bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Fabrication of an Enhanced Thermoresponsive PEG/Carbon Nanotube Microvalve for Efficient Flow Control in Microchannels
Authors: Samadi Mitra , Rahbar Shahrouzi Javad , Mohammadamini Fatemeh , Towfighi Farshid 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMicrovalves are essential in microfluidic systems, as they regulate fluid flow direction and enable critical operational functions. This study focuses on designing and fabricating a phase change polymeric microvalve utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) combined with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to improve the response time. A microchip made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) features a microchannel with a cross‐sectional area of 100 × 200 µm2 where water is injected at flow rates between 10 and 100 mL min−1. In addition, effective thermal regulation is attained by implementing a nickel–chromium wire plate heater, which is meticulously controlled by a sensor to guarantee precise temperature management. The results indicate that the fabricated microvalve exhibits remarkable operational limits, withstanding a maximum tolerable pressure of 182 mmHg in the closed state. It consistently achieves an average response time of ≈170 s under various temperature conditions, underscoring its efficiency and reliability for demanding applications. Notably, the incorporation of 0.1 wt.% MWCNTs in PEG successfully reduce the response time from 180 to 130 s at an operating temperature of 60 °C, demonstrating significant potential for developing faster actuators.
Constructing SiAPP‐NH2@MOFs Core‐Shell Structure Toward Hierarchical Composites With Excellent Flame Retardancy, Smoke Suppression, and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Shi Yongqian , Han Junqiang , Yao Ansheng , Liu Miao , Wang Bibo , Zhang Cancan , Zou Hongfei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDesigning multifunctional composites with high flame retardancy and excellent electromagnetic shielding performance is of significant importance. In order to address the poor flame retardant and electromagnetic shielding performances of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites, in this work, the γ‐propyl‐trimethoxysilane (KH550) functionalized silicon microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (SiAPP‐NH2) was synthesized using interface modulation technology. Then, SiAPP‐NH2 was combined with a copper metal–organic framework (MOF‐Cu) through microencapsulation and electrostatic self‐assembly techniques to prepare microencapsulated flame retardants (SiAPP‐NH2@MOF‐Cu). Subsequently, TPU composites were prepared through melt blending of SiAPP‐NH2@MOF‐Cu with TPU material. The results showed that the interface interaction between SiAPP‐NH2@MOF‐Cu and the TPU matrix was significantly enhanced. Compared to pure TPU, TPU/5SAN@1MC composite exhibited decreases of 78.7%, 51.3%, 59.3%, and 58.7% in peak heat release rate, total heat release, total smoke release, and total carbon dioxide release, respectively. In addition, TPU/1SAN@1MC/rGO composite achieved an average shielding effectiveness of 13.82 dB in the X‐band, enabling its broad commercial application. This study offers a promising strategy for the fabrication of TPU composites with good flame retardant and electromagnetic shielding properties.
Investigation of absorption, metabolism, and excretion of [14C]pruxelutamide (GT0918), an androgen receptor antagonist in humans
Authors: Zheng Yuan‐dong , Ma Sheng , Yuan Ya‐li , Zhang Hua , Yang Ying , Ye Feng‐zhi , Wang Mei‐yu , Chen Jie , Tong You‐zhi , Hu Tao , He Yi‐fei , Zhang Yi‐fan , Zhong Da‐fang , Miao Li‐yan , Diao Xing‐xing 
Published: February 2025

AimsThe primary objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics, mass balance and biotransformation of [14C]GT0918 in humans after the drug was administered to healthy Chinese male subjects.MethodsThe absorption, metabolism, and excretion (AME) of GT0918 was characterized via isotope labelling technology in six healthy Chinese male subjects after receiving a single 200 mg oral dose of [14C]GT0918 (80 μCi), and the phenotype, together with the metabolic mechanism of GT0918, was confirmed in vitro.ResultsThe medium Tmax of total radioactivity was 6.00 h (4.00–8.00 h) post‐dose, and the mean Cmax was 10.5 μg eq./mL (8.7–12.3 μg eq./mL) in plasma. Drug‐related components in the plasma were eliminated slowly, with a mean t1/2 of 67.7 h (54.4–90.7 h), and the radioactivity of the plasma samples from some subjects was above the below the quantization limit (BQL) until 17 days post‐dose. After 19 days of dosing, the mean cumulative excreted radioactivity was 82.81% (79.07–86.07%) of the dose, including 29.47% (26.71–32.02%) in urine and 53.34% (52.01–55.62%) in faeces, indicating that the drug‐related components of GT0918 were mainly excreted by faeces. Metabolite profiling revealed that the parent drug was detected in plasma, as well as in faeces and not in urine. In plasma, the most abundant metabolite was GT0955, a mono‐oxidative metabolite of GT0918; in urine, the primary metabolite was GT0795, a metabolite of oxazole ring‐opening followed by N‐dealkylation; in faeces, the two main metabolites were M551 and the glucuronidation of GT0955. The majority of the metabolites were formed via an important aldehyde intermediate derived from the oxazole ring‐opening, and the intermediate was trapped by methoxyamine hydrochloride in the in‐vitro study. CYP3A4 is the main enzyme involved in the metabolism of GT0918.ConclusionsOverall, all the dosed subjects completed the study, and GT0918 was found to be safe, with no grade II or above adverse events reported. A total dose of 82.81% was quantified in the urine (29.47%) and faeces (53.34%) of healthy adult male subjects after a single oral administration of 200 mg (80 μCi) GT0918 ([14C]GT0918). The metabolism of GT0918 is catalysed predominantly by CYP3A4, and an uncommon pathway of oxazole ring‐opening to an aldehyde intermediate has also been proposed.
Green Supply Chain Management to Spur Economic, Social, and Environmental Performance: Novel Insight From Latin American Countries
Authors: Morán Pablo David Tapia , Fan Mingyue , Sampene Agyemang Kwasi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTGreen supply chain management, or GSCM, has become an indispensable plan for advancing sustainable development worldwide. It can simultaneously enhance social, economic, and environmental outcomes. This study aims to investigate the impact of GSCM on key performance measures in Latin American economies and assess its implications for sustainable growth from 2000 to 2020. The analysis utilizes the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) to estimate the long‐term nexus among the understudied series. Findings indicate that GSCM positively influences economic performance indicators like GDP, trade openness, and employment growth. Socially, GSCM is associated with enhanced human capital and is inversely related to water and air pollution deaths. Environmentally, it significantly reduces PM2.5 levels, carbon emissions, and fuel consumption. Causality analysis reveals a unidirectional influence of employment growth, human capital, and PM2.5 on GSCM and a bidirectional relationship between trade openness, carbon emissions, and pollution‐related deaths with GSCM. The study underscores the necessity for policies integrating GSCM to spur economic growth and improve public health and environmental quality across Latin American nations.
Corporate Governance and ESG Controversies: Navigating Risk‐Taking in Banks
Authors: Del Sarto Nicola 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) controversies on bank risk, focusing on the moderating role of corporate governance. Using a dynamic panel dataset of 88 European banks from 2013 to 2020, we analyze two key risk measures: the Z‐score, indicating financial stability, and risk‐weighted assets (RWAs), reflecting risk exposure. The findings reveal that banks facing ESG controversies are exposed to heightened risk, with corporate governance playing a crucial role in moderating these effects. Strong governance structures, characterized by board diversity and independence, are found to mitigate the financial risks associated with ESG controversies, whereas weak governance amplifies these risks. Our results contribute to the growing literature on ESG and bank risk by highlighting the complexities introduced by ESG controversies and the essential role of governance in managing these risks. These insights are relevant for both academics and practitioners seeking to enhance risk management frameworks in the banking sector.
Cocreating Value Through Open Circular Innovation Strategies: A Results‐Driven Work Plan and Future Research Avenues
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTFor the time being, there is limited research focused on open innovation approaches that promote the development and growth of stakeholder‐driven circular economy models. This article addresses this knowledge gap. Its objectives are threefold: Firstly, it describes key elements of open innovation and circular value cocreation. Secondly, it utilizes the findings from a comprehensive systematic review to identify opportunities and challenges related to the open circular innovation paradigm. Thirdly, it presents theoretical implications and an action plan, alongside future research avenues, that highlight the importance of engaging in collaborative behaviors with stakeholders. It emphasizes a cocreation culture that encourages the sharing of resources, competencies, and capabilities, while safeguarding the organizations' intellectual properties. Such practices aim to foster coupled innovation and support circular economy strategies like resource recovery, reverse logistics, and industrial symbiosis, among others. Unlike many other articles, this contribution clearly specifies that there is scope for practitioners to develop circular economy ecosystems that increase the practitioners' bottom lines, while reducing their environmental impacts.
The Dual Growth‐Value Transfer Nexus: Sustaining Corporate Performance Among Hidden Champions to Achieve Sustainable Growth
Authors: Hongbin Ying , Weiwen Chen , Cifuentes‐Faura Javier , Lijun Pang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe dual growth model is a significant characteristic of hidden champions and a key reason for their sustained competitive advantage. This work employs the dual growth model to develop a theoretical model of “dual growth model–value transfer–corporate performance.” The study results indicate that hidden champions employ a dual growth model that concurrently attains efficiency and product growth. It is found that these two factors significantly enhance the performance of the hidden champions. Moreover, the transfer of value acts as a mediating role in the expansion of products. That is the rise of efficiency and the performance of the hidden champions.
A novel deproteinization method from crude polysaccharides of Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus based on palygorskite‐chitosan composite aerogel sieving effect
Authors: Zhu Yong , Ma Jingrui , Li Xinhang , He Quanrun , Wu Bingmin , Cheng Juanjuan , Huang Song , Chen Jihang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDue to the delicious taste and remarkable bioactivities of Meretrix meretrix L., they have garnered attention in food field. However, the challenge arises when attempting to separate proteins from crude polysaccharides with similar polarity and solubility. This paper aimed to develop a novel deproteinization method from crude polysaccharides of Meretrix meretrix L. (CPM) based on palygorskite‐chitosan composite aerogel (Pal‐CS aerogel) sieving effect. We focused on the influence of aerogels' pore structure on the selective deproteinization of CPM. In comparison to palygorskite or chitosan, Pal‐CS aerogel exhibited a superior advantage in selectively deproteinization due to its unique pore structure. Furthermore, under the concentration conditions of 2% Pal and 0.8% CS, the deproteinization rate (Dr%), polysaccharide adsorption rate (Pr%) and selectivity coefficient (Kc) reached impressive values of 95.08 ± 1.47%, 3.29 ± 0.14% and 28.95 ± 0.82, respectively. The findings from pore size analysis revealed that an appropriate size ranging from 0.1 μm to 3.0 μm significantly contributed to the selectively deproteinization based on the sieving effect. The adsorption mechanism study further highlighted that hydrogen bonding predominantly dominated the interfacial interaction between aerogel and proteins. In conclusion, this work provided a new perspective for the study on deproteinization of food polysaccharides.
Fractional Order PID Controller Based‐Neural Network Algorithm for LFC in Multi‐Area Power Systems
Authors: El‐Rifaie Ali M. , Abid Slim , Ginidi Ahmed R. , Shaheen Abdullah M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTModern power systems are increasingly challenged by frequency stability issues due to dynamic load variations and the growing complexity of interconnected networks. Traditional PID controllers, while widely utilized, struggle to address the rapid fluctuations and uncertainties inherent in contemporary multi‐area interconnected power systems (MAIPS). This paper introduces an innovative approach to Load Frequency Control (LFC) using a Fractional‐Order PID (FOPID) controller, optimized by a Neural Network Algorithm (NNA). The proposed NNA‐FOPID framework leverages the biological principles of neural networks to dynamically tune controller parameters, significantly enhancing system performance. The solution is tested under various scenarios involving step load changes across multi‐area systems. The proposed method demonstrates marked improvements over traditional PID controllers and advanced optimization techniques such as Differential Evolution (DE) and Artificial Rabbits Algorithm (ARA). The comparisons show that the FOPID controller's NNA‐based design effectively and successfully handles LFC in MAIPSs for ITAE minimizations, and statistical evaluation supports its superiority.
Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Solanum torvum (Sw.) (Turkey Berry) From the Bono and Ahafo Regions: Nutritional Potential and Toxicological Risks
Authors: Golly Moses K. , Amponsah Afia S. , Asei Rechiatu , Doku Emmanuel T. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHeavy metal contamination of agricultural soils and subsequent bioaccumulation in food crops poses significant public health concerns, particularly in mining regions. This study investigated heavy metal concentrations in turkey berry (Solanum torvum) fruits and associated soils from three locations in Ghana's mining belt, evaluated soil contamination indices, and assessed potential health risks from fruit consumption. Fruit and soil samples were collected from farms in Kenyasi (mining area), Sunyani, and Berekum. Samples were acid‐digested and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cd, and Ni using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed elevated metal concentrations in fruits, particularly from mining‐proximate farms, with Fe (106.27 ± 2.05–218.63 ± 4.05 mg/kg), Zn (32.78 ± 2.20–68.24 ± 2.40 mg/kg), and Cd (0.58 ± 0.10–2.93 ± 0.31 mg/kg) exceeding recommended dietary intake levels. Bioconcentration factors indicated significant accumulation of Zn, Cd, and Ni in fruits, especially in mining‐impacted zones. The pollution load index suggested anthropogenic enrichment of soil metals linked to mining activities. These findings highlight the need for soil remediation in mining‐affected areas and moderation of turkey berry consumption to minimize potential health risks. This study provides crucial data for food safety monitoring and environmental management in mining‐impacted agricultural zones.
Study on the Effects of National Volume‐Based Procurement of Chemical Drugs on Chinese Patent Medicines: Lipid‐Lowering Drugs as an Example
Authors: Yang Zhao , Han Xiao , Liang Pei , Zhao Xiaoting , Zhu Qiyun , Ye Hui , Yang Chao , Jiang Bin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aims to explore the impact of national volume‐based procurement (NVBP) on Chinese patent medicines and provide evidence for improving policies and promoting rational drug use.MethodsThe study was based on data from the China National Health Insurance Agency that spanned January 2019 to December 2020. Descriptive analysis was conducted using volume and expenditure as variables. Interrupted time series analysis was applied to further analyze Chinese patent medicines.ResultsThe unit prices of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin decreased by 25%–96%, whereas the prices of Zhibitai and Xuezhikang fluctuated slightly. The affordability is measured as the monthly expenditure on treatment divided by the daily wage. After policy implementation, the affordability of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin improved from 0.242 to 0.014 and from 0.247 to 0.019, respectively. The defined daily doses (DDDs) for atorvastatin and rosuvastatin also increased, whereas total expenditures decreased in hospitals of all levels. Both at the national level and at all levels of hospital, the policy had no significant impact on expenditures for Zhibitai and Xuezhikang and their defined daily doses.ConclusionsThe NVBP saved costs in the short term by incorporating high‐quality, widely used lipid‐lowering drugs. Notably, the policy impacted lipid‐lowering chemical drugs, whereas Chinese patent medicines remained largely unaffected. Doctors' use of Chinese patent medicines did not decline, highlighting the clinical specificity of these medicines.
Impact of Tobacco‐21 Laws on Maternal Smoking Behavior
Authors: Bersak Tim , Lavender Makayla , Sonchak‐Ardan Lyudmyla 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study employs a logit difference‐in‐differences model to estimate the extent to which raising the tobacco purchasing age to 21 (T‐21) reduced the prevalence of smoking among mothers aged 18–20 both before and during their pregnancies. Using United States Vital Statistics data from 2012 to 2019, we estimate that counties which adopted T‐21, whether individually or as part of a state‐level policy, experienced small but statistically significant decreases in maternal smoking prior to and during their pregnancies. Our estimates also suggest that the decline in smoking during pregnancy is driven by fewer women smoking prior to pregnancy rather than increased quit rates during pregnancy. Finally, our estimation strategy also allows us to focus on the expansions in New York City and California, which are the locations with the largest number of impacted births in our sample. We estimate T‐21 decreased maternal smoking both prior to and during pregnancy in California by up to 14% from baseline. Other studies which examined T‐21 on a broader set of young adults have found larger reductions in smoking rates, suggesting that the subpopulation of young mothers who choose to smoke may be relatively less responsive to policies that raise the minimum purchase age of tobacco products.
Enhancement of gut barrier integrity by a Bacillus subtilis secreted metabolite through the GADD45A‐Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Cai Peiran , You Wenjing , Yang Mingshun , Tu Yuang , Zhou Yanbing , Valencak Teresa G. , Xiao Yingping , Wang Yizhen , Shan Tizhong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a significant challenge to global health, characterized by intestinal inflammation, impaired barrier function, and dysbiosis, with limited therapeutic options. In this study, we isolated a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and observed promising effects in protecting against disruption of the gut barrier. Our findings indicate that the enhancement of intestinal barrier function is primarily attributed to its metabolites. We identified a novel metabolite, 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methylpentanoic acid (HMP), derived from B. subtilis, that significantly improved intestinal barrier function. We also show that growth arrest and DNA damage 45A (GADD45A) is a key regulator of mucosal barrier integrity, which is activated by HMP and subsequently activates the downstream Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Our findings potentially contribute to the development of probiotics‐derived metabolites or targeted “postbiotics” as novel therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of IBD and other diseases associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction.
Detection of QTL associated with morphological, adaptive, and reproductive traits in common bermudagrass
Authors: Yu Shuhao , Wu Yanqi , Fang Tilin , Xiang Mingying , Fontanier Charles H. , Moss Justin Q. , Martin Dennis L. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCommon bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is an important turfgrass in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates worldwide. However, molecular information associated with adaptive and morphological traits in this species is limited. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to identify genomic regions associated with establishment rate, spring green‐up, drought response, leaf length and width, and stem internode length and width. We used an existing high‐density linkage map constructed with 3322 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 222 simple sequence repeat markers for “A12359” common bermudagrass. A total of 130 first‐generation selfed progeny of A12359 were evaluated in a field trial using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Thirty‐two QTL were identified as associated with the target traits. We identified 29 candidate genes from consistent and pleiotropic QTL regions. These results provide important genetic resources toward understanding the molecular information associated with the target traits as well as provide a foundation for marker‐assisted selection in bermudagrass breeding.
Investigation of plant protein products on turfgrass putting greens quality, playability, and establishment
Authors: Lindsey Alex J. , Thoms Adam W. , Hatten Chad , Perry Rachel 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWith an increasing concern over negative environmental impacts of synthetic fertilizer usage and production, the turfgrass industry is investigating new fertilizer sources. Plant protein products could be used as an alternative and sustainable fertilizer source in formulations; thus, research is needed to determine their effect on turfgrass systems. Replicated field studies were conducted at the University of Florida and Iowa State University to determine if plant protein products could be utilized as a turfgrass fertilizer source on established and new putting greens. Treatments included soluble corn protein (SCP) 1, SCP 2, soluble potato protein (SPP), biofertilizer, synthetic, and non‐fertilized control. Treatments were applied every 14 days throughout the growing season at 6.1 kg N ha−1 on established putting greens and 9.8 kg N ha−1 on new putting greens. On established putting greens, minimal differences were observed with plant protein products compared to the non‐fertilized, biofertilizer, and synthetic fertilizer in terms of turfgrass quality and playability. SCP 1 and SPP resulted in 6%–8% greater normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) compared to the non‐fertilized, and SCP 1 increased NDVI by 6% relative to synthetic fertilizer. Overall, on new putting greens, all treatments resulted in 7%–13% greater percent green cover compared to the non‐fertilized. In conclusion, it appears that plant protein products have the potential to be utilized as a turfgrass fertilizer source, but the specific plant proteins and formulations may have an impact on the turfgrass response.