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Materials with versatile physical properties are essential for contemporary physical society, especially in electronics, renewable energy, transportation, medicine, and more. This intact capability holds the potential for a revolutionary shift towards environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. Consequently, the exploration of materials that encompass multiple functions becomes highly imperative. This study is concentrated on comprehending the physical characteristics of elastic and optoelectronic materials to propose novel, highly efficient materials suitable for photovoltaic device applications. Within this paper, the fundamental study of fluoroperovskite properties in the context of density functional theory is undertaken, employing the full potential linearized augmented plane wave approach. Specifically, fluoroperovskite ZnXF3 (X = Sr, Ba) is scrutinized concerning its structural, electronic, optical, and elastic attributes. The optimized crystal structural parameters for both compounds are determined as 4.41 Å for ZnSrF3 and 4.52 Å for ZnBaF3, employing the Birch-Murnaghan fitting approach for the unit cell energy versus unit cell volume. All fundamental physical properties are subsequently calculated using these optimized lattice constants. To address strongly correlated electron systems, the recently developed Modified Beck-Johnson potential is employed in this research. The tolerance factor "τ" is computed for both materials, yielding values of 0.98 for ZnSrF3 and 0.86 for ZnBaF3, affirming the structural stability of these perovskite crystal structures. The analysis of electronic properties reveals that both compounds exhibit a metallic behavior, for ZnXF3 (X = Sr, Ba) fluoroperovskites. Furthermore, the research explores the potential of these selected compounds by computing their optical properties within the energy range of 0–14 eV for incident photons, with a focus on potential optoelectronic applications. Additionally, mechanical properties for both materials are assessed using the IRelast package, with results indicating that ZnXF3 (X = Sr, Ba) fluoroPerovskites are mechanically stable, resistant to abrasion, ductile, and anisotropic. The precision and accuracy of the reported findings provide strong support for the potential applications of zinc-based ZnXF3 (X = Sr, Ba) fluoroperovskites in photovoltaic and modern semiconductor industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have thoroughly examined the electro-optics and thermal properties of Rb2AgPX6 (X = Cl, Br, I), using ab-initio simulations. We find the Rb2AgPX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) have lower energies, exhibiting the favorable nature. Furthermore, we find that our studied configuration exhibits ductile nature due to higher Pugh’s ratio. Additionally, the non-negative frequencies in the phonon spectra confirm the dynamical stability of Rb2AgPX6 (X = Cl, Br, I). We observe, an indirect band gap ranging from 0.81 eV to 1.60 eV for Rb2AgPX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) uing mBJ + SOC. Moreover, the optical absorption confirm the electron transitions from the valence band to the conduction band due to sharp peak in the spectra. According to the AM 1.5 spectra, the light absorption occurs below 4.0 eV, showing the applications of Rb2AgPX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) suitable for solar cells. Furthermore, the zT value for Rb2AgSbCl6 is 0.73 and for Rb2AgSbBr6 is 0.76, exhibiting its applicability in the thermal devices at room temperature. Thus, our calculated results could be useful as a basis for future (experimental) studies that investigate the characteristics of Rb2AgSbX6 (where X = Cl, Br, I) in terms of renewable energy devices and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substantial exploration of novel lead-free, non-toxic double perovskite halide (DPH) materials with suitable band gaps and high stability is desirable for modern perspective applications. In this work, we report density functional theory (DFT) calculations to screen the structural, dynamical, and mechanical stability, tuning the band gap, and optical properties of inorganic Cs2RbABr6 (A = Tl and Bi) DPH materials using WIEN2K quantum mechanical simulation code. The computation of tolerance factor, octahedral factor, and phonon band structures shows that the interested materials possess dynamic and structural stability in cubic symmetry. The computed cubic elastic constants Cij, bulk modulus B, Young's modulus Y, shear modulus G, Cauchy pressure CP, Pugh ratio B G , anisotropy factor A, and Poisson ratio ʋ confirm that both ternary Cs2RbTlBr6 and Cs2RbBiBr6 DPH materials are anisotropic, ductile, tough, and mechanically stable. Electronic properties depict that the tuning of the direct band gap (2.26 eV) from Γ–Γ in the Cs2RbTlBr6 to the direct band gap of 4.09 eV from L–L occurs in Cs2RbBiBr6 when the transition element Thallium (Tl) is replaced by the non-metallic Bismuth (Bi) element. The electronic properties show that Cs2RbTlBr6 is a semiconductor and Cs2RbBiBr6 is an insulator. Our investigations of optical properties show that inorganic Cs2RbABr6 (A = Tl and Bi) DPH possess better absorption