bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoresponsive blends formed by poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) and thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Oliveira Djalma A. , Cerqueira Grazielle R. , Feitosa Rhodivam L. M. , Marini Juliano , Almeida Yêda M. B. , Morelli Carolina L.
Published: August 2024

Poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) is a thermoresponsive polymer, which presents a transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behavior close to the physiological temperature, being promising for biomedical applications. However, the production of finished products with PNVCL is difficult due to its high mechanical fragility in the solid state. In the present work, in order to prepare a thermoresponsive film with good mechanical properties, a blend of PNVCL with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was prepared. Three compositions of PNVCL/TPU were studied with mass proportions of 90/10, 70/30, and 50/50, respectively. The films were flexible, miscible and presented different thermoresponsive behaviors, with changing from transparent to opaque varying from 31 to 40°C. Contact angle analysis showed significant changes in the hydrophilicity of the films' surfaces with temperature variation. Moreover, it was possible to induce a change in solid films from transparent to opaque by varying the temperature and verify the reversibility of this change. In addition, tensile tests were carried out, which proved, for PNVCL/TPU blends, the reduction of film brittleness with TPU increase. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first work that presents thermoresponsive properties of solid films formed by a blend of PNVCL and TPU.
UiO‐66‐NH2 anchored sulfonated polyphenylene sulfide proton exchange membrane with high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability
Authors: Luo Shenghan , Zhang Mengen , Xi Qiyang , Li Zhenhuan , Zhang Maliang
Published: August 2024

This study loaded different amounts of UiO‐66‐NH2 onto sulfonated polyphenylene sulfide fibers (SPPS), successfully loading UiO‐66‐NH2 on SPPS fibers confirmed by energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The UiO‐66‐NH2‐X@SFM were then impregnated in Nafion solution to obtain UiO‐66‐NH2‐X@SFM/Nafion composite membranes. The thermal stability, dimensional stability, mechanical properties, proton conductivity, methanol resistance, and other properties of the UiO‐66‐NH2‐X@SFM/Nafion composite membranes were subsequently comprehensively characterized. The proton conductivity of the UiO‐66‐NH2‐8@SFM/Nafion composite membrane at 80°C and 100% RH was measured to be 0.286 S cm−1, which exhibited a significant enhancement of 1.75 times compared with the original membrane. Simultaneously, the composite membrane demonstrated a remarkable reduction in methanol permeation rate. At 40°C and 100% RH, the UiO‐66‐NH2‐8@SFM/Nafion composite membrane has a selectivity of up to 20.7 × 104 S s cm−3 and a single cell density of 88.3 m W cm−2 at 60°C and 100% RH.
Effects of different penetration‐grade asphalt binders on the microstructure, mechanical, and aging properties of cold‐mixed epoxy asphalt binder
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Ding Gongying , Yu Xin , Si JingJing , Wang Junyan
Published: August 2024

The aim of this research was to investigate asphalt effects on the storage stability, mechanical properties and micro‐properties of cold‐mixed epoxy asphalt binder (CEAB). Firstly, four CEAB were prepared with four base asphalt types and storage stability, miscibility analyses were performed by fluorescence microscopy (FM). Then, cured CEAB and epoxy resin (ER) were treated by ultraviolet aging. Tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were applied to clarify the mechanical properties and micro‐properties of aged and unaged CEAB. Also, bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were conducted to study low‐temperature performance of CEAB. The results revealed that the CEAB prepared with asphalt with penetration grade 60 ~ 80 presented superior storage stability, miscibility, mechanical properties and that prepared with penetration graded 80 ~ 100 showed slightly better low‐temperature performance. Moreover, asphalt properties were found to have little impacts while epoxy resin played a key role in the mechanical properties of CEAB. Glass transition temperature () of the CEAB containing penetration‐graded asphalt 80 ~ 100 decreased more significantly than that with penetration‐graded asphalt 60 ~ 80, and it was also found that the CEAB prepared with base asphalt with higher molecular weight polydispersity index had better ductility performance.
Enhanced mechanical property and flame resistance of phosphorylated cellulose nanofiber based‐aerogel combined with boric acid
Authors: Zhou Jia‐Lin , Yang Yu‐Qin , Wang Shuai , Zhang Shanshan , Jiang Baiyu , Li Qian , Wu Qiang , Li Shi‐Neng
Published: August 2024

