target.
This study focused on the effects of 15μg/ml Hsp loaded on gold nanoparticles (Hsp-AuNPs) on 20 healthy individuals’ lymphocytes as compared to 20 HNC patients’ lymphocytes using the alkaline Comet assay. While enzyme-based Comet repair was performed on 5 healthy individuals’ lymphocytes as compared to 5 HNC patients’ lymphocytes. The Hsp-AuNPs reduced the DNA damage in HNC patients’ lymphocytes compared to the healthy lymphocytes (***p<0.001). Furthermore, the 15μg/ml of Hsp-AuNPs significantly reduced the oxidative stress caused by H2O2 and appeared to be effective in both groups using the Comet and Comet repair assay. Results from Comet and Comet repair assay were consistent. The human squamous cells of maxillary sinus (MC) were also treated with 5μg/ml of Hsp-AuNPs. The alkaline Comet assay results showed that Hsp-AuNPs induced DNA damage in MC cells (***p<0.001). Therefore, Hsp-AuNPs demonstrated the most substantial genotoxic effects and confirmed a possible anticancer agent. The Hsp was also used to treat lymphocytes from healthy individuals as compared to HNC patients’ lymphocytes they reduced the DNA damage, but they were less effective as compared to Hsp-AuNPs. Published data shows that using the AuNPs as a drug carrier has a more potent therapeutic effect against different diseases including cancer. Also, this study investigated the gene protective and genotoxic impact of bulk Hsp in Maxillary sinus carcinoma cells. The data obtained indicated that Hsp-AuNPs might possibly be effective for the treatment of MC and demonstrated the ability of Hsp-AuNPs to increase the DNA damage more than the bulk form of Hsp (***p<0.001). The outcomes of this study are consistent with the viewpoint that the Hsp-AuNPs might have a substantial role in cancer treatment, including MC. The concentration of 5μg/ml Hsp-AuNPs was used to treat the MC cells in Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was based on a preliminary test for the optimal dose. The data obtained indicated that Hsp-AuNPs might potentially be effective for the treatment of HNC and showed the ability of Hsp-AuNPs to reduce DNA damage more than the bulk form of Hsp. Hsp-AuNPs has also shown anti-cancer potential in the MC cells by up-regulating the expression of p53, p21, PPAR gamma, and Caspase 3, at mRNA and protein levels by up-regulating the p53, PPAR gamma, Caspase 3, and p21 to mediate apoptosis and DNA repair in MC cells. The findings of this study are consistent with the view that the Hsp-AuNPs could have a significant role in cancer treatment, including HNC and MC
Exploring Radio Frequency Techniques for Bone Fracture Detection: A Comprehensive Review of Low Frequency and Microwave Approaches
No full textYesThis comprehensive review paper examines bone fracture detection techniques based on time-domain low-frequency and microwave radiofrequency (RF). Early and accurate diagnosis of bone fractures remains critical in healthcare, as it can significantly improve patient outcomes. This review focuses on the potential of low-frequency and microwave RF methods, particularly their combination and application of time-domain analysis for enhanced fracture detection. We begin by providing an overview of the fundamental concepts of RF techniques and then by examining biological tissues' dielectric properties. We then compare the advantages and limitations of various bone fracture detection techniques, such as low-frequency RF methods, microwave RF methods, ultrasonography, X-ray, and CT scans. The discussion then shifts to hybrid approaches that combine low-frequency and microwave techniques, emphasising the advantages of such combinations in fracture detection. Machine learning techniques, their applications in bone fracture detection, and the role of time-domain analysis in hybrid approaches are also investigated.
Finally, we examine the accuracy and reliability of simulated models for bone fracture detection. We discuss recent advancements and future directions, such as novel sensor technologies, improved signal processing techniques, integration with medical imaging modalities, and personalised fracture detection approaches. This review aims to comprehensively understand the landscape and future potential of time-domain analysis in low-frequency and microwave RF techniques for bone fracture detection.EU Horizon Europe H2020-MSCA-RISE-2022-2027 (ID: 101086492) and H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019-2024 (ID 872878), Marie Skłodowska-Curie, Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE), and the financial support from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant EP/ X039366/1
A Firm’s Creation of Proprietary Knowledge Linked to the Knowledge Spilled Over from its Research Publications: The Case of Artificial Intelligence
Get PDFYesThis study investigates the mechanism by which knowledge spilled over from a firm’s research
publication consequently spills into the focal firm as a form of proprietary knowledge when it is
engaged in an emerging science-related technology. We define the knowledge spillover pool (KSP) as
an evolving group of papers citing a paper published by a firm. Focusing on the recent development
of artificial intelligence, on which firms have published actively, we compare the KSP conditions
related to the increase in patents created by the focal firm with those created by external actors. Using
a Cox regression and subsequent contrast test, we find that both an increasing KSP and an increasing
similarity between the idea published by the focal firm and KSP are positively related to the
proprietary knowledge creation of both the focal firm and external actors, with such relations being
significantly stronger for the focal firm than for external actors. On the contrary, an increasing
proportion of industry papers in the KSP is positively associated with the proprietary knowledge
creation not only by the focal firm but also by external actors to a similar degree. We contribute to the
literature on selective revealing and to the firms’ publishing strategies
Flexural Behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete T-Beams Reinforced with GFRP Bars
Get PDFYesThe flexural performance of geopolymer concrete (GPC) T-beams reinforced longitudinally with GFRP bars under a four-point static bending test was investigated. Six full-scale simply supported T-beams were cast and tested; one control specimen was made with ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC), while the other five beams were made of geopolymer concrete. The G-GPC2 was designed to attain the same theoretical moment capacity as the G-OPCC6 control beam. The main parameters investigated were the reinforcement ratio of ρ_f/ρ_b= 0.75, 1.05, 1.12, 1.34 and 1.34 for G-GPC1, G-GPC2, G-GPC3, G-GPC4, and G-GPC5, respectively, and compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. Based on the results of the experiments, the ultimate strain of GPC did not show the same behaviour as that of OPCC, which affects the mode of failure. The beam capacity and deflection were, respectively, overestimated and underestimated using the ACI 440 2R-17 predictive equations