bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of Highway Pavement Base Using Coal Ash, Experience of Georgia: Laboratory Characterization and Field Evaluation
Authors: Burduladze Aleks , Papushvili Tengiz , Rurua Nugzar , Khetsuriani Beqa , Romanovski Valentin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe development of the road network is a topical issue for any country. One of the promising areas in this area is the use of waste for the purpose of its disposal, as well as obtaining road surfaces of better quality. This approach allows not only to reduce the negative impact on the environment but also to reduce the cost of road surface production and to improve the transport and operational characteristics of the road surface. The article discusses the studies of secondary material slag ash from fuel combustion as a replacement for bitumen. The optimal ash additive was 12 wt%. When using ash to stabilize the base of the road surface, the dynamic deformation characteristic increases by 104%, and under static load, the deformation modulus by 51% and the elastic modulus by 89%. The performance of the coal ash‐stabilized mixtures was superior to traditional materials such as bitumen‐cement mixtures across multiple metrics. In terms of compressive strength, the coal ash mixture (12% ash, 4% cement) demonstrated a 20% improvement compared to the bitumen‐cement mixture. Similarly, its tensile strength was 18% higher due to the pozzolanic properties of coal ash, which enhanced bonding. The California bearing ratio (CBR) for the ash mixture was 127%, outperforming the bitumen‐cement mixture (118%) and untreated sand‐gravel mixture (71%). Under dynamic loading, the deformation modulus of the ash‐based mixture (125.43 MPa) was 1.2 times higher than the bitumen‐cement mixture (106.02 MPa) and more than double that of the untreated mixture (61.38 MPa). These results demonstrate that coal ash significantly improves the mechanical properties and durability of road base layers, providing a compelling case for its use over traditional materials.
Thermally Intense Cilia Generated Motion of Two‐Phase Biological Fluid in a Vertical Tube Under Wall Properties
Authors: Nazeer Mubbashar , Al‐Razgan Muna , Ali Yasser A. , Ibrahim Talib K. , Kamolova Nargiza , Gupta Manish 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe exact solution is obtained for the unsteady fluid–particle suspension model of Rabinowitsch fluid through a vertical tube having ciliated walls. The flow inside the tube is produced by the metachronal waves of cilia. The lubricant approach is used to produce the solution of fluid phase velocity, particle phase velocity, stream function, and temperature. The pressure rise is calculated through a numerical analytical technique. The graphs are constructed to explore the characteristics of the velocity of both phases, thermal analysis, trapping phenomena, pressure gradient, and pressure rise. It is known that the slip parameter diminishes the velocity of both phases. The thermal slip parameter and density number upsurge the thermal profile. The particle phase velocity is less than the fluid phase. The present analysis can be useful in biomedical engineering to construct the heart and lung machines that are used to pump blood in arteries.
Climate and Environment Risks and Opportunities in the Banking Industry: The Role of Risk Management
Authors: Cucinelli Doriana , Nieri Laura , Piserà Stefano 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBanks are called to address risks and opportunities posed by climate change to their business model. A clear understanding of this ‘new’ type of risks is necessary to adequately incorporate them in the bank strategic decision process and to translate them in specific investment and lending policies and targets. In this paper, focusing on a sample of 102 European listed banks during the period 2008–2021, we provide fresh empirical evidence of the crucial role of the risk management function in increasing bank's awareness of risks and opportunities associated with climate change and fostering the implementation of a sound environmental strategy. We confirm this relationship in a quasi‐natural experiment setting built around the adoption of the 2015 Paris Agreement. We also provide evidence of the relevance of environmental‐oriented governance mechanisms in fostering the adoption of a climate and environmental strategy and in strengthening the role of the risk management. Taken together, these results fill a gap in the academic literature and advance the knowledge of the conditions that allow for the achievement of green goals by the banking system, thus providing clear management and policy implications.
Exogenous choline chloride improves heat and drought stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass
Authors: Zhang Xunzhong , Goatley Mike , Wang Kehua , Goddard Ben , Harvey Rose 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCholine is a primary precursor of glycine betaine, which is an important osmoprotectant. Choline may improve plant tolerance to abiotic stress, but little study was reported on the effects of choline on drought and heat tolerance in cool‐season turfgrass species. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of choline chloride on drought and heat tolerance associated with antioxidant metabolism and root viability in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). The four treatments, including control, choline chloride at 38, 76, and 152 mg m−2, were applied biweekly to the foliage, and treated grass was subjected to heat and drought stress conditions in a growth chamber for 56 days. The choline chloride applications at 76 and 152 mg m−2 improved turf quality ratings by 11.9% and 16.9%, respectively; photochemical efficiency by 8.9% and 7.8%, respectively; and chlorophyll content by 28.4% and 29.7%, respectively, when compared to the control at the end of the trial. The choline chloride treatments at 76 mL m−2 and 152 mg m−2 enhanced antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activity when compared to the control as measured at the end of the trial. Choline chloride treatments at 76 and 152 mL m−2 also enhanced leaf proline content and root biomass relative to the control. The choline chloride applications at 76 mL m−2 and 152 mg m−2 improved root viability by 124.6% and 93.0% relative to the control. Data suggest that exogenous choline chloride may improve drought and heat tolerance by enhancing leaf antioxidant enzyme activity, root growth and viability, and protecting photosynthetic function. The results of this study suggest that foliar application of choline chloride at 76 and 152 mg m−2 may improve creeping bentgrass performance during the summer months in the US transition zone and other regions with similar climate.
Geopolitical risks and agricultural trade diversification in Southern Africa: Port‐level evidence from the Russia‐Ukraine war
Authors: Lim Sunghun , Oh Saera 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWith the spread of global agricultural value chains, international geopolitical risks often unintentionally trigger food insecurity in bystander countries. This study explores the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on wheat supplies in South Africa and their trade diversification. Using port‐level trade data, we show that South Africa, the main distribution route for South African wheat supplies, rapidly diversified its imports to mitigate geopolitical risk in the aftermath of the war. This sudden import diversification prevented the war‐induced decline on average wheat imports, yet it led to an increase in the volatility of annual imports. More importantly, the import diversification contributed to more secure wheat supplies for southern African landlocked countries that were heavily reliant on border imports from South Africa. Our study highlights that sourcing diversification in a country with well‐developed port infrastructure could be instrumental in stave off food insecurity in neighboring countries in times of geopolitical crises.
An In Vivo Assessment of Different Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Tissue Types and Their Differentiation State on a Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Guda Teja , Stukel Shah Jessica M. , Lundquist Bridney D. , Macaitis Joseph M. , Pérez Mística Lozano , Pfau‐Cloud Michaela R. , Beltran Felipe O. , Schmitt Connie W. , Corbin Emily M. , Grunlan Melissa A. , Lien Wen , Wang Heuy‐Ching , Burdette Alexander J. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA combined biomaterial and cell‐based solution to heal critical size bone defects in the craniomaxillofacial area is a promising alternative therapeutic option to improve upon autografting, the current gold standard. A shape memory polymer (SMP) scaffold, composed of biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) and coated with bioactive polydopamine, was evaluated with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from adipose (ADSC), bone marrow (BMSC), or umbilical cord (UCSC) tissue in their undifferentiated state or pre‐differentiated toward osteoblasts for bone healing in a rat calvarial defect model. Pre‐differentiating ADSCs and UCSCs resulted in higher new bone volume fraction (15.69% ± 1.64%) compared to empty (i.e., untreated) defects and scaffold‐only (i.e., unseeded) groups (4.41% ± 1.11%). Notably, only differentiated UCSCs exhibited a significant increase in new bone volume, surpassing both undifferentiated UCSCs and unseeded scaffolds. Further, differentiated ADSCs and UCSCs had significantly higher trabecular numbers than their undifferentiated counterparts, unseeded scaffolds, and untreated defects. Although the mineral density regenerated within the unseeded scaffold surpassed that achieved with cell seeding, the connectivity of this bone was diminished, as the regenerated tissue confined itself to the spherical morphology of the scaffold pores. The SMP scaffold alone, with undifferentiated BMSCs, with undifferentiated and differentiated ADSCs, and differentiated UCSCs (29.72 ± 1.49 N) demonstrated significant osseointegration compared to empty defects (14.34 ± 2.21 N) after 12 weeks of healing when assessed by mechanical push‐out testing. Based on these results and tissue availability to obtain the cells, pre‐differentiated ADSCs and UCSCs emerge as particularly promising candidates when paired with the SMP scaffold for repairing critical size bone defects in the craniofacial skeleton.
Interferon Induced Upregulation of Tripartite Motif 34 (TRIM34) Leads Apoptotic Cell Death in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chaudhari Kaushalkumar , Vasu Vihas T. , Golani Aparna , Shaikh Afridi , Nagariya Nidhi , Roy Hetal 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTDespite breakthroughs in our understanding of lung cancer risk, development, immunologic control, and therapy choices, it remains one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. This study aimed to investigate the role of TRIM34 upon treatment of Interferon Gamma (IFN‐γ) in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). NCI‐H23 cells were exposed to IFN‐γ in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner to understand TRIM34 expression and its role as a co‐regulator of treatment. The regulatory role of TRIM34 on IFN‐γ exposure was studied by qRT‐PCR, Western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, apoptosis assay and scratch assay. On exposure to IFN‐γ, TRIM34 expression at transcript and protein level was significantly upregulated. With its upregulation, NCI‐H23 underwent apoptosis and its rate of proliferation was impeded. Our results suggest that induction of TRIM34 by IFN‐γ treatment may lead to an anti‐tumor inflammatory response, resulting in NSCLC regression via apoptosis.
Osteoclast Secretes Stage‐Specific Key Molecules for Modulating Osteoclast–Osteoblast Communication
Authors: Fu Yi‐fei , Shi Shu‐wen , Wu Jun‐jie , Yuan Zheng‐dong , Wang Lei‐sheng , Nie Hao , Zhang Zheng‐yu , Wu Xian , Chen Yue‐chun , Ti Hui‐bo , Zhang Ke‐yue , Mao Dong , Ye Jun‐xing , Li Xia , Yuan Feng‐lai 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn most cases of bone metabolic disorders, such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia, these conditions are often attributed to dysfunctional osteoclasts, leading to their common characterization as “destructors.” In addition to the widely documented regulatory process where osteoblasts direct osteoclastic bone resorption, there is increasing evidence suggesting that osteoclasts also in turn influence osteoblastic bone formation through direct and indirect mechanisms. It is well‐known that differentiation of osteoclasts involves several stages, each characterized by specific cellular features and functions. Stage‐specific key molecules secreted during these stages play a critical role in mediating osteoclast–osteoblast communication. In this review, we described the different stages of osteoclast differentiation and reviewed stage‐specific key molecules involved in osteoclasts‐osteoblasts communication. We highlighted that a detailed understanding of these processes and molecular mechanism could facilitate the development of novel treatments for bone metabolic disorders.
A Meta‐Analysis of the Safety and Immunogenicity of Pharmacokinetic Similarity Studies and Comparative Clinical Studies
Authors: Ji Ping , Schrieber Sarah J. , Glaser Rachel , Chen Jianmeng , Shukla Chinmay , Doddapaneni Suresh , Chandrahas Sahajwalla 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA biosimilar clinical development program generally includes a pharmacokinetic similarity study and a comparative clinical study. Since both types of studies assess safety and immunogenicity, it is important to evaluate the role of each in determining whether there are any meaningful differences between the proposed biosimilar products and the reference products. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the safety and immunogenicity data from pharmacokinetic similarity studies and comparative clinical studies, using a database of approved monoclonal antibody and fusion protein biosimilars. Our analysis showed that pharmacokinetic similarity studies provided valuable information for comparing the immunogenicity and safety of the monoclonal antibody and fusion protein biosimilars with their respective reference products. This work underscores the evolving understanding of these biologics and offers insights into the clinical development of biosimilars.
Impact of switching to a dolutegravir‐based regimen on body weight changes: insights from West African adult HIV cohorts
Authors: Tiendrebeogo Thierry , Malateste Karen , Poda Armel , Minga Albert , Lahiri Cecile D. , Ezechi Oliver , Ekouevi Didier K. , Ofotokun Igho , Jaquet Antoine ,   the IeDEA West Africa Collaboration
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionAdverse metabolic effects related to dolutegravir (DTG) are increasingly reported as countries are adopting DTG‐based regimens as first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART), but there is limited data from sub‐Saharan Africa. We explored changes in body weight pre‐ and post‐switch to a DTG‐based regimen and assessed the association between DTG switch and significant weight gain (SWG) defined as a ≥10% increase over a 12‐month period in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART in West Africa.MethodsWe first included all PLHIV followed in the IeDEA West Africa cohorts between January 2017 and June 2021, with a documented switch to DTG during 2019–2021 and in care ≥36 months at the day of switch. Weight change was estimated using a two slope piecewise linear mixed model with change point at the switch date. Secondly, we emulated a sequence of target trials (ETT) based on the observational data, performing pooled logistic regression analysis to compare SWG occurrence between PLHIV who switched to DTG and those who did not.ResultsWe first included 6705 PLHIV from Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria. Their median age at the time of switch was 48 years (IQR: 42–54) with a median follow‐up of 9 years (IQR: 6–12), 63% were female. Most patients switched from efavirenz (EFV)‐based ART (56.6%) and nevirapine (NVP)‐based ART (30.9%). The overall post‐switch annual average weight gain (AAWG) was significantly elevated at 3.07 kg/year [95% CI: 2.33–3.80] compared to the pre‐switch AWG which stood at 0.62 kg/year [95% CI: 0.36–0.88]. The post‐switch AWG was greater in patients previously on EFV and protease inhibitor (PI)‐based ART compared to those on NVP‐based ART. The pooled logistic regression analyses of a sequence of 24 ETT, including 9598 person‐trials, switching to DTG was significantly associated with an SWG (aOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 2.18–2.97).ConclusionsIn West Africa, a 12‐month DTG exposure was associated with substantial weight gain, especially in PLHIV previously on EFV and PI‐based ARTs. Continuous weight monitoring and metabolic profiling is imperative in HIV cohorts to delineate the long‐term cardiometabolic impact of DTG as patients with, or at elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases might benefit from alternative ART regimens.
Reversible white matter changes following a 4‐week high phenylalanine exposure in adults with phenylketonuria
Authors: Muri Raphaela , Reed Murray Bruce , Maissen‐Abgottspon Stephanie , Kreis Roland , Hochuli Michel , Lanzenberger Rupert , Trepp Roman , Everts Regula 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlterations in brain structure are frequently observed in adults with early‐treated phenylketonuria (PKU) compared to healthy controls, with cerebral white matter (WM) being particularly affected. The extent to which temporary elevation of phenylalanine (Phe) levels impacts WM remains unclear. We conducted a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled crossover trial to investigate the effects of a 4‐week high Phe exposure on cerebral WM and its relationship to cognitive performance and metabolic parameters in adults with PKU. In this study, 27 adults with early‐treated classical PKU (aged 19–48 years) underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) before and after the 4‐week Phe and placebo interventions. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were analysed using tract‐based spatial statistics. Neuropsychological examinations at each timepoint evaluated executive functions and attention. Additionally, brain Phe levels were measured using MR spectroscopy, and blood levels of Phe, tyrosine, and tryptophan were assessed after an overnight fast. Following the Phe period, significant decreases in AD, MD, and RD were observed compared to the placebo period, particularly in the posterior corona radiata and optic radiation. Notably, these WM changes were reversible in patients who first received Phe (n = 13). Cognitive performance and metabolic parameters were not significantly related to DTI scalars after the Phe period. In conlcusion, a 4‐week Phe elevation induced reversible microstructural alterations in cerebral WM. Further investigation is necessary to determine the clinical implication of these changes.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Death in Leishmania donovani Induced by Selected Steroidal Alkaloids
Authors: Menpadi Naveena , Chandra Pranjal , Dubey Vikash Kumar 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe have earlier reported novel anti‐leishmanial molecules, veratramine and hupehenine, targeting dephospho‐coenzyme A kinase of the parasite. In our current investigation, we assessed the efficacy of these two steroidal alkaloids, veratramine and hupehenine, in combating the parasite. Contrary to expectations, our study did not detect the typical signs of apoptosis such as mitochondrial membrane potential loss and phosphatidylserine externalization. Instead, we observed a notable increase in acidic organelle formation, suggesting a pro‐survival response in promastigotes. Through diverse flow cytometric analyses and imaging methods, we conclude that the parasitic death induced by these natural compounds does not follow the apoptosis pathway but likely involves autophagy. This discovery marks the first instance of autophagy‐mediated cell death in Leishmania donovani triggered by veratramine and hupehenine.
Carbon Risk and Corporate Tax Avoidance: Do Institutional Investors Drive Business to Organize for Social Good?
Authors: Lassoued Naima , Khanchel Imen , Souguir Zahra 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact of carbon risk on tax avoidance strategies, analyzing a dataset comprising 854 American corporations observed from 2015 to 2022. By using the two‐stage least squares (2SLS) regression method with instrumental variables, the findings provide evidence that carbon risk increases tax avoidance. Furthermore, institutional investors moderate this relationship by attenuating the positive impact of carbon risk on tax avoidance. This paper offers an in‐depth understanding of the impact of carbon risk on tax avoidance, enriching the debate on what constitutes good and bad business practices. Additionally, it adds new attributes to explore the fundamental question of what makes business good? Finally, it highlights some recommendations to advance the dialog on the concept of organizing for social good.
Comparison of Carbon Stock Potential of Different ‘Trees Outside Forest’ Systems of Palakkad District, Kerala: A Step Towards Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Jeevan Kavya , Shilpa Gunasekharan , Manjusha Kannankodantavida , Muthukumar Anbazhagi , Muthuchamy Muthukumar 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCarbon stock options to mitigate climate change have become a significant area of interest as every possible way to address this global issue is being explored. Afforestation and ecosystem restoration activities are widely adopted to improve the potential of the land in carbon storage. The Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change proposed the ‘Trees outside forests (Tof)’ as an effective mechanism to mitigate climate change. Due to its discrete distribution and non‐uniformity, there are fewer attempts to measure the potential of these systems. Palakkad district of Kerala has a discrete climate due to the Palaghat gap and the absence of a coastal line. The district also has a major population depending on agriculture. This study tried to determine and compare the carbon (C) stock potential of the three ‘Trees outside forest (Tof)’ conditions prevailing in the Palakkad district, Kerala. The carbon stock by standing biomass and soil of four sites of undisturbed natural vegetation, monoculture plantation, and home garden were estimated using allometric equations and computations. The natural vegetation was found to have a higher carbon stock potential (238.58 Mg ha−1) compared with monoculture plantation (166.23 Mg ha−1) and human habitat (74.87 Mg ha−1). Also, natural vegetation's soil organic carbon content was much higher than monoculture plantations and home gardens. The study also estimated the soil deterioration index of each land use compared with the natural vegetation and barren land. The results of the study suggested that land use has a great influence on soil quality and carbon stock potential. Proper management of these Tof systems can enhance their productivity and contribute accountable support towards mitigating climate change.