As for cellulose‐based aerogels, a feature of inadequate mechanics and easy‐flammability seriously restricts their practical applications. To address this issue, herein a lightweight, mechanical elastic and flame‐retardant phosphorylated lignin‐based cellulose nanofiber (PLCNF‐B) aerogel with the aid of boric acid was successfully obtained by freeze‐drying method. Due to the uniform and tough network structure benefitting by strong hydrogen bond between phosphorylated fibers and boric acid, the resultant aerogel showed excellent mechanical performance, that is, high compressive strength of 8.9 kPa (strain: 50%) and outstanding cyclic reliability (remain 90% after 10 cycles). Meanwhile, PLCNF‐B aerogel possesses highly improved flame‐retardant property, that is, a high LOI value (up to 46%), significantly reduced peak heat release rate (11.2 W/g) and total heat release rate (0.47 kJ/g). Based on structural observation and analysis, the flame‐retardant behavior should be attributed to the formation of PxOy/amorphous boron oxide protective layer, which is derived from the phosphorus containing group of PLCNF and boric acid. The splendid overall performance of aerogel material offers a potential material tactic for design and development of advanced bio‐based aerogels for practical applications.
Electrolyte Developments for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries: Classifications, Recent Advances and Synthesis Methods
Authors: Hei Chan Cheuk , Ho Wong Hon , Liang Shipeng , Sun Mingzi , Wu Tong , Lu Qiuyang , Lu Lu , Chen Baian , Huang Bolong
Published: August 2024

The developments of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have become promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage devices. Compared to conventional lithium batteries, ASSLBs possess higher safety, energy density, and stability, which are determined by the nature of the solid electrolyte materials. In particular, various types of solid electrolyte materials have been developed to achieve similar or even superior ionic conductivity to the organic liquid electrolyte at room temperature. Although tremendous efforts have been devoted to the mechanistic understanding of solid electrolyte materials, the unsatisfactory electrochemical and mechanical performances limit the commercialization and practical application of ASSLBs. To further improve their performances, the current developments of different advanced solid electrolytes and their performances are highly significant. In this review, we summarize the comprehensive performance of the common solid electrolytes and their fabrication strategies, including inorganic‐based solid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes, and composite solid electrolytes. The performances of the ASSLBs constructed by different solid electrolytes have been systematically compared. The practical challenges of ASSLBs will also be summarized in this review. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current developments of solid electrolytes in ASSLBs and discuss the strategies for advanced solid electrolytes to facilitate the future commercialization of ASSLBs.
Teachers’ understandings of barriers to Indigenous children's academic success in Taiwan
Authors: Nesterova Yulia , Couch Daniel , Nguyen Hang Thi Thanh
Published: August 2024

This paper explores how non‐Indigenous teachers understand challenges and barriers to academic progress and success for Indigenous students in Taiwan. Drawing on data from a study with 17 teachers of Han Taiwanese and Hakka background who had worked closely with Indigenous students from elementary to high school across Taiwan, we utilise Expectancy‐Value Theory to explore teacher participants’ views of the barriers and challenges to educational success for their Indigenous students. Previous research suggests a deficit view among majority background teachers, depicting them as biased against Indigenous peoples and lacking relevant knowledge that would allow them to teach Indigenous students and about Indigenous cultures and histories. In contrast with this previous research, the teachers we interviewed exhibited a good and nuanced understanding of the obstacles and challenges of Indigenous students, families and communities which prevent their success. The teachers in our study indicated that they lack agency and are limited by structural forces in effecting meaningful change. Far from holding deficit views, the teachers interviewed pointed to the importance of working together with Indigenous families and communities to support the learning of Indigenous students. In our conclusion we point to ways of capitalising on the non‐deficit positive views captured here to effect long‐term sustainable change to support teachers to, in turn, support the learning of Indigenous students.
Semiparametric Additive Modeling of the Restricted Mean Survival Time
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Schaubel Douglas E.
Published: August 2024

Analysis of the restricted mean survival time (RMST) has become increasingly common in biomedical studies during the last decade as a means of estimating treatment or covariate effects on survival. Advantages of RMST over the hazard ratio (HR) include increased interpretability and lack of reliance on the often tenuous proportional hazards assumption. Some authors have argued that RMST regression should generally be the frontline analysis as opposed to methods based on counting process increments. However, in order for the use of the RMST to be more mainstream, it is necessary to broaden the range of data structures to which pertinent methods can be applied. In this report, we address this issue from two angles. First, most of existing methodological development for directly modeling RMST has focused on multiplicative models. An additive model may be preferred due to goodness of fit and/or parameter interpretation. Second, many settings encountered nowadays feature high‐dimensional categorical (nuisance) covariates, for which parameter estimation is best avoided. Motivated by these considerations, we propose stratified additive models for direct RMST analysis. The proposed methods feature additive covariate effects. Moreover, nuisance factors can be factored out of the estimation, akin to stratification in Cox regression, such that focus can be appropriately awarded to the parameters of chief interest. Large‐sample properties of the proposed estimators are derived, and a simulation study is performed to assess finite‐sample performance. In addition, we provide techniques for evaluating a fitted model with respect to risk discrimination and predictive accuracy. The proposed methods are then applied to liver transplant data to estimate the effects of donor characteristics on posttransplant survival time.
Virtual body and emotions: A pilot study on the use of virtual reality for the management of unpleasant sensations after cancer
Authors: Sebri Valeria , Durosini Ilaria , Strika Milija , Pizzoli Silvia Francesca Maria , Mazzocco Ketti , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: August 2024

Background

Women who receive a breast cancer diagnosis often have to cope with physical and psychological issues, even some years after diagnosis and treatments. Physical changes and negative inner sensations damage body image, leading to reduced contact with the body and social relationships due to shame and increased fear of cancer recurrence. Several psychological interventions have been conducted to manage psycho‐emotional issues involving bodily sensations and emotions.

