bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motivating factors affecting formalization of small informal enterprises: Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Mehjabeen Melita , Khan Sadia Noor 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the motivating factors behind the formalization of small informal enterprises in Bangladesh, an emerging economy, employing the lens of institutional theory. It emphasizes how regulatory structures, normative pressures, and cognitive understandings shape the decisions of SME owners in emerging economies like Bangladesh. A significant portion of small enterprises in Bangladesh remain informal, leading to concerns over economic development, productivity, and efficiency. Informal enterprises often face challenges such as limited access to finance, market entry barriers, and regulatory hurdles. Recognizing the need for formalization, this research aims to understand the drivers behind this transition. A questionnaire survey of 304 informal enterprises reveals that streamlined regulatory systems, particularly one‐stop solutions and simplified registration processes, are primary motivators for formalization. Additionally, flexible collateral requirements for financing and lower levels of technological adoption also significantly influence this transition. These findings contribute to the academic discourse on informal businesses in emerging economies and provide key policy implications for fostering formalization through targeted strategies and policies.
Characterizing prostate zonal shape changes associated with 5α‐reductase inhibitors using MRI
Authors: Vatansever Alper , Yetemen Melih , Öngen Gökhan , Ocakoğlu Gökhan , Coşkun Burhan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent medical disorder that primarily affects elderly males. It is distinguished by enhanced angiogenesis of the prostate, aggravating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and diminishing overall quality of life. Dutasteride, a 5α‐reductase inhibitor, has emerged as a significant therapeutic choice for BPH owing to its efficacy in reducing prostate volume. The objective of this study is to analyze alterations in the shapes of prostate zones resulting from dutasteride treatment of BPH, using MRI. We examined 19 drug‐administered patients and 33 non‐drug‐administered patients. MRI sections of all participants before and after drug treatment were collected retrospectively. The transition zone and peripheral zone of the prostate were marked with selected landmarks using TPSDIG v2.04. Generalized Procrustes Analysis was used to analyze shapes statistically. Our results showed that the 5α‐reductase inhibitor significantly altered the shape of the transition zone by narrowing its posterior part. There were significant statistical differences between the drug‐administered and non‐drug‐administered groups in the initial and final shapes of the transition zone. These findings indicate that the use of 5α‐reductase inhibitors yielded favorable outcomes in terms of prostate size reduction and amelioration of symptoms associated with BPH.
Alkali Metal Iridates as Oxygen Evolution Catalysts Via Thermal Transformation of Amorphous Iridium (oxy)hydroxides.
Authors: Falsaperna Mario , Arrigo Rosa , Marken Frank , Freakley Simon J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEfficient water‐splitting is severely limited by the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Iridium oxides remain one of the only viable catalysts under acidic conditions due to their corrosion resistance. We have previously shown that heat‐treating high‐activity amorphous iridium oxyhydroxide in the presence of residual lithium carbonate leads to the formation of lithium‐layered iridium oxide, suppressing the formation of low‐activity crystalline rutile IrO2. We now report the synthesis of Na‐IrOx and K‐IrOx featuring similarly layered crystalline structures. Electrocatalytic tests confirm Li‐IrOx retains similar electrocatalytic activity to commercial amorphous IrO2 ⋅ 2H2O and with increasing size of the intercalated cation, the activity towards the OER decreases. However, the synthesised electrocatalysts that contain layers show greater stability than crystalline rutile IrO2 and amorphous IrO2 ⋅ 2H2O, suggesting these compounds could be viable alternatives for industrial PEM electrolysers where durability is a key performance measure.
