bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Evaporation Temperature and Mg2+ Concentration on the Crystallization of Ammonium Sulfate
Authors: Zi Gaoyong , Huang Bangfu , Dong Langshu , Shi Zhe , Yang Linjing , Luo Liubin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the influences of the evaporation temperature and Mg2+ concentration on the crystallization of an ammonium sulfate mother liquor. Specifically, their effects on the solubility, metastable zone width, crystallization amount, average particle size, and coefficient of variation of ammonium sulfate are examined through the laser and evaporation crystallization methods. Results show that solubility increases and the metastable zone width narrows with an increase in the evaporation temperature. At an evaporation temperature of 338.15 K, the controllability of the crystallization process improves and explosive nucleation does not easily occur. In this case, crystals with large average particle sizes, regular morphologies, and high crystallinity are obtained. With an increase in the Mg2+ concentration in the solvent, solubility decreases. The added Mg2+ covers the active nucleation sites, thus hindering the nucleation of ammonium sulfate and widening the metastable zone width. At a Mg2+ concentration of 0.9 g L−1 or higher, Mg2+ covers the active surfaces of the grains. This inhibits normal crystal growth and hinders the nucleation and growth of ammonium sulfate crystals, so the crystallization amount of ammonium sulfate significantly reduces.
From greenwashing to ESG‐washing: A focus on the circular economy field
Authors: Todaro Dina Lucia , Torelli Riccardo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) today, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors play a fundamental and increasingly central role in the evaluation of corporate performance worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the recent phenomenon of ESG issues has given rise to a new form of greenwashing in a broad sense, not limited to the environmental sphere, but also extended to social and governance issues. The paper examines whether companies engaged in the transition to sustainable and in particular to circular models are actually focusing on concrete sustainable actions and less on distorted communication. Specifically, ESG performance measures were collected for 366 companies from the most impactful industries in different countries around the world to test the relationships between ESG performance, adoption of circular economy models and ‘washing’ practices related to stakeholder communication. As the transition to sustainable and circular models requires not only substantive action but also transparency, further research and efforts are needed to better understand the relationship between these elements in corporate behavior.
Sustainability decision‐making in times of crisis: An empirical study in Italy under the lens of the Russian‐Ukraine war
Authors: Dorrego Viera Juan Ignacio , Santolin Rodrigo Bruno , Lazzarotti Valentina , Urbinati Andrea 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research examines the impact of the Russian‐Ukraine war on the decisions made by managers regarding the three dimensions of the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability. Specifically, it investigates how managers in the Lombardy region of Italy adapted their approaches towards sustainability during this crisis. The descriptive statistics and PCA analyses demonstrate that managers adjusted their decisions regarding the social dimension of sustainability in response to the prevailing circumstances. The Russian‐Ukraine war has led to a convergence of the social and economic dimensions within firms. However, the study also reveals that the social dimension is often considered secondary to the core business, making it the weakest aspect of the TBL approach. Nonetheless, external disruptions, such as in the case of the Russian‐Ukraine war, can influence this approach, leading to a repositioning of the social dimension as a focal point in business strategies. By emphasizing the importance of considering social aspects in sustainability decision‐making during crises, this research contributes valuable insights to the existing literature. The findings can inform the development of strategies to address challenges posed by the Russian‐Ukraine war and enhance the integration of social criteria in sustainability decision‐making.
Examining the impact of circular economy disclosure on the cost of debt: A signaling theory approach via social media
Authors: L'Abate Vitiana , Raimo Nicola , Esposito Benedetta , Vitolla Filippo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe growing societal focus on addressing environmental and social issues has spurred a shift towards circular production and consumption models. In this scenario, the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices has attracted the attention of scholars, professionals and institutions. The relevance of the CE has shed light on the importance of communicating efforts and achievements in relation to the implementation of circular models. Therefore, from an academic point of view, several scholars have started to explore some aspects related to CE disclosure (CED). Despite this, a relatively unexplored trend pertains to the effects of the CED, especially regarding the use of social media to disseminate information. In order to fill the gap, this study aims to investigate the effect of the dissemination of CE information via Twitter on the cost of debt. To this end, a dictionary‐based content analysis is employed to quantify the amount of CE information disseminated via Twitter. Additionally, a panel regression analysis is conducted to test the impact of the CED on the cost of debt across a sample of 378 observations (an unbalanced panel of 132 firms for the period 2019–2021). The results indicate the presence of a negative relationship between the level of the CED and the cost of debt.
Tuning Catalytic Activity of CO2 Hydrogenation to C1 Product via Metal Support Interaction Over Metal/Metal Oxide Supported Catalysts
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Weng Shujia , Peng Chong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe metal supported catalysts are emerging catalysts that are receiving a lot of attention in CO2 hydrogenation to C1 products. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that the support (usually an oxide) is crucial for the catalytic performance. The support metal oxides are used to aid in the homogeneous dispersion of metal particles, prevent agglomeration, and control morphology owing to the metal support interaction (MSI). MSI can efficiently optimize the structural and electronic properties of catalysts and tune the conversion of key reaction intermediates involved in CO2 hydrogenation, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance. There is an increasing attention is being paid to the promotion effects in the catalytic CO2 hydrogenation process. However, a systematically understanding about the effects of MSI on CO2 hydrogenation to C1 products catalytic performance has not been fully studied yet due to the diversities in catalysts and reaction conditions. Hence, the characteristics and modes of MSI in CO2 hydrogenation to C1 products are elaborated in detail in our work.
Torque and flux control of induction motors fed by synchronized and symmetrical voltage pulses
Authors: Wu Xu , Zhu Haoqi , Xu Yingdong 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe low switching frequency in high‐power motor drives is mandatory for reducing thermal stress on power devices but often results in significant current harmonics. Synchronized space vector modulation (SynSVM), a widely used low‐carrier‐ratio PWM strategy, offers a simple implementation and reduced harmonics. However, implementing SynSVM in traditional AC motor current regulation poses challenges due to fixed voltage samples. To address this, a high‐performance control scheme based on SynSVM is proposed in this manuscript. It ensures the stator flux vector follows a predefined trajectory by integrating voltage pulses from the original SynSVM. The basic voltage vector switching is facilitated through high‐frequency monitoring and compensation of torque and flux errors, resulting in a fast torque response. Furthermore, synchronized and symmetrical voltage pulses, inherent in the original SynSVM, are equivalently generated, to effectively mitigate current harmonics. This proposed method liberates designers from the complexities of current regulation based on SynSVM. Both simulations and experiments validate the efficacy of the proposed method.
The depositional record of the French Flemish Coastal plain since antiquity: Impacts of land reclamation in a tide‐dominated estuary
Authors: Ouchaou Rachid , Reynaud Jean‐Yves , Besse Youn , Tilehghouatine Anissa , Armynot du Châtelet Eric , Trentesaux Alain , Abraham Romain , Deschodt Laurent , Hulin Guillaume , Desoutter Samuel , Fores Benjamin , Simon François‐Xavier , Lançon Mathieu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe French Flemish Coastal Plain, which extends from Denmark to France, is characterised by a topography close to sea level and protected by a system of coastal dunes. Quaternary sediments, comprised of marine, estuarine and continental deposits, accumulated by infilling and then prograding above a network of incised valleys. This study focusses on the Holocene infill of the Denna palaeoestuary, south‐west to Dunkerque. Surface geophysics (electrical conductivity and ground‐penetrating radar) and vibrocore data are used to reconstruct the landscape evolution during the last stages of sedimentation. The conductivity map highlights the last network of tidal channels, ditches and dikes of the eastern side of the palaeoestuary. Over the upper 4 m of the infill, the ground‐penetrating radar profiles show two superimposed units. The bottom unit is composed of meandering channel bars and the top unit of flat strata intersected by sparse channels, mostly infilled in place. The sediment analysis of the vibrocores shows a predominantly sandy filling of marine to estuarine origin, evidenced by sponge spicules and a fauna of bivalves and foraminifera adapted to brackish settings. The uppermost deposit exhibits an oxidation profile which marks the groundwater zone transition. Clayey sediments are also present, infilling the uppermost channels and ditches dug during reclamation, in increasing proportions towards the axis of the estuarine palaeovalley. The tidal signature of sedimentary dynamics is evidenced by heterolithic facies in some channel fills and tidal rhythmites infilling scour depressions linked to dike breaching. The abrupt decrease in channel dynamics across the unit boundary, although sedimentation remained sandy in the upper unit, coincides with the development of embankment of the estuarine border and is tentatively interpreted as a result of reclamation.
