bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do ESG Ratings Affect Firm Performance of Multi Business Groups? The Role of Board Characteristics in Firm Performance Mediated by Governance Score
Authors: Kim Mookung , Meivitawanli Bryna 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The interest of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores is increasing in both academic research and industry practices. Many previous studies have examined the effects of ESG scores on the operating and market performance of firms but have found mixed results. The objective of this study is to provide a preliminary analysis of the effect of ESG scores on financial performances of the Korean multi-business group conglomerates, the Chaebols. Using a panel sample for fixed/random effects in regression analyses, this study investigates a sample of all the 32 Chaebol firms in the period of 2014–2019. Our results showed that the governance score of the firm has a positive effect on financial performances. Further, we analyzed the factors affecting governance scores of the firm in relation to board characteristics. Out of four independent variables, three showed significant results. These are CEO duality, the board size, and the average age of board members of the firms. The results remain consistent and significant after robustness testing.
Unintended Pregnancy and Contraception among African women living with HIV: baseline analysis of the multi-country US PEPFAR PROMOTE cohort
Authors: Aizire Jim , Yende-Zuma Nonhlanhla , Hanley Sherika , Nematadzira Teacler , Nyati Mandisa M. , Dadabhai Sufia , Chinula Lameck , Nakaye Catherine , Fowler Mary Glenn , Taha Taha 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: About 90% of unintended pregnancies are attributed to non-use of effective contraception – tubal ligation, or reversible effective contraception (REC) including injectables, oral pills, intra-uterine device (IUD), and implant. We assessed prevalence of unintended pregnancy and factors associated with using RECs, and Long-Acting-Reversible-Contraceptives (LARCs) – implants and IUDs, among women living with HIV (WLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART).Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of US-PEPFAR PROMOTE cohort enrollment (December 2016 to June 2017) data, from Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables. Separate outcome (REC and LARC) modified-Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence risk ratio (PRR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of 1,987 enrolled WLHIV, 990 (49.8%) reported their last/current pregnancy was unintended; 1,027/1,254 (81.9%) non-pregnant women with child-bearing potential reported current use of effective contraception including 215/1,254 (17.1%) LARC users. Compared to Zimbabwe, REC rates were similar in South Africa, aPRR=0.97 (95% CI: 0.90-1.04), p=0.355, lower in Malawi, aPRR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91), p<0.001, and Uganda, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73-0.91), p<0.001. Additionally, REC use was independently associated with marriage/stable union, aPRR=1.10 (95% CI: 1.01-1.21), p=0.039; no desire for another child, PRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.16), p=0.016; infrequent sex (none in the last 3 months), aPRR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.15-1.33), p<0001; HIV load (≤ 1000 copies/ml), PRR = 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.19), p=0.014, and education (secondary or higher), aPRR = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84-0.98), p=0.013. LARC use was independently associated with country (Zimbabwe ref: South Africa, PRR = 0.39 (95% CI: 0.26-0.57), p<0.001; Uganda, PRR = 0.65 (95% CI: 0.42-1.01), p<0.054; and Malawi, aPRR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.64-1.19), p=0.386); HIV load (≤ 1000 copies/ml copies/ml), aPRR = 1.73 (95% CI: 1.26-2.37), p<0.001; and stay home / no formal income, aPRR = 0.5 (95% CI: 0.59-0.97), p=0.027. Conclusions: We observed high rates of unintended pregnancy and considerable gaps in use of effective contraceptives particularly LARCs. Integrated HIV and reproductive health country-level efforts to improve effective contraceptive utilization should consider HIV load, and social factors regarding education, sexual activity, sexual partnerships, fertility desires, and economic independence.
Irisin protects against IL-1β-induced chondrocytes injury by activating the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yan , Liao Tao , Zhou Xu-Chang , Zeng Ni , Wang Hao-Nan , Yan Zhi-Peng , Cheng Lin , Ni Guo-Xin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The predominant pathological manifestation of osteoarthritis (OA) is articular cartilage damage. Chondrocytes are the only cell type present in articular cartilage. The proportion of chondrocytes inflammation and apoptosis correlated significantly with the degree of articular cartilage degeneration and progression of OA. Irisin is released from myocytes during physical activity, and acts as a link between muscles and other tissues and organs. Many studies have confirmed the multifunctional role of Irisin and the beneficial effects of this molecule on bone development and regeneration. Little is known about the mechanisms of Irisin on chondrocytes and the development of OA. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and effects of Irisin on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced rat chondrocytes. Our results revealed that Irisin improved IL-1β-induced growth inhibition in chondrocytes and attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). And Irisin decreased the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and exerted anti-apoptotic effects by the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signaling pathway. In conclusion, Irisin acts through the ERK signaling pathway to protect against IL-1β-induced chondrocytes injury by reducing excessive ROS, inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. The present study sheds new light on the chondroprotective actions of this myokine, and further develops the therapeutic targets of Irisin for bone and cartilage disorders including OA.
