bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Macroeconomic Variables and Dividend Payout of Some Listed Firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange Market: A Random Effect Analysis Approach
Authors: Mahama Ishaque 
Published: February 2023

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of macroeconomic variables such as inflation, interest rate, exchange rate and market capitalization on dividend payout for some of firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).
Methods: The study used data spanning from 2014 to 2019 (six years). Three panel regression models namely the pooled OLS, fixed effect and random effect model were run separately and it was found that the random effect model was robust to the data and so the random effect model of panel-data estimation was used in this analysis.
Results: Results from the study reveals that market capitalization (P=.001) and inflation (P=.000) were statistically significant variables that affect dividend payout, though in different directions; market capitalization affects dividend payout negatively whilst inflation affects dividend payout positively. However interest rate (P=.23) and exchange rate (P=.38) were found to be statistically insignificant. Also was found that the model was statistically significant.
Conclusion: It was concluded that inflation rate has a positively relationship with dividend payout while market capitalization has a negative relationship with dividend payout to shareholders. However, interest and exchange rates showed no significant relationship with dividend pay-out to shareholders in this study.
Recommendation: It will be recommended that policy makers should review the influence of inflation and market capitalization in order to improve on the dividend payout to investors on the GSE.
Evaluation of Systemic Treatments of Small Intestinal Adenocarcinomas
Authors: de Back Tim , Nijskens Isabelle , Schafrat Pascale , Chalabi Myriam , Kazemier Geert , Vermeulen Louis , Sommeijer Dirkje 
Published: February 2023

ImportanceAlthough small intestinal adenocarcinomas (SIAs) are rare, they have a poor prognosis, and the optimal treatment strategies are largely unknown. Because of the lack of high-quality evidence, guidelines for colorectal cancer are often followed in the treatment of SIAs.ObjectiveTo review the current evidence regarding survival benefit of systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immunotherapy, for patients with SIAs.Data SourcesFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, MEDLINE and Embase were searched for articles published from January 1, 2005, until June 1, 2022.Study SelectionRetrospective cohort studies and prospective phase 2 or 3 trials describing survival after systemic therapies for patients with SIAs were eligible for inclusion. Assessment of study eligibility was blinded and performed by 3 reviewers.Data Extraction and SynthesisThe reviewers independently extracted data. Random effects, inverse variance, pairwise meta-analyses were performed.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPrimary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with SIAs after systemic therapies. Measures of interest included hazard ratios for survival and median survival times.ResultsOverall, 57 retrospective cohort and phase 2 studies of 35 176 patients were included. Adjuvant chemotherapy, generally fluoropyrimidine-based, was associated with increased OS in stage I to III SIAs (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.53-0.68), especially in stage III tumors (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.48-0.64), irrespective of tumor localization. Palliative chemotherapy was also associated with an OS benefit (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.40-0.58). Fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin combinations were superior to other regimens (OS: HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.30-0.99; PFS: HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30-0.71). Furthermore, bevacizumab added to chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone was associated with significantly prolonged PFS (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43-0.89). Immunotherapy showed a 50% overall response rate in previously treated defective mismatch repair tumors.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy were both associated with improved survival of patients with SIAs, especially fluoropyrimidine-based regimens and fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin combinations. Adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy appears to prolong PFS and deserves further investigation. Immunotherapy seems beneficial and should be considered for patients with defective mismatch repair tumors. International collaborations should be undertaken to confirm and improve efficacy of systemic therapies for patients with SIAs.
Offering on-site mammography in workplaces improved screening rates: Cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shima Azusa , Tanaka Hideo , Okamura Tomonori , Nishikawa Tomofumi , Morino Ayumi , Godai Kayo , Tatsumi Yukako , Kawahara Mizuki , Kiyohara Maiko , Kawatsu Yuichiro , Kimura Takashi , Miyamatsu Naomi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Despite evidence of breast cancer screening efficacy, the screening rate has remained less than 50% in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an environmental approach offering on-site mammography in workplaces.

