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1,200 | Drivers of future alien species impacts: An expert-based assessment | Understanding the likely future impacts of biological invasions is crucial yet highly challenging given the multiple relevant environmental, socio-economic and societal contexts and drivers. In the absence of quantitative models, methods based on expert knowledge are the best option for assessing future invasion trajectories. Here, we present an expert assessment of the drivers of potential alien species impacts under contrasting scenarios and socioecological contexts through the mid-21st century. Based on responses from 36 experts in biological invasions, moderate (20%-30%) increases in invasions, compared to the current conditions, are expected to cause major impacts on biodiversity in most socioecological contexts. Three main drivers of biological invasions-transport, climate change and socio-economic change-were predicted to significantly affect future impacts of alien species on biodiversity even under a best-case scenario. Other drivers (e.g. human demography and migration in tropical and subtropical regions) were also of high importance in specific global contexts (e.g. for individual taxonomic groups or biomes). We show that some best-case scenarios can substantially reduce potential future impacts of biological invasions. However, rapid and comprehensive actions are necessary to use this potential and achieve the goals of the Post-2020 Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity. |
1,201 | The nexus between economic growth, tourism development, energy consumption, and CO(2)emissions in Mediterranean countries | This study aims to analyze the relationship among international tourism, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and economic growth in Mediterranean countries for the 1995-2014 data period. According to the results of panel quantile regression model for 17 countries, the tourism-led growth hypothesis is valid in low growth levels, but deviations from this hypothesis are determined after the middle growth level. Also, the CO(2)coefficient at low growth levels indicated that sustainable growth is achieved, but no significant results are obtained at subsequent growth levels. Finally, energy consumption supports economic growth at low and medium growth levels. Short-run causality test results illustrated that there is bidirectional causality between GDP and all explanatory variables. |
1,202 | Water quality index, Labeo rohita, and Eichhornia crassipes: Suitable bio-indicators of river water pollution | The present study investigated the water quality index (WQI) of the Kshipra river at Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, India, using native fish Labeo rohita, and plant Eichhornia crassipes. The temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, turbidity, and dissolved solids were found to be within the prescribed limits. However, heavy metals concentration exceeded the limit except for Cu and Zn. Their occurrence in river water was as follows: Ni > Fe > Cd > Cr > Mn > Zn > Cu. Among these heavy metals, Cd was found to be highly bioavailable, whereas Zn was the least bioavailable metal. Based on WQI, the water was found to be unfit for drinking, and the high WQI value was due to the presence of Cr and Cd. In fish tissues (muscle, liver, gut, gills, and kidney), the highest and lowest metal pollution index was found in gills (45.03) and kidneys (12.21), respectively. Bioaccumulation of these metals resulted in significant depletion of energy reserves (protein, glucose, and glycogen) and also altered hematological parameters. Moreover, liver function tests showed hepatic damage in the exposed fish. In-plant, both the bioaccumulation and mobility factor exceeded 1 for all these metals. On the other hand, the translocation factor was found to be beyond 1 for Fe, Ni, and Zn. These high values make this plant fit for phytoextraction of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Cd and phytostabilization of Cr in water. Moreover, consumption of L. rohita from the Kshipra River does not pose a non-cancer risk as the target hazard quotient was below 1, but it may pose cancer risk because of the presence of Cr in the range of 1.402 × 10-3 to 1.599 × 10-3. |
1,203 | Sustainable design and optimization of coal supply chain network under different carbon emission policies | In recent years, coal power has obvious advantages in terms of safety, economy and stability. As people gradually realize the importance of the environment, low carbon has become one of the core indicators of power system evaluation, so it is particularly important to guide the coal enterprises to achieve a win-win situation of economic and environmental benefits. Combined with the carbon emission policies, this paper takes the coal supply chain network as the research object and aims to develop a comprehensive decision model for sustainable design of coal supply chain. First, this paper extracts the influencing factors of low-carbonization in coal supply chain and constructs an interpretative structural model (ISM). The results show that low-carbon green technology, low-carbon production cost, utilization level of green energy and energy efficiency are the most basic manifestations of low-carbonization of coal supply chain and interact with each other, therefore this paper builds an optimization model with the objective of minimizing the low-carbon production costs in the coal supply chain. Concurrently, this paper introduces four policies (emission cap, carbon tax, carbon trade and carbon offset) as constraint condition. Then, in the aspect of model solving, this paper combines the differential evolution (DE) strategy to mutate, cross and select the leaders generated in each iteration of the salp swarm algorithm (SSA), further increases the diversity of the salp swarm, avoids the algorithm falling into a local optimum, and proposes the salp swarm algorithm based on differential evolution (DE-SSA). Finally, this paper compares the effects of four different carbon emission policies on the optimization of coal supply chain network through empirical analysis, and finds that coal enterprises have the best emission reduction effect under the carbon trade policy. The development and implementation of this paper not only enriches the related research of efficient supply chain, but also provides scientific and quantifiable decision-making technology for coal enterprises. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,204 | Impact of using information and communication technology and renewable energy on health expenditure: A case study from Pakistan | The objective of this study is to explore the dynamic linkages between health expenditure, economic growth, CO2 emission, information and communication technology and renewable energy consumption in the case of Pakistan. To fulfill the study objective, a variety of econometric methods is employed over the period of 1995-2017. The results indicated the dynamic linkages among under-considered variables. The results established that economic growth and CO2 emission have a positive Impact on health expenditure, while information and communication technology and renewable energy consumption have a negative impact on health expenditure. Moreover, bidirectional Granger causality is confirmed between Health expenditure, economic growth, carbon dioxide emission, and information and communication technology. The unidirectional causality is running from renewable energy consumption to these variables. Short-run causality is running from renewable energy consumption to health expenditure and economic growth. Furthermore, short-run causality is running from information and communication technology to economic growth. Consequently, this study empirically contributed by confirming the critical role of information and communication technology and renewable energy consumption in reducing health expenditure. So, the policymakers should invest in information and communication technology and renewable energy projects to enhance air quality and provide a healthy environment to society. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,205 | Wilson's Disease Update: An Indian Perspective | Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to ATP7B gene mutation, resulting in defective copper metabolism, with the liver and brain being primarily affected. WD being a treatable disorder, early diagnosis and proper management may result in near complete recovery. It has received significant attention over the past 50 years, with several Indian contributions. This study collates published Indian studies on WD in Pubmed and Embase databases and puts them in perspective. Several Indian case series suggest WD may be more prevalent than thought. Commonly detected ATP7B mutation in India is p.C271X. Although initial Indian series reported significant osseomuscular presentation, neuropsychiatric and hepatic manifestations dominated the later reports. A significant male predominance is observed in the Indian series. Pure hepatic presentation starts earlier than neurological or osseomuscular WD. A positive family history may be seen in nearly 50% of Indian WD cases, with a high rate of consanguinity. Up to two-third of the Indian cases may be initially misdiagnosed, with a mean diagnostic delay of up to 2 years. Abnormalities in serum ceruloplasmin and 24-hour urinary copper has been reported in more than four-fifth cases. Brain MRI is abnormal in nearly all neurological WD cases. Copper chelation remains the mainstay of therapy, with D-penicillamine being the most widely used chelator in India. Global Assessment Scale for WD is a comprehensive tool for clinical monitoring. Hepatic presentation carries a five-time higher mortality risk than neurological, with up to 90% Indian neurological WD cases recovering back to pre-morbid functionality with adequate therapy. |
1,206 | Active pulmonary tuberculosis: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue | Tuberculosis remains a major global health issue affecting all countries and age groups. Radiology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This review aims to improve understanding and diagnostic value of imaging in PTB. We present the old, well-established findings ranging from primary TB to the common appearances of post-primary TB, including dissemination with tree-in-bud nodularity, haematogenous dissemination with miliary nodules and lymphatic dissemination. We discuss new concepts in active PTB with special focus on imaging findings in immunocompromised individuals. We illustrate PTB appearances borrowed from other diseases in which the signs were initially described: the reversed halo sign, the galaxy sign and the cluster sign. There are several radiological signs that have been shown to correlate with positive or negative sputum smears, and radiologists should be aware of these signs as they play an important role in guiding the need for isolation and empirical anti-tuberculous therapy. |
1,207 | Is income inequality a driver for renewable energy consumption? | Although many initiatives have been made to research the effect of income inequality on environmental issues, the question of whether income inequality affects renewable energy consumption hasn't been answered. This gap in the literature raises an important question that needs to be answered by researchers: can the income inequality affect renewable energy consumption? As far as is known, the study is the first attempt to discover this relationship. Therefore, the impact of income inequality on renewable energy consumption is examined theoretically and empirically in 43 developed and developing countries for 2000-2015. In order to avoid the omitted variable problem; economic, environmental and institutional variables such as GDP per capita, corruption, CO2 emissions and trade openness are included in the model. The results demonstrate that the decline in income inequality will enhance renewable energy consumption. In other words, policymakers have the opportunity to reduce income inequality and environmental degradation at the same time. Similarly, corruption control and raise CO2 emissions will increase also renewable energy consumption. Otherwise, economic determinants such as economic growth and trade openness have no meaningful effect on renewable energy consumption. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,208 | Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among Individuals with Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia (FM) is a difficult to treat chronic pain condition for which there is strong interest in alternative treatments. There is growing interest in the potential of psychedelic substances (e.g., psilocybin) in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat chronic pain. Via a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey, we aimed to characterize knowledge, perceptions, and past use of serotonergic ("classic") and non-serotonergic psychedelics among a population of individuals with FM, and to investigate interest in psychedelic-based FM treatments. Among a North American population of 354 participants with FM, 29.9% reported past use of a psychedelic, with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin mushrooms being most commonly used. Perceptions of benefit from psychedelic use were generally neutral (59.4%) or positive (36.8%), with <3% reporting negative impacts on overall health or pain symptoms. Among 12 participants who used psychedelics with intentions of treating chronic pain, 11 reported improved symptoms. Regardless of past use, the majority of participants believed that psychedelics have potential for chronic pain treatments and would be willing to participate in a psychedelic-based clinical trial for their pain. These findings support the need for additional studies to understand the potential and effectiveness of psychedelic substances in managing FM symptoms. |
1,209 | Sustainable consumption in the circular economy. An analysis of consumers' purchase intentions for waste-to-value food | This study is aimed at evaluating the relative influence of socio-demographic and psychological features that rule the extent to which consumers engage in the circular economy, purchasing waste-to-value (WTV) food enriched with ingredients otherwise wasted in the supply chain. 477 Italian consumers replied to a web-based questionnaire administered through different social media networks. Two different consumers' purchase intentions were analysed: consumers were asked both if they would be willing to buy WTV food and if they would buy WTV food if this would help to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production. Binary logistic regressions are estimated to appraise the eventual drivers of consumers' statements. Among these drivers, attention was given to aspects related to the generalised aversion to new foods, i.e. food neophobia (FN) and the aversion to food processed in new ways, i.e. food technology neophobia (FTN). Other relevant economic and demographic factors were investigated, together with aspects related to generalised trust, purchase behaviours and preferences. The main results indicate that 56% of respondents declared to be willing to buy WTV food, however, FN and FTN negatively influence the probability of stating a positive purchase intention. Consumers who give importance to reading food labels and think that food could have environmental or health benefits, are more likely to be willing to buy WTV food. In addition, a core of sustainable consumers seems to emerge who express a positive purchase intention for WTV food to reduce the environmental impact of production and give importance to the origin and nutritional values of products. In conclusion, policy implications are drawn. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,210 | The contributions of socioeconomic indicators to global PM2.5 based on the hybrid method of spatial econometric model and geographical and temporal weighted regression | PM2.5 pollution poses a negative effect on human health and economic growth. However, the major socioeconomic driving forces of global PM2.5 pollution during a long-term period remained unclear. In this study, we explored the potential association between socioeconomic indicators and the PM2.5 level worldwide using a spatial econometric model coupled with a geographical and temporal weighted regression (GTWR). The results suggested that renewable energy consumption ratio, per capita gross domestic production (GDP), per capita CO2 emission, urban population ratio, and fossil fuel consumption ratio were major factors responsible for the global PM2.5 pollution. The impacts of socioeconomic indicators on the PM2.5 level varied with the income-level and time. Fossil fuel consumption ratio, per capita CO2 emission, urban population ratio were major contributors for severe PM2.5 pollution in the developing countries (e.g., China and India). Further, these impacts have become more remarkable in recent years. Per capita GDP still played a crucial role on the PM2.5 pollution in India, indicating that energy-intensive industries were major contributors to its economic growth, thereby leading to the higher PM2.5 concentration in India. However, China has strode across the inflection of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) as a whole and decreased the reliance on the secondary industries. Compared with the developing countries, the impacts of socioeconomic indicators on PM2.5 pollution in most of the developed countries remained relatively stable and weak, implicating that fossil fuel consumption and urbanization were not major contributors for local PM, level. The findings of this study clarified major contributors for PM2.5 pollution, and provided scientific basis for mitigating the PM2.5 pollution. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
1,211 | Implications of nocebo in anaesthesia care | Nocebo refers to non-pharmacological adverse effects of an intervention. Well-intended procedural warnings frequently function as a nocebo. Both nocebo and placebo are integral to the generation of 'real' treatment effects and their associated 'real' side-effects. They are induced or exacerbated by: context; negative expectancy; and negative conditioning surrounding treatment. Since the late 1990s, the neuroscience literature has repeatedly demonstrated that the nocebo effect is mediated by discrete neurobiological mechanisms and specific physiological modulations. Although no single biological mechanism has been found to explain the nocebo effect, nocebo hyperalgesia is thought to initiate from the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex subsequently triggering the brain's descending pain modulatory system and other pain regulation pathways. Functional magnetic resonance imaging shows that expectation of increased pain is accompanied by increased neural activity in the hippocampus and midcingulate cortex which is not observed when analgesia is expected. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that the anterior cingulate cortex is pivotal in the perception of affective pain evoked by nocebo words. Research has also explored neurotransmitters which mediate the nocebo effect. The neuropeptide cholecystokinin appears to play a key role in the modulation of pain by nocebo. Hyperalgesia generated by nocebo also increases the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as indicated by increases in plasma cortisol. The avoidance or mitigation of nocebo needs to be recognised as a core clinical skill in optimising anaesthesia care. Embracing the evidence around nocebo will allow for phrases such as 'bee sting' and 'sharp scratch' to be thought of as clumsy verbal relics of the past. Anaesthesia as a profession has always prided itself on practicing evidence-based medicine, yet for decades anaesthetists and other healthcare staff have communicated in ways counter to the evidence. The premise of every interaction should be 'primum non nocere' (first, do no harm). Whether the context is research or clinical anaesthesia practice, the nocebo can be ignored no longer. |
1,212 | Codoped Holey Graphene Aerogel by Selective Etching for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Storage | The pursuit of more efficient carbon-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) prepared from facile and economical methods is a very important endeavor. Based on the crystallinity difference within carbon materials, herein, a low-temperature selective burning method is developed for preparing oxygen and nitrogen codoped holey graphene aerogel as additive-free anode for SIBs. By selective burning of a mixture of graphene and low-crystallinity carbon at 450 degrees C in air, an elastic porous graphene monolith with abundant holes on graphene sheets and optimized crystallinity is obtained. These structural characteristics lead to an additive-free electrode with fast charge (ions and electrons) transfer and more abundant Na+ storage active sites. Moreover, the heteroatom oxygen/nitrogen doping favors large interlayer distance for rapid Na+ insertion/extraction and provides more active sites for high capacitive contribution. The optimized sample exhibits superior sodium-ion storage capability, i.e., high specific capacity (446 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1)), ultrahigh rate capability (189 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1)), and long cycle life (81.0% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 5 A g(-1)). This facile and economic strategy might be extended to fabricating other superior carbon-based energy storage materials. |
1,213 | How (Un)sustainable Environments Are Related to the Diffusion of COVID-19: The Relation between Coronavirus Disease 2019, Air Pollution, Wind Resource and Energy | The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is generating a high number of cases and deaths, with negative effects on public health and economic systems. One of the current questions in the contemporary environmental and sustainability debate is how high air pollution and reduced use of renewable energy can affect the diffusion of COVID-19. This study endeavors to explain the relation between days of air pollution, wind resources and energy, and the diffusion of COVID-19 to provide insights into sustainable policy to prevent future epidemics. The statistical analysis here focuses on a case study of Italy, one of the first countries to experience a rapid increase in confirmed cases and deaths. The results reveal two main findings: (1) cities with high wind speed and high wind energy production have a lower number of cases of COVID-19 in the context of a more sustainable environment; (2) cities located in hinterland zones with high air pollution, low wind speed and less wind energy production have a greater number of cases and total deaths. The results presented here suggest that the pandemic caused by novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and future epidemics similar to COVID-19 cannot be solved only with research in medicine but the solution also needs advanced capabilities and technologies for supporting sustainable development based on the reduction of air pollution and increase of production in renewable energy to improve air quality and as a consequence public health. |
1,214 | Letter Features as Predictors of Letter-Name Acquisition in Four Languages with Three Scripts | To expand our understanding of script-general and script-specific principles in the learning of letter names, we examined how three characteristics of alphabet letters-their frequency in printed materials, order in the alphabet, and visual similarity to other letters-relate to children's letter-name knowledge in four languages with three distinct scripts (English [N = 318; M age = 4.90], Portuguese [N = 366; M age = 5.80], Korean [N = 168; M age = 5.48], and Hebrew [N = 645; M age = 5.42]). Explanatory item response modeling analysis showed that the frequency of letters in printed materials was consistently related to letter difficulty across the four languages. There were also moderation effects for letter difficulty in English and Korean, and for discriminatory power of letters in Korean. The results suggest that exposure to letters as measured by letter frequency is a language-general mechanism in the learning of alphabet letters. |
1,215 | The heterogeneous effect of driving factors on carbon emission intensity in the Chinese transport sector: Evidence from dynamic panel quantile regression | The transport sector is becoming a key sector for China to accomplish its targets for reducing carbon emission intensity (CEI). Identifying the dominant factors driving CEI of the transport sector is important for CEI mitigation. This paper applied dynamic panel quantile regression to explore the effect of driving factors on CEI in the Chinese transport sector at the provincial level during 2000-2016. The empirical findings indicate that economic growth has a positive influence on CEI at low quantiles, whereas this effect is the opposite at high quantiles. Further, the findings show an inverted U-shaped pattern between economic growth and CEI at lowquantiles, which validates the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis in low-CEI provinces. Energy intensity positively influences CEI, with the greatest impact occurring at higher quantiles. Among the lowest CEI provinces, private vehicles and cargo turnover appear to contribute to CEI, and a positive impact of urbanization exists, except at the 5th and 30th quantiles. In conclusion, policy implications for effectively promoting the CEI abatement in the transport sector are discussed. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
1,216 | Profiling of widely targeted metabolomics for the identification of chemical composition in epidermis, xylem and pith of Gleditsiae Spina | Gleditsiae Spina, the thorn of Gleditsia sinensis Lam., has a long history of being used as a traditional medicine in East Asian countries. However, only a few biologically active substances have been identified from it. In this study, the epidermis, xylem and pith of Gleditsiae Spina, respectively Gs-E, Gs-X and Gs-P, were studied. We used a widely targeted metabolomics method to investigate the chemical composition of Gs-E, Gs-X and Gs-P. A total of 728 putative metabolites were identified from Gleditsiae Spina, including 211 primary metabolites and 517 secondary metabolites. These primary and secondary metabolites could be categorized into more than 10 different classes. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, lipids, amino acids and derivatives, and organic acids constituted the main metabolite groups. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the Gs-E, Gs-X and Gs-P samples could be clearly separated. Differential accumulated metabolite (DAM) analysis revealed that more than half of the DAMs exhibited the highest relative concentrations in Gs-E, and most of the DAMs showed the lowest relative concentrations in Gs-X. Moreover, 11 common differential primary metabolites and 79 common differential secondary metabolites were detected in all comparison groups. These results further our understanding of chemical composition and metabolite accumulation of Gleditsiae Spina. |
1,217 | Alleviation of salinity stress effects on agro-physiological traits of wheat by auxin, glycine betaine, and soil additives | Soil salinity is a major constraint to wheat production; it causes a severe reduction in wheat growth and yield. Alleviation of salinity effects on physiological, biochemical, and yield of wheat cultivars; Sids 14 and Misr 3 using some soil additions (control, Molasses and Humic acid), compatible solutes, and growth regulators (water as control, Naphthalene acetic acid, and Glycine betaine) were investigated in salt-affected soils. Results indicated that Misr 3 was superior to Sids 14 in all studied characteristics except flag leaf area, relative water content, plant height and recorded lower and desirable value of leaf temperature. The addition of Molasses (24 L ha-1) or Humic acid (12 L ha-1) significantly increased physiological and biochemical characteristics. At the same time, flag leaf temperature, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were decreased, yield and its attributes also increased except No. kernel spike-1. Foliar spray of Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at 30 mg L-1. or glycine betaine (GB 100 mM) also positively affected the studied characteristics, where Glycine betaine recorded the highest Relative water content and Fv/Fm. In contrast, NAA recorded the most increased Catalase (CAT) activity, and the Number of spikes m-2 and insignificant differences were observed between them in grain yield. It could be recommended the cultivation of Misr 3 with Molasses and GB under saline soils. |
1,218 | Analysis of regional energy economic efficiency and its influencing factors: A case study of Yangtze river urban agglomeration | The current economic development is based on high input and high consumption, which is contrary to the current green development concept. Improving energy economic efficiency is a powerful way to balance economic development and energy consumption. This paper focuses on estimation of energy economic efficiency of Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration (YRUA). The Slack-Based Model (SBM) was used to estimate the energy economic efficiency of each city by using data from 2008 to 2017. Moreover, in order to better explore the constraints of energy economic efficiency improvement, the energy economic efficiency is decomposed into pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. Combined with Moran index, the spatial distribution characteristics of energy efficiency in urban agglomeration are studied. The Tobit regression model was used to analysis on influencing factors of the energy economic efficiency. The results showed that the energy economic efficiency of the YRUA first declined and then increased overall. Particularly, the economic efficiency of Suzhou and Wuxi has been in the effective state of the evaluation unit, while the energy efficiency of Yangzhou, Taizhou and Zhenjiang is relatively low. From the perspective of its decomposition index, scale efficiency is the main factor restricting the efficiency of energy economy. On the one hand, the energy economic efficiency of urban agglomeration has a certain spatial aggregation, and its spatial distribution is positively correlated. On the other hand, the effect of technological progress on energy economic efficiency is not significant. The industrial structure is negatively correlated with the energy economic efficiency. Therefore, the industrial structure, economic development level and urbanization level can be promoted to improve energy economic efficiency. |
1,219 | Small-scale CCHP systems for waste heat recovery from cement plants: Thermodynamic, sustainability and economic implications | In this paper, different combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) systems are introduced and studied for waste heat recovery from a cement plant located in Sanliurfa, Turkey considering domestic applications. One of the systems is based on the steam Rankine cycle and the next is based on recuperative organic Rankine cycle (ORC), while both of them are equipped with a LiBr-H2O absorption chiller to produce cooling. Different working fluids are considered in the ORC simulation. Energy, exergy and exergoeconomic principles are applied to compare the examined systems from thermodynamic, sustainability and economic aspects. It is observed that utilizing siloxanes as the working fluid leads to efficient performance of the ORC. Besides, employed heat recovery steam generator in the Rankine cycle and evaporator in the ORC found to be the most exergy destructive components. Results revealed that the CCHP system operating with ORC (MM as working fluid) has a better performance thermodynamically with energy utilization factor, exergy efficiency and sustainability index of 98.07, 63.6% and 2.747, respectively. This is while, Rankine-based CCHP is economically preferable with a payback period of 4.738 year compared to the system operating with ORC and a payback period of 5.074 year. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,220 | Quantifying the potential of recycling demolition waste generated from urban renewal: A case study in Shenzhen, China | Large-scale demolition waste was generated during urban renewal. How to accurately quantify the potential of recycling large amounts of demolition waste has been widely considered a prerequisite for effective waste management, as it contributes to numbers and scales of recycling enterprises being managed and planned in advance. However, there is limited research, if any, focusing on this niche area. This study aims to quantify the potential of recycling demolition waste amidst urban renewal by considering actual market situations and different waste types. Firstly, the whole recycling process of demolition waste was scrutinized by using the free-flow mapping technique. Models for quantifying recycling potential of non-inert and inert demolition waste were then established, respectively, based on economic value and the principle of mass conservation. Finally, a case study was conducted to verify the models by putting them into the context of Shenzhen, a young and vibrating city in China but subject to massive urban renewal pressure. Results show that the recycling process of demolition waste is mainly divided into offsite and onsite recycling, both including five stages, viz, waste generation, on-site treatment, transportation, recycling, and product regeneration. In addition, different types of demolition waste have their respective recycling potential. The recycling potential of non-inert demolition waste is RMB 19,315.85 million yuan. In contrast, the recycling potential of inert demolition waste depends on types of recyclable products, with 18.41 million tons of recyclable bricks, 7.02 million tons of mortar, 28.36 million tons of aggregate, and 4.16 million tons of lightweight wallboard. Findings of this study improve the accuracy of the existing quantification methods. The research provides useful reference for the recycling industry to adjust production scale and arrange production sites to fully harness the waste recycling potential. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd. |
1,221 | Global estimation of mortality, disability-adjusted life years and welfare cost from exposure to ambient air pollution | Environmental pollution in the era of sustained economic development is an inevitable occurrence. However, the rising levels of pollutant emissions hamper air quality, hence, affecting health outcomes. Previous studies have assessed the case-by-case effect of ambient air pollution on mortality and morbidity, however, the impact on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and welfare cost have not been investigated entirely. Here, we conduct an empirical analysis of the 28-Year trend to analyze the nexus between ambient particulate matter and ozone, mortality, DALYs, and welfare cost across 195 countries and territories by employing novel dynamic panel estimation methods. We find that none of the 195 countries and territories studied between 1990 and 2017 meet WHO guideline for air quality, thus, mitigating ambient air pollution is at risk. However, Spain with an annual average of PM2.5 not exceeding 15.12 mu g/m(3) is closer to WHO guideline of 10 mu g/m(3)/annum. Among the countries (China, the US, Russia, India, Germany and Japan) with the highest welfare cost of premature death associatedwith the exposure to outdoor PM2.5 and ozone, China is themost vulnerable to economic burden - spending US$1.58 trillion (constant 2010) in 2017. This study demonstrates that ambient air pollution has a significant impact on economic development (welfare cost) and health outcomes (mortality, premature deaths, and DALYs). (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. |
1,222 | Proposal and assessment of a novel combined heat and power system: Energy, exergy, environmental and economic analysis | This research aims at developing a small-scale novel cogeneration system to satisfy all of the electrical and heating demands of a typical residential complex. The proposed system is integrated of a gas turbine cycle (GTC) and a Kalina cycle (KC). A comprehensive parametric study is presented for evaluating the proposed system from energy, exergy, environmental and economic (4E) points of view. The system's governing equations are solved and validated through developing a high-accuracy computational code in Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. The effects of some important design parameters (including compressor pressure ratio, base ammonia concentration, generator pressure and condenser pinch point temperature difference) are investigated on four appropriate criteria of energy efficiency (eta(th)), exergy efficiency (eta(ex)), levelized total emissions (LTE) and levelized total costs (LTC). Furthermore, two economic methods, payback period (PP) and net present value (NPV), are also investigated. The results show that, the simulation outputs at base design conditions are as eta(th) = 69.43%, eta(ex) = 37.90%, LTE = 87998 kg/kW, LTC = 8958 $/kW, PP = 3.34 years and NPV = 878679 $. The results of parametric analysis reveal that there is an optimal compressor pressure ratio which leads to maximum eta(th) and eta(ex) and minimum LTE and LTC. The combustion chamber of GTC has the maximum share in system's total exergy destruction (with 55.95% of total exergy destruction). Also, the entire KC has a low contribution of 3.396% in total exergy destruction. |
1,223 | Environmental pollution, economic growth, population, industrialization, and technology in weak and strong sustainability: using STIRPAT model | The recent decades have witnessed an alarmingly phenomenal rise in population and economic growth, increasing the global resource demand and environmental degradation. The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationships between population, industrialization, affluence, technology, and sustainability. Approaching sustainability, a couple of viewpoints including weak and strong sustainability establish two different priorities, albeit with possibly the same factors as in the IPAT and STIRPAT models. This paper employs STIRPAT equation to estimate the relationships between population, industrialization, affluence, technology, and sustainability in MENA and OECD countries during 1975-2015. The results suggest that weak and strong sustainability, albeit slightly, is affected negatively by population and industrialization, and positively by technology and international agreements on environment, in MENA and OECD countries during 1975-2015. Therefore, the policy-makers in sustainability are advised to develop preventive and qualitative strategies for population and industrial activities, but inflationary ones for technology; besides the governments are suggested to confirm, join, and sign the international treaties on environmental conservation. |
1,224 | Design and Characterization of Atorvastatin Dry Powder Formulation as a potential Lung Cancer Treatment | Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Many studies have shown the beneficial effects of Atorvastatin in decreasing the mortality risk and improving survival among patients with lung cancer. This research paper focuses on improving AVT cytotoxic activity and cellular uptake by developing mannitol microcarriers as a promising drug delivery system for lung cancer treatment and, studying the impact of improving inhalation deposition on the delivery and Dry Powder formulations efficiency. The AVT loaded mannitol (AM) microparticles (AVT-AM) formulation was prepared by spray drying and characterized for its physicochemical properties and aerodynamic deposition. The results revealed that the AVT-AM formulation has good flow properties and aerosol deposition with a particle size of 3418 nm ± 26.86. The formulation was also assessed in vitro for cytotoxicity effects (proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression) on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with free AVT, the AVT-AM formulation has significantly higher cellular uptake and anti-cancer properties by disrupting cell cycle progression via either apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. This study shows that AVT loaded mannitol microcarriers may provide a potentially effective and sustained pulmonary drug delivery for lung cancer treatment. |
1,225 | Robotic versus laparoscopic low anterior resection following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for stage II-III locally advanced rectal cancer: a single-centre cohort study | Neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (nCRT) of locally advanced rectal cancer is associated with challenging surgical treatment and increased postoperative morbidity. Robotic technology overcomes laparoscopy limitations by enlarged 3D view, improved anatomical transection accuracy, and physiologic tremor reduction. Patients with UICC stage II-III rectal cancer, consecutively referred to our institution between March 2015 and June 2020 (n = 102) were treated with robotic (Rob-G, n = 38) or laparoscopic (Lap-G, n = 64) low anterior resection (LAR) for total meso-rectal excision (TME) following highly standardized and successful nCRT treatment. Feasibility, conversion rates, stoma creation, morbidity and clinical/pathological outcome were comparatively analysed. Sex, age, BMI, ASA scores, cTN stages and tumour distance from dentate line were comparable in the two groups. Robotic resection was always feasible without conversion to open surgery, which was necessary in 11/64 (17%) Lap-G operations (p = 0.006). Primary or secondary stomata were created in 17/38 (45%) Rob-G and 52/64 (81%) Lap-G patients (p < 0.001). Major morbidity occurred in 7/38 (18.4%) Rob-G and 6/64 (9.3%) Lap-G patients (p = 0.225). Although median operation time was longer in Rob-G compared with Lap-G (376; IQR: 330-417 min vs. 300; IQR: 270-358 min; p < 0.001), the difference was not significant in patients (Rob-G, n = 6; Lap-G, n = 10) with ≥30 BMI (p = 0.106). Number of resected lymph nodes, ypTN staging and circumferential resection margins (CRM) were comparable. Resection was complete in 87% of Rob-G and 89% of Lap-G patients (p = 0.750). Robotic LAR is not inferior to laparoscopic LAR following nCRT. Larger, randomized studies are needed to confirm lower conversion in robotic, compared to laparoscopic resection. |
1,226 | Development and application of novel BiFC probes for cell sorting based on epigenetic modification | The epigenetic signature of cancer cells varies with disease progression and drug treatment, necessitating the study of these modifications with single cell resolution over time. The rapid detection and sorting of cells based on their underlying epigenetic modifications by flow cytometry can enable single cell measurement and tracking to understand tumor heterogeneity and progression warranting the development of a live-cell compatible epigenome probes. In this work, we developed epigenetic probes based on bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and demonstrated their capabilities in quantifying and sorting cells based on their epigenetic modification contents. The sorted cells are viable and exhibit distinctive responses to chemo-therapy drugs. Notably, subpopulations of MCF7 cells with higher H3K9me3 levels are more likely to develop resistance to Doxorubicin. Subpopulations with higher 5mC levels, on the other hand, tend to be more responsive. Overall, we report for the first time, the application of novel split probes in flow cytometry application and elucidated the potential role of 5mC and H3K9me3 in determining drug responses. |
1,227 | A novel cooperative game network DEA model for marine circular economy performance evaluation of China | This paper proposes a novel cooperative game network DEA model for evaluating marine circular economy (MCE) performance. The proposed model considers the bidirectional link between the economic production (EP) and environmental treatment (ET) subsystems within the MCE system. Then, the cooperative game strategy between subsystems is modeled by maximizing the factor inefficiency both of subsystems into the model's measurement from a centralized control perspective. The evaluation results of China's regional MCE performances over 2006-2015 show that while most coastal areas have a better efficiency score for the EP system, their performance of the ET system is worse and leads to poor MCE performances. In addition, converge analysis indicates that there exists beta converge of efficiency difference across coastal regions in the long term. Furthermore, the efficiency decomposition reveals that many inefficient environmental treatment inputs contribute to the worse performance of the ET system. Based on the above findings, several specific policy implications for the existing problems are provided to promote China's MCE. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,228 | Solid-Ionic Memory in a van der Waals Heterostructure | Defect states dominate the performance of low-dimensional nanoelectronics, which deteriorate the serviceability of devices in most cases. But in recent years, some intriguing functionalities are discovered by defect engineering. In this work, we demonstrate a bifunctional memory device of a MoS2/BiFeO3/SrTiO3 van der Waals heterostructure, which can be programmed and erased by solely one kind of external stimuli (light or electrical-gate pulse) via engineering of oxygen-vacancy-based solid-ionic gating. The device shows multibit electrical memory capability (>22 bits) with a large linearly tunable dynamic range of 7.1 × 106 (137 dB). Furthermore, the device can be programmed by green- and red-light illuminations and then erased by UV light pulses. Besides, the photoresponse under red-light illumination reaches a high photoresponsivity (6.7 × 104 A/W) and photodetectivity (2.12 × 1013 Jones). These results highlighted solid-ionic memory for building up multifunctional electronic and optoelectronic devices. |
1,229 | Thermo-economic modeling and analysis of an NG-fueled SOFC-WGS-TSA-PEMFC hybrid energy conversion system for stationary electricity power generation | The natural gas fueled system coupling solid oxide fuel cell, water gas shift reaction, thermal swing adsorption and proton exchange membrane fuel cell (SOFC-WGS-TSA-PEMFC) could have a high efficiency and fast response for power generation. The thermo-economic analyses show that the hybrid system could have a better economy for electricity generation, whose specific electricity cost with LaNi5 as the thermal swing adsorption (TSA) working medium is 4.058 cent/kW h only, remarkably lower than that of a standard power plant (5.46 cent/kW h). The sensitivity analysis indicates the low sensitivity of the system to the market price fluctuation. When using the Mg+2 wt%Ni or TiFe metal hydride with the higher hydrogen capacity and the cheaper price as the TSA working medium for H-2 production, the specific electricity energy cost can be further reduced to 3.958 cent/kW h, which could be more economical than that with the traditional pressure swing adsorption or the membrane reactor for H-2 production. In addition, the large-scale electricity power generation helps to cut down the system specific cost. These results reveal that the hybrid system could be a promising and economical energy conversion system for stationary electricity power generation. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,230 | Reexamining the relationships among urbanization, industrial structure, and environmental pollution in China-New evidence using the dynamic threshold panel model | Since China's reform and opening up, the urban economy has substantially developed, and the nation's urbanization process has advanced to gradually enter a "new normal" phase. In this process, China's population and industries continue to inundate its cities, and environmental pollution has become a critical problem. This study uses panel data spanning 1998 to 2015 from 29 Chinese provinces and a comprehensive framework of well-designed generalized method of moments (GMM) models to accurately examine the relationships between urbanization and per capita sulfur dioxide (PSO2), per capita industrial soot (PSOOT), and per capita industrial waste gas (PIWG). A newly developed dynamic threshold panel model that incorporates GMM characteristics is utilized to explore how urbanization affects environmental pollution under different industrial structures. This study finds evidence of a comprehensive relationship among urbanization development, the industrial structure, and environmental pollution. Urbanization has contributed to increased environmental pollution. A nonlinear relationship exists between urbanization and environmental pollution in China. Further, urbanization increasingly promotes environmental pollution with an increase in the proportion of secondary industries; however, such promotion decreases with an increase in the proportion of tertiary industries. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. |
1,231 | A Narrative Review Study on the Effects of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery on Multiple Sclerosis | Obesity is a major public health concern and should be considered in autoimmune inflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In these patients, obesity leads to increasing comorbidities as well as reduced quality of life. Obesity causes an inflammatory state in the body, especially in adolescents; obesity has a role in the pathogenesis of MS. Hence, it is identified as a lifestyle modifiable risk factor for MS disease. Among various treatments for obesity, bariatric surgery has been widely used. Although few studies have been performed on bariatric surgery in MS patients, in this review, we present the existing data regarding the effects of obesity on the MS course and evaluate the outcomes of bariatric surgery among this population. |
1,232 | Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor activation in the hypothalamus recruits unique signaling pathways involved in energy homeostasis | Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts pleiotropic effects on ventromedial nuclei (VMN) of the hypothalamus and its control of feeding and energy expenditure through the type I PAC1 receptor (PAC1R). However, the endogenous role of PAC1Rs in the VMN and the downstream signaling responsible for PACAP's effects on energy balance are unknown. Numerous studies have revealed that PAC1Rs are coupled to both Gαs/adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A (Gαs/AC/PKA) and Gαq/phospholipase C/protein kinase C (Gαq/PLC/PKC), while also undergoing trafficking following stimulation. To determine the endogenous role of PAC1Rs and downstream signaling that may explain PACAP's pleiotropic effects, we used RNA interference to knockdown VMN PAC1Rs and pharmacologically inhibited PKA, PKC, and PAC1R trafficking. Knocking down PAC1Rs increased meal sizes, reduced total number of meals, and induced body weight gain. Inhibition of either PKA or PKC alone in awake male Sprague-Dawley rats, attenuated PACAP's hypophagic and anorectic effects during the dark phase. However, PKA or PKC inhibition potentiated PACAP's thermogenic effects during the light phase. Analysis of locomotor activity revealed that PKA inhibition augmented PACAP's locomotor effects, whereas PKC inhibition had no effect. Finally, PACAP administration in the VMN induces surface PAC1R trafficking into the cytosol which was blocked by endocytosis inhibitors. Subsequently, inhibition of PAC1R trafficking into the cytosol attenuated PACAP-induced hypophagia. These results revealed that endogenous PAC1Rs uniquely engage PKA, PKC, and receptor trafficking to mediate PACAP's pleiotropic effects in VMN control of feeding and metabolism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Endogenous PAC1 receptors, integral to VMN management of feeding behavior and body weight regulation, uniquely engage PKA, PKC, and receptor trafficking to mediate the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei control of feeding and metabolism. PACAP appears to use different signaling mechanisms to regulate feeding behavior from its effects on metabolism. |
1,233 | COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts on the air quality during the partial lockdown in Sao Paulo state, Brazil | In early March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 as a pandemic, and in late March 2020 partial lockdown was ordered by the Sao Paulo state government. The aim of this study was to assess impacts on air quality in Sao Paulo - Brazil, during the partial lockdown implemented to provide social distancing required due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have analyzed data from four air quality stations in Sao Paulo, Brazil to assess air pollutant concentration variations during the partial lockdown. Data were compared to the five-year monthly mean and to the four-week before the partial lockdown. Overall, drastic reductions on NO (up to -77.3%), NO2 (up to -54.3%), and CO (up to -64.8%) concentrations were observed in the urban area during partial lockdown compared to the five-year monthly mean. By contrast, an increase of approximately 30% in ozone concentrations was observed in urban areas highly influenced by vehicle traffic, probably related to nitrogen monoxide decreases. Although the partial lockdown has contributed to a positive impact on air quality, it is important to take into account the negative impacts on social aspects, considering the deaths caused by COVID-19 and also the dramatic economic effects. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
1,234 | Functional virus-specific memory T cells survey glioblastoma | Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers, and despite standard of care surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, is invariably fatal. GBM is marked by local and systemic immunosuppression, contributing to resistance to existing immunotherapies that have had success in other tumor types. Memory T cells specific for previous infections reside in tissues throughout the host and are capable of rapid and potent immune activation. Here, we show that virus-specific memory CD8 + T cells expressing tissue-resident markers populate the mouse and human glioblastoma microenvironment. Reactivating virus-specific memory T cells through intratumoral delivery of adjuvant-free virus-derived peptide triggered local immune activation. This delivery translated to antineoplastic effects, which improved survival in a murine glioblastoma model. Our results indicate that virus-specific memory T cells are a significant part of the glioblastoma immune microenvironment and may be leveraged to promote anti-tumoral immunity. |
1,235 | The Sustainable Development Goals prioritize economic growth over sustainable resource use: a critical reflection on the SDGs from a socio-ecological perspective | The sustainable development goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015, succeeding the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While the MDGs focused on improving well-being in the developing world, the 17 SDGs address all countries and aim at reconciling economic and social with ecological goals. We adopt a social ecology perspective and critically reflect on the SDGs' potential for monitoring, supporting, and bringing about a transformation towards sustainability. Starting from a literature review on the SDGs, we link empirical findings from social ecology with analyses of SDG targets and indicators. First, we find that the SDGs fail to monitor absolute trends in resource use and thus prioritize economic growth over ecological integrity. Second, we discuss the contradictions between economic growth and sustainable resource use in early and late stages of industrialization processes and show that they are responsible for important trade-offs among SDG targets. Third, we analyze the transformative potential of the SDGs with a focus on the actors and institutions addressed to bring about transformative change. We find that the SDGs rely mainly on those institutions responsible for unsustainable resource use, and partly propose measures that even reinforce current trends towards less sustainability. Despite ascertaining limited transformative potential to the SDGs from an analytical perspective, we conclude by stressing the strategic relevance of the SDGs for visions, research, and practices of statt towards transformative change towards sustainability. |
1,236 | Modeling the role of environmental regulations in regional green economy efficiency of China: Empirical evidence from super efficiency DEA-Tobit model | This paper used the panel data of various regions in China from 2007 to 2018 and constructs a green economic efficiency measurement index system. Following this, the super-efficient DEA model has been employed to measure the efficiency of China's green economy. Then, the Tobit model is used to verify the environmental regulation influence on efficiency of China's regional green economy extent and direction. The results show that: (1) in 2007-2018, the green economy efficiency level of China's eastern, central and western regions is on the rise, accompanied by more obvious spatial differences. The green economy efficiency basically shows the spatial differentiation characteristics of the highest in the eastern region and the lowest in the western region. (2) From the national perspective, environmental regulation influence on efficiency of green economy presents a "U" shaped curve that promotes and then suppresses. At the eastern and national levels, environmental regulation has the same characteristics for green economy efficiency, and both exhibit U-shaped curve characteristics. Whereas, in the central and western regions shows negative correlation. (3) From the perspective of control variables, there are significant differences in variables at the national and regional levels. Finally, the study concludes with some policy suggestion for future green development and the formulation of environmental regulations in China. |
1,237 | Energy, exergy, and economic analysis of single slope conventional solar still augmented with an ultrasonic fogger and a cotton cloth | In this experimental and theoretical study, an attempt has been made to examine and compare the techno-economic performance of a conventional solar still (CSS) and CSS augmented with ultrasonic fogger & cotton cloth. For experimentation, two identical CSS having 1 m(2) basin area were used. In one of the still, modifications were done whereas, the other still is used for comparison. For energy analysis, a simple linear regression-based heat transfer model has been used. The exergy analysis has been performed to access the actual thermodynamic performance. Moreover, the cost per liter (CPL) of both the stills were evaluated. This study aims to make the solar still more productive, efficient, and economical by eliminating the chances of over misting during low radiation hours. This is done with the help of a cotton cloth, which is mounted on the frame (like a tent). Also, it helps in reducing the characteristic dimension of still. Modified solar still (MSS) has yielded 53.12% higher in comparison to the conventional. In the evening hours, MSS yielded more in comparison to CSS. The CPL of potable water produced from MSS is 27.46% lower in comparison to CSS. The overall efficiency of MSS is 44.64% higher than CSS. |
1,238 | Effect of kolaviron on islet dynamics in diabetic rats | Kolaviron, a biflavonoid isolated from the edible seeds of Garcinia kola, lowers blood glucose in experimental models of diabetes; however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of kolaviron on islet dynamics in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Using double immunolabeling of glucagon and insulin, we identified insulin-producing β- and glucagon-producing α-cells in the islets of diabetic and control rats and determined the fractional β-cell area, α-cell area and islet number. STZ challenged rats presented with islet hypoplasia and reduced β-cell area concomitant with an increase in α-cell area. Kolaviron restored some islet architecture in diabetic rats through the increased β-cell area. Overall, kolaviron-treated diabetic rats presented a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the number of large and very large islets compared to diabetic control but no difference in islet number and α-cell area. The β-cell replenishment potential of kolaviron and its overall positive effects on glycemic control suggest that it may be a viable target for diabetes treatment. |
1,239 | Exosomal microRNAs: potential targets for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy | Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition in which myocardial dysfunction is caused by diabetes mellitus, has become an epidemic disorder in the world. DCM initially presents as diastolic relaxation dysfunction and will progress to heart failure in the absence of coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and other conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of DCM are poorly understood. Recent studies reveal that exosomal miRNAs are associated with multiple DCM risk factors and may act as potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advancements to understand the role of exosomal miRNAs in DCM development and explores potential preventative and therapeutic strategies. |
1,240 | Impact of Pineapple Juice on Expression of CYP3A4, NAT2, SULT1A1 and OATP1B1 mRNA in HepG2 Cells | <b>Background and Objective:</b> Pineapple (<i>Ananas comosus</i>) is a popular fruit worldwide with natural antioxidant properties. This study examined how pineapple modified the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, UGT1A6, NAT2 and SULT1A1) and a drug transporter (OATP1B1) in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> HepG2 cells (2.5×10<sup>5</sup> cells/well in a 24-well plate) were incubated with pineapple juice extract (125-1,000 μg mL<sup>1</sup>) for 48 hrs in phenol red-free medium. Resazurin reduction, ROS, AST and ALT assays were performed. The mRNA expression of target genes was determined by RT/qPCR. <b>Results:</b> Pineapple juice slightly reduced HepG2 cell viability to 80% of the control, while ROS, AST and ALT levels were not changed. Pineapple juice did not alter the expression of CYP1A2, CYP2C9 and UGT1A6 mRNA. All tested concentrations of pineapple juice suppressed CYP3A4, NAT2 and OATP1B1 expression, while SULT1A1 expression was induced. <b>Conclusion:</b> Though pineapple juice slightly decreased the viability of HepG2 cells, cell morphology and cell function remained normal. Pineapple juice disturbed the expression of phase I (CYP3A4) and phase II (NAT2 and SULT1A1) metabolizing genes and the drug transporter OATP1B1. Therefore, the consumption of excessive amounts of pineapple juice poses a risk for drug interactions. |
1,241 | Sustainable development goal disclosures: Do they support responsible consumption and production? | Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the tools used to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The purpose of this paper is to examine whether CSR activities in Indonesian companies support and align to the SDGs, especially in achieving the goal of responsible consumption and production. The data was collected from 453 annual reports and 44 sustainability reports of Indonesian listed companies from 2014 until 2016. The total data observation was from 585 reports. Content analysis was applied to examine the disclosures in both the annual and sustainability reports. Firstly, the analysis targeted sustainability reports. However, due to the limited number of sustainability reports, annual reports were also analyzed for the most recent year when this study was undertaken, which was 2016. The 2016 annual report content analysis shows that Indonesian companies tend to support the achievement of (1) sustainable cities and communities, (2) good health and well-being, (3) decent work and economic growth, (4) responsible consumption and production, and (5) quality education. The content analysis results for the 2014-2016 sustainability reports were found to be similar to the annual report analysis, albeit in a different order: (1) good health and well-being, (2) quality education, (3) sustainable cities and communities, (4) decent work and economic growth, and (5) responsible consumption and production. In short, based on both the annual and sustainability reports, Indonesian companies are likely to support these five SDG priorities. SDG goals are expected to be in line with the country's commitment. However the support from the companies is not yet aligned to the SDG priorities selected in Indonesia. The results from this analysis can be used to encourage the Government to socialize and provide an understanding of SDGs and the country's commitment to Indonesian companies. In addition, this study can be used to draw useful perspectives, not only for the Indonesian Government, but also for the other 193 countries that have adopted the SDGs. The results should encourage companies to implement business activities, in particular CSR activities that incorporate the SDG priority development targets. Also, this study can be a platform to provide a comprehensive picture to support SDGs, particularly in achieving the targets for responsible consumption and production. Other countries are expected to start examining their business activities, including CSR programs, in order to support and align with the country's SDG targets. This evaluation is important, as the SDG initiative will soon be reaching the first one third of the 2030 target implementation timeframe, so time cannot be wasted. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,242 | Monitoring cropland abandonment with Landsat time series | Cropland abandonment is a widespread land-use change, but it is difficult to monitor with remote sensing because it is often spatially dispersed, easily confused with spectrally similar land-use classes such as grasslands and fallow fields, and because post-agricultural succession can take different forms in different biomes. Due to these difficulties, prior assessments of cropland abandonment have largely been limited in resolution, extent, or both. However, cropland abandonment has wide-reaching consequences for the environment, food production, and rural livelihoods, which is why new approaches to monitor long-term cropland abandonment in different biomes accurately are needed. Our goals were to 1) develop a new approach to map the extent and the timing of abandoned cropland using the entire Landsat time series, and 2) test this approach in 14 study regions across the globe that capture a wide range of environmental conditions as well as the three major causes of abandonment, i.e., social, economic, and environmental factors. Our approach was based on annual maps of active cropland and non-cropland areas using Landsat summary metrics for each year from 1987 to 2017. We streamlined per-pixel classifications by generating multi-year training data that can be used for annual classification. Based on the annual classifications, we analyzed land-use trajectories of each pixel in order to distinguish abandoned cropland, stable cropland, non-cropland, and fallow fields. In most study regions, our new approach separated abandoned cropland accurately from stable cropland and other classes. The classification accuracy for abandonment was highest in regions with industrialized agriculture (area-adjusted F1 score for Mato Grosso in Brazil: 0.8; Volgograd in Russia: 0.6), and drylands (e.g., Shaanxi in China, Nebraska in the U.S.: 0.5) where fields were large or spectrally distinct from non-cropland. Abandonment of subsistence agriculture with small field sizes (e.g., Nepal: 0.1) or highly variable climate (e.g., Sardinia in Italy: 0.2) was not accurately mapped. Cropland abandonment occurred in all study regions but was especially prominent in developing countries and formerly socialist states. In summary, we present here an approach for monitoring cropland abandonment with Landsat imagery, which can be applied across diverse biomes and may thereby improve the understanding of the drivers and consequences of this important land-use change process. |
1,243 | Safety of casirivimab/imdevimab administration in a SARS-CoV-2 positive maintenance dialysis patient in Japan | Controlling excessive cytokine secretion is a crucial therapeutic strategy for managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients on dialysis are at a high risk of severe disease, given abnormal immune responses that can lead to prolonged inflammation. Moreover, patients undergoing dialysis have limited treatment options, as neither remdesivir nor baricitinib is available. The novel neutralizing monoclonal antibody cocktail REGEN-COV (formerly known as REGN-COV2; casirivimab/imdevimab), recently approved in Japan, is a promising drug for preventing severe diseases. However, there are few reports regarding its use in patients undergoing dialysis in Japan. Herein, we report the safe use of antibody cocktail therapy in patients with COVID-19 on hemodialysis receiving maintenance dialysis in Japan. Infusion reactions were not observed during administration. Due to the increasing number of patients with COVID-19 and the limited capacity of the healthcare system, antibody cocktail therapy needs to be enhanced. Antibody cocktail therapy for severe diseases can be safely administered to patients undergoing dialysis who do not require supplemental oxygen. |
1,244 | A survey on smart grid technologies and applications | The Smart Grid is an advanced digital two-way power flow power system capable of self-healing, adaptive, resilient and sustainable with foresight for prediction under different uncertainties. In this paper, a survey on various Smart Grid enabling technologies, Smart Grid metering and communication, cloud computing in Smart Grid and Smart Grid applications are explored in detail. Opportunities and future of Smart Grid is also described in this paper. For Smart grid enabling technologies Smart meters, smart sensors, vehicle to grid, plug in hybrid electric vehicle technology, sensor and actuator networks are explored. Advanced metering infrastructure, intelligent electronic devices, phasor measurement units, wide area measurement systems, local area network, home access network, neighborhood area network, wide area networks and cloud computing are explored for Smart Grid metering and communication. Home and building automation, smart substation, feeder automation is explored for smart grid applications. Associations of initial studies for the next step in smart grid applications will provide an economic benefit for the authorities in the long term, and will help to establish standards to be compatible with every application so that all smart grid applications can be coordinated under the control of the same authorities. Therefore, this study is expected to be an important guiding source for researchers and engineers studying the smart grid. It also helps transmission and distribution system operators to follow the right path as they are transforming their classical grids to smart grids. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,245 | Guanidinoacetate-creatine in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a case report | Acute secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is characterized by escalating neurological disability, with limited disease-modifying therapeutic options. A 48-year-old woman with acute SPMS being treated with interferon beta-1a and oral corticosteroids presented as a clinical outpatient with no disease-modifying effects after treatment. A decision was made to treat her with a combination of guanidinoacetate and creatine for 21 days. She had made clinical progress at follow-up, with the intensity of fatigue dropping from severe to mild. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed increased brain choline, creatine, N-acetylaspartate, and glutathione. Patients with SPMS may benefit from guanidinoacetate-creatine treatment in terms of patient- and clinician-reported outcomes; this requires additional study. |
1,246 | New media environment, environmental information disclosure and firm valuation: Evidence from high-polluting enterprises in China | With firms gradually becoming the subject for energy consumption and environment pollution, it is pivotal that they disclose corporate environmental information for social supervision and fulfillment of social responsibility. Thus, it has been a hot topic as to how to improve the quality of corporate environmental information disclosure (EID). Drawing on the data of listed companies in the high-polluting industries between 2014 and 2017 in China, this paper conducts an empirical study on three questions with an in-depth investigation: (1) does the new media environment help in improving corporate EID quality; (2) whether this relationship is influenced by the property ownership of the corporate and local economic pressure; (3) what is the economic consequence of corporate EID. Our findings indicate that new media environment has a significantly positive effect on corporate EID quality, especially to state-owned enterprises. And firms with higher environmental disclosure quality enjoy better firm valuation. These findings help identify new driving factors of corporate EID and confirm that new media environment has performed a supplementary role in regulating corporate environmental behaviors, which can help develop green finance and promote ecological civilization. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,247 | How will the Chinese national carbon emissions trading scheme work? The assessment of regional potential gains | The implementation of a national emissions trading scheme (ETS) in China is likely to have an important effect on potential regional gains. This study proposes a unified analytical framework for anticipating such gains in 2020 and estimates the key factors involved using data envelopment analysis based models. The results indicate that: (1) when the value of the marginal abatement cost is higher than the carbon price, no regions will have an incentive to reduce emissions by technological improvements. The only source of direct potential gains is from the amounts of carbon quota. (2) As carbon price increases from CNY 10 to 4000 per ton, the indirect potential gains will increase because the strategies for carbon reduction are technological innovation or limit economic activities. However, Jiangsu and Shanghai will suffer potential losses even though the price is high because they have no more carbon reduction potential. (3) Most central provinces will have potential gains when the carbon price is lower in ETS, while regions rich in fossil energy sources will suffer potential losses. However, a middle-price interval of CNY 1000-2000/ton is more rational, because it helps motivate market transactions and benefits low-carbon technological innovations. |
1,248 | Assessment of Green Methanol Production Potential and Related Economic and Environmental Benefits: The Case of China | Adopting a new paradigm for social development implies a transition to a circular economy. The above requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the utilization of wastes, and the use of renewable energy sources. The most promising way is the use of methanol for industrial and transport applications. China is experiencing a boom in methanol production and its use in almost every sector of the economy. The purpose of this study was to reveal economic benefits, carbon dioxide emissions and the potential production of green methanol. Fuel price history, energy costs and fuel economy were used for economic assessment. Life cycle analysis to evaluate carbon dioxide emissions was applied. It was revealed that only the use of green methanol as a fuel results in decreases in well-to-wheel CO(2)emissions compared to fossil fuels. The potential methanol production by using recycled waste and wind power was determined. Its annual production can range from 6.83 to 32.43 million tones. On this basis, a gradual transition to a circular and methanol economy is possible. Policymakers are recommended to support green methanol production in China. It can result in boosting the application of vehicles fueled by methanol and can control CO(2)emissions. |
