bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical and thermal stability of different AgNP concentrations incorporated in 0.1% DMPT UPE resin
Authors: Makhatha Mamookho Elizabeth , Salemane Makgadiete Grace , Baruwa Akinsanya Damilare 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
In response to the growing demand for a polymer with improved chemical and thermal stability in the construction sector, this study aims to thoroughly explore the characteristics of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and their various concentrations. The primary goal is to determine the effect of these nanoparticles on the chemical and thermal stability of unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin doped with dimethyl-para-toluidine (DMPT) when exposed to high temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach
Silver nanoparticles were first synthesized from the chemical reaction between silver nitrate and trisodium citrate before its addition to the resin. The nanocomposites were thoroughly examined using advanced analytical methods such as Fourier transform (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope to determine chemical stability. Thermal stability tests were carried out using thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and derivative thermogravimetry methods; viscosity and peak exotherm were also examined.

Findings
The data shows that increasing nanoparticle concentration improves resin chemical stability, reduces peak exotherm duration and increases viscosity. Clearly, only 1.5% AgNP concentration outperformed neat UPE resin, while 0.5% and 1% AgNP concentrations fall short in terms of thermal stability.

Originality/value
The enhanced resin highlights the subtle influence of nanoparticle addition, which has a greater impact on the chemical structure of the composite rather than its thermal properties.
Green banks, golden returns? Unraveling the ESG–Financial performance nexus in European banking
Authors: Horobet Alexandra , Rahat Birjees , Floarea Ana-Maria , Belascu Lucian 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the link between environmental policies and financial markets, with a particular focus on the banking sector. The assessment of banks is based on their environmental impact, social responsibility and governance practices.

Design/methodology/approach
A panel data regression model is used to examine the link between ROE and systematic risk, on the one hand, and European banking institutions’ ESG scores and its environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillar scores, as well as other financial indicators, on the other hand. The timeframe of the research is 10 years and includes 61 European banks, thus providing an extensive review of existing literature and empirical analysis to reveal the complex link between environmental policies, ESG performance and financial performance in the banking sector.

Findings
Better ESG performance is associated with lower ROE but also lower systematic risk for European banks. An improved environmental and social performance leads to higher ROE and lower beta coefficients. However, higher governance scores depress ROE.

Originality/value
The paper aims to contribute to the existing literature by showcasing a complex link between ESG practices and financial performance, focusing extensively on the banking sector. This research analyses how ESG initiatives, when implemented within banks, influence key financial metrics such as profitability, risk management and long-term sustainability. It also examines the unique challenges and opportunities that banks face in aligning ESG goals with financial objectives. Through this thorough analysis of the banking sector, the study adds depth to the current discourse on the broader impact of ESG practices on the financial performance of companies.
Driving green innovation: assessing the impact of environmental tax policies and green finance on heavily polluting industries
Authors: Masoud Najeb 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper assess the impact of the green finance pilot reform on corporate green innovation, leveraging the establishment of the China green finance pilot reform in 2018 as a quasi-natural experiment.

Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the effects of environmental policies on green innovation, utilising a substantial data set from Chinese A-share listed firms over the 2015–2019 period. Employing both double and triple difference models, it focuses on how tax reforms influence green patent filings among these firms.

Findings
The study confirms that environmental tax policies and green finance initiatives significantly boost green patent filings in pollution-intensive industries. Findings from the regression analysis show robust positive effects from these policies, supporting the idea that stringent environmental regulations can spur innovation by offsetting regulatory costs. Financial health indicators like asset logs and return on assets positively correlated with innovation, emphasising the importance of financial stability. In addition, increased RandD spending is linked to enhanced green innovation, highlighting that financial investment in research is crucial for overcoming innovation barriers. These insights are crucial for shaping policies that integrate sustainability into corporate practices.

Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature by highlighting traditional views on the economic burden of environmental taxes and demonstrating their role as significant drivers of innovation. It deepens insights into strategically optimising fiscal tools to promote environmentally sustainable economic activities. In addition, it offers a practical framework for policymakers to improve ecological outcomes through effective fiscal strategies.
Children of Littlechild: Ten Steps to Public Ownership
Authors: Lawrence Mathew 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFollowing Labour's general election victory, public ownership has made a tentative return to Britain's economic statecraft. Focussing on the example of GB Energy—the proposed publicly owned clean power generator—the article explores the functional case for public ownership and investment as the most effective mechanism for rebuilding Britain, and sets out a pathway for its strategic expansion.
The real‐world relationship between naltrexone/bupropion treatment and weight loss in Canada: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Wharton Sean , Kamran Elham , Thabane Lehana , Yin Peter , Christensen Rebecca 
Published: December 2024

