bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working capital management and firm sales growth: Evidence from fish processing industry
Authors: Rodeiro‐Pazos David , Fernández‐López Sara , Rios‐Rodríguez Raúl , Dios‐Vicente Adrián 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWorking capital management (WCM) is a critical matter for the growth of firms, especially small and medium‐sized manufacturing companies faced with liquidity shortages whose current assets account for a significant part of their investments. These characteristics describe most companies in the fish processing industry. Using a sample of more than 1050 European fish processing companies during the period 2013–2020 and applying dynamic panel data methods, this paper analyses the extent to which working capital investment and financing policies affect firm's sales growth. The empirical evidence reveals that the trade credit channel (i.e., accounts receivable and accounts payable) enhances sales growth, while the opposite effect is found for investment in inventories. Additionally, the findings insist on the importance of financing current assets with positive working capital to boost sales growth. [EconLit Citations: C23, G31, L25, L79, Q22].
Generation and mutational analysis of a transgenic murine model of the human MAF mutation
Authors: Fujino Mitsunori , Ojima Masami , Ishibashi Shun , Mizuno Seiya , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAymé‐Gripp syndrome is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder. The major clinical features of this syndrome include congenital cataracts, sensorineural hearing loss, intellectual disability, and a distinctive flat facial appearance. MAF has been identified as a causative gene of the syndrome, and heterozygous variants owing to impairment in glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)‐mediated MAF phosphorylation shows related disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of these types of disorders in affected individuals remain poorly understood. To explore the underlying mechanisms and discover new phenotypes, a murine model with a Maf mutation on a GSK3 phosphorylation motif, p.Thr58Ile, was generated using CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing. This is a homologous mutation to that in human patients. Our murine model exhibited similar phenotypes to those in humans, such as lens abnormalities, short stature, growth retardation, and abnormal skull morphology. The murine model showed decreased brain volume and malocclusion. Considering the sequencing and genotyping data, our models were successfully generated for the first time (to the best of our knowledge). Therefore, this study offers new and unique functional insights into human and murine MAF and novel clinical values of MAF pathogenic variants associated with changes in the functions of several organs based on a viable murine model.
FDA‐approved carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce amyloid β pathology and improve cognition, by ameliorating cerebrovascular health and glial fitness
Authors: Canepa Elisa , Parodi‐Rullan Rebecca , Vazquez‐Torres Rafael , Gamallo‐Lana Begona , Guzman‐Hernandez Roberto , Lemon Nicole L. , Angiulli Federica , Debure Ludovic , Ilies Marc A. , Østergaard Leif , Wisniewski Thomas , Gutiérrez‐Jiménez Eugenio , Mar Adam C. , Fossati Silvia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionCerebrovascular pathology is an early and causal hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), in need of effective therapies.MethodsBased on the success of our previous in vitro studies, we tested for the first time in a model of AD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) methazolamide and acetazolamide, Food and Drug Administration–approved against glaucoma and high‐altitude sickness.ResultsBoth CAIs reduced cerebral, vascular, and glial amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation and caspase activation, diminished gliosis, and ameliorated cognition in TgSwDI mice. The CAIs also improved microvascular fitness and induced protective glial pro‐clearance pathways, resulting in the reduction of Aβ deposition. Notably, we unveiled that the mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase‐VB (CA‐VB) is upregulated in TgSwDI brains, CAA and AD+CAA human subjects, and in endothelial cells upon Aβ treatment. Strikingly, CA‐VB silencing specifically reduces Aβ‐mediated endothelial apoptosis.DiscussionThis work substantiates the potential application of CAIs in clinical trials for AD and CAA.
1D Choline‐PbI3‐Based Heterostructure Boosts Efficiency and Stability of CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Zhang Guizhi , Su Pei‐Yang , Huang Rong , Lin Jiage , Wang Wenran , Pan Zhenxiao , Rao Huashang , Zhong Xinhua 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDefects in perovskite are key factors in limiting the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Generally, choline halide (ChX) can effectively passivate defects by binding with charged point defects of perovskite. However, we verified that ChI can react with CsPbI3 to form a novel crystal phase of one‐dimensional (1D) ChPbI3, which constructs 1D/3D heterostructure with 3D CsPbI3, passivating the defects of CsPbI3 more effectively and then resulting in significantly improved photoluminescence lifetime from 20.2 ns to 49.4 ns. Moreover, the outstanding chemical inertness of 1D ChPbI3 and the repair of undesired δ‐CsPbI3 deficiency during its formation process can significantly enhance the stability of CsPbI3 film. Benefiting from 1D/3D heterostructure, CsPbI3 carbon‐based PSCs (C‐PSCs) delivered a champion efficiency of 18.05 % and a new certified record of 17.8 % in hole transport material (HTM)‐free inorganic C‐PSCs.
Photoinitiated Energy Transfer in Porous‐Cage‐Stabilised Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Wilms Michael , Melendez Lesly V. , Hudson Rohan J. , Hall Christopher R. , Ratnayake Samantha Prabath , Smith Trevor , Gaspera Enrico Della , Bryant Gary , Connell Timothy U. , Gómez Daniel E. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe report a new composite material consisting of silver nanoparticles decorated with three‐dimensional molecular organic cages based on light‐absorbing porphyrins. The porphyrin cages serve to both stabilize the particles and allow diffusion and trapping of small molecules close to the metallic surface. Combining these two photoactive components results in a Fano‐resonant interaction between the porphyrin Soret band and the nanoparticle‐localised surface‐plasmon resonance. Time‐resolved spectroscopy revealed the silver nanoparticles transfer up to 37 % of their excited‐state energy to the stabilising layer of porphyrin cages. These unusual photophysics cause a 2‐fold current increase in photoelectrochemical water‐splitting measurements. The composite structure provides a compelling proof of concept for advanced photosensitiser systems with intrinsic porosity for photocatalytic and sensing applications.
Observation of the Chiral Soliton Lattice above Room Temperature
Authors: Brearton R. , Moody S. H. , Turnbull L. A. , Hatton P. D. , Štefančič A. , Balakrishnan G. , van der Laan G. , Hesjedal T. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMagnetic chiral soliton lattices (CSLs) emerge from the helical phase in chiral magnets when magnetic fields are applied perpendicular to the helical propagation vector, and they show great promise for next‐generation magnetic memory applications. These one‐dimensional structures are previously observed at low temperatures in samples with uniaxial symmetry. Here, it is found that in‐plane fields are the key to stabilizing the CSL in cubic Co8Zn10Mn2 over the entire temperature range from 15 K to below the Curie temperature (365 K). Using small‐angle resonant elastic X‐ray scattering, it is observed that the CSL is stabilized with an arbitrary in‐plane propagation vector, while its thin plate geometry plays a deciding role in the soliton wavelength as a function of applied field. This work paves the way for high temperature, real world applications of soliton physics in future magnetic memory devices.
A multi‐program analysis of cleft lip with cleft palate prevalence and mortality using data from 22 International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research programs, 1974–2014
Authors: Mc Goldrick Niall , Revie Gavin , Groisman Boris , Hurtado‐Villa Paula , Sipek Antonin , Khoshnood Babak , Rissmann Anke , Dastgiri Saeed , Landau Danielle , Tagliabue Giovanna , Pierini Anna , Gatt Miriam , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Martínez Laura , de Walle Hermein E.K. , Szabova Elena , Lopez Camelo Jorge ,   ECEMC Peripheral Group, Källén Karin , Morgan Margery , Wertelecki Wladimir , Nance Amy , Stallings Erin B. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Mossey Peter 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundCleft lip with cleft palate (CLP) is a congenital condition that affects both the oral cavity and the lips. This study estimated the prevalence and mortality of CLP using surveillance data collected from birth defect registries around the world.MethodsData from 22 population‐ and hospital‐based surveillance programs affiliated with the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR) in 18 countries on live births (LB), stillbirths (SB), and elective terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (ETOPFA) for CLP from 1974 to 2014 were analyzed. Prevalence and survival (survival for LB only) estimates were calculated for total and subclassifications of CLP and by pregnancy outcome.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of total CLP cases was 6.4 CLP per 10,000 births. The prevalence of CLP and all of the pregnancy outcomes varied across programs. Higher ETOPFA rates were recorded in most European programs compared to programs in other continents. In programs reporting low ETOPFA rates or where there was no ascertainment of ETOPFA, the rate of CLP among LB and SB was higher compared to those where ETOPFA rates were ascertained. Overall survival for total CLP was 91%. For isolated CLP, the survival was 97.7%. CLP associated with multiple congenital anomalies had an overall survival of 77.1%, and for CLP associated with genetic/chromosomal syndromes, overall survival was 40.9%.ConclusionsTotal CLP prevalence reported in this study is lower than estimates from prior studies, with variation by pregnancy outcomes between programs. Survival was lower when CLP was associated with other congenital anomalies or syndromes compared to isolated CLP.
Should I stay or should I go? Understanding stakeholder dis/engagement for deforestation‐free palm oil
Authors: Delabre Izabela , Lyons‐White Joss , Melot Clara , Veggeberg Eirik Ingwardo , Alexander Anthony , Schleper Martin C. , Ewers Robert M. , Knight Andrew T. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAddressing tropical deforestation in the palm oil sector involves a diverse range of stakeholders who engage or disengage with each other. Palm oil global value chain (GVC) firms (plantation companies, traders and processors, and consumer goods manufacturers and retailers), as well as nongovernmental organisations, financial institutions, consultancies and certification bodies, pursue their respective organisations' agendas through engagement practices, including through coalitions, in a palm oil sustainability network (POSN). Building on interviews with different stakeholder groups, this qualitative study characterises and critically analyses ‘stakeholder engagement’ by examining (1) the priority targets for engagement among different POSN stakeholders, (2) how mechanisms and tools are used in POSN stakeholder engagement or disengagement for addressing deforestation, and (3) the implications of stakeholder engagement or disengagement for addressing deforestation. Engagement and disengagement practices are shaped by and reshape GVC governance, with powerful stakeholders emerging as knowledge brokers and norm setters, raising important challenges for how deforestation is addressed.
An examination of UK companies' modern slavery disclosure practices: Does board gender diversity matter?
Authors: Moussa Tantawy , Allam Amir , Elmarzouky Mahmoud 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals persuade governments and businesses to fight modern slavery as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UK government took the initiative by introducing the Modern Slavery Act in 2015. Despite this, little is known about how companies disclose information about their efforts to tackle modern slavery as required by the Act and the role of corporate governance as a determinant of modern slavery disclosure (MSD) levels. This study, therefore, investigates the extent to which companies engage in MSD and empirically examines the impact of board gender diversity (BGD) on MSD. Based on a content analysis of FTSE 100 companies' modern slavery statements during the 2016–2020 period, we find that MSD improved over time but is still relatively low. Our results show that companies pay less attention to the core practices of modern slavery, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), due diligence procedures, risk assessment and management, and training. This evidence suggests that companies tend to comply with the Act by focusing largely on symbolic structures rather than providing a comprehensive disclosure of their impacts on modern slavery practices to minimise regulatory risks and manage stakeholders' perceptions. We also find that boards with greater female representation have a positive and significant association with MSD. This finding is consistent with the gender socialisation theory in that women are more sensitive to communal values and ethics. Consequently, companies with a greater proportion of female directors are more transparent about their strategies and actions related to fighting modern slavery. Furthermore, a critical mass of at least four female directors is necessary before any positive impact on MSD can be observed. Our findings shed new light on this under‐researched area and the role of female directors in addressing modern slavery risk and can be of interest to companies, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Circular economy disclosure and integrated reporting: The role of corporate governance mechanisms
Authors: Esposito Benedetta , Raimo Nicola , Malandrino Ornella , Vitolla Filippo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn recent years, attention to the circular economy (CE) has grown considerably and it is now recognised as a model capable of overtaking the current linear economy of unsustainable production and consumption. Organisations have started to implement circular practices to transition towards this sustainable business model and to disclose CE performance to their stakeholders. In this context, the integrated report serves as a suitable tool to provide a holistic representation of how CE could impact the companies' ability to create value over time. The relevance of this model has prompted various scholars to examine CE disclosure. However, only some studies have investigated this topic in the integrated reporting (IR) context. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have examined how corporate governance mechanisms can affect the amount of CE information disseminated through the integrated reports. By applying the lens of stakeholder‐agency theory, this study aims to fill this important gap by analysing the effect of the characteristics of the corporate governance mechanisms on the level of CE disclosure within the integrated reports. The analysis, conducted using a sample of 124 European companies, indicates a positive impact of the board size, board gender diversity and the presence of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee on the level of CE disclosure within the integrated reports.
A systematic assessment of multi‐dimensional risk factors for sustainable development in food grain supply chains: A business strategic prospective analysis
Authors: Das Sumanta , Myla Abhiram Yadav , Barve Akhilesh , Kumar Anil , Sahu Naresh Chandra , Muduli Kamalakanta , Luthra Sunil 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe food grain supply chain (FGSC) is composed of several links, stretching from the point of production to the point of consumption. A broken connection might produce a food catastrophe. The structural imbalance of India's FGSC is an obstacle to achieving sustainability; this has to be addressed if the country is to preserve national food security. This present study aims to develop a systematic assessment of the risks and the priority of risk‐mitigating solutions in attaining sustainability in the Indian FGSC. Multiple groups of individuals and businesses involved in the FGSC have been surveyed and interviewed, with their responses analyzed. A total of 31 risk factors and 11 risk‐reduction strategies are identified. Further, the identified risk factors are classified into five‐dimensional sustainability criteria (environmental, economic, institutional, technical, and social) by using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Then, a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), combined with the fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) method, is adopted to find the most critical risk factors and choose the best course of strategies for risk mitigation. The study finds that inability to incorporate advanced technology imposes the highest risk to sustainability followed by natural disasters. Ensuring end‐to‐end computerization using advanced technology like agri 4.0 is the need of the hour in intercepting the range of FGSC risks. The results may help policymakers create a comprehensive risk mitigation plan and taxonomy to increase supply chain resilience.
Single Atom and Metal Cluster Catalysts in Organic Reactions: From the Solvent to the Solid
Authors: Oliver‐Meseguer Judit , Leyva‐Pérez Antonio 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe supporting of pre‐formed soluble metal catalysts on solids is a typical methodology to transform soluble but unrecoverable metal complexes into recoverable and reusable solid catalysts. However, this methodology has been barely implemented for ligand‐less, bare single metal atoms (SMAs) and nanoclusters (NCs) in organic synthesis, despite these ultrasmall species can be formed in‐situ during reaction and be the truly catalytic species. The aim of this review is to explore how to speciate active single metal atoms and clusters during homogeneous catalysis (in solution), without ligands, and to prepare them independently, to be transferred to solid supports and catalyze organic reactions. In many cases, the translation to solids gives single atom catalysts (SACs). Supporting of ultrasmall metal aggregates gives more stable, reusable and, sometimes, chemoselective catalysts for representative organic reactions.
Photobioelectrocatalysis of Intact Photosynthetic Bacteria Exposed to Dinitrophenol
Authors: de Moura Torquato Lilian Danielle , Matteucci Rosa Maria , Stufano Paolo , Vona Danilo , Farinola Gianluca M. , Trotta Massimo , Boldrin Zanoni Maria Valnice , Grattieri Matteo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe outstanding metabolic versatility of purple non‐sulphur bacteria makes these organisms an ideal candidate for developing photobioelectrochemical systems applicable in contaminated environments. Here, the effects of 2,4 dinitrophenol, a common contaminant, on purple bacteria photobioelectrocatalysis were investigated. The aromatic contaminant clearly affects current generation, with an enhanced photocurrent obtained at low dinitrophenol concentrations (0.5–1 μM), while higher values (up to 100 μM) resulted in a gradual decrease of photocurrent. The obtained electrochemical evidence, coupled to spectroscopic studies, allowed verifying the viability of the bacteria cells after exposure to dinitrophenol, and that no alteration of the photosynthetic apparatus was obtained. The results indicate that high dinitrophenol concentrations divert electrons from the extracellular electron pathway to an alternative electron sink. The present results open the door to the possible use of intact bacteria‐based photoelectrodes to develop technologies for sustainable biosensors with simultaneous environmental remediation.
EUROPEAN CODE DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: Hicks Stephen J. , Schäfer Markus , Couchman Graham 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe second generation of Eurocode 4 has been developed through several project teams that report to CEN TC250 Subcommittee 4 (CEN/TC250/SC4) ‘Design of composite steel and concrete structures’, which is chaired by Dr Graham Couchman. Given that work on the revised version of Eurocode 4 is nearing completion, this paper presents a selection of the changes that will be included, together with some of the technical challenges that needed to be overcome. Finally, further enhancements that might be considered worthy for inclusion within future editions of this standard are presented.
POTENTIALLY UNSAFE STRUCTURAL CONSEQUENCES IN THE DESIGN OF COMPOSITE BEAMS SHEAR CONNECTORS (A look at some of the Eurocode 4‐1‐1 design backgrounds)
Authors: Diacu Ioan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe paper investigates the design of composite ‐ steel‐concrete ‐ beams, with emphasis on the shear connectors, as specified in the Eurocode 4‐1. A structural security inaccuracy is identified and analyzed. Improvements for the future design code are proposed.
NON‐LINEAR ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITE BEAMS WITH MINIMAL MODELLING AND CALCULATION EFFORT FOR STRAIN‐LIMITED DESIGN
Authors: Hauser Philipp , Kurz Wolfgang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn the following, an analysis method is presented that enables the modelling of composite beams in commercial programs with minimum effort, considering non‐linear material behaviour and nonlinear flexibility of the composite joint. A particular focus is placed on the deformations, especially those of the composite joint in horizontal and vertical directions. A detailed insight into the necessary accuracy of the material modelling is presented. The model is subsequently verified by means of comparative analyses of real beam tests.
PROBABILISTIC DESIGN OF COMPOSITE GIRDERS CONSIDERING THE DEGRADATION OF THE SHEAR CONNECTION AND THE REDISTRIBUTION OF FORCES
Authors: Wolters Kevin , Christou Georgios , Feldmann Markus 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFatigue design of composite girders and in particular shear connectors according to Eurocode 4 is based on fatigue strength curves. Therefore, the lifetime of a girder can be limited by failure of a critical shear connector. The failure probability of a component is thus determined by the failure probability of one shear stud or composite dowel, although a composite girder is an internally highly statically indeterminate system with the possibility of redistributing forces in the shear connection. This paper outlines the positive effects on the lifetime of a girder by considering crack propagation and residual capacity of shear connectors with cracks as well as redistributing forces towards less stressed and damaged connectors. The failure probability of a girder is determined by a Monte Carlo simulation using a lamella model with incremental calculation of the degradation of the shear connection. The results show the economic potential of a future global safety concept for composite girders especially with composite dowels.
COMPOSITE DOWELS FOR BRIDGES: TRENDS AND CHALLENGES FOR NEW EUROPEAN DESIGN RULES
Authors: Lorenc W. , Seidl G. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe introduction of composite dowels (CDs) in Europe at the beginning of the last decade led to the creation of new forms of composite bridges in which a T‐profile is used instead of an I‐beam. Both the construction and design methods are new [4]. Experiences from the construction of new bridges and discussion between the authors lead to new significant conclusions, which should be included in the new European approval (CEN‐TS). The problem of design formulas for concrete dowels is presented.