bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of segmentation in composite phase change material on melting/solidification performance of triplex‐tube thermal energy storage systems
Authors: Alam Md Tabrez , Kumar Rajesh , Gupta Anoop K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this work, a numerical evaluation of the melting/solidification performance of phase change material (PCM) filled inside a triplex‐tube latent heat storage unit has been carried out. To enhance the melting/solidification performance, the porous Cu metal foam (MF) was embedded inside PCM (termed as composite PCM). Alternative segments of pure PCM and composite PCM have been allocated in such a way that both the pure PCM and composite PCM occupy the equal annular area (i.e., equal volumes). Influence of increasing number of segments was delineated on the melting/solidification rate, complete melting time, and thermal energy storage/recovery enhancement. The comparisons were drawn with reference to the model having two segments of PCM and composite PCM. The results show that the model containing 64 segments with alternate allocations of PCM and composite PCM has a faster melting/solidification rate than other models. With 32 alternate segments of MF, the full melting/solidification time reduced by 23%/77% with respect to the case with one segment of MF only. The melting/solidification performance gets saturated beyond 32 segments (M‐5) and negligible variation (only ~1%) in the thermal performance was noticed upon further segmentation. Finally, the model M‐5 proved as the best model considering the aspects of augmented melting/solidification rate and associated complexities. Moreover, the heterogeneity of MF applied in 32‐segment model confirmed that the anisotropic MF results in an increased melting rate and leads over other random isotropic distributions of MF.
The role of blockchain platform in enabling circular economy practices
Authors: Souza Elieber Bragatti , Carlos Ricardo Luiz , de Mattos Claudia A. , Scur Gabriela 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe circular economy concept is gaining increasing prominence in academic, corporate, and government circles; however, its dissemination is still limited. There is a lack of studies that address strategies, practices, and enabling technologies guided by the principles of developing processes and products for a more rational use of natural resources, reducing consumption, or promoting their recovery. Technological resources can be a crucial issue in enabling the implementation of circular practices. Companies need to plan IT infrastructure and collaborative platforms that can connect them with different stakeholders and leverage digital technologies such as blockchain. This study aims to analyze platforms based on blockchain technology and their contribution to the implementation of circular economy practices, identifying the design, platform functionalities, and how the platforms are being integrated into companies' circular economy programs. The research approach was qualitative, using multiple case studies. The results indicate that blockchain technology helps achieve circular economy practices by bringing transparency to the system and improving market position. The study also contributes to the emerging platform literature by exploring blockchain platforms with functionalities linked to executing circular practices such as Tokens and NFTs in the context of sustainability.
Board network and ESG performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Shu Pei‐Gi , Chiang Sue‐Jane , Wu Tian‐Yu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles increasingly shape the trajectory of global economic and societal sustainability, our study delves into how a firm's network dynamics influence its ESG performance within the Chinese landscape spanning from 2011 to 2020. Drawing insights from agency theory, resource dependence theory, and social network theory, we uncover a notable correlation between board interlocking and ESG performance. This correlation suggests that well‐connected directors can potentially enhance a firm's ESG performance by facilitating information gathering, monitoring, advising, and leveraging influence to address stakeholders' concerns. Moreover, our analysis reveals that the characteristics of ownership structure, as gauged by indicators such as institutional ownership, control‐cash flow wedge, and state‐owned ownership, serve as positive moderators in this relationship. Conversely, board structure, as evaluated by board independence, does not exhibit a significant moderating effect. Additionally, we uncover noteworthy mediating effects of firm size and institutional shareholding on the relationship between board interlocking and ESG performance. Importantly, our findings hold robust across various sensitivity analyses, including alternative model specifications, variable definitions, and strategies to mitigate potential endogeneity concerns.
What drives employees' job performance in green hotels? The mediating effect of employee positive mood and satisfaction
Authors: Khuong Mai Ngoc , Minh Phuong Nguyen Thi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhat is vague about identifying the impact of Green Human Resource Management practices (GHRMPs) on employee job performance remains under‐explored in the hospitality literature. Based on the theory of planned behavior, this research examines the role of GHRMPs on employee job performance through employee satisfaction and positive mood. Data was collected from 647 staff in 12 hotels from October 2022 to March 2023 and analyzed through PLS_SEM. Results showed that all factors of GHRMPs positively influence positive moods. The non‐significant result is green knowledge and job satisfaction, whereas green attitudes, green skills, and positive moods directly affect job satisfaction. Also, the role of GHRMPs is to strengthen the positive influence of job performance directly and indirectly through positive mood and job satisfaction. However, environmental skills did not affect job performance. This research provides some contributions to the hospitality literature and practical implications for managers of hotels and practitioners.