The gut microbiome modulates the transformation of microglial subtypes
Authors: Xie Peng , Huang Yu , Wu Jing , Zhang Hanping , Li Yifan , Wen Lu , Tan Xun , Cheng Ke , Liu Yiyun , Pu Juncai , Liu Lanxiang , Wang Haiyang , Li Wen , Perry Seth , Wong Ma-Li , Licinio Julio , zheng peng 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Clinical and animal studies have shown that gut microbiome disturbances can affect neural function and behaviors via the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis, and may be implicated in the pathogenesis of several brain diseases. However, exactly how the gut microbiome modulates nervous system activity remains obscure. Here, using a single-cell nucleus sequencing (snRNA-seq) approach, we sought to characterize the cell type-specific transcriptomic changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (Hip) derived from Germ-Free (GF), Specific Pathogen Free (SPF), and Colonized-GF (CGF) mice. We found that the absence of gut microbiota resulted in cell-specific transcriptomic changes. Furthermore, microglia transcriptomes were preferentially influenced, which could be effectively reversed by microbial colonization. Significantly, the gut microbiome modulated the mutual transformation of microglial subpopulations in the two regions. Cross-species analysis showed that the transcriptome changes of these microglial subpopulations were mainly associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), which were further supported by animal behavioral tests. Our findings demonstrate that gut microbiota mainly modulate the mutual transformation of microglial subtypes, which may lead to new insights into the pathogenesis of AD and MDD.
In vitro antifungal activity of Shikonin against Candida albicans by inducing cellular apoptosis and necrosis
Authors: Pang Chong , Chen Jianshuang , Liu Shuangyan , Miao Hao 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Our previous studies showed that Shikonin (SK) had a strong anti-Candida albicans (C. albicans) activity, especially against some fluconazole-resistant strains, which is probably due to the oxidative damage of SK to C. albicans. In this study, we further analyze the exact mechanism of SK against C. albicans. Through some experiments, such as detecting the apoptosis and necrosis rates of C. albicans SC5314 cells treated with different concentrations of SK by Annexin V-FITC / PI double staining, observing the ultrastructure of cells by transmission electron microscopy, testing mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity, caspase activity, and caspase-related gene CaMCA1 expression level. We found that SK could induce a series of apoptosis characteristics, including phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity as well as caspase activation. In summary, this study highlighted the antifungal activity and mechanism of SK against C. albicans, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for C. albicans infection.
CloudSat inferred Contrasting Monsoon intra-seasonal variation with the cloud vertical structure over Indian regions
Authors: KALAPUREDDY Madhu Chandra Reddy , Patra Sukanya , Dhavale Vipul , Nair Meenu R 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Earlier studies emphasized the critical contrast of cloud properties over central India during intraseasonal oscillation of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). How this intraseasonal ISM variation can be investigated with the cloud vertical structure (VSC) over other parts of India is yet to be explored. To fulfill this gap area, VSC derived from nine years of CloudSat measurements over geographically different but having homogenous ISM rainfall Indian regions are selected for the study. We investigated VSC, types of clouds, and microphysical properties during the intra-seasonal variation of ISM. Prominent contrast was found in the mid-tropospheric cloud region during the ISM spells. Analysis of cloud types shows significant intra-seasonal variability with the presence or absence of mixed-phase clouds (As, Ns, and Ac). In ISM (active and break) spells, the core monsoon regions (CI, CE, WI) share similar VSC features (complete or void mid-levels). Hence, microphysical properties follow similar characteristics except for ice water content which differs profusely among them. Over these regions, ten times higher ice effective radius during active days indicates dominating ice process compared to break days. Larger-sized ice hydrometeors (> 25 µm) are present at 5–6 km, which shows good interrelation with the ISM active and break spells above frizzing level, and its size decreases with altitude. Whereas no difference in VSC is found during different ISM spells over the eastern part of India (WB and EI) except in the ice microphysical parameters, which are more dominant during break days. Further, irregular and discontinuous VSC over north and south India (NI and SI) could be due to their pertinent geographical conditions. Suppression of cloud processes at mid-tropospheric altitude is one of the most important reasons behind reduced precipitation over the core ISM regions. Mid-tropospheric drying is a remarkable sign of ISM break, which is the main source of suppressed convection and cloud activity over the core ISM region. This CloudSat study brought robust composite cloud vertical structure for the ISM intra-seasonal variability of cloud over different regions of India to improve the understanding of cloud-related processes and then increase the predictive capabilities of large-scale models.
Static friction coefficient model of joint surface based on the modified fractal model and experimental investigation
Authors: Zhang Caixia , Li Xiang , He Jinlin , Cheng Yanhong , Liu Zhifeng , Li Ying 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
It has been widely recognized that influences of static friction characteristics in a bolted joint on pre-tightening and service reliability. This study proposed a static friction coefficient model of joint surfaces based on the modified three-dimensional fractal model. A method of measuring the static friction coefficient of joint surfaces was investigated to verify the accuracy of model. The results showed that calculated value of the model and measured value of experiment are highly matched. Further, the influential mechanisms of material, pressure and surface topography were investigated. The relative error between experimental results and model calculations are all less than 15%. This research provides a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the friction characteristics of joint surfaces and connection reliability of bolted joints.
Involvement of Kynurenine Pathway Between Inflammation and Glutamate in the Underlying Etiopathology of CUMS-Induced Depression Mouse Model
Authors: Wu Xingying , Chen Bowen , Di Zhong , Jiang Shuo , Xu Haipeng , Shi Mengting , Hu Rong , Sun Shaopeng , Song Zhujin , Liu Jiapeng , Ma Ruijie , Guo Qin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Inflammation and glutamate (GLU) are widely thought to participate in the pathogenesis of depression, and current evidence suggests that the development of depression is associated with the activation of the kynurenine pathway (KP). However, the exact mechanism of KP among the inflammation, GLU and depression remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the involvement of KP, inflammation and GLU in depressive phenotype induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in C57B/6J mice. Our results showed that CUMS caused depressive like-behavior in the sucrose preference test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. From a molecular perspective, CUMS upregulated the peripheral and central inflammatory response and activated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme of KP, which converts tryptophan (TRP) into kynurenine (KYN). KYN is a precursor for QA in microglia, which could activate the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), increasing the GLU release, mirrored by increased IDO activity, quinolinic acid and GLU levels in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and serum. However, intervention with IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan (50 mg/kg/s.c.) and 1-methyl-L-tryptophan (15 mg/kg/i.p.) reversed the depressive-like behaviors and adjusted central and peripheral KP’s metabolisms levels as well as GLU content, but the inflammation levels were not completely affected. These results provide certain evidence that KP may be a vital pathway mediated by IDO linking inflammation and glutamate, contributing to depression.
Global Online Interest in Finasteride Sexual Side Effects
Authors: Asanad Kian , Sholklapper Tamir , Samplaski Mary , Cacciamani Giovanni 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Prior literature has suggested that Propecia or finasteride may negatively impact men’s sexual health. In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided a warning on finasteride drug labels to include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. We sought to determine global online interest in finasteride sexual side effects, their penetrance and variation, and how they compared over time. We also sought to evaluate the influence of the FDA communications on internet searches for finasteride side effects. We utilized Google search engine from January 2004 to December 2020 to include trends from web searches of Propecia or finasteride and its side effects compared amongst the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. We performed join-point regression analysis. We compared the annual relative search volume (ARSV), average annual percentage change (AAPC), and temporal patterns to evaluate for loss or gain of interest in the respective key terms. We determined that average ARSV for “finasteride” was 15% in 2004 and increased significantly to 57% in 2020 (APC: +9.25%, 95% CI 8 to 10.5, p<0.001). Likewise, there was significant interest in “finasteride side effects” (AAPC: +20.7, p<0.001) and “post-finasteride syndrome” (AAPC: +29.2; p<0.001) over time. Finally, when compared trends before and after FDA communications, the average (SD) ASRV of “finasteride”, “finasteride side effects”, and “post-finasteride syndrome” all increased significantly (p=0.001, p=0.014, p<0.001), respectively. Thus, it is evident that there is a global web-based interest in finasteride and its side effects, especially after the FDA warning in 2011. These results demonstrate an increased public awareness, and thus providers should have more detailed and careful discussions with patients prior to starting treatment with finasteride.
Quantitative evaluation of artifact expression of mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles as a new promising root canal sealer in cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Chen Cheng , Wu Huili , Zhao Xiao , Leng Diya , Wu Daming 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objectives: To quantitatively evaluate the artifact area of the image of mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles (MCSNs) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Methods: Forty single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected and prepared with NiTi rotary instruments to 35/0.04, and divided into four groups (n=10): (I) AH Plus sealer; (II) MCSNs sealer; (III) iRoot SP sealer and (IV) no sealer. There were filled with a single cone (35/0.04 taper) method. The roots were scanned using a CBCT with the same parameters before and after filling. The images were evaluated using ImageJ’s threshold tool to quantitatively determine the hyperdense and hypodense artifacts, and non-affected teeth areas within 8-bit images extracted from the scans.Results: MCSNs showed fewer hyperdense artifacts than AH plus and iRoot SP (P < 0.01), while the hypodense artifacts were not statistically significant among groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: MSCNs can effectively reduce the generation of hyperdense artifacts in CBCT images and show better image qualities, indicating that they have a minor adverse effect on evaluating the quality of root canal filling and diagnosing root canal diseases in CBCT images.Clinical Relevance: As a novel type of root canal filling nanomaterials, MSCNs have less artifact expression and higher quality in CBCT images. Therefore, this new root filling material is expected to play a positive role in improving the correct clinical evaluation of root canal filling teeth and the visualization of root canal cracks and fractures.
Dry-season water level shift induced by channel change of the river-lake system in China's largest freshwater lake, Poyang Lake
Authors: Guo Yan , Lai Xijun , Wu Xinghua , Chen Yongbai 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
As a large open lake that connects to the middle reaches of Yangtze River, Poyang Lake, China, has experienced dramatic water level changes, especially during the dry periods (November–March) in recent years. For better understanding the shift of dry-season lake level, we quantified the variations induced by channel changes of the river-lake system (CCORLS). Attempts were achieved through establishing two Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) based water level prediction models, combined hydrological data in the periods of 1956–2000 and 2006–2016. The results indicated that: (1) With reference to earlier (1956–2000) dry periods, the recent (2006–2016) mean water levels had an overall decreasing trend, with values of 0.04–1.26 m across the lake. (2) The response of water level to CCORLS was spatially heterogeneous, triggering a sharp reduction in the central to northern lake, an obvious reduction in the lake outlet, and a relatively smaller reduction in the southern lake. (3) The bottom topography alteration of Poyang Lake made a dominating contribution to decline the lake water levels, while the Yangtze River’s mainstream channel near the lake played a minor role in the decrease of water level. Results shed light on the impact of systematic watercourse changes on the water level of a lake connected a river and enhanced understanding of the characteristics and mechanisms behind the hydrological changes of large freshwater lakes.
Using Multiple linear regression model to predict The Customers’ Purchase Decision based on After-Sales Services
Authors: Thalji Zyad 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The only link between the seller and the buyer is the information that available on the trading platforms about the products. All researchers in e-commerce agreed on the importance of providing information on products and services in e-commerce platforms to achieve customer satisfaction This paper aims to reveal how the availability of information on E-commerce platform about After-Sales Services can affect on customers’ purchase decisions. The study used descriptive research and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Dammam city as the study population. Also, it used the convenience random sampling approach to overcome bias in this research. The study covered all dimensions of After-Sales Services. 533 respondents completed the study questionnaire. The researcher used many statistical analyses tests before using deep learning. Furthermore, the study used hierarchical clustering and K-means to cluster consumers. The results show that respondents of this research can be clustered in three different groups based on behavior regarding demographic attributes. This study’s findings show that there is a positive relationship between the dimensions of and customers’ purchase decisions. the study presented several suggestions for platforms to keep their customers and make more profits.
Catalytic degradation of Methylene blue by Biosynthesized Au Nanoparticles on titanium dioxide (Au@TiO2)
Authors: Wang Yanan , Zhang Tieliang , Zhao Yujie , Lv Tong , liu Wenjing , Liu Xiaowei 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Degradation of methylene blue is a critical procedure in its wastewater remediation, thus has inspired wide catalysis research with semiconductors such as Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and rare metals such as gold (Au). In this study we report bacterial cells assisting biosynthesis for Au@TiO2 as an efficient catalyst for the degradation of methylene blue. Multiple complementary characterization for bio-Aux@TiO2 evidenced the evenly distributed Au NPs on the bio-TiO2 layers. Meanwhile, bio-Au2@TiO2 displayed the superior catalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue with the highest k value of 0.195 min-1. The origin of the catalytic activity was explored by the hydroxyl radical fluorescence quantitative analysis. In the bio-Au2@TiO2 catalytic system, Au NPs decreased the band gap energy of TiO2, increased charge separation between the excited (h+)–(e-) pairs, enabling the generation of a large amount of photogeneration hydroxyl radicals, resulting in an enhanced photocatalytic activity. Our microbial synthesized bio-TiO2 and bio-Aux@TiO2 study would be useful for developing green synthesis catalyst technologies.