Commercial Interest Research Articles

대항해 시대 유럽 열강의 향신료 무역에 관한 경제사적 함의

This study focused on the spice trade that originated from the Age of Discovery. From a macro perspective, the purpose was to present meaningful implications that can actively respond to today's rapidly changing international trade environment and that can be used as a reference for national policy trade trends. Compared to the Age of Exploration, today's international trade focuses on securing advanced technology and protecting resources and outwardly promotes free trade, but in reality, protectionism is the basis of national policy. Like spices, the complementary relationship between resources and technology means that economic benefits cannot be secured through monopoly or domination by one party alone, but can be secured from added value through mutual complementation or combination. This perspective is the main cause of today's changes in the international trade environment, which is developing as an appropriate mixture of protectionism and free trade policy. The struggle for control over trade routes and spices, which was the cause of the fierce wars among European countries, went beyond the preservation of commercial interests to meet consumption demands, and now the added value created by the fusion of resources and technology is not only the purpose of diplomacy, but also the top priority. This suggests that it should become a national policy.

Impact of animal origin of milk, processing technology, type of product, and price on the Boursin cheese choice process: Insights of a discrete choice experiment and eye tracking.

Boursin is a versatile semisoft cheese that can be made with different types of milk. While widely distributed in the European and North American markets, Boursin is produced to a limited extent in Brazil despite its commercial potential. This scenario encourages consumer-oriented product development studies by facilitating data collection with less bias and fewer product preconceptions, thus favoring the investigation of technological aspects of commercial interest. This study evaluates Brazilians' perceptions regarding different versions of Boursin cheese, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the factors related to choosing cheese. Four attributes related to cheese production were evaluated at three different levels using two discrete choice experiments: one with eye tracking (n=20) and another without (n=312). These attributes included "type of processing" (evaluating pasteurization, ohmic heating, and preparation with raw milk), "animal origin of milk" (cow, goat, or buffalo milk), "type of product" (traditional, light, and lactose-free versions), and "price" (10.99, 13.99, and 16.99 BRL). Information regarding processing with ohmic heating did not affect the probability of Boursin being chosen, suggesting that consumers are open to using this emerging technology in Boursin cheese. However, information on being made with goat, buffalo, and raw milk negatively impacted the probability of choice, along with the price of 16.99 BRL. The frequency of cheese consumption and the level of health concerns also affected the probability of choosing the product. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Identifying the relationship between extrinsic attributes presented on the Boursin cheese label and the consumer's choice process can aid the communication process with the target audience and reveal how some technological issues of interest to manufacturers are perceived. This study indicates how information regarding the animal origin of the milk (cow, goat, and buffalo), the type of processing (pasteurization, ohmic heating, and raw milk), the version of the product (traditional, light, and lactose-free), and the price affect the consumer choice process. The results provide insights that can be applied to product processing and designing labels.

Private attributes: The meanings and mechanisms of “privacy-preserving” adtech

This study analyzes the meanings and technical mechanisms of privacy that leading advertising technology (adtech) companies are deploying under the banner of “privacy-preserving” adtech. We analyze this discourse by examining documents wherein Meta, Google, and Apple each propose to provide advertising attribution services—which aim to measure and optimize advertising effectiveness—while “solving” some of the privacy problems associated with online ad attribution. We find that these solutions define privacy primarily as anonymity, as limiting access to individuals’ information, and as the prevention of third-party tracking. We critique these proposals by drawing on the theory of privacy as contextual integrity. Overall, we argue that these attribution solutions not only fail to achieve meaningful privacy but also leverage privacy rhetoric to advance commercial interests.

Challenges in recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor production

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin of marked commercial, scientific, diagnostic, and therapeutic interest. The preservation of its structural cystine-knot is the main challenge in its industrial production. A suitable expression system is critical to achieve the most efficient production of bioactive and stable BDNF for pharmaceutical purposes.