Vascular endothelial growth factor is an effective biomarker for vascular dementia, not for Alzheimer's disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Ling‐Zhi , Li Fang‐Yu , Xu Jin , Li Bing‐Qiu , Li Ying , Jia Jian‐Ping 
Published: June 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONVascular pathology is known to contribute to dementia and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well‐established biomarker associated with vascular alterations. Nonetheless, research findings on VEGF in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are inconsistent across various studies.METHODSWe conducted a meta‐analysis to elucidate relationships between VEGF and AD/VaD.RESULTSTwenty‐four studies were included. Pooled data showed that both blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) VEGF levels were higher in VaD patients, whereas no significant difference was found between AD patients and healthy controls. However, the correlation between blood VEGF and AD was found among studies with AD pathology verification. And blood VEGF levels were higher in AD patients than controls in “age difference < 5 years” subgroup and CSF samples for European cohorts.DISCUSSIONThis study highlights that VEGF is more effective for the diagnosis of VaD and vascular factors are also an important contributor in AD.Highlights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were higher in the vascular dementia group, but not in the overall Alzheimer's disease (AD) group.
Correlation between VEGF and AD was found among studies with clear AD pathological verification.
Elevated VEGF in the cerebrospinal fluid might be a diagnostic marker for AD in European populations.
Squamate scavenging services: Heath goannas (Varanus rosenbergi) support carcass removal and may suppress agriculturally damaging blowflies
Authors: Jameson Tom J. M. , Johnston Gregory R. , Barr Max , Sandow Derek , Head Jason J. , Turner Edgar C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHuman‐induced environmental change has caused widespread loss of species that support important functions for ecosystems and society. For example, vertebrate scavengers contribute to the functional health of ecosystems and provide services to agricultural landscapes by removing carcasses and associated pests. Widespread extirpation of native Australian mammals since the arrival of Europeans in Australia has removed many scavenging species from landscapes, while scavenging mammals such as European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been introduced. In much of Australia, squamate reptiles are the largest native terrestrial scavengers remaining, where large native mammals are extinct and conservation management is being undertaken to remove invasive mammals. The contribution of reptiles to scavenging functions is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the ecosystem functions provided by large reptiles as scavengers to better understand how populations can be managed to support ecosystem services. We investigated the ecosystem services provided by vertebrate scavengers in Australian coastal mallee ecosystems, focusing on the heath goanna (Varanus rosenbergi), the only extant native terrestrial scavenger in the region. We carried out exclosure experiments, isolating the scavenging activity of different taxonomic groups to quantify the contribution of different taxa to scavenging services, specifically the removal of rat carcasses, and its impact on the occurrence of agriculturally damaging blowflies. We compared areas with different native and invasive scavenger communities to investigate the impact of invasive species removal and native species abundance on scavenging services. Our results indicated that vertebrate scavenging significantly contributes to carcass removal and limitation of necrophagous fly breeding in carcasses and that levels of removal are higher in areas associated with high densities of heath goannas and low densities of invasive mammals. Therefore, augmentation of heath goanna populations represents a promising management strategy to restore and maximize scavenging ecosystem services.
First dispersal records of the endangered banteng (Bos javanicus) in Thung Yai Naresuan West Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand
Authors: Amorntiyangkul Peerawit , Jornburom Pornkamol , Pattanavibool Anak , Suksavate Warong , Klanprasert Supalerk , Kaewvisat Sahasawat , Thongthai Thanadid 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBanteng (Bos javanicus) is listed as an endangered species because of a global population decline of at least 50% over the last 25 years. The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) of Thailand has been identified as a priority site for banteng population recovery, and Huai Kha Keang Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) is the most important source site for this species within the WEFCOM. We have provided evidence and discussed banteng dispersal from HKK to Thung Yai Naresuan West Wildlife Sanctuary (TYW). We sampled an area of 147 km2 in banteng habitat next to the border between HKK and TYW using camera traps. We divided the sampled area into four grid cells and placed camera traps during January to December 2022. We setup the camera traps near saltlicks and natural water sources, as important resources for banteng, to maximize capture probability. In total, 2835 trap days were obtained. Bantengs were captured in all seasons (RAI = 1.66), especially in dry dipterocarp forest, which contains the ground forage availability for banteng, and the low‐slope area with elevation 600–700 m adjacent to the border between HKK and TYW. The results highlighted that banteng, which had never been reported in TYW before, appeared there for the first time. They most likely dispersed from the population source in HKK and settled in a habitat that is considered suitable for them. The habitat management and protection are significant for the future recovery of banteng populations in the TYW and the rest of protected areas in the WEFCOM.
