This paper argues for a novel approach to financing infrastructure needs in Arab countries. It first describes the context of rising public debt in the region, contrasting it with the vast infrastructure needs. It then discusses the challenges in meeting these needs with traditional financing. The paper then makes the case for maximizing finance for development by using public-private partnerships and presents a few successful examples in Arab countries. Finally, the paper explores the way forward and concludes on the need for strong state capacity and integrity to promote the “maximizing finance for development” approach.

Atomic interaction between mediator protein of human prostate cancer (PHPC) and Fe/C720 Buckyballs-Statin is important for medical science. For the first time, we use molecular dynamics (MD) approach based on Newton’s formalism to describe the destruction of PHPC via Fe/C720 Buckyballs-Statin with atomic accuracy. In this work, the atomic interaction of PHPC and Fe/C720 Buckyballs-Statin introduced via equilibrium molecular dynamics approach. In this method, each PHPC and Fe/C720 Buckyballs-Statin is defined by C, H, Cl, N, O, P, S, and Fe elements and contrived by universal force field (UFF) and DREIDING force-field to introduce their time evolution. The results of our studies regarding the dynamical behavior of these atom-base compounds have been reported by calculating the Potential energy, center of mass (COM) position, diffusion ratio and volume of defined systems. The estimated values for these quantities show the attraction force between Buckyball-based structure and protein sample, which COM distance of these samples changes from 10.27 Å to 2.96 Å after 10 ns. Physically, these interactions causing the destruction of the PHPC. Numerically, the volume of this biostructure enlarged from 665,276 Å3 to 737,143 Å3 by MD time passing. This finding reported for the first time which can be considered by the pharmaceutical industry. Simulations indicated the volume of the PHPC increases by Fe/C720 Buckyballs-Statin diffusion into this compound. By enlarging this quantity (diffusion coefficient), the atomic stability of PHPC decreases and protein destruction procedure fulfilled.

Nothofagus pumilio forests constitute the most economically important forest stand in southern Argentina and Chile. Total volume stocking and volumetric yield vary according to site quality, degree of occupation, growth stage and forest history of the stand. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stocking and the productive potential in quantity and quality of products for the sawmilling industry, using three harvesting systems (short logs, long logs and complete shafts) in the protection cut of a N. pumilio forest of site quality III in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). The trials were conducted in an irregular mature forest with two strata and abundant regeneration (3.0 ha; RDI 93.8–113.4%). Total volumes varied between 726.5 and 850.3 m³∙ha^-1, with a volume/basal area ratio of 11.8 to 12.1 m³∙m^-2. The harvesting rates obtained were: 45.5% for complete logs, 21.3% for long logs and 22.4% for short logs. A model was used to estimate the timber volume for each system, where full shafts resulted in a significant increase in timber volume. Considering new alternatives in the planning of harvesting in forest management for N. pumilio forests, such as the system of complete shafts, allows obtaining higher harvesting rates, increasing the benefits for the forestry company and minimizing the damage to the forest, due to the shorter distance of the machinery in the forest harvesting.

This research study explores the addition of chromium (Cr⁶⁺) ions as a nucleating agent in the alumino-silicate-glass (ASG) system (i.e., Al₂O₃-SiO₂-MgO-B₂O₃-K₂O-F). The important feature of this study is the induction of nucleation/crystallization in the base glass matrix on addition of Cr⁶⁺ content under annealing heat treatment (600 ± 10 °C) only. The melt-quenched glass is found to be amorphous, which in the presence of Cr⁶⁺ ions became crystalline with a predominant crystalline phase, Spinel (MgCr₂O₄). Microstructural experiment revealed the development of 200–500 nm crystallite particles in Cr⁶⁺-doped glass-ceramic matrix, and such type microstructure governed the mechanical properties. The machinability of the Cr-doped glass-ceramic was thereby higher compared to base alumino-silicate glass (ASG). From the nano-indentation experiment, the Young’s modulus was estimated 25(±10) GPa for base glass and increased to 894(±21) GPa for Cr-doped glass ceramics. Similarly, the microhardness for the base glass was 0.6(±0.5) GPa (nano-indentation measurements) and 3.63(±0.18) GPa (micro-indentation measurements). And that found increased to 8.4(±2.3) (nano-indentation measurements) and 3.94(±0.20) GPa (micro-indentation measurements) for Cr-containing glass ceramic.

Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) have increasingly engaged in outward foreign direct investment in recent years, and particularly into the infrastructure sector of developing economies. This has been prompted by the infrastructure-led economic integration plan of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, such collaboration faces many challenges. Infrastructure projects are often undertaken in industries, countries, and regions posing particular and difficult challenges, and with divergent, often conflicting interests, with the ensuing conclusion that the MNE is simply exploiting the project and not delivering value to the host country. Overall, not only does the infrastructure project have to be well-functioning with expected returns (or savings) realized, but these projects face close scrutiny from local communities, labor, opposition parties, neighboring countries, and various international bodies and nonprofits, requiring delicate handling of the principals involved. The unfolding of these issues and their management by the multinational are examined through an in-depth longitudinal case study. The data are drawn from major participants and stakeholders around a leading Chinese MNE and the mega project of the construction of a major hydropower plant in Pakistan.