Assessing the genetic vulnerability of Macaúba palm [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart.] through the mating system and genetic diversity of open‐pollinated progenies

AbstractAt present, intelligent and sustainable agriculture presupposes a compromise between maximising crop yield and minimising its risk of genetic vulnerability. Breeding programmes should implement strategies that allow the development of superior genotypes and preserve genetic diversity, especially in perennial plants. The Macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a species with the potential to produce oil at a level comparable to that of the oil palm, even in water‐deficient areas, which motivates its commercial interest and drives an increase in demand for seedlings from natural populations for commercial plantations. Therefore, to evaluate the impact of this selection procedure on the reduction of genetic diversity and, consequently, the genetic vulnerability of commercial planting, in the present study we analysed the population mating system and the genetic diversity of Open‐Pollinated Progenies (OPPs) from selected seed‐trees in relation to the genetic diversity of respective native populations (NPs). To achieve this, we evaluated the mating system and genetic diversity employing 14 microsatellite markers (SSR). The mating system indices estimated for A. aculeata palm indicated that the species present a mixed mating system () with a predominance of outcrossing. However, at the population level, the outcrossing rate ranged from . The biparental inbreeding rate was considered moderate (), with some variation between populations (from 0.0005 to 0.275). The multilocus correlated paternity was , ranging from 0 to 0.112 at population level, indicating that a significant portion of the progeny consisted of half‐sibs. The results demonstrate that there was no significant loss of genetic diversity of OPPs derived from artificial selection within NPs. In the OPPs the number of alleles (Na = 2.55) was similar to that of NP (Na = 2.56). Furthermore, the mean values of observed heterozygosity (HO) between NP and OPPs were similar, with a mean of 0.366 and 0.356, respectively. In conclusion, the procedure adopted to produce commercial seedlings in the present study should not represent a high risk of genetic vulnerability. In addition, our results will provide a guidance to breeders regarding selection intensity in both natural and improved populations, aiming to optimise the advancement of generations, thereby maximising future genetic gains while preserving genetic diversity. However, we recommend verifying the outcrossing rate and genetic diversity at the population level, as these factors could have significant effects on the vulnerability of the species and the macaúba crop.

Geological controls on the geothermal system and hydrogeochemistry of the deep low-salinity Upper Cretaceous aquifers in the Zharkent (eastern Ily) Basin, south-eastern Kazakhstan

The Zharkent (eastern Ily) Basin is renowned for its low-salinity natural hot springs and geothermal wells, primarily utilized for recreational purposes. Despite the growing commercial interest, the geothermal system in this area is very poorly documented or understood. Accordingly, we conducted a multi-disciplinary study, focusing on the advanced characterization of waters from productive Cretaceous strata, along with the interpretation of geothermal gradients and reservoir recharge in a geological context. Conventional wisdom asserts that Ily is an intracratonic basin characterized by high geothermal heat in its central part and by geothermal aquifers that are rapidly replenished by meteoric water recharge via porous strata exposed on the basin margin. Our results argue for an alternative and expanded interpretation of these systems. Elevated geothermal gradients (with average of up to 40°C/km in the southern part of the basin and locally possibly up to 55°C/km) are likely associated with crustal thinning owing to the development of a pull-apart basin. Anomalously fresh water (<1 g/L) in the deep (up to 2850 m depth) Upper Cretaceous reservoir is charged laterally, predominantly by snowmelt waters from basin bounding mountains. Recharge includes both mountain-front recharge (MFR), where water infiltrates into outcrops of reservoir rock near the mountain fronts, and mountain-block recharge (MBR), characterized by deep groundwater flow through fractured, predominantly rhyolite basement rocks (as evidenced from their solutes in reservoir waters). The combination of elevated geothermal gradients, low salinity water chemistry, and excellent reservoir properties makes the studied reservoir horizon an attractive target for geothermal development. Our results are applicable to other geothermal systems in strike-slip settings across Central Asia, and potentially worldwide.

Stakeholders' views and opinions on existing guidelines on "How to Choose Mental Health Apps".

Mental health Applications (Mhealth Apps) can change how healthcare is delivered. However, very little is known about the efficacy of Mhealth Apps. Currently, only minimum guidance is available in Assessment and Evaluation Tools (AETs). Therefore, this project aims to understand AET developers' perspectives and end users' experiences and opinions on "how to choose a Mhealth App". The primary objectives were: (1) obtaining stakeholder's opinions and experiences of development and use of AETs for Mhealth Apps, their weaknesses and strengths, and barriers in their implementation of Mhealth Apps; (2) the experiences of App users, their analyzation and, obstacles in the use of apps; and (3) to quantify themes related to choosing a Mhealth App. This qualitative study, used a sampling method to recruit six stakeholders (one App developer, two AET developers, an individual with lived experience of mental health illness, and two physicians) who were interviewed using a topic guide. These were examined by researchers (CT, WK, & FN) using thematic content analysis. Additionally, an anonymous online survey of 107 individuals was conducted. Our analyses revealed six main themes: (a) needs and opportunities; (b) views on Mhealth apps; (c) views & opinions on AETs; (d) implementation barriers; (e) system of evaluation and; (f) future directions. The first key concept was, all stakeholders agreed that Apps could significantly impact mental health and that end-users were unaware of mental health AETs and Apps. Secondly, due to commercial interests, end-users reliability of App evaluations requires clear conflict-free guidelines. Thirdly, AETs should be evaluated and developed through a rigorous methodology. Finally, stakeholders shared insights into future developments for AETs and Mhealth Apps. Additionally, online survey respondents chose a "health professional" as their preferred source of guidance in selecting a Mhealth app (84%) and best suited to develop guidelines (70%). The interviews and survey highlight the need for Mhealth Apps to be regulated and the importance of health professionals' engagement in the implementation process. Similarly, without well-defined roles for App evaluations within the health care system, it is unlikely that AETs will have wider spread use and impact without risk.

Delays between Uveal Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment Increase the Risk of Metastatic Death

To investigate if the interval between diagnosis and treatment of posterior uveal melanoma (UM) is associated with metastatic death. Retrospective, single-center cohort study. A total of 1145 patients consecutively diagnosed with posterior UM at St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, from 2012 to 2022, with recorded dates of diagnosis and primary treatment. This cohort represents 81% of all diagnosed patients in Sweden during this period. Data on the interval between diagnosis and treatment were collected for all patients. Its prognostic importance was examined with univariate and multivariate competing risks regressions, and cumulative incidence analyses. Incidence of metastatic death (UM mortality) for patients with prompt (< 1 month from diagnosis) versus delayed treatment (≥ 1 month) and subdistribution hazard ratios (exp(βj)) for every additional 10-day delay in treatment. The mean interval between diagnosis and treatment was 34 days (SD, 56, range, 0-932). Patients treated promptly had larger tumors at diagnosis, but there were no differences in patient age, tumor distance to the optic disc, rates of ciliary body involvement (CBI) or extraocular extension (EXE), or symptom duration before diagnosis. Those who were treated more than 1 month after diagnosis had greater UM mortality in American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage II and III. In stage I, UM mortality for delayed treatment was lower for the first 10 years, followed by a marked spike in the 11th year. In multivariate competing risks regressions of all 1145 patients with tumor diameter, thickness, CBI, and EXE as covariates, the risk for UM mortality increased with 1% for every additional 10-day delay in treatment (exp(βj) 1.01). Among 355 patients treated with enucleation, this delay was associated with UM mortality, independent of AJCC stage, cytomorphology, and level of immunohistochemical BAP-1 expression. Increasing time between diagnosis and treatment of UM is associated with a higher risk of metastatic death. These results challenge a central concept in the understanding of metastatic progression and may indicate the existence of late metastatic seeding. They also underscore the importance of prompt treatment. Validation in independent cohorts is recommended. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) DALAM MENINGKATKAN INFRASTRUKTUR RISET DI INDONESIA