The levels of soluble CD137 are increased in tuberculosis patients and associated with disease severity and prognosis
Authors: Yi Ling , Yan Jun , Wei Panjian , Long Sibo , Wang Xiaojue , Gu Meng , Yang Bin , Chen Yan , Ma Shang , Wang Chaohong , Zheng Maike , Sun Qing , Shi Yiheng , Wang Guirong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) was the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent before the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, it is important to search for severity biomarkers and devise appropriate therapies. A total of 139 pulmonary TB (PTB) patients and 80 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for plasma soluble CD137 (sCD137) detection through ELISA. Moreover, pleural effusion sCD137 levels were measured in 85 TB patients and 36 untreated lung cancer patients. The plasma cytokine levels in 64 patients with PTB and blood immune cell subpopulations in 68 patients with PTB were analysed via flow cytometry. Blood sCD137 levels were higher in PTB patients (p = 0.012) and correlated with disease severity (p = 0.0056). The level of sCD137 in tuberculous pleurisy effusion (TPE) was markedly higher than that in malignant pleurisy effusion (p = 0.018). Several blood cytokines, such as IL‐6 (p = 0.0147), IL‐8 (p = 0.0477), IP‐10 (p ≤ 0.0001) and MCP‐1 (p = 0.0057), and some laboratory indices were significantly elevated in severe PTB (SE) patients, but the percentages of total lymphocytes (p = 0.002) and cytotoxic T cells (p = 0.036) were significantly lower in SE patients than in non‐SE patients. In addition, the sCD137 level was negatively correlated with the percentage of total lymphocytes (p = 0.0008) and cytotoxic T cells (p = 0.0021), and PTB patients with higher plasma sCD137 levels had significantly shorter survival times (p = 0.0041). An increase in sCD137 is a potential biomarker for severe TB and indicates a poor prognosis.
Therapeutic targeting of factor D and MASP3 in complement‐mediated diseases: Lessons learned from mouse studies
Authors: Mohammadyari Eshagh , Miwa Takashi , Golla Madhu , Song Wen‐Chao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe alternative pathway (AP) plays a major role in many complement‐mediated human diseases. Factor D (FD), a rate‐limiting enzyme in AP complement activation, is an attractive therapeutic target. Unlike other complement proteins, FD is synthesized primarily in adipose tissue, and its levels in human blood are relatively low. However, because of FD's high turnover rate, therapeutic targeting with monoclonal antibodies and chemical inhibitors has been challenging. The recent discovery that FD activity is regulated by mannose‐binding lectin‐associated serine protease 3 (MASP3), through conversion of a zymogen to mature FD, has sparked interest in MASP3 inhibition as a new way to block FD function and AP complement activity. Here, we review studies of mouse models of FD and MASP3 inhibition. We additionally discuss the lessons learned from these studies and their implications for therapeutic targeting of human FD and MASP3.
Study of the lipid fraction of Moroccan and Italian carobs (Ceratonia siliqua L.)
Authors: Amar Yasmine M. Ben , Potortì Angela G. , Albergamo Ambrogina , Litrenta Federica , Rando Rossana , Mouad Lahkim B. , Brigui Jamal , Chouaibi Noureddine , Di Bella Giuseppa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCarob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a characteristic fruit from the Mediterranean area, composed of a hard pulp and numerous seeds that have been unfairly undervalued and underutilized over time. To enhance the Mediterranean's biodiversity and support food production from sustainable resources, the carob has recently received attention for its nutritional value, and it has advantageously served as a healthy ingredient of many food products. Hence, in this study, the composition of the Mediterranean carob was further deepened by investigating its lipid fraction on a dry weight basis in relation to the fruit part (i.e., pulp and seeds) and the geographical origin (i.e., different Moroccan and Italian provinces). On average, lipids of pulp and seeds amounted to 1.71% and 2.46%, respectively. Predominant fatty acids were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Palmitic and oleic acids were higher in pulp (20.21%–26.50% and 37.63%–44.49%) than seeds (13.93%–17.26% and 31.92%–36.66%), whereas linoleic acid showed an opposite accumulation trend (pulp: 8.32%–15.46%, seeds: 38.19%–43.45%). Among sterols, β‐sitosterol (57.49%–72.47%), Δ‐5‐avenasterol (10.26%–21.27%), and stigmasterol (3.97%–8.11%) accounted for more than 70% of total sterols of pulp, whereas β‐sitosterol alone represented more than 70% of sterols in seeds. Considering tocopherols, γ‐tocopherol was the most abundant isomer both in pulp (10.37–22.78 mg/100 g) and seeds (4.95–22.86 mg/100 g). Carob also resulted in a good source of squalene, which on average was 2.17 mg kg−1 in pulp and 19.07 mg kg−1 in seeds. A principal component analysis pointed out that the study of the lipid fraction of carob can help in discriminating samples based on their Moroccan or Italian origin.Practical Applications: The study provides further insights into the still‐little‐explored lipid fraction of Mediterranean carob and fills a relevant gap in the literature by contributing to a more exhaustive framework of the nutritional and functional value of this fruit. In a wider perspective, it can be of practical help in the formulation of carob‐based products and in the establishment of a more informed market of carob and carob‐based products.
Mild C−H Alkoxylation of Aromatic Amides Catalyzed by Salicylaldehyde‐Co(II) Complexes
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Hong , Xu Yi‐Qing , Huang Mao‐Gui , Tan Yu‐Yan , Li Yu‐Han , Li Jia‐Wei , Liu Yue‐Jin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA simple and efficient salicylaldehyde‐promoted cobalt‐catalyzed protocol for the C−H alkoxylation of aromatic amides by employing primary alcohols as the coupling partner has been developed. This method utilizes a 8‐aminoquinoline moiety as the directing group and successfully achieves the ortho−C−H alkoxylation in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. This protocol features excellent functional tolerance and broad substrate scope including natural products. In addition, the directing group could be easily removed as well.
The minority extremity bias
Authors: Emig Yvonne , Erb Hans‐Peter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEntities of low prevalence are evaluated as more extreme in their characteristics than those of high prevalence. We extended this idea to minorities, which by definition have fewer members than majorities, and found converging evidence for a minority extremity bias (MEB; N = 957). Participants associated the term ‘minority’ (rather than ‘majority’) with higher extremity (Study 1). Minorities were associated with higher extremity than majorities (Study 2). We added a manipulation of the minority size (Study 3, Part 1). Results indicated that the MEB is stronger for very small minorities than for small minorities. Participants assigned extreme behaviour more often to a minority than to a majority (Study 3, Part 2). We extended the MEB to more extreme ratings of minorities on evaluation scales (Study 4). Prevalence of group members correlated negatively with the extremity of group stereotyping (n = 118 groups; Study 5). Participants rated minorities on induced stereotypes more extreme than majorities (Study 6). We discuss the MEB in the context of alternative explanations such as the outgroup extremity effect. Taken together, this research demonstrates the MEB, which is a novel exploration in the realm of group evaluation that contributes to existing literature.
A modified lattice Boltzmann approach based on radial basis function approximation for the non‐uniform rectangular mesh
Authors: Hu X. , Bergadà J. M. , Li D. , Sang W. M. , An B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe have presented a novel lattice Boltzmann approach for the non‐uniform rectangular mesh based on the radial basis function approximation (RBF‐LBM). The non‐uniform rectangular mesh is a good option for local grid refinement, especially for the wall boundaries and flow areas with intensive change of flow quantities. Which allows, the total number of grid cells to be reduced and so the computational cost, therefore improving the computational efficiency. But the grid structure of the non‐uniform rectangular mesh is no longer applicable to the classic lattice Boltzmann method (CLBM), which is based on the famous BGK collision‐streaming evolution. This is why the present study is inspired by the idea of the interpolation‐supplemented LBM (ISLBM) methodology. The ISLBM algorithm is improved in the present manuscript and developed into a novel LBM approach through the radial basis function approximation instead of the Lagrangian interpolation scheme. The new approach is validated for both steady states and unsteady periodic solutions. The comparison between the radial basis function approximation and the Lagrangian interpolation is discussed. It is found that the novel approach has a good performance on computational accuracy and efficiency. Proving that the non‐uniform rectangular mesh allows grid refinement while obtaining precise flow predictions.
A method to “gamify” exposure to vegetable flavor and its potential influence on liking
Authors: Davis Lissa A. , Kielb Elizabeth I. , Moding Kameron J. , Running Cordelia A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnpleasant flavor is a commonly stated reason for avoiding vegetables. However, repeated exposure to flavors, even unpleasant vegetable flavors, improves acceptability. Yet, increasing exposure to vegetables is difficult, as vegetables can be less convenient, available, and affordable than other foods. This study describes a method to circumvent these barriers to repeated flavor exposure. We designed a game with vegetable‐ or control‐flavored gummies, where players (N = 34) were challenged to identify the flavors over 2 weeks. One round was played per day, and the questions and gummies were designed to make it harder to identify the flavors as the game progressed. At screening, qualified subjects needed to consume <2.5 servings of nonstarchy vegetables per day as well as dislike at least one “target” and one “non‐target” vegetable. The “target” vegetables (kale and broccoli) were included in the game and the “non‐target” vegetables (asparagus and spinach) were included in sensory tests but not the game. Vegetable liking ratings were measured at baseline (before gameplay), after 1 week of gameplay, and after 2 weeks of gameplay. Pilot data indicate one target vegetable (kale) increased in liking after 1 and 2 weeks of gameplay among the vegetable group, but not the control group. Liking for broccoli (other target vegetable), as well as asparagus and spinach (nontarget vegetables), did not significantly change for either group. Thus, our “gamified” approach to vegetable flavor exposure may be useful in increasing acceptance of some vegetables, but additional work to identify why the game improved liking for kale but not broccoli is needed.