bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Institutional Investors on Boards Impact on Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting
Authors: García‐Meca Emma , Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInstitutional investors are relevant dominant owners with a very high representation on the boards of European firms. Despite their prevalence, research on the role of institutional directors and their impact on firm disclosure policy is scarce. We examine the association between institutional directors and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting, distinguishing between pressure‐sensitive (e.g. banks) and pressure‐resistant directors (e.g. funds). We find that institutional directors show different incentives and conflicts of interests towards increasing CSR reporting. Specifically, we note that directors representing banks are likely to promote additional information about the firm's environmental and social commitments in order to lower the risk faced by lenders, minimise the probability of default, and maintain their prestige and professional reputation. On the other hand, directors representing fund institutions overweight short‐term earnings potential, which decreases their incentives to improve a firm's CSR reporting. Our findings confirm the importance of institutional investors on CSR reporting policy of firms. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Iron‐Catalyzed C−O Bond Activation: Opportunity for Sustainable Catalysis
Authors: Bisz Elwira , Szostak Michal 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOxygen‐based electrophiles have emerged as some of the most valuable cross‐coupling partners in organic synthesis due to several major strategic and environmental benefits, such as abundance and potential to avoid toxic halide waste. In this context, iron‐catalyzed C−O activation/cross‐coupling holds particular promise to achieve sustainable catalytic protocols due to its natural abundance, inherent low toxicity, and excellent economic and ecological profile. Recently, tremendous progress has been achieved in the development of new methods for functional‐group‐tolerant iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions by selective C−O cleavage. These methods establish highly attractive alternatives to traditional cross‐coupling reactions by using halides as electrophilic partners. In particular, new easily accessible oxygen‐based electrophiles have emerged as substrates in iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, which significantly broaden the scope of this catalysis platform. New mechanistic manifolds involving iron catalysis have been established; thus opening up vistas for the development of a wide range of unprecedented reactions. The synthetic potential of this sustainable mode of reactivity has been highlighted by the development of new strategies in the construction of complex motifs, including in target synthesis. The most recent advances in sustainable iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of C−O‐based electrophiles are reviewed, with a focus on both mechanistic aspects and synthetic utility. It should be noted that this catalytic manifold provides access to motifs that are often not easily available by other methods, such as the assembly of stereodefined dienes or C(sp2)−C(sp3) cross‐couplings, thus emphasizing the synthetic importance of this mode of reactivity.
Performance analysis and calculation of critical inductance and output voltage ripple of a simple non‐isolated multi‐input bidirectional DC‐DC converter
Authors: Varesi Kazem , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Sabahi Mehran , Babaei Ebrahim 
Published: August 2017

SummaryIn this paper, a simple non‐isolated multiple input (MI) bidirectional DC‐DC topology is proposed which can operate in buck, boost, or buck‐boost modes. The proposed topology utilizes a battery pack to realize the bidirectional power flow operation especially when the input sources are non‐storable ones. The excess energy of input sources can be stored in the battery and be injected to the load, when required. Simultaneous or independent power transfer of input sources is also provided. For better evaluation, the proposed topology has been compared with several recently presented novel topologies, from view point of number of inductors, capacitors, switches, and diodes. Comparison results show that the proposed topology utilizes less number of components (switches, inductors, capacitors, and current sensors) which can reduce the size, cost, and complexity of converter. Different operational modes of the proposed topology (unidirectional buck, boost, buck‐boost modes, and bidirectional mode) have been presented. Also, boost mode of the proposed topology has been investigated in detail, from design point of view, and generalized relationships have been proposed for calculation of critical inductance (CI) and output voltage ripple (OVR) of proposed n‐input boost topology. To validate proposed theoretical concepts, the proposed topology has been modeled and simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC software, and the 3‐input boost version has been experimentally implemented. Simulation and experimental results confirm appropriate performance of the proposed topology.
Performance analysis of multiuser selection diversity in SIMO spectrum sharing systems
Authors: Aghazadeh Behnam , Torabi Mohammad 
Published: August 2017

SummaryIn this paper, a performance analysis is presented for user selection schemes in a single‐input multiple‐output spectrum sharing system. In the considered system, multiple secondary users try to use the licensed spectrum of a primary user in an opportunistic manner, in which an interference constraint for the primary user is satisfied. In this paper, we first use 2 conventional user selection schemes for single‐input multiple‐output spectrum sharing system and analyze the system performance for each scheme. We then propose a new user selection scheme that can overcome the limitations of those 2 conventional user selection schemes. As for the performance analysis, the average channel capacity, the outage probability, and the bit error rate performances of the system using the presented user selection schemes are analyzed and mathematical closed‐form expressions for the outage probability are derived. The performances of the system are evaluated using the derived mathematical formulas in different cases. In addition, Monte Carlo simulation results are also provided to show the accuracy and correctness of the performed analysis.
Forest Governance without Transparency? Evaluating state efforts to reduce deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Bizzo Eduardo , Michener Gregory 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOver 60% of the Amazon basin is contained within nine federal Brazilian states. How transparent are state‐level governments about implementing and enforcing deforestation reduction policies? Advocates and officials can only influence forest conservation outcomes to the extent that they have information about the actions – the inputs and outputs – of front‐line local actors. Leveraging a recently adopted freedom of information (FOI) law, this paper evaluates how well governments comply with website‐based disclosure requirements (active transparency), and how effectively they respond to FOI requests (passive transparency) on the implementation and enforcement of deforestation reduction policies. By focusing on how subnational administrations disclose accountings of forest governance – the inputs and outputs of governance – the current study complements an already extensive body of scholarship on central government monitoring of forest cover – the transparency of outcomes. Comparing our results with an original database of transparency evaluations from Brazil, we find extremely low levels of compliance with FOI obligations. We do find, however, that government agencies possessing electronic FOI platforms, which help applicants send requests and appeals and accompany responses, fare better than those without. This and other findings have implications for the design of transparency systems, while global results speak to the policy challenges of federalism, especially dilemmas of subnational policy enforcement. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Behavioral protective factors of increased depressive symptoms in community‐dwelling older adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Uemura Kazuki , Makizako Hyuma , Lee Sangyoon , Doi Takehiko , Lee Songchul , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundIt remains unclear what kinds of behavior prevent the development of geriatric depression. This study aimed to elucidate behavioral predictors of increased depressive symptoms in older adults focusing on gender differences.MethodsA total of 3106 community‐dwelling older people aged older than or equal to 65 years without depressive symptoms at baseline participated. The 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms with a score of 6 or more at baseline and 15 month follow‐up. Behavioral status was investigated by using dichotomous questions about the aspects of physical, cognitive, and social activities. Each category included 3 specific items. Demographic data and other potential confounding factors were also assessed.ResultsIn the 15 month follow‐up survey, 239 participants (7.7%) reported increased depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that engagement in light physical exercise (odds ratio = 0.74, 95%, CI = 0.56‐0.98), taking enrichment lessons (0.62, 0.46‐0.85), using a personal computer (0.68, 0.48‐0.97), participation in events at the community center (0.54, 0.40‐0.72), and attending a community meeting (0.69, 0.52‐0.92) were independently associated with lower risk of increased depressive symptoms. In a separate analysis for each gender, significant odds ratios of using a personal computer were observed in men, whereas significant odds ratios of light physical exercise, participation in events at the community center, and attending a community meeting were observed in women.ConclusionsLight physical exercise, taking lessons, usage of a computer, and participation in community events showed protective effects against depressive symptoms. However, the significance of each behavioral factor may vary according to gender.
Natural convection in a parabolic enclosure with an internal vertical heat source filled with Cu–water nanofluid
Authors: Hussein Ahmed Kadhim , Mustafa Ahmed Waheed 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe numerical investigation of the natural convection in concave and convex parabolic enclosures with a nanofluid consisting of water and copper nanoparticles is carried out by using the finite volume method. The upper and lower walls of the enclosures are adiabatic while the sidewalls are isothermal at a cold temperature. An internal heat source of constant length (ε = 0.2) and negligible thickness is placed at various vertical positions along the center of the enclosure. It was found that the increase in the location of the heat source leads to a drop in the water and nanofluid flow circulation in both types of enclosures.For both considered Cases I and II, the average Nusselt number increases when the Rayleigh number and solid volume fraction increase. Moreover, it was concluded that Case I with δ = 0.8 is the optimum case for heat transfer enhancement for Ra = 103 and Ra = 104. Case II with δ = 0.5 is optimum for Ra = 105. Both cases are satisfied when the nanofluid is used with ϕ = 0.2.