Through various financing plans, including the Public Private Partnership (PPP), the government continues to encourage infrastructure development. With this method, the private sector is urged to participate in infrastructure development so as to ease the government's burden. As a government institution engaged in research, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) formerly the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has chosen the PPP scheme for the Management and Development of the National Research Ship Fleet to increase the capacity of research vessels. research infrastructure. Using a literature study approach and relevant policy and regulatory literature, this report is prepared as a descriptive qualitative investigation. A summary of potential income and risk analysis of the PPP project is also presented along with an explanation of the need for research infrastructure, in this case research vessels in Indonesia. The output of this study also offers a summary of PPP implementation procedures at BRIN. This can cover the topic of whether the PPP plan is for the development of PPP-type research infrastructure, whether the process is solely geared towards commercial interests, how risk sharing is carried out in a PPP, and how BRIN implements the PPP.

Lentinula edodes lignocellulolases and lipases produced in Macaúba residue and use of the enzymatic extract in the degradation of textile dyes.

Agro-industrial residue and textile effluents have caused environmental damage to soil and water bodies. The production of fungal enzymes using agro-industrial residues and the use of these enzymes in the degradation of textile dyes can be a viable alternative to reduce these environmental damages. Lentinula edodes is a white rot fungus with high nutritional value that produces edible mushrooms and enzymes of commercial interest. Thus, the objectives of this study were to produce, purify, and biochemically characterize the lignocellulolytic enzymes and lipases produced for L. edodes in Macaúba coconut and to evaluate their potential for the degradation of textile dyes. The L. edodes UFV 73 had maximum enzymatic activity at 37days of incubation. After the purification steps, the laccase, manganese peroxidase (MnP), cellulase, and, xylanase yields were 489.01, 264.2, 105.02, and 9.5%. The optimum temperature of cellulase activity did not change from 4 to 60°C. The MnP, laccase, and lipase had activity directly proportional to the increase in temperature, while the cellulase and xylanase activity did not change. The optimum pH varied among analyzed enzymes. All the enzymes analyzed are according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The lignocellulolytic enzymes were stable up to 8h of incubation and lipase had a reduction of activity after one hour. The discoloration rate of indigo dye by partially purified enzymatic extract (PPPE) was 40%, which shows its potential for degradation of dyes from textile industries.

One-pot synthesis of morinda pubescens fruit-like structure of Bi@BiVO4 by a simple hydrothermal route: High performance and long-term stability for supercapacitor applications

To meet societal and environmental needs in the future, it is vitally necessary to develop more efficient electricity storage. The need for more effective, efficient energy storage has reignited scientific and commercial interest in enhanced capacitor designs, where the collection of experimental methods and theories that make up nanotechnology play a crucial role. Morinda pubescens fruit (MPF)-like structures Bi@BiVO4 were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal approach, which manifested in highly efficient, stable pseudo-capacitance applications. MPF-like structure Bi@BiVO4 was found to form in the monoclinic scheelite phases in the prepared samples, as determined by the XRD analysis. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) systems, the pseudo-capacitance behaviour of working electrodes covered with a highly crystalline MPF-like structure, Bi@BiVO4, was investigated. The maximum specific capacitance, 1105 F/g in 1 A/g at 2 M KOH, was attained by a modified electrode utilizing the MPF-like structure Bi@BiVO4. The MPF-like structure of Bi@BiVO4 coated on a Ni foam electrode was shown to be significantly more stable for 10,000 cycles at 1 A/g than the stability of previously fabricated electrode materials. With great capacitance retention and columbic efficiency of 100.8 % and 89 % at 1 A/g, this redesigned supercapacitor performs well. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor of Bi@BiVO4@NF//AC@NF has a good capacitance retention value of 98 % and the energy density and power density of Bi@BiVO4@NF//AC@NF are 39.7 Wh k/g and 3205 W k/g, respectively. This gadget is inexpensive and very effective. It is a viable contender and a suitable alternative material for supercapacitor applications.

