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1,000 | Is negativity bias intuitive for liberals and conservatives? | Previous research suggests that conservatives (right-wingers) tend to show more negativity bias than liberals (left-wingers) in several tasks. However, the majority of these studies are based on correlational findings and do not provide information on the cognitive underpinnings of this tendency. The current research investigated whether intuition promotes negativity bias and mitigates the ideological asymmetry in this domain in three underrepresented, non-western samples (Turkey). In line with the previous literature, we defined negativity bias as the tendency to interpret ambiguous faces as threatening. The results of the lab experiment revealed that negativity bias increases under high-cognitive load overall. In addition, this effect was moderated by the participants' political orientation (Experiment 1). In other words, when their cognitive resources were depleted, liberals became more like conservatives in terms of negativity bias. However, we failed to conceptually replicate this effect using time-limit manipulations in two online preregistered experiments during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the baseline negativity bias is thought to be already at peak. Thus, the findings provide no strong evidence for the idea that intuition promotes negativity bias and that liberals use cognitive effort to avoid this perceptual bias. |
1,001 | Role of mesonephric contribution to mouse testicular development revisited | The role of the mesonephros in testicular development was re-evaluated by growing embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) mouse testes devoid of mesonephros for 8-21 days in vivo under the renal capsule of castrated male athymic nude mice. This method provides improved growth conditions relative to previous studies based upon short-term (4-7 days) organ culture. Meticulous controls involved wholemount examination of dissected E11.5 mouse testes as well as serial sections of dissected E11.5 mouse testes which were indeed shown to be devoid of mesonephros. As expected, grafts of E11.5 mouse testes with mesonephros attached formed seminiferous tubules and also contained mesonephric derivatives. Grafts of E11.5 mouse testes without associated mesonephros also formed seminiferous tubules and never contained mesonephric derivatives. The consistent absence of mesonephric derivatives in grafts of E11.5 mouse testes grafted alone is further proof of the complete removal of the mesonephros from the E11.5 mouse testes. The testicular tissues that developed in grafts of E11.5 mouse testes alone contained canalized seminiferous tubules composed of Sox9-positive Sertoli cells as well as GENA-positive germ cells. The seminiferous tubules were surrounded by α-actin-positive myoid cells, and the interstitial space contained 3βHSD-1-positive Leydig cells. Grafts of E11.5 GFP mouse testes into wild-type hosts developed GFP-positive vasculature indicating that E11.5 mouse testes contain vascular precursors. These results indicate that the E11.5 mouse testis contains precursor cells for Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, myoid cells and vasculature whose development and differentiation are independent of cells migrating from the E11.5 mesonephros. |
1,002 | The financial development-environmental degradation nexus in the United Arab Emirates: the importance of growth, globalization and structural breaks | This article revisits the nexus between financial development and environmental degradation by incorporating economic growth, electricity consumption and economic globalization in the CO2 emissions function for the period 1975Q(I)-2014Q(IV) in the United Arab Emirates. We apply structural break and cointegration tests to examine unit root and cointegration between the variables. Further, the article also uses the Toda-Yamamoto causality test to investigate the causal relationship between the variables and tests the linkages of the robustness of causality by following the innovative accounting approach. Our empirical analysis shows cointegration between the series. Financial development increases CO2 emissions. Economic growth is positively linked with environmental degradation. Electricity consumption improves environmental quality. Economic globalization affects CO2 emissions negatively. The relationship between financial development and CO2 emissions is U-shaped and inverted N-shaped. Further, financial development leads to environmental degradation, and environmental degradation in turn leads to financial development in the Granger sense. |
1,003 | Classifier Fusion for Detection of COVID-19 from CT Scans | The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 is found to be the most infectious disease in last few decades. This disease has infected millions of people worldwide. The inadequate availability and the limited sensitivity of the testing kits have motivated the clinicians and the scientist to use Computer Tomography (CT) scans to screen COVID-19. Recent advances in technology and the availability of deep learning approaches have proved to be very promising in detecting COVID-19 with increased accuracy. However, deep learning approaches require a huge labeled training dataset, and the current availability of benchmark COVID-19 data is still small. For the limited training data scenario, the CNN usually overfits after several iterations. Hence, in this work, we have investigated different pre-trained network architectures with transfer learning for COVID-19 detection that can work even on a small medical imaging dataset. Various variants of the pre-trained ResNet model, namely ResNet18, ResNet50, and ResNet101, are investigated in the current paper for the detection of COVID-19. The experimental results reveal that transfer learned ResNet50 model outperformed other models by achieving a recall of 98.80% and an F1-score of 98.41%. To further improvise the results, the activations from different layers of best performing model are also explored for the detection using the support vector machine, logistic regression and K-nearest neighbor classifiers. Moreover, a classifier fusion strategy is also proposed that fuses the predictions from the different classifiers via majority voting. Experimental results reveal that via using learned image features and classification fusion strategy, the recall, and F1-score have improvised to 99.20% and 99.40%. |
1,004 | Combined multi-objective optimization and robustness analysis framework for building integrated energy system under uncertainty | The optimal design of building integrated energy system is sensitive to the variation of uncertain parameters. For addressing the tradeoff of uncertainty and optimality-robustness, this study proposes a combined multi-objective optimization and robustness analysis framework for optimal design of building integrated energy system. The proposed framework includes two parts. In the optimization part, on the basis of scenario generation for capturing the uncertainties of renewable energy sources and energy demands, two-stage multi-objective stochastic mixed-integer nonlinear programming is conducted to optimize the system's economic and environmental objectives. Two decision-making methods are introduced to identify the final optimum solution from the obtained Pareto frontier. In the robustness-analysis part, a combined Monte Carlo simulation and optimization method is implemented to verify the robustness of the optimal solutions. The two parts of the framework are integrated to investigate the case of a hotel in Beijing, China. The results indicate that compared with the stochastic model, the deterministic model underestimates the annual total cost. Achieving economic and environmental optimum is conflicting and needs a trade-off through decision making. Moreover, in the robustness analysis, an acceptable robustness value is identified, considering both the selected objectives and the operation constraints' probability of failure. The Shannon-entropy-based final optimum solution exhibits the best comprehensive performance, with an annual total cost of $695 x 10(3)/year, an annual carbon emissions of 2100 tons/year, and an 8.81% probability of failure. |
1,005 | Designing hydro-energy led economic growth for pollution abatement: evidence from BRICS | Overutilized hydro-energy production through non-sustainable mode is detrimental for both the economy and the environment. Intermittent consumption of hydro-energy from non-sustainable production methods may induce deleterious impacts in terms of rapid pollution in the economy. This paper investigates the impacts of hydro-power consumption upon pollution for 5 BRICS countries from 1965 to 2019. Our balanced panel model shows that infrequent usages of hydro-power consumption led to more pollution over the year. This relation is also further explained by considering several macroeconomic factors, in the context of the growth scenario. Our empirical findings show that an increase in population and consequent rise in per capita income have exhibited positive impacts on pollution. Even, improved industrialized led production and investment in these economies contribute heavily towards pollution and declined environmental standards. Our results further state that intermittent usages of natural resources by population in terms of rising ecological footprint have resulted in higher emission intensity over the year. These findings underscore how rising hydro-power energy consumption has led to the rising pollution amidst the growth scenario in BRICS economies. |
1,006 | Two-stage stochastic framework for energy hubs planning considering demand response programs | The integrated use of electricity and natural gas has captured great attention over recent years, mainly due to the high efficiency and economic considerations. According to the energy hub design and operation, which allows using different energy carriers, it has turned into a critical topic. This paper develops a two-stage stochastic model for energy hub planning and operation. The uncertainties of the problem have arisen from the electric, heating, and cooling load demand forecasts, besides the intermittent output of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The scenarios of the uncertain parameters are generated using the Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS), and the backward scenario reduction technique is used to alleviate the number of generated scenarios. Furthermore, this paper investigates the effectiveness of demand response programs (DRPs). The presented model includes two stages, where at the first stage, the optimal energy hub design is carried out utilizing the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. In this respect, the capacity of the candidate assets has been considered continuous, enabling the planning entity to precisely design the energy hub. The problem of the optimal energy hub operation is introduced at the second stage of the model formulated as mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP). The proposed framework is simulated using a typical energy hub to verify its effectiveness and efficiency. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,007 | Growth Parameters and Diffusion Barriers for Functional High-Voltage Thin-Film Batteries Based on Spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathodes | Cobalt-free spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is one of the most promising and environmentally friendly cathodes, based on its high specific theoretical capacity (147 mAh·g-1) and high electrochemical potential (4.7 V vs Li+/Li), as well as good electronic and Li-ion conductivities. In this work, we present the fabrication of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 thin-film cathodes deposited by the industrially scalable AC magnetron sputtering technique on functional and cost-effective stainless steel current collectors. This is the first step toward battery downscaling, envisioning the fabrication of compact microbatteries for low-power energy supply. The thin-film strategy is crucial also for solid electrolyte fabrication that will allow the integration of high-energy-density batteries while overcoming most of the current battery challenges. In this work, the effect of film thickness on the material's electrochemical performance is discussed, correlating the observed structural and morphological evolution with the final electrochemical response. Moreover, the effect of iron diffusion from the current collector substrate into the cathode film is analyzed. The addition of a stable CrN barrier layer in between the substrate and the film is proposed to prevent Fe diffusion, with a direct positive influence on the electrochemical behavior. All in all, the obtained results will facilitate the practical implementation of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 thin films as high-voltage cathodes in functional cost-effective microbatteries. |
1,008 | Effect of the position of the interphalangeal joint on movements of the trapeziometacarpal joint during thumb opposition | The Kapandji test is a simple method to score thumb opposition; however, the position of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb during this test has not been described. We aimed to quantitatively examine the effect of the thumb interphalangeal joint position on movements of the trapeziometacarpal joint during thumb opposition using the Kapandji test. The Kapandji test was carried out in 20 healthy participants during thumb interphalangeal joint extension and flexion. Movements of the joints and the activity of thenar muscles were recorded using motion capture and electromyography, respectively. We found that interphalangeal joint extension increased the trapeziometacarpal joint movement and thenar muscle activity compared with interphalangeal joint flexion, which contributed to thumb opposition at Kapandji Positions 0-6. These findings suggest the position of the thumb interphalangeal joint affects the trapeziometacarpal joint during thumb opposition, and assessment of thumb opposition using the Kapandji test is best done with the thumb interphalangeal joint in extension. |
1,009 | Endometrial hyperplasia as a risk factor of endometrial cancer | Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is the precursor lesion for endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (EC), which represents the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract in industrialized countries. The most important risk factor for the development of EH is chronic exposure to unopposed estrogen. Histopathologically, EH can be classified into EH without atypia (benign EH) and atypical EH/endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN). Clinical management ranges from surveillance or progestin therapy through to hysterectomy, depending on the risk of progression to or concomitant EC and the patient´s desire to preserve fertility. Multiple studies support the efficacy of progestins in treating both benign and atypical EH. This review summarizes the evidence base regarding risk factors and management of EH. Additionally, we performed a systematic literature search of the databases PubMed and Cochrane Controlled Trials register for studies analyzing the efficacy of progestin treatment in women with EH. |
1,010 | Wind power prediction using a novel model on wavelet decomposition-support vector machines-improved atomic search algorithm | Wind power output is highly volatile and intermittent owing to the characteristics of wind energy. Large-scale wind power integration affects the stability of entire power system. Accurate wind power prediction facilitates to utilize wind energy, improve power supply quality and maintain stable operation of power grid. A hybrid prediction model combining wavelet decomposition, support vector machine and improved atom search algorithm is proposed to predict wind power output. Dynamic sinusoidal wave adaptive weight is introduced to improve the position update equation, and crossover and mutation operations are added to the end of each iteration to improve the search ability of atomic search algorithm. In the prediction process, the original wind power data is processed by wavelet decomposition and the non-stationary signal is decomposed into several detail sequences of different frequencies and approximate sequence to extract important wind power features to reduce the prediction error caused by data fluctuation. Prediction results of actual wind farm data prove the proposed model has prominent advantages in predicting performance. Three evaluation indexes of mean absolute error, mean absolute percent error and root mean square error decreased by at least 1.14%, 2.60% and 1.52%. The proposed method is conductive to reduce wind curtailment and improve the economic benefit of wind farm. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,011 | Exploring the Relationship between Urbanization and Ecological Environment Using Remote Sensing Images and Statistical Data: A Case Study in the Yangtze River Delta, China | With the rapid urban development in China, urbanization has brought more and more pressure on the ecological environment. As one of the most dynamic, open, and innovative regions in China, the eco-environmental issues in the Yangtze River Delta have attracted much attention. This paper takes the central region of the Yangtze River Delta as the research object, through building the index system of urbanization and ecological environment based on statistical data and two new indicators (fraction of vegetation coverage and surface urban heat island intensity) extracted from remote sensing images, uses the Entropy-TOPSIS method to complete the comprehensive assessment, and then analyzes the coupling coordination degree between the urbanization and ecological environment and main obstacle factors. The results showed that the coupling coordination degree in the study region generally shows an upward trend from 0.604 in 2008 to 0.753 in 2017, generally changing from an imbalanced state towards a basically balanced state. However, regional imbalance of urbanization and ecological environment always exists, which is mainly affected by social urbanization, economic urbanization, landscape urbanization, pollution loading and resource consumption. Finally, on the basis of the obstacle factor analysis, some specific suggestions for promoting the coordinated development of the Yangtze River Delta are put forward. |
1,012 | Selective and efficient adsorption of Au (III) in aqueous solution by Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): An unconventional way for gold recycling | Recycling precious metals from secondary resources is of great environmental and economic significance. In this study, the Zr-based MOFs UiO-66-NH2 was synthesized and used to adsorb Au (III) in aqueous solution. The ultrafine particle size (similar to 50 nm), excellent crystallinity and huge specific surface area (1039.2 m(2).g(-1)) were verified by transmission electron microscope (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and surface area analysis. About 50 % Au (III) was adsorbed within 6 min and the maximum adsorption capacity at 298 K reached up to 650 mg.g(-1), showing superiority to traditional adsorbents. The general order kinetics model and Liu equation were suitable to describe the adsorption process, which was spontaneous, endothermic and driven by the increasing system entropy. Electrostatic attraction between -NH3+ and Au (III) anions and inner complexation to Zr-OH played a vital role in adsorption. Au (III) was reduced to Au degrees by amino groups via redox reaction certified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), PXRD and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. Moreover, UiO-66-NH2 displayed high selectivity, robust stability and excellent reusability, making it an ideal candidate for gold recycling in industrial practice. |