1,249 | Willingness to pay for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in China: A choice experiment analysis | The hydrogen energy is considered to be main power source of transport sector in the future, and a huge amount of funds have been invested into developing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Since FCEVs are in initial development stage and there're few FCEVs on the road, before their expansion this paper intends to conduct an economic analysis for FCEVs by using the choice experiment method. In the choice experiment, 1072 participants were required to select among two FCEVs and one conventional fuel vehicle. Logit models were estimated and then the results were used to calculate the willingness to pay for FCEVs. Results showed that purchase price, driving range, refueling time, fuel cost, emissions reduction, refueling accessibility are significant influences, and the marginal values for every 200 km improvement in driving range, 5 min reduction in refueling time, RMB 0.5/kilometer reduction in fuel cost, 20% reduction in emissions, and 20% improvement of refueling accessibility were estimated to be RMB 49,091, 12,727, 3818, 47,818, and 12,909, respectively. A range of FCEV configurations were calculated, and compared to a gasoline-powered counterpart the extra value that customers were likely to pay for a FCEV ranged from RMB 20,810 to 95,310. These results have significant implications for promoting FCEVs and contribute to better sustainability in transport sector. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,250 | Trade and technological innovation: The catalysts for climate change and way forward for COP21 | Following the adaptation of the Paris Agreement at COP21, it was noted that the traditional measures of carbon emissions have several limitations; and a reliable and relevant carbon emissions measurement is important to formulate a response to the challenge of climate change. This study, therefore, explores the relationship between international trade and consumption-based carbon emissions, which is a trade adjusted indicator; and measures the outflow and the inflow of emissions through exports and imports separately. We also include technological innovation in the model to understand its impact on consumption-based carbon emissions. The results show that exports and consumption-based carbon emissions are negatively associated, and technological innovation helps reducing the adverse effect of CO2 growth. In contrast, Imports and gross domestic product are positively linked with consumption-based carbon emissions. The findings also suggest the countries which embraced the Paris Climate Agreement must focus on consumption-based carbon emissions rather than the production-based carbon emissions. |
1,251 | A Deep Learning Approach for Burned Area Segmentation with Sentinel-2 Data | Wildfires have major ecological, social and economic consequences. Information about the extent of burned areas is essential to assess these consequences and can be derived from remote sensing data. Over the last years, several methods have been developed to segment burned areas with satellite imagery. However, these methods mostly require extensive preprocessing, while deep learning techniques-which have successfully been applied to other segmentation tasks-have yet to be fully explored. In this work, we combine sensor-specific and methodological developments from the past few years and suggest an automatic processing chain, based on deep learning, for burned area segmentation using mono-temporal Sentinel-2 imagery. In particular, we created a new training and validation dataset, which is used to train a convolutional neural network based on a U-Net architecture. We performed several tests on the input data and reached optimal network performance using the spectral bands of the visual, near infrared and shortwave infrared domains. The final segmentation model achieved an overall accuracy of 0.98 and a kappa coefficient of 0.94. |
1,252 | Composite dietary antioxidant index and the risk of colorectal cancer: Findings from the Singapore Chinese Health Study | Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to cancer death globally. Several studies showed some protections by certain individual dietary antioxidants against CRC development. Epidemiologic data on the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) in relation to CRC risk are sparse. Using the Singapore Chinese Health Study, an ongoing prospective cohort consisting of 61 321 cancer-free participants aged 45 to 74 years at baseline, a food-based CDAI was calculated according to a previously established and validated method that included six food-sourced antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E, manganese, selenium and zinc. Cox proportional hazard regression method was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC associated with various levels of CDAI with adjustment for multiple potential confounders. After an average of 17.5 years of follow-up, 2140 participants developed CRC. HRs (95% CIs) of CRC for quartiles 2, 3 and 4 of CDAI were 0.94 (0.83-1.07), 0.86 (0.75-1.00) and 0.80 (0.66-0.98), respectively, compared to the lowest quartile (Ptrend = .02). This inverse association between CDAI and CRC risk was more apparent in women or those without a history of diabetes, without family history of CRC, never smokers or overweight/obese individuals. However, none of the heterogeneity tests for the CDAI-CRC risk association reached statistical significance. Our findings suggest that food-based antioxidants may be beneficial for reducing the risk of CRC in the general population. |
1,253 | Bioassay Directed Fractionation of Petroleum Ether Extract of Aerial Parts of Ceriops tagal: Isolation of Lupeol as the Nematicidal Agent against Cyst Nematode Heterodera zeae | Plant parasitic cyst nematode Heterodera zeae is a pest, causing substantial economic losses in agriculture. Organic pesticides, based on plant products have emerged as eco-benign nematicidal agents. Ceriops tagal is a well-known marine medicinal plant which has not been evaluated against any nematode. Petroleum ether extract of the aerial parts of the plant (CTP), exhibited promising activity against infective stage larvae of H. zeae. On subjecting to classical solvent-solvent separation, it afforded petroleum ether soluble (CTP-S), methanol soluble (CTPMS-1, CTPMS-2) and insoluble (CTPM-IN-2) fractions, which exhibited activity against the cyst nematode within 24 h exposure. GC, GC/MS and HR-ESI-MS analyses of CTPMS-1 and CTPMS-2 fractions resulted in the identification of a number of compounds, including pentacyclic triterpenoids, lupeol (1), betunal (2), betulin (3), lupenone (4), betulonaldehyde (5), betulonic acid (7), methyl 3-acetoxy-27-O-(3,4-dihydroxy-E-cinnamoyl)-20(29)-lupen-28-oate (8) and β-amyrin, along with phenylpropanoid esters, fatty acids and their derivatives, benzamide, and indole derivatives. CTPM-IN-2 which mainly contained lupeol (1) exhibited maximum nematicidal activity, with 91 % and 93 % mortality of the larvae of H. zeae, after exposure for 72 h at the concentration of 0.5 % and 1 %, respectively. Its fractionation and purification through column chromatography resulted in the isolation and identification of four lupane-type triterpenoids 1, 3, 4 and betulinic acid (6). One of its most abundant column fractions CC-9-18 (145 mg) which exhibited substantial activity, with 81 % mortality at the lowest concentration of 0.125 % after 48 h of incubation mainly contained lupeol. It seems lupeol, a wide spread bio-privileged triterpenoid is the nematicidal principle of the plant as its authentic sample showed LC50 value of 0.061 after 72 h exposure. It is for the first time that nematicidal activity is reported for any part of C. tagal and that of lupeol against H. zeae. Pentacyclic triterpenoids 1-8 are biosynthetically related. Of the twenty-four compounds isolated or identified in the present investigation only five constituents 1, 3, 6, 7 and palmitic acid have been isolated previously from C. tagal. |
1,254 | Central Nervous System Lesions in COVID-19 | This review discusses current data on CNS lesions in infections with the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The pathogenetic mechanisms leading to infection of the brain and spinal cord are presented. Published studies and meta-analyses published by autumn 2020 are assessed. The authors present results from their own clinical observations of various types of CNS infection in COVID-19 virus disease. Particular attention is paid to certain common forms of CNS lesion such as encephalitis, cerebrovascular pathology, and headache. A form of acute hemorrhagic necrotic encephalopathy is identified, which is a quite rare but fatal pathology comorbid with COVID-19. A description of our own clinical observation of acute necrotic encephalopathy is presented. The importance of further studies of the effects of the coronavirus on the CNS and possible approaches to treatment and rehabilitation of this category of patients is emphasized. |
1,255 | Construction of ecological security pattern based on the importance of ecosystem service functions and ecological sensitivity assessment: a case study in Fengxian County of Jiangsu Province, China | The construction of ecological security pattern is one of the important ways to alleviate the contradiction between economic development and ecological protection, as well as the important contents of ecological civilization construction. How to scientifically construct the ecological security pattern of small-scale counties, and achieve sustainable economic development based on ecological environment protection, it has become an important proposition in regulating the ecological process effectively. Taking Fengxian County of China as an example, this paper selected the importance of ecosystem service functions and ecological sensitivity to evaluate the ecological importance and identify ecological sources. Furthermore, we constructed the ecological resistance surface by various landscape assignments and nighttime lighting modifications. Through a minimum cumulative resistance model, we obtained ecological corridors and finally constructed the ecological security pattern comprehensively combining with ecological resistance surface construction. Accordingly, we further clarified the specific control measures for ecological security barriers and regional functional zoning. This case study shows that the ecological security pattern is composed of ecological sources and corridors, where the former plays an important security role, and the latter ensures the continuity of ecological functions. In terms of the spatial layout, the ecological security barriers built based on ecological security pattern and regional zoning functions are away from the urban core development area. As for the spatial distribution, ecological sources of Fengxian County are mainly located in the central and southwestern areas, which is highly coincident with the main rivers and underground drinking water source area. Moreover, key corridors and main corridors with length of approximately 115.71 km and 26.22 km, respectively, formed ecological corridors of Fengxian County. They are concentrated in the western and southwestern regions of the county which is far away from the built-up areas with strong human disturbance. The results will provide scientific evidence for important ecological land protection and ecological space control at a small scale in underdeveloped and plain counties. In addition, it will enrich the theoretical framework and methodological system of ecological security pattern construction. To some extent, it also makes a reference for improving the regional ecological environment carrying capacities and optimizing the ecological spatial structure in such kinds of underdeveloped small-scale counties. |
1,256 | The Importance of Renewable Energy Sources in Poland's Energy Mix | Exploitation of renewable energy sources for power generation has been more and more important in recent years. This results from the economic issues and the measures taken to ensure the energy security. The aim of this research was to determine the significance of renewable energy sources (RES) in the energy mix of Poland, and to elicit the opinions and the level of knowledge of the society on the use and development of non-conventional energy. The article also presents advantages and disadvantages of types of RES, the obstacles which hinder the progress of green energy in Poland, and the proposed measures to expand the share of the RES in the overall energy mix. The research relied on the statistical data gathered by Statistics Poland. The opinions of respondents were elicited through a diagnostic survey based on a questionnaire. The research has demonstrated that the respondents support the development of RES in Poland. However, they also maintain that the purchase and installation of devices for the production of non-conventional energy are too expensive. The respondents believe that in order to increase the number of green power plants, subsidies to encourage RES investment and tax reliefs related to this investment should be bigger. |
1,257 | Do energy technology innovations contribute to CO2 emissions abatement? A spatial perspective | With growing concerns about global warming, energy technology innovation has attracted attention from scholars. Many studies have explored the relationship between energy technology innovations and energy consumption, while the influence of energy technology innovation on carbon emissions (CEs) has not received enough attention. Utilizing the spatial econometric model, this study aims to examine whether energy technology innovations are beneficial for CO2 emissions abatement in China. The results indicate that, first, renewable energy technology innovation facilitates CO2 abatement, while fossil energy technology innovation is ineffective in reducing CEs. Second, the influences of energy technology innovations on CEs are trans-regional. Third, economic growth would agglomerate CEs from low-growth province to neighboring high-growth provinces; mandatory environmental regulation in China would transfer CEs from provinces with strict regulations to neighboring provinces with loose regulation. Based on these findings, a series of policy recommendations are put forward to tackle China's CEs. One possible innovation is that this study considers geographic location when investigating how energy technology innovations affect CEs. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
1,258 | Exploring the capacity of renewable energy consumption to reduce outdoor air pollution death rate in Latin America and the Caribbean region | The impact of renewable energy consumption on reducing the outdoor air pollution death rate, in nineteen Latin America & the Caribbean countries, from 1990 to 2016, using the econometric technique of quantile regression for panel data, was researched. Results show that economic growth and fossil fuel consumption are positively related to CO(2)emissions, while renewable energy consumption bears a negative relationship with it. Furthermore, fossil fuel consumption has a positive impact on the mortality rate and economic growth a negative one. The negative effect of renewable energy consumption on the mortality rate is only observable on the right tail of its distribution. The modelisation reveals two ways in which the consumption of renewable energy can reduce the outdoor air pollution death rates: (i) directly, by increasing renewable energies, and (i) indirectly because the increase in the consumption of renewable energies implies a decrease in the consumption of energy from fossil fuels. The phenomenon of increasing urbanisation is a point where the action of public policymakers is decisive for the reduction of outdoor air pollution death rates. Here, the question is not to reduce the level of urbanisation but to act on the "quality" of urbanisation, to make cities healthier. The research concludes that public policymakers must focus on intensifying the transition from fossil to renewable energies and improving the quality of cities. |
1,259 | Host glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-mediated iron acquisition is hijacked by intraphagosomal Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Availability of iron is a key factor in the survival and multiplication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) within host macrophage phagosomes. Despite host cell iron regulatory machineries attempts to deny supply of this essential micronutrient, intraphagosomal M.tb continues to access extracellular iron. In the current study, we report that intracellular M.tb exploits mammalian secreted Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (sGAPDH) for the delivery of host iron carrier proteins lactoferrin (Lf) and transferrin (Tf). Studying the trafficking of iron carriers in infected cells we observed that sGAPDH along with the iron carrier proteins are preferentially internalized into infected cells and trafficked to M.tb containing phagosomes where they are internalized by resident mycobacteria resulting in iron delivery. Collectively our findings provide a new mechanism of iron acquisition by M.tb involving the hijack of host sGAPDH. This may contribute to its successful pathogenesis and provide an option for targeted therapeutic intervention. |
1,260 | Solar energy potential of urban buildings in 10 cities of China | The solar energy potential of urban buildings is important for China's sustainable economic development. Previous studies have focused on creating regional solar maps or estimating the irradiation of building roofs. This study estimates the practical potential of solar energy in cities with a novel roof-facade framework. Improvements have been made to make it more practical by integrating roofs and facades, considering view shading effects, and correcting weather impacts. The developed framework was applied to calculate the solar energy potential for 10 cities in China on a microscopic scale. The annual solar irradiation ranges from 41.39 to 772.94 TWh, with an electric capacity of 6.21-115.94 TWh. A dataset of the annual solar irradiation for more than 1.44 million buildings of the 10 cities is now available as a free download (http://gis.nju.edu.cn/rs_01.asp?ID=74&type_1=425). The results can support decision-making related to reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,261 | Does increasing investment in research and development promote economic growth decoupling from carbon emission growth? An empirical analysis of BRICS countries | It is generally recognized that increasing research and development investment is an effective measure to promote economic and social progress. An open question is if increasing research and development investment help economic growth decoupling from carbon emission. This study investigates research and development investment and carbon emission in BRICS countries by using the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares for empirical estimation from 1996 to 2014. The results show that every 1% increase in research and development investment, carbon emissions will be decreased by 0.8122% for the BRICS as a whole, which indicates increasing research and development investment has a positive impact on decoupling economic growth from environmental pressure. For individual, this impact is most significant in China, weak in Russia and India. However, it also should be noted that only increasing research and development investment cannot achieve the decoupling between economic growth and carbon emission, because other factors, such as economic activity, industrialization and urbanization, renewable energy also influences the decoupling economic growth from carbon emission. The results also show that economic activity, industrialization and urbanization pose negative impact on the decoupling, whereas renewable energy consumption promote the decoupling. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,262 | Sustainable development evaluation of the society-economy-environment in a resource-based city of China:A complex network approach | Resource-based cities (RBCs) have made a significant contribution to country development in certain historical periods. Achieving sustainable development of the society-economy-environment system has been the key issue in the RBCs development process because resources are being depleted. At present, the studies on sustainable development of the society-economy-environment system of RBCs are insufficient. Moreover, the relevant research method is lacking. Therefore, this study introduced complex network method to dynamically and systematically analyze the development process of a typical RBC (Shuozhou) in China from 1989 to 2016. In this study, a theoretical framework of RBCs sustainable development was proposed and the evaluation indicator system was established from three aspects: social harmony, economic development, and environmental improvement. The important nodes of the complex network (e.g., population, regional gross domestic product, green infrastructure land) were identified by the degree, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality. The whole society-economy eenvironment system had maximum connectivity and information transmission efficiency compared with an individual society, economy, or environment subsystem. Moreover, the stability of the complex network of the society-economy-environment system in Period III (2008-2016) was higher compared with other two periods. Based on the knowledge of the societyeeconomyeenvironment system's complex network structure and interrelationships, population adjustments in quantity and quality, a moderate increase in consumption, and industrial adjustment are critical measures for social and economic sustainable development of RBCs. Moreover, the government should focus on the proportional relationship among green infrastructure land, forest land, and other lands and increase the vegetation coverage rate. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,263 | The novel HLA-B*46:85 allele identified by sequencing-based typing in a Chinese individual | HLA-B*46:85 differs from HLA-B*46:01:01:01 in exon 3 at position 560 by a single non-synonymous mutation. |
1,264 | Techno-economic analysis of microalgae production with simultaneous dairy effluent treatment using a pilot-scale High Volume V-shape pond system | In this study techno-economic evaluation of scaled-up microalgae production and simultaneous dairy effluent treatment was performed. It includes 'Base case' comprising a 3 m(3) High Volume V-shape Pond (HVVP) and 'Projected case(s)' in million liters per day (MLD) treatment capacity plant of <= 0.25, similar to 0.5 and >= 1.0 MLD dairy industries for 10-, 20- and 30-yrs lifetime span, respectively. Economic analysis includes capital expenditure (CapEx), operational expenditure (OpEx), payback period, internal rate of return (IRR), net present value and minimum biomass production price. As expected, centrifuge and its electricity consumption charges are major contributors of CapEx and OpEx, respectively. >= 1 MLD plant for 20 yrs showed most feasible with an IRR and payback period of 118% and 1.9 yrs, respectively. Annual algal production was 504 ton at $0.482/kg with similar to 240,000 m(3) of treated clean water. HVVP is found to be one of the cost-effective and area efficient microalgal cultivation systems for mass production. Besides, the process aids in resolving environmental concerns associated with current practices of direct discharge of dairy effluents. This study aims to overcome some of the key hindering factors viz., high land foot-print and cost-intensive cultivation systems that are associated in commercialization of microalgae production. (c) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,265 | When the Background Matters: Using Scenarios from Integrated Assessment Models in Prospective Life Cycle Assessment | Prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) needs to deal with the large epistemological uncertainty about the future to support more robust future environmental impact assessments of technologies. This study proposes a novel approach that systematically changes the background processes in a prospective LCA based on scenarios of an integrated assessment model (IAM), the IMAGE model. Consistent worldwide scenarios from IMAGE are evaluated in the life cycle inventory using ecoinvent v3.3. To test the approach, only the electricity sector was changed in a prospective LCA of an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and an electric vehicle (EV) using six baseline and mitigation climate scenarios until 2050. This case study shows that changes in the electricity background can be very important for the environmental impacts of EV. Also, the approach demonstrates that the relative environmental performance of EV and ICEV over time is more complex and multifaceted than previously assumed. Uncertainty due to future developments manifests in different impacts depending on the product (EV or ICEV), the impact category, and the scenario and year considered. More robust prospective LCAs can be achieved, particularly for emerging technologies, by expanding this approach to other economic sectors beyond electricity background changes and mobility applications as well as by including uncertainty and changes in foreground parameters. A more systematic and structured composition of future inventory databases driven by IAM scenarios helps to acknowledge epistemological uncertainty and to increase the temporal consistency of foreground and background systems in LCAs of emerging technologies. |
1,266 | Limitation by vapour pressure deficit shapes different intra-annual growth patterns of diffuse- and ring-porous temperate broadleaves | Understanding the effects of temperature and moisture on radial growth is vital for assessing the impacts of climate change on carbon and water cycles. However, studies observing growth at sub-daily temporal scales remain scarce. We analysed sub-daily growth dynamics and its climatic drivers recorded by point dendrometers for 35 trees of three temperate broadleaved species during the years 2015-2020. We isolated irreversible growth driven by cambial activity from the dendrometer records. Next, we compared the intra-annual growth patterns among species and delimited their climatic optima. The growth of all species peaked at air temperatures between 12 and 16°C and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) below 0.1 kPa. Acer pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica, both diffuse-porous, sustained growth under suboptimal VPD. Ring-porous Quercus robur experienced a steep decline of growth rates with reduced air humidity. This resulted in multiple irregular growth peaks of Q. robur during the year. By contrast, the growth patterns of the diffuse-porous species were always right-skewed unimodal with a peak in June between day of the year 150-170. Intra-annual growth patterns are shaped more by VPD than temperature. The different sensitivity of radial growth to VPD is responsible for unimodal growth patterns in both diffuse-porous species and multimodal growth pattern in Q. robur. |
1,267 | Prehospital Pediatric Respiratory Distress and Airway Management Training and Education: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document | Although pediatric airway and respiratory emergencies represent high-acuity situations, the ability of EMS clinicians to effectively manage these patients is hampered by infrequent clinical exposure and shortcomings in pediatric-specific education. Cognitive gaps in EMS clinicians' understanding of the differences between pediatric and adult airway anatomy and respiratory physiology and pathology, variability in the training provided to EMS clinicians, and decay of the psychomotor skills necessary to safely and effectively manage pediatric patients experiencing respiratory emergencies collectively pose significant threats to the quality and safety of care delivered to pediatric patients. NAEMSP recommends:Pediatric airway education should include discussion of the factors that make pediatric airway management challenging.EMS agencies should provide pediatric-specific education that addresses recognition and treatment of pediatric respiratory distress based upon pathophysiology affecting upper airways, lower airways, cardiovascular systems, or extrinsic causes of disordered breathing. Pediatric airway training should also differentiate between hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Education should emphasize that the cognitive and psychomotor skills requisite in management of pediatric respiratory emergencies will differ across patient age groups.EMS clinicians should be provided education and training in technology-dependent children and children and youth with special health care needs.EMS clinicians should receive initial and ongoing education and training in pediatric airway and respiratory conditions that emphasizes the principle of using the least invasive most effective strategies to achieve oxygenation and ventilation.Initial and continuing pediatric-focused education should be structured to maintain EMS clinician competency in the assessment and management of pediatric airway and respiratory emergencies and should be provided on a recurring basis to mitigate the decay of EMS clinicians' knowledge and skills that occurs due to infrequent field-based clinical exposure.Integration of clinician education programs with quality management programs is essential for the development and delivery of initial and continuing education intended to help EMS clinicians attain and maintain proficiency in pediatric airway and respiratory management. |
1,268 | Factors influencing fake news rebuttal acceptance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the moderating effect of cognitive ability | Fake news is spreading rapidly on social media and poses a serious threat to the COVID-19 outbreak response. This study thus aims to reveal the factors influencing the acceptance of fake news rebuttals on Sina Weibo. Drawing on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), we used text mining and the econometrics method to investigate the relationships among the central route (rebuttal's information readability and argument quality), peripheral route (rebuttal's source credibility, including authority and influence), and rebuttal acceptance, as well as the moderating effect of receiver's cognitive ability on these relationships. Our findings suggest that source authority had a negative effect on rebuttal acceptance, while source influence had a positive effect. Second, both information readability and argument quality had positive effects on rebuttal acceptance. In addition, individuals with low cognitive abilities relied more on source credibility and argument quality to accept rebuttals, while individuals with high cognitive abilities relied more on information readability. This study can provide decision support for practitioners to establish more effective fake news rebuttal strategies; it is especially valuable to reduce the negative impact of fake news related to major public health emergencies and safeguard the implementation of anti-epidemic strategies. |
1,269 | Pain management in the emergency department: a clinical review | Pain is one of the most common reasons for patients to visit the emergency department. The ever-growing research on emergency department analgesia has challenged the current practices with respect to the optimal analgesic regimen for acute musculoskeletal pain, safe and judicious opioid prescribing, appropriate utilization of non-opioid therapeutics, and non-pharmacological treatment modalities. This clinical review is set to provide evidence-based answers to these challenging questions. |
1,270 | Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementing a Police-Mental Health Collaborative to Improve Pathways to Treatment | High rates of criminal justice involvement among individuals with mental illness have led to collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and mental health providers to improve crisis responses and pathways to treatment. The development and implementation of these police-mental health collaborations (PMHCs) have received little attention in the literature, but these processes are crucial in understanding feasibility and sustainability. The PMHC discussed here is an interagency effort to identify individuals involved with law enforcement who have unmet behavioral health needs and engage them in services. Perspectives from leaders, service providers, and clients highlight the importance of developing PMHCs that support individuals with serious mental illness at multiple points, from initial crisis to independent management of treatment. In an environment where police responses to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders are increasingly scrutinized, it is critical to highlight and evaluate ways that behavioral health and law enforcement agencies work together to collaboratively address these problems. |
1,271 | Comparative analysis of modular construction practices in mainland China, Hong Kong and Singapore | Modular construction is considered as the future of the construction industry. While the sector is growing rapidly in some areas, there are still barriers to overcome. For more than two decades, several regions and countries, such as mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, were using prefabricated/ precast components to construct high-rise buildings in both private and public sectors. Such practices suffered from several limitations, which warrant the need for modular construction. Modular construction method needs to evolve so as to meet different regional requirements and restrictions, namely regulations, economy, market and building types. But the regional requirements and constraints on adopting modular construction remain unexplored. These differences are not widely appreciated. Hence, this research aims to perform comparative analysis of modular construction practices in terms of policies, specifications, and real projects in Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China. The results of the comparative analysis indicate that Singapore has developed a relatively effective policy system to help the construction industry embrace modular construction, while the three regions have not issued authoritative specifications. In general, modular construction still needs more support from the government, especially in terms of technical guidance and innovation. Cases studies show that the sustainability performance of modular construction is not balanced in terms of the economic, social and environmental dimensions. The lessons and challenges of modular construction drawn from the cases are also summarized. The construction industry should work closely with the government to achieve sustainable construction of modular building. The developed research on modular construction will increase the understanding of common practices in close countries where the industry in each can benefit from such practices to advance the domain. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,272 | A disaggregated-level analysis of the relationship among energy production, energy consumption and economic growth: Evidence from China | The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between energy production, energy consumption, and gross domestic product (GDP) growth in China for the period 1981-2016 (at the disaggregate level). The results of the Hatemi-J cointegration and structural-break tests supported long-term co-integration in the consumption and production of coal, oil, and natural gas. Based on the three models (coal, oil, and natural gas) of energy production and consumption, the fully-modified least square (FMOLS) method results confirmed the presence of long-term positive impact of the consumption and production of coal, oil, and natural gas on GDP growth. The CCR model estimations for robustness were found to be consistent with the FMLOS estimations. The vector error correction mechanism (VECM) based Granger-causality tests identified a one-way causality run from coal production and coal consumption to GDP growth; from GDP growth to gas consumption (supporting conservation hypothesis); from natural gas production to natural gas consumption; and from oil production and oil consumption to GDP growth. The paper draws important policy implications for theory, research and practice. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,273 | Identifying and evaluating poverty using multisource remote sensing and point of interest (POI) data: A case study of Chongqing, China | Poverty is a chronic worldwide dilemma that can seriously hamper human sustainable development, which is closely related to economic growth, environmental protection, ecological restoration, and sustainable utilization of resources. Accurately and effectively identifying and evaluating poverty has become an important prerequisite for allowing Chinese governments to make reasonable poverty reduction and alleviation policies. Thus, using Chongqing as a study area, the purpose of this study was to analyze poverty from multiple viewpoints based on multiple data sources. First, a comprehensive poverty index (CPI) was developed by combining nighttime light data, the digital elevation model (DEM), the normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI), and point of interest (POI) data to map poverty at a 500-m spatial resolution. Then, the performance of the CPI was validated with poverty-stricken villages, Google Earth images, and the multidimensional poverty index (MPI). Finally, spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to explore the spatial distribution of poverty across county and town levels. The results revealed that the CPI could provide an effective way of identifying the spatial distribution of poverty when compared with three validated indexes. Most of the rich counties were in the center of Chongqing, whereas the poor counties were located in the northeast and southeast of Chongqing. The Global Moran's I index showed that there were significantly positive spatial autocorrelations of poverty, and that the spatial autocorrelation of poverty was more significant at the town level compared to the county level. Among the selected factors, the POI cost distance was the most import factor for assessing poverty. Our study will be valuable for providing scientific references for the government to implement precise poverty alleviation methods with differentiated policies in China. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,274 | NK-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease successfully treated by second allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection | Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a systemic T- or NK-lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) caused by EBV. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative therapy for CAEBV, but relapse sometimes occurs. Relapse is generally attributed to proliferation of recipient-derived CAEBV cells. We herein report a case of donor-derived CAEBV-like NK-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in a 41-year-old female after the first allogenic HSCT for CAEBV from an HLA-matched sibling donor. A second HSCT from an HLA-matched unrelated donor successfully controlled the disease, but EBV infection of cells derived from the second donor continued to be detected. Although the mechanisms underlying CAEBV and CAEBV-like NK-cell PTLD have not yet been elucidated in detail, the findings of the present case imply that host genetic factors, including familial factors, may be important in disease development. |
1,275 | Melatonin ameliorates paclitaxel-induced mice spermatogenesis and fertility defects | Chemotherapeutic drug of paclitaxel (PTX) has been shown to cause reproductive toxicity thus affecting male fertility, but its underlying molecular basis is unclear. Melatonin (MLT) can mitigate the reproductive damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. In this study, we aimed to identify impact of PTX on the main biological processes and protective effect of MLT on reproductive damage caused by PTX. Mice exposed to PTX mainly impaired spermatogenesis, such as decreased sperm counts, reduced sperm motility and increased abnormal sperm. Decreased expressions of germ cell proliferation-associated protein PCNA and meiosis-related protein SYCP3 induced by PTX were determined by Western blot, while MLT ameliorated this effect and increased the expressions of PCNA, SYCP3, DMC1, STRA8 and fertility-related protein of HSPA2, resulting in significantly improved spermatogenesis and sperm quality levels. In vitro fertilization experiment showed that PTX significantly decreased blastocyst formation rates, which can be improved by MLT administration, but not two-cell development rates. Taken together, this work demonstrated PTX can adversely affect germ cell proliferation and meiosis, which ultimately influence sperm quality and male fertility, and highlighted the protective ability of MLT on ameliorating the side effects of PTX, especially on sperm quality. The results provide information to further the study on the molecular mechanism of PTX's effects on male reproduction and the protective mechanism of MLT. |
1,276 | China's non-fossil energy development and its 2030 CO2 reduction targets: The role of urbanization | China has pledged to peak its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and lower its CO2 intensity by 60-65% from the 2005 level by 2030. Understanding the role of energy structural adjustment in achieving such targets is critical along with China's rapid urbanization process. This study aims to uncover the drivers of China's non-fossil energy development during 1990-2016, and conduct scenarios and probability analyses of different energy consumption and CO2 emission trajectories until 2050. Results show that economic scale plays a key role with urbanization identified as an essential factor in driving non-fossil energy development. The consumption of fossil fuels will continue to increase with rapid urbanization, leading to higher CO2 emissions. China will only achieve the 2030 targets if energy structural adjustment is completed on schedule. Under the current policies, CO2 emissions may peak between 2030 and 2032, while CO2 intensity will decrease. Such findings provide valuable insights and suggest that China should achieve low carbon transition through energy structural adjustment, while taking urbanization as an opportunity. |
1,277 | Interventional radiology in renal emergencies: a pictorial essay | Renal emergencies necessitate prompt diagnosis and management to stop active bleeding and retain kidney function. Causes of renal emergencies can be classified into traumatic, atraumatic, iatrogenic, and obstructive etiologies. Interventional radiology (IR) has emerged as an acceptable alternative to surgical treatment in the management of renal emergencies due to its minimally invasive nature. With the rise of interventional procedures, there is a need for further discussion of angiographic and fluoroscopic imaging in the setting of renal emergencies. |
1,278 | Suppression of Wnt Expression by Increasing PI3K in Rats Cervical Carcinoma by Andaliman ( Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) | <b>Background and Objective:</b> Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death for women in the world and Indonesia. This disease originates from a malignant tumour of squamous epithelial cells caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress in and there are plants from Indonesia that have high antioxidants, namely andaliman (<i>Zanthoxylum acanthopodium</i>). This study aimed to analyze the role of andaliman on PI3K and Wnt signalling in cervical cancer histology. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study includes 5 treatments. The control group (K-), rats cancer model (K+), rats cancer model+the dose is 100 mg/b.wt. of ZAM (P<sub>1</sub>), rats cancer model+the dose is 200 mg/b.wt. of ZAM (P<sub>2</sub>) and rats cancer model+the dosage is 400 mg/b.wt. ZAM (P<sub>3</sub>). On the 30th day after ZAM administration, the rats were dissected for the paraffin block and Wnt and PI3K immunohistochemical staining was prepared. <b>Results:</b> There was a significant difference between all groups (p<0.001) in Wnt and PI3K expression. The real role of ZAM in cervical cancer tissue was seen at the highest ZAM dose (P<sub>3</sub>). Irregular mucosal folds and stretched interstitial connective tissue in the K+ group can return to regularity and improve at the P<sub>3</sub> dose. The administration of ZAM showed a significant difference in cervical tissue after benzopyrene injection. <b>Conclusion:</b> Andaliman (<i>Zanthoxylum acanthopodium</i>) extract increases PI3K expression through suppression of Wnt expression. It can be developed therapy molecularly to prevent cell growth into cancer. |
1,279 | Hepatitis E Virus: An emerging enigmatic and underestimated pathogen | Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus causing hepatitis E disease. The virus is of one serotype but has diverse genotypes infecting both humans and animals. Based on evidence from seroprevalence studies, about 2 billion people are estimated to have been infected with HEV globally. HEV, therefore, poses a significant public health and economic challenge worldwide. HEV was discovered in the 1980s and was traced back to the 1955 - 1956 outbreak of hepatitis that occurred in India. Subsequently, several HEV epidemics involving thousands of individuals have occurred nearly annually in different countries in Asia and Africa. Initially, the virus was thought to be only enterically transmitted, and endemic in developing countries. Due to the environmental hygiene and sanitation challenges in those parts of the world. However, recent studies have suggested otherwise with the report of autochthonous cases in industrialised countries with no history of travel to the so-called endemic countries. Thus, suggesting that HEV has a global distribution with endemicity in both developing and industrialised nations. Studies have also revealed that HEV has multiple risk factors, and modes of transmission as well as zoonotic potentials. Additionally, recent findings have shown that HEV leads to severe disease, particularly among pregnant women. In contrast to the previous narration of a strictly mild and self-limiting infection. Studies have likewise demonstrated chronic HEV infection among immunocompromised persons. Consequent to these recent discoveries, this pathogen is considered a re - emerging virus, particularly in the developed nations. However, despite the growing public health challenges of this pathogen, the burden is still underestimated. The underestimation is often attributed to poor awareness among clinicians and a lack of routine checks for the disease in the hospitals. Thus, leading to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Hence, this review provides a concise overview of epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of hepatitis E. |
1,280 | Ecological security assessment of the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration based on an adapted ecological footprint model | The acceleration of urbanization and industrialization has led to new ecological security (ES) risks for urban agglomerations in developing countries. The level of ES with the goal of improving adaptive capacity is becoming the basis for space demand regulation and coordinated development of ecological economy. In relation to the actual socio-economic development of the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration (GPUA), three sub-accounts covering domestic water, production water and eco-environment water were added to the adapted ecological footprint model to reflect the underestimated water demand in the GPUA. Based on an analysis of the per capita ecological deficit and the dynamic changes in each account in the GPUA from 2005 to 2017, the ecological pressure index and eco-economic coordination index were used to evaluate the ES level of GPUA, and the footprint depth and footprint size were used to evaluate trends in the state of ES. The results show that (1) the GPUA water resource account is the second largest contribution account to the ecological footprint; (2) the GPUA has been at the 6(th) ES level, "completely unsafe", since 2005; and (3) based on the three-dimensional ecological footprint, the GPUA needs 4.76 times current area to meet its resource consumption level, indicating that ecological insecurity levels will not improve. Therefore, improving the water resources management system, controlling the sources of atmospheric pollution, and strengthening the zoning of functional lands are recommended. Quantitatively analysing the relationships among the ES level, various resources environmental and economic activities provides a scientific basis for improving the resilience level of urban agglomerations in response to ecological changes. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,281 | Identification of medicinal compounds as potential inhibitors for mutated isocitrate dehydrogenases against chondrosarcoma | Chondrosarcoma is the third most common cartilaginous bone tumour that is insusceptible to radio- and chemotherapy and it is inclined to metastasis. These resistant qualities are facilitated by mutant variants of isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) 1-2 enzyme. These mutant enzymes promote oncogenesis of chondrocytes by changing their epigenetic wardrobe leading to tumour formation. Presently, there are lack of drugs available to be exploited as a remedy for this disease. On the other hand, majority of chemotherapeutic drugs induce cytotoxicity in the cancer cells at the cost of harming surrounding healthy cells, jeopardizing human life. The current study is focused on screening various medicinal compounds against IDH1 and IDH2 combined with insilico gene expression, cancer cells cytotoxicity and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) studies to elucidate the molecular mechanism against chondrosarcoma and also to uncover pharmacokinetic profile of these compounds. Screening of 5000+ compounds filtered two efficacious compounds (Artocarpetin and 5-Galloylquinic acid) capable of establishing hydrogen bond connections with both IDH variants. Other studies showed that these compounds downregulate ITGAV, CARPIN1, CCL5 and COG5 and TNFRSF10B gene that reduces chondrogenesis and inflammation, Artocarpetin and 5-galloylquinic acid are TP53 expression enhancer and inhibit MM9 expression that promote immunomodulation and apoptosis in these cancers. These compounds are both active against CHSA8926 and CHSA011 cell line of chondrosarcoma. However, the ADME profile of 5-galloylquinic acid is slightly unsatisfactory based on druglikness and bioavailability score criteria as compared to artocarpetin. Both of these compounds are class-5 chemicals and require high doses to elicit adverse response. Our results suggest that artocarpetin and 5-galloylquinic acid are efficacious drug candidates and could be further exploited to validate these findings in vitro. |
1,282 | Thermo-hydraulic performance of nanofluids flow in various internally corrugated tubes | This study examines the impact of corrugation configuration on the thermal, hydraulic, and overall energy performances of nanofluid flows in corrugated tubes. Different fluids (distilled water "DW", GNP-SDBS/DW, Al2O3/DW, and SiO2/DW) and tube geometries (rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, and curved ribs) are investigated using a carefully validated computational fluids dynamics (CFD) model. Compared to DW flow in a smooth tube, the maximum overall performance improvement (similar to 37 %) was found in the case of GNP-SDBS/DW nanofluid flow in a curvedly ribbed tube at Re of 10,000. For all fluids and tube geometries, the overall performance enhancement was found to decrease at Reynolds numbers higher than 10,000. Curvedly ribbed tubes have better performances at medium and high flow rates, regardless of the fluid type. However, at low flow rates or when the pumping power consumption is not a major concern, trapezoidal ribs can be used to achieve higher heat transfer rates. Overall, using corrugated tubes (maximum performance improvement of similar to 20 %) was found a more energy-efficient technique than using nanofluids (up to similar to 11 %). Combining both techniques achieves enhances the performance by up to similar to 37 %. These findings can be used as a guide for determining the most suitable technique based on an overall techno-economic evaluation. |
1,283 | Seed and seedling diversity delimitation and differentiation of Indian populations of Melia dubia cav | Melia dubia is one of the most important industrial tree species in the South East Asia. In last few decades, the populations of M. dubia has rapidly expanded in the Indian sub-continents, leading to an increase in the genetic diversity of species. However, very less information is available on intra-specific variation in Melia under the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, a present investigation was undertaken, to assess the level of diversity in seed and saplings of the Melia populations (ecotypes) collected from three agro-ecological regions of India. Results revealed that the seed and saplings of all the ecotypes are significantly different for all the traits, except for number of branches per plant, and the maximum variability was recorded in germination percentage, seed weight, internodal length, and sapling height of the species. The high heritability for seed weight (0.99), length (0.99), and width (0.97), and germination percentage (0.99) indicated that selection and genetic gain for these traits would be effective during the commencement of improvement program. Trait association analysis explained that higher seed weight significantly reduced sapling height, collar diameter, number of leaves per plant, internodal length, petiole length, and germination percentage (r = -0.86; p < 0.001) that ultimately reduced the seedling vigor in Melia dubia. Interestingly, the number of branches per plant were not associated with any of the morphological traits. The first principal component explained 50.09% of the entire variation and all the traits contributed greatly to the variation for this principal component, except for number of branches, leaf width and seed length. The clustering approach assorted geographic variation of M. dubia populations into three main sub-clusters i.e. South, North, and North East populations each consisting of five, seven and one populations (including cultivar), respectively. Among different ecotypes, Bahumukhi, Varsha and US Nagar seed sources outperformed all others in seedling vigour (sapling height) and rest of the growth parameters. Overall, findings explained that considerable scope exists for the development of superior planting material of M. dubia through exploration of seeds and selection at the early seedling stage. |
1,284 | Optimization of reduced chemical fertilizer use in tea gardens based on the assessment of related environmental and economic benefits | Chemical fertilizer application is the primary method used to maintain tea yield and quality, but has a negative environmental impact owing to its excessive use. This study sought to assess the environmental and economic benefits of three different chemical fertilizer reduction modes: Single reduction of chemical fertilizer (SRCF), combined application of organic and chemical fertilizer (CAOF), and controlled-release fertilizer substitute (CRFS). Differences in soil nutrient content, NP (NH4+-N, NO3-N and total P) runoff loss, tea yield and quality, and the revenue of tea planting across different fertilizer reduction treatments were then discussed. We also analyzed the coupling effects of these different fertilization modes, fertilization rate and time on soil NP runoff loss, which allowed us to determine the optimum fertilization method based on differences in their respective environmental and economic benefits. Our results revealed differences in soil nutrient content, tea yield and quality, NP runoff loss, and revenue owing to tea planting across the different fertilization treatments. Soil pH after fertilization was significantly lower than before fertilization. CAOF was beneficial and improved soil nutrients as well as tea yield and quality. Of the tested methods, 50% combined application of organic and chemical fertilizer (CAOF2) was the best, as it resulted in the best tea quality and yield. CAOF2 also had the highest revenue. In addition, it was beneficial in reducing NP runoff loss. CRFS was advantageous in its persistent fertilizer efficiency and reduction in NP runoff loss. With CAOF, NP runoff loss was primarily caused by quick-acting chemical fertilizer. With extended time, NP runoff loss caused by fertilization was gradually decreased. Given our analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of different fertilizer reduction methods, CAOF2 emerged in this study as the best fertilizer reduction treatment option. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
1,285 | Sustainable supplier selection under must-be criteria through Fuzzy inference system | Growing awareness about the environmental and social issues and pressure from all stakeholders has forced industries to adopt sustainability practices in their supply chains. Suppliers contribute significantly to establishing an effective sustainable supply chain. Hence industries need to evaluate its potential suppliers precisely on sustainability criteria. In this work, a two-phase decision model using Fuzzy Interference System (FIS) along with Fuzzy Kano philosophy for the sustainable environment has been proposed to select sustainable suppliers for a large scale industry. In the first phase, sustainability criteria clustering using fuzzy Kano model has been performed for the identification of 'Must-be' criteria in economic, environmental and social dimensions. Further, sub-criteria with quantified evaluation levels for Must-be criteria have been established. In the second phase, the three distinct Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) has been developed for evaluating the Sustainability Performance Index (SPI) values of each supplier in three sustainability dimensions. In FIS, the architecture of each model is modified in such a way that each FIS engine have to compute the minimum number of rules. Finally, weights are assigned to SPI in each dimension, and suppliers are ranked for final selection. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed decision framework. A sustainable supplier selection problem of the iron and steel industry of India has been investigated to show the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed decision framework. (c) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
1,286 | When the fourth water and digital revolution encountered COVID-19 | The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is, undeniably, a substantial shock to our civilization which has revealed the value of public services that relate to public health. Ensuring a safe and reliable water supply and maintaining water sanitation has become ever more critical during the pandemic. For this reason, researchers and practitioners have promptly investigated the impact associated with the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on water treatment processes, focusing specifically on water disinfection. However, the COVID-19 pandemic impacts multiple aspects of the urban water sector besides those related to the engineering processes, including sanitary, economic, and social consequences which can have significant effects in the near future. Furthermore, this outbreak appears at a time when the water sector was already experiencing a fourth revolution, transitioning toward the digitalisation of the sector, which redefines the Water-Human-Data Nexus. In this contribution, a product of collaboration between academics and practitioners from water utilities, we delve into the multiple impacts that the pandemic is currently causing and their possible consequences in the future. We show how the digitalisation of the water sector can provide useful approaches and tools to help address the impact of the pandemic. We expect this discussion to contribute not only to current challenges, but also to the conceptualization of new projects and the broader task of ameliorating dimate change. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
1,287 | Assessment of wind-induced nonlinear post-critical performance of bridge decks | A quantitative analysis of the wind-induced post-critical performance of bridge decks is presented in order to highlight the underlying wind-resistant capacity after the critical wind speeds. Two simple indices, i.e., the wind speed extension (after the critical state) with acceptable post-critical vibrations and the relative post-critical capacity (i.e., the ratio between the aforementioned wind speed extension and the critical speed value), are utilized to quantify the post-critical performance of bridge decks. A short review on available limit states of vibration in literatures and design codes is presented in order to define a suitable threshold for acceptable post-critical vibrations. The post-critical performances of three typical cross-sections are quantitatively analyzed with the proposed indices, in which the limit states of vibration are reasonable defined considering either structural normal operation or structural safety. The effects of various mechanical and aerodynamic properties (e.g., mechanical damping ratio, natural frequency, initial angle of attack, and aerodynamic derivatives) on the post-critical behaviors of the selected cross-sections are highlighted. The quantitative analysis of the post-critical performance in the present work may deepen the understanding of the wind-resistant performance of bridges and potentially serve as a building block for a more economic wind-resistant design framework for future long-span bridges. |
1,288 | Efficient degradation of lomefloxacin by Co-Cu-LDH activating peroxymonosulfate process: Optimization, dynamics, degradation pathway and mechanism | In this study, bimetal layered double hydroxides (CoxCuy-LDHs) containing a carbonate interlayer were synthesized using coprecipitation with a variety of Co/Cu mole ratios. Meanwhile, the corresponding layered double oxides (CoxCuy-LDOs) were prepared as controls. In this study, Electrical energy per order was performed to evaluate economic analysis. Correspondingly, we found that CoxCuy-LDHs possessed a significantly better PMS activation capability than the corresponding metal oxide composite (Co3O4/CuO). Compared with other Co(x)Cu(y)LDHs, Co2Cu1 LDH possessed the best PMS activation capability for LOM degradation and the lowest electrical energy per order (EE/O) value during the reaction. Additionally, Co2Cu1 LDH presented an excellent stability and worked over a wide pH range. The hydroxide states of Co(III), Co(II), Cu(I) and Cu(II) were all able to activate PMS, indicating that there were many active sites on the surface of Co2Cu1 LDH. The involvement of radicals in this reaction system was determined via scavenger experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Meanwhile, it's worth noting that a mathematical model was developed to quantify the involvement of SO4 center dot- and center dot OH. Subsequently, we determined PMS activation mechanism and LOM decomposition pathway for the PMS/Co2Cu1 LDH system. |
1,289 | Implementation of large-scale Li-ion battery energy storage systems within the EMEA region | Large-scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are gradually playing a very relevant role within electric networks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The high energy density of Li-ion based batteries in combination with a remarkable round-trip efficiency and constant decrease in the levelized cost of storage have led to the recent boom of the technology. However, many of the potential applications of large-scale battery systems are not economically viable at this point in time. As a result, several BESS projects are being pushed by the industry towards specific niches which are based on revenue streams that can be rather complex than straightforward. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of how large-scale Li-ion BESS are currently being implemented in the EMEA region, giving an answer to the following questions: what are the main use-cases of large-scale Li-ion batteries that are being implemented? What are the key factors that are enabling the deployment of BESS projects in the present markets? How can current tendencies be extrapolated to the future outlook of Li-ion BESS implementations? The large-scale energy storage market is evolving at a very fast pace, hence this review paper intends to contribute to a better understanding of the current status of Li-ion battery systems focusing on the economic feasibility that is driving the realization of Li-ion BESS projects in the EMEA region. |
1,290 | On the snow leopard Trails: Occupancy pattern and implications for management in the Pamir | The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits one of the most challenging environments on Earth, referred to as the 'third pole'. Only a fraction of its vast range has been explored thus far, owing to myriad of barriers inflicted by the remote terrain and socio-ecological realities of the landscapes. Understanding distribution patterns of species is essential to devise practical management measures. This study aimed to understand the distribution pattern and factors influencing occupancy of snow leopard in the Pamir Mountain range through sign-based occupancy modelling. Our study confirmed that the Pamir range is a snow leopard stronghold, with occupancy estimated at 0.57 ± 0.02. The topographic features positively influenced the detection probability (p = 0.37 ± 0.005) of snow leopards. Occupancy was influenced by mean annual precipitation (β = -6.12 ± 1.8), density of roads (β = -1.61 ± 0.6) and water sources (β = 0.74 ± 0.4). Our findings underpin that sign-based distribution surveys provide vigorous scientific knowledge about elusive species and merit replication being used for other species. We propose to redefine the protected area boundaries based on ecological knowledge and encourage transboundary cooperation to safeguard snow leopards at a landscape scale. |
1,291 | Greywater characteristics, impacts, treatment, and reclamation using adsorption processes towards the circular economy | The gap between water demand and available water supply led to wastewater treatment, particularly greywater. Due to specific characteristics of grey wastewater, treatment and recycling of this type of wastewater capture global attention. This paper presents a literature review of the remediation of greywater by adsorption processes. Besides, the reclamation of the grey wastewater in the context of the circular economy is highlighted. In this regard, the characterization of various types of grey wastewater, the potential risks associated with greywater, and the properties of reclaimed water as per the regulation or guideline are summarized. These standards vary based on the application of reused water and from a country to another country. Furthermore, this review elucidates the adsorption process in terms of the type of adsorbents, modification of adsorbents and their regeneration process, adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamic of adsorption, and optimization of adsorption system. Finally, the removal of different pollutants from greywater by various adsorbents and techno-economic aspects are illustrated. |
1,292 | Prehospital Surgical Airway Management: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document | Bag-valve-mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation have been the mainstay of prehospital airway management for over four decades. Recently, supraglottic device use has risen due to various factors. The combination of bag-valve-mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and supraglottic devices allows for successful airway management in a majority of patients. However, there exists a small portion of patients who are unable to be intubated and cannot be adequately ventilated with either a facemask or a supraglottic airway. These patients require an emergent surgical airway. A surgical airway is an important component of all airway algorithms, and in some cases may be the only viable approach; therefore, it is imperative that EMS agencies that are credentialed to manage airways have the capability to perform surgical airways when appropriate. The National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP) recommends the following for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies that provide advanced airway management.A surgical airway is reasonable in the prehospital setting when the airway cannot be secured by less invasive means.When indicated, a surgical airway should be performed without delay.A surgical airway is not a substitute for other airway management tools and techniques. It should not be the only rescue option available.Success of an open surgical approach using a scalpel is higher than that of percutaneous Seldinger techniques or needle-jet ventilation in the emergency setting. |
1,293 | The role of inflammasomes in vascular cognitive impairment | There is an increasing prevalence of Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) worldwide, and several studies have suggested that Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion (CCH) plays a critical role in disease onset and progression. However, there is a limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of VCI, especially in relation to CCH. Neuroinflammation is a significant contributor in the progression of VCI as increased systemic levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has been extensively reported in VCI patients. Recently it has been established that CCH can activate the inflammasome signaling pathways, involving NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes that critically regulate IL-1β production. Given that neuroinflammation is an early event in VCI, it is important that we understand its molecular and cellular mechanisms to enable development of disease-modifying treatments to reduce the structural brain damage and cognitive deficits that are observed clinically in the elderly. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of CCH-induced inflammasome signaling in VCI. |
1,294 | Utilization of biochar produced from invasive plant species to efficiently adsorb Cd (II) and Pb (II) | Global expansion of invasive plant species has caused serious ecological and economic problems. Two such invasive species, ragweed and horseweed, were pyrolyzed at temperatures of 350, 450 and 550 degrees C for biochar production (RB350, RB450, RB550 and HB350, HB450, HB550). The biochars produced were used for Cd(II) and Pb(II) removal in aqueous solutions. The results indicated that the properties of the biochars varied with pyrolysis temperature, which further affected their adsorption performance. The maximum adsorption capacity of RB450 for Cd(II) (139 mg.g(-1)) and Pb(II) (358.7 mg.g(-1)) was much higher than that shown in previous studies. The immobilized Cd(II) and Pb(II) fraction on RB450, RB550, HB450 and HB550 was mainly attributable to the acid soluble and non-available fractions. These findings suggested that pyrolysis of invasive plants at 450 degrees C could not only be an option to control invasive plants but also could be of benefit in using biochar as excellent adsorbent. |
1,295 | Community Pharmacy Staff Knowledge, Opinion and Practice toward Drug Shortages in Saudi Arabia | Drug shortages continue to pose a significant threat to public health and safety. Drug shortages not only worsen patient outcomes, but also significantly burden healthcare systems with additional costs. This study aimed to assess community pharmacy staff knowledge, opinion, and practice toward drug shortages in Saudi Arabia from November 2019 to March 2020. This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 1,008 community pharmacists from Saudi Arabia using a validated, self-administered and Internet-based survey. Analysis was done using chi square and fisher exact tests. Most participants were males (97.2%), less than 30 years old (48.1%), and non-Saudi citizens (94.4%), and 72.0% had good knowledge of drug shortages (score = 4-5). Around 36.0% reported that it takes 1-3 days to receive a response to the shortage report. There was a statistically significant association between the professional level of the community pharmacists and their opinion about reporting drug shortages (P < .05). Most community pharmacies (56.2%) did not receive any notification about drug shortages. In conclusion, most community pharmacists are knowledgeable and have good practice regarding drug shortages, but their opinions about drug shortages differ according to each pharmacy reporting policy. |
1,296 | A benzimidazole scaffold as a promising inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 | The manuscript reports the green-chemical synthesis of a new diindole-substituted benzimidazole compound, B1 through a straightforward route in coupling between indolyl-3-carboxaldehyde and o-phenylenediamine in water medium under the aerobic condition at 75 ºC. The single crystal X-ray structural analysis of B1 suggests that the disubstituted benzimidazole compound crystallizes in a monoclinic system and the indole groups exist in a perpendicular fashion with respect to benzimidazole moiety. The SARS-CoV-2 screening activity has been studied against 1 × 10e4 VeroE6 cells in a dose-dependent manner following Hoechst 33342 and nucleocapsid staining activity with respect to remdesivir. The compound exhibits 92.4% cell viability for 30 h and 35.1% inhibition against VeroE6 cells at non-cytotoxic concentration. Molecular docking studies predict high binding propensities of B1 with the main protease (Mpro) and non-structural (nsp2 and nsp7-nsp8) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 through a number of non-covalent interactions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis for 100 ns confirms the formation of stable conformations of B1-docked proteins with significant changes of binding energy, attributing the potential inhibition properties of the synthetic benzimidazole scaffold against SARS-CoV-2. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma. |
1,297 | Retention as an integrated biodiversity conservation approach for continuous-cover forestry in Europe | Retention forestry implies that biological legacies like dead and living trees are deliberately selected and retained beyond harvesting cycles to benefit biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This model has been applied for several decades in even-aged, clearcutting (CC) systems but less so in uneven-aged, continuous-cover forestry (CCF). We provide an overview of retention in CCF in temperate regions of Europe, currently largely focused on habitat trees and dead wood. The relevance of current meta-analyses and many other studies on retention in CC is limited since they emphasize larger patches in open surroundings. Therefore, we reflect here on the ecological foundations and socio-economic frameworks of retention approaches in CCF, and highlight several areas with development potential for the future. Conclusions from this perspective paper, based on both research and current practice on several continents, although highlighting Europe, are also relevant to other temperate regions of the world using continuous-cover forest management approaches. |
1,298 | Strengthening Nutrition Education and Behavior Research for Academicians and Practitioners | Nutrition education and behavior research is essential for translating scientific nutrition-related evidence into actionable strategies at the individual, family, community, and policy levels. To enhance the impact of nutrition educators and researchers' efforts, there is a need for continued and directed support to sustain the rigor of research. It is the perspective of this paper that the field of nutrition education and behavior research address its inherent complexities to meet the diverse investigative strategies used by academicians as well as practitioners. Such strategies could ensure the role of nutrition education and behavior in ongoing nationwide efforts to address emerging and novel nutrition research. |
1,299 | Surgical outcome of graded Harada-Ito procedure in the treatment of torsional diplopia ‒ a retrospective case study with long-term results | To review and evaluate the surgical outcomes of the Fells-modified Harada-Ito procedure using a dosage scale approach with long-term follow up in patients with torsional diplopia. The records of patients who underwent the modified Harada-Ito procedure by the same surgeon during 2012-2019 were retrospectively reviewed regarding pre- and post-operative data and individual dose-scale used for the surgery. The modified Harada-Ito procedure involved advancing the anterior half of the superior oblique tendon toward the inferior edge of the lateral rectus muscle by a distance determined using a five-graded scale. A total of 27 patients (mean age 57.6 years, range, 22-81 years; 10 female) were included. Evaluating surgical outcome showed a significant difference in pre- to post-operative cyclodeviation (p = <0.001). Pre-operative mean extorsion was -10.4° and mean torsional correction achieved was 7.7°. The dose-effect relationship showed a wide spread effect, yet yielded a high success rate. All but two patients were symptom free from their torsional diplopia at the last post-operative evaluation, on average 24 months after surgery. Post-operative results and the dose-effect of the modified Harada-Ito corresponded with the aimed-for correction of torsional diplopia.. Fusion evaluation and individually based pre-operative assessments proved essential in determining individual doses for successful surgical outcomes. |
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