ABSTRACT
Vanadium is a hard, silver-grey transition metal found in at least 60 minerals and fossil fuel deposits. Its oxide and other vanadium salts are toxic to humans, but the toxic effects depend on the vanadium form, dose, exposure duration, and route of intoxication. Vanadium is used by some life forms as an active center in enzymes, such as the vanadium bromoperoxidase of ocean algae and nitrogenases of bacteria. The structure and biochemistry of vanadate resemble those of phosphate, hence vanadate can be regarded as a phosphate competitor in a variety of biochemical enzymes such as kinases and phosphatases. In this review, we describe the biochemical pathways regulated by vanadium compounds and their potential therapeutic benefits for a range of disorders including type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and microbial pathology.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 pandemic has affected every country in many ways. Its substantial economic impacts are causing businesses to fade, pushing many nations into an economic downturn. This exposes organizations worldwide to unique risks which cannot be foreseen with conventional methods of risk analysis. This research is part of a broader action design research project conducted in collaboration with industry partner to answer an important research question: How to extend PESTLE risk analysis model to assess pandemic preparedness? In this context, the health factor is added to extend the traditional PESTLE risk analysis model. Furthermore, the interdependence between PESTLE factors has also been investigated, which has not been discussed before. The contribution of this research is the novel PESTLE+ risk analysis model that will help individuals and businesses to improve their understanding of the health crisis, such as the COVID-19, adjust accordingly and eventually endure the ongoing crisis, which is driving most businesses into liquidation.