Critical evaluation of credit risk management within defects liability period of infrastructure projects in UAE banks

The study critically evaluates credit risk management within the defects liability period (DLP) of infrastructure projects in the UAE banking industry. Earlier literature suggests that credit risk peaks at the inception of construction projects and diminishes as projects progress. Contrary experiential evidence indicates that significant defaults occur during the DLP, necessitating an enhanced focus on this period.This research aims to bridge the literature gap by introducing a modern conceptual framework that incorporates the insights of technical specialists into traditional credit risk management practices, with respect to managing credit risk during the DLP. The study also seeks to develop a project-failure predictive model combining financial and technical engineering aspects of risk management. Fulfilment of this aim is accomplished by answering 3 research questions: (1) What elements in the existing models contributed to infrastructure project failures within the DLP in the UAE? (2) To what extent can bank engineer’s assessment enhance the predictive capabilities of traditional financial scoring techniques? (3) How can the role of bank engineers be promoted to mitigate unforeseen risks in the absence of trade unions in the UAE?A mixed-methods research approach was employed, incorporating data from 133 completed questionnaires and 6 interviews with key credit risk management professionals across the UAE banking sector. This was supported by case studies and an analysis of credit policies and standard procedures. The collected data were analysed using non-parametric statistical tests for quantitative data, alongside thematic and content analysis for qualitative data.The study introduces a new predictive model for failure of infrastructure contracting companies, incorporating both financial and technical indicators, providing a comprehensive risk management tool. The findings highlight the importance of continuous risk monitoring during the DLP and propose practical measures for integrating engineering expertise into the traditional financial analysis framework of UAE banks. This integration is shown to enhance the predictive accuracy of failures and improve overall credit risk management.This research contributes to both academic knowledge and practical business practices by offering a robust framework for managing credit risk in infrastructure projects, emphasizing the critical role of the DLP. The proposed model and recommendations aim to mitigate risks and support banks in achieving more reliable and efficient project financing outcomes.The practical implications of this research are significant for both banking and infrastructure sectors. The study provides a framework for enhancing early detection of project failures, supporting banks in proactively managing credit risk during the DLP. It also offers a systematic approach for integrating engineering assessments into credit decision-making, which can improve risk prediction accuracy and reduce financial losses.</p

X-ray, structural assignment and molecular docking study of dihydrogeodin from <i>Aspergillus Terreus</i> TM8

<p>A re-cultivation of the thermophilic fungus <i>Aspergillus terreus</i> TM8, and working up of its extract afforded the dichloro-benzophenone derivative, dihydrogeodin (<b>1</b>) in addition to the butyrolactones I (<b>2</b>), V (<b>3</b>) and VI (<b>4</b>). A literature surveying revealed one recent structural assignment trial for dihydrogeodin (<b>1</b>), however, with some inaccuracies. We report herein a full assignment of dihydrogeodin (<b>1</b>) using extensive study of 1D, 2D NMR and ESI HR mass data. For the first time as well, we report the planar structure of <b>1</b> using X-ray crystallography. Docking and molecular dynamic simulation of dihydrogeodin (<b>1</b>) on the isomerase cyclophilin A has revealed its significant potential activity as an antiviral and immunosuppressive agent.</p

Straightforward Regeneration of Reduced Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Required for Enzymatic Tryptophan Halogenation

Flavin-dependent halogenases are known to regioselectively introduce halide substituents into aromatic moieties, for example, the indole ring of tryptophan. The process requires halide salts and oxygen instead of molecular halogen in the chemical halogenation. However, the reduced cofactor flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2) has to be regenerated using a flavin reductase. Consequently, coupled biocatalytic steps are usually applied for cofactor regeneration. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) mimics can be employed stoichiometrically to replace enzymatic cofactor regeneration in biocatalytic halogenation. Chlorination of l-tryptophan is successfully performed using such NADH mimics. The efficiency of this approach has been compared to the previously established enzymatic regeneration system using the two auxiliary enzymes flavin reductase (PrnF) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). The reaction rates of some of the tested mimics were found to exceed that of the enzymatic system. Continuous enzymatic halogenation reaction for reaction scale-up is also possible

HF-free Boc synthesis of peptide thioesters for ligation and cyclization

We have developed a convenient method for the direct synthesis of peptide thioesters, versatile intermediates for peptide ligation and cyclic peptide synthesis. The technology uses a modified Boc SPPS strategy that avoids the use of anhydrous HF. Boc in situ neutralization protocols are used in combination with Merrifield hydroxymethyl resin and TFA/TMSBr cleavage. Avoiding HF extends the scope of Boc SPPS to post-translational modifications that are compatible with the milder cleavage conditions, demonstrated here with the synthesis of the phosphorylated protein CHK2. Peptide thioesters give easy, direct, access to cyclic peptides, illustrated by the synthesis of cyclorasin, a KRAS inhibitor

The 1,1-Dioxobenzo[<i>b</i>]thiophene-2-ylmethyloxycarbonyl (Bsmoc)^† Amino-Protecting Group

Full details are presented for use of the Bsmoc amino-protecting group for both solid phase and rapid continuous solution syntheses. Application to the latter methodology represents a significant improvement over the corresponding Fmoc-based method for rapid solution synthesis due to the opportunity to use water or saturated sodium chloride solution rather than an acidic phosphate buffer to remove all byproducts, with consequent cleaner phase separation and higher yields of the growing peptide. Comparison of the Bsmoc and Bspoc functions showed that the former, because of steric hindrance, does not suffer from the competitive or premature deblocking observed with the Bspoc system. Because of its incorporation of a styrene chromophore, resin loading of Bsmoc amino acids could be followed as has previously been shown for the Fmoc analogues. Applications of Bsmoc chemistry to peptide sequences incorporating the base sensitive Asp-Gly unit gave less contamination due to aminosuccinimide formation than comparable syntheses involving standard Fmoc chemistry because a weaker or less concentrated base could be used in the deblocking step. Experimental details are presented for building up peptides in solution via the continuous methodology. Deblockings involved the use of insoluble piperazino silica as well as the polyamine TAEA which simplified aqueous separation of the growing, but nonisolated peptide product, from excess acylating agent and other side products formed in the deblocking process. By the appropriate choice of base, one can act selectively at either site of a molecule which incorporates both β-elimination and Michael acceptor sites as protective units (Bsmoc vs Fm and Fmoc vs Bsm)

The 1,1-Dioxobenzo[<i>b</i>]thiophene-2-ylmethyloxycarbonyl (Bsmoc)^† Amino-Protecting Group

Full details are presented for use of the Bsmoc amino-protecting group for both solid phase and rapid continuous solution syntheses. Application to the latter methodology represents a significant improvement over the corresponding Fmoc-based method for rapid solution synthesis due to the opportunity to use water or saturated sodium chloride solution rather than an acidic phosphate buffer to remove all byproducts, with consequent cleaner phase separation and higher yields of the growing peptide. Comparison of the Bsmoc and Bspoc functions showed that the former, because of steric hindrance, does not suffer from the competitive or premature deblocking observed with the Bspoc system. Because of its incorporation of a styrene chromophore, resin loading of Bsmoc amino acids could be followed as has previously been shown for the Fmoc analogues. Applications of Bsmoc chemistry to peptide sequences incorporating the base sensitive Asp-Gly unit gave less contamination due to aminosuccinimide formation than comparable syntheses involving standard Fmoc chemistry because a weaker or less concentrated base could be used in the deblocking step. Experimental details are presented for building up peptides in solution via the continuous methodology. Deblockings involved the use of insoluble piperazino silica as well as the polyamine TAEA which simplified aqueous separation of the growing, but nonisolated peptide product, from excess acylating agent and other side products formed in the deblocking process. By the appropriate choice of base, one can act selectively at either site of a molecule which incorporates both β-elimination and Michael acceptor sites as protective units (Bsmoc vs Fm and Fmoc vs Bsm)

Simplified analysis of gland length and the largest iceball dimension against IPSS scores.

<p>Significant association between gland length and iceball length with (mean and maximal) IPSS scores were observed. (1_C and 2_C denotes 1^st and 2^nd cycles, respectively; n  =  patient numbers).</p

The 1,1-Dioxobenzo[<i>b</i>]thiophene-2-ylmethyloxycarbonyl (Bsmoc)^† Amino-Protecting Group

Full details are presented for use of the Bsmoc amino-protecting group for both solid phase and rapid continuous solution syntheses. Application to the latter methodology represents a significant improvement over the corresponding Fmoc-based method for rapid solution synthesis due to the opportunity to use water or saturated sodium chloride solution rather than an acidic phosphate buffer to remove all byproducts, with consequent cleaner phase separation and higher yields of the growing peptide. Comparison of the Bsmoc and Bspoc functions showed that the former, because of steric hindrance, does not suffer from the competitive or premature deblocking observed with the Bspoc system. Because of its incorporation of a styrene chromophore, resin loading of Bsmoc amino acids could be followed as has previously been shown for the Fmoc analogues. Applications of Bsmoc chemistry to peptide sequences incorporating the base sensitive Asp-Gly unit gave less contamination due to aminosuccinimide formation than comparable syntheses involving standard Fmoc chemistry because a weaker or less concentrated base could be used in the deblocking step. Experimental details are presented for building up peptides in solution via the continuous methodology. Deblockings involved the use of insoluble piperazino silica as well as the polyamine TAEA which simplified aqueous separation of the growing, but nonisolated peptide product, from excess acylating agent and other side products formed in the deblocking process. By the appropriate choice of base, one can act selectively at either site of a molecule which incorporates both β-elimination and Michael acceptor sites as protective units (Bsmoc vs Fm and Fmoc vs Bsm)

Summary demographics of our series of patients who received SCT.

<p>Breakdown of patient demographics and tumour parameters from the three cryotherapy centres can be found in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0069243#pone.0069243.s004" target="_blank">Table S1</a>. Please note that not all categories add up to 283, since data was incomplete for some patients as regards Pre Rx Gleason, Pre Rx PSA and Clinical T score. (Rx  =  cryotherapy).</p

Disease free survival by (a) Pre-SCT PSA, (b) Gleason Score and (c) PSA nadir.

<p>Disease free survival by (a) Pre-SCT PSA, (b) Gleason Score and (c) PSA nadir.</p