bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Web‐based corporate social responsibility disclosure practices: A systematic literature review and research directions
Authors: Radwan Elhassan Kotb Abdelrahman , Russo Antonella 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe current paper aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the existing literature on web‐based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure practices and introduce suggestions for scholars in this research area. To achieve this main objective, a systematic literature review technique was adopted, consisting of the content analysis of 119 papers from different scientific databases utilizing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings of the study show that scholars have a strong and continuing interest in a variety of web‐based Corporate Social Responsibility disclosure (CSRD) aspects. Moreover, the investigation revealed that stakeholder, legitimacy, institutional, and Media‐Richness theories were more prevalent in the online CSRD literature. According to the investigation, the two key determinants of online CSRD are firm‐ and country‐level characteristics. The results further confirm that content analysis is the most common research methodology. Furthermore, the bulk of online CSRD studies are from Spain, Malaysia, and the United States. Moreover, findings indicate that samples of 91 up to 200 entities from listed companies from multiple industries and banks are the most common sample sizes and sectors. The review suggests that there is a gap in the use of mixed methodological studies. The current work has some limitations. In more detail, this study limited the search to reviewing 119 papers published in English peer‐reviewed journals that focused on web‐based CSR disclosure practices until February 2023, so there might be other academic studies accidentally missed. Future studies will require a mixed methodological approach, including quantitative (e.g., document analysis) and qualitative research methods (i.e., interviews and case studies), to examine, for example, the determinants (e.g., corporate governance mechanisms, cultural dimensions, ESG performance scores, and prosperity status like country governance, investment environment) and consequences (i.e., corporate cash holdings, credit ratings) of web‐based CSR disclosure in various sectors such as the banking sector, Universities, SMEs, and MNCs. The study reveals a strong interest in web‐based CSR aspects, emphasizing its significance in fostering societal relationships among businesses and their stakeholders. Furthermore, the study suggests that professional bodies, regulators, and policymakers should establish effective standards for CSRD on websites to ensure the quality, quantity, and type of information available. The originality of this paper derives from its being one of the first papers to date that analyses comprehensively and systematically all the articles related to internet CSR disclosure practices and brings out interesting directions for future research.
Corporate governance, social responsibility and sustainability commitments by banks: Impacts on credit risk and performance
Authors: Ngamvilaikorn Kittima , Lhaopadchan Suntharee , Treepongkaruna Sirimon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith the increasing pressures to commit to social and environmental issues, banks align with stakeholders' expectations via corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable development goals (SDGs) initiatives. Understanding how these initiatives affect credit risk and performance of banks is crucial for the economy. Relying on the dynamic generalized method of moments and data on Thai listed commercial banks from 2015 to 2020, we find commitments to good governance, CSR and SDGs largely have an opposite effect on bank credit risk and performance. Consistent with stewardship or resource dependency hypothesis, together with stakeholder and good management hypothesis, banks with more female directors, higher levels of anti‐corruption and SDGs commitments are associated with a reduction in credit risk. However, consistent with queen bee hypothesis and agency and trade‐off hypothesis, banks with larger board size, more female directors and higher levels of CSR and SDGs commitments underperform. This apparent contradiction between negative impacts on bank performance and positive impacts on credit risk can be reconciled by understanding the trade‐offs involved, the long‐term focus of sustainability initiatives, leading to a decline in short‐term performance but enhancing their resilience to adverse events, ultimately reducing credit risk. Our findings enable stakeholders to make informed decisions, improve sustainable business practices, and contribute to the long‐term success of banks and the broader society.
A neural network‐based error correction in the first‐stage residue of pipelined analog to digital converters
Authors: Rafieisangari Roghayeh , Shiri Nabiollah 
Published: May 2024

SummaryAn analog background calibration approach is presented for the full calibration of pipeline analog‐to‐digital converters (ADCs). A well‐trained neural network acts close to the ideal 1.5‐bit stage, and its residue is compared with the real 1.5‐bit stage including gain error and amplifier nonlinearities. The detected error is used to compensate for the imperfect residue using four calibration polynomial coefficients. The corrected residue enters the second stage of the pipeline ADC and follows a normal path to achieve high resolution. The introduced structure is verified in a 12‐bit pipelined ADC composed of 11 stages; the first 10 stages have a 1.5‐bit structure, while the last stage is a 2‐bit flash. The sampling frequency is 100 MHz, and 10% non‐ideal factors (5% for each of the nonlinear and gain errors and 10% for the aggregated error) are considered for the first stage, while the input is 19.5 MHz sinusoidal waveform. A random noise is applied to the input to limit the effective number of bits (ENOB) to almost 11.8. The evaluation parameters of the ADC are extracted, signal‐to‐noise and distortion ratio increases from 39.14 to 72.91 dB, spurious free dynamic range improves from 40.94 to 79.69 dB, and the ENOB enhances from 6.2 to 11.82. The presented mechanism shows an acceptable accuracy in the high‐speed and high‐resolution ADCs.
Performance analysis of deep borehole heat exchangers for decarbonization of heating systems
Authors: Lund Andreas E. D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMeeting the climate change mitigation targets will require a substantial shift from fossil to clean fuels in the heating sector. Heat pumps with deep borehole exchangers are a promising solution to reduce emissions. Here the thermal behavior of deep borehole exchangers (DBHEs) ranging from 1 to 2 km was analyzed for various heat flow profiles. A strong correlation between thermal energy extraction and power output from DBHEs was found, also influenced by the heating profile employed. Longer operating time over the year typically resulted in higher energy production, while shorter one yielded higher average thermal power output, highlighting the importance of the choice of heating strategy and system design for optimal performance of DBHEs. Short breaks in operation for regenerating the borehole, for example, with waste heat, proved to be favorable for the performance yielding an overall heat output close to the same as with continuous extraction of heat. The results demonstrate the usefulness of deep boreholes for dense urban areas with less available space. As the heat production from a single DBHE in Finnish conditions ranges from half up to even a few GWh a year, the technology is best suitable for larger heat loads.
Maternal age effects on offspring lifespan and reproduction vary within a species
Authors: Liguori Alyssa , Korm Sovannarith , Profetto Alex , Richters Emily , Gribble Kristin E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAcross diverse taxa, offspring from older mothers have decreased lifespan and fitness. Little is known about the extent to which maternal age effects vary among genotypes for a given species, however, except for studies of a few arthropod species. To investigate the presence and degree of intraspecific variability in maternal age effects, we compared lifespan, reproductive schedule, and lifetime reproductive output of offspring produced by young, middle‐aged, and old mothers in four strains of rotifers in the Brachionus plicatilis species complex. We found significant variability among strains in the magnitude and direction of maternal age effects on offspring life history traits. In one strain, offspring of young mothers lived 20% longer than offspring of old mothers, whereas there were no significant effects of maternal age on lifespan for other strains. Depending on strain, advanced maternal age had positive effects, negative effects, or no effect on lifetime reproductive output. Across strains, older mothers produced offspring that had higher maximum daily reproduction early in life. The effects of maternal age on offspring vital rates could not be explained by changes in trade‐offs between lifespan and reproduction. This study documents intraspecific variability in maternal age effects in an additional clade. Investigating intraspecific variability is critical for understanding the ubiquity of maternal age effects and their role in the evolution of life history and aging.
Soil geochemistry and constraint of tree seedlings immediately after germination on Macrotermes termite mounds in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Mills Anthony J. , van Mazijk Ruan , Allen Jessica Laine , Strydom Tercia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMacrotermes termite mounds in the Kruger National Park occupy a significant part of the savanna landscapes, occurring at densities of up to 70 km−2 and often exceeding 10 m in width and 4 m in height. The mounds are usually devoid of trees, but have dense grass cover in wet years. As a result, these mounds form large patches of grassland amongst the wooded savanna. To our knowledge, it is not known why trees are largely excluded from the mounds. We analysed soil surface nutrient concentrations on and off mounds (0–2 cm deep, n = 80) to ascertain whether the availability of nutrients could be influencing competition between grasses and tree seedlings. The results showed that potential deficiencies in P, Ca, Cu, Zn and B in soils off the mounds are likely to be constraining plant growth. Notably, only B, with an average concentration of 0.19 mg kg−1, was likely to be limiting plant growth on the mounds. Notwithstanding likely interactions with herbivory and fire, we hypothesise that because grasses are far less susceptible to deficiencies of B than dicotyledonous trees, it is likely that grass competition with tree seedlings is considerably greater on mounds than off mounds.
Harbour porpoises respond to recreational boats by speeding up and moving away from the boat path
Authors: Hao Xiuqing , Hamel Héloïse , Grandjean Céline Hagerup , Fedutin Ivan , Wahlberg Magnus , Frankish Caitlin Kim , Nabe‐Nielsen Jacob 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRecreational boats are common in many coastal waters, yet their effects on cetaceans and other sensitive marine species remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we used drone video footage recorded from a recreational boat to quantify how harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) responded to the boat approaching at different speeds (10 or 20 knots). Furthermore, we used a hydrophone to record boat noise levels at full bandwidth (0.1–150 kHz) and at the 1/3 octave 16 kHz frequency band for both experimental speeds. The experiments were carried out in shallow waters near Funen, Denmark (55.51° N, 10.79° E) between July and September 2022. Porpoises were more likely to move further away from the path of the boat when approached at 10 knots, but not when approached at 20 knots. In contrast, they swam faster when approached at 20 knots, but not when approached at 10 knots. The recorded received sound level did not depend on how fast the boat approached, suggesting that differences in porpoise responses were related to the speed of the approaching boat rather than to sound intensity. In addition, porpoises generally reacted within close proximity (<200 m) to the approaching boat and quickly (<50 s) resumed their natural behaviour once the boat had passed, indicating that the direct impact of small vessels on porpoise behaviour was most likely small. Nevertheless, repeated exposure to noise from small vessels may influence porpoises' activity or energy budget, and cause them to relocate from disturbed areas. The approach used in this study increases our understanding of recreational boats' impact on harbour porpoises and can be used to inform efficient mitigation measures to help focus conservation efforts.
Bubbling trouble: Effects of supersaturated water on benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: Velle Gaute , Isaksen Trond Einar , Lennox Robert J. , Pulg Ulrich 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe saturation of total dissolved gases (TDG) in water remains around 100%. Certain circumstances can lead to TDG values exceeding 100%, resulting in TDG supersaturation (TDGS). TDGS above about 110% can be toxic to animals that rely on water for gas exchange. However, saturation beyond 200% can occur in freshwater downstream of dams and hydroelectric power plants. Despite its impact, TDGS is often overlooked as a hazard to aquatic life, particularly for benthic macroinvertebrates. This study aimed to examine the effects of TDGS on nine species of benthic macroinvertebrates. We used replicated tank studies to manipulate TDGS levels from 100% to 120% and investigated the overall survival and species‐specific effects on survival and buoyancy. We also present a summary on the effects of TDGS on invertebrate species previously tested. The results indicate that seven of nine species exhibited increased buoyancy when exposed to TDGS, causing them to float on the water surface. Additionally, a Cox Proportional Hazards model revealed a significant effect of TDGS on the survival of the macroinvertebrates. The sensitivity towards TDGS varied greatly among species of benthic macroinvertebrates, and significant species‐specific effects were only observed for Isoperla grammatica, Baetis rhodani and Asellus aquaticus. Among these, the two latter species showed clear dose‐related effects caused by TDGS, enabling the assessment of LT50 (time required to kill half of the tested population). B. rhodani was most sensitive with a LT50 of 3.7 days at 119% TDGS. Both species had visible air bubbles under the exoskeleton. Our findings highlight that direct and indirect effects on benthic macroinvertebrates can occur even at low to moderate levels of gas supersaturation, likely causing reduced density, decreased species diversity and altered species composition. The emerging evidence strongly supports the implementation of regulations on TDGS in freshwaters.
Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese patients with heart failure: A systematic review
Authors: Peck Kah Hua , Dulay Mansimran Singh , Hameed Saira , Rosano Guiseppe , Tan Tricia , Dar Owais 
Published: May 2024

AbstractApproximately 30–49% of heart failure (HF) patients are living with obesity. The recommended body mass index (BMI) for the general population is 18.5–24.9 kg/m2. The obesity paradox suggests that HF patients with obesity (HFpwO) have a better prognosis compared to normal BMI. Guideline recommendations on ideal BMI for HFpwO are limited. This systematic review aims to examine the evidence base for intentional weight loss in HFpwO on the following parameters: mortality, hospitalization, symptoms, quality of life (QOL), effects on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and adverse events. A total of 22 studies were identified: lifestyle intervention (n = 9), pharmacotherapy (n = 3), bariatric surgery (n = 10). Mortality and hospitalization, symptoms, QOL, and LVEF were reported in 8, 15 and 14 studies, respectively. All studies had moderate to high risk of bias except one randomized controlled trial (RCT) which evaluated semaglutide in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Semaglutide resulted in weight loss with improvement in QOL. Lifestyle intervention led to weight loss, minimal adverse events, and improvement in symptoms in both HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HFpEF patients. In six observational studies, bariatric surgery in HFrEF patients achieved weight loss and improvement in LVEF safely in most patients but some patients developed worsening HF perioperatively. There is a need for high‐quality adequately powered RCTs on intentional weight loss in HFpwO with survival and hospitalization outcomes. All forms of weight loss intervention studied in this review were likely to result in significant weight loss, improved symptoms and QOL. Careful monitoring is required due to an increase in certain adverse events.
Water‐Stable Lewis Superacids as Precursors for (Pseudo)halogenogallate and ‐indate Salts
Authors: Tölke Katharina , Porath Sven , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTris(pentafluoroethyl)indane dihydrate, [In(C2F5)3(OH2)2], and the gallium analog, [Ga(C2F5)3(OH2)2], serve as transfer reagents for the In(C2F5)3 and Ga(C2F5)3 units, as illustrated by the preparation of salts of (pseudo)halogenotris(pentafluoroethyl)indate and ‐gallate anions, [M(C2F5)3)X]− (M=Ga, In; X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN, SCN). Due to the water tolerance and water solubility of [In(C2F5)3(OH2)2] and [Ga(C2F5)3(OH2)2], reactions can be performed in the presence of water or even in an aqueous medium.
Selective Oxidation of Sufur‐Containing Flavones: Synthesis of Sulfoxide/Sulfone‐Flavonoids
Authors: Yang Jia‐Cheng , Cheng Yu‐Hao , Zhao Cong , Li Ping‐Gui , Zou Liang‐Hua 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA transition‐metal‐free protocol is proposed for the selective oxidation of flavones, providing various sulfoxide/sulfone‐flavonoids in excellent yields. This strategy features excellent selectivities, high yields and broad substrate scope. The combination of oxone (2KHSO5 ⋅ KHSO 4⋅ K2SO4) as the sole oxidant and NaHCO3/Na2CO3 as the buffer play an important role in the process, in which the amounts of oxone and reaction temperatures are the key to the outstanding selectivities and high efficiency of the reaction. It should be noteworthy that a class of novel sulfone‐flavonols is also synthesized through triple oxidation. Moreover, the glycosylation of sulfone‐flavonols has been realized.
A numerical investigation on enhancing the performance of a diesel engine fuelled with diesel‐biodiesel blend using a diethyl ether as an additive
Authors: Youssef Abdulkarim , Ibrahim Amr 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGlobally, the encouragement of using renewable fuels like biodiesel for diesel engines is driven by concerns over the fossil fuel depletion and harmful emissions. Additionally, the utilization of renewable fuel additives like diethyl ether has the potential to enhance fuel properties and boost engine performance. The aim of this paper was to construct a computer simulation using Ricardo Wave program in order to predict the performance and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission of a diesel engine fuelled by a diesel‐biodiesel blend and a diethyl ether (DEE) as a fuel additive. The computer model was validated by comparing the simulation engine performance and NOx emission results against the corresponding experimental data for diesel, diesel‐biodiesel blend with 30% biodiesel proportion (B30), and two blends of diesel‐biodiesel‐DEE with DEE proportions of 5% and 10% on a volume basis. Also, the effect of varying the inlet air pressure on engine performance and NOx emission was compared for all investigated fuels. It was numerically demonstrated that using the DEE with an optimum proportion of 5% enhanced engine performance as it decreased engine fuel consumption by 5.9% and increased engine thermal efficiency by 9.6% compared to diesel fuel at engine full load condition. Also, a significant reduction of 20.5% in NOx emission resulted from the addition of DEE. Increasing the inlet air pressure increased engine power and decreased engine fuel consumption for all investigated fuels. Increasing the inlet air pressure from 1 to 3 bar increased engine brake thermal efficiency by almost 20% for all tested fuels. However, NOx emission increased slightly within a range from 1.7% to 7% for the different investigated fuels.
How quickly does wood fragment in rivers? Methodological challenges, preliminary findings, and perspectives
Authors: Hortobágyi Borbála , Milan David , Bourgeau Fanny , Piégay Hervé 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLarge wood plays a significant role in fluvial ecosystems, influencing river geomorphology and ecology. However, it poses both benefits to river systems and risks, making it essential to understand its dynamics for effective management. A better understanding the wood breakdown process is required to evaluate the flood risk of wood in rivers. This paper aims to evaluate early‐stage fragmentation of wood in rivers after being recruited through bank erosion, taking into account its mobility and residence time. Two methods for characterising and monitoring wood fragmentation are suggested and compared: 1) photo‐interpretation based on ground and drone photo and 2) terrestrial LiDAR. We used Quantitative Structure Modelling (QSM) of point clouds to accurately simulate the full branching structure of trees. Close relationships exist between photo‐interpreted and LiDAR‐derived complexity metrics, but a scaled parameter (i.e., diameter) is needed to correlate branching complexity with volume. The debranching process occurs quickly, with a median reduction in branching complexity of over 80% within the initial 2 years. Further research with a larger sample size is necessary to investigate the impact of context – including transportation, submersion, accumulation, and isolation of wood pieces – on the fragmentation process. Field observations indicate that immobile wood pieces can experience a rapid reduction in their branching complexity, similar to the ones that are transported. Partial fine branching structure can be maintained on transported pieces. Both photo‐interpretation and terrestrial LiDAR offer complimentary approaches to monitoring wood fragmentation. Photo‐interpretation is easily implementable and may be used as a proxy for mechanical fragmentation, while terrestrial LiDAR may be used to monitor 3D wood fragmentation, volume and length evolution, following QSM modelling.