1,013 | Application of three prediction models in pesticide poisoning | To establish a reasonable prediction model of pesticide poisoning and predict the future trend of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the basis for rational allocation of public health resources and formulation of prevention and control strategies, the number of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu province from 2006 to 2020 was collected. Grey model (GM(1,1)) model, autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) model and exponential smoothing model were used for prediction and comparative analysis. Finally, the model with the best fitting effect was selected. The average relative errors of ARIMA(0,1,1)(0,1,0)12 model, Holt-Winters multiplicative model and GM(1,1) were 0.096, 0.058 and 0.274 separately. The fitting effect of GM model is the worst, while the fitting effect of ARIMA(0,1,1) (0,1,0)12 model and Holt-Winters multiplication model is relatively good, which can be basically used for prediction. Holt-Winters multiplicative model has the best fitting effect and the highest accuracy in predicting the number of pesticide poisoning. The numbers of pesticide poisonings in the next 3 years are 454, 410 and 368, with a total of 1232, according to the Holt-Winters multiplicative model. Through the prediction of the number of pesticide poisoning in the next 3 years, this paper also provides a basis for the formulation of pesticide-related policies in the future. |
1,014 | Regional Anesthesia for Lumbar Spine Surgery: Can It Be a Standard in the Future? | This paper is an overview of various features of regional anesthesia (RA) and aims to introduce spine surgeons unfamiliar with RA. RA is commonly used for procedures that involve the lower extremities, perineum, pelvic girdle, or lower abdomen. However, general anesthesia (GA) is preferred and most commonly used for lumbar spine surgery. Spinal anesthesia (SA) and epidural anesthesia (EA) are the most commonly used RA methods, and a combined method of SA and EA (CSE). Compared to GA, RA offers numerous benefits including reduced intraoperative blood loss, arterial and venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, perioperative cardiac ischemic incidents, renal failure, hypoxic episodes in the postanesthetic care unit, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and decreased incidence of cognitive dysfunction. In spine surgery, RA is associated with lower pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, positioning injuries, shorter anesthesia time, and higher patient satisfaction. Currently, RA is mostly used in short lumbar spine surgeries. However, recent findings illustrate the possibility of applying RA in spinal tumors and spinal fusion. Various researches reveal that SA is an effective alternative to GA with lower minor complications incidence. Comprehensive insight on RA will promote spine surgery under RA, thereby broadening the horizon of spine surgery under RA. |
1,015 | Climate change impacts on farmland value in Bangladesh | Many studies have examined the effects of climate change on farmland value in developed countries, but our understanding of the impact of climate change on farmland value is still very limited, especially in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of climate change on farmland value in Bangladesh using the Ricardian model. Household-level data collected from seven selected agroecological zones in Bangladesh were used to estimate the relationships among farmland value and long-term climate, farm household, and policy variables. The results showed that the current land values of farmers are sensitive to climate. A new variable called "flooding" was added to the Ricardian model, and the results indicated that floods are responsible for reductions in farmland value, especially in lowland areas. Among the socio-economic variables, the availability of extension services and access to irrigation facilities were positively correlated with farmland value. The estimated marginal impact results suggested that increases in temperature were associated with losses in small farmland value, whereas the precipitation levels in both seasons positively influenced farmland value. Selected global climate models predicted that climate change would have a negative impact on land value depending on the climate model and source of farm income. The empirical findings obtained from this study are expected to contribute to the formulation of sustainable adaptation strategies to maintain farm productivity and farmland value in Bangladesh in the context of climate change. |
1,016 | Multiscale modelling of Potts shunt as a potential palliative treatment for suprasystemic idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension: a paediatric case study | Potts shunt (PS) was suggested as palliation for patients with suprasystemic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right ventricular (RV) failure. PS, however, can result in poorly understood mortality. Here, a patient-specific geometrical multiscale model of PAH physiology and PS is developed for a paediatric PAH patient with stent-based PS. In the model, 7.6mm-diameter PS produces near-equalisation of the aortic and PA pressures and [Formula: see text] (oxygenated vs deoxygenated blood flow) ratio of 0.72 associated with a 16% decrease of left ventricular (LV) output and 18% increase of RV output. The flow from LV to aortic arch branches increases by 16%, while LV contribution to the lower body flow decreases by 29%. Total flow in the descending aorta (DAo) increases by 18% due to RV contribution through the PS with flow into the distal PA branches decreasing. PS induces 18% increase of RV work due to its larger stroke volume pumped against lower afterload. Nonetheless, larger RV work does not lead to increased RV end-diastolic volume. Three-dimensional flow assessment demonstrates the PS jet impinging with a high velocity and wall shear stress on the opposite DAo wall with the most of the shunt flow being diverted to the DAo. Increasing the PS diameter from 5mm up to 10mm results in a nearly linear increase in post-operative shunt flow and a nearly linear decrease in shunt pressure-drop. In conclusion, this model reasonably represents patient-specific haemodynamics pre- and post-creation of the PS, providing insights into physiology of this complex condition, and presents a predictive tool that could be useful for clinical decision-making regarding suitability for PS in PAH patients with drug-resistant suprasystemic PAH. |
1,017 | Photochemistry and photophysics of cholesta-5,7,9(11)-trien-3β-ol: a fluorescent analogue of cholesterol | Cholesta-5,7,9(11)-trien-3β-ol (9,11-dehydroprovitamin D3, CTL) is used as a fluorescent probe to track the presence and migration of cholesterol in vivo. CTL is known to be photochemically active, but little consideration has been given to the formation efficiency and possible toxicity of its photoproducts. In degassed tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution, we isolated the photoproduct of CTL and of its 25-hydroxy derivative (HOCTL), and X-ray crystal structures were obtained for HOCTL and the photorearrangement product. The X-ray crystal structure and its 1H NMR spectrum confirm the product structure as a pentacyclic HOCTL isomer. In the presence of air in THF, endoperoxide formation via [2+4] addition of 1O2* across the B ring of CTL or HOCTL becomes the dominant photoreaction. The UV spectrum and decay kinetics of the triplet state of HOCTL, the precursor of 1O2*, are determined by transient absorption spectroscopy. We confirm the proposed structure of the endoperoxide by X-ray crystallography. Kinetics analysis of quantum yields provides rate constants for photophysical and photochemical events. |
1,018 | Eliciting positive emotion through strategic responses to COVID-19 crisis: Evidence from the tourism sector | While social media are effective means of communicating with adverse customer emotions during a crisis, it remains unclear how tourism organisations can respond to pandemic crisis on social media to prevent negative aftermaths. Using a set-theoretical approach, we investigate how COVID-19 response strategies and linguistic cues of responses are intertwined to evoke positive emotions among consumers. This study entails a qualitative content analysis of tourism organisations' COVID-19 announcements and a social media analytics approach that captures consumers' emotional reactions to these announcements via their Twitter replies. Our results extend some well-established findings in the tourism crisis literature by suggesting that combining innovative response strategy, argument quality, and assertive language can reinforce positive emotions during the COVID-19 crisis. Taking organisational characteristics into consideration, we suggest that young established hotels utilise innovative response strategies, whereas retrenchment response strategies for all types of restaurants should be avoided during the COVID-19 crisis. |
1,019 | Bioluminescence and ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by oral biofilm in ICU during COVID-19 -Is there a possible relationship? | Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has been claiming many lives in the intensive care unit (ICU) during COVID-19. Oral biofilm and bacterial contamination that can be passed on from the oral cavity to the lungs during endotracheal intubation has been found to be the main culprit. Bioluminescence-based assays are emerging as potential clinical diagnostics methods. Hence, we hypothesize that the bioluminescent imaging technique can be used in the ICU to determine the load of biofilm-associated with patients undergoing endotracheal intubation. Early detection of such infections and their management can effectively bring down mortality and influence the death rate in ICU caused due to VAP. Government agencies and policymakers should be made to take this issue of deaths in the ICU due to VAP more seriously and act judiciously to methods such as bioluminescence based on sound scientific evidence. |
1,020 | Performance and Failure Mechanism of Fire Barriers in Full-Scale Chair Mock-ups | The effectiveness and the failure mechanism of fire barriers in residential upholstered furniture were investigated by full-scale flaming tests on upholstered chair mock-ups. Six commercial fire barriers were tested in this study. Fire barriers were screened for (1) the presence of elements that are typically used in fire retardants and, (2) the presence of targeted fire retardants. For each fire barrier, triplicate flammability tests were run on chair mock-ups where polyurethane foam and polyester fiber fill were used as the padding materials, and each chair component was fully wrapped with the fire barrier of choice and a polypropylene cover fabric. The ignition source was an 18 kW square propane burner, impinging on the top surface of the seat cushion for 80 s. Results showed all six fire barriers reduced the peak heat release rate (as much as ≈ 64 %) and delayed its occurrence (up to ≈ 19 min) as compared to the control chair mock-ups. The heat release rate remained at a relatively low plateau level until liquid products (generated by either melting or pyrolysis of the padding material) percolated through the fire barrier at the bottom of the seat cushion and ignited, while the fire barrier was presumably intact. The flaming liquid products dripped and quickly formed a pool fire under the chair and the peak heat release rate occurred shortly thereafter. Ultimately, the ignition of the percolating liquid products at the bottom of the seat cushion was identified as the mechanism triggering the failure of the fire barrier. |
1,021 | Supply chain networks, wages, and labor productivity: insights from Lagrange. analysis and computations | The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically demonstrated the importance of labor to supply chain network activities from production to distribution with shortfalls in labor availability, for numerous reasons, resulting in product shortages and the reduction of profits of firms. Even as progress has been made through vaccinations, issues associated with labor are still arising. Increasing wages is a strategy to enhance labor productivity and, also to ameliorate, in part, labor shortages, but has not, until this work, been explored in a full supply chain network context. Specifically, in this paper, a game theory supply chain network model is constructed of firms competing in producing a substitutable, but differentiated, product, and seeking to determine their equilibrium product path flows, as well as hourly wages to pay their workers, under fixed labor amounts associated with links, and wage-responsive productivity factors. The theoretical and computational approach utilizes the theory of variational inequalities. We first introduce a model without wage bounds on links and then extend it to include wage bounds. Lagrange analysis is conducted for the latter model, which yields interesting insights, as well as an alternative variational inequality formulation. A series of numerical examples reveals that firms can gain in terms of profits by being willing to pay higher wages, resulting in benefits also for their workers, as well as consumers, who enjoy lower demand market prices for the products. However, sensitivity analysis should be conducted to determine the range of such wage bounds. Ultimately, we observed, that the profits may decrease and then stabilize. This work adds to the literature on the integration of concepts from economics and operations research for supply chain networks and also has policy implications. |
1,022 | SUMOylation regulates the number and size of promyelocytic leukemia-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) and arsenic perturbs SUMO dynamics on PML by insolubilizing PML in THP-1 cells | The functional roles of protein modification by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins are not well understood compared to ubiquitination. Promyelocytic leukemia (PML) proteins are good substrates for SUMOylation, and PML-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) may function as a platform for the PML SUMOylation. PML proteins are rapidly modified both with SUMO2/3 and SUMO1 after exposure to arsenite (As3+) and SUMOylated PML are further ubiquitinated and degraded by proteasomes. However, effects of As3+ on SUMO dynamics on PML-NBs are not well investigated. In the present study, we report that (1) the number and size of PML-NBs were regulated by SUMO E1-activating enzyme, (2) SUMO2/3 co-localized with PML irrespective of As3+ exposure and was restricted to PML-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) via covalent binding in response to As3+, and (3) As3+-induced biochemical changes in PML were not modulated by ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in THP-1 cells. Undifferentiated and differentiated THP-1 cells responded to As3+ similarly and PML proteins were changed from the detergent soluble to the insoluble form and further SUMOylated with SUMO2/3 and SUMO1. ML792, a SUMO E1 inhibitor, decreased the number of PML-NBs and reciprocally increased the size irrespective of exposure to As3+, which itself slightly decrease both the number and size of PML-NBs. TAK243, a ubiquitin E1 inhibitor, did not change the PML-NBs, while SUMOylated proteins accumulated in the TAK243-exposed cells. Proteasome inhibitors did not change the As3+-induced SUMOylation levels of PML. Co-localization and further restriction of SUMO2/3 to PML-NBs were confirmed by PML-transfected CHO-K1 cells. Collectively, SUMOylation regulates PML-NBs and As3+ restricts SUMO dynamics on PML by changing its solubility. |
1,023 | Advantages of nitrogen fertilizer deep placement in greenhouse gas emissions and net ecosystem economic benefits from no-tillage paddy fields | Unreasonable application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers gives rise to agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, causing increases in carbon footprint (CF). To solve such problems, scholars have proposed the practice of N deep placement (DPN), which has been proven to be an effective approach to enhance N use efficiency and reduce N loss. However, the effect of DPN on CF and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) from no-tillage (NT) rice fields remains largely unknown. In this work, a field experiment was conducted with a random complete block design to investigate the differences in soil CH4 and N2O emissions, agricultural GHG emissions, grain yield, CF, and NEEB from NT paddy fields between urea deep placement (UDP) and urea broadcasting (UBC) in central China. The CF for the entire rice production chain can be calculated as the ratio of total GHG emissions to grain yield using a life-cycle approach. The novelty of this study lies in the examination of the integrated effects of DPN on GHG emissions, grain yield, CF and NEEB from NT paddy fields. The agricultural GHG emissions varied from 1297.0 to 1420.8 kg CO2-eq ha(-1). Chemical fertilizers dominated the GHG emissions. UDP resulted in 96.8 kg CO2-eq ha(-1) more emissions than UBC due to more consumption of diesel by machinery operations. Compared with UBC, UDP significantly reduced soil CH4 emissions by 36-39% and N2O emissions by 29-31%. The mitigation of soil CH4 and N2O emissions under UDP decreased the total GHG emissions by 34% and CF by 46%. Soil CH4 emissions accounted for 83-88% of the total GHG emissions. The NEEB under UDP was 48% higher than that under UBC. In conclusion, DPN can increase grain yield, reduce CF, and enhance NEEB from NT rice fields, and may be an economic and cleaner approach for rice production. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,024 | The Nexus between Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth: A Comparative Analysis on Groups of Countries | Our paper examines the potential effect of different types of entrepreneurship (in particular, early-stage entrepreneurship, opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, and necessity-driven entrepreneurship) on economic growth at a national level and aims to identify whether the contribution of entrepreneurship to economic growth differs according to the stage of economic development of a country. Our empirical analysis is based on the panel data, which covers 17 years (2002-2018) and 22 European countries, classified into two groups. The results suggest that all three types of entrepreneurship have a greater impact on economic growth for the entire sample of European countries, and some types of entrepreneurship are more important than others. We find that opportunity-driven entrepreneurship and early-stage entrepreneurship would be key factors in stimulating economic growth across the sample of European countries. Our estimations also show that opportunity-driven entrepreneurship would have a greater impact in transition countries, while necessity-driven entrepreneurship would have a stronger influence in the innovation-driven countries. The results of our research could be of interest to policymakers, as it can help in identifying and implementing the most appropriate measures to eliminate the obstacles in the macroeconomic environment that entrepreneurs face, and measures to support innovative entrepreneurial activities. |
1,025 | Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Zephyranthes phycelloides ( Amaryllidaceae, tribe Hippeastreae) from Atacama region of Chile | Sporadic rains in the Atacama Desert reveal a high biodiversity of plant species that only occur there. One of these rare species is the "Red añañuca" (Zephyranthes phycelloides), formerly known as Rhodophiala phycelloides. Many species of Zephyranthes in the Atacama Desert are dangerously threatened, due to massive extraction of bulbs and cutting of flowers. Therefore, studies of the biodiversity of these endemic species, which are essential for their conservation, should be conducted sooner rather than later. There are some chloroplast genomes available for Amaryllidaceae species, however there is no complete chloroplast genome available for any of the species of Zephyranthes subgenus Myostemma. The aim of the present work was to characterize and analyze the chloroplast of Z. phycelloides by NGS sequencing. The chloroplast genome of the Z. phycelloides consists of 158,107 bp, with typical quadripartite structures: a large single copy (LSC, 86,129 bp), a small single copy (SSC, 18,352 bp), and two inverted repeats (IR, 26,813 bp). One hundred thirty-seven genes were identified: 87 coding genes, 8 rRNA, 38 tRNA and 4 pseudogenes. The number of SSRs was 64 in Z. phycelloides and a total of 43 repeats were detected. The phylogenetic analysis of Z. phycelloides shows a distinct subclade with respect to Z. mesochloa. The average nucleotide variability (Pi) between Z. phycelloides and Z. mesochloa was of 0.02000, and seven loci with high variability were identified: psbA, trnSGCU-trnGUCC, trnDGUC-trnYGUA, trnLUAA-trnFGAA, rbcL, psbE-petL and ndhG-ndhI. The differences between the species are furthermore confirmed by the high amount of SNPs between these two species. Here, we report for the first time the complete cp genome of one species of the Zephyranthes subgenus Myostemma, which can be used for phylogenetic and population genomic studies. |
1,026 | Variable histopathology features of neuronal dyslamination in the cerebral neocortex adjacent to epilepsy-associated vascular malformations suggest complex pathogenesis of focal cortical dysplasia ILAE type IIIc | Focal cortical dysplasia type IIIc (FCD-IIIc) is histopathologically defined by the International League Against Epilepsy's classification scheme as abnormal cortical organization adjacent to epilepsy-associated vascular malformations (VM). However, the incidence of FCD-IIIc, its pathogenesis, or association with the epileptogenic condition remains to be clarified. We reviewed a retrospective series of surgical brain specimens from 14 epilepsy patients with leptomeningeal angiomatosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome (LMA-SWS; n = 6), cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM; n = 7), and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM; n = 1) to assess the histopathological spectrum of FCD-IIIc patterns in VM. FCD-IIIc was observed in all cases of LMA-SWS and was designated as cortical pseudolaminar sclerosis (CPLS). CPLS showed a common pattern of horizontally organized layer abnormalities, including neuronal cell loss and astrogliosis, either manifesting predominantly in cortical layer (L) 3 extending variably to deeper areas with or without further extension to L2 and/or L4. Another pattern was more localized, targeting mainly L4 with extension to L3 and/or L5. Abnormal cortical layering characterized by a fusion of L2 and L3 or L4-L6 was also noted in two LMA-SWS cases and the AVM case. No horizontal or vertical lamination abnormalities were observed in the specimens adjacent to the CCM, despite the presence of vascular congestion and dilated parenchymal veins in all VM. These findings suggest that FCD-IIIc depends on the type of the VM and developmental timing. We further conclude that FCD-IIIc represents a secondary lesion acquired during pre- and/or perinatal development rather than following a pathomechanism independent of LMA-SWS. Further studies will be necessary to address the selective vulnerability of the developing cerebral neocortex in LMA-SWS, including genetic, encephaloclastic, hemodynamic, or metabolic events. |
1,027 | Optimal sizing and management strategy for PV household-prosumers with self-consumption/sufficiency enhancement and provision of frequency containment reserve | This study provides a methodology to assess the techno-economic performance of photovoltaic household-prosumers that jointly provide self-consumption/sufficiency enhancement (SCSE) and frequency containment reserve (FCR). It thus addresses the following issues: (i) battery aging; (ii) supercapacitors joined to batteries building hybrid storage systems; (iii) management strategies of SCSE and charge level in energy storage systems; (iv) an integrated system with a 1-ms simulation step and high-resolution inputs. The methodology was applied to one Spanish household-prosumer. The study compared three charge-level management strategies by using different technical and economic performance indicators and concluded that the deadband recovery was the best. Moreover, the best techno-economic indicators were achieved by broadening the storage capacity band of unrestricted operation for SCSE (30-90%). Regarding the prosumer sizing, the optimal converter-battery configuration was determined so as to minimize the total energy supply cost. Long-term performance confirmed that when FCR provision was added to the SCSE, profitability increased up to 14.01%, with a relatively low impact on battery aging. A sensitivity analysis guaranteed a cost reduction of 3.68% for the prosumer energy and of 16% for the storage system life cycle at the optimal hybrid storage sizing. This sizing involved a 1% supercapacitor hybridization and a time constant of 150 s for power splitting. |
1,028 | Modeling and economic evaluation of carbon capture and storage technologies integrated into synthetic natural gas and power-to-gas plants | The production of synthetic natural gas from coal and biomass gasification made it possible to obtain a product that can be used to replace easily the standard natural gas in the existing infrastructures. This paper follows and presents a study that was conducted on a synthetic natural gas plant integrated with carbon capture and storage technologies. The recent growth in the use of energy coming from renewable sources requires that balancing measures be taken for electricity grids, which, as can be easily imagined, is best accomplished by using multiple energy storage technologies. In particular, the power-to-gas technology allows renewable electrical energy to be transformed into methane via electrolysis and subsequent methanation. Moreover, the production of synthetic natural gas can be enhanced by using concentrated CO2 emitted by synthetic natural gas plants, coupling the coal gasification and methanation processes within the same plant. This paper compares and evaluates two distinct process configurations and their implementation with power-to-gas technology in Aspen Plus v.8. During the study, it was analyzed how the introduction of carbon capture and storage technologies affect the overall energy balance, as well as the individual performances of each configuration. The two cases proved to have similar efficiency; it was also observed that the integration of and carbon capture and storage technologies resulted in a negligible reduction in the efficiency of the system (approximately 1%). The integration of power-to-gas technologies led to a decrease in the efficiency of the system up to 30%. Based on the current emission allowances specified in the rules of the regulated market of CO2, it was also assessed how such technologies would be sustainable in terms of costs derived from the production of gas.. An analysis was in fact performed to estimate the costs associated with this type of plant and the results showed that the introduction of carbon capture and storage technologies in synthetic natural gas plants had a lower impact on the costs related to both the plant and the synthetic natural gas. In this respect, a sensitivity analysis of the most influent factors was performed as well. The results showed that, when it comes to the production of gas in in the power-to-gas process, the specific cost strongly depends on the price of electricity and the operating hours. |
1,029 | Female-induced selective modification of sperm protein SUMOylation-potential mechanistic insights into the non-random fertilization in humans | In many species, mate choice continues after the mating via female- or egg-derived biochemical factors that induce selective changes in sperm pre-fertilization physiology and behaviour. Recent studies have indicated that gamete-mediated mate choice likely occurs also in humans, but the mechanistic basis of the process has remained virtually unexplored. Here, we investigated whether female-induced modifications in sperm protein SUMOylation (post-translational modification of the proteome) could serve as a novel mechanism for gamete-mediated mate choice in humans. We treated the sperm of ten males with the oocyte-surrounding bioactive liquid (follicular fluid) of five females and investigated motility, viability and global protein SUMOylation status of the sperm in all (n = 50) of these male-female combinations (full-factorial design). All the measured sperm traits were affected by male-female combinations, and sperm protein SUMOylation status was also negatively associated with sperm motility. Furthermore, our results indicate that female-induced sperm protein SUMOylation is selective, potentially allowing females to increase sperm motility in some males, whereas decreasing it in the others. Consequently, our findings suggest that follicular fluid may non-randomly modify the structure and function of sperm proteome and in this way facilitate gamete-mediated mate choice in humans and possibly many other species. However, due to the relatively low number of female subjects and their potential infertility problems, our results should be replicated with larger subset of fully fertile women. |
1,030 | Time-Lapse Embryo culture: A better understanding of embryo development and clinical application | Conventional embryo assessment is performed by removing embryos from incubators at least once a day. However, it is static and limited to specific time points, reducing the amount of information that could potentially be obtained. Fortunately, the time-lapse system is a powerful technology that enables to observe embryo development progression by image acquisition at recurrent time intervals, without interfering in the culture conditions. There are numerous studies that used time-lapse incubators, focusing on embryo kinetics, patient characteristics and clinical outcomes. This review aims to find agreements in the literature concerning embryo kinetics and patient characteristics: age, body mass index, smoking habit, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis; as well as culture conditions that involved culture media and oxygen concentration. Furthermore, they showed differences according to ploidy status, direct/reverse cleavage, gender and the potential association between embryo collapse and clinical outcomes. |
1,031 | Quantifying and predicting the Water-Energy-Food-Economy-Society-Environment Nexus based on Bayesian networks - A case study of China | The main objective of sustainable development is to ensure the current and future demand can be satisfied. Food, energy and water is the primary human demand. However, China is facing security issues of water, energy and food due to several economic, social and environmental impacts such as economic progress, population growth and environmental change. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the relationship between food, energy and water with sustainability aspects. Using Bayesian network models, we propose a quantitative analysis framework based on the Water-Energy-Food-Economy-Society-Environment Nexus. Under this framework, the causality relations between water, energy, food and economy, society, environment were studied and quantified. Additionally, the demand for water, energy, food was predicted from a perspective of systematic interaction. Different from previous studies, our research is more comprehensive, involving six subsystems. More importantly, we do research from a systematic point of view. Thirdly, the causality in the nexus was quantified. As a result, we found that water withdrawal is directly affected by population growth and energy demand, indirectly by other nodes in the nexus; energy demand is directly affected by GDP and population growth in the nexus; population growth is the only direct cause of changes in food demand. Projections show that the demand for water, energy and food in China will remain at [600,620) billion cubic meters, a growth rate of [4%, 8%) and [0%, 5%) with an average probability of 0.6772, 0.6128 and 0.7055 respectively from 2020 to 2030. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,032 | Interdependencies of lithium mining and communities sustainability in Salar de Atacama, Chile | Demand for clean technologies has increased global lithium (Li) production. However, the potential impacts of lithium extraction, especially on frontline communities, have not been studied holistically. This research assesses the community sustainability in Salar de Atacama, Chile. We developed a coupled natural-social systems framework to analyze the interdependencies of the lithium extraction and its impacts. Using data from the Chilean census, company sustainability reports, remote sensing, and media archives, we investigate the temporal dynamics of water availability, labor influx, employment, social activism, and corporate social responsibility. Our study finds that between 2002 and 2017, the total water storage declined at a rate of 1.16 mm/year. Compared to other uses, water consumption from Li-mining was higher by two orders of magnitude. Mining played a crucial role in creating greater migration impacts, as indicated in a high migration effectiveness index of 85% and 90%, respectively. Labor influx increased 2.3 times, whereas the role of local labor in mining decreased from 52% to 18%. Local social activism increased both in intensity and scale. Our interdependency framework and analyses show that Li-mining and local communities are closely linked at both local and regional scale through the sharing of water resources, economic opportunities, and resource governance. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd. |
1,033 | Myelination synchronizes cortical oscillations by consolidating parvalbumin-mediated phasic inhibition | Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons are critically involved in producing rapid network oscillations and cortical microcircuit computations, but the significance of PV+ axon myelination to the temporal features of inhibition remains elusive. Here, using toxic and genetic mouse models of demyelination and dysmyelination, respectively, we find that loss of compact myelin reduces PV+ interneuron presynaptic terminals and increases failures, and the weak phasic inhibition of pyramidal neurons abolishes optogenetically driven gamma oscillations in vivo. Strikingly, during behaviors of quiet wakefulness selectively theta rhythms are amplified and accompanied by highly synchronized interictal epileptic discharges. In support of a causal role of impaired PV-mediated inhibition, optogenetic activation of myelin-deficient PV+ interneurons attenuated the power of slow theta rhythms and limited interictal spike occurrence. Thus, myelination of PV axons is required to consolidate fast inhibition of pyramidal neurons and enable behavioral state-dependent modulation of local circuit synchronization. |
1,034 | Mental Health and Alcohol Use during and before the Early Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic | The early phases of the coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic were associated with changes in psychological well-being and alcohol use. However, it is unclear whether these changes are artifacts of psychological well-being and alcohol use prior to the pandemic across different sociodemographic groups. We received surveys from 247 adult residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (United States), with an oversampling of sexual- and gender-minority individuals. Responses included measures of psychological well-being, substance use, and sociodemographic characteristics. Unadjusted mean depression scores, anxiety scores, and number of drinking days increased for all age and income groups during COVID-19, while average number of drinks per drinking day and days intoxicated differentially increased or decreased by age and income groups. Using Bayesian seemingly unrelated regression, we assessed depression and anxiety symptoms and alcohol use during the early stages of the pandemic and one month before COVID-19 was first identified in Allegheny County concurrently. Those in the youngest (18-24) group drank on more days during (but not before) the pandemic than those in the 25-44 age group. Compared to cisgender women, gender-minority adults had higher depression scores during the early stages of the pandemic. Employed adults had lower anxiety scores during (but not before) the pandemic than adults who were unemployed. Those with past-year annual incomes above $80,000 had fewer drinks on average drinking occasions than those in the $40,000 or below group before (but not during) the pandemic. Patterns of psychological distress and alcohol use associated with the COVID-19 pandemic differ by subgroup compared to patterns prior to the pandemic. Interventions addressing worsening mental health outcomes and shifting alcohol use patterns must be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable groups, such as younger adults and those experiencing poverty or unemployment. |
1,035 | Groundwater quality for potable and irrigation uses and associated health risk in southern part of Gu'an County, North China Plain | The study area is a part of the North China Plain, where groundwater is heavily abstracted for drinking and irrigation purposes. Groundwater quality is adversely affected due to rapid economic development and urbanization. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes and to quantify the associated human health risks in the southern part of Gu'an County, North China Plain. The matter-element extension method based on entropy weight was used to evaluate the water quality for drinking, while sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage (%Na), residual sodium carbonate and magnesium hazard were used to evaluate the water quality for irrigation. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks via different exposure ways were evaluated for different age groups. The study found that the quality of both deep and shallow groundwater in this area was generally suitable for drinking. Deep water quality has better quality than the shallow water. However, 8.70% and 73.92% of water samples pose non-carcinogenic health risks on adults and children, respectively. Children and adults are also at cancer risk due to Cr6+ and As in drinking groundwater in this area. The main responsible parameters for non-carcinogenic risk are Cr6+, F- and Fe, and Cr6+ is also responsible for carcinogenic risk. These toxic elements are mainly from industries. Therefore, deterioration of groundwater quality can be prevented by strengthening the sewage management of various industries. |
1,036 | Environmental management and labor productivity: The moderating role of quality management | Abundant studies have been made around the impact of environmental management on economic performance in business, but there is still no consistent conclusion. This study focuses on labor productivity as a measure of economic performance. We argue that environmental management has a negative impact on the labor productivity of company in the special context of Chinese increasingly stringent environmental regulations, but this impact is moderated by quality management. Environmental management score and the years that companies have passed ISO 9001 are set as proxies for independent and moderating variable respectively. A sample including 229 Chinese listed companies is used to test the hypotheses by multiple regression analysis. Results show that environmental management has a negative impact on labor productivity, and quality management moderates the relationship. |
1,037 | Energy substitution effect on transport sector of Pakistan: A trans-log production function approach | Transport sector of Pakistan is one of the highest fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission sector. As a key user of fossil fuel energy, Pakistan's transport sector has created many problems i.e. noise, air pollution, CO2 emissions and environmental problem. In this study, trans-log production function model for Pakistan's transport sector is established and input factors of labor, capital, and energy consumption are comprised. The output elasticity of an individual, input elasticity between a pair of factors, and elasticity of substitution between input factors are analyzed. To manage the multicollinearity issue, ridge regression is applied at different values of K. From 1991 to 2018, the outcomes show that output elasticities and a pair of input factor's elasticities are increasing. The elasticities of substitutions between labor-energy consumption and capital-energy consumption show higher outcomes because of the more elevated amount of substitution elasticities. The substitution elasticity between labor and capital starts from 0.9797 to 0.9326 with slightly decreasing trend. The outcomes suggest that maximum output can be achieved by increasing capital and energy technologies. By allocating the maximum capital in the transport industry, energy-saving technologies, substitution between energy and capital, and substitution among capital-labor can enhance environmental protection. In the above's view function, the present study estimates the level of energy-saving and CO2 emissions reduction under the different scenarios from 2015 to 2018. The policy suggestions of the results are given below. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,038 | Sustainable phosphorous management in two different soil series of Pakistan by evaluating dynamics of phosphatic fertilizer source | Phosphorous (P) plays the prominent role to promote the plants storage functions and structural roles, as it is recognized as a vital component of ADP, ATP, Cell wall as well as a part of DNA. Soils acts as the sink to supply P to plants because soil pH and its physical condition are the main factor which regulate the solubility and availability P element. Phosphorus is not deficient in Pakistani soils but its availability to plants is the serious matter of concern. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate P dynamics in two different soil series of Pakistan (Bahawalpur and Lyallpur) using Maize as test crop. The treatments applied were T0: Control (without any fertilizer), T1: Recommended DAP @648 mg pot-1, T2: Half dose DAP @324 mg pot-1, T3: Recommended rate of TSP @900 mg pot-1, T4: Half dose TSP @450 mg pot-1. Soil analysis showed that Bahawalpur soil has sandy clay loam texture with 33% clay and Lyallpur series has sandy loam texture with 15.5% clay; furthermore, these soil contain 4.6 and 2.12% CaCO3 respectively. Results showed an increase in P concentration in roots (23 mg kg-1) with the application of half dose of TSP in Lyallpur series and lowest in Bahawalpur series (14.6 mg kg-1) at recommended dose of DAP. Concentration of P in shoots responded the same; increase at half dose of TSP (16.7 mg kg-1) and lowest at full dose of DAP in Bahawalpur series as (15.58 mg kg-1). Adsorbed P (17 mg kg-1) was recorded highest in Bahawalpur soil with more clay amount in pot with DAP application but lower in Lyallpur soil series (14 mg kg-1) with the application of applied TSP. The PUE was recorded highest in Lyallpur series with the application of half dose of TSP and it was 61% more than control and was Highest in Bahawalpur series was with the application of recommended dose of DAP is 72% more than control treatment. On estimation; results showed that applied sources made an increase in P availability than control, but TSP gave better P uptake than DAP unless of rates applied. Soil of Lyallpur series showed better uptake of P and response to applied fertilizers than Bahawalpur series which showed more adsorption of P by high clay and CaCO3 amount. Conclusively, the study suggested that soil series play a crucial role in choosing fertilizer source for field application. |
1,039 | Latest evidence on the management of early-stage and locally advanced rectal cancer: a narrative review | Rectal cancer is a challenging disease process to manage, with a rising incidence in young adults. Several clinical advances have been made in the past decade with regards to optimal treatment strategies in early-stage (T1-2, node negative tumours) and locally advanced cancers (T3-4 and/or nodal positivity) utilizing a multimodal approach of surgery, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy, all aiming to optimize oncological outcomes, while minimizing associated morbidity. This narrative review aimed to summarize trial level evidence apropos the management of early and locally advanced rectal cancer. All relevant prospective clinical trials were identified through a computer-assisted search of PubMed, EMBASE, Medline databases between 1990 and 30 June 2021. With regards to early rectal cancer, there is limited trial-level evidence in the literature. Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the current standard of care, but local excision could be considered in select patients with pT1 tumours, or patients with near or complete clinical response to neoadjuvant CRT. As for locally advanced rectal cancer, the current standard of care consists of long-course chemotheradiotherapy or short-course radiotherapy, followed by TME. However, the role of total neoadjuvant therapy is promising, with respect to both oncological outcomes, as well as in reducing toxicity. Both induction and consolidation chemotherapy treatment approaches have been described in literature, with encouraging early results. The optimal management of rectal cancer is constantly evolving. More research is needed to investigate the long-term oncological and functional outcomes following new multimodal therapies in the management of early-stage and locally advanced rectal cancer. |
1,040 | Eco-efficiency assessment of industrial parks in Central China: a slack-based data envelopment analysis | Industrial parks have made important contributions to China's economic development, but they have caused serious pollution to the environment. With the promotion of China's sustainable development, improving the eco-efficiency of industrial parks has gradually become the focus of attention. In this study, a slack-based data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model, which included three input indicators and six output indicators, was applied to assess the eco-efficiencies of 18 industrial parks in Central China. The ecological development level of different industrial parks in Central China was uneven, and their efficiency scores ranged from 0.06 to 1. Next, the most sensitive input and output variables are identified by sensitivity analysis, and it is concluded that land and water consumption will have a significant impact on the evaluation results of the model. Then, the influencing factors of eco-efficiency are discussed, and it was found that a reasonable energy structure and industrial structure, as well as high industrial added value, would increase the eco-efficiency of industrial parks. Finally, based on the findings, policy recommendations for improving the eco-efficiency of industrial parks are put forward, including fulfilling government responsibilities, adjusting energy and industrial structures, and improving the high-quality development of the parks. |
1,041 | PET bottles recycling in China: An LCA coupled with LCC case study of blanket production made of waste PET bottles | A large number of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are discarded daily after usage. Thus, plastic bottle recycling has elicited considerable attention in recent years. In this context, this study aims to quantify the environmental and economic impacts of blanket production from 100% recycled waste plastic bottles in China through a life cycle assessment coupled with life cycle costing method. In addition, the environmental impact of replacing coal with natural gas and solar energy was evaluated. Results show that impact categories of global warming and fossil depletion have significant influence on the overall environment. Carbon dioxide, water, iron, coal and chromium (VI) to water are the main contributors to the overall environmental burden. The internal and external costs are $6433/metric ton and $370/metric ton, respectively. Analysis results indicate that the optimization of organic chemicals, recycled polyester filament and steam production processes can reduce environmental and economic burdens substantially. Energy substitutions with natural gas and the use of solar photovoltaic in steam production and electricity generation are effective measures for decreasing environmental impacts. Finally, suggestions based on research results and the current status of waste plastic bottle recycling in China are proposed. |
1,042 | Quantifying the sustainability of three types of agricultural production in China: An emergy analysis with the integration of environmental pollution | Agriculture is currently confronted with the great challenge of feeding a soaring population given finite resources while simultaneously curbing negative environmental impacts. Thus, the sustainability of different types of agricultural production must be quantified to identify the best way to meet the associated challenges. Taking the Tongxiang region as a case study, emergy and economic analyses were used to evaluate the overall performance of three agricultural production types, including traditional rice monoculture, integrated farming (i.e., rice-fish and rice-duck), and non-grain production (NGP) systems (i.e., nursery plantation, pond fish farming, vegetable production and duck rearing). The environmental pollution caused by different types of agricultural production, which is usually neglected in other studies, was included in the emergy accounting. The results show that intensive NGP systems, especially duck rearing and pond fish farming, were not sustainable, as indicated by high non-point source pollution discharge, high environmental pressure and low ecological sustainability. While rice monoculture and integrated farming systems were both under benign development, they could not provide economic profits competitive with those from NGP systems. With economic benefits increasing by 2.32-2.35 times and the agricultural non-point source pollution decreasing by 10.21%-59.01% in comparison with rice monoculture, integrated agricultural production proved to be a promising pattern for sustainable agriculture. Some policy incentives were proposed to increase the financial attractiveness of integrated agricultural production and promote a virtuous cycle for future cleaner production. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,043 | Investigation on the role of economic, social, and political globalization on environment: evidence from CEECs | This study aims to investigate the impact of different dimensions of globalization (i.e., overall globalization index, economic globalization index, social globalization index, and political globalization index) on environmental pollution by incorporating the real gross domestic product and energy consumption in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). In doing so, the annual period from 1995 to 2015 is examined with second-generation panel data methodologies to consider the possible cross-sectional dependence among observed countries. The findings show that increasing overall globalization, economic globalization, and social globalization increases the carbon emissions while increasing political globalization reduces the environmental pollution. In addition, it is also found that Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis is confirmed. |
1,044 | Epidemiological screening and serotyping analysis of dengue fever in the Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia | Dengue is an acute systemic viral disease that has been developed globally in both chronic and epidemic transmission periods. Dengue virus (DENV) is a member of the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family, which endangers public health. Limited studies have been performed in the Saudi Arabia and there are no epidemiological as well as molecular screening of DENV in the Southwestern region and this current study was conducted on the epidemiology of dengue in the Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously, we have screened the 100 patients for DENV using the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The current study results confirmed that 6637 people from various hospitals and locations in Jazan, Southwestern regions, were enrolled in this study from 2012 to 2020. The overall mean age was 30.02 ± 18.01 years, with 62.8% of males and 37.2% of females enrolled. This study included nearly three-fourths of the Saudi participants and one-fourth of the expatriates, and 56.6% of the positive cases were enrolled. In 2019, the most instances were enrolled, with 44% of positive cases. When screened using the RT-PCR assay, 93% of the positive patients were recruited, according to the quality control analysis. In conclusion, the current study results confirmed the prevalence of DENV was increased drastically since 2012 to 2020. High number of cases were registered prior to the Pandemic. The screening for DENV was performed with RT-PCR assay and NSI antigen should also be implemented to cross-check the results which was previously performed with RT-PCR analysis. |
1,045 | Successful Treatment of Chronic Actinic Dermatitis with Dupilumab: A Case Report and Review of the Literature | Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a rather rare photosensitive disease characterized by a persistent eczematous eruption in sun-exposed sites. The pathogenesis of CAD has not been completely elucidated. The clinical treatment of CAD is still challenging and not standardized. Some patients with severe CAD have achieved satisfactory clinical results with dupilumab when conventional therapies have failed. We herein report the case of a 45-year-old male with severe CAD who responded rapidly to combined treatment with dupilumab (600 mg for 1 week, and then 300 mg every 2 weeks) in 2 months. The patient experienced continuous improvement and no side effects from dupilumab (300 mg every month), having ceased other systemic medications. Dupilumab could be considered as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for CAD. |
1,046 | Clinical practice guidelines for endoscopic papillectomy | The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Endoscopic Papillectomy (EP)" as a fundamental guideline using scientific approach. EP is a recently spreading therapeutic modality for ampullary tumors ranked as high risk endoscopic technique. Because of the paucity of high level of evidence, strength of recommendations had to be determined by a consensus among specialists. These guidelines, shed light on the following five issues: Indications, Preoperative/intraoperative preparations and techniques, Early adverse events, Therapeutic outcomes and remnants/recurrences, and Follow-up and late adverse events, to guide current clinical practice on EP. |
1,047 | A Comprehensive Wind Power Forecasting System Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Numerical Weather Prediction | The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) recently updated the comprehensive wind power forecasting system in collaboration with Xcel Energy addressing users' needs and requirements by enhancing and expanding integration between numerical weather prediction and machine-learning methods. While the original system was designed with the primary focus on day-ahead power prediction in support of power trading, the enhanced system provides short-term forecasting for unit commitment and economic dispatch, uncertainty quantification in wind speed prediction with probabilistic forecasting, and prediction of extreme events such as icing. Furthermore, the empirical power conversion machine-learning algorithms now use a quantile approach to data quality control that has improved the accuracy of the methods. Forecast uncertainty is quantified using an analog ensemble approach. Two methods of providing short-range ramp forecasts are blended: the variational doppler radar analysis system and an observation-based expert system. Extreme events, specifically changes in wind power due to high winds and icing, are now forecasted by combining numerical weather prediction and a fuzzy logic artificial intelligence system. These systems and their recent advances are described and assessed. |
1,048 | Effectiveness of microwave-assisted thermal treatment in the extraction of gold in cyanide tailings | A new technology for treating cyanide tailings (CT) by microwave chlorination roasting was first proposed in this study. A green process with prospective environmental and economic significance was experimentally and theoretically established for the sustainable extraction of gold from CT. The microwave roasting behavior and trajectory of gold in different gold-bearing bodies under microwave-enhanced roasting and conventional roasting conditions were explored and compared by introducing the concept of thermal and non-thermal effects provided by the microwave field. At the same time, the superiority of microwave chlorination roasting was verified by a series of experiments. Under the same conditions of the roasting experiments, the energy consumption of conventional calcination was more than double greater than that of microwave roasting. Finally, the essence of microwave chlorination roasting in the treatment of CT was summarized as a non-polluting process. |
1,049 | This is what loneliness looks like: A mixed-methods study of loneliness in adolescence and young adulthood | The present study used quantitative and qualitative methods to explore how lonely young people are seen from others' perspectives, in terms of their personality, behaviour and life circumstances. Data were drawn from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study, a cohort of 2,232 individuals born in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s. When participants were aged 18, they provided self-reports of loneliness, and informant ratings of loneliness were provided by interviewers, as well as participants' parents and siblings. Interviewers further provided Big Five personality ratings, and detailed written notes in which they documented their perceptions of the participants and their reflections on the content of the interview. In the quantitative section of the paper, regression analyses were used to examine the perceptibility of loneliness, and how participants' loneliness related to their perceived personality traits. The informant ratings of participants' loneliness showed good agreement with self-reports. Furthermore, loneliness was associated with lower perceived conscientiousness, agreeableness and extraversion, and higher perceived neuroticism. Within-twin pair analyses indicated that these associations were partly explained by common underlying genetic influences. In the qualitative section of the study, the loneliest 5% of study participants (N=108) were selected, and thematic analysis was applied to the study' interviewers' notes about those participants. Three themes were identified and named: 'uncomfortable in own skin', 'clustering of risk', and 'difficulties accessing social resources'. These results add depth to the current conceptualisation of loneliness, and emphasise the complexity and intersectional nature of the circumstances severely lonely young adults live in. |
1,050 | Validation of wearable inertial sensor-based gait analysis system for measurement of spatiotemporal parameters and lower extremity joint kinematics in sagittal plane | Wearable inertial sensor-based motion analysis systems are promising alternatives to standard camera-based motion capture systems for the measurement of gait parameters and joint kinematics. These wearable sensors, unlike camera-based gold standard systems, find usefulness in outdoor natural environment along with confined indoor laboratory-based environment due to miniature size and wireless data transmission. This study reports validation of our developed (i-Sens) wearable motion analysis system against standard motion capture system. Gait analysis was performed at self-selected speed on non-disabled volunteers in indoor (n = 15) and outdoor (n = 8) environments. Two i-Sens units were placed at the level of knee and hip along with passive markers (for indoor study only) for simultaneous 3D motion capture using a motion capture system. Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was computed for spatiotemporal parameters from the i-Sens system versus the motion capture system as a true reference. Mean and standard deviation of kinematic data for a gait cycle were plotted for both systems against normative data. Joint kinematics data were analyzed to compute the root mean squared error (RMSE) and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Kinematic plots indicate a high degree of accuracy of the i-Sens system with the reference system. Excellent positive correlation was observed between the two systems in terms of hip and knee joint angles (Indoor: hip 3.98° ± 1.03°, knee 6.48° ± 1.91°, Outdoor: hip 3.94° ± 0.78°, knee 5.82° ± 0.99°) with low RMSE. Reliability characteristics (defined using standard statistical thresholds of MAPE) of stride length, cadence, walking speed in both outdoor and indoor environment were well within the "Good" category. The i-Sens system has emerged as a potentially cost-effective, valid, accurate, and reliable alternative to expensive, standard motion capture systems for gait analysis. Further clinical trials using the i-Sens system are warranted on participants across different age groups. |
1,051 | A Note on the Effect of COVID-19 and Vaccine Rollout on School Enrollment in the US | The COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks forced families to decide the safest and most effective learning environments for their children because of the virus's threat to health and life. Hence, because of the nationwide school closure, policymakers have raised concerns about the missing children cases-those who have not enrolled in school at all because of the pandemic. The present study investigates whether there is a difference in the school enrollment during the pre-COVID-19 period, COVID-19 period, and vaccine rollout period. We employed the U.S. Current Population Survey (CPS), covering January 2020 to May 2021, while we use both the logistic and multinomial regression models for the empirical analysis. Our results showed that school enrollment is lower during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the Pre-COVID-19 period. Other results showed that school enrollment is higher since vaccine rollout compared to the COVID-19 period. A possible explanation for this could be that families consider the vaccine the safe path to enrolling their children in school. We also found that school enrollment varies significantly across race and ethnic groups. |
1,052 | Globalization, electricity consumption and ecological footprint: An autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) approach | In light of the growing need for countries to stay within their ecological limits, this paper examines how the current wave of globalization and electricity consumption drive human demands on ecological resources for Ghana from 1971-2016. Having accounted for structural breaks, the evidence from the Autoregressive Distributive Lag bound test shows that there is a long-run association between the variables. The results reveal that globalization positively and significantly stimulates the ecological footprint. More specifically, economic and social globalization inspire the ecological footprint whiles political globalization improves the environmental sustainability by exerting a reducing effect on the ecological footprint. We further demonstrate that electricity consumption particularly from fossil-fuel based energy source deteriorates the environmental quality. Moreover, economic growth and urbanization contribute to environmental degradation. Furthermore, the causality results disclose the feedback hypothesis between ecological footprint and electricity consumption and a one-way causal relationship running from globalization to ecological footprint. Some policy insights are elucidated premised on the evidence presented. |
1,053 | Toward low-carbon development: Assessing emissions-reduction pressure among Chinese cities | Assessing emissions-reduction pressure among Chinese cities is a critical task for local governments formulating and implementing environmental policies. From the perspectives of carbon intensity and carbon inequality, this study develops an improved carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions-reduction index to quantify emissions-reduction pressure on 284 cities in China. Results indicate that driven by the decrease of overall carbon intensity and the rise of inter-city carbon inequality, emissions-reduction pressure on 41.38% of provinces and 49.65% of cities was greater than the overall national level; emissions-reduction pressure on 52.35% of cities exceeded the provincial average level. The central government determines national emissions-reduction pressure by adjusting carbon-inequality tolerance between cities and determines carbon-inequality preference based on population and economic output principles. These determinations become benchmarks for local governments' CO2 emissions-reduction pressure. Provinces and cities that exceed benchmarks become foci for promoting energy savings, emissions reduction, and low-carbon development in the future. |
1,054 | Virulence of entomopathogenic fungi against Culex pipiens: Impact on biomolecules availability and life table parameters | Culex pipiens mosquitoes considered as vectors for many arboviruses such as the West Nile virus and encephalitis virus showing a global impact on human health. The natural management of the aquatic stages of this pest is crucial for maintaining an insecticide-free and sustained environment. The present work focused on studying the biological and biochemical effects of the entomopathogenic fungi: Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, and Paecilomyces lilicanus, against 3rd instar larvae of Culex pipiens laboratory colony. The results revealed that M. anisopliae showed maximum larval mortality (88%) with the lowest lethal time (LT50) (22.6 hrs) at 108 spores/ml followed by B. bassiana (73.33%) with LT50 (38.35 hrs), while P. lilicanus showed minimum percent mortality (65%) with highest LT50 (51.5 hrs). The median lethal concentration (LC50) values were found to be 1.027 × 105 spores/ml for M. anisopliae, 1.24 × 106 spores/ml for B. bassiana, while it was 8.453 × 106 spores/ml for P. lilicanus. A reduction in female fecundity, number of hatched eggs, pupation and adult emergence percentage were recorded. The biochemical analysis of the treated larvae revealed different quantitative decrease in total soluble proteins, lipids, and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes compared to control. Histopathological effects of fungal infection upon insect cuticles, muscles, and midgut were investigated. Based on the obtained results, M. anisopliae proved its superior virulent effect as a bio-control agent against Cx. pipiens. |
1,055 | Performance assessment and optimization of a biomass-based solid oxide fuel cell and micro gas turbine system integrated with an organic Rankine cycle | Rice straw is a potential energy source for power generation. Here, a biomass-based combined heat and power plant integrating a downdraft gasifier, a solid oxide fuel cell, a micro gas turbine and an organic Rankine cycle is investigated. Energy, exergy, and economic analyses and multi-objective optimization of the proposed system are performed. A parametric analysis is carried out to understand the effects on system performance and cost of varying key parameters: current density, fuel utilization factor, operating pressure, pinch point temperature, recuperator effectiveness and compressors isentropic efficiency. The results show that current density plays the most important role in achieving a tradeoff between system exergy efficiency and cost rate. Also, it is observed that the highest exergy destruction occurs in the gasifier, so improving the performance of this component can considerably reduce the system irreversibility. At the optimum point, the system generates 329 kW of electricity and 56 kW of heating with an exergy efficiency of 35.1% and a cost rate of 10.2 $/h. The capability of this system for using Iran rice straw produced in one year is evaluated as a case study, and it is shown that the proposed system can generate 6660 GWh electrical energy and 1140 GWh thermal energy. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,056 | Heterogeneous effects of energy efficiency, oil price, environmental pressure, R&D investment, and policy on renewable energy - evidence from the G20 countries | Understanding heterogenous effects of renewable energy consumption can serve to develop more precise strategies to promote renewable. This work is aimed to investigate the heterogeneous effects of five factors (energy efficiency, oil price, environmental pressure, research and development, and policy) on renewable energy consumption through an empirical analysis of the whole panel data of Group 20, three income groups, and 20 individual countries by using multiple co-integration estimation approaches. The results indicate that the effect of research and development is the leading contributor to promote renewable energy development in middle-income countries of Group 20, whereas the effect of policy is the major contributor to increase in renewable energy consumption in high-income countries of Group 20. It is worth noting that with the increase of income, the effects of policy and environmental pressure on promoting renewable energy are increasing, whereas the effect of research and development is declining. The analysis of these 20 individual countries indicates that research and development plays a leading role to promote renewable energy consumption in 60% of the countries, while the influence degree of policy and energy intensity rank second and third. These heterogeneity of the drivers of renewable energy should be considered to develop more precise and effective measures to accelerating renewable energy. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,057 | COVID in Africa, one year later | This paper presents an update of last year analysis of COVID in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). The number of confirmed cases and deaths has dramatically increased, partially driven by the expanded diagnostic capacity, but it is an unknown undercount of people infected: we are blind with respect to the real size of the pandemic. The aggregate numbers mask a substantial heterogeneity: South Africa accounts for almost half of the cases in the region; Ethiopia, the second top country in the ranking, follows from afar, with only 6% of reported cases. There are signs that the third wave of COVID, driven by the more transmissible Delta variant, is easing off.The concerns that the pandemic would have affected more severely the most vulnerable populations (refugees and internally displaced persons) have not been confirmed: there is no evidence of hospitals overwhelmed nor of high mortality in humanitarian settings, a pattern that has not found an explanation.As of now, only 1% of African has been vaccinated, a sign of vaccine inequity and of 'a catastrophic moral failure' of rich countries, which have secured a surplus of hundred million COVID vaccines that they cannot use.The combined effects of the pandemic and control measures have been particularly severe in SSA economies, where underemployment and job insecurity prevail. Reduced export of commodities, collapse of tourism and agriculture, decline of foreign investment, aid, and remittances have driven million Africans in extreme poverty. The international financial institutions have shifted their strategies from austerity to a strong package of grants and concessional loans to support poor countries, including those in SSA, to cope with the immediate consequences of the pandemic, under the lemma 'vaccine policy is the most important economic policy'. |
1,058 | Induction and generalization of nocebo effects on itch | Nocebo effects, that is, negative treatment outcomes due to negative expectancies, can increase itch. Moreover, indirect evidence has shown that nocebo hyperknesis can generalize to another itch modality. Knowledge on response generalization can help to prevent and decrease negative effects. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the efficacy of inducing nocebo effects on cowhage-evoked itch via verbal suggestions and (2) whether these effects can generalize to (2a) mechanically evoked touch and (2b) mechanically evoked itch. Forty-four healthy participants watched a video suggesting that a nocebo solution increases cowhage-evoked itch and that a control solution does not affect itch. Subsequently, cowhage, mechanical itch, and mechanical touch stimuli were applied. Nocebo effects were measured as the difference in both mean and peak of the outcomes itch and urge to scratch between nocebo and control trials. Main analyses revealed significant nocebo effects on mean and peak itch for all stimuli. For urge to scratch, a significant nocebo effect was only observed for mechanical touch (peak). As mechanical stimuli did not induce pure sensations as planned, posthoc sensitivity analyses were run for mechanical stimuli that individually induced either touch or itch at baseline. These analyses showed similar results for generalization to mechanical itch, but generalization to mechanical touch was non-significant. This study showed that merely verbal suggestion can induce nocebo effects on cowhage-evoked itch and that these effects can generalize to another itch modality. Future studies may examine how to prevent negative experiences from generalizing to subsequent encounters. |
1,059 | Information retrieval and question answering: A case study on COVID-19 scientific literature | Biosanitary experts around the world are directing their efforts towards the study of COVID-19. This effort generates a large volume of scientific publications at a speed that makes the effective acquisition of new knowledge difficult. Therefore, Information Systems are needed to assist biosanitary experts in accessing, consulting and analyzing these publications. In this work we develop a study of the variables involved in the development of a Question Answering system that receives a set of questions asked by experts about the disease COVID-19 and its causal virus SARS-CoV-2, and provides a ranked list of expert-level answers to each question. In particular, we address the interrelation of the Information Retrieval and the Answer Extraction steps. We found that a recall based document retrieval that leaves to a neural answer extraction module the scanning of the whole documents to find the best answer is a better strategy than relying in a precise passage retrieval before extracting the answer span. |
1,060 | Genotype diversity promotes the persistence of Daphnia populations exposed to severe copper stress | When environmental stressors of high intensity are sustained for long periods of time, populations face high probabilities of being extirpated. However, depending on the intensity of the stressor, large populations with sufficient genetic diversity may persist. We report the results of an experiment that tracked the persistence of Daphnia populations exposed to copper contamination. We assessed whether genotypic diversity reduced the risk of extinction. We created monoclonal and multiclonal populations and monitored their population sizes during a 32-week experiment. Cu was applied at a sub-lethal concentration and then increased every week until the population sizes dropped to about 10% of the carrying capacity (Cu at 180 μg/L). The concentration was then increased up to 186 μg/L and held stable until the end of the experiment. A survival analysis showed that clonal diversity extended the persistence of Daphnia populations, but copper contamination caused a substantial genetic erosion followed by population extirpation. However, some Cu-treated populations, mostly multiclonal, showed U-shaped patterns of growth consistent with evolutionary rescue but these did not lead to lasting population recovery. These results highlight the importance of genetic variation for population persistence, but they also show how quickly it can be lost in contaminated environments. |
1,061 | Understanding COVID-19 diffusion requires an interdisciplinary, multi-dimensional approach | After COVID-19 initial diffusion in Europe in March 2020, research has suggested a direct correlation between environmental pollution and contagion dynamics (i.e., environment-to-human pollution), thereby indicating that mechanisms other than human-to-human transmission can explain COVID-19 diffusion. However, these studies did not consider that complex outcomes, such as a pandemic's diffusion patterns, are typically caused by a multiplicity of environmental, economic and social factors. While disciplinary specialties increase scholars' attitudes of concentrating on specific factors, neglecting this multiplicity during a pandemic crisis can lead to misleading conclusions. This communication aims to focus on certain limitations of current research about environmental-to-human COVID-19 transmission and shows the benefit of an interdisciplinary, multi-dimensional approach to understand the geographical diversity of contagion diffusion patterns. |
1,062 | Analysis on the causes of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge in China | What are the causes of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge in 2008 and 2016? In order to solve this problem, this paper makes theoretical and empirical research. The results show that (1) the difference in economic growth pattern transformation is the root cause of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge.(2) The international financial crisis is the direct cause of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge in 2008. The international financial crisis forced the industrial transformation and upgrading of the southern region, which made the TFP of the southern region relatively improve, and then led to the relative reduction of industrial pollution discharge in the southern region. (3) The supply-side structural reform is the direct cause of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge in 2016. However, the supply-side structural reform proposed by the central government in 2016 is essentially a further continuation of the policy of "resolving overcapacity" implemented in 2013. In fact, the north-south gap in the growth rate of industrial discharge has changed since 2013. |
1,063 | Forecasting annual electricity consumption in China by employing a conformable fractional grey model in opposite direction | Electric power makes a significant contribution to economic development. Predicting annual electricity consumption is becoming increasingly crucial for electric power utility planning and economic development. To address this problem, a novel conformable fractional grey model in opposite direction is presented to predict annual electricity consumption in China. Firstly, the computational formulas for the novel model are deduced by grey modelling method and the effectiveness of the novel model is proved by matrix perturbation theory. Secondly, the optimal parameters are determined by quantum inspired evolutionary algorithm. Thirdly, two empirical examples are taken to validate the prediction accuracy of the novel model. Finally, the proposed model is applied to predict electricity consumption of Beijing, Fujian and Shandong. The results show that the novel model is superior to other six competitive models. Besides, electricity consumption of these regions in next five years are predicted, which can well serve a benchmark research and provide a relatively reliable reference for economic and electric sectors. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,064 | The use of ecological footprint in estimating the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis for BRICST by considering cross-section dependence and heterogeneity | A vast body of literature estimates the impact of economic growth on environmental degradation in the framework of EKC model. Typical empirical studies proxy environmental degradation with CO2 emissions; however, this indicator does not consider the complex nature of environmental degradation. To fulfill this omission, ecological footprint that tracks the use of multiple categories of productive surface areas is used as proxy for the environment. Moreover, studies that do not consider issues of heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence may not produce reliable outcomes. Hence, the present study re-investigates the validity of the EKC hypothesis for BRICST (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Turkey) by using ecological footprint and considering the mentioned issues in the estimation process. Based on the annual data covering the period of 1980-2014, excluding Russia due to data unavailability, empirical results show that the EKC hypothesis is not valid, and energy intensity and energy structure are important determinants of environmental degradation. In line with the empirical outputs, possible policy suggestions are discussed in the present study. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
1,065 | Triacrylamide-Based Adhesives Stabilize Bonds in Physiologic Conditions | In this study, an acrylamide-based adhesive was combined with a thiourethane-based composite to improve bond stability and reduce polymerization stress, respectively, of simulated composite restorations. The stability testing was conducted under physiologic conditions, combining mechanical and bacterial challenges. Urethane dimethacrylate was combined with a newly synthesized triacrylamide (TMAAEA) or HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate; control) to produce a 2-step total-etch adhesive system. Methacrylate-based composites (70 wt% silanized filler) were formulated, containing thiourethane oligomers at 0 (control) or 20 wt%. Standardized preparations in human third molars were restored; then, epoxy replicas were obtained from the occlusal surfaces before and after 7-d storage in water or with Streptococcus mutans biofilm, which was tested after storage in an incubator (static) or the bioreactor (mechanical challenge). Images were obtained from the replicas (scanning electron microscopy) and cross sections of the samples (confocal laser scanning microscopy) and then analyzed to obtain measurements of gap, bacterial infiltration, and demineralization. Microtensile bond strength of specimens stored in water or biofilm was assessed in 1-mm2 stick specimens. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). HEMA-based materials had greater initial gap measurements, indicating more efficient bonding for the acrylamide materials. When tested in water, the triacrylamide-based adhesive had smaller gaps in the incubator or bioreactor. In the presence of biofilm, there was less difference among materials, but the acrylamide/thiourethane combination led to statistically lower gap formation in the bioreactor. HEMA and TMAAEA-based adhesives produced statistically similar microtensile bond strengths after being stored in water for 7 d, but after the same period with biofilm-challenged specimens, the TMAAEA-based adhesives were the only ones to retain the initial bond strength values. The use of a stable multiacrylamide-based adhesive led to the preservation of the resin-dentin bonded interface after a physiologically relevant challenge. Future studies will include a multispecies biofilm model. |
1,066 | The consistency and reliability of six-strand and four-strand flexor tendon repairs: a comparative porcine cadaveric study | The aim of this study was to compare the consistency and reliability of the six-strand Gan modification of the Lim-Tsai flexor tendon repair with the four-strand Adelaide repair, both with 3-0 sutures and with eight to ten runs of simple 5-0 running peripheral suture as well as the influence of the surgeons' level of experience on the strength of the repair in a cadaveric animal setup. Thirty-nine surgeons repaired 78 porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons with either the Adelaide technique (39 tendons) or the modified Lim-Tsai technique (39 tendons). Each repaired tendon was tested in a material testing machine under a single cycle load-to-failure test. The forces were recorded when the gap between the two tendon stumps reached 1 and 2 mm and when irreversible elongation or total rupture occurred. We found no significant differences in gap formation force and yielding strength of the tendons between the two methods. The surgeon's previous experience in tendon repairs did not improve the consistency, reliability or tensile strength of the repairs. We conclude that if a strong peripheral suture is added, the modified Lim-Tsai repair has the same technical reliability and consistency as the Adelaide repair in term of ultimate loading strength in this test setup. |
1,067 | Some Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Dombi Heronian Mean Operators and their Application for Evaluating the Ecological Value of Forest Ecological Tourism Demonstration Areas | With China's sustained economic development and constant increase in national income, Chinese nationals' tourism consumption rate increases. As a major Chinese economic development engine, the domestic tourism industry has entered a transition period operation pattern featured by diversified products. Among them, as a new hot spot of the tourism industry in China, ecological tourism has enjoyed rapid development, with great potential. Thus, the ecological value evaluation of forest ecological tourism demonstration areas is very important to the domestic tourism industry. In this paper, we propose some Dombi Heronian mean operators with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs). Then, two MADM (multiple attribute decision making) methods are proposed based on IVIFWDHM (interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted Dombi Heronian mean) and IVIFWDGHM (interval-valued intuitionistic weighted Dombi geometric Heronian mean) operators. Finally, we gave an experimental case for evaluating the ecological value of forest ecological tourism demonstration area to show the proposed decision methods. |
1,068 | Marein Prevented LPS-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Regulating the NF-κB Pathway In Vitro | Many bone diseases such as osteolysis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis are caused by gram-negative bacterial infection, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial product, plays an essential role in this process. Drugs that inhibit LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis are urgently needed to prevent bone destruction in infective bone diseases. Marein, a major bioactive compound of Coreopsis tinctoria, possesses anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic effects. In this study, we measured the effect of marein on RAW264.7 cells by CCK-8 assay and used TRAP staining to determine osteoclastogenesis. The levels of osteoclast-related genes and NF-κB-related proteins were then analyzed by western blot, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Our results showed that marein inhibited LPS-induced osteoclast formation by osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells. The effect of marein was related to its inhibitory function on expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and osteoclast-related genes containing RANK, TRAF6, MMP-9, CK, and CAII. Additionally, marein leads to markedly inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Concurrently, when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited, osteoclast formation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were decreased. Collectively, marein could inhibit LPS-induced osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 cells via regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our data demonstrate that marein might be a potential drug for bacteria-induced bone destruction disease. Our findings provide new insights into LPS-induced bone disease. |
1,069 | Spatio-temporal evolution of ozone pollution and its influencing factors in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration | Ozone has become a major atmospheric pollutant in China as the pattern of urban energy usage has changed and the number of motor vehicles has grown rapidly. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration, also known as the Jing-Jin-Ji Urban Agglomeration (hereafter, JJJUA), with a precarious balance between protecting the ecological environment and sustaining economic development, is challenged by high levels of ozone pollution. Based on ozone observation data from 13 cities in the JJJUA from 2014 to 2017, the spatio-temporal trends in the evolution of ozone pollution and its associated influencing factors were analyzed using Moran's I Index, hot-spot analysis, and Geodetector using ArcGIS and SPSS software. Five key results were obtained. 1) There was an increase in the annual average ozone concentration, for the period 2014-2017. Comparing the 13 prefecture-level cities, ozone pollution in Chengde and Hengshui decreased, while it worsened in the remaining 11 cities. 2) Ozone pollution was worse in spring and summer than in autumn and winter; the peak ozone pollution season was from May to September; the average ozone concentration on workdays was higher than that on non-workdays, showing a counter-weekend effect. 3) Annual average concentrations were high in the central and southern parts of the study region but low in the north. 4) Prominent positive spatial correlations were observed in ozone concentration, with the best correlations shown in summer and autumn; concentrations were high in Baoding and Xingtai but low in Beijing and Chengde. 5) Concentrations of PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and PM2.5, as well as average wind speed, sunshine duration, evaporation, precipitation, and temperature, all had significant effects on ozone pollution, and interactions between these influencing factors increased it. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,070 | Identification, characterization and optimization of phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria (PSRB) from rice rhizosphere | Two billion people worldwide take rice (Oryza sativa L.) as a staple food. Phosphorus (P) and Nitrogen (N) are the major requirements of rice; although these are available in limited concentrations within rice growing regions. Among different types of Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria (PSRB) constitute an important class. These are known for plant growth promotion by enhancing P and N uptake. PSRB are nowadays used as biofertilizers to restore the soil health. Under the present investigation identification, characterization and optimization of phosphate solubilizing activity of these microbes at different pH, temperature and salt concentrations was carried out. Thirty-seven isolates were recovered from different regions of rice rhizosphere on Pikovskaya (PVK) agar among which 15 isolates were recovered from R.S. Pura, 12 isolates from Bishnah and 10 isolates were recovered from Akhnoor sector of Jammu, India. A prominent halo zone of clearance was developed around the colonies of 12 different isolates, indicating phosphate solubilization activity. Four distinct isolates were amplified, cloned and sequenced for taxonomic identification using 16S primers. The results indicated that PS 1, PS 2, PS 3, PS 4 were related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis strain 1, B. subtilis strain 2, B. subtilis strain 3, respectively. These strains when grown at a wide range of ecological factors showed maximum growth at pH between 6.8 and 8.8, temperature between 28 °C and 37 °C and salinity between 1% and 2%. Screening for phosphate solubilization activity revealed that the halo zone diameter formed by these isolates extended from 2.1 to 3.2 mm. The phosphate solubilizing efficiency (SE) ranged from 35.4 to 50.9 with highest value of 50.9 by PS4 and maximum P solubilization of 10.22 µg/ml was recorded by PS4 at 7th day. Phosphate solubilization activity of these identified PSRB strains can be utilized and explored in the rice growing belts of Jammu region which are deficient in phosphorus. MIC value for zinc sulphate heptahydrate in 12 isolates varied from 1 mg/ml to 6 mg/ml. Phosphate solubilization activity and MIC of these identified PSRB strains can be utilized and explored in the rice growing belts of Jammu region which are deficient in phosphorus. |
1,071 | The role of fixed capital formation, renewable and non-renewable energy in economic growth and carbon emission: a case study of Belt and Road Initiative project | Economic integration in the form of Belt and Road Initiative project opens many opportunities and hazards, especially of the participating nations' environment. The current study attempted to empirically test the economic and energy usage (renewable and non-renewable) impact on some selected countries of belt and road projects. For this purpose, the panel data set of twenty-four emerging economies of belt and road projects was selected from 1995 to 2014. The autoregressive distributed lags technique of econometric applied to determine the effect of renewable and non-renewable energy, GDP and GDP(2)for EKC, and gross fixed capital formation on carbon emission in the selected countries of Belt and Road Initiative project. The outcomes of this study confirm the existence of EKC in these underlined countries. Here, fossil fuel-based energy consumption is a source of environmental degradation, while renewable and clean energy usage can help sustain environmental conditions without affecting economic growth progress. Capital fixed formation in these economies can enhance economic growth and help to sustainable environmental conditions in the belt and road countries. Thus, based on these empirical outcomes, this study suggests economic and financial assistance in green renewable energy sources and clean technological innovation to enhance economic benefits of Belt and Road Initiative project without compromising the environmental conditions of the region. |
1,072 | Macroeconomic modelling under energy constraints: Global low carbon transition scenarios | Integrated Assessment Models provide a framework to study sustainability transitions and their economic impacts. Models seldom consider energy constraints, taking supply availability for granted and thus suggesting a mere change in the energy mix from non-renewables to renewables. In order to address these limitations, a macro-economic module within a broader system dynamics model (MEDEAS) has been developed. The model has been run for the whole world from 1995 to 2050 under three different scenarios: Business as Usual (BAU), considering no further transition policies and keeping current trends; Green Growth (GG), undertaking the low-carbon transition according to the Paris Agreement set of policies and with high GDP growth standards; and Post-Growth (PG), testing the sustainability transition under a GDP non-growth/degrowth approach. The results reveal the conflict between economic growth, climate policy and the sustainability of resources. Whereas a BAU approach would not even be an option to achieve climate goals, a GG view would not only face the downsizing of economic output, but neither would it be able to achieve the 2 degrees C objective. The success of the PG approach in meeting emissions objectives suggests a redirection from economic growth policies to an industrial policy that incorporates efficiency and redistribution. |
1,073 | Multidisciplinary, articular surface-preserving treatment strategy for locally aggressive epithelioid hemangioma of the acetabulum employing serial bland transarterial embolization | Epithelioid hemangioma is a rare, histologically benign but locally aggressive primary vascular neoplasm that can rarely arise in bone. Mainstay treatment is surgical resection or curettage with bone grafting. We report a novel multidisciplinary, joint-sparing treatment approach for an epithelioid hemangioma of bone arising in the acetabulum causing severe thinning of the subchondral bone plate. After 4 sessions of transarterial bland particle and ethanol embolization, the resultant increased ossification of the tumor allowed preservation of the articular surface during surgical resection. Imaging follow-up 14 months after surgical resection showed no evidence of recurrence and continued ossification of the portions of the lesion treated only with embolization. |
1,074 | Relation of maternal birthweight with early pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and offspring macrosomia | This study aimed to investigate how maternal birthweight is related to early pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and offspring birthweight. Females born term and singleton in Sweden between 1973 and 1995 (N = 305,893) were studied at their first pregnancy. Information regarding their birthweight, early pregnancy body mass index, and pregnancy complications was retrieved from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, as were data on their mothers and offspring. High maternal birthweights (2-3 standard deviation scores (SDS) and >3 SDS) were associated with greater odds of early pregnancy obesity, odds ratio (OR) 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-1.63) and OR 2.06 (CI 1.71-2.49), respectively. A low maternal birthweight (<2 SDS) was associated with greater odds of GDM (OR 2.49, CI 2.00-3.12). No association was found between high maternal birthweight and GDM. A maternal birthweight 2-3 SDS was associated with offspring birthweight 2-3 SDS (OR 3.83, CI 3.44-4.26), and >3 SDS (OR 3.55, CI 2.54-4.97). Corresponding ORs for a maternal birthweight >3 SDS were 5.38 (CI 4.12-7.01) and 6.98 (CI 3.57-13.65), respectively. In conclusion, a high maternal birthweight was positively associated with early pregnancy obesity and offspring macrosomia. A low, but not a high maternal birthweight, was associated with GDM. |
1,075 | Technique of Augmenting Molecular Graph Data by Perturbating Hidden Features | Quantitative structure-property relationship models are useful in efficiently searching for molecules with desired properties in drug discovery and materials development. In recent years, many such models based on graph neural networks, showing good prediction performance, have been reported. Training graph neural networks generally require many samples, but by using a training method for a small dataset, it is possible to extract features that enable successful prediction. Herein, we design a method of augmenting graph data. In this method, random perturbations are added with a certain probability to some vertex features during message passing. We verify the proposed method's effectiveness in regression and classification tasks. It is confirmed that the proposed method is effective when the perturbation is added immediately before the readout of the graph neural network, and the effect of the data augmentation is most evident for small datasets of approximately 1000 samples. |
1,076 | Real-time video and force analysis feedback system for learning strength skills on rings in men's artistic gymnastics | The importance of objective evaluations has gathered more attention than before for a fairer and better performance judgment in gymnastics. The purpose of this report was to disseminate information about our system and provide an example of data utilisation in high-level competitive training from a practical standpoint. The system combined video and force data, measured with two force transducers at the top of the ring cables, wirelessly transmitted to a computer. The force data synchronised with the video were available in real time or immediately after trials, making it possible to objectively quantify the amount of spotting that a gymnast received as external physical assistances. The simplicity of the setup and several special functions of the system led athletes and coaches spontaneously to use it in their regular training to quantify their skill level. Based on the regular utilisation of the system, the general correspondence between objectively measured values and the subjective perception of spotters was determined. In addition, the data suggested the possibility of technical evaluation of a certain type of strength skill based on force data. The data that are shared in this report should be beneficial in facilitating activities to integrate science into practice in gymnastics. |
1,077 | Economic dispatching strategy of distributed energy storage for deferring substation expansion in the distribution network with distributed generation and electric vehicle | Aiming at the problem that the traditional substation expansion method leads to low availability of transformers and distributed generations (DG), and considering the improvement of energy storage operation revenue to reduce the energy storage investment cost, an energy storage economic dispatch strategy for deferring substation expansion is proposed. The strategy takes the charge-discharge balance as the criterion, considers the system security constraints and energy storage operation constraints, and aims at maximizing the comprehensive income of system loss and arbitrage from energy storage operation, and establishes the economic operation model of energy storage, the energy storage power is calculated according to different peak-cutting values, and the operating income of corresponding energy storage power is calculated by substituting it into the economic operation model. Finally, the energy storage power corresponding to the optimal income is determined. Through the simulation and analysis of the IEEE33 bus distribution system, based on the proposed evaluation index, the results show that the economic dispatching strategy proposed in this paper can greatly increase the operating income of energy storage, reduce the equivalent annual investment cost of energy storage equipment by $54,930 compared with the substation expansion scheme, and increase the annual availability rate of transformers to 32.8%, the annual availability hours of distributed generations increased by 267 h. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,078 | Actualizing a High-Energy Bipolar-Stacked Solid-State Battery with Low-Cost Mechanically Robust Nylon Mesh-Reinforced Composite Polymer Electrolyte Membranes | To meet the rapidly growing and diversified demand for energy storage, advanced rechargeable batteries with high-performance materials and efficient battery configuration are widely being exploited and developed. Bipolar-stacked electrode coupling with solid-state electrolytes enables achieving batteries with high output voltage, high energy density, and simple components. Here, a polymer electrolyte membrane is designed with polyethylene oxide containing bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)-imide as the electrolyte, succinonitrile as the plasticizer, and nylon mesh as a reinforcement for the bipolar-stacked battery. The as-prepared nylon mesh-reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane shows advantageous features, that is, excellent ionic conductivity (3.38 × 10-4 S cm-1) at room temperature, low interface impedance, and good tolerance against the expansion caused by the plating/stripping of the Li anode and the electrode upon cycling. When used as a polymer electrolyte membrane in the bipolar-stacked battery, the LiFePO4(LFP)-Li4Ti5O12(LTO) cell with three cells connected in series delivers a higher discharge voltage (5.4 V) and a volumetric energy density (0.328 mW h cm-3), nearly 3 times as much as that of the LFP-LTO battery. In addition, LiFePO4-Li pouch cells using the polymer electrolyte membrane can sustain the abuse tests including bending, cutting, and nail penetration well. These results pave a new avenue to develop high-performance polymer electrolyte membranes and allow for the design of high-voltage and volumetric energy density bipolar-stacked batteries. |
1,079 | Isolated abducens nerve palsy due to COVID-19 | Although coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is mainly a respiratory system disease, neurological complications due to peripheral and central nervous system involvement may be seen in these patients. In this case report, we described a patient with isolated abducens nerve palsy after COVID-19. The patient was a healthy 28-year-old man who developed isolated abducens nerve palsy 10 days after COVID-19. He had no systemic risk factors. He had 20 PD left esotropia (ET) at distance and 16 PD left ET at near in primary position and ET increasing to 25 PD in left gaze. He had left abduction deficiency. His cranio-orbital magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal. He was diagnosed as left isolated abducens nerve palsy and his findings were recovered after 2 months. COVID-19 may cause ocular motor nerve palsies. Although the pathological mechanism remains unclear, direct viral invasion, inflammatory and immune mechanisms may play role. Further case reports and studies are needed to support these findings. |
1,080 | The role of financial development and globalization in the environment: Accounting ecological footprint indicators for selected one-belt-one-road initiative countries | The pressure of globalization on our ecosystem is widely debated, and academics and researchers urge clear policies at all levels. In this regard, a plethora of research work use carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as an indicator of environmental measure to show that both globalization and financial development have diverse impacts on the environment. In fact, CO2 emissions are only a portion of total greenhouse gas emissions, so a comprehensive measure is required to gauge total ecological deterioration. The ecological footprint (EF) indicator is a comprehensive environmental accounting tool that has streamlined input-output environmental assessments. This study investigates the role of financial development and globalization on the EF for selected one-belt-one-road initiative countries from 1990 to 2014. The pooled means group long-run panel estimations results show that the EF sparks off by 0.0211 percent global hectares (gha) in selected panel countries when there is a 1 percent rise in financial development. A 1 percent growth in globalization mitigates the EF by 0.0038 percent gha in the long-run, suggesting an inverse relationship. Moreover, the country-specific findings show that the EF increases (at various percentages in gha) due to upsurges in both financial development and globalization in thirty- and twenty-nine countries, respectively. However, the EF declines (at various percentages in gha) due to increase in financial development in fourteen countries and globalization in four countries. In addition, the pairwise Granger causality finding shows the feedback effects of both financial development and globalization on EF. The EF affects environmental degradation, so efforts to reduce ecological deterioration and even immediate intervention measures should be employed in support of a sustainable environment. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd. |
1,081 | Analyzing carbon emission transfer network structure among provinces in China: new evidence from social network analysis | Domestic trade plays a key role in China's rapid economic progress. However, the increased domestic trade causes significant variations in carbon emission transfer among provinces. This study adopted the multi-region input-output (MRIO) model and social network analysis (SNA) to estimate the carbon emission transfer. Furthermore, the carbon emission transfer network characteristics among 30 provinces and 27 sectors were analyzed by using interprovincial input-output tables for 2007, 2010, and 2012. The results showed that (1) Large differences exist in carbon emission transfer flow and its network characteristics between provinces. (2) The three industrial sectors of metal smelting and pressing sector, power, heat production, and supply sector, petroleum processing, coking, and nuclear fuel processing sector have high carbon emission transfer and pose a strong influence on the carbon emission transfer network. (3) Provinces of the eastern region have a "bidirectional spillover" role, while those of the western region have a mediating role as an "agent." Provinces of the central region have a "main inflow" role. Finally, useful policy implications and suggestions of this study are summarized. |
1,082 | Intensification of a new electrocoagulation system characterized by minimum energy consumption and maximum removal efficiency of heavy metals from simulated wastewater | In the present study, a new simple self-gas stirred batch electrocoagulation reactor was designed. The new cell consisted of a cylindrical Al sheet anode and a cylindrical Al screen cathode placed at a small distance from the anode. The H-2 evolving screen cathode improves the mixing conditions in the cell via turblence promotion and solution recycling which improves the economic efficiency of the electrochemical cell. This favourable hydrodynamic conditions improved considerably the % removal of Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions from a synthetic wastewater. The removal efficiency and apparent removal rate constant (k(app)) of Cu2+ were higher than those of Ni2+ as a result of the additional cathodic deposition mechanism. Energy consumption ranged from 4.43-75.71 kW.h/kg depending on the operating conditions. The optimal operational conditions,were current density (c.d) of 1.72 mAcm(-2), initial metal concentration (C-o) of 100 mg.L-1, NaCl concentration (C-N) of 1 g.L-1 and pH (5.5 for Cu and 4 for Ni) at 40 min. of electrolysis. The % removal efficiency ranged from 34.56-100% depending on the operating conditions. This study revealed that the new self stirred cell has the potential to be used for the removal of heavy metal from contaminated water. |
1,083 | Modelling the global impact of China's ban on plastic waste imports | China has long been the world's leading plastic waste importer. However, in January 2018 the Chinese Government enacted a new policy to permanently ban the import of most plastic waste into the country. This raises an important question: what will the impact of this policy be both domestically and globally? It is argued that the answer to this question can in part be systematically revealed by employing three methods of analysis. (1) A combined multiregional input-output model with structural path analysis (SPA) to understand how consumption patterns domestically and globally drive China's plastic waste imports. (2) An ecological network analysis to identify which region is the dominant controller of the global plastic waste trade network. Lastly, (3) a hypothetical extraction method to investigate the value-added change for China and the increased requirement of waste treatment capacity for other economies. The results indicate that the imported plastic waste was mainly driven by China's domestic consumption of products containing recycled plastic. Given this demand, it is recommended that the Chinese Government undertake various actions to increase local plastic waste recycling to compensate for the loss of recycled plastic material since the import ban took place. China is a dominant controller, along with the US, the European Union and Germany of the global plastic waste trade network. At this stage it is not possible for other large economies to replace the role of China in the short term. China's waste import ban caused a minor economic loss for China, however, it has resulted in the need for other economies to increase their waste treatment capacity. As well as increasing local plastic waste recycling, it is recommended the Chinese Government consider reopening imports for high quality recycled material and to seek global collaboration, which would not only ease the shortage of recycled plastic material but also buy time for other economies to build new waste treatment plants. |
1,084 | Use of chronically occluded fistula to establish access outflow | Maintaining a good quality vascular access in the long term can become particularly challenging especially in patients that are on dialysis for many years and present with exhausted venous capital and chronic access related complications. We present a 60-year-old female patient with multiple bilateral previous failed accesses, a previous distal revascularization interval ligation (DRIL) for hemodialysis access induced distal ischemia (HAIDI). Her chronically (more than a month) occluded arteriovenous fistula AVF was used to establish outflow and create a functioning forearm arteriovenous graft (AVG). |
1,085 | New optimal design for a hybrid solar chimney, solid oxide electrolysis and fuel cell based on improved deer hunting optimization algorithm | In recent years, renewable energy resources such as wind and solar energy have been considered as the main alternative to fossil fuels due to their benefits such as economic benefits, low environmental pollution, and renewable power generation. The solar chimney is one of these alternatives with a simple structure that can be adopted for generating easy and clean energy. The application of solar chimney in desert areas of the Yazd city with high-intensity solar radiation is efficient and environmentally friendly. Due to the low efficiency of the solar chimney in the night times, a combined configuration has been proposed by considering the solid oxide fuel cell and solid oxide electrolysis cell for storing the surplus energy as Hydrogen for the night times. The paper also presents a developed version of deer hunting optimization algorithm to optimal designing of the economic aspect of the power plant. Simulation results are applied to two different seasons for more analysis and the results of the optimal system are compared with genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to show the system efficiency. The results showed that 0.16 kg/s hydrogen is produced at the peak of the radiation in a district of Yazd city. The results also show the decreasing the loss value based on optimal economical designing gives 1,192,000,000$, 1,190,000,000$, and 8,645,000,000$ cost for the GA and PSO, and the proposed improved deer hunting optimization algorithm, respectively. It also shows that the energy generated by the presented configuration in the summer is higher than the winter. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,086 | Reinvestigating the pollution haven hypothesis: the nexus between foreign direct investments and environmental quality in G-20 countries | One of the most commonly debated concerns regarding foreign direct investment inflows is the associated environmental adversities that accompany the influx of foreign funds. As a result, assessing the environmental impacts of foreign direct investment inflows is necessary for achieving environmentally friendly economic growth in the contemporary era. Accordingly, the global economies including the members of the Group of Twenty (G-20) should focus on attracting clean foreign direct investments. Against this backdrop, controlling for energy consumption and urbanization, this extant study scrutinizes the effects of foreign direct investment inflows on the carbon dioxide emission figures of selected G-20 countries between 1992 and 2018. The econometric analysis conducted in this paper involves recently developed methods that are efficient in handling cross-sectionally dependent heterogeneous panel data sets. Besides, the analysis is also conducted for sub-panels of high-, upper-middle-, and lower-middle-income G-20 countries to evaluate the possible heterogeneous environmental effects across the G-20 countries belonging to different income levels. Overall, the results highlight that higher foreign direct investment inflows surge carbon dioxide emissions whereby the pollution haven hypothesis is evidenced to hold for the G-20 nations of concern. Similarly, both at the aggregated and disaggregated levels, greater consumption of energy is witnessed to boost carbon dioxide emissions in the long run. Moreover, urbanization is found to trigger carbon dioxide emissions for the G-20 nations overall and the lower-middle-income G-20 nations. Further, the causality analysis reveals that carbon dioxide emissions have bidirectional causal relationships with foreign direct investment inflows, energy consumption, and urbanization. In line with these major findings, this study recommends that the governments of the G-20 countries inhibit inflows of dirty foreign direct investments, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and adopt green urbanization policies for achieving higher economic growth without marginalizing environmental well-being. |
1,087 | Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity: a retrospective case-control study | Robust evidence of whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with COVID-19 infection and its severity is still lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between vitamin D levels and the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease in those infected. A retrospective study was carried out among members of Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest healthcare organization in Israel, between March 1 and October 31, 2020. We created two matched case-control groups of individuals for which vitamin D levels and body mass index (BMI) were available before the pandemic: group (A), in which 41,757 individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were matched with 417,570 control individuals without evidence of infection, and group (B), in which 2533 patients hospitalized in severe condition for COVID-19 were matched with 2533 patients who were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but were not hospitalized. Conditional logistic models were fitted in each of the groups to assess the association between vitamin D levels and outcome. An inverse correlation was demonstrated between the level of vitamin D and the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and of severe disease in those infected. Patients with very low vitamin D levels (< 30 nmol/L) had the highest risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection and also for severe COVID-19 when infected-OR 1.246 [95% CI 1.210-1.304] and 1.513 [95% CI 1.230-1.861], respectively. In this large observational population study, we show a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and of severe disease in those infected. |
1,088 | Evaluation of Effect of Biologically Synthesized Ethanolic Extract of Propolis-Loaded Poly(-Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles on Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats | Wound healing is interaction of a complex cascade of cellular/biochemical actions leading to restoration of structural and functional integrity with regain of injured tissues strength. This study was aimed at evaluation of application of ethanolic extract of propolis-loaded poly(-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (EEP-PLGA NPs) on wound healing in diabetic rats. Sixty rats were randomized into four groups of 15 rats each: In control group (Control) diabetic wound was treated with normal saline. In Carrier 1 group diabetic wound was treated with PLGA nanoparticles based solution. In Carrier 2 group the diabetic wound was treated with EEP. In Treatment group animals received EEP-PLGA NPs on the wound. Wound size was measured on 7, 14 and 21 days after surgery. The expression of p53, bcl-2, Caspase III, were evaluated using reverse-transcription PCR and Immunohistochemical staining. The Treatment group had significantly reduced the wound size compared to other groups (P = 0.001). histological and morphometric studies, and mean rank of the qualitative studies demonstrated that there was significant difference between Treatment group and other groups (P < .05). Observations demonstrated that ethanolic extract of propolis-loaded PLGA nanoparticles significantly shortened the inflammatory phase and accelerated the cellular proliferation. Accordingly, the animals in Treatment group revealed significantly (P < .05) higher fibroblast distribution/one mm2 of wound area and rapid re epithelialization. The mRNA levels of bcl-2, p53 and caspase III were remarkably (P < .05) higher in Treatment group compared to control and animals. The immunohistochemical analyzes confirmed the RT-PCR findings. EEP-PLGA NPs offered potential advantages in wound healing acceleration and improvement through angiogenesis stimulation, fibroblast proliferation and granulation tissue formation in early days of healing phases, acceleration in diabetic wound repair associated with earlier wound contraction and stability of damaged area by rearrangement of granulation tissue and collagen fibers. |
1,089 | Archerfish number discrimination | Debates have arisen as to whether non-human animals actually can learn abstract non-symbolic numerousness or whether they always rely on some continuous physical aspect of the stimuli, covarying with number. Here, we investigated archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix) non-symbolic numerical discrimination with accurate control for covarying continuous physical stimulus attributes. Archerfish were trained to select one of two groups of black dots (Exp. 1: 3 vs 6 elements; Exp. 2: 2 vs 3 elements); these were controlled for several combinations of physical variables (elements' size, overall area, overall perimeter, density, and sparsity), ensuring that only numerical information was available. Generalization tests with novel numerical comparisons (2 vs 3, 5 vs 8, and 6 vs 9 in Exp. 1; 3 vs 4, 3 vs 6 in Exp. 2) revealed choice for the largest or smallest numerical group according to the relative number that was rewarded at training. None of the continuous physical variables, including spatial frequency, were affecting archerfish performance. Results provide evidence that archerfish spontaneously use abstract relative numerical information for both small and large numbers when only numerical cues are available. |
1,090 | The source control effect of personal protection equipment and physical barrier on short-range airborne transmission | In order to control the spread of Covid-19, authorities provide various prevention guidelines and recommendations for health workers and the public. Personal protection equipment (PPE) and physical barrier are the most widely applied prevention measures in practice due to their affordability and ease of implementation. This study aims to investigate the effect of PPE and physical barriers on mitigating the short-range airborne transmission between two people in a ventilated environment. Four types of PPE (surgical mask, two types of face shield, and mouth visor), and two different sizes of the physical barrier were tested in a controlled environment with two life-size breathing thermal manikins. The PPE was worn by the source manikin to test the efficiency of source control. The measurement results revealed that the principles of PPE on preventing short-range droplet and airborne transmission are different. Instead of filtering the fine droplet nuclei, they mainly redirect the virus-laden exhalation jet and avoid the exhaled flow entering the target's inhalation region. Physical barriers can block the spreading of droplet nuclei and create a good micro environment at short distances between persons. However, special attention should be paid to arranging the physical barrier and operating the ventilation system to avoid the stagnant zone where the contaminant accumulates. |
1,091 | Open-source data-driven urban land-use mapping integrating point-line-polygon semantic objects: A case study of Chinese cities | Reliable urban land-use maps are essential for urban analysis because the spatial distribution of land use reflects the complex environment of cities under the combined effects of nature and socio-economics. In recent years, very high resolution (VHR) remote sensing imagery interpretation has resolved the "semantic gap" between the low-level data and the high-level semantic scenes, and has been used to map urban land use. Nevertheless, the existing frameworks cannot easily be applied to practical urban analysis, which can be attributed to three main reasons: 1) the indistinguishable socio-economic attributes of the same ground object layouts; 2) the weak transferability of the supervised frameworks and the time-consuming training sample annotation; and 3) the category system inconsistency between the data source and the urban land-use application. In this paper, to achieve an "application gap" breakthrough for urban land-use mapping, a data-driven point, line, and polygon semantic object mapping (PLPSOM) framework is proposed, which makes full use of open-source VHR images and multi-source geospatial data. In the PLPSOM framework, point, line, and polygon semantic objects are represented by the points of interest (POIs), OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, and VHR images corresponding to the scenes in the land-use mapping units, respectively. OSM line semantic objects are utilized to supply the boundaries of the land-use mapping units for the POIs and VHR images, forming urban land parcels (street blocks). To reduce the cost of the data annotation, the training dataset is constructed using multiple open-source data sources. An enhanced deep adaptation network (EDAN) is then proposed to acquire the categories of the VHR scene images in the case of partial transfer learning. Finally, in order to meet the actual needs, a rule-based category mapping (RCM) model is applied to integrate the categories of the POIs and VHR images into the urban land-use category system, allowing us to acquire the land-use maps of the cities. The effectiveness of the proposed method was tested in four cities of China, including six specific areas: Beijing and Wuhan city centers; the Hanyang District of Wuhan; the Hannan District of Wuhan; Macao; and the Wan Chai area of Hong Kong, achieving a high classification accuracy. The "urban image" analysis confirmed the practicality of the obtained urban land-use maps. |
1,092 | Insecticidal effects of a novel polyherbal formulation (HF7) against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) | Plant secondary metabolites represent the most efficient and convenient method to control and overcome environmental pollution and insecticidal resistance. This study explored the mosquitocidal activity of the combined extract of seven plants, (HF7) extracted using a Soxhlet extractor against Culex pipiens under laboratory conditions. Exposure of the 3rd instars of Cx. pipiens to HF7 hexane extract resulted in LC50:114.5 μg/mL and LC90:117.0 μg/mL values after 24 h. The ovicidal activities of hexane extract against Cx. pipiens eggs were 21.6%, 48.3%, and 71.6% at 187.5, 93.7, and 46.88 μg/mL, respectively. HF7-treated larvae showed the formation of irregular blebbing of epithelial cells toward the lumen and sloughing into the gut lumen. HF7 extract resulted in 100% adulticidal mortality at the concentration of 3.7 mg/test tube after 30 min of exposure. The IC50 of HF7 extract was 97.03 µg/ml against larvae, at which nuclear and morphological changes were observed. The spectroscopy spectrum of HF7 hexane extract disclosed the presence of 57 different secondary metabolites, among which the dominant compound was eugenol (32.3%). HF7 hexane extract could serve as a botanical insecticide for controlling Cx. pipiens and potentially other mosquito species. |
1,093 | Extracellular flux analyses reveal differences in mitochondrial PBMC metabolism between high-fit and low-fit females | Analyzing metabolism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can possibly serve as a cellular metabolic read-out for lifestyle factors and lifestyle interventions. However, the impact of PBMC composition on PBMC metabolism is not yet clear, neither is the differential impact of a longer-term lifestyle factor versus a short-term lifestyle intervention. We investigated the effect of aerobic fitness level and a recent exercise bout on PBMC metabolism in females. PBMCs from 31 young female adults divided into a high-fit (V̇o2peak ≥ 47 mL/kg/min, n = 15) and low-fit (V̇o2peak ≤ 37 mL/kg/min, n = 16) groups were isolated at baseline and overnight after a single bout of exercise (60 min, 70% V̇o2peak). Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and glycolytic rate (GR) were measured using extracellular flux (XF) assays and PBMC subsets were characterized using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Basal OCR, FCCP-induced OCR, spare respiratory capacity, ATP-linked OCR, and proton leak were significantly higher in high-fit than in low-fit females (all P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences in glycolytic rate (GR) were found (all P > 0.05). A recent exercise bout did not significantly affect GR or OCR parameters (all P > 0.05). The overall PBMC composition was similar between high-fit and low-fit females. Mitochondrial PBMC function was significantly higher in PBMCs from high-fit than from low-fit females, which was unrelated to PBMC composition and not impacted by a recent bout of exercise. Our study reveals a link between PBMC metabolism and levels of aerobic fitness, increasing the relevance of PBMC metabolism as a marker to study the impact of lifestyle factors on human health.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mitochondrial metabolism was significantly higher in PBMCs from high-fit than from low-fit females. This was unrelated to PBMC composition and not impacted by a recent bout of exercise. Our study reveals a link between PBMC metabolism and levels of aerobic fitness, increasing the relevance of PBMC metabolism as a marker to study the impact of lifestyle factors on human health. |
1,094 | Worldwide geographical mapping and optimization of stand-alone and grid- connected hybrid renewable system techno-economic performance across Koppen-Geiger climates | In the last years, a significant interest in research in stand-alone (SA) and grid-connected (GC) photovoltaic (PV)-wind hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) is observed for their complementary in the satisfaction of the electrical energy demand in many sectors. However, direct comparisons between the techno-economic performance of two system modes under the same operating conditions are rarely carried out. Additionally, most of the researches are limited to specific weather conditions. This work aims to bridge the lack of this type of investigations providing a worldwide techno-economic mapping and optimization of SA and GC PV-wind HRES to supply the electrical demand of an office building district. For this purpose, energy and economic optimization problems were formulated to find the optimal SA and GC systems worldwide among 343 HRES system power configurations located in 48 different localities, uniformly divided in the sub-group of the Koppen classification. The energy reliability and economic profitability of optimal systems were geographically mapped worldwide. In general, the energy or economic optimizations of SA HRES do not lead to highly profitable systems; instead, feed-in-tariff to sell the energy in excess assures viable GC HRES in many localities. However, economically optimal SA and GC HRES, respectively, do not everywhere comply with the threshold value of 70% of the satisfied energy required by the load and are characterized by a high level of energy exchanged with the grid. The study highlighted that the most suitable climate conditions to install a SA HRES are: (i) Toamasina (Madagascar) from an energy point of view, with 76% of load satisfied and 76% of the energy generated utilized [GRAPHICS] to supply the load; (ii) Cambridge Bay (Canada) from an economic point of view, with 11.1% of the capital cost recovered each year; instead, the most suitable climate conditions to install a GC HRES are: (iii) New Delhi (India) from an energy point of view, with 48% of energy exchanged with the grid per each kWh required by the load; (iv) Lihue (Hawaii, United States) from an economic point of view, with 24.3% of the capital cost recovered each year. |
1,095 | Toxicological effects of active and inert ingredients of imazethapyr formulation Verosil® against Scenedesmus vacuolatus (Chlorophyta) | Imazethapyr, a selective systemic herbicide, is widely used in agriculture and it is frequently detected in water bodies close to application areas. Like other agrochemicals, imazethapyr is commercialized in formulations containing a mixture of additives that increase the effectiveness of the active ingredient. These complex mixtures may cause adverse effects on non-target primary producers, such as microalgae, when they reach freshwater bodies. The aim of this study was to assess the effects, separately, of the formulation Verosil®, the formulation additives, and technical-grade imazethapyr, in the acidic form or as ammonium salt, on the microalga Scenedesmus vacuolatus (Chlorophyta). Verosil®, formulation additives, and acid imazethapyr significantly inhibited the growth of S. vacuolatus (Verosil® > formulation additives > acid imazethapyr) and caused morphological alterations from 2 mg L-1, 4 mg L-1, and 60 mg L-1 onwards, respectively. Verosil® and formulation additives caused the most adverse effect including membrane disorganization, cytoplasm contraction, cell wall thickening, thylakoidal membrane disaggregation, and starch granule accumulation. In addition, Verosil® and formulation additives increased the chl a/chl b ratio, indicating possible alterations in photosystems as a stress response. The carotene/chl a ratio was also increased in microalgae exposed to both Verosil® and formulation additives, suggesting an antioxidant response to these toxic compounds. All these results support the hypothesis that the formulation additives contribute significantly to the toxicity and alterations caused by the commercial formulation Verosil® on S. vacuolatus. |
1,096 | Renewable energy consumption and economic growth nexus: Evidence from a threshold model | The existing literature on renewable energy consumption and economic growth nexus produces mixed results as the effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth can be either positive, negative or not significant. This paper examines the causal link between renewable energy use and economic growth by employing a threshold model using a 103-country sample in the 1995 to 2015 period. We find that the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth depends on the amount of renewable energy used. Our results demonstrate that the effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth is positive and significant if and only if developing countries or non-OECD countries surpass a certain threshold of renewable energy consumption. However, if developing countries use renewable energy below a given threshold level, the effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth is negative. However, we also find that renewable energy consumption has no significant effect on economic growth in developed countries and a positive and significant effect on economic growth in OECD countries. The findings of this paper suggest that for developing countries to realize positive economic growth from their investment to renewable energy, they need to surpass a certain threshold of renewable energy consumption. |
1,097 | Management of chicken manure using black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae assisted by companion bacteria | Black soldier fly (BSF) is used for the management of organic waste, but research has hardly explored the effect of companion bacteria when chicken manure (CHM) is converted to insect biomass. In this study, we isolated nine bacterial species (FE01, FE02, FE03, FE04, FE05, FE06, FE07, FE08, FE09) from BSF eggs and one (BSF-CL) from the larval gut. These companion bacteria were inoculated into CHM along with BSF larvae (BSFL). Larval growth and manure conversion rates were determined. Results indicated that almost all bacteria individual bacteria in this study significantly promote BSFL growth. BSFL reared in manure with the species Kocuria marina (FE01), Lysinibacillus boronitolerans (FE04), Proteus mirabilis (FE08) and Bacillus subtilis (BSF-CL) had higher weight gain and manure reduction rates compared to the control. These four strains used were then examined as a poly-bacteria community experiment to determine BSFL growth and manure conversion. Manure inoculated with the poly-bacteria Group3 (FE01:FE04:FE08:BSF-CL = 4:1:1:1) and then fed to BSFL resulted in 28.6% more weight gain than the control. The greatest manure reduction rate (52.91%) was reached when companion bacteria were mixed at a ratio of 1:1:1:4. Additionally, the companion bacteria influenced the nutritional value of BSFL. Crude protein content in Groupl (FE01:FE04:FE08:BSF-CL = 1:1:1:1) was significantly larger than that of the control. Crude fat content in Group3 was significantly larger than that of the control. BSFL companion bacteria and their poly-bacteria compound improved manure conversion efficiency and nutrient accumulation in BSFL, reduced CHM quantity, increased larvae biomass, with potential economic gains in CHM management. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,098 | Assessing the Potentials of Digitalization as a Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Development in Urban Centres | Digitalization is a key enabler of sustainable development of cities' socio-economic dynamics with the potential to foster climate-friendly urban environments and societies. The advent of the 4th industrial revolution has seen the increased application of digitalization in several fields and at different levels. High-tech digital devices, platforms and environments are increasingly being deployed to enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability, and improve overall well-being of urban dwellers. Digitalization is projected to further impact cities in future, transform jobs and trigger life-style changes with far-reaching impacts that will ultimately affect cities' resilience and adaptation capacities. While a growing body of research has highlighted the significance of digitalization to climate change mitigation such as reducing GHG and CO2 emissions, comprehensive evaluations of the potentials of digitalization as an enabler of climate change adaptation remain scarce. This paper addresses this gap by analysing the current trend in digital revolution in relation to climate change adaptation and examines the likely challenges of digitalization. A desk research method was adopted, focusing on core digitalization concepts driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). Nine case studies in cities across various continents were selected to assess the potentials of digitalization in addressing climatic hazards and to highlight benefits from implementing digitalization, while considering the social-ecological-technological challenges and tensions around IR 4.0. Our findings reveal the capabilities of digitalization in supporting more effective early warning and emergency response systems, enhancing food and water security, improving power infrastructure performance, enabling citizen engagement and participatory adaptation measures and minimizing the impacts of climatic hazards. Finally, we recommend feasible pathways to overcome present risks and challenges in order to optimize the numerous opportunities offered by digitalization in support of climate change adaptation initiatives. |
1,099 | Systematic review and meta-analysis of the inter-recti distance on ultrasound measurement in nulliparas | The objective is to evaluate the inter-recti distance on ultrasound measurement at different locations in healthy nulliparas. Electronic databases were searched for studies describing the inter-recti distance measured by ultrasound in healthy nulliparas. We excluded studies without descriptions of the measurement position or the condition of the abdominal wall. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the inter-recti distance on ultrasound measurement. Seven eligible studies with 295 healthy nulliparas were included. The location of the inter-recti distance measurement by ultrasound was not uniform. The pooled data divided the measurement locations into three areas. The meta-analytic summary values of the umbilical inter-recti distance of the nulliparas was 8.77 mm (6.56-10.99 mm), the distance at the epigastric area was 7.22 mm (2.76-11.68 mm), and that at the infraumbilical area was 4.09 mm (1.55-6.64 mm). The maximal reported inter-recti distance in healthy nulliparous women is smaller than 10 mm on ultrasound measurement at all locations and the range in the umbilical area is larger than that in the epigastric, infraumbilical areas. The values for the inter-recti distance reported in this systematic review can be used as the reference of feasible and desirable distance of the rectus muscles after rectus fascia plication. The limitation was that the methodological quality of the assessment in most studies was unclear or low. |
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