Aims

This study aimed to propose a virtual reality (VR) intervention to improve awareness and management of bodily sensations.

Materials and Methods

Thirteen women participated in a study design in which they were guided to focus their attention on three different parts of their body (i.e. arms, chest and legs) in a randomised way. Participants followed a light as a virtual visual stimulation and heard the researcher's voice.

Results

Findings showed that physical discomfort and negative emotions related to the body significantly decreased after the VR intervention. Additionally, the present VR intervention decreased anxiety. Accordingly, women qualitatively stated being satisfied with the intervention, considering VR as a helpful tool to be more focused on their inner sensations and decrease discomfort.

Discussion

In conclusion, VR may be implemented to promote bodily awareness in women with a breast cancer diagnosis, improving bodily awareness and the management of negative emotions.

Conclusion

Directions for future research and clinical implications are given.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding from primary aortoesophageal fistula in a patient with aneurism of the thoracoabdominal aorta: Case report and literature review
Authors: Ristovska Elena Curakova , Krstevski Gregor , Andov Misel , Kolev Aleksandar , Bundovski Kristijan , Rusiti Kemal , Antovic Svetozar , Rankovic Ivan , Kocev Smiljana Bundovska , Alcinova Natasa Hadzi‐Nikolova , Bogut Ante
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to primary aortoesophageal fistula is a rare clinical condition burdened with high mortality rate. However, the outcomes are closely related to the level of clinical awareness, the complementary and multidisciplinary approach during the diagnostic workup, and the selected treatment option.

We present an atypical case of an aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta complicated with primary aortoesophageal fistula (AEF). A 55‐year‐old male with no previous diseases, presented with prolonged and intense back pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The gastroscopy detected an unusual culprit lesion in the distal esophagus resembling an esophageal wall defect, and the computed tomography revealed an aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta, remarkable surrounding hematoma, and active contrast extravasation. Despite the urgent surgical repair, a lethal outcome occurred. AEF patients require high clinical awareness and complementary multidisciplinary approach in order to provide a rapid diagnosis and optimal treatment.
Models for Single‐Site Heterogeneous Catalysts on Carbon: MoO2 Epoxidation Catalyst Anchored to a Fullerene
Authors: Agarwal Amol , Liu Yiqi , Kraevaya Olga A. , Alayoglu Selim , Kratish Yosi , Marks Tobin J.
Published: August 2024

Single‐site molybdenum dioxo catalysts, fullerenol/MoO2, are prepared via grafting precursor (DME)MoO2Cl2 onto a highly polyhydroxylated fullerene (ful) and an isomerically‐pure and well‐defined fullerene (ful*). These catalyst structures are characterized by ICP‐OES, XPS, XANES, EXAFS, DRIFT, Raman, and NMR spectroscopy, and DFT. Mo 3d5/2 XPS and Mo K‐edge XANES assign the oxidation state as Mo(VI). Mo EXAFS data fitting reveals two Mo=O double and two Mo−O single bonds at distances of 1.7 and 1.9 Å, respectively, while an Mo=O stretchingl mode is observed at ~950 cm−1 by DRIFT and Raman spectroscopy. These data align well with DFT computational results, supporting the proposed catalyst structure as Fullerene(‐μ‐O‐)2M(=O)2. Additionally, DFT provides insight into the energetically favorable grafting sites for an isomerically pure fullerenol. The scope of fullerenol/MoO2 mediated alkene epoxidation includes abiotic alkenes, natural occurring terpenes, and conjugated olefins. For cyclooctene the rate law is first‐order in [Mo], near first order in [olefin] and zero‐order in [t‐butyl hydroperoxide]. A plausible reaction mechanism involves peroxide addition first and then cyclooctene addition directly across the peroxo bond forming the epoxide product, consistent with DFT computation. Overall, fullerenol/MoO2 shows promise as a sustainable and structurally well‐defined system with versatile catalytic activity and good epoxidation recyclability.
Quantum Information Patterns Between Atoms in a Molecule
Authors: Van Hende Daria , Van der Stichelen Ruben , Bultinck Patrick , Acke Guillaume
Published: August 2024

