bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of corporate leverage and sustainability of small and medium‐sized enterprises: The case of commercial companies in Ecuador
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Ponce Herenia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article studies the determinants of the capital structure of 2694 small Ecuadorian companies throughout their organizational life cycle, breaking down their total liabilities in long‐ and short‐term leverage. The empirical investigation focuses on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the commercial sector, with 11,023 observations during the period 2015–2019. The results suggest both that information asymmetry and agency problems are important and that larger size and higher collateral are very important, for accessing long‐term leverage financing. Liquidity is negatively associated with leverage, while higher profitability is positively associated with lower levels of leverage. When internal finances are insufficient, commercial SMEs appear to be highly dependent on short‐term leverage financing, due to difficulties in accessing long‐term leverage. The main conclusion of this study is that small companies' capital structure follows the predictions formulated by the main financing theories, in agreement with the results of previous studies of SMEs.
Alkaloids from Piper longum L and their Anti‐inflammatory Properties
Authors: Phuong Tran Thi Thu , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Pham‐The Hai , Phan Uyen Thi Tu , Huong Le Thanh , Nguyen Hai Dang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPiper longum L. (PL) is considered one of the most important species traditionally used for treating various ailments and has indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroids. In this study, we isolated the chemical compounds of PL leaves, and measured NO, IL‐6, iNOS, as well as COX‐2 protein levels. In addition, molecular docking analysis was used to further understand the anti‐inflammation effect of the compounds. We identified one new alkaloid named piperlongumine A (1) with ten known compounds (2‐11). The new compound (1) and two other alkaloids 2E)‐3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐(pyrrol‐1‐yl) propanone (7) and piperchabamide A (8) significantly reduced NO production in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with the IC50 values of 0.97±0.05 μM, 0.91±0.07 μM, 1.63±0.14 μM, respectively. Moreover, at concentration of 2 μM, compound 1 inhibited approximately 98±0.64 % of IL‐6 secretion, and decreased iNOS and COX‐2 protein level by about 96 and 19 folds compared to LPS treatment alone, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 1, 7, and 8 were predicted to bind and inhibit IL‐6, TNF‐α, and iNOS, with compound 1 showing the highest binding energy of −7.09 kcal/mol. This study provides new insights for potential anti‐inflammatory drug design and warrants further investigation.
Suspected large gall bladder mucocele extending from right hypochondrium up to right iliac region turned out to be gall bladder perforation in a patient with schizophrenia: A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Upadhyay Prashant , Kumar Harendra , Mukherjee Dattatreya , Tiwari Divyansh , Akilimali Aymar 
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical MessageThis is a challenging case where the surgeon has initially thought it is a gallbladder (GB) mucocele. The surprise finding of a mucocele during an emergency laparotomy highlights the deceptive nature of certain clinical manifestations within the hepatobiliary domain. The intraoperative discovery of a 1×1 cm GB hole on the right lateral wall of the GB fundus revealed an unexpected and significant deviation from the hypothesized pathogenesis.AbstractThis case report provides a complicated diagnosis scenario for a hepatobiliary illness aggravated by schizophrenia. Arriving with frequent nausea and vomiting, a 70‐year‐old female patient with schizophrenia missed typical symptoms of gallbladder (GB) disease, including fever and stomach discomfort. This odd look and corroborative imaging showing a cystic lesion in the right belly led to a diagnostic suspicion of a sizable GB mucocele. But a surprising result from an emergency laparotomy revealed a significant GB perforation, different from the previous diagnosis. This case highlights the difficulties in identifying atypical GB diseases, particularly in individuals with mental comorbidities that could conceal or alter the expression of physical symptoms. To confirm or rule out differential diagnosis and allow early and tailored treatments, it emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic tests, including a complete clinical history, physical examinations, laboratory analysis, imaging modalities, and surgical procedures. This case emphasizes the importance of careful examination in complex medical contexts by stressing the requirement of thorough assessments and comprehensive diagnostic frameworks in navigating challenging clinical situations.
Concise Access to Naphthalene Building Blocks for Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloid Synthesis via Transition‐Metal Catalysis
Authors: Materis Marios‐Christoforos , van Otterlo Willem A. L. , Berthold Dino 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA refined and therefore more (cost)efficient synthetic pathway towards 3‐functionalized and orthogonally diprotected 5‐bromo‐1,8‐dioxynaphthalenes is reported. The latter has been very recently employed as highly suitable building blocks for the total synthesis of 5‐(naphtha‐8‐yl)isoquinoline alkaloids. Relying on the application of different transition‐metal catalyzed reactions, namely C−H oxidation, Hartwig borylation and C,C cross‐coupling reactions the desired precursors for future atroposelective synthesis of 5,8’‐naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids and derivatives became accessible in a concise fashion.