Improving reaction uniformity of high‐loading lithium‐sulfur pouch batteries
Authors: Kim Hun , Kim Jae‐Min , Choi Ha‐Neul , Min Kyeong‐Jun , Kansara Shivam , Hwang Jang‐Yeon , Kim Jung Ho , Jung Hun‐Gi , Sun Yang‐Kook 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) have garnered attention from both academia and industry because they can achieve high energy densities (>400 Wh kg–1), which are difficult to achieve in commercially available lithium‐ion batteries. As a preparation step for practically utilizing LSBs, there is a problem, wherein battery cycle life rapidly reduces as the loading level of the sulfur cathode increases and the electrode area expands. In this study, a separator coated with boehmite on both sides of polyethylene (hereinafter denoted as boehmite separator) is incorporated into a high‐loading Li‐S pouch battery to suppress sudden capacity drops and achieve a longer cycle life. We explore a phenomenon by which inequality is generated in regions where an electrochemical reaction occurs in the sulfur cathode during the discharging and charging of a high‐capacity Li‐S pouch battery. The boehmite separator inhibits the accumulation of sulfur‐related species on the surface of the sulfur cathode to induce an even reaction across the entire cathode and suppresses the degradation of the Li metal anode, allowing the pouch battery with an areal capacity of 8 mAh cm–2 to operate stably for 300 cycles. These results demonstrate the importance of customizing separators for the practical use of LSBs.
Visible Light Promoted Site‐Specific Functionalization of α‐Acyloxy Carboxamides: Unlocking a Forbidden Chemical Space in the Passerini Reaction
Authors: Brunelli Francesca , Quartieri Francesca , Miletto Ivana , Pulici Maurizio , Papeo Gianluca , Tron Gian Cesare 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe facile generation of the α‐acyloxy carboxamide radical is hereby reported for the first time, utilizing a photoredox catalyzed reaction of Passerini adducts synthesized using a 4‐formyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridine as the carbonyl component. This radical effectively engages in a Giese reaction with a range of olefins, ultimately leading to the synthesis of novel Passerini‐derived products not previously amenable to direct aldehyde‐based transformations. Consequently, the resulting strategy, developed both in batch and in flow, offers a promising opportunity to expand the chemical space accessible through the Passerini reaction, virtually incorporating “impossible” aldehydes.
Integral morphology and structure design of poly (heptazine imide) for efficient utilization of visible light generated charge carriers in proton reduction reactions
Authors: Zhai Boyin , He Jiarui , Li Hongguan , Li Xinglong , Nurmanov Suvonkul , Ruzimuradov Olim , Niu Ping , Chun Sangeun , Wang Shulan , Li Li 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSufficient utilization of visible‐light generated charge carriers in proton reduction reactions is of great significance for the development of effective solar‐fuel technologies. Achieving simultaneous bulk rapid transfer and surface efficient extraction of charge carriers is still very challenging. Herein, it is found for the first time ammonium persulfate (APS) can significantly influence polymerization processes of C3N4 (CN) from melamine to poly (heptazine imide) (PHI) under the simultaneous oxygen doping and etching effect of SO42−. PHI with high crystallinity, porous structure, and in‐situ oxygen doping was therefore obtained through one‐step APS‐assisted salt strategy. Benefiting from sufficient visible‐light absorption and upshifted conduction band originating from regulated electronic structure and optimized morphology through APS modification, the as‐prepared PHI achieved a H2 evolution activity of 3274.23 μmol h−1 g−1 (λ  > 420 nm), which is appropriately 148 and 19 times that of conventional and crystalline CN. This work opens up new opportunities for efficient photocatalysis.
Non‐Reductive CO2 Valorization into Oxazolidinones via Cycloaddition to Aziridines: A Personal Insight
Authors: Damiano Caterina , Cavalleri Matteo , Invernizzi Lucia , Gallo Emma 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis perspective discusses bibliography data that has been published since 2018 on the synthesis of oxazolidinones by reacting corresponding aziridines with CO2. The versatility and viability of various procedures have been analyzed by considering the variety of tested substrates as well as experimental conditions and catalytic systems used. Collected data highlights that the reaction can be effectively promoted by several homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic systems that have been optimized in order to conjugate the process sustainability and productivity with convenient procedural costs.
Antioxidative properties, phenolic compounds, and in vitro protective efficacy of multi‐herbal hydro‐alcoholic extracts of ginger, turmeric, and thyme against the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 on mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cell line
Authors: Nazdar Nina , Imani Ahmad , Abtahi Froushani Seyyed Meysam , Farzaneh Mohsen , Sarvi Moghanlou Kourosh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most potent toxic and carcinogenic secondary fungal metabolite, has frequently been reported in food/feed. Nowadays, herbal extracts are considered safe dietary additives to reduce the toxicity of such compounds. The protective capability of various combinations of hydro‐alcoholic extracts (HAEs) of ginger, turmeric, and Shirazi thyme, against the toxicity of AFB1 on the RAW264.7 cell line was investigated. The RAW264.7 cells were exposed to six different concentrations of AFB1 (0.09, 0.18, 0.37, 0.75, 1.5, and 3 μg mL−1) for 48 h to determine the IC50 of AFB1. AFB1 was estimated to have an IC50 of 1.5 μg mL−1 for RAW264.7 cells. Then, the cells were simultaneously incubated with 1.5 μg mL−1 AFB1 and the HAEs for 24 h. The HAEs significantly reduced the toxicity of AFB1 in RAW264.7 cells. HAE of Shirazi thyme showed the highest amount of total phenol content (TPC) and the highest DPPH• activity. In addition, a combination of ginger, turmeric, and Shirazi thyme extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. Rutin, quercetin, and apigenin were the main phenolic components of ginger HAE. A significantly positive correlation was observed between TPC of hydro‐alcoholic extract with ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) values. Consequently, the simultaneous consumption of such extracts is recommended to protect the cells against dietary toxins.
Percutaneous versus surgical closure of paravalvular leaks in prosthetic valves: A cross‐sectional comparison of clinical outcomes
Authors: Baghi Mohammadsaleh , Kohansal Erfan , Akbarian Mahsa , Adimi Sara , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Firoozi Ata , Salehi Pegah , Mehdizadeh Kasra , Hesami Hamed , Yousefi Mina , Erami Sajjad , Dehghani Yeganeh , Hosseini Zahra , Shojaeifard Maryam 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsParavalvular leak (PVL) is a serious complication of prosthetic valve replacement. Both surgical and percutaneous closure techniques are used for PVL closure, but optimal strategies and comparative outcomes are uncertain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous versus surgical PVL closure by analyzing changes in leak severity, functional status, echocardiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes.MethodsA total of 72 patients were included in this retrospective cross‐sectional single‐center study comparing percutaneous (n = 25) and surgical (n = 47) PVL closure from 2015 to 2022. Demographics, medical history, echocardiograms, laboratory data, complications, and mortality data were extracted from the records. Changes in leak severity, NYHA class, echocardiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes were compared between the percutaneous and surgical groups.ResultsBoth percutaneous and surgical PVL closure significantly reduced leak severity and improved NYHA class (both p < 0.01), with no difference between the quantity of changes in each group. The 30‐day mortality was 4% after percutaneous and 6.4% after surgical closure (p = 0.65). At 90 days, mortality was 24% percutaneous versus 17% surgical (p = 0.48). The length of stay in the hospital and post‐procedural decrease in hemoglobin were considerably lower in the percutaneous group. The rate of complication rates was similar between the groups. Echocardiographic changes were also comparable.ConclusionPercutaneous and surgical PVL closure had similar efficacy in reducing leaks and improving symptoms, with no significant difference in early outcomes. Both options should be considered viable for PVL repair after heart team evaluation.
Protecting the health of the most vulnerable in the overlooked Democratic Republic of Congo crisis
Authors: Phiri Sandra S. , George Nsikakabasi S. , Iseghehi Lucky 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a humanitarian crisis due to prolonged conflicts, human rights abuses, and gender‐based violence. This perspective article aims to discuss the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the DRC, including the impact of interventions and broader humanitarian strategies.MethodsA search on Google Scholar was carried out to identify relevant journal articles. Additionally, relevant reports and data on the DR Congo crisis were sourced from the websites of international and humanitarian organizations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organization, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.ResultsThe crisis has led to 6.1 million displaced individuals and 1 million seeking asylum in neighboring countries. Insecurity and displacement further exacerbate the crisis, exacerbating health issues and malnutrition, particularly among women and children. The deterioration of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in the region facilitates the spread of infectious diseases. The UN has appealed for $8.3 billion in humanitarian assistance in West and Central Africa, including DRC. However, more attention and efforts are needed to curb the menace of the conflict.ConclusionsAddressing root causes like political volatility, economic disparity, and social unrest is crucial for sustained health protection. Tailoring humanitarian assistance to the context of conflict is essential, prioritizing mental health support and psychosocial services. Improving access to healthcare is crucial. Addressing food insecurity is essential, involving targeted food assistance programs, improving agricultural practices, and establishing income‐generating activities. Sustaining international assistance and investments are needed to address the health needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Preparation of naphthalenes via Pd‐catalyzed annulation of 5‐(2‐bromophenyl)pent‐3‐en‐1‐ynes under Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling conditions
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Kai , Liu Yi‐Hung , Liu Shiuh‐Tzung 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHighly substituted naphthalene derivatives were prepared via palladium‐catalyzed reaction of 5‐(2‐bromophenyl)pent‐3‐en‐1‐ynes with arylboronic acids. Typically, reaction of 3‐bromo‐4‐(3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐phenyl‐1‐(p‐tolyl)pent‐2‐en‐4‐yn‐1‐yl)‐N‐methylaniline (1a) with PhB(OH)2 in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 as the catalyst under basic conditions provided 8‐benzhydryl‐7‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐methyl‐5‐(p‐tolyl)naphthalen‐2‐amine (2a) quantitatively. Overall, 19 new naphthalene compounds were obtained by this methodology and their structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods. In addition, crystal structure of 2j was determined to confirm the structural details. Reaction pathway leading to the desired product is also discussed.
Cross‐cultural validation of the genetic counseling outcome scale in Korea
Authors: Yang Sojin , Chang Yoon Jung , Kim Kyung Ok , Lee Beom Hee , Kong Sun‐Young , McAllister Marion , Choi In Hee 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS‐24) was developed to measure patient‐reported outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of genetic counseling and testing services. In the current study, the Korean version of GCOS (K‐GCOS) was developed to reflect the sociocultural characteristics of Korea, and its clinical applicability was assessed. Overall, 231 Koreans, including patients with genetic diseases and their family members, participated and completed the K‐GCOS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Validity was examined by assessing the correlations between K‐GCOS scores and other relevant scale scores. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and test–retest scores, measured over 2 weeks. We performed exploratory factor analysis of the five structures of GCOS‐24. For K‐GCOS, four‐factor structures were identified: “cognitive–behavioral control,” “uncertainty about control,” “hope,” and “emotional regulation.” Four original GCOS‐24 items were removed because of low factor loadings and small inter‐item correlations. K‐GCOS‐20 scores were positively correlated with SWLS (r = 0.456) and MHLC‐internal (r = 0.213) scores but negatively correlated with HADS (anxiety r = −0.428, depression r = −0.469) and MHLC‐internal (r = −0.278) scores. These findings demonstrate that K‐GCOS‐20 is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating genetic counseling services in Korea.
A simple nomogram to predict dengue shock syndrome: A study of 4522 south east Asian children
Authors: Tran Phu Nguyen Trong , Siranart Noppachai , Sukmark Theerapon , Limothai Umaporn , Tachaboon Sasipha , Tantawichien Terapong , Thisyakorn Chule , Thisyakorn Usa , Srisawat Nattachai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDengue shock syndrome (DSS) substantially worsens the prognosis of children with dengue infection. This study aimed to develop a simple clinical tool to predict the risk of DSS. A cohort of 2221 Thai children with a confirmed dengue infection who were admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between 1987 and 2007 was conducted. Another data set from a previous publication comprising 2,301 Vietnamese children with dengue infection was employed to create a pooled data set, which was randomly split into training (n = 3182), testing (n = 697) and validating (n = 643) datasets. Logistic regression was compared to alternative machine learning algorithms to derive the most predictive model for DSS. 4522 children, including 899 DSS cases (758 Thai and 143 Vietnamese children) with a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.4 years, were analyzed. Among the 12 candidate clinical parameters, the Bayesian Model Averaging algorithm retained the most predictive subset of five covariates, including body weight, history of vomiting, liver size, hematocrit levels, and platelet counts. At an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81–0.90) in testing data set, logistic regression outperformed random forest, XGBoost and support vector machine algorithms, with AUC values being 0.82 (0.77–0.88), 0.82 (0.76–0.88), and 0.848 (0.81–0.89), respectively. At its optimal threshold, this model had a sensitivity of 0.71 (0.62–0.80), a specificity of 0.84 (0.81–0.88), and an accuracy of 0.82 (0.78–0.85) on validating data set with consistent performance across subgroup analyses by age and gender. A logistic regression‐based nomogram was developed to facilitate the application of this model. This work introduces a simple and robust clinical model for DSS prediction that is well‐tailored for children in resource‐limited settings.
Predictors of computed tomography imaging in patients presenting with sudden hearing loss
Authors: Sieben Owen , Reid Jonathan , Ho Allan , Cooper Timothy 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveSudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rare presentation requiring timely diagnosis and treatment. Despite recommendations against obtaining computed tomography (CT) imaging of the head in clinical practice guidelines, this investigation is often completed in patients with sudden hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients undergoing CT imaging of the head for SSNHL at our center and identify predictive factors for the use of CT imaging.MethodsRetrospective chart review of adult patients referred for SSNHL to two academic otology/neurotology practices between January 2018 and May 2021. Patient demographics, comorbid medical conditions, associated symptoms, location of initial presentation, audiologic results, and completed imaging studies were collected. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software.ResultsNinety‐eight patients with audiologically confirmed SSNHL were included. Twenty‐two patients (22.4%) underwent CT imaging as an investigation for SSNHL. The presence of vertigo (odds ratio 6.90; 95% confidence interval 2.43, 19.56) and presentation to the emergency room (odds ratio 8.71; 95% confidence interval 3.02, 25.16) were significantly associated with undergoing CT imaging. These two variables were statistically significant independent predictors of CT imaging on multivariate regression analysis (p = .01, p = .001, respectively).ConclusionA significant proportion of patients with SSNHL undergo low‐yield CT imaging of the head, particularly patients presenting to the emergency room with vertigo. These results highlight an opportunity for focused education and quality improvement initiatives.Level of evidence: 4.
In situ observations of zooplankton show changes in abundance and swimming speed in response to hypoxia and acidification
Authors: Wyeth Amy C. , Grünbaum Daniel , Keister Julie E. , Crouser Deana , Roberts Paul 
Published: August 2024

AbstractZooplankton exhibit diverse swimming behaviors to reposition themselves in the water column, feed, find mates, and avoid predation. Environmental stressors that modify behavior can have cascading effects on population distributions and predator–prey interactions. Understanding zooplankton population dynamics is challenging, largely because traditional methods for quantifying zooplankton distributions are costly, limited in scope, and require extended analysis by trained analysts. We developed a novel methodology that combined remotely deployed camera systems, machine learning‐based identification of zooplankton, and video‐based tracking technology to quantify copepod and amphipod in situ swimming behavior in Hood Canal, WA, USA, a seasonally hypoxic and acidified fjord. Behavioral analysis showed copepods of all sizes swam on average 24% slower in stressful (hypoxic and acidified) waters relative to non‐stressful waters. Copepods exhibited less frequent escape responses in stressful waters, with a 68% decrease in the amount of time spent “jumping” for copepods 1–2 mm in length. Interestingly, abundances of small copepods increased in stressful waters, with 56% more 1–2 mm long copepods in stressful vs. non‐stressful conditions. In contrast, amphipods' average “darting” speeds did not differ between environmental conditions, but the abundance of amphipods significantly decreased in stressful waters relative to non‐stressful waters, suggesting avoidance of stressful conditions. Changes in swimming behavior are informative metrics in understanding ecosystem impacts of environmental stress because swimming speed has individual, population, and community‐level implications. Our results suggest that, among copepods, in situ behaviors may be useful proxies in monitoring the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems.