ahmedabdelwahed/Medical_papers_title_and_abstract_NLP_dataset huggingface dataset:
Does environmental decentralization exacerbate China's carbon emissions? Evidence based on dynamic threshold effect analysis

As an institutional influential factor of environmental quality, environmental decentralization may play an important role in carbon emission control. Given China's rapid economic development and increasing environmental pollution, this study aims to investigate how environmental decentralization affects China's carbon emissions. Environmental decentralization indicators are reconstructed from the perspective