Quantum information theory provides a powerful toolbox of descriptors that characterize many‐electron systems based on quantum information patterns between open quantum systems. Despite the wealth of insights gained in the condensed matter community, the use of these descriptors to study interactions between atoms in a molecule remains limited. In this study, we develop a quantum information framework for molecules that characterizes the quantum information patterns between quantum atoms as defined in the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules. We show that quantum information analyses capture key properties of quantum atoms and how they interact with their molecular environment. Additionally, we show that the presence of bond critical points can remain invariant despite large changes in the quantum information patterns between the quantum atoms. Our findings indicate that quantum information theory can shed a new light on molecular electronic structure.
Stabilization Strategies of Lithium Metal Anode Toward Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Sun Luyang , Liu Xianyu , Lu Qiongqiong
Published: August 2024

Lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are considered as a most promising rechargeable lithium metal batteries because of their high energy density and low cost. However, the Li−S batteries mainly suffer the capacity decay issue caused by the shutting effect of lithium polysulfides and the safety issues arising from the Li dendrites formation. This review outlines the current issues of Li−S batteries. Furthermore, we comprehensively summarized the challenges encountered by Li anode in Li−S batteries, such as the heterogeneous deposition of the Li anode, the unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer, and volume expansion. Moreover, research progresses in the stabilization strategies of Li anodes (physical approaches, optimization of electrolyte, surface protection layer, and design of current collector) is discussed in detail. Lastly, the remaining challenges and future research directions of Li metal anode stabilization in Li−S batteries are also present.
Rh(I)/Sulfoxide‐Imine‐Olefin Complex Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylic Alkylation of 2‐Fluoromalonate: Synthesis of Chiral α‐Fluorolactone Bearing Vicinal Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Jiang Haibin , Zhao Wen‐Wen , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Hongbo , Zheng Sheng‐Cai , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: August 2024

Highly enantioselective Rh‐catalyzed allylic substitution of the racemic branched allylic substrates with 2‐fluoromalonate was realized enabled by a novel chiral sulfoxide‐imine‐olefin ligand under mild reaction conditions. The utilization of CuSO4 is beneficial for improving the enantioselectivity. Notably, the chiral fluoro‐containing allyl products can be employed in a selective cyclic esterification to form chiral α‐fluorolactone bearing vicinal stereogenic centers.
Structure Elucidation of Pharmaceutically Relevant Compounds Within Pyrene‐Based Frameworks
Authors: Chaudhry Mohammad T. , Newman Justin A. , Lee Alfred Y. , Patel Anisha
Published: August 2024

Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) is the preferred and most accurate technique for determining molecular structures. However, it can present challenges when dealing with specific small molecules and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), as many do not form quality crystals without coformers or can be unstable. In this study, we introduce tetrakis(guanidinium) pyrenetetrasulfonate (G4PYR), a robust guanidinium‐organosulfonate (GS) framework that efficiently encapsulates small molecules and APIs rich in functional groups. The hydrogen bonding frameworks formed by G4PYR display well‐ordered structures with predictable pyrene‐pyrene distances, making them ideally suited for targeting arene‐based APIs with pendant groups. Successful encapsulation of various guests, including benzaldehyde, benzamide, and arenes containing multiple hydrogen bond donors and acceptors like uracil and thymine, was achieved. Furthermore, we successfully encapsulated important pharmaceutical and biologically relevant compounds, such as lidocaine, ropinirole, adenosine, thymidine, and others. Notably, we present a workflow for investigating host‐guest complex formation using powder X‐ray diffraction and high throughput experimentation.
Integrating process safety management into Canadian wood pellet facilities that generate combustible wood dust
Authors: Rayner Brown Kayleigh , Laturnus Bill , Murray Gordon , Yazdanpanah Fahimeh , Cloney Chris , Amyotte Paul
Published: August 2024

Wood pellets, which are manufactured from sawmill and forest residues, are sold in bulk for biomass power generation or in bags for residential heating. Wood pellet production involves combustible dust, which presents the risk of fires and explosions. Process safety management (PSM) is a framework for preventing and mitigating process‐related incidents. While PSM has historically been integrated within the chemical process industries, there is a need to systematically manage process‐related hazards in other sectors, including wood pellet and wood product manufacturing. However, there is a need to identify an approach to PSM implementation that is reasonable and achievable based on the relative complexity of the production process, as well as onsite resources. The scope of this project was to develop an integration tool for wood pellet production to serve as the foundation for a long‐term strategy and implementation plan led by industry. This research resulted in a PSM integration tool consisting of a PSM survey for gap analysis, self‐assessment worksheets that include numerous PSM best practices, factsheets, and an implementation strategy. Using the CSA Z767 Process Safety Management standard as the basis, the research included the development of a phased approach to integrating PSM elements to help improve feasibility. The selection of PSM element phases was informed by surveys of operations and subject matter experts. This research recognizes that, while PSM is currently mostly voluntary in Canada, some organizations have adopted the CSA Z767 standard into regulations and proactively implementing a PSM framework will position companies well should regulations change.
Perspectives on 40‐year careers—University of Calgary Chemical & Petroleum Engineering graduating class of 1983
Authors: Wichert Robert E. , Mehrotra Anil K. , Patience Gregory S.
Published: August 2024