coefficient, optical conductivity, and refractive index in the visible light spectrum, and thus Cs2RbTlBr6 and Cs2RbBiBr6 are proposed to be efficient materials for photosensitive and renewable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the structural properties, phonons, mechanical stability, and optoelectronic properties of silicon-based Ca2TiSiO6 ordered double perovskites oxides are computed employing the DFT approach within the WIEN2K quantum mechanical code. The LDA, PBE-GGA, and TB-mBJ potentials are used, and it is found that the TB-mBJ potential gives more accurate results for optoelectronic properties. Our computed results for structural properties are entirely consistent with the experimental results. The calculations of phonons and the criterion of Born-Huang's mechanical stability confirm the dynamical, structural, and mechanical stability of quaternary Si-based Ca2TiSiO6 material. The elastic constants Cij, Pugh ratio B/G, and Poisson's ratio ʋ verify that the interested material is stiff, malleable, and resistant to shear strain. The computed spectral curves for various optical parameters reveal the robust responsiveness of the Ca2TiSiO6 material to UV wavelengths. This suggests promising applications in ultraviolet detectors, photo-catalysis, photo-detectors, solar cells, and other optoelectronic devices where efficient light absorption is essential for optimal functionality. Our research on silicon-based Ca2TiSiO6 double perovskite oxide will provide a base framework for experimental materials scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out on avian diversity and main ecological factors occurring at Gharo Creek, district Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan, from April 2020 to March 2021. Data were collected both early in the morning (7:00-10:00 am) and in the evening (3:00 to 6:00 pm) by using the point count method in three main selected habitat types. A total of 112 bird species belonging to 15 orders, 40 families, and 71 genera occurring in the study area. Among the three habitat types, the more diverse and abundant habitat of birds was Creek (51%) followed by scrubland (27%) and Bhambore fort (21%) with Shannon diversity index (3.701). The more diverse and abundant bird species were the winter visitors followed by resident species. The common birds with higher numbers were Indian black-winged stilt (375) followed by great egret (180), western reef egret (75), house sparrow (72), little egret (60), house crow (55), common myna (43), white eared bulbul (40) and greater sand plover (40). In the Gharo Creek area significantly (P<0.05) higher diversity was recorded as compared to the Scrubland forest area and Bhambor (Terrestrial) Fort area. However, threats responsible for the decline of biodiversity and density of avifauna include destruction of habitats, soil erosion, human interaction, drought, illegal killing, predation, water pollution, scarcity of food, and unfavorable environmental conditions. The study area is rich in bird diversity however, awareness campaigns and enforcement of legislation are required on a priority basis to conserve the avian diversity, distribution, and address the threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to design automotive drive shaft of reduced weight and more strength through parametric analysis. The weight reduction of the drive shaft plays an important role in overall performance of the vehicle. Failure of drive shaft, subjected mainly occurs due to bending natural frequency and bending stresses which are directly related to weight of the drive shaft. Components for automobiles are made of composite materials for being corrosion-free, high stiffness, produce complex geometries, light in weight, and absorb more impact energy. The current research includes structural analysis on drive shaft of Truck model-6DT120, H-Series Ashok Leyland Engine. Drive shafts with different materials and internal geometries are investigated and compared. The results show that internal geometries have significant effect on the resultant stresses. In addition, use of composite material with appropriate internal geometry significantly reduces the induced stresses and the drive shaft's overall weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of good governance in promoting tourism in emerging South Asian countries and also tested the mediating role of foreign direct investments (FDI). The study used panel data collected from seven South Asian countries from 1996 to 2018. Panel data regression models were estimated to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that the country's good governance has a positive and significant influence on tourism receipts and arrivals. Moreover, the mediation analysis results supported that foreign direct investments mediated the relationship between good governance indicators like government effectiveness, political stability, voice and accountability, and control over corruption and tourism. Based on the results, the study proposed the governance-led FDI and FDI-led tourism hypotheses, the study's main contribution. The study has implications for the government regulatory agencies relating to governance, tourism departments, foreign prospect investors, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research endeavor was to investigate the underlying factors that motivate and barriers that hinder the implementation of environmentally sustainable banking practices within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. The Primary data was collected using exploratory research interviews with various bank personnel, including branch managers, operational managers, credit managers, and environmental risk analyst. A comprehensive set of 26 interviews were conducted, encompassing bank officials from both public and commercial sectors and representatives from Islamic and conventional banking institutions based on saturation of data. Subsequently, the interview data was transcribed and analyzed through a thematic analysis approach. Upon conducting a comprehensive examination of the data for codes and themes, the findings indicated that various factors motivate the implementation of green banking practices. These factors are risk of default, reputational risk, environmental risk, competitive advantage, social responsibility, customer demand, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, innovation and digitalization, and regulatory compliance. The barriers hindering the adoption of green banking practices encompass several factors, including lack of awareness, regulatory hurdles, high costs, infrastructure investments, resistance to change, a limited range of green products, economic conditions, and a lack of collaboration among various stakeholders involved in the implementation of green banking practices. The study further recommends several factors to reduce barriers to green banking including, regulatory support, awareness campaigns, collaboration among stakeholders, financial support, training and development of employees, and the introduction of green financial products. This study holds significance for various stakeholders, such as regulators, policymakers, and academics. This research made a valuable contribution to the theory and practice of green banking practices by investigating the underlying reasons that motivate and obstacles that hinder the widespread adoption of environmentally sustainable banking practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fostering SMEs financial inclusion of is also one of the top priorities of State Bank of Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan. In this way, the State Bank of Pakistan has announced National Financial Inclusion Strategies (NIFS) under the banner of the NIFS 100days agenda in order to attain various targets including financial inclusion of SMEs by 2023. In this regard the research study is conducted to explore the barriers (demand and supply side) in the main stream of financial inclusion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and to provide comprehensive ways and strategies for greater financial inclusion. To fulfill the research aims, the research used a qualitative technique followed by thematic approach. Semi-structured interviews with SMEs and banks were used to acquire primary data. The report reveals a number of demand side constraints that SMEs encounter, such as financial illiteracy, lack of collateral, lack of financial statements, lack of information about accessible financial products and services, and many others; the supply side barriers are arise from financial institutions while supporting SMEs include lengthy and complex procedure, demand of collateral, high transaction costs, and so on and other constraints. These demand-sides, supply-sides and other sides‘ barriers contribute to SMEs' reluctance to participate with formal financial channels. In response to these impediments, the research developed a number of formal financial channels. In response to these barriers, the research established various strategies that incorporate both demand-side, supply-side factors in order to form a flourishing environment for SMEs' inclusion in formal financial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to look into how abusive leadership contributes to knowledge-hiding behavior at work. The investigation also attempts to evaluate the moderating role of psychological ownership of knowledge and empirical evidence pertaining to the mediation path, notably workplace ostracism. To look into the stated hypotheses, cross sectional data using five point Likert scale was gathered. For addressing priming effect and minimize the possibility of CMB, the data was gathered at two different time intervals separated by a period of one month. Moreover, 298 valid as well as complete responses were evaluated to test the hypothesis using Smart PLS 4.0.9.8. The findings found a significant association between employees' knowledge-hiding behavior and abusive leadership. Moreover, workplace ostracism and psychological ownership of knowledge also were found to have significant influences on this relationship. This study adds greater value to the theory and literature on knowledge hiding by examining its linkage to abusive leadership in addition to assessing the role of psychological ownership of knowledge and workplace ostracism as moderator as mediator respectively. The underlying mechanism has not been well looked for in previous literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]