SummaryThis study examined the change in weight at 6 months of naltrexone/bupropion (NB), a combination pharmacological therapy for weight management, in real‐world practice in Canada. The study was conducted through an observational, retrospective, single‐arm chart review of adult patients who attended the Wharton Medical Clinic in Ontario, Canada, between 2018 and 2021. The patients had a body mass index ≥30 or ≥27 kg/m2 with at least one weight‐related comorbidity. They were prescribed NB, titrated from 1 (8 mg/90 mg) to 4 tablets daily, along with lifestyle modification. Approximately 52% of 468 participants completed 6 months of treatment and 48.7% titrated to the maximum dose of 4 tablets daily. Participants were mainly female, with mean age of 49.5 years and BMI 38.4 kg/m2. After 6 months, participants lost a mean of 4.23 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] −4.99, −3.47) or 4.05% (CI −4.77, −3.34) of body weight, with 42.5% losing at least 5% of their body weight and 15.5% losing at least 10%. The most frequent adverse events were nausea (5.7%), constipation (5.7%), and headache (2.5%). Participants also experienced decreased appetite (14.7%), decreased cravings (13.9%), decreased hunger (9.4%) and felt full sooner (2.5%), which are changes likely to result in sustained healthy food choices and improved quality of life. The 6‐month NB treatment adjunct to lifestyle modification in a real‐world population resulted in clinically significant weight loss.
To Identify and Compare ActivPAL Objectively Measured Activity Levels With Self‐Reported Activity From the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in Older Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Lynch Louise , McCarron Mary , McCallion Philip , Burke Eilish 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe positive impact of physical activity on health is widely known. A comparison between activPAL objective measures and International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ‐SF) self‐reported activity levels was completed with older adults with intellectual disability. Understanding differences between the two methodologies will better support the interpretations of findings and recommendations.MethodsActivPAL measures including intensity, time and type were considered for 72 participants. Similarly, the IPAQ‐determined measures were investigated. Implications of different numbers of activPAL valid days were considered. Comparisons between the activPAL and IPAQ‐SF scores were examined using multiple correlation coefficients.ResultsLow to moderate agreement was found between the activPAL and IPAQ‐SF using Spearman's Rho and Pearson's correlation coefficients.ConclusionsThe IPAQ‐SF may not be the optimal tool for the accurate determination of activity levels in this population.
Evidence of sterility of the male sporophytes of the brown alga Saccharina japonica (Phaeophyceae) in culture irrespective of their ploidy levels
Authors: Li Jing , Pang Shaojun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMonoclonal female gametophytes of Saccharina japonica, when cultured independently, can develop into female sporophytes. Previous research has shown that the chromosomes in female sporophytes of S. japonica may naturally duplicate, forming diploids, and these diploid female sporophytes are capable of forming sori and releasing zoospores. In contrast, male sporophytes derived from culturing monoclonal male gametophytes failed to form sori and produce meiospores; thus, it was hypothesized that these male sporophytes are haploid and unable to perform meiotic division. In order to explore whether the chromosomes in male sporophytes can naturally duplicate and whether such diploid male sporophytes can effectively form sori and produce meiospores, we obtained 62 male sporophytes and cultivated them into adults. Only male‐specific DNA markers were detected in all of these male sporophytes, indicating their male nature. Ten microsatellite markers were used to estimate the relatedness of the parental gametophytes and the corresponding sporophytes. Results revealed that the genotypes of the male sporophytes matched exactly with the corresponding male gametophytes. Both diploid and haploid sporophytes were detected in these 62 male sporophytes when analyzed by flow cytometry. After 16 months of cultivation, none of the male sporophytes formed sori regardless of their ploidy. As controls, both female and hybrid sporophytes developed sori and released viable zoospores. These findings suggest that the sterility of male sporophytes in S. japonica is not related to their ploidy; rather, it is attributed to the absence of essential elements for sori formation that may be present only in the female.
Recent Crop‐To‐Weed Adaptive Introgression Has Reshaped the Genomic Composition and Geographical Structure of US Weedy Rice (Oryza spp.)
Authors: Wedger Marshall J. , Xiao Evan , Butts Thomas R. , Chlapecka Justin L. , Webster L. Connor , Olsen Kenneth M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWeedy rice is a close relative of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) that infests rice fields worldwide and drastically reduces yields. To combat this agricultural pest, rice farmers in the southern US began to grow herbicide‐resistant (HR) rice cultivars in the early 2000s, which permitted the application of herbicides that selectively targeted weedy rice without harming the crop. The widespread adoption of HR rice coincided with increased reliance on hybrid rice cultivars in place of traditional inbred varieties. Although both cultivated and weedy rice are predominantly self‐fertilising, the combined introductions of HR and hybrid rice dramatically altered the opportunities and selective pressure for crop‐weed hybridization and adaptive introgression. In this study, we generated genotyping‐by‐sequencing data for 178 weedy rice samples collected from across the rice growing region of the southern US; these were analysed together with previously published rice and weedy rice genome sequences to determine the recent genomic and population genetic consequences of adaptive introgression and selection for herbicide resistance in US weedy rice populations. We find a reshaped geographical structure of southern US weedy rice as well as purging of crop‐derived alleles in some weed strains of crop‐weed hybrid origin. Furthermore, we uncover evidence that related weedy rice strains have made use of different genetic mechanisms to respond to selection. Lastly, we identify widespread presence of HR alleles in both hybrid‐derived and nonadmixed samples, which further supports an overall picture of weedy rice evolution and adaptation through diverse genetic mechanisms.
Landslide Knowledge Representation Based on Hypergraph Theory
Authors: Zhang Chunju , Xu Bing , Chu Chaoqun , Ye Peng , Zhang Xueying , Zhou Kang , Liu Wencong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHigh‐precision, multi‐source landslide monitoring data are crucial for disaster prevention and management. These datasets provide explicit landslide descriptions. Integrating this data with landslide mechanisms, using knowledge graphs can enhance early monitoring and forecasting. However, traditional knowledge graphs often oversimplify landslide knowledge, failing to capture the complexity of geological environments and landslide evolution. Spatio‐temporal knowledge graphs face challenges in representing intricate relationships. A hypergraph (HG), where an edge connects multiple nodes, offers a better representation of these complexities. This paper proposes an HG‐based method for landslide knowledge representation, organizing multi‐source information and knowledge through binary or multiple relationships under specific temporal and spatial conditions. A case study of the Miaodian landslide, which experienced multiple sliding events, shows that the proposed landslide knowledge HG outperforms other knowledge graphs like YAGO, Geographic Knowledge Graph (GeoKG), and Geographic Evolutionary Knowledge Graph (GEKG) in completeness, accuracy, and redundancy, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Safety and efficacy of a novel mini‐pool intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in children with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Selim Alshaimaa M. , Kamal Taghreed M. , Abdou Madeen Adel A. , NasrEldin Eman , Abdelhameed Nada O. , Abdallah Mariam E. , Osman Naglaa S. , Atwa Maha , El‐Ekiaby Magdy 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIntravenous polyvalent immunoglobulins (IVIG) for prophylaxis in patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) exposes them to life‐threatening infections and debilitating diseases. To improve access to IVIG in lower middle‐income countries, the WHO recommends a stepwise approach for the local production of purified and virus‐inactivated plasma immunoglobulins by national blood transfusion services using new technologies and medical devices. One new technology relies on single‐use sterile medical devices for the purification of plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG), as well as lipid‐enveloped virus inactivation from mini‐pools of recovered plasma separated from whole blood (mini‐pool IVIG [MP‐IVIG]). This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of MP‐IVIG to standard IVIG (STD‐IVIG).Materials and MethodsIn this prospective crossover clinical study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of MP‐IVIG for STD‐IVIG preparations as a replacement therapy in a cohort of 21 paediatric patients with PID.ResultsBoth MP‐IVIG and STD‐IVIG were effective in reducing the frequency of severe bacterial infections and hospital admissions in patients with PID. Mild side effects have been observed in seven patients (6.2%) with PID who received MP‐IVIG and five patients (5.3%) who received STD‐IVIG. No moderate or severe side effects or haemolytic transfusion reactions were reported. The mortality rates were also comparable and were not related to the study products.ConclusionMP‐IVIG presented no safety issues and was as effective as STD‐IVIG in IgG replacement in patients with PID. Due to the small numbers, the results have to be addressed with caution.
Natural Gas for Marine Lean-Burn Spark Ignition Engines: A Combustion Stability Analysis
Authors: Kiouranakis Konstantinos I. , de Vos Peter , Sapra Harsh , Geertsma Rinze 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Spark-ignition (SI) engines emerge as a viable solution for specific marine applications, offering low-noise operation and emissions mitigation, as well as great potential to utilize high-octane number alternative fuels, such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. However, heavy-duty (HD) SI engines still face challenges such as knocking and combustion instability. Particularly for lean combustion conditions, these engines exhibit the most pronounced cyclic combustion variations. This paper investigates the combustion stability of a 500 kW marine lean-burn natural-gas (NG) engine, a promising candidate for reducing emissions in marine applications. We focus on analyzing in-cylinder pressure measurements to quantify combustion characteristics, emphasizing cycle-to-cycle combustion variation, and exploring the influence of operating parameters like spark timing (ST) and air excess ratio (λ). Our findings demonstrate a clear trade-off between NOx and COVIMEP emissions through variations in the λ and ST. We identified a transition zone characterized by an increasing number of late-burning cycles at higher λ, before partial burning cycles began at further dilution. Following this, we established a new threshold of 6% for COVIMEP to determine unstable combustion. Notably, increasing dilution from a λ of 1.12 to 1.61 decreased NOx emissions from 17.83 g/kWh to 0.16 g/kWh, well below IMO Tier III standards, while COVIMEP increased from 1.72% to 13.42%. These insights highlight the potential for advancing SI technology for marine applications and the need for further research to optimize both combustion and emissions in such engines.
Characterization of Knocking Pressure Data From Two Closely Spaced Transducers: Effect of Transducer Mounting
Authors: Caselli Andrea , Frigo Stefano , Ghandhi Jaal B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this study, pressure data acquired simultaneously from two different, closely spaced pressure transducers were compared to understand the quantification of knock intensity. The comparison between four different transducer models located in the same position showed very small changes in the power spectral density, suggesting that the transducer has a limited effect on the results. Simultaneous data acquired from the different locations were found to be significantly different, independent of transducer. This was shown to be the result of a small passage, which was only 0.25 mm longer than the manufacturer’s recommended length, that existed for one of the transducers; the other transducer had a passage shorter than the manufacturer’s specification. The nearly flush transducer showed clearly defined peaks in the power spectral density all the way to 40 kHz, but the passage produced a broadband disturbance in the frequency domain from 20–50 kHz. This disturbance significantly affected the knock measurement but largely did not affect the heat release analysis. A moving-window cross correlation between the two pressure signals, which eliminates any phase differences, showed that there was high correlation between the signals on a cycle-by-cycle basis after a period of time after knock onset. The knock intensity, characterized by the maximum amplitude of pressure oscillations, showed poor correlation between the two locations. The difference in the knock intensity was also evaluated using a ring-down magnitude method, which showed better comparison. Recommendations for, and assessment of the absolute quantification of knock intensity are provided.
Effects of Exhaust Gas Recirculation on Laminar Burning Velocity and Flame Structure of Hydrogen/Air Flames
Authors: Barain Ahmed , Toulson Elisa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Engines have been a crucial element in powering our world since their invention. New decarbonization technologies are needed, and hydrogen fuel, often referred to as the fuel of the future, has gained significant interest in this regard. The relatively high flame temperature of hydrogen fuel is associated with higher NOx emissions, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) can be used to address this. However, exhaust gas recirculation changes the reactivity and the laminar burning velocity of the mixture, which plays a significant role in flame stability and fuel burning rates. Hence, investigating the effect of EGR on laminar burning velocity is crucial for efficient hydrogen engines. Laminar burning velocity measurements were performed by observing the outwardly propagating flames in a constant volume combustion vessel. Measurements were taken at 2 bar, 373 K, equivalence ratios of 0.7 and 1.0, and dilution ratios of 0% to 50%. Chemical kinetic simulations were combined with the experimental measurements to quantify the effects of EGR (35% H2O+65%N2) on the laminar burning velocity and Markstein length. Results regarding Lewis number, flame thickness, and expansion ratio across the flame showed that adding higher EGR dilution can change flame stability and reduce cellularity of the hydrogen flames.
Comparative Study on the Effect of Premixed Equivalence Ratio on Engine Characteristics of Ammonia Fuelled Engine Under Diesel Pilot Ignition Vs Spark Ignition Combustion Mode
Authors: Kurien Caneon , Mounaïm-Rousselle Christine 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The adoption of zero-carbon fuel like ammonia will play a key role in the achievement of carbon neutrality targets. This work reports a comparative study on the effect of premixed equivalence ratio (varied from 0.8 to 1.25) on combustion and emission characteristics of ammonia fueled engine operating initially under (a) compression ignition (CI) mode (ignited by dodecane pilot injection), and then converted to (b) spark ignition (SI) mode (by replacing fuel injector with spark plug). The experiments were performed in a single-cylinder engine (compression ratio = 16.4:1) and the ammonia energy fraction was maintained at 95% during the CI mode and 100% ammonia in the SI mode. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrometer was used for measuring the exhaust emissions, which included unburned ammonia (NH3), nitrogen oxide (NOx), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The results of this study indicated that neat ammonia operation could be achieved satisfactorily by converting the existing CI engine configuration to operate in spark ignition mode, and the stable engine operation with lower COVIMEP (less than 3%) was observed to be possible at near-stoichiometric to rich conditions. The power output and indicated thermal efficiency are lower in SI mode than in CI mode, certainly due to the occurrence of multiple auto-ignition sites. Moreover, the unburned ammonia emissions were observed to be higher in SI mode as compared to CI mode, especially in rich conditions. As expected, the carbon-based emissions reduced significantly in the SI operating mode as it is only due to lubricant oil leakages. N2O emissions were higher at near stoichiometric-rich conditions (Φpremix 1.05 to 1.25) emissions but negligible in SI mode, except at the highest equivalence ratio (1.25). As N2O has very high global warming potential (265 times CO2 after 100 years) CO2–equivalent impact was evaluated by considering both N2O and CO2 emissions.