Green synthesis of blue titania nanoparticles by pulsed laser ablation in water

This work aimed at using pulsed laser ablation in water (PLAW) for the production of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in water from a commercially pure titanium target. There is great commercial interest in nanotitania, which can be found in products including paints, coatings, textiles, cosmetics, solar panels, and catalysts. Nevertheless, nanotitania is usually obtained through chemical routes, which are cost-intensive and cause a negative environmental impact. PLAW comes as a cleaner option for obtaining nano-TiO2 since it uses only solid titanium and deionized water as raw materials. After the process, an optical micrography of the Ti targets was carried out to assess the interaction of the laser with the metallic surface. The nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, TEM, Raman, XRD, and UV–Vis. Nano-TiO2 activity as a photocatalyst was tested for the degradation of the dye RR141. TEM images point to two populations of produced nanoparticles: one spherical with average sizes between 8 and 13 nm, and one spindle-like with the major axis average ranging between 17 and 35 nm. Composition analyses with XRD and Raman indicate the formation of anatase, rutile, and amorphous titania. The color of the solution produced was bluish, which may indicate the presence of surface defects that extend the light absorption band to the visible range. The catalysis experiments showed suitable results for the UV spectrum, and the calculated bandgaps were close to that of anatase, around 3.2 eV.

Vision Need Profiles for the City of Richmond, Virginia: A Pilot Application of Calibration Methods to Vision Surveillance

People with vision problems (VPs) have different needs based on their age, economic resources, housing type, neighborhood, and other disabilities. We used calibration methods to create synthetic data to estimate census tract-level community need profiles (CNPs) for the city of Richmond, Virginia. Cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Anonymized respondents to the 2015 to 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). We used calibration methods to transform the ACS 5-year tabular (2015-2019) and Public Use Microdata estimates into a synthetic data set of person-level records in each census tract, and subset the data to persons who answered yes to the question "Are you blind or do you have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?" To identify individual need profiles (INPs), we applied divisive clustering to 17 variables measuring individual demographics, nonvision disability status, socioeconomic status (SES), housing, and access and independence. We labeled tracts with CNP names based on their predominant INPs and performed sensitivity analyses. We mapped the CNPs and overlayed information on the number of people with VP, the National Walkability Index, and an uncertainty measure based on our sensitivity analysis. Individual need profiles and CNPs. Compared with people without VP, people with VP exhibited higher rates of disabilities, having low incomes, living alone, and lacking access to the internet or private home vehicles. Among people with VP, we identified 7 INP clusters which we mapped into 6 CNPs: (1) seniors (≥ age 65); (2) low SES younger; (3) low SES older; (4) mixed SES; (5) higher SES; and (6) adults and children in group quarters. Three CNPs had lower-than-average walkability. Community need profile assignments were somewhat sensitive to calibration variables, with 18 tracts changing assignments in 1 sensitivity analysis, and 4 tracts changing assignments in ≥ 2 sensitivity analyses. This pilot project illustrates the feasibility of using ACS data to better understand the support and service needs of people with VP at the census tract level. However, a subset of categorical CNP assignments were sensitive to variable selection leading to uncertainty in CNP assignment in certain tracts. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Phospholipase D Immobilization on Lignin Nanoparticles for Enzymatic Transformation of Phospholipids.

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising components for various materials, given their controllable particle size and spherical shape. However, their origin from supramolecular aggregation has limited the applicability of LNPs as recoverable templates for immobilization of enzymes. In this study, we show that stabilized LNPs are highly promising for the immobilization of phospholipase D (PLD), the enzyme involved in the biocatalytic production of high-value polar head modified phospholipids of commercial interest, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Starting from hydroxymethylated lignin, LNPs were prepared and successively hydrothermally treated to obtain c-HLNPs with high resistance to organic solvents and a wide range of pH values, covering the conditions for enzymatic reactions and enzyme recovery. The immobilization of PLD on c-HLNPs (PLD-c-HLNPs) was achieved through direct adsorption. We then successfully exploited this new enzymatic preparation in the preparation of pure polar head modified phospholipids with high yields (60-90 %). Furthermore, the high stability of PLD-c-HLNPs allows recycling for a number of reactions with appreciable maintenance of its catalytic activity. Thus, PLD-c-HLNPs can be regarded as a new, chemically stable, recyclable and user-friendly biocatalyst, based on a biobased inexpensive scaffold, to be employed in sustainable chemical processes for synthesis of value-added phospholipids.