CFD simulation on the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover for various resonator lengths and operating pressures
Authors: Hariharan N.M. , Arun S. , Sivashanmugam P. , Kasthurirengan S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe main objective of the present investigation is to analyze the effect of resonator length and different working pressures on the performance of a twin thermoacoustic prime mover, which was measured in terms of frequency and amplitude of the oscillations using the computational fluid dynamics tool FLUENT 6.3. The simulation was carried out for different resonator lengths such as 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.1, and 1.4 m using nitrogen as a working fluid for various operating pressures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 bar. It was observed from the results that the pressure amplitude increases with an increase in resonator length and that the output frequency decreases with an increase in resonator length for a fixed operating pressure. For a constant resonator length, the increase in operating pressure has little influence on output frequency, and the pressure amplitude also increases. The results obtained were found to be in accordance with experimental works published by Hariharan and colleagues.
Tissue distribution following 28 day repeated oral administration of aluminum‐based nanoparticles with different properties and the in vitro toxicity
Authors: Park Eun‐Jung , Lee Gwang‐Hee , Yoon Cheolho , Jeong Uiseok , Kim Younghun , Chang Jaerak , Kim Dong‐Wan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe tissue distribution and toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) depend on their physical and chemical properties both in the manufactured condition and within the biological system. We characterized three types of commercially available aluminum‐based NPs (Al‐NPs), two rod‐type aluminum oxide NPs (Al2O3, AlONPs), with different aspect ratios (short [S]‐ and long [L]‐AlONPs), and spherical aluminum cerium oxide NPs (AlCeO3, AlCeONPs). The surface area was in order of the S‐AlONPs > L‐AlONPs > AlCeONPs. Very importantly, we found that AlCeONPs is Al2O3‐coated CeO2 NPs, but not AlCeO3 NPs, and that the Al level in AlCeONPs is approximately 20% of those in S‐ and L‐AlONPs. All three types of Al‐NPs were slightly ionized in gastric fluid and rapidly particlized in the intestinal fluid. There were no significant differences in the body weight gain following 28 days of repeated oral administration of the three different types of Al‐NPs. All Al‐NPs elevated Al level in the heart, spleen, kidney and blood at 24 hours after the final dose, accompanied by the altered tissue level of redox reaction‐related trace elements. Subsequently, in four types of cells derived from the organs which Al‐NPs are accumulated, H9C2 (heart), HEK‐293 (kidney), splenocytes and RAW264.7 (blood), S‐AlONPs showed a very low uptake level and did not exert significant cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, cytotoxicity and uptake level were the most remarkable in cells treated with AlCeONPs. In conclusion, we suggest that the physicochemical properties of NPs should be examined in detail before the release into the market to prevent unexpected adverse health effects.
Butyltin compounds alter secretion of interleukin 6 from human immune cells
Authors: Brown Shyretha , Wilburn Wendy , Martin Tyesha , Whalen Margaret 
Published: August 2017

AbstractButyltins (BTs), tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) are organotin compounds that have been used in a variety of industrial applications; as a result, these compounds have been found in human blood. Interleukin (IL)‐6 is a proinflammatory mediator that is produced by T lymphocytes and monocytes. It is responsible for immune response regulation as well as tissue repair and cellular growth. Both BTs decrease the ability of human natural killer cells to destroy tumor cells and alter the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma and IL‐1 beta (β) from human lymphocytes ex vivo. Here, we show that BTs alter the secretion of IL‐6 from increasingly reconstituted preparations of human immune cells. IL‐6 secretion was examined after 24 hour, 48 hour or 6 day exposures to TBT and DBT in highly enriched human natural killer cells, monocyte‐depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), PBMCs, granulocytes and a preparation combining both PBMCs and granulocytes (PBMCs + granulocytes). The results indicated that both BTs altered IL‐6 secretion from all cell preparations. Significant decreases of IL‐6 secretion were seen at the highest concentration of TBT (200 nm) and DBT (5–2.5 μm) while the lower concentrations of DBT (0.05 and 0.1 μm) caused elevation of IL‐6 secretion. The data indicate that BT‐induced alterations of IL‐6 secretion from immune cells may be a significant consequence of BT exposures that may potentially affect immune competence.
How do people become plasma and platelet donors in a VNR context?
