Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of Molecular Crystals Based Upon Their Crystallographic Structure

The APIs mechanical properties particularly, tabletability and flowability are of significant interest in the drug dosage tabletting. Insights into the APIs mechanical behaviour not only assist in the selection of optimum tabletting process but the choice of suitable excipients for dosage blend. Prediction of the mechanical properties of seven solid forms was described in this study two of which were used at the initial stage to develop the model. The objective of the model is to test the reliability of applying molecular and crystallographic modelling to predict the slip behaviour of APIs which will provide a quick tool for observing the mechanical properties. Plane rugosity and interlock properties were calculated for the first time by taking the crystallographic properties of each compound. The prediction model comprises of three main components. Firstly, the identification of likely dislocation Burgers vectors based on lattice geometry and dependency to line dislocation; secondly, selection of slip planes for plastic deformation using the calculation of interplanar interactions, rugosity and surface energy and thirdly, characterisations of slip systems or propensity for cleavage and fracture. The pentaerythritol and its derivative, pentaerythritol tetranitrate were selected as the basis structure during development of model because of known cleave and plastic behaviour. From the calculation, the primary Burgers vector for pentaerythritol was identified as ½ [111], and the prominent slip plane for pentaerythritol is a non-habit plane of (001). The (001) was 94% behaving as an ideal slip plane. However, the primary slip system of pentaerythritol was inactive because the Burgers vector was not in the (001) plane. Pentaerythritol was predicted to cleave at (001) because of strong intraplanar intermolecular interactions. In contrast, pentaerythritol tetranitrate was predicted to undergo deformation by slipped on the plane (110) and in the direction of [001]. The (110) was behaving with 82% of ideal slip plane. The predicted slip behaviour was agreeing with the micro-indentation measurements in the literature. Five solid forms of paracetamol, namely polymorph I and II, paracetamol theophylline, paracetamol trihydrates and paracetamol hydrochloride monohydrate were tested using the developed model to verify the prediction robustness. The influence of each component towards the mechanical behaviour of paracetamol varies depending on intermolecular interactions present in the crystal system

Board attributes, risk management and financial performance: Insights from Iraq

Purpose: This study examines how good corporate governance practices and the establishment of risk management committees reduce investors’ risks and improve performance. Research Methodology: Data stream and annual reports were used to acquire secondary data for all 21 banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange between 2019 and 2021, totalling 63 firm-year observations. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15. Results: The data show that board size and independence have strong negative relationships with bank performance. The financial knowledge of the board and independence of the risk management committee had minor positive relationships with performance. Limitations: This study examines board size, independence, financial expertise, and the presence of a risk management committee. Other factors that may impact bank performance include the type of ownership structure, audit committee, and the application of additional financial performance indicators such as Tobin’s Q. Future research could expand to encompass these factors. Contribution: This study aims to provide valuable insights to the Iraqi government and regulators, aiding them in formulating new policies and deliberating on issues related to corporate governance concerning bank performance. It is well-established that both shareholders and companies rely on robust corporate governance mechanisms, especially as a means of augmenting bank value Novelty: The presence of a risk management committee reduces managers' discretion to engage in opportunistic behavior. This study educates regulators on the importance of firms having sound corporate governance and separate and active risk management committees to improve internal control

Abstracts of the International Halal Science Conference 2023

This book presents the extended abstracts of the selected contributions to the International Halal Science Conference, held on 22-23 August 2023 by the International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), IIUM, Malaysia in collaboration with Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, University Islam Sultan Sharif (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam. With the increasing global interest in halal products and services, this conference is timely. Conference Title:  International Halal Science ConferenceConference Acronym: IHASC23Conference Theme: Halal Industry Sustainability Through ScienceConference Date: 22-23 August 2023Conference Venue: International Islamic University (IIUM), MalaysiaConference Organizer: International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), International Islamic University (IIUM), Malaysi