Safety of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae reared on waste streams of animal and vegetal origin and manure

Abstract In Europe, commercial and scientific interest in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) as a new feed source has grown substantially, primarily because this species can be reared on waste-streams which are otherwise unsuitable. However, before BSFL may legally be reared on such materials, and subsequently fed to livestock animals, safety must be guaranteed. Many hazards could be relevant, depending on the origin of the waste stream. Small- and large-scale experiments were performed in which BSFL were reared on the organic wet fraction of municipal household waste (OWF), kitchen/fast food waste (FFW), mushroom feet stems (MF), pig manure liquid slurry mixed with roadside silage grass (PMLSG), pig manure solids (PMS), and secondary sludge from slaughter waste (SW). Larval yields were highest on the control (chicken feed + water) and the FFW. Substrates and larvae were analysed to determine the presence of heavy metals, acrylamide, pesticides, veterinary drugs, and pathogenic bacteria. Cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulated in larvae reared on all substrates, in line with previous research. Some pesticides and veterinary drugs were found in the substrates: concentrations in the larvae were low, but potential formation of metabolites could be studied further. Acrylamide was present in the FFW, but not in the larvae reared on it: more research is needed to determine the (metabolic) fate. Bacillus cereus and traces of Salmonella spp. were found on some larval samples, but appropriate processing is anticipated to minimize potential risks. Based on these results, we conclude that most tested substrates are suitable for rearing BSFL, and do not appear to present major safety concerns, aside from the need for monitoring Cd concentrations in the substrates, and control measures for pathogenic bacteria. Further verification to account for variance in contamination of substrates is needed for definitive conclusions on the safety.

Investigation of the diagnostic importance and accuracy of CT in the chest compared to the RT-PCR test for suspected COVID-19 patients in Jordan

This article aims to synthesize the existing literature on the implementation of public policies to incentivize the development of treatments for rare diseases, (diseases with very low prevalence and therefore with low commercial interest) otherwise known as orphan drugs. The implementation of these incentives in the United States (US), Japan, and in the European Union (EU) seems to be related to a substantial increase in treatments for these diseases, and has influenced the way the pharmaceutical research &amp; development (R&amp;D) system operates beyond this policy area. Despite the success of the Orphan Drug model, the academic literature also highlights the negative implications that these public policies have on affordability and access to orphan drugs, as well as on the prioritization of certain disease rare areas over others. The synthesis focuses mostly on the United States’ Orphan Drug Act (ODA) as a model for subsequent policies in other regions and countries. It starts with a historical overview of the creation of the term “rare diseases”, continues with a summary of the evidence available on the US ODA’s positive and negative impacts, and provides a summary of the different proposals to reform these incentives in light of the negative outcomes described. Finally, it describes some key aspects of the Japanese and European policies, as well as some of the challenges captured in the literature related to their impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

DNA Barcoding Based Identification of Rosa x Damascene and Prunus dulcis Herbs Using ITS2 Barcoding Gene Amplification.

The considerable risk of adulteration in the herbs has raised commercial interest in the identification of medicinal herbs globally. DNA barcoding is the primary techniques for identifying the herbs at genetic level. This technique's key benefit is that it can identify the material's purity. This study focuses on the accurate identification of species utilizing Polymerase chain reaction-based nuclear universal internal transcribed spacer region (a barcode region) amplification and sequencing in 2 medically significant plants (Rosa damascene and Prunus dulcis) procured from the local herbal market of Karachi in the year 2022. Results suggest that the ribosomal nuclear ITS2 region of the selected plant species shows the 100 % identity with the reference genome, therefore it has shown a good rate of identification at the species level. The findings of this concludes that ITS2 is the novel standard barcode that involve in species identification, genomic conservation, and secure utilization of the medically significant plant species.