Only a few of the students who graduated from Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary found jobs in 1983 because of a severe recession and the National Energy Program artifically deflating the oil price. Despite the slow start to their careers, the graduates have made substantial contributions to industry, government agencies, and academia. They worked on over 60 projects in more than 40 countries, many of which were valued in the billions of dollars (excluding projects in Canada). Because of the volatility in the petroleum industry, the graduates often moved from one company to another: 6 individuals worked for 10 or more companies, while only 2 spent their entire career at a single company. In 1981, we were told that the half‐life of an engineering career was 5 years, but while many did take up senior management positions and business roles, most remained very close to the engineering profession throughout their careers. Here, we summarize the career paths in broad terms, like how frequently graduates changed jobs, how much time they averaged in each company, and mention the role of education in their work. Of the 60 students who graduated in 1983, this perspective article excludes seven engineers who passed away prematurely, and another seven who could not be reached.
Witnessing abusive head trauma: Accidents show higher rates of intracranial pathologies than shaking
Authors: Brook Chris
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aims to determine whether intracranial injuries, such as seizures, encephalopathy, bilateral subdural hematoma (SDH), and severe bilateral retinal hemorrhage (RH), are indicators of abusive head trauma (AHT), particularly in cases involving shaking.

Methods

Data comprising 54 witnessed shaking cases were drawn from two studies in the literature. Data of 100 witnessed accidents comes from the pediBIRN collaboration. Rates of intracranial injuries in cases of unconflicted witnessed accidents are compared to rates in cases of witnessed shaking and also to cases of unconflicted witnessed shaking. Unconflicted is defined as observed by an independent, unbiased witness, or by a potentially biased witness (such as partner) if reported prior to medical examinations.

Results

When all witnessed shaking cases were considered, including potentially biased witnesses, there are higher rates of findings commonly associated with AHT in witnessed accidents than in cases of witnessed shaking, although the difference is only statistically significant for seizures and encephalopathy. When restricted to cases when the witness was unconflicted, the rates of all findings are significantly more common in accidents than in shaking.

Interpretation

Accidents result in more severe intracranial pathologies than shaking, aligning with biomechanical studies that have shown that impact exerts greater force on the brain than violent shaking.
Getting the Dose Right in Drug Development for Rare Diseases: Barriers and Enablers
Authors: Ahmed Mariam A. , Krishna Rajesh , Rayad Noha , Albusaysi Salwa , Mitra Amitava , Shang Elizabeth , Hon Yuen Yi , AbuAsal Bilal , Bakhaidar Rana , Roman Youssef M. , Bhattacharya Indranil , Cloyd James , Patel Munjal , Kartha Reena V. , Younis Islam R.
Published: August 2024

In the relentless pursuit of optimizing drug development, the intricate process of determining the ideal dosage unfolds. This involves “dose‐finding” studies, crucial for providing insights into subsequent registration trials. However, the challenges intensify when tackling rare diseases. The complexity arises from poorly understood pathophysiologies, scarcity of appropriate animal models, and limited natural history understanding. The inherent heterogeneity, coupled with challenges in defining clinical end points, poses substantial challenges, hindering the utility of available data. The small affected population, low disease awareness, and restricted healthcare access compound the difficulty in conducting dose‐finding studies. This white paper delves into critical dose selection aspects, focusing on key therapeutic areas, such as oncology, neurology, hepatology, metabolic rare diseases. It also explores dose selection challenges posed by pediatric rare diseases as well as novel modalities, including enzyme replacement therapies, cell and gene therapies, and oligonucleotides. Several examples emphasize the pivotal role of clinical pharmacology in navigating the complexities associated with these diseases and emerging treatment modalities.
Guiding organizations toward sustainable success: The strategic role of leadership in environmental corporate governance in the wine industry
Authors: Sánchez‐García Eduardo , Montalvo‐Falcón Johnny Vicente , Marco‐Lajara Bartolomé , Martínez‐Falcó Javier
Published: August 2024

Our natural environment is suffering the consequences of the current highly dynamic and competitive social and economic conditions that force people and firms to mainly focus on economic outputs rather than in reducing their impact on the environment. In this context, environmentally aware leaders can play a key role in driving the development and implementation of sustainable practices within organizations, as well as the development an adequate organizational culture that promotes the engagement of its members. The objective of this research is to empirically evidence the influence of green transformational leadership on green performance, as well as the mediating role of green organizational culture and green engagement in this relationship. The results provide empirical evidence on the positive influence of green transformational leadership on green performance, as well as about the mediating variables raised, which has interesting practical, political and theoretical implications, related to the strategic management of firms, the promotion of environmental sustainability in corporate governance and industry standards, and the broader understanding of sustainable leadership in the academic sphere. Thus, this study provides a roadmap to embrace a leadership model that prioritizes environmental sustainability, advocating for a collective journey toward a sustainable future where leadership, culture, and commitment coalesce into a formidable force for environmental sustainability. It is concluded that there is a need for a paradigm shift where leadership integrates sustainability into the ethos of organizational culture.
ESG and firm value: A hybrid literature review on cost of capital implications from Scopus database
Authors: Postiglione Massimo , Carini Cristian , Falini Alberto
Published: August 2024

