bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A continuous melt extrusion approach toward polyethylene‐based vitrimers with improved crosslinking and performance
Authors: Ash Subhaprad , Sharma Rishi , Naveed Muhammad , Patil Shalin , Cheng Shiwang , Rabnawaz Muhammad 
Published: May 2024

AbstractReported herein is a continuous one‐step melt extrusion approach for high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) vitrimers. A grafting agent and a coagent were used to produce high‐performing vitrimers. Maleic anhydride (MA) served as a reactive agent to facilitate crosslinking, while dimethyl maleate (DM) acted as a grafting enhancer by reducing the surface energy of HDPE grafted with MA. For comparison, MA alone was also tested as a grafting agent. The vitrimers obtained displayed superior mechanical properties compared with HDPE. The storage modulus, as well as crystallinity, were determined for the HDPE vitrimers. These vitrimers are reprocessable, thus supporting recycling efforts despite their crosslinked nature, owing to very fast relaxation due to low activation energy for the transesterification reaction. Consequently, these vitrimers are not only recyclable but also exhibit enhanced thermal and mechanical properties compared with conventional HDPE.
Algae infused enhancement of PBAT stiffness: Investigating the influence of algae content on mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Letwaba John , Motloung Mpho Phillip , Muniyasamy Sudhakar , Mavhungu Lucey , Mbaya Richard , Okpuwhara Rita 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of algae loading on the properties of PBAT/algae bio‐composites produced through a melt extrusion process. The integration of algae as a filler demonstrated a reinforcing effect on the PBAT matrix, leading to an increase in modulus with higher algae loading. Concurrently, the tensile strength and maximum tensile strain of PBAT decreased with an increase in algae content. The thermal stability of PBAT was affected by adding algae, resulting in bio‐composites exhibiting an intermediate behavior compared with their neat precursors. The optimal formulation is achieved with 20 wt.% of algae incorporated into the PBAT matrix. The produced PBAT/algae bio‐composites, demonstrated versatile applications across a wide range of products.
Looking in the mirror held up by North Carolina slave narratives: White folks confronting the psychosocial legacy of slavery
Authors: Watkins Mary 
Published: May 2024

AbstractU.S. citizens are debating whether slavery and white supremacy are core constituents of the United States, whether white children should be troubled by learning the brutalities of slavery and life under Jim Crow laws, and whether racial reparations are due to African Americans for the centuries of economic, political, and social oppression they have endured. While many white folks prefer to ignore or demean calls for reparations, others have turned to reparative genealogy. They are inquiring deeply into their ancestors' relationships to chattel slavery and white supremacy, committed to reckoning with their own and their ancestors' racial debts. They seek to develop what sociologist W. E. Du Bois called “double consciousness.” In order to protect themselves, African Americans had to try and see through the eyes of white people, as well as their own. But white folks too rarely attempt to see themselves through the eyes of Black people. During slavery, how were whites seen by Blacks? Philosopher George Yancy urges white people to engage in the work of developing double consciousness so they can see, as most people of color do, the pernicious white and class advantages that haunt us. My ancestors were enslavers in North Carolina. I turned to slave narratives from Black North Carolinians to distill what they observed about white people. Their descriptions point to individual and cultural pathologies: dehumanizing, pathological narcissism, authoritarian character, greed, cruelty, sadism, the policing of racial borders, paranoia, absence of deserved shame and moral injury. These understandings underline some of the psychosocial tasks before us as white people.
A literature review of user privacy concerns in conversational chatbots: A social informatics approach: An Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (ARIST) paper
Authors: Gumusel Ece 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSince the introduction of OpenAI's ChatGPT‐3 in late 2022, conversational chatbots have gained significant popularity. These chatbots are designed to offer a user‐friendly interface for individuals to engage with technology using natural language in their daily interactions. However, these interactions raise user privacy concerns due to the data shared and the potential for misuse in these conversational information exchanges. Furthermore, there are no overarching laws and regulations governing such conversational interfaces in the United States. Thus, there is a need to investigate the user privacy concerns. To understand these concerns in the existing literature, this paper presents a literature review and analysis of 38 papers out of 894 retrieved papers that focus on user privacy concerns arising from interactions with text‐based conversational chatbots through the lens of social informatics. The review indicates that the primary user privacy concern that has consistently been addressed is self‐disclosure. This review contributes to the broader understanding of privacy concerns regarding chatbots the need for further exploration in this domain. As these chatbots continue to evolve, this paper acts as a foundation for future research endeavors and informs potential regulatory frameworks to safeguard user privacy in an increasingly digitized world.
Synthesis and Properties of a Strained Triple Nanohoop
Authors: Zhou Qin , Xu Zhuofan , Li Ke , Tian Xiaoqi , Ye Lei , Sun Zhe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA strained triple nanohoop with a shared central benzene unit is synthesized using a threefold intramolecular ring‐closing approach. Among the five possible constitutional isomers, the isomer with the highest D3h symmetry is isolated, the structure of which contains three nanohoop blades and a central hexaphenylbenzene unit. The structure is elucidated using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The optical and electrochemical properties are investigated, revealing a moderate fluorescence quantum yield of 40 %. A water‐soluble nanomaterial is prepared using a nanoparticle encapsulation method, and a fluorescence quantum yield of 10 % is retained, which demonstrates the potential of the nanomaterial in biological systems.
A New Method of Constructing Methyleneindene and Quinoline Frameworks from Methylenecyclopropanes
Authors: Yang Qu‐Hang , Shi Min , Wei Yin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we have established an operationally convenient protocol for the rapid construction of polysubstituted methyleneindene and quinoline derivatives under mild conditions. This new synthetic method is achieved through the conversion of acetyl‐substituted methylenecyclopropanes with TsOH ⋅ H2O and ortho‐amino‐substituted methylenecyclopropanes with aromatic aldehyde and TsOH ⋅ H2O, respectively. A variety of transformations of the obtained products was demonstrated. The plausible reaction mechanisms were also proposed.
Enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical performance of hydrothermally prepared NiO‐doped Co nanocomposites
Authors: Venkatachalapathy Murugesan , Sambathkumar Kuppusamy , Rajasaravanan Maran Elangovan , Uthrakumar Ramamurthy , Kaviyarasu Kasinathan , Yewale Manesh Ashok , Awad Mohammed , Alam Mir Waqas 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, we synthesize nanostructured nickel oxide (NiO) and doped cobalt (Co) by combining nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2.6H2O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as initial substances. We analyzed the characteristics of the product nanostructures, including their structure, optical properties, and magnetic properties, using various techniques such as x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM). The NiO nanoparticles doped with Co showed photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solutions. We calculated the degradation efficiencies by analyzing the UV–Vis absorption spectra at the dye's absorption wavelength of 664 nm. It was observed that the NiO‐doped Co nanoparticles facilitated enhanced recombination and migration of active elements, which led to more effective degradation of organic dyes during photocatalysis. We also assessed the electrochemical properties of the materials using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy in a 1 mol% NaOH solution. The NiO‐modified electrode exhibited poor voltammogram performance due to insufficient contact between nanoparticles and the electrolyte solution. In contrast, the uncapped NiO's oxidation and reduction cyclic voltammograms displayed redox peaks at 0.36 and 0.30 V, respectively.
Recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 7 obtained from stable Chinese hamster ovary cells enhances wound healing
Authors: Kim Young Sik , Lee Jung Soo , Jeong Mi Yeong , Jang Ju Woong , Kim Moon Suk 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) is known to promote wound healing, its mass production poses several challenges and very few studies have assessed the feasibility of producing FGF7 in cell lines such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Therefore, this study sought to produce recombinant FGF7 in large quantities and evaluate its wound healing effect. To this end, the FGF7 gene was transfected into CHO cells and FGF7 production was optimized. The wound healing efficacy of N‐glycosylated FGF7 was evaluated in animals on days 7 and 14 post‐treatment using collagen patches (CPs), FGF7‐only, and CP with FGF7 (CP+FGF7), whereas an untreated group was used as the control. Wound healing was most effective in the CP+FGF7 group. Particularly, on day 7 post‐exposure, the CP+FGF7 and FGF7‐only groups exhibited the highest expression of hydroxyproline, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor. Epidermalization in H&E staining showed the same order of healing as hydroxyproline content. Additionally, the CP+FGF7 and FGF7‐only group exhibited more notable blood vessel formation on days 7 and 14. In conclusion, the prepared FGF7 was effective in promoting wound healing and CHO cells can be a reliable platform for the mass production of FGF7.
CYP116B5‐SOX: An artificial peroxygenase for drug metabolites production and bioremediation
Authors: Giuriato Daniele , Catucci Gianluca , Correddu Danilo , Nardo Giovanna Di , Gilardi Gianfranco 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCYP116B5 is a class VII P450 in which the heme domain is linked to a FMN and 2Fe2S‐binding reductase. Our laboratory has proved that the CYP116B5 heme domain (CYP116B5‐hd) is capable of catalyzing the oxidation of substrates using H2O2. Recently, the Molecular Lego approach was applied to join the heme domain of CYP116B5 to sarcosine oxidase (SOX), which provides H2O2 in‐situ by the sarcosine oxidation. In this work, the chimeric self‐sufficient fusion enzyme CYP116B5‐SOX was heterologously expressed, purified, and characterized for its functionality by absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments revealed a TM of 48.4 ± 0.04 and 58.3 ± 0.02°C and a enthalpy value of 175,500 ± 1850 and 120,500 ± 1350 cal mol−1 for the CYP116B5 and SOX domains respectively. The fusion enzyme showed an outstanding chemical stability in presence of up to 200 mM sarcosine or 5 mM H2O2 (4.4 ± 0.8 and 11.0 ± 2.6% heme leakage respectively). Thanks to the in‐situ H2O2 generation, an improved kcat/KM for the p‐nitrophenol conversion was observed (kcat of 20.1 ± 0.6 min−1 and KM of 0.23 ± 0.03 mM), corresponding to 4 times the kcat/KM of the CYP116B5‐hd. The aim of this work is the development of an engineered biocatalyst to be exploited in bioremediation. In order to tackle this challenge, an E. coli strain expressing CYP116B5‐SOX was employed to exploit this biocatalyst for the oxidation of the wastewater contaminating‐drug tamoxifen. Data show a 12‐fold increase in tamoxifen N‐oxide production—herein detected for the first time as CYP116B5 metabolite—compared to the direct H2O2 supply, equal to the 25% of the total drug conversion.
Circular economy, customer citizenship behaviour and firm performance: Some empirical evidence
Authors: Aryee Raphael , Alfa Atia Alpha , Acquah Hannah , Addey Grace Beauty , Akoto Eleanor Joyce Korngo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDetermining the motivations behind adopting a circular economy (CE) and its effect on firm performance (FP) from the perspective of manufacturing firms has become essential for practitioners and scholars. Nonetheless, there exists a substantial unexplored gap regarding how customer citizenship behaviour (CCB) motivates and influences the adoption of CE practices and FP of manufacturing firms in the context of developing countries. Therefore, using insights from the social exchange theory, this study explores the framework through which CCB influences the relationship between CE practices and FP. The study employed a quantitative approach and partial least square structural equation modelling technique to analyse data and interpretations due to its appropriateness for predictive research models. Data was collected using a survey research strategy. The findings revealed that CCB mediates and moderates the relationship between CE practices and FP. The study highlights the significance of CCB in making CE initiatives mandatory for organisational growth while guiding managers, policymakers and scholars.
The grey side of influencer marketing: Content, contexts, and consequences
Authors: Jhawar Anand , Varshney Sanjeev , Kumar Prashant 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe wall of differentiation between genuine recommendations by social media influencers and brand‐sponsored promotions has become thinner since brands are increasingly sponsoring influencers to promote their products and services. This study has followed a qualitative research method using the grounded theory approach to conduct in‐depth, one‐to‐one, semi‐structured interviews with 25 social media users to delve into influencers' brand paid promotions and sponsorship disclosure, which marks a grey area in influencer marketing. The results delineate the grey characteristics of influencers through three main themes: (1) Disclosure of paid promotions/ non‐promotions (i.e., content factors), (2) Consumer conviction conundrum (i.e., context factors), and (3) Social media users' avoidance behaviour (i.e., consequences). This study also defines ‘Sinfluencer’ (i.e., commercially motivated influencers who hide their paid partnerships) and elucidates ‘evaluation’ as a critical step, thereby extending the discussion on the social media engagement cycle.
Exploring consumer value in meal kit delivery: A mixed‐method approach
Authors: Park Joohyung , Yu Hongxiao , Kim Kawon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate various types of values consumers experience within the meal kit delivery context, their influences on satisfaction and word‐of‐mouth (WOM), and the moderating effects of demographics between consumer values and satisfaction with a mixed‐method approach. The qualitative study employed a critical incident technique that analyzed consumers' online reviews, resulting in 285 critical incidents. The analysis revealed five themes of consumer value unique to the meal kit usage, including excellence, convenience, monetary value, epistemic value, and self‐esteem. The quantitative study from an online survey of 300 consumers used a structural equation modeling, which provided support for the influences of the five consumer values on satisfaction, subsequently enhancing consumers' WOM behavior. Besides, the multi‐group analysis revealed that the impacts of consumer values on satisfaction depended on their marital status and household income. This study contributes to the consumer behavior literature in three areas. First, it expands the consumer value literature by identifying multiple dimensions of consumption values unique to meal kit delivery that gained popularity during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Second, this study contributes to the consumer satisfaction and loyalty literature by demonstrating the impacts of different dimensions of values on consumer responses. Lastly, it expands our knowledge of consumer demographic characteristics that change the dynamics between consumer values and satisfaction. The findings provide valuable insights into the fast‐growing meal kit industry and allow the service providers to better align their products/service attributes with the values consumers appreciate.
Exploring the Biochemical and Nutra‐Pharmaceutical Prospects of Some Thymus Species – A Review
Authors: Anwar Farooq , Mahrye  , Khan Rahim , Qadir Rahman , Saadi Sami , Gruczynska‐Sekowska Eliza , Saari Nazamid , Hossain Brishti Fatema 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Thymus genus includes various medicinal and aromatic species, cultivated worldwide for their unique medicinal and economic value. Besides, their conventional use as a culinary flavoring agent, Thymus species are well‐known for their diverse biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti‐fungal, anti‐bacterial, anti‐viral, anti‐tumor, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, and anti‐hypertensive properties. Hence, they are used in the treatment of fever, colds, and digestive and cardiovascular diseases. The pharmaceutical significance of Thymus plants is due to their high levels of bioactive components such as natural terpenoid phenol derivatives (p‐cymene, carvacrol, thymol, geraniol), flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids. This review examines the phytochemicals, biological properties, functional food, and nutraceutical attributes of some important Thymus species, with a specific focus on their potential uses in the nutra‐pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, the review provides an insight into the mechanisms of biological activities of key phytochemicals of Thymus species exploring their potential for the development of novel natural drugs.
2’,4’‐LNA‐Functionalized 5′‐S‐Phosphorothioester CDNs as STING Agonists
Authors: Yeboah Simpa K. , Zigli Abdulai , Sintim Herman O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) have garnered popularity over the last decade as immunotherapeutic agents, which activate the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase‐stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS‐STING) pathway to trigger an immune response. Many analogs of 2’3’‐cGAMP, c‐di‐GMP, and c‐di‐AMP have been developed and shown as effective cancer vaccines and immunomodulators for the induction of both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these CDNs is limited by their chemical and enzymatic instability. We recently introduced 5’‐endo‐phosphorothoiate 2’3’‐cGAMP analogs as potent STING agonist with improved resistance to cleavage by clinically relevant phosphodiesterases. We herein report the synthesis of locked nucleic acid‐functionalized (LNA) endo‐S‐CDNs and evaluate their ability to activate STING in THP1 monocytes. Interestingly, some of our synthesized LNA 3’3’‐endo‐S‐CDNs can moderately activate hSTING REF haplotype (R232H), which exhibit diminished response to both 2’3’‐cGAMP and ADU‐S100. Also, we show that one of our most potent endo‐S‐CDNs has remarkable chemical (oxidants I2 and H2O2) and phosphodiesterase stability.
Leptospirosis in a patient with cardiac manifestation: A case report study and literature review
Authors: Lashkarbolouk Narges , Mazandarani Mahdi 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageCommon cardiac arrhythmias seen in patients with leptospirosis are usually atrial fibrillation or first‐degree atrioventricular block, with bradyarrhythmia being rare in this group. It is essential to prioritize the examination of the patient's medical background, clinical symptoms, and comprehensive physical evaluation in order to promptly identify and address the patient's condition.AbstractLeptospirosis, a zoonotic disease that is widespread worldwide, has a significant impact on tropical areas and can affect various organs throughout the infection. During the initial stage, symptoms are typically non‐specific. Although cases of all three cardiac layers being affected have been reported, issues with the conduction system are especially significant in the early phase of the disease. The most frequent discoveries in these patients are atrial fibrillation or first‐degree atrioventricular block, with bradyarrhythmia being rare. We describe a 37‐year‐old male farmer who initially sought medical attention for general symptoms that had been deteriorating despite receiving outpatient treatment for 3 days for a presumed diagnosis of influenza. During his initial assessment, he exhibited sinus bradycardia, anemia, leukocytosis, elevated levels of direct and total bilirubin, and abnormal liver function test results. Through thorough history‐taking, physical examination, and laboratory analyses, a diagnosis of leptospirosis was conclusively established for him. Focusing on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations, and thorough physical assessment is crucial for promptly diagnosing and treating patients. This becomes particularly significant for individuals who exhibit atypical symptoms, exemplified by our patient presenting with nonspecific indications and cardiac issues manifested as bradycardia.
Anti‐nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody‐positive amyopathic dermatomyositis presenting in a patient with prostate cancer: A case report
Authors: Shan Divya M. , Gupta Neha , Ortega‐Loayza Alex G. , Shea Sofia , Nandan Abhishek 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageNuclear matrix protein (NXP‐2) positive amyopathic dermatomyositis (DM) may present without classic symptoms like muscle weakness, dysphagia, and edema, and mimic conditions like cutaneous lupus. Given DM's association with malignancy and interstitial lung disease, prompt and accurate diagnosis is important. Testing for myositis‐specific antibodies aids diagnosis in ambiguous cases.
Subnanometer‐sized CuOx Clusters on TiO2 as Active Photocatalysts for Ammonia Production from Photocatalytic Nitration Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chang Chia‐Che , Chen Yi‐Chia , Wu Kuan‐Chang , Priyadarshini H. N. , Lee Lo‐Yu , Chen Jeng‐Lung , Lee Chang‐Ru , Pao Chih‐Wen , Wang Di‐Yan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Haber‐Bosch process is commonly used to produce ammonia while consuming energy and yielding huge emissions of carbon dioxide. Finding an alternative way to produce ammonia sustainably is a promising research direction with less CO2 emission. Photochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NtRR) to ammonia (NH3) could solve the nitrate pollutant problem in water and approach to produce ammonia with a more environmentally friendly process and lower energy consumption. In this work, the subnanometer‐sized copper oxide clusters decorated on titanium oxide nanoparticles (CuOx‐TiO2) were synthesized through the hydrothermal method and calcination treatment. CuOx‐TiO2 demonstrated impressively conversion rate of NO3− to NH3 with a yield of 153.09 μg‐gcat−1‐h−1 in KNO3 solution. The characteristic structure analysis revealed CuOx clusters with ~less than 1 nm decorated on TiO2 nanoparticles. From in‐situ X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopic technique, the transformation of the oxidation state of Cu clusters and the changes of local structure in the CuOx‐TiO2 were observed. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of nitrate reduction on the CuOx‐TiO2 was successfully revealed. These discoveries have broad implications for the functional advancement of catalysts based on subnanometer‐sized clusters. Our findings may pave the way for exploring advanced ammonia synthesis routes with reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions.