bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of ESG in enhancing firm resilience to geopolitical risks: An eastern European perspective
Authors: Reyad Hossain Mohammad , Ayesha Momtaj , Iqbal Mohammed Masum , Zariyawati Mohd Ashhari 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGeopolitical risk (GPR) presents a profound challenge to firms, particularly in regions with persistent political instability. In Eastern Europe, where conflicts like the Russia–Ukraine war heighten uncertainty, firms face immediate financial threats and long‐term strategic vulnerabilities. This study examines the impact of GPR on firm performance, focusing on the moderating role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices as a resilience mechanism. Using a comprehensive dataset of 1360 publicly listed firms across Poland, Russia, and Ukraine from 2014 to 2023, the analysis employs a base panel data regression model, followed by a two‐step generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to account for endogeneity and ensure robustness. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between GPR and firm performance, measured by return on assets (ROA). Firms exposed to higher geopolitical risks exhibit weaker profitability. However, firms with stronger ESG performance demonstrate greater resilience, as the GMM results show that ESG engagement moderates the adverse effects of GPR on profitability. This suggests that ESG initiatives enhance adaptive capacity in volatile geopolitical environments. In terms of policy implications, ESG should be promoted as a key strategy for firms operating in politically unstable regions. Governments and regulatory bodies may consider mandatory ESG disclosures and incentivizing sustainability practices to help firms mitigate external risks, improve financial resilience, and attract stable investment. Aligning corporate strategies with global ESG standards is essential to ensuring business sustainability amid ongoing geopolitical threats.
Corporate risk‐taking, economic policy uncertainty and ESG performance: International evidence
Authors: Ooi Chai‐Aun , Lu Ming Pey , Zulkafli Abdul Hadi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCorporate risk‐taking, which aims to maximize shareholders' profits, has raised concerns regarding potential conflicts with Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments. We address this gap by investigating the relationship between corporate risk‐taking and ESG performance using an international sample from 20 economies spanning 2000 to 2022, while carefully accounting for endogeneity based on GMM, Heckman sample selection bias and simultaneous equations. Our findings reveal a significantly negative relationship, suggesting a trade‐off between the two, which aligns with the conservation of resources (COR) theory. Furthermore, the COR theory is integrated with agency theory and stakeholder theory when examining subsamples of high and low corporate governance scores. Additionally, we find that economic policy uncertainty (EPU) positively moderates this relationship, particularly in high‐income economies and for large firms. This effect is evident during the post‐2008 subprime crisis period but dissipates in the post‐COVID‐19 era. The overall findings have several important theoretical and practical implications for the literature.
Efficient and swift heating technique for crafting highly graphitized carbon and crystalline silicon (Si@GC) composite anodes for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Padwal Chinmayee , Wang Xijue , Pham Hong Duc , Hoang Linh Thi My , Mundree Sagadevan , Dubal Deepak 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of battery materials from biomass as feedstock is not only effective but also aligns with sustainable practices. However, current methods like slow pyrolysis/heating are both energy‐intensive and economically impractical. Hence, integrating energy‐efficient technologies becomes imperative to curtail substantial energy consumption and, consequently, minimize carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during electricity usage. Herein, we employed a one‐step pyrolysis/reduction based on the microwave heating method to synthesize a composite of high‐purity silicon and highly graphitized carbon (Si@GC) from rice husk as feedstock. Compared to the conventional heating methods, the Si@GC samples prepared via the microwave heating method required less time (30–50 min). Benefiting from ultrahigh heating rates, the highly graphitized carbon and crystalline silicon composite was successfully synthesized. The synthesis by microwave irradiation showed homogenous material, excellent surface area, essential functional groups, and crystallinity revealing the outstanding reaction kinetics to form the material. The as‐synthesized Si@GC composite anode material delivered a high discharge capacity of 799 mAh/g with high cyclic stability of ~71% over 120 cycles. The ex situ ToF‐SIMS revealed great inorganic SEI composition, mainly consisting of the fluorinated species and carbonate species produced at the initial cycle. This investigation provides a novel rapid heating method for the synthesis of battery materials, which can also be extended for other materials and applications.
What's Your Take on Integration? Insights From a Qualitative Study on Youth With Migratory Backgrounds in Italy
Authors: Rossi Margherita , Miglietta Anna 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTSocio‐demographic changes in Europe have heightened interest in the topic of integration. However, a clear definition of the construct remains elusive, particularly in relation to the second generation and “long‐established” young people of foreign origin. On the one hand, “integration” takes on different meanings depending on the researcher's approach; on the other, few studies directly address the views of young people with a migrant background. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyses the subjective meaning and connotations attributed to the term “integration,” as well as the personal perception of integration into Italian society among 26 young people of different ethnic origins living in Italy (mean age = 24.5 years, SD 4.1; F = 14). All participants belonged to the second generation or had immigrated to Italy before the age of 12. They answered a semi‐structured interview on cultural identity, characteristics of social networks, feelings of integration and experiences of personal and group discrimination. The results showed that the participants closely associated integration with the issues of respect, acceptance and lack of discrimination, but also with the subjective feeling of being part of society and belonging to it. The limitations and practical implications of the study were discussed.
LC–MS/MS Profiling, Biological Activities and Molecular Docking Studies of Simmondsia Chinensis Leaves
Authors: Soltani Siwar , Ben Abdallah Kolsi Rihab , Baccouch Noura , Michel Thomas , Allouche Noureddine , Salah Hichem Ben 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the biological activities of Tunisian Simmondsia chinensis and characterize its potential bioactive compounds. Different extracts of S. chinensis were tested for their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti‐α‐amylase, and anti‐acetylcholinesterase activities through in vitro assays. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (976.03 GAE/g extract) compared to the other extracts. Additionally, it demonstrated a substantial anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity (PI=75 %) and potent antibacterial property, particularly against Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella enterica. The IC50 values of ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts against α‐amylase were 42 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL, respectively, indicating potent anti‐diabetic effects. HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS analyses identified flavonoids and lignans as the major phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract. To better comprehend the mechanisms behind inhibitory effects on α‐amylase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes, a molecular docking study was conducted. Consequently, these findings indicate that S. chinensis is a highly valuable natural resource with potential industrial applications.
GC‐MS/HPLC Profiling and Sono‐Maceration Mediated Extraction of Osbeckia Parvifolia Polyphenols: In Silico and In Vitro Analysis on Anti‐Proliferative Activity in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mathews Paul Benedict , Kannan Gowtham , Jegan Raj Francis , Velavan Sundararajan Vetri , Annadurai Yamuna , Piramanayagam Shanmughavel , Thangaraj Parimelazhagan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOsbeckia parvifolia, an endemic edible plant of Western Ghats, was investigated in the present study for its polyphenolic compounds, including content, constituents, extraction through an ultrasonic‐assisted maceration technique and therapeutic potential in biomedical applications. The methanolic extract (OPM) exhibited an IC50 value of 1.25 μg/mL against 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts also strongly inhibited 5‐lipoxygenase, especially OPM (84.93 %), which was comparable to standard curcumin. OPM also elicited cytotoxicity in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells (93.80 %), surpassing paclitaxel. Bio‐accessibility analysis demonstrated that the release of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential were very high (above 100 %), revealing the possibility of synergistic efficacy of polyphenolic complexes in drug development. Gas Chromatography ‐Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis revealed 22 bioactive polyphenolic compounds in OPM, such as epicatechin, quercetin, and psoralidin. This was confirmed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and High‐Pressure Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analyses, which revealed a high quantity of catechin (37.45 mg/g). Molecular docking revealed the significant binding affinity of these proteins for the ovarian oncoproteins PI3K (−8.52 kcal/mol) and Casp‐8 (−8.41 kcal/mol). Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) profiling indicated the favorable pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds, supporting their candidacy in drug formulations against ovarian cancer.
Aptamer‐based Immune Checkpoint Inhibition for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Yihao , Lin Guihong , Liu Sinong , Chen Mingying , Yang Chaoyong , Song Yanling 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCancer has long been a significant threat to human life and health. The advent of immune checkpoint blockade strategies has reversed cancer‐induced immune suppression, advanced the development of immunotherapy, and offered new hope in the fight against cancer. Aptamers, which possess the same specificity and affinity as antibodies, are advantageous due to their synthetic accessibility and ease of modification, providing novel insights for immune checkpoint research. In this review, we outline the key aptamers currently developed for immune checkpoints such as CTLA‐4, PD‐1, PD−L1 and Siglec‐15. We explore their potential in therapeutic strategies, including functionalizing or engineering aptamers for covalent binding, valency control, and nanostructure assembly, as well as investigating molecular mechanisms such as glycosylated protein functions and cell‐cell interactions. Finally, the future applications of aptamers in immunotherapy are discussed.
In vivo and in vitro Reconstitution of Biosynthesis of N‐Prenylated Phenazines Revealing Diverse Phenazine‐Modifying Enzymes
Authors: Kato Teruhito , Xia Dan , Ozaki Taro , Nakao Tomoyo , Zhao Ping , Nishiyama Makoto , Shiraishi Taro , Kuzuyama Tomohisa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPhenazine natural products play various roles such as signal molecules, antibiotics, or electron carriers in their producer strains. Among these products, phenazinomycin and lavanducyanin, which are produced by Streptomyces species, are characterized by an N‐alkyl modification. Herein, we established the biosynthetic pathways for these two phenazine natural products. Gene‐disruption experiments and in vitro reconstitution of the phenazine‐tailoring pathway revealed the late steps of the biosynthetic pathway of the phenazines. The class II terpene cyclase homolog Pzm1 catalyzes the cyclization reaction of farnesyl diphosphate to form monocyclic farnesyl diphosphate. Additionally, the prenyltransferase homolog PzmP functions as the N‐prenyltransferase of 5,10‐dihydrophenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid. The flavin monooxygenase homolog PzmS catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of prenylated 5,10‐dihydrophenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid to yield phenazinomycin. This study highlights unprecedented modification enzymes for phenazine natural products.
Omental incarceration secondary to uterine perforation after dilatation curettage: Conservative approach in sub‐saharan Africa
Authors: Birge Ozer , Kayar Ilkan , Bello Fatthy 
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical MessageComplications of uterine perforation and herniation of intra‐abdominal organs into the perforated area may occur after gynecological operations. They can be treated with a conservative approach, especially in cases whose vital signs are stable, laboratory values are within normal limits and their general condition is suitable. We aim to present the conservative treatment without using surgical and medical methods as it is the first case in the literature.AbstractUterine perforation is a rare but potentially serious complication of curettage for gynecologic or obstetric reasons especially during and after operative procedures and the application of intrauterine contraceptive devices. The incidence of uterine perforation during gynecological operations is between 0.002–1.7. A 30‐year‐old multiparous case with a 7‐week 4‐day pregnancy was diagnosed with incomplete abortion at an external center due to vaginal bleeding. The case underwent suction curettage. After 24 h, revision suction curettage was performed due to the finding of rest in the endometrium during the ultrasonographic control, and the case was diagnosed with uterine perforation and omental herniation due to this. We highlighted the importance of a thorough gynecological assessment following a dilated suction curettage (D&C) procedure that includes a careful clinical examination and a detailed ultrasound evaluation.