The relationship between ESG and firm value has been a relevant subject of study in recent years. We conducted a hybrid literature review to understand the literature's findings on this relationship and its implications in terms of cost of capital. First, a keyword co‐occurrence analysis on a 122 ABS ranked journals articles selection from Scopus database was adopted to identify and investigate the main research fields of the current literature. Then a content analysis through the bibliographic coupling of the most globally cited contributions was made, defining a final sample of 50 articles obtained through a minimum threshold of at least 15 total global citations (TGCs). We found that studies on the cost of debt configuration are more aimed at determining the implications on firm value, while most contributions on the cost of equity focus on the assessment of the risk–return profile for the investor or the construction of an ESG portfolio. Furthermore, we found that most of the literature has a consensus view on the lack of transparency behind the ESG ratings and their construction methodology, stating that disagreement on ESG ratings not only limits the results of empirical analysis, but can also negatively affect firm value due to a higher level of uncertainty.
Transit Archimedes optimization algorithm enabled deep learning for power and resource allocation NOMA technique for 5G cellular systems
Authors: Thakre Prasheel , Pokle Sanjay
Published: August 2024

5G communication technology is projected to provide extreme data rates that surpass user exposure, low power consumption, and greater short latency. A diverged multi‐layer approach is implemented by cellular networks with macro‐cells and various schemes of small cells to aid users with diverged quality of service (QoS) that affects more research by employing intervention management in 5G networks. Along with the escalating requirement for cellular services and adequate resources to furnish it and capable of handling the network traffic has become a resource distribution concern. The major concern is to facilitate the network jam having QoS. To overcome this concern, a potent investigation is developed for power and resource allocation, which is named as transit Archimedes optimization algorithm (TAOA). First, the non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system module is created with the aid of power consumption and energy modules. Then, user clustering (UC) is performed to gather the NOMA users into single or multiple clusters utilizing deep embedded clustering (DEC) in accordance with user grouping parameters, like signal‐to‐interference and noise ratio (SINR), position, initial power, and channel gain. After that, sub‐channel assignment and power allocation are done by the back propagation neural network (BPNN). Lastly, the presented module TAOA is performed to update the network parameters of BPNN, where TAOA is developed by the fusion of transit search (TS) optimization and Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA). The analytic metrics utilized for finding the performance of the proposed TAOA‐BPNN are achievable rate, energy efficiency, sum rate, and throughput. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method offers good performance with the achievable rate of 3.273 Mbits, energy efficiency of 0.00000000473 J, sum rate of 0.00000248 s, and throughput of 0.00000346 Mbps.
Moderating effects of past wildfire on reburn severity depend on climate and initial severity in Western US forests
Authors: Tortorelli Claire M. , Latimer Andrew M. , Young Derek J. N.
Published: August 2024

Rising global fire activity is increasing the prevalence of repeated short‐interval burning (reburning) in forests worldwide. In forests that historically experienced frequent‐fire regimes, high‐severity fire exacerbates the severity of subsequent fires by increasing prevalence of shrubs and/or by creating drier understory conditions. Low‐ to moderate‐severity fire, in contrast, can moderate future fire behavior by reducing fuel loads. The extent to which previous fires moderate future fire severity will powerfully affect fire‐prone forest ecosystem trajectories over the next century. Further, knowing where and when a wildfire may act as a landscape‐scale fuel treatment can help direct pre‐ and post‐fire management efforts. We leverage satellite imagery and fire progression mapping to model reburn dynamics within forests that initially burned at low/moderate severity in 726 unique fire pair events over a 36‐year period across four large fire‐prone Western US ecoregions. We ask (1) how strong are the moderating effects of low‐ to moderate‐severity fire on future fire severity, (2) how long do moderating effects last, and (3) how does the time between fires (a proxy for fuel accumulation) interact with initial fire severity, day‐of‐burning weather conditions, and climate to influence reburn severity. Short‐interval reburns primarily occurred in dry‐ and moist‐mixed conifer forests with historically frequent‐fire regimes. Previous fire moderated reburn severity in all ecoregions with the strongest effects occurring in the California Coast and Western Mountains and the average duration of moderating effects ranging from 13 years in the Western Mountains to >36 years in the California Coast. The strength and duration of moderating effects depended on climate and initial fire severity in some regions, reflecting differences in post‐fire fuel accumulation. In the California Coast, moderating effects lasted longer in cooler and wetter forests. In the Western Mountains, moderating effects were stronger and longer lasting in forests that initially burned at higher severity. Moderating effects were largely robust to fire weather, suggesting that previous fire can mediate future fire severity even under extreme conditions. Our findings demonstrate that low‐ to moderate‐severity fire buffers future fire severity in historically frequent‐fire forests, underlining the importance of wildfire as a restoration tool for adapting to global change.
Landscape‐level habitat connectivity of large mammals in Chitwan Annapurna Landscape, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Jagan Nath , Bhattarai Bishnu Prasad , Baral Suraj , Thapa Tej Bahadur
Published: August 2024