Authors: Charbonneau Johanne , Cloutier Marie‐Soleil , Fainstein Balia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe demand for therapeutic plasma‐derived products poses a challenge to blood collection agencies (BCAs). In 2014–2015, the volume of plasma sent for fractionation met 17.7% of Quebec's needs for immunoglobulins. This article aims to offer an exploration of the paths blood donors follow in order to become plasma and platelet donors (PPDs).Study Design and MethodThis analysis is based on semi‐structured interviews with 50 PPDs in Quebec, Canada. Our analysis focused on the occurrence of events and the presence of contextual elements identified through: (1) factual data on PPDs; and (2) what PPDs identified as being an influence on their donation experience. This information was synthesized using a typology of trajectories.ResultsSix typical trajectories have been distinguished, first by the presence (19/50 respondents) or absence (31/50) of blood donation as a family tradition. Of the latter 31 donors, some pointed instead to inherited family values as having a significant influence on their commitment (11/31). Donors' careers were then distinguished as having started early (34) or late (16). Sub‐types then appeared with the addition of other contextual elements, motivation profiles, and circumstances under which the conversion to apheresis donation occurred.ConclusionOur findings suggest the existence of diversified donor trajectories, and confirm the importance of conducting more in‐depth analyses of the sequence of events occurring along PPDs career. BCAs should develop strategies carefully tailored to different potential clienteles if they wish to convert whole blood donors to apheresis donation, and also focus on recruiting and retaining young PPDs.
The influence of different skin types on GSR sampling by tape lifting for SEM analysis
Authors: Kara İlker 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this study, the change in the amounts the gunshot residues (GSR) collected by the “swab” method from shooter's right hand was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope‐Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) to test dependency on various conditions (such as skin color of the shooter, various physical properties, hair density of hands, size of the hands, sweaty or creamy (oiliness) hands). As a result of the analysis, there was no significant difference in the amount of GSR according to skin color, however, there was a change in the amount of GSR depending on the physical characteristics of the shooter. These results thought to have practical benefits for the experts performing GSR analysis using the swab technique to assess the incidence.
Fast redesign and geometry scaling of multiband antennas using inverse surrogate modeling techniques
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRedesign of antenna structures for various operating conditions or substrate parameters is a practically important problem in antenna engineering. At the same time, it is challenging because finding an optimum set of geometry parameters for a specified operating/material conditions requires going through an entire design optimization process. The problem is even more challenging for multiband antennas where 2 or more bands need to be independently controlled and the joint influence of some of antenna dimensions on several bands has to be taken into account. In this work, we propose a simple technique for rapid dimension scaling of multiband antennas, which uses inverse surrogate modeling techniques. The inverse surrogate model constructed using a set of reference designs optimized for several values of operating frequencies allows us to predict optimum dimensions of the antenna structure of interest corresponding to a required set of operating frequencies. The model is constructed at the level of coarse‐discretization electromagnetic simulations; therefore, it undergoes enhancement so as to be reliably used to redesign the antenna at the level of its high‐fidelity electromagnetic model. A correction procedure is further applied to accommodate the initial scaling errors. Our approach is demonstrated using a triple‐band uniplanar dipole antenna.
A method for solar radiation error correction of temperature measured in a reinforced plastic screen for climatic data collection
Authors: Yang Jie , Liu Qingquan , Dai Wei 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTDue to solar radiation effect, air temperature sensor inside a reinforced plastic screen may produce a measurement error that is 0.8 °C or higher. To improve air temperature observation accuracy and correct historical temperature of weather stations, a radiation error correction method is proposed. The correction method is based on a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and a neural network method. The CFD method is implemented to obtain the radiation error of a reinforced plastic screen under various environmental conditions. Then, a radiation error correction equation is obtained by fitting the CFD results using the neural network method. To verify the performance of the radiation error correction equation, a reinforced plastic screen and an aspirated temperature measurement platform are characterized in the same environment to conduct the intercomparison. The aspirated temperature measurement platform serves as an air temperature reference. The average radiation error given by four sunny days intercomparison experiments is 0.85 °C. The corresponding average radiation error given by the correction equation is 0.83 °C. The mean absolute error, the root mean square error and the correlation coefficient between the radiation errors given by the correction equation and the radiation errors given by the experiments with the reference platform are 0.099, 0.109 and 0.713 °C, respectively.