Pharmaceutical policy and innovation for rare diseases: A narrative review.

This article aims to synthesize the existing literature on the implementation of public policies to incentivize the development of treatments for rare diseases, (diseases with very low prevalence and therefore with low commercial interest) otherwise known as orphan drugs. The implementation of these incentives in the United States (US), Japan, and in the European Union (EU) seems to be related to a substantial increase in treatments for these diseases, and has influenced the way the pharmaceutical research & development (R&D) system operates beyond this policy area. Despite the success of the Orphan Drug model, the academic literature also highlights the negative implications that these public policies have on affordability and access to orphan drugs, as well as on the prioritization of certain disease rare areas over others. The synthesis focuses mostly on the United States' Orphan Drug Act (ODA) as a model for subsequent policies in other regions and countries. It starts with a historical overview of the creation of the term "rare diseases", continues with a summary of the evidence available on the US ODA's positive and negative impacts, and provides a summary of the different proposals to reform these incentives in light of the negative outcomes described. Finally, it describes some key aspects of the Japanese and European policies, as well as some of the challenges captured in the literature related to their impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Large‐Scale Production of Metal–Organic Frameworks

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) show captivating performances in many large‐scale applications including gas adsorption and separation, heat reallocation, water production, or remediation which can overcome important drawbacks of the conventionally used porous materials in the industry. This raises, therefore, the commercial interest in MOFs which brings the necessity to decrease the cost of their production, calling for the synthesis optimization from small‐scale to large‐scale. However, the commercial availability, yet very limited, is highly dependent on their production cost. Thus, to promote the commercial development and availability of MOFs, many steps can be taken. In this work, the state‐of‐art of the large‐scale production of MOFs can be first outlined, before discussing the criteria of greener MOF synthesis processes. Besides, a critical evaluation of the available synthesis routes for large‐scale production can be given, taking into consideration their cost, environmental impact, safety, and feasibility. Moreover, since there are strong limitations to the use in the powder form, the shaping procedures can thus be discussed briefly to outline the prospects of MOFs for different industrial applications. Finally, yet importantly, the perspective for MOFs commercialization can be highlighted with an emphasis on the necessity of techno‐economic analyses and life‐cycle assessments.

Proponents and Opponents of Islamic Banking: An Overview of the Stances adopted in the Articles published in HEC Approved Research Journals

Islamic banking is a financial system that adheres to the principles of Sharia law, which prohibits the charging of interest. Scholars have differing perspectives on Islamic banking, with some arguing that it is a more ethical and sustainable form of banking, while others contend that it is not truly interest-free or transparent. This paper critically examines the perspectives of various scholars on Islamic banking as presented in HEC recognized journals. First school of thought, represented by Dr. Fazlurrehman, distinguishes between riba and commercial interest. They do not consider commercial interest to be riba, and therefore believe that conventional banking is not in conflict with Islamic teachings. A second school of thought, represented by Mufti Taqi Usmani, Prof. Khurshid Ahmed, and others, advocates for the Islamization of the conventional banking system. They believe that banks can be modified in accordance with Islamic teachings to create a more ethical and interest free financial system. On the other hand, Mufti Rashid Ahmed and Mufti Dr. Abdul Wahid, views Islamic banking as a positive development for Muslims, but does not believe that the current Islamic banking system is fully based on Islamic law. They have proposed suggestions for how the system can be made more acceptable.&#x0D; A third school of thought, represented by Dr Muhammad Zahid Siddique Mughal and others, completely rejects Islamic banking. They argue that there is no real difference between conventional and Islamic banking. There are many reasons why scholars have different opinions about Islamic banking. One reason is that there are different arguments presented in Islamic law about the prohibition of interest. Another reason is that there are different methods of Islamic banking and scholars have different opinions about these methods. These opinions vary depending on social, and economic factors. However, there is no doubt that it is a growing field, with Islamic banks operating in over 75 countries around the world.