The populations of many species of large mammals occur in small isolated and fragmented habitat patches in the human‐dominated landscape. Maintenance of habitat connectivity in the fragmented landscapes is important for maintaining a healthy population of large mammal. This study evaluated the landscape patches and their linkages on two carnivores (leopard and Himalayan black bear) and seven prey species (northern red muntjac, chital, sambar, wild pig, Himalayan goral, rhesus macaque, and langur) between Chitwan National Park (CNP) and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) by using the least‐cost path (LCP) approach and the Linkage Mapper tool in ArcGIS. A total of 15 habitat patches (average area 26.67 ± 12.70 km2) were identified that had more than 50% of the total studied mammals. A weak relation among the habitat patches was found for chital and sambar (Cost‐weighted distance [CWD]: Euclidean distance EucD >100), showed poor connectivity between the habitat patches, while ratio of CWD and EucD was low (i.e., low LCP) between majority of the patches for muntjac, wild pig and leopard hence had potential functional connectivity along the landscape. Similarly, low LCP between the habitat patches located in the mid‐hills was observed for Himalayan goral and Himalayan black bear. Furthermore, the multi‐species connectivity analysis identified the potential structural connectivity between the isolated populations and habitat patches. Therefore, these sites need to be considered connectivity hotspots and be prioritized for the conservation of large mammals in the landscape.
Higher locomotor costs of pregnancy in viviparous compared to oviparous common lizards (Zootoca vivipara)
Authors: Hussain Robert , Recknagel Hans , Elmer Kathryn R.
Published: August 2024

Pregnancy is a physiological cost of reproduction for animals that rely on fleeing to avoid predators. Costs of reproduction are predicted to differ between alternative reproductive strategies or modes, such as egg‐laying (oviparity) or live‐bearing (viviparity). However, disentangling the factors that comprise this cost and how it differs for oviparous or viviparous females is challenging due to myriad environmental, biological, and evolutionary confounds. Here, we tested the hypothesis that costs of pregnancy differ between oviparous and viviparous common lizards (Zootoca vivipara). We predicted that the degree of locomotor impairment during pregnancy and therefore the cost of reproduction would be higher in viviparous females. We conducted our experiment in a hybrid zone containing oviparous and viviparous common lizards. Due to the common environment and inclusion of hybrid individuals, we could infer whether differences were inherent to parity mode. We found that the average and maximum running speed of pregnant females was slower than after they had given birth or laid eggs. Viviparous females experienced an additional pregnancy weight burden and for a longer time period, but were not slower at running than pregnant oviparous females. In addition, we found a parity mode‐specific effect of reproductive investment; producing larger clutches was costlier for the locomotor performance of viviparous females for reasons other than the mass increase. Locomotor costs were found to be intermediate in hybrid females, indicating that they are specific to each reproductive mode. Our study shows that viviparous females experience an additional physical and physiological cost of pregnancy and reproductive investment. This two‐fold cost implies that viviparous females modulate resource allocation decisions and/or adjust their behavioural responses that result from locomotor impairment.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Trideuteromethyl Sulfide
Authors: Zhang Kemeng , Zhao Lin , Zhou Xinyu , Ma Yunfei , Wu Ge
Published: August 2024

The methylthio group plays a significant role in antitumor bioactive molecules, candidate drugs and natural products. Deuteration modification of drugs, which could prolong the half‐life, reduce toxicity, and enhance targeting, has become an important strategy in the development and discovery of innovative drugs. Combining the unique properties of the methylthio group with the deuteration effect, the rapid introduction of trideuteromethylthiol groups into small organic molecules is essential for advancing the research and development of deuterated drugs. With the rapid development of new trideuteromethylthiolation reagents, this review first outlines the indirect introduction of trideuteromethylthiol groups, and then discusses the direct nucleophilic, electrophilic and free radical trideuteromethylthiolation methods.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Thioamides via Nickel‐Catalyzed Coupling of Thiocarbamoyl Fluorides and Boronic Acids
Authors: Mumtaz Yasir , Xiang Haonan , Khan Jahangir , Liang Shuaishuai , Yi Wenbin
Published: August 2024

A novel and efficient one‐pot method has been developed for the synthesis of thioamides through coupling reactions between thiocarbamoyl fluorides, which are generated in situ from amines, and boronic acids. The key to the success of this transformation lies in the use of nickel a catalyst combined with PCy3 as a ligand. This innovative reaction protocol provides mild reaction conditions suitable for producing a diverse array of thioamides, and the late‐stage modification of amoxapine was successfully achieved.
On Water: Diastereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized 3‐Nitrodihydroquinolin‐4(1H)‐ones Under Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Peter Raj Amalorpavadoss Antony , Ponpandian Thanasekaran
Published: August 2024

Herein we describe an uncatalyzed and eco‐friendly methodology for the diastereoselective synthesis of 3‐nitro dihydroquinolin‐4(1H)‐ones through an imine formation‐cyclization reaction on water medium. Water is an essential medium to effect this reaction efficiently without any catalyst. In addition, the synthesis of deuterium labelled 3‐nitrodihydroquinolin‐4(1H)‐ones has been accomplished using this protocol. The key characteristics of this approach include catalyst free, scalable, mild reaction condition, easy isolation, and greenest solvent medium.
Cholecystectomy and digestive cancer in Chile: Complementary results from interrupted time series and aggregated data analyses
Authors: Gonzalez Constanza , García‐Pérez Alfonso , Nervi Bruno , Munoz César , Morales Erik , Losada Hector , Merino‐Pereira Gina , Rothhammer Francisco , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo
Published: August 2024

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) mortality in Chile is among the highest worldwide. In 2006, the Chilean government launched a programme guaranteeing access to gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) for patients aged 35–49 years. We evaluated the impact of this programme on digestive cancer mortality. After conducting an interrupted time series analysis of hospitalisation and mortality data from 2002 to 2018 publicly available from the Chilean Department of Health Statistics and Information, we calculated the change in the proportion of individuals without gallbladder since 10 years. We then estimated age, gender, region, and calendar‐year standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) as a function of the change in the proportion of individuals without gallbladder. The cholecystectomy rate increased by 45 operations per 100,000 persons per year (95%CI 19–72) after the introduction of the health programme. Each 1% increase in the proportion of individuals without gallbladder since 10 years was associated with a 0.73% decrease in GBC mortality (95% CI −1.05% to −0.38%), but the negative correlation was limited to women, southern Chile and age over 60. We also found decreasing mortality rates for extrahepatic bile duct, liver, oesophageal and stomach cancer with increasing proportions of individuals without gallbladder. To conclude, 12 years after its inception, the Chilean cholecystectomy programme has markedly and heterogeneously changed cholecystectomy rates. Results based on aggregate data indicate a negative correlation between the proportion of individuals without gallbladder and mortality due to gallbladder and other digestive cancers, which requires validation using individual‐level longitudinal data to reduce the potential impact of ecological bias.
An integrative model for understanding cryptocurrency investment‐related behaviours: A comparison between millennials and pre‐millennials
Authors: Osakwe Christian Nedu , Ogunmokun Oluwatobi A. , Elgammal Islam , Baeva Darya , Kamneva Victoria
Published: August 2024

This article adopts the value‐attitude‐behavioural (VAB) and attitude‐behaviour‐context (ABC) theoretical lenses to develop an integrative model to examine attitudinal and behavioural responses to cryptocurrency investment. It also investigates the moderating role of generational differences (pre‐millennials vs. millennials). The study showed that perceived value is closely associated with the attitude towards cryptocurrency investment which, in turn, is strongly associated with the willingness to make and recommend cryptocurrency investments. Results further reveal that contextual factors such as convertibility and sugrophobia, which reflect the fear of being duped, strongly influence individuals' willingness to recommend cryptocurrency investments to others. Finally, results indicate that generational differences play an important moderating role.
Taxonomic studies in Solanum L. 2. Two new infrageneric taxa for the subgenus Solanum
Authors: Child Alan
Published: August 2024

1. A new infrageneric taxon for Solanum, section Parasolanum Child is proposed to accommodate the well known and widely distributed weedy species S. triflorum Nutt. (the “cut leaved Nightshade”), as well as some 10–13 species of disjunct distribution in the temperate New World. Parasolanum is considered as close on the one hand to section Solanum (Morella (Dun.) Bitter), from which it differs in branching pattern, leaf shape and disposition of the inflorescence; on the other, to section Episarcophyllum Bitter, of temperate and montane southern S. America.

2. Following A. T. Hunziker (1967) Solanum albescens (Bitter) Bitter ex Hunziker, as well as three other species of subalpine Bolivia and Peru are united in a taxon of sectional rank – Solanocharis (Bitter pro gen.) Child.

3. An expanded description is provided for a higherto little known climber from Guyana, Solanum coriaceum Dun. Its placement in the leptostemonoid taxon, section Micracanthum Dun.) Bitter ex Marzell emend. Seithe is corfirmed.
Notes on water‐borne micromycetes in northern parts of the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Marvanová Ludmila
Published: August 2024

Thirty four species of water‐borne micromycetes are reported from northern parts of the German Democratic Republic. Ten of them are for the first time mentioned from the waters of this country. Flabellospora acuminata Descals was up to now known with certainty from the British territory only.