The importance of decomposing periodic and aperiodic EEG signals for assessment of brain function in a global context
Authors: Del Bianco Teresa , Haartsen Rianne , Mason Luke , Leno Virginia Carter , Springer Cilla , Potter Mandy , Mackay Wendy , Smit Petrusa , Plessis Carlie Du , Brink Lucy , Johnson Mark H. , Murphy Declan , Loth Eva , Odendaal Hein , Jones Emily J. H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMeasures of early neuro‐cognitive development that are suitable for use in low‐resource settings are needed to enable studies of the effects of early adversity on the developing brain in a global context. These measures should have high acquisition rates and good face and construct validity. Here, we investigated the feasibility of a naturalistic electroencephalography (EEG) paradigm in a low‐resource context during childhood. Additionally, we examined the sensitivity of periodic and aperiodic EEG metrics to social and non‐social stimuli. We recorded simultaneous 20‐channel EEG and eye‐tracking in 72 children aged 4–12 years (45 females) while they watched videos of women singing nursery rhymes and moving toys, selected to represent familiar childhood experiences. These measures were part of a feasibility study that assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a follow‐up data collection of the South African Safe Passage Study, which tracks environmental adversity and brain and cognitive development from before birth up until childhood. We examined whether data quantity and quality varied with child characteristics and the sensitivity of varying EEG metrics (canonical band power in the theta and alpha band and periodic and aperiodic features of the power spectra). We found that children who completed the EEG and eye‐tracking assessment were, in general, representative of the full cohort. Data quantity was higher in children with greater visual attention to the stimuli. Out of the tested EEG metrics, periodic measures in the theta frequency range were most sensitive to condition differences, compared to alpha range measures and canonical and aperiodic EEG measures. Our results show that measuring EEG during ecologically valid social and non‐social stimuli is feasible in low‐resource settings, is feasible for most children, and produces robust indices of social brain function. This work provides preliminary support for testing longitudinal links between social brain function, environmental factors, and emerging behaviors.
Pre‐diagnostic free androgen and estradiol levels influence heart failure risk in both women and men: A prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Lim Jungeun , Hashemian Maryam , Blechter Batel , Roger Véronique L. , Wong Jason Y.Y. 
Published: March 2024

AimsSerum sex hormones have been linked to cardiovascular disease risk. However, their roles in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) in both men and women are unclear. We investigated the associations between free androgen, testosterone, and estradiol, and future risk of HF.Methods and resultsThis prospective cohort study evaluated UK Biobank participants free of prevalent cardiovascular disease and HF at baseline. Unitless free androgen, testosterone, and estradiol indices were generated using serum concentrations of total testosterone (nmol/L), estradiol (pmol/L), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG, nmol/L), and albumin (g/L) in blood collected at enrolment. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident HF in relation to quartiles (Q) of free androgen (FAI), testosterone (FTI), estradiol (FEI) indices, and potential confounders. There were 180 712 men (including 5585 HF cases with FAI and 571 HF cases with FEI), and 177 324 women (including 2858 HF cases with FAI and 314 HF cases with FEI) with complete data. Increased FAI was associated with decreased HF risk in both men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.94, p‐trendcontinuous < 0.0001) and post‐menopausal women (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.95). Similar inverse associations were observed for FTI only in men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.98). Higher FEI was significantly associated with decreased HF risk among men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–0.98), but was positively associated among pre‐menopausal women (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 2.16, 95% CI 1.11–4.18).ConclusionsSex hormones potentially influence HF pathogenesis and may offer pathways for interventions.
Electrochemical insights into layered assemblies of silver nanoparticles, poly‐L‐lysine, and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Seumo Tchekwagep Patrick Marcel , Žalnėravičius Rokas , Péguy Nanseu‐Njiki Charles , Ngameni Emmanuel , Arnebrant Thomas , Ruzgas Tautgirdas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive exploration of the electrochemical behavior of layer‐by‐layer assemblies comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), poly‐l‐lysine (PLL), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) on gold surfaces. AgNPs were synthesized using the reduction of silver ions with the synergy of ascorbic acid and citrate in the presence of sodium chloride. The obtained silver nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. A typical preparation produced AgNPs with a plasmon peak at 402 nm, a diameter of 27.5 nm and zeta potential of −37 mV. Employing a drop‐coating approach, we successfully achieved stable multilayers of AgNPs, PLL, and BSA. Cyclic voltammetry revealed well‐defined, bell‐shaped oxidation and reduction peaks of AgNPs within the multilayers, demonstrating complete conversion to AgCl and back to Ag. Notably, the stripping of AgNPs on a monolayer of PLL prepared at pH 4.00 resulted in the highest current intensity, contrasting with lower intensities observed for PLL monolayers prepared at pH 7.01 and pH 9.01. Despite the absence of a splitting reduction peak in the presence of biopolymer materials, a noteworthy observation emerged: the peak splitting exclusively occurred when PLL/AgNP layers, terminated with PLL, were exposed to BSA in the solution.
Recent research on vanadium redox batteries: A review on electrolyte preparation, mass transfer, and charge transfer for electrolyte performance enhancement
Authors: Ye Man , Zhang Ni , Zhou Tuankun , Wei Zeng , Jiang Fei , Ke Yan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVanadium electrolyte is one of the most critical materials for vanadium redox batteries (VRB). Reducing the cost of vanadium electrolyte and improving its performance are ongoing research priorities for VRB. Currently, the control of the cost of vanadium electrolyte mainly relies on the development of new processes and optimization of traditional processes. Improving the performance of electrolytes mainly involves two aspects: mass transfer and charge transfer, such as introducing additives, optimizing supporting electrolytes, and developing new electrode catalysts. This article reviews the progress in improving the performance of VRB in the past 10 years. It focuses on three main aspects: the preparation of electrolytes, the influence of mass transfer on battery performance, and the influence of charge transfer on battery performance. It also further discusses the impact of different factors on the improvement of VRB performance. Finally, it summarizes the challenges faced by VRB in performance improvement and commercial applications, and made suggestions for future research and development of VRB.
Gray matter atrophy and white matter lesions burden in delayed cognitive decline following carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Wang Tianhong , Wang Shuaiwen , Zhuang Xin , Li Jianlin , Guo Shunlin , Lei Junqiang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGray matter (GM) atrophy and white matter (WM) lesions may contribute to cognitive decline in patients with delayed neurological sequelae (DNS) after carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. However, there is currently a lack of evidence supporting this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the volume of GM, cortical thickness, and burden of WM lesions in 33 DNS patients with dementia, 24 DNS patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 51 healthy controls. Various methods, including voxel‐based, deformation‐based, surface‐based, and atlas‐based analyses, were used to examine GM structures. Furthermore, we explored the connection between GM volume changes, WM lesions burden, and cognitive decline. Compared to the healthy controls, both patient groups exhibited widespread GM atrophy in the cerebral cortices (for volume and cortical thickness), subcortical nuclei (for volume), and cerebellum (for volume) (p < .05 corrected for false discovery rate [FDR]). The total volume of GM atrophy in 31 subregions, which included the default mode network (DMN), visual network (VN), and cerebellar network (CN) (p < .05, FDR‐corrected), independently contributed to the severity of cognitive impairment (p < .05). Additionally, WM lesions impacted cognitive decline through both direct and indirect effects, with the latter mediated by volume reduction in 16 subregions of cognitive networks (p < .05). These preliminary findings suggested that both GM atrophy and WM lesions were involved in cognitive decline in DNS patients following CO poisoning. Moreover, the reduction in the volume of DMN, VN, and posterior CN nodes mediated the WM lesions‐induced cognitive decline.
Separating distant recurrences from second primaries in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas – A DAHANCA group analysis on paired tumor samples
Authors: Kjems Julie , Lilja‐Fischer Jacob Kinggaard , Friborg Jeppe , Tramm Trine , Overgaard Jens 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), there is no clinically available method to separate distant metastases (DMs) from SCC secondary primary tumors. The study aimed to assess the genetic relationship in paired tumor samples.MethodsPatients with pairs of solid biopsies from the primary HNSCC and suspected DMs were identified (2007–2017). Targeted next‐generation sequencing of 22 genes was applied, including TP53, supplemented with human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping.ResultsOf 55 pairs obtained, 33 were successfully analyzed. Distant biopsies included lung, liver, and bone. A genetic match was found in 23/33 (70%) patients, primarily with identical TP53 mutations or HPV genotypes. In 10/33 patients (30%), the genetic relationship was absent, all with lung involvement. In patients with no lung involvement, 8/8 had a match.ConclusionsOne‐third of patients with DMs in HNSCC lack a genetic relationship with the primary tumors. The risk of misclassification is most prominent for patients with lung involvement.
Gender inequities in ENT: Insights from women speakers at American Head and Neck Society meetings
Authors: McKeon Mallory , Zhou Anna , Tang Alice L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundGender inequity exists across national speakers at American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) conferences. This qualitative study explores potential causes of this disparity by surveying women invited to speak at AHNS between 2007 and 2019 and examining advice, resources, and meaningful actions from “those who made it.”MethodsAn internet search for contact information for the 131 female AHNS was performed. An electronic survey was distributed via email. Deidentified qualitative responses were coded by two independent researchers into themes. Themes characterize barriers that female head and neck (HN) surgeons face and describe ways to mitigate the impact of these for the next generation.ResultsContact information for 73/131 female AHNS speakers was obtained via internet search. Email responses were received from 22/73 (30%). Of those, respondents specialized in otolaryngology (n = 17), medical oncology (n = 2), palliative care (n = 1), vascular surgery (n = 1), and thoracic surgical oncology (n = 1). All speakers worked in academic settings at varying stages of their career with 81.8% (18/22) of respondents fellowship‐trained (primarily HN surgery). Concerns about gender disparity in ENT were grouped into the following themes: (1) recruiting women to ENT, (2) removing barriers to career advancement, (3) diversifying ENT's national presence, and (4) improving the broader culture of HN surgery. Respondents emphasized a need for diversifying leadership, early exposure to otolaryngology in medical school, and connecting students with female role models. Outstanding research, involvement at annual meetings, and committee membership were consistently deemed important for establishing a national presence in the field. Implicit bias, “boys clubs” culture, and burdensome childcare responsibilities were described as barriers to career advancement.ConclusionsWhile encouraging more women to enter otolaryngology residencies, increasing the number female role models and establishing strong mentoring networks may help to mitigate challenges. Meaningful progress requires the efforts of both male and female allies within the specialty. Simple solutions, such as educating on implicit bias, removing demographics from applications, and eliminating hidden penalties for maternity leave, may help improve diversity and mitigate barriers to career progression for underrepresented groups within ENT.