Fast and Efficient Sensing of Drugs in Water Using Self‐Assembling D‐Glucamine‐Functionalized Naphthalenediimide and 1,8‐Naphthalimide Fluorophores
Authors: Marullo Salvatore , Arena Riccardo , Lazzara Giuseppe , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Cacioppo Michele , D'Anna Francesca 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFast and sensitive quantification of drugs as emerging pollutants in water bodies is a pressing need in contemporary society, to prevent serious environmental concerns that could negatively impact on human health. This explains the surge of interest in this field, and the need to identify highly selective sensing systems. Addressing this issue, in this work we synthesized two D‐glucamine functionalized fluorophores bearing self‐assembling cores, as 1,8‐naphthalimide and naphthalene diimide. We studied their self‐assembly in water solution, and characterized the aggregated formed by determining their stability constant, their morphology and size by scanning electron microscopy, resonance light scattering and dynamic light scattering, as well their solid‐state emission ability. Then, we studied their sensing ability, in water, towards pharmaceutically active compounds such as ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, carbamazepine and diclofenac sodium salt, by fluorescence investigation. Data collected show that the self‐assembling ability is significantly affected by the fluorophore structure, which in turn also determines sensing ability. In particular, the naphtalene diimide‐based probe was the most sensitive, with LOD as low as 0.01 μM in the presence of nalidixic acid, which is in line and competitive with more complex sensing systems, recently reported in the literature.
Preparation and Electrochemical Applications of Magnéli Phase Titanium Suboxides: A Review
Authors: Yang Wenduo , Chen Tongxiang , Jia Hanze , Li Jing , Liu Baodan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMagnéli phase titanium suboxides (M‐TSOs) belong to a type of sub‐stoichiometric titanium oxides based on the crystal structure of rutile TiO2. They possess a unique shear structure, granting them exceptional electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. These two advantages are crucial for electrode materials in electrochemistry, hence the significant interest from numerous researchers. However, the preparation of M‐TSOs is uneconomic due to high temperature reduction and other complex synthesis process, thus limiting their practical application in electrochemical fields. This review delves into the crystal structure, properties, and synthesis methods of M‐TSOs, and touches on their applications as electrocatalysts in wastewater treatment and electrochemical water splitting. Furthermore, it highlights the research challenges and potential future research directions in M‐TSOs.
An improved federated transfer learning model for intrusion detection in edge computing empowered wireless sensor networks
Authors: Raja L. , Sakthi G. , Vimalnath S. , Subramaniam Gnanasaravanan 
Published: August 2024

SummaryIntrusion Detection (ID) is a critical component in cybersecurity, tasked with identifying and thwarting unauthorized access or malicious activities within networked systems. The advent of Edge Computing (EC) has introduced a paradigm shift, empowering Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) with decentralized processing capabilities. However, this transition presents new challenges for ID due to the dynamic and resource‐constrained nature of Edge environments. In response to these challenges, this study presents a pioneering approach: an Improved Federated Transfer Learning Model. This model integrates a pre‐trained ResNet‐18 for transfer learning with a meticulously designed Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), tailored to the intricacies of the NSL‐KDD dataset. The collaborative synergy of these models culminates in an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) with an impressive accuracy of 96.54%. Implemented in Python, the proposed model not only demonstrates its technical prowess but also underscores its practical applicability in fortifying EC‐empowered WSNs against evolving security threats. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing cybersecurity measures within emerging computing paradigms.
Depolymerization of Waste Polycarbonates to Value‐Added Products
Authors: Padhi Ganeshdev , Pansare Vaibhav Ramachandra , Bajpai Priyam , Krishna Gamidi Rama , Vanka Kumar , Barsu Nagaraju 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAdditive free aminolysis method developed for the depolymerization/upcycling of polycarbonates. We report here chemical recycling of polycarbonate under ambient conditions to get its monomer bisphenol A, monoaminocarbamate and biscarbamates in 1 : 2 : 1 ratio respectively. By employing the secondary amine as the aminating reagent, facilitates the depolymerization to work under additive/catalyst free conditions. The developed method deals with depolymerization of waste polycarbonates and works even with late‐stage amine derivatives such as amoxapine and desloratadine which are drugs molecules known to treat neurotic disorders and allergies respectively. The reaction can be scaled up and works with similar efficacy which depicts the efficiency of the depolymerization of wasteend‐of‐life polycarbonate plastic waste. The biscarbamate and bisphenol‐A was further subjected for the post functionalization to obtain amides and phenol in good yields.
Enzymatic Degradation of PFAS: Current Status and Ongoing Challenges
Authors: Harris Benjamin A. , Zhou Jinpeng , Clarke Bradley O. , Leung Ivanhoe K. H. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often considered the quintessential example of industrial chemical pollution – they are toxic and ubiquitous environmental contaminants that are extremely difficult to degrade. There has been a large research focus on the development of effective and renewable degradation technologies. In comparison to traditional pollutant degradation techniques, such as advanced oxidation processes and electrochemistry, degradation of PFAS using extracellular enzymes offers an eco‐friendly solution as enzymes are biodegradable, recyclable and have low energy and chemical requirements. This review outlines the current understanding of extracellular enzymatic degradation of PFAS with a focus on reported results and proposed degradation mechanisms. More importantly, this review highlights limitations that hinder the application of enzymes for PFAS degradation and proposes critical future research that is needed to improve the applicability of this promising remediation strategy.
Glycerol Carbonate and Solketal Carbonate as Circular Economy Bricks for Supercapacitors and Potassium Batteries
Authors: Prete Prisco , Trano Sabrina , Zaccagnini Pietro , Fagiolari Lucia , Amici Julia , Lamberti Andrea , Proto Antonio , Bella Federico , Cucciniello Raffaele 
Published: August 2024

AbstractConsidering the worldwide market of batteries and supercapacitors, the (partial or total) replacement of conventional fossil‐derived carbonates with bio‐based ones in electrolyte formulations would allow the production of safer and more sustainable devices. In this work, embracing the 7th principle of green chemistry, glycerol derivatives (namely glycerol carbonate and solketal carbonate) are tested as solvents and additives for electrolyte formulations. Glycerol carbonate is innovatively employed as promising electrolyte solvent for electric double‐layer capacitors with excellent performances. On the other hand, a solketal carbonate‐laden liquid electrolyte is investigated for potassium‐based batteries, showing a rather stable electrochemical behaviour and performance close to those of commercial oil‐derived alternatives.
Input–output waveform engineered inverse Class F power amplifiers with high efficiency
Authors: Zhu Zheming , Cheng Zhiqun , Jia Minshi , Wang Kun , Li Bingxin , Yang Zhenghao , Zhong Baoquan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper studies the influence of the gate voltage of the power amplifier (PA) on the drain current and efficiency. This study proposes a theory of controlling input non‐linearity to improve the efficiency of PAs. The theoretical efficiency of the inverse Class F PA that controls the input nonlinearity is within the range of 77% to 97%. A new design method for the inverse Class F PA reconstructs the design of the load admittance space into a region instead of a point. To verify the validity of the proposed theory, an inverse Class F PA is designed and fabricated using a commercial 10 W GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). Results of the measurement show a high drain efficiency (DE) of 78.5%, an output power of 41.6 dBm, and a large signal gain of 12.1 dB at 1.5 GHz. The overall PA's size is controlled at 80*50 .
Quantitative analysis of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in dried blood spot from mountain ultra‐trail runners. Contribution of pharmacokinetic models for the interpretation of the results
Authors: Mashal Mohammad Shafiq , Guitton Jérôme , Sallet Pierre , Bourguignon Laurent , Machon Christelle 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMonitoring of drug use in athletes is of interest both for health and competition‐related issues. Considering the advantages of Dried Blood Sampling (low invasiveness, easy sampling, long term storage), we have validated a quantitative LC–MS/HRMS method for the screening of 16 nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. For all drugs, accuracy and imprecision were within 15% for the 3 levels of quality control and lower than 20% for the lower limit of quantification. Application was performed from samples obtained for Ultra‐Trail du Mont‐Blanc® 2021 and 2022. A focus on ibuprofen and its metabolites (hydroxyibuprofen, carboxyibuprofen, ibuprofen glucuronide and hydroxyibuprofen glucuronide) was made because the results showed that it was the most detected nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. Further, an interpretation of the ibuprofen concentrations was proposed either from experimental data obtained after an intake of ibuprofen by 10 control subjects, or from a pharmacokinetic modelling and simulations. Depending on the analytical performances of the method, we proposed possible detection windows for ibuprofen in runners. The pharmacokinetic model made it possible to consider two scenarios with and without modification of the total clearance of ibuprofen linked to a modification of the pharmacokinetics of the drugs due to the practice of a long and intense physical activity.
Interlaboratory comparison of phosphatidylethanol in dried blood spots using different sampling devices
Authors: Bantle Matthias , Stöth Frederike , Weinmann Wolfgang , Luginbühl Marc 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhosphatidylethanol (PEth) has become an important marker to assess drinking behaviour and monitor abstinence. Despite its increasing use, knowledge on robustness and standardization and comparability of methods and results are still limited. In 2022, the first international consensus for the use of PEth and its interpretation was published. To establish an experience‐based foundation for further harmonization, three rounds of interlaboratory comparison using microsamples were conducted. Participating laboratories sent their sampling devices to the laboratory of Forensic Toxicology at the University of Bern, where for each round, four different authentic blood samples were applied to the devices and sent back. The PEth 16:0/18:1 target concentrations covered a range between 16 and 474 ng/mL (0.023 and 0.676 μmol/L, respectively) and included sample concentrations close to the decision limits of 20 and 200 ng/mL (0.025 and 0.28 μmol/L, respectively). Evaluation of the results based on guidelines by Horwitz and the Society of Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (GTFCh) showed that 73% of all participating laboratories quantified and reported all samples (N = 4 for each round) within the acceptable limits. More than 90% quantified and reported at least one sample within the acceptable limits.
Predicting habitat suitability of the critically endangered Be'er Sheva fringe‐fingered lizard
Authors: Horesh Sefi J. A. , Ovadia Ofer 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnthropogenic changes, such as land use, are the main drivers causing climate change and biodiversity loss, with hundreds of thousands of species lacking sufficient habitats for their populations to persist and likely to go extinct within decades. Endemic species are more susceptible to habitat changes and are at the forefront of the biodiversity crisis. We used species distribution models to generate a relative habitat suitability map and identified the habitat requirements of the critically endangered and endemic Be'er Sheva fringe‐fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus beershebensis). The model showed that the species' suitable habitats are associated with arid loess plains characterized by scattered, low vegetation cover, primarily on north‐facing aspects, suggesting that these species‐specific habitat requirements limit its distribution. The size of the potentially suitable area within the species' historical range is 1350.73 km2. However, anthropogenic changes decreased the remaining suitable habitat to 995.04 km2. Most of this area is unprotected and at risk of further adverse anthropogenic effects. Only 91.72 km2 of this area is protected by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and 587.11 km2 may be considered indirectly protected because it is within military firing zones. Our study is the first attempt to map the remaining suitable habitat of A. beershebensis based on the results of a species distribution model. The results of this model can assist in prioritizing the protection of areas needed for the conservation of this critically endangered and endemic lizard species.
Bat mating systems—A review and recategorisation
Authors: Dorrestein Annabel , Westcott David , Martin John M. , Phalen David , Rose Karrie , Welbergen Justin A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMating systems, influenced by the social and ecological environment and individual attributes, are fundamental components of animal social organisation, impacting behaviour, animal distribution, ecosystem processes, individual reproductive success, and population dynamics. Bats are of particular interest for studies of mating systems as they are thought to exhibit a greater diversity in mating systems than any other mammalian order, and thus make great models for improving our fundamental understanding of causes and consequences of social organisation. Here, we review the current knowledge of bat mating systems. Our analyses show that research on bat mating systems has not kept pace with research on bats in general and that traditional typologies do not accommodate the mating system of several species. Therefore, we propose an alternative, functional framework to categorise mating systems of bats and by extension of other taxa. We argue that mating systems can be classified according to a male reproductive skew continuum, with an increasing skew from monogamy to true lekking. We include an additional category of lek‐like mating system along the continuum to account for previous trans‐categorical cases that have the appearance of resource defence but are functionally akin to a lek. The new framework has a total of seven categories: promiscuity, monogamy, female defence polygyny, resource defence polygyny, a lek‐like mating system, exploded classical lek, and clustered classical lek. Applying this framework to bats reveals that lek mating systems are more prevalent in bats than previously recognised. It is our aim that this review and the proposed framework provide a greater understanding of bat mating systems particularly and provoke research into the factors that shape mating systems across animal taxa more generally.
Playing the CITES game: Lessons on global conservation governance from African megafauna
Authors: 't Sas‐Rolfes Michael , Challender Daniel W. S. , Wainwright Laurence 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGrowing awareness and concern over environmental issues has been accompanied by a proliferation of international environmental agreements during the last half‐century. Among these, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), stands out as one of the oldest and strongest influences on global biodiversity conservation policy. However, the effectiveness of CITES has been questioned—for various reasons and from various quarters—with a range of differing opinions. To provide further insight on this issue we drew from and built upon recent advances in the environmental governance literature to develop an approach to analysing how the CITES‐centred wildlife trading regime influences actor behaviour. After developing a rule‐categorised framework to analyse the structure of the treaty, we conducted dynamic analysis of actor behaviour using case study material on CITES‐listed African megafauna species (elephants, rhinoceroses, and lions), examining recent developments over a five‐year period (2016–2020). Drawing on this material, we further applied institutional diagnostics to gain insight into the conservation effectiveness of the CITES regime. Our analysis of these case studies suggests that CITES can be gamed by special interest groups and that its institutional design facilitates the evolution of an international prohibition regime. Our research produces novel insights into the operation of this process and raises concerns about consequences for African biodiversity conservation. We conclude with recommendations for wildlife trade policy reform and further research.