bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Sustainability Reporting on the Cost of Capital of the Iraqi-Listed Companies
Authors: Rawaa ghazi  , Rawaa ghazi  , Hossein Fakhari  , Yahya Kamyabi  
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The cost of capital is a critical factor influencing investment decisions and company financing. Sustainability reporting also enhances the strategic and organizational legitimacy of companies. Therefore, it is expected that sustainability reporting can influence company legitimacy with enhancing trust of companies, their capital costs is reduced. Based on this premise, the objective of this research is to investigate the impact of sustainability reporting on the cost of capital of companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. Method: for testing of hypothesis Data from 33 listed companies on the Iraq Stock Exchange during the company's period of 2012-2022 was collected and analyzed using a multiple linear regression approach with a combination of panel data analysis. Result: Our findings indicate that Iraqi firms experience higher costs of capital due to their weak implementation of sustainability reporting. Conclusion: reporting on corporate sustainability activities can enhance reputation of companies and, by gaining legitimacy for the companies, their cost of capital is reduced. Implication: These findings can inform policymakers about the need to strengthen requirements for sustainability reporting. Also help investor to form an optimal portfolio based on the policy of companies in compliance with the sustainability reporting.
ENTRE A VERDADE E O CONFORTO: DESAFIOS ÉTICOS E HUMANÍSTICOS NA COMUNICAÇÃO DE MÁS NOTÍCIAS EM ONCOLOGIA E CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS
Authors: DE JESUS OLIVEIRA Pablo , DE ALENCAR Helena Côrtes , FARIAS SILVA Ana Beatriz , DA SILVA COSTA Luís Henrique 
Published: November 2024

No contexto da oncologia e dos cuidados paliativos, a comunicação de diagnósticos e prognósticos severos é uma prática essencial, mas também complexa e emocionalmente desafiadora. Profissionais de saúde se encontram na delicada posição de transmitir informações que impactam profundamente a vida dos pacientes e suas famílias. A ética na comunicação de más notícias requer um equilíbrio entre a verdade e o conforto, considerando a vulnerabilidade dos envolvidos e a necessidade de um cuidado humanizado. Objetivo: Este estudo busca analisar os desafios éticos e humanísticos que envolvem a comunicação de más notícias em oncologia e cuidados paliativos tentando compreender como os profissionais podem conciliar a necessidade de transparência com a empatia e o respeito às limitações emocionais dos pacientes e familiares, sugerindo práticas de comunicação eficazes e humanizadas. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura nas bases de dados SciELO, LILACS e PubMed, com critérios de inclusão que envolveram artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos, em português sobre comunicação de más notícias, cuidados paliativos e ética na oncologia. Resultados e Discussão: A comunicação de más notícias em oncologia e cuidados paliativos é frequentemente marcada pela tensão entre o fornecimento de informações precisas e o cuidado com o impacto emocional dessas informações. Os estudos mostram que os pacientes e familiares tendem a valorizar a transparência, mas também requerem um ambiente de acolhimento e sensibilidade. Estratégias como o uso do protocolo SPIKES, que enfatiza etapas como a preparação do ambiente e a escuta ativa, mostraram-se eficazes para minimizar o sofrimento e estabelecer um diálogo empático. Além disso, o estudo identifica que o treinamento em comunicação empática ainda é insuficiente, apontando para a necessidade de desenvolvimento contínuo nessa área. Conclusão: A comunicação de más notícias em oncologia e cuidados paliativos exige dos profissionais de saúde um cuidado ético e humanístico, visando um equilíbrio entre verdade e conforto. A prática de uma comunicação acolhedora e empática pode auxiliar no processo de aceitação dos pacientes e de seus familiares, promovendo uma experiência de cuidado mais digna e respeitosa.
