Search Results (115)

This study investigates the relationship between CEO characteristics and firm performance across emerging and developed economies using both panel regression and machine learning techniques. Drawing on Upper Echelons Theory, we examine whether CEO age, tenure, gender, founder status, and appointment origin influence Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and market-to-book ratio. We apply the fixed and random effects models for inference and deploy random forest and XGBoost models to determine the feature importance of each CEO trait. Our findings show that CEO tenure consistently predicts improved ROE and ROA, while CEO age and founder status negatively affect firm performance. Female CEOs, though not consistently significant in the baseline models, positively influence market valuation in emerging markets according to interaction models. Firm-level characteristics such as size and leverage dominate CEO traits in explaining performance outcomes, especially in machine learning rankings. By integrating machine learning feature importance, this study contributes an original approach to CEO evaluation, enabling firms and policymakers to prioritise leadership traits that matter most. The findings have practical implications for succession planning, diversity policy, and performance-based executive appointments. Full article

The objective of the study is to demonstrate how cognitive chief executive officers (CEOs) influence corporate social and environmental performance under the moderating impact of innovation, supervisors and cash holdings. Significantly, we have formulated cognitive CEOs using data envelope analysis while considering the specific attributes of the incumbent CEO (by considering the age, tenure, goodwill, education and tacit knowledge of CEOs). The research approach aims to elucidate that cognitive CEOs strongly invigorate social and environmental performance. However, the moderating role of corporate innovation weakens this connection, whereas the moderating role of supervisors invigorates this relationship. In contrast, cash hoarding deters social and environmental performance through its moderating effectiveness. Conclusively, theoretical contribution illuminates the stakeholder theory frame of reference while emphasizing the identification of corporate social and environmental performance. Specifically, the role of cognitive CEOs has been signified as a promoter of such strategies, which indicate their orientation toward social responsibility. Empirical underpinnings illustrate the impact of corporate innovation, supervisors and cash holdings, which asymmetrically influence social and environmental performance. The recommendations of the research results refer to the characterization of the optimal attributes of cognitive CEOs that are essential to enhance social and environmental performance. Full article

In this study, silver-decorated cerium oxide (Ag@CeO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized through a simple mixing and pyrolysis process to enhance their antioxidant and antitumor properties. The synthesis methods for Ag@CeO₂ were optimized, resulting in nanoparticles with varying antioxidant activities. Notably, the embedding of Ag nanoparticles within CeO₂ during pyrolysis significantly improved the antioxidant activity and stability of the nanoparticles, leading to enhanced antitumor effects. The Ag@CeO₂ nanoparticles exhibited strong cytotoxicity against tumor cells (MCF-7) while maintaining low toxicity toward normal cells (HUVECs). These properties, combined with their ability to modulate mitochondrial membrane potential, position Ag@CeO₂ as a promising candidate for electrochemical therapy (ECT). This study highlights the antioxidant potential and the potential of Ag@CeO₂ nanoparticles in tumor treatment and provides new insights into the application of nanomaterials in ECT. Full article

Herein, we present a comprehensive study on the dissolution behaviour of two sodium–cerium(IV) phosphate phases synthesised hydrothermally from CeO₂ nanoparticles: crystalline Na₂Ce(PO₄)₂ and nanocrystalline NaCe₂(PO₄)₃. For the first time, experimental dissolution data were obtained for both compounds over a wide pH range (1.5–10) under long-term equilibration. The crystalline phase undergoes pH-dependent transformation, including recrystallisation at a near-neutral pH and the formation of secondary CeO₂ nanoparticles above pH 7. In contrast, the nanophase NaCe₂(PO₄)₃ exhibits exceptional structural and chemical stability, showing no signs of recrystallisation, phase transformation, or CeO₂ formation, even after extended ageing. The experimental results help refine the thermodynamic stability conditions for cerium phosphate and oxide phases, providing insights into the reversible transformation pathways between CeO₂ and Ce(IV) phosphates as governed by pH. Full article

As sustainability reporting and ESG disclosure gain global importance, understanding the factors influencing ESG outcomes becomes crucial for policymakers, investors, and corporate decision-makers. China, a major player in the global economy, has recently taken steps to align its stock exchanges with international ESG reporting standards. In this context, the study examines the individual and joint effects of digital transformation and CEO compensation on ESG performance, considering moderating factors such as firm size, state ownership, and CEO age and gender. The research employs a comprehensive dataset containing 16,205 firm-year observations from 2018 to 2022, combining financial data, ESG ratings, and a matrix of word frequencies related to digital transformation extracted from annual reports. The study adopts a firm-year two-way fixed effect model, utilizing panel data and control variables to address potential endogeneity concerns and unobserved firm heterogeneity. The findings provide evidence supporting the positive impact of digital transformation and CEO compensation on ESG performance. The level of digital transformation is positively associated with ESG performance. This relationship is stronger for larger firms and firms with older CEOs, while state-owned enterprises show mixed results compared to non-SOEs. However, the effect of CEO compensation and ESG performance is stronger for male CEOs. This study thus contributes to the growing literature on ESG performance, digital transformation, and executive compensation by providing insights into their relationships in the context of Chinese listed companies. Full article

To address the issue of metal corrosion in marine environments, we developed a nanofiller with corrosion resistance and UV absorption capabilities. This nanofiller is prepared using a coprecipitation hydrothermal method and consists of TTA intercalated into an LDH structure with an outer layer containing CeO₂, forming a layered double hydroxide (LDH) sandwich structure nanocontainer. TTA can be successfully released in corrosive environments, and the filler exhibits excellent corrosion inhibition and interlayer ion exchange properties. Polarization curve analysis shows that the corrosion inhibition efficiency of MgAl-TTA LDH@CeO₂ reaches 89.87%. After immersion in a corrosion solution for 60 days, the EP/MgAl-TTA LDH@CeO₂ coating maintains a high impedance of 3.88 × 10⁸ Ω·cm² in the low-frequency region, which is 166 times that of the pure EP coating. Even after 240 h of UV aging, the impedance of the EP/MgAl-TTA LDH@CeO₂ coating remains high at 3.10 × 10⁸ Ω·cm² (20,000 times higher than the pure EP coating). This significantly enhances the coating’s anti-aging and corrosion resistance, providing a feasible method for creating new long-lasting corrosion-resistant coatings in challenging environments. Full article

Excessive levels of heavy metal pollutants in the environment pose significant threats to human health and ecosystem stability. Consequently, the accurate and rapid detection of heavy metal ions is critically important. A AgNPs@CeO₂/Nafion composite was prepared by dispersing nano-ceria (CeO₂) in a Nafion solution and incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The morphology, microstructure, and electrochemical properties of the modified electrode materials were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). By leveraging the oxygen vacancies and high electron transfer efficiency of CeO₂, the strong adsorption capacity of Nafion, and the superior conductivity of AgNPs, an AgNPs@CeO₂/Nafion/GCE electrochemical sensor was developed. Under optimized conditions, trace Pb²⁺ in water was detected using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The sensor demonstrated a linear response for Pb²⁺ within the concentration range of 1–100 μg·L⁻¹, with a detection limit of 0.17 μg·L⁻¹ (S/N = 3). When applied to real water samples, the method achieved recovery rates between 93.7% and 110.3%, validating its reliability and practical applicability. Full article

This study provides insights into the stabilization effects of certain oxides (CeO₂, Cr₂O₃, Cd₂O₃, In₂O₃, MnO₂, MgO, Nd₂O₃, and Pr₂O₃) in styrene–isoprene–styrene triblock copolymers with respect to neat materials. This study was performed via chemiluminescence (CL), which allowed for the determination of the main parameters characterizing the interphase coexistence: the oxidation induction times, oxidation rates, and onset oxidation temperatures. The improvement in the thermal performances of the pristine and γ-ray-processed samples at a moderate dose was highlighted differently due to the electronic interactions on the particle surface. While the non-isothermal CL measurements pointed to a weaker evolution of oxidation in the studied composites at a higher temperature range over 160 °C, the isothermal CL determinations revealed a delayed start of oxidation, slower oxidation rates, and greater activation energies in the nanocomposite aging patterns. The different individual behaviors of the investigated formulations were ascribed to the dissimilar electronic interactions between the particles and the surrounding matrix, where the oxidation initiators were formed by the molecular fragmentation of the polymer macromolecules. The kinetic features illustrate the influence of the peculiarities due to the electronic interactions. The higher resistance shown by the irradiated samples compared with the non-processed compositions demonstrates the stabilization efficiency of the fillers studied. Full article

A new type of CeO₂-modified AgCl catalyst (CeO₂/AgCl) was prepared by a one-step method, which efficiently inhibits the recombination of photogenerated carriers. During the visible-light degradation process, this catalyst exhibited excellent and stable performance. It could not only effectively degrade rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV) but also maintain excellent activity under different environmental conditions. In the RhB degradation experiment in particular, the CeO₂/AgCl-30 composite with the optimal proportion had a degradation rate 5.43 times that of pure AgCl in the seawater system and 9.17 times that of pure AgCl in the deionized water condition, while also showing excellent stability. Through characterization tests such as XRD, XPS and ESR, its crystal structure, elemental composition and so on were analyzed. Based on the characterization results, the CeO₂/AgCl composite showed a relatively wide light absorption range and a relatively high photo-induced charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, it was inferred that the main active species in the reaction process were ·O₂⁻ and ·OH. Finally, based on its electronic band structure, an S-scheme heterojunction structure was proposed. Full article

Corporate sustainability has become integral to business strategy worldwide, including in Romania. With growing awareness of environmental impacts and the need for sustainable development, Romanian corporations are increasingly adopting green policies. This study explores how Romanian companies balance economic goals with environmental responsibilities and examines how managers’ perceptions of financial outcomes, innovation, and proactive orientations influence sustainability practices. The research adopts a novel management-focused perspective to analyze factors driving sustainable practices within organizations. A two-pronged methodology was employed: qualitative data were collected via a questionnaire administered to 149 CEOs and CFOs, providing insights into financial health and strategies and performing the statistical analysis to comprehensively evaluate long-term environmental and economic sustainability. The results show moderate to strong positive correlations between financial performance, proactive orientation, innovation, and ecological performance. While proactive and innovation parameters significantly impact ecological policies, financial performance plays a more moderate, indirect role. Key findings reveal that transport companies are the least likely to adopt green strategies, while the age of companies does not play a vital role. The study underscores the complex interplay between corporate sustainability and economic performance, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for Romanian businesses in advancing green policies. Full article

Metal–oxide interfaces play a prominent role in heterogeneous catalysis. Tailoring the metal–oxide interfaces effectively enhance the catalytic activities and thermal stability of noble metal catalysts. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol-protected reduction and L-arginine induction methods are adopted to prepare Pd catalysts (Pd/Al₂O₃-xCeO₂) that are selectively decorated by CeO₂, which form core–shell-like structures and generate more Pd-CeO₂ interfacial sites, so that the three-way catalytic activity of Pd/Al₂O₃-xCeO₂ catalysts is obviously significantly enhanced due to more adsorption oxygen at the interface of Pd-CeO₂ and good low-temperature reducibility. At the moment, the Pd/Al₂O₃-xCeO₂ catalysts exhibit excellent thermal stability after being calcined at 900 °C for 5 h, owing to the Pd species being highly redispersed on CeO₂ and part of the Pd species being incorporated into the lattice of CeO₂. This is a major reason for the Pd/Al₂O₃-xCeO₂ catalysts to maintain high catalytic activity after aging at high temperatures. It is concluded that the metal–oxide interfaces and the interaction between Pd NPs and CeO₂ are responsible for the excellent catalytic performance and stability of Pd/Al₂O₃-xCeO₂ catalysts in three-way reactions. Full article

This study investigates the impact of CEO characteristics—specifically CEO age, founder status, and family membership—on investment efficiency in Jordanian non-financial companies, with a focus on the moderating role of political connections. Drawing on the existing literature, we identify conflicting views regarding how these characteristics influence investment decisions. Some studies suggest that younger CEOs may adopt more aggressive investment strategies, while older CEOs tend to be conservative, leading to balanced resource allocation. Similarly, CEOs with founder status and family membership are thought to have an emotional attachment to the company, theoretically resulting in cautious investment behavior. However, empirical evidence remains mixed. By using data from 62 non-financial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2019 to 2023, this study employs regression analysis to explore these relationships. The findings reveal that CEO age contributes to investment efficiency by mitigating both over- and under-investment. Contrary to expectations, CEO founder status shows no significant effect on investment efficiency. Additionally, family-member CEOs exhibit a tendency toward under-investment, driven by a desire to preserve family wealth. Political connections further complicate these dynamics, encouraging riskier investment strategies while diluting the positive effects of CEO characteristics. These results provide new insights into the intricate interplay between CEO traits and political networks, contributing to the discourse on corporate governance in emerging markets. The study concludes with practical implications for policymakers and company boards, emphasizing the need for balanced leadership selection strategies to optimize investment efficiency. Full article

The recent technological innovations and the consequences of the pandemic are rapidly changing the management paradigm. Organizations that seek to survive and remain competitive must adapt to these changes. One strategy to cope with these environmental changes is to hire a younger CEO. This study aims to empirically analyze how the age of the CEO affects the performance of the firm based on upper echelons theory. Using a sample of 706 CEOs of companies listed on the South Korean public stock market (KOSPI) as of 2023, we found that CEO age is positively related to financial performance. We also found that CEO age is negatively related to risk-taking behavior and innovation. These findings have both practical and theoretical implications, suggesting that the recent shift to the relationship between a long-term perspective and innovation have positive implications. Young CEOs often seek these perspectives and are more willing to be aggressive in investment and risk-taking behaviors in the interests offor an innovative business. Full article

Working capital is a strategic resource that not only enhances financial performance but also ensures the long-term sustainability of organizations, especially SMEs. In the context of evolving economic policies and the challenges of gender equity affecting Chilean companies, this study explores how economic policy risk (EPU) and CEO characteristics influence working capital, which are essential investments for sustainable growth. The analysis covers 12,839 SMEs from 2014 to 2019. Using a fixed-effects panel data model, the findings reveal that firms tend to increase their investment in working capital in response to rising economic policy uncertainty. However, the relationship follows a non-linear inverted U-shaped pattern, which suggests the existence of an investment optimum between working capital and the EPU. Considering the level of competition, companies increase their investment in working capital when the level of competition is higher. Regarding the gender and age of CEOs, it is observed that women invest less in working capital, as do young CEOs. These results underscore the importance of EPU, along with the gender and age of CEOs, as key factors in promoting sustainable working capital management. Full article

The field of nanotechnology has experienced exponential growth, with the unique properties of nanomaterials (NMs) being employed to enhance a wide range of products across diverse industrial sectors. This study examines the toxicity of metal- and carbon-based NMs, with a particular focus on titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), silica (SiO₂), cerium oxide (CeO₂), silver (Ag), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The potential health risks associated with increased human exposure to these NMs and their effect on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermal, and immune systems were evaluated using in vitro assays. Physicochemical characterisation of the NMs was carried out, and in vitro assays were performed to assess the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis/necrosis, and inflammation in cell lines representative of the systems evaluated (3T3, Caco-2, HepG2, A549, and THP-1 cell lines). The results obtained show that 3T3 and A549 cells exhibit high cytotoxicity and ROS production after exposure to ZnO NMs. Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines show cytotoxicity when exposed to ZnO and Ag NMs and oxidative stress induced by SiO₂ and MWCNTs. THP-1 cell line shows increased cytotoxicity and a pro-inflammatory response upon exposure to SiO₂. This study emphasises the importance of conducting comprehensive toxicological assessments of NMs given their physicochemical interactions with biological systems. Therefore, it is of key importance to develop robust and specific methodologies for the assessment of their potential health risks. Full article