Methods
Supermarket stores were randomly assigned into two groups, the intervention group (leaflet and mammography) and the control group (leaflet). From May to July 2018, participants in the intervention group were given a leaflet informing them of the subsidies for breast cancer screening and offered the opportunity to have mammography in their workplaces. Participants in the control group were given the same leaflet, but had to arrange their own screening outside the workplace. The primary outcome was the breast cancer screening rate in 2018. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for having screening in the intervention group compared with the control group were estimated using multilevel logistic regression.

Results
We analyzed data from 1624 participants (mean age 53 years) from 25 supermarket stores (intervention: 8 stores, control: 17 stores). Among participants who had not attended screening in the previous year, the screening rate was 7% in the control group and 53% in the intervention group, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 14.22 (8.97–22.54). The effect was greater in those who had never attended screening before.

Conclusion
In a worksite-based cluster randomized controlled trial in Japanese supermarket stores, an environmental approach offering mammography in workplaces substantially increased the breast cancer screening rate within 1 year (UMIN000030465).
Nano‐Engineered Carbon Fibre‐Based Piezoelectric Smart Composites for Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensing
Authors: He Qinrong , Li Xuan , Zhang Han , Briscoe Joe 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe integration of piezoelectric materials onto carbon fiber (CF) can add energy harvesting and self‐power sensing capabilities enabling great potential for “Internet of Things” (IoT) applications in motion tracking, environmental sensing, and personal portable electronics. Herein, a CF‐based smart composite is developed by integrating piezoelectric poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/CuSCN‐coated ZnO nanorods onto the CF surfaces with no detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of the composite, forming composites using two different polymer matrices: highly flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and more rigid epoxy. The PDMS‐coated piezoelectric smart composite can serve as an energy harvester and a self‐powered sensor for detecting variations in impact acceleration with increasing output voltage from 1.4 to 7.6 V under impact acceleration from 0.1 to 0.4 m s−2. Using epoxy as the matrix for a CF‐reinforced plastic (CFRP) device with sensing and detection functions produces a voltage varying from 0.27 to 3.53 V when impacted at acceleration from 0.1 to 0.4 m s−2, with a lower output compared to the PDMS‐coated device attributed to the greater stiffness of the matrix. Finally, spatially sensitive detection is demonstrated by positioning two piezoelectric structures at different locations, which can identify the location as well as the level of the impacting force from the fabricated device.
Predicting age at Alzheimer's dementia onset with the cognitive clock
Authors: Yu Lei , Wang Tianhao , Wilson Robert S. , Guo Wensheng , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Bennett David A. , Boyle Patricia A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONIntervention of Alzheimer's dementia hinges on early diagnosis and advanced planning. This work utilizes the cognitive clock, a novel indicator of brain health, to develop a dementia prediction model that can be easily applied in broad settings.METHODSData came from over 3000 community‐dwelling older adults. Cognitive age was estimated by aligning Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores to a clock that represents the typical cognitive aging profile. We identified a mean cognitive age at Alzheimer's dementia onset and predicted the corresponding chronological age at person‐specific level.RESULTSThe mean chronological age at baseline was 78 years. A total of 881 (28%) participants developed Alzheimer's dementia. The mean cognitive age at onset was 91 years. The predicted chronological age at onset had a mean (standard deviation) of 87.6 (6.7) years. The model's prediction accuracy was supported by multiple testing statistics.DISCUSSIONOur model offers an easy‐to‐use tool for predicting person‐specific age at Alzheimer's dementia onset.
Facile Synthesis and Chiral Resolution of Expanded Helicenes with up to 35 cata‐Fused Benzene Rings**
Authors: Huo Gui‐Fei , Fukunaga Toshiya M. , Hou Xudong , Han Yi , Fan Wei , Wu Shaofei , Isobe Hiroyuki , Wu Jishan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractExpanded helicenes are expected to show enhanced chiroptical properties as compared to the classical helicenes but the synthesis is very challenging. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of a series of expanded helicenes Hn (n=1–4) containing 11, 19, 27 and 35 cata‐fused benzene rings through Suzuki coupling‐based oligomerization followed by Bi(OTf)3‐mediated regioselective cyclization of vinyl ethers. Their structures were determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Enantiopure H2, H3, and H4 can be isolated by chiral HPLC and they all exhibit strong chiroptical responses with high absorption dissymmetry factor (|gabs|) values (0.020 for H2, 0.021 for H3, and 0.021–0.024 for H4).
Photo‐oxidation of poly(diethylene glycol terephthalate)
Authors: Horne Fiona J. , Liggat John J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe photo‐oxidation of poly(diethylene glycol terephthalate) (PDEGT) under accelerated aging conditions has been investigated. A weatherometer was used to expose samples to simulated sunlight under air, replicating outdoor exposure. Irradiations were also performed under air using UV lamps of wavelengths centred on 302 and 365 nm. After exposure, the extent of degradation was determined using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy. Results show that in general PDEGT degrades to a greater extent than the closely‐related polymer poly(ethylene terephthalate) due to the susceptibility of the ether linkage. Although the diethylene glycol sequences are not themselves photoactive over this wavelength range and are not acting as photochemical weak links they do serve as additional sites for secondary free radical chemistry.
A new UV‐curable biodegradable waterborne polyurethane‐acrylate based on natural rubber blended with cassava starch
Authors: Tsupphayakorn‐aek Phanthanyaphon , Suwan Anutida , Chaisit Thawanrat , Tulyapitak Tulyapong , Phinyocheep Pranee , Pilard Jean‐Francois , Saetung Nitinart , Saetung Anuwat 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAn ecofriendly UV‐curable biodegradable waterborne polyurethane acrylate (WPUA) was synthesized using hydroxy telechelic natural rubber (HTNR), gelatinized cassava starch (GCS) hexamethylene diisocyanate, hydroxymethyl propionic acid and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate and Darocur 1173 (photo‐initiator) for coating, adhesive applications, and so forth. WPUA thus prepared with a total solid content of about 20% had a good storage stability with a pot‐life of 3 months. The UV‐curable WPUA/GCS films showed superior photosensitivity with an irradiation time of 60 s. With increasing GCS content of the WPUA/GCS films, its transparency increased and surface gloss decreased. Scanning electron microscopic micrographs indicated good miscibility with strong interactions between WPUA and GSC in the matrix leading to high tensile strength and surface free energy with enhanced thermal degradation. Increasing the GCS content up to 75 wt% in the film accelerated its degradation under weathering aging, and showed complete disintegration in soil after 7 days. This work provided a new environmentally friendly pathway to prepare WPUA based on HTNR and GCS with good biodegradability.
Sampling technique for Fourier convolution theorem based k‐space filtering
Authors: Ciulla Carlo , Xhaferri Ilva , Deek Fadi P. , Muzhaqi Endri , Veljanovski Dimitar , Shikoska Ustijana Rechkoska , Risteski Filip A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis research presents a sampling technique for Fourier convolution theorem (FCT) based k‐space filtering. One polynomial function and three transfer functions were selected: (1) Gaussian, (2) Bessel, (3) Butterworth, and (4) Chebyshev. The functions were sampled on the image grid, and they are called filtering functions. Each filtering function was multiplied by the Sinc function to obtain the “Sinc‐shaped convolving function.” The k‐space of the Sinc‐shaped convolving function is calculated by direct Fourier transform (FT) and it is featured by a central region. This central region of the k‐space is rectangular in its shape because it is consequential to the direct FT of the product between the filtering function and the Sinc function. Low‐pass and high‐pass filtering is obtained by inverse FT of the pointwise multiplication between the k‐space of the departing image and the k‐space of the Sinc‐shaped convolving function. A variety of cut‐off frequencies, bandwidth, sampling rates, and numbers of poles of the filters were verified as effective to filter the images. Filtering strength can be modified by fine‐tuning the size of the central rectangular k‐space region of the Sinc‐shaped convolving functions. K‐space analysis of departing images and filtered images provide additional evidence of effective filtering. Moreover, k‐space filtering was compared to Z‐space filtering using the extension of the FCT to Z‐space. The novelty of this research is the sampling technique used to determine the Sinc‐shaped convolving function. The sampling technique uses fine‐tuning of bandwidth and sampling rate to determine the strength of the k‐space filter.
Modeling of Magnesium Intercalation into Chevrel Phase Mo6S8: Report on Improved Cell Design
Authors: Drews Janina , Wiedemann Johannes , Maça Alaluf Rudi Ruben , Wang Liping , Blázquez J. Alberto , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Fichtner Maximilian , Danner Timo , Latz Arnulf 
Published: February 2023

AbstractA good understanding of the limiting processes in rechargeable magnesium batteries is key to develop novel high‐capacity/high‐voltage cathode materials. Thereby, the performance of magnesium‐ion batteries can strongly depend on the morphology of the intercalation cathode. Moreover, high mass loadings are essential for commercialization. In this work the influence of different mass loadings are studied in addition to the impact of the particle size distribution of the active material. Therefore, a detailed continuum model is developed, which is able to describe the complex intercalation of magnesium into a Chevrel phase (CP) cathode. The model considers the thermodynamics, kinetics and interplay of the two energetically different intercalation sites of Mo6S8, which results from its unique crystal structure, as well as the impact of the desolvation on the electrochemical reactions and possible ion agglomeration. Ideal combinations of mass loading and electrolyte concentration as well as the desired CP particle size are determined for the state‐of‐the‐art magnesium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate Mg[B(hfip)4]2 electrolyte.
Developing dynamic capabilities for the circular economy in the textile and clothing industry in Italy: A natural‐resource‐based view
Authors: Coppola Carla , Vollero Agostino , Siano Alfonso 
Published: February 2023

AbstractImplementing the circular economy (CE) through the design of a restorative industrial system is a major challenge. This study investigates the capabilities that underpin the circular competitive advantages of firms in the textile and clothing industry in Italy, which is one of the country's most polluting sectors. We have developed a framework of dynamic capabilities needed for circular transition, using the theoretical lenses of a natural‐resource‐based view. Using a multiple‐case study, the strategies of pollution prevention, product stewardship, and sustainable development and the associated capabilities of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring are investigated. Internal practices, the role of the downstream actors in the supply chain, co‐creation dynamics with external actors, and the social potential of the CE emerge as key factors. Managers may also benefit from our recommendations aimed at increasing the environmental performance of their firms and scaling up their born‐circular businesses.
Ground glass nodules with scattered or eccentric island‐shaped consolidations may have poor outcomes
Authors: Li Ming , Xi Junjie , Zhang Huan , Jin Xing , Fan Zhuoyang , Zhan Cheng , Feng Mingxiang , Tan Lijie , Wang Qun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the effect of scattered or eccentric shaped types of ground glass opacity (GGO) on outcomes of patients with solid‐dominant peripheral lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsWe evaluated patients with solid‐dominant peripheral lung adenocarcinoma, who underwent radical surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, between January 2013 and December 2015. Morphologically heterogeneous solid‐dominant lung adenocarcinoma in imaging findings was based on the last preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Endpoints were recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log‐rank test were used to estimate survival differences. Impact factors were assessed by univariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe retrospectively collected data from 200 patients, including 170 patients with central island‐shaped CT imaging, 18 patients with scattered shaped CT imaging, and 12 patients with eccentric shaped CT imaging. Eleven patients experienced recurrence or metastases. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed significant survival differences between the central island‐shaped type and scattered shaped or eccentric shaped type for OS (c‐stage IA: 5‐year OS: 100% vs. 92.1%; HR = 0.019, p = 0.0025; p‐stage IA: 100% vs. 95.2%; HR = 0.146, p = 0.1139) and RFS (c‐stage IA: 5‐year RFS: 100% vs. 59.7%; HR = 0.001, p < 0.0001; p‐stage IA: 100% vs. 64.5%; HR < 0.001, p < 0.0001). Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that scattered and eccentric shaped types were related to poor outcomes (p < 0.012, odds ratio = 18.8).ConclusionsRelative spatial position of GGO and solid components may affect patient outcomes. Patients with scattered or eccentric shaped GGO may have a poor prognosis.
Therapeutic Potential of Clove Essential Oil in Diabetes: Modulation of Pro‐Inflammatory Mediators, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Enzyme Activities
Authors: Nait Irahal Imane , Darif Dounia , Guenaou Ismail , Hmimid Fouzia , azzahra Lahlou Fatima , Ez‐zahra Ousaid Fatima , Abdou‐Allah Fatima , Aitsi Lamiaa , Akarid Khadija , Bourhim Noureddine 
Published: February 2023

AbstractType 1 diabetes is characterized by insulin deficiency due to the destruction of pancreatic β cells, leading to hyperglycemia, which in turn induces vascular complications. In the current study, we investigated the effect of intraperitoneal administration of clove essential oil (CEO: 20 mg/kg body weight) on certain oxidative stress and glucose metabolism enzymes, as well as the expression of proinflammatory mediators. Administration of CEO to diabetic rats showed a significant decline in blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, and xanthine oxidase, compared to the streptozotocin group. Furthermore, these treated rats elicited a notable attenuation in the levels of lipid peroxides, and thiols groups in both liver and brain tissues. The activities of antioxidant and metabolic enzymes were reverted to normality in diabetic upon CEO administration. In addition to its protective effects on red blood cell hemolysis, CEO is a potent α‐amylase inhibitor with an IC50=298.0±2.75 μg/mL. Also, treatment of diabetic rats with CEO significantly reduced the iNOS expression in the spleen. Our data showed that CEO has potential beneficial effects on diabetes, which can possibly prevent the pathogenesis of diabetic micro‐ and macrovascular complications.
Development of Transition Metal Incorporated Bismuth‐Based Oxide Semiconductors as Potential Candidates for Solar Assisted Water Splitting Applications
Authors: Ghosh Sangeeta , Laha Debajit , Hajra Paramita , Sariket Debasis , Ray Debasish , Baduri Swarnendu , Sahoo Himanshu Sekhar , Bhattacharya Chinmoy 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPhotocatalysis is a traditional approach for solving energy crises and environmental pollution control problems. Visible light‐sensitive transition metal incorporated bismuth‐based metal oxides have enough potential to act as photoelectrodes in the communal of solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. These transition metal incorporated Bi‐based metal oxides are of practical importance due to their efficient photocatalytic activity, high stability, low cost and non‐toxicity. The latest efforts towards the limitations for improvement in performances of these materials can be controlled by different factors e. g., surface morphology, band gap, size, crystallinity, charge separation efficiency and rate of the charge transfer, etc. The alignment of band position or modification of band energy can also play an important role for these materials. Here, we primarily focus on the detailed discussion of transition metal incorporated bismuth‐based oxide semiconductors with suitable modifications – their fabrication and applications to enhance the photoelectrochemical activity.
Conductive Polymer/Graphene‐based Composites for Next Generation Energy Storage and Sensing Applications
Authors: Moyseowicz Adam , Minta Daria , Gryglewicz Grażyna 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGrowing environmental and health demands along with the deficiency of conventional energy sources result in the need for alternative solutions in the field of energy storage and analyte detecting systems. To address these issues, a significant increase in research interest for novel composite materials has been observed in recent years. Conductive polymers and graphene‐based composites have emerged as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors due to their improved electrochemical properties and versatility of the synthesis methods. The synergistic effect between the composite components and the unique morphology, physical and chemical characteristics result in enhanced performance of the electrochemical devices. In this review, we discuss recent trends and achievements in the synthesis, nanoarchitecture, and application of conductive polymers and graphene‐based composites in the field of supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives are discussed. It is believed that this review will provide a current summary and new inspiration for groundbreaking research on advanced electrochemical devices.