Solution of boundary value problems for the heat equation with a piecewise constant coefficient using the Fourier method
Authors: Koilyshov Umbetkul , Sadybekov Makhmud 
Published: November 2024

This paper considers some initial boundary value problems for the heat equation in a bounded segment with a piecewise constant coefficient. Using the method of separation of variables, the problem under consideration is reduced to a spectral problem and eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the resulting spectral problem are found. It is shown that the system of eigenfunctions forms a Riesz basis. Next, we prove a theorem on the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the initial-boundary value problems under consideration.
Motivators and Barriers to Physical Activity among Healthcare Providers in Karbala City
Authors: Al-Najafi Waleed Khalid , Talal Naeem Obaid , Alkelaby Hamid Hussein , Ali Rawnaq  Abdulrazzaq , Abd Alridha Taghreed , Nahidh Haider Kamil 
Published: November 2024

Background: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and premature mortality. Promoting physical activity among healthcare professionals is important, yet little research has examined this population in Iraq.
Aim: to assess physical activity motivators and barriers to physical activity among health providers in Karbala City, Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 healthcare professionals from selected hospitals and primary care centers in Karbala using validated questionnaires on physical activity (IPAQ), motivation (SMS-28), and barriers. Physical activity levels, motivations, and barriers were analyzed overall and by socio-demographics.
Results: Approximately one-third (33.6%) were classified as physically inactive. No significant differences existed across gender, age groups, or type of healthcare staff. Key motivators were intrinsic factors like accomplishment, experience stimulation and knowledge. Top barriers were fear of injury, lack of skill, and social influences.
Conclusion: High rates of physical inactivity among healthcare professionals highlight the need for targeted workplace strategies, leveraging intrinsic motivation and addressing barriers around skills, environment and safety concerns. Further research should explore causative factors and assess the impact of tailored interventions. Healthcare organizations play a pivotal role in prioritizing staff wellness to catalyze broader cultural shifts.
Keywords: Karbala, health providors, physical activity, motivators, barriers
Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Composite Flour Made from Hempseed and Corn Silk for Formulation of Fibre and Protein Rich Paratha
Authors: Raghuvanshi Rita Singh , Singh Diksha , Apurva  
Published: November 2024

Aim: This study aims to analyze Nutritional and Bioactive properties of a novel composite flour and paratha made from it, developed by incorporating hemp seed flour, corn silk flour, and chickpea flour alongside wheat flour, targeting the creation of a high-protein and high-fiber flour blend for food product formulations.
Study Design: A randomized experimental study was conducted to evaluate the functional and nutritional profile of the developed composite flour and paratha taking whole wheat flour as control.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, between August 2019 to March 2023.
Methodology: Various ratios of hemp seed, corn silk, and chickpea flours were blended with whole wheat flour to make the composite flour. Paratha, a common shallow fried Indian flatbread, was prepared from the blend. Sensory evaluation of the paratha was conducted to find in addition to analyses of functional properties, proximate composition, dietary fiber content, in vitro protein digestibility, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid profiles of both flour blend and paratha.
Results: The composite flour demonstrated a higher water absorption capacity (179.63 ml/100g) than whole wheat flour (147.67 ml/100g). Proximate analysis revealed a crude protein content of 17.06% and crude fiber content of 7.81% in the composite flour, significantly exceeding than that of whole wheat flour. Total dietary fiber was recorded at 21.37 g/100g, with an in vitro protein digestibility of 76.70%. The total phenolic content was markedly higher in composite flour (223.51 mg GAE/100g) compared to whole wheat flour (49.82 mg GAE/100g). Sensory evaluation indicated that the parathas made from composite flour had acceptable taste and texture with superior nutritional profile.
Conclusion: The study successfully developed a composite flour with superior nutritional attributes, highlighting the potential of incorporating wild and underutilized plant resources in sustainable food production. This novel composite flour can be a valuable addition to diets, offering enhanced protein, fiber, and bioactive compounds compared to traditional wheat flour, particularly in the preparation of nutritious parathas.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Uropathogenic ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Keffi Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: AYENI Regina , OLLEY Mitsan , IBRAHIM Ismaila , Ashe Adelekun Christiana 
Published: November 2024

Urinary tract infection (UTI) remains the most common bacterial infection in humans despite the widespread availability of antibiotics. Exteded spectrum beta-lactamase production is an important mechanism of antibiotic resistance in the Enterobacteriaceae. Antibiotic resistance is a rising dilemma of significant implications on global public health. Few data exist for the prevalence and trends of Klebsiella pneumoniae antibiotic resistance in Keffi metropolis Nigeria. This study was done to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae as well as its antibiotic susceptibility pattern regarding some predisposing factors.
Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of uropathogenic K. pneumoniae in Keffi metropolis, Nigeria.
Methodology: The current study was a carried out in Keffi, Nasarawa state, Nigeria from July to October 2024. It was a cross-sectional study comprising of 160 early morning urine samples randomly collected from consenting participants in the six selected hospitals. Isolation and identification of K. pneumoniae was done using standard microbiological methods. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of isolates was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpretation was done following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocol. Results obtained in this study were analysed using Smith’s Statistical Package (version 2.8, California, USA) and P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The result of this study revealed an overall prevalence of 20/160 (12.5%). The highest prevalence of the isolate was seen in females 14(8.75) compared to males 6 (3.75%), while the highest prevance regarding age was recorded among the 15-34 age group 12 (7.5%) while the least was recorded among those greater than 65 years 0 (0%). Furthermore, the highest number of isolate was recorded at FMCK 7 (4.4%) followed jointly by GHK and PHC TK 4 (2.5%) with PHC, KP and PHC AJ 1 (0.63%) beign the least respectively. There was a high level of resistance to ceftazidime 20 (100%), followed jointly by ceftriaxone, cefurexime and treptomycin 19 (95%) and augmentin 18 (90%) but low to amoxicillin 6 (30%) and ofloxacin 6 (30%) respectively. Most of the isolates tested were multidrug resistant and all were extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing.
Conclusion: The relatively high detection rate of multidrug resistant uropathogenic K. pneumoniae in this study calls for concern. More concerning is the isolation from primary health care centers (PHCs) signifying the importance of universal health coverage and the place of PHCs in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs as one of the strategies to control the spread of antimocrobial resistance.
Identification and Characterization of Fungi in Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo) Drink Produced and Hawked in Eket Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Joseph Ofonmbuk , Idem Iboro , Ekott Emmanuel 
Published: November 2024

Zobo drink is an affordable local soft beverage derived from the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa, a herbaceous medicinal plant that thrives in tropical regions. The characterization and identification of fungi present in Zobo drinks produced and sold by vendors in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, was the aim of this study. Hawked Zobo drinks packaged in plastic bottles were purchased from ten different hawkers, two each from five locations. The pH values of the samples were determined and the total fungal count. The pour plate technique, using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used to determine the total fungal count. Macroscopic and microscopic features were used to characterize the isolates obtained from the samples. The microscopic identification was done by preparing a wet mount of isolated colonies and observing under a microscope. The rate of growth, colony colour, colour changes, colour of reverse colonies, odour and texture of surface were observed and compared with previous work done on fungi. Results showed that the pH of the freshly obtained and stored samples was 3.9 and 2.8 respectively. The average number of colonies for samples stored in the refrigerator ranged from 0.54 x 105 to 0.91 x 105 cfu/ml while that of the freshly obtained samples ranged from 1.26 x 105 to 1.64x105 cfu/ml at 10-3 dilution. A total of 43.6% Aspergillus spp., 29.5% Candida spp. 15.4% Penicillium spp. and 11.5% Rhizopus spp. were identified. With increased acidity in the refrigerated samples, the number reduced to 41.2% Aspergillus spp., 27.4% Candida spp. 15.7% Penicillium spp. and 15.7% Rhizopus spp. The fungi species isolated are known to produce mycotoxins with potential immunosuppressive and cytotoxic effect. These microorganisms could have been introduced to the drinks at various stages of production, during transportation, through the ingredients utilized in the manufacturing process, or even during the cultivation of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. This issue can be mitigated by implementing effective manufacturing practices throughout the production process.
Nutritional and Phytochemical Profile of Commonly Consumed Spices in Nigeria
Authors: E.O Adedayo, , I.O Dada , K Ajayi , D.T Adesimiloye, 
Published: November 2024

Background: Spices which are widely used in Nigeria have aroma, enhance taste of food and Possess medicinal values.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the nutritionaland phytochemical profile of commonly consumed spices in Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: Raw materials and other ingredients used for this study were purchased from Oja-Oba in Owo Local Government, Ondo State. The spices were analysed for proximate and mineral components using standard method as described by AOAC (2012). Sodium and potassium were determined using flame photometer and calcium, selenium, copper, zinc, magnesium, and iron were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Phytochemical analyses were carried out using standard procedures.
Results: The proximate composition showed that protein was significantly (p≤0.05) high at 14.41% in Uziza seed and low at 11.60% in tumeric. Ginger contained high moisture content at 10.63%, while Uziza seed had the least value of 8.58%. High ash content was recorded in gingerat 5.27% and lowest at 3.70% in Uziza. Tumeric had the highest value of 65.57% for carbohydrate, while Uziza had the least value of 60.06%. Mineral composition showed high value of calcium in Uziza seed (402.03mg/100g). Nutmeg showed a high value of magnesium (13.3mg/100g) and turmeric indicated the highest value of potassium (405.43mg/100g), sodium (135.17mg/100g) for Uziza seed. The highest content of iron was recorded at 3.34mg/100g. Turmeric had a high value of zinc at 3.77 mg/100g and copper at 97 mg/100g, respectively. The spices contained an appreciable amount of phytochemicals. However, turmeric was significantly higher in alkaloids, flavonoids and polyphenols.
Conclusion:This study showed that spices have greater use in medicine and as a food supplement.
Self‐Assembled Metal‐Phenolic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Synergistic Combination Therapy against Colon Cancer
Authors: Li Ke , Dai Yunlu , Chen Wen , Yu Kang , Xiao Gao , Richardson Joseph J. , Huang Wen , Guo Junling , Liao Xuepin , Shi Bi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEngineering functional nanomaterials to have both high therapeutic efficacy and minimal side‐effects has become a promising strategy for next‐generation cancer treatments. Herein, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion and reactive oxygen species‐enhanced combination chemotherapy platform is introduced whereby therapeutic samarium (Sm3+) ions and (−)‐epicatechin (EC) are integrated via a metal‐phenolic network (SmIII‐EC). The independent pathway between Sm3+ and EC can achieve a synergistic therapeutic effect through the mitochondrial dysfunction process. SmIII‐EC nanoparticles cause a significant reduction of viability of C26 murine colon carcinoma cells while with lower systemic toxic effects on normal cell lines. SmIII‐EC nanoparticles are used to directly compare with a clinic anticancer drug 5‐fluorouracil. SmIII‐EC nanoparticles not only decrease the tumor volume but also do not affect the body weight of mice and normal organs, showing significant advantages over clinic counterpart. These facts suggest that SmIII‐EC nanoparticles represent a clinically promising candidate for colon cancer treatment with a targeted therapeutic effect and minimum side toxicity.
An Adaptable Nanoplatform for Integrating Anatomic and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging under a 3.0 T Magnetic Field
Authors: Shen Aijun , Meng Xianfu , Gao Xiaolong , Xu Xiaowen , Shao Chulun , Tang Zhongmin , Liu Yanyan , Bu Wenbo , Wang Peijun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIt is well known that acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) is very important for tumor' growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. In addition, accurate diagnosis of the solid tumors' acidic microenviroment based on the precise location of their site is especially essential for the further treatment and prognostic evaluation of cancer. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for clinical cancer diagnosis, there are still enormous challenges left for developing MRI agents which integrate anatomic imaging for tumor site location with functional imaging for pH evaluation, especially for medium or high magnetic field machines. Herein, an innovative strategy is proposed to incorporate anatomic imaging (T1‐weighted imaging, T1WI) with functional imaging (susceptibility weighted imaging, SWI) using one 3.0 T MRI scanner on an adaptable nanoplatform namely, NaGdF4@polydopamine@polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can self‐aggregate under the specific low pH in TME to realize regulatory susceptibility. Moreover, the nanoplatform performs well in tumor accurately location as well as pH sensitively perception. Most importantly, the strategy not only fuses two MRI models on one nanoplatform using one 3.0 T machine to extend the application range but also provides a new insight for the design of other novel imaging agents.
Replicating the Defect Structures on Ultrathin Rh Nanowires with Pt to Achieve Superior Electrocatalytic Activity toward Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Wei , Guo Penghui , Ye Jinyu , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Pingting , Lyu Zixi , Geng Yongsheng , Liu Maochang , Xie Shuifen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMetal nanostructures with an ultrathin Pt skin and abundant surface defects are attractive for electrocatalytic applications owing to the increased utilization efficiency of Pt atoms and the presence of highly reactive sites. This paper reports a conformal, layer‐by‐layer deposition of Pt atoms on defective Rh nanowires for the faithful replication of surface defects (i.e., grain boundaries) on the Rh nanowires. The thickness of the Pt shell can be controlled from one monolayer up to 5.3 atomic layers. This series of Rh@PtnL (n = 1–5.3) core–sheath nanowires show greatly enhanced activity and durability in catalyzing the ethanol oxidation reaction in an acidic medium. Among others, the Rh @ Pt3.5L nanowires show the greatest mass activity (809 mA mg−1Pt) and specific activity (1.18 mA cm−2) after loaded on carbon support, which are 3.7 and 3.4 times those of the commercial Pt/C, respectively. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies indicate an enhanced interaction between the outermost Pt layer and the Rh nanowire can promote CC bond cleavage for complete oxidation of ethanol to CO2 while depress the dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetic acid. As the Pt shell thickness is increased, the selectivity for the CO2 pathway decreases while that for acetic acid is increased.
High‐Temperature Large‐Scale Self‐Assembly of Highly Faceted Monocrystalline Au Metasurfaces
Authors: Fusco Zelio , Rahmani Mohsen , Bo Renheng , Tran‐Phu Thanh , Lockrey Mark , Motta Nunzio , Neshev Dragomir , Tricoli Antonio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLocalized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) devices based on resonant metallic metasurfaces have shown disruptive potential for many applications including biosensing and photocatalysis. Despite significant progress, highly performing Au plasmonic nanotextures often suffer of suboptimal electric field enhancement, due to damping effects in multicrystalline domains. Fabricating well‐defined Au nanocrystals over large surfaces is very challenging, and usually requires time‐intensive multi‐step processes. Here, presented are first insights on the large‐scale self‐assembly of monocrystalline Au nano‐islands with tunable size and separation, and their application as efficient LSPR surfaces. Highly homogeneous centimeter‐sized Au metasurfaces are fabricated by one‐step deposition and in situ coalescence of hot nanoparticle aerosols into a discontinuous monolayer of highly faceted monocrystals. First insights on the mechanisms driving the high‐temperature synthesis of these highly faceted Au nanotextures are obtained by molecular dynamic and detailed experimental investigation of their growth kinetics. Notably, these metasurfaces demonstrat high‐quality and tunable LSPR, enabling the fabrication of highly performing optical gas molecule sensors detecting down to 3 × 10−6 variations in refractive index at room temperature. It is believed that these findings provide a rapid, low‐cost nanofabrication tool for the engineering of highly homogenous Au metasurfaces for large‐scale LSPR devices with application ranging from ultrasensitive optical gas sensors to photocatalytic macroreactors.