Silica‐Mediated Incorporation of Lipase Into the Bulk of a Deep Eutectic Solvent: An Efficient Biocatalytic Phase for Esters Synthesis
Authors: Wolny Anna , Babiuch Agata , Latos Piotr , Jurczyk Sebastian , Chrobok Anna 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAiming at sustainable solutions suitable for industrial‐scale catalysis catalytic phase containing lipase and deep eutectic solvent (DES) was designed. To achieve this, both physical and chemical immobilizations of lipases were performed on the surface of silica and carbon materials. The catalytic activity of developed biosystem was tested in biotransformation of α‐angelica lactone into butyl levulinate at 60 °C. The best results were achieved for Candida antarctica lipase B adsorbed on fumed silica suspended in choline chloride: glycerol (1:2) with the addition of 20 wt% of water. Under these conditions 99.9% conversion of α‐angelica lactone and 100% selectivity to butyl levulinate were obtained after 45 min. The biocatalytic system maintained its activity for up to five consecutive reaction cycles with full conversion of lactone to ester. The heterogenization of the enzyme allowed the biocatalyst to be integrated into the bulk of the DES, which includes essential water. This combination resulted in the formation of a stable and easy‐to‐operate catalytic phase where reagents formed a second organic phase. The integration of cost‐effective biocatalyst with process efficiency provides a greener alternative with significant potential for industrial use.
Ru/TiO2 Catalyzed High‐Yield Synthesis of Furanic Diols by 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Hydrogenation with Switchable Selectivity
Authors: Kashyap Preeti , Jędrzejczyk Marcin , Akhgar Maryam , Aubrecht Jaroslav , Kubička David , Keller Nicolas , Ruppert Agnieszka 
Published: October 2024

Abstract5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a versatile platform molecule that can be derived from biomass feedstocks and catalytically converted into various value‐added chemicals. In this work, selective hydrogenation of HMF is investigated to produce valuable furan‐based diols, namely 2,5‐bis‐hydroxymethylfuran (BHMF) and 2,5‐bis‐hydroxymethyltetrahydrofuran (BHMTHF), using TiO2 supported Ru catalysts. The catalyst performance was fine‐tuned to achieve over 98% yield to BHMF and BHMTHF under optimized reaction conditions with very good recyclability. We pointed out several key factors allowing to maximize the yield towards the respective diols. Features such as the Ru nanoparticle size, the strength of metal‐support interactions and the presence of residual chlorine were found to significantly influence the reaction. A characteristic volcano‐shaped relationship was obtained between the particle size and the catalytic activity giving the highest diol yield for an optimum Ru nanoparticle size of 1.6 nm. Further, metal‐support interactions were found to be responsible for providing optimum Ru‐TiOx interfacial surface sites and chlorine was affecting the electronic properties of Ru nanoparticles, potentially benefiting to the selective formation of BHMF. The reaction time was shown to control the hydrogenation of the furan ring and the selectivity of the reaction, that can be directed optimally towards BHMF or BHMTHF.
Graphene oxide‐based nanofluidic membranes for reverse electrodialysis that generate electricity from salinity gradients
Authors: Yu Changchun , Xiang Yiming , Lawson Tom , Zhou Yandi , Song Pingan , Chou Shulei , Liu Yong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA widely employed energy technology, known as reverse electrodialysis (RED), holds the promise of delivering clean and renewable electricity from water. This technology involves the interaction of two or more bodies of water with varying concentrations of salt ions. The movement of these ions across a membrane generates electricity. However, the efficiency of these systems faces a challenge due to membrane performance degradation over time, often caused by channel blockages. One potential solution to enhance system efficiency is the use of nanofluidic membranes. These specialized membranes offer high ion exchange capacity, abundant ion sources, and customizable channels with varying sizes and properties. Graphene oxide (GO)‐based membranes have emerged as particularly promising candidates in this regard, garnering significant attention in recent literature. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the literature surrounding GO membranes and their applications in RED systems. It also highlights recent advancements in the utilization of GO membranes within these systems. Finally, it explores the potential of these membranes to play a pivotal role in electricity generation within RED systems.
NaTiOx‐modified high‐nickel layered oxide cathode for stable sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Liu Yingcong , Zhou Xing , He Dongwei , Liu Xiaowei , Yang Chao , Xu Dawei , Wang Meilong , Sun Ruitao , Zhang Bin , Xie Jingjing , Han Jin , Chen Wen , You Ya 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe O3‐type layered cathode with high Ni content has attracted much attention because of its high capacity and simple synthesis process. However, surface side reaction and O3–P3 phase transitions would occur during Na+ insertion/extraction, resulting in unsatisfying electrochemical performance. Herein, O3‐Na[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 (NNCM622) cathode is modified by a NaTiOx coating layer in a wet chemistry method, which reduces the parasitic reaction and facilitates Na+ migration. Simultaneously, the partially doped Ti improves structural stability by restraining the irreversible multiple‐phase transition. As a result, the modified NNCM622 cathode obtains a high specific capacity of 143.4 mAh g−1 and an improved capacity retention of 69% after 300 cycles. Our work offers new prospects for stabilizing the NNCM622 cathode with a feasible coating strategy.
Stable Cu (I) Complexes for Intracellular Cu‐Catalyzed Azide Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Olivelli Alexander , Olelewe Chibuzor , Wolff Levi G. , Parkin Sean , Edwin Webster Charles , Awuah Samuel G. , Huckaba Aron J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) has heralded a new era of chemical biology and biomedicine. However, caveats of the CuAAC include formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other copper‐related toxicity. This limits utility in sensitive biological samples and matrices. Towards addressing these caveats, we synthesized and fully characterized two air and water stable trinuclear Cu(I) dimer complexes. The complexes were stable to oxidation in the presence of hydrogen peroxideand other chelators, which was reasoned to be due to the linear benzimidazole‐Cu‐benzimidazole geometry. Computational investigations of the catalytic cycle implicated two of the three coppers in the trimer complex as the active metal centers. The complexes were shown to catalyze the reaction at far below sub‐toxic concentrations for intracellular click reactions to label triple negative breast cancer cells and compared to the current CuSO4‐THPTA standard.
Networked Multicomponent Ensemble as AND Gate with FRET Output
Authors: Kumar Biswas Pronay , Paul Indrajit , Schmittel Michael 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA networked supramolecular logic AND gate system is accomplished using precise chemical communication within a multicomponent ensemble via metal ion‐driven self‐sorting processes. The cybernetic AND gate is composed of a copper(I)‐loaded nanoswitch, an aza‐crown ether and a rhodamine receptor. The modus operandi of the AND gate, from state (0,0), was induced with stoichiometric amounts of two inputs (IN‐1=Hg2+, IN‐2=Li+) generating copper(I) ions as output only in state (1,1). Generation of state (1,1) from state (0,0) involves selective Cu+ ion translocation from the nanoswitch to the aza‐crown ether in the first step (IN‐1) and then from the aza‐crown ether to the rhodamine receptor in the second step (IN‐2). The released copper(I) output acts as a messenger that binds to the rhodamine receptor, triggering it's spiro‐lactam ring opening, which leads to a diagnostic FRET emission from the copper(I)‐loaded rhodamine scaffold accompanied by a remarkable fluorescence and colour change from pale yellow to pink.
Regulating Solvated Sheath with Anion Chelant Enables 4.6 V Ultra‐Stable Commercial LiCoO2
Authors: Kang Haoyu , Zhang Xuefeng , Ma Yiming , Li Zequan , Liu Liyang , Zhou Libing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIncreasing cut‐off voltage of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) (>4.6 V) is an effective strategy to satisfy the ever‐increasing demand for high energy density. However, the irreversible phase transition significantly destroys the structure of high‐voltage LCO, especially the surface lattice. Considering that the structural stability of LCO is primarily dominated by the intrinsic merits of electrode‐electrolyte interface (EEI), we explored and disclosed the operating mechanism of anion chelating agent tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane (TPFPB) and regulate the CEI layer on LCO electrode. Benefiting from the high HOMO energy level and preferential decomposition of TPFPB‐PF6−, a robust LiF‐rich CEI layer is constructed and greatly improves the stability of electrode/electrolyte interface. The well‐designed electrolyte composed of 1 mol L−1 LiPF6 in EC/EMC with TPFPB additives endows Li/LCO half cells and 4 Ah Gr/LCO pouch cell with enhanced cycling stability under a high voltage condition. This work provides pave a new direction for the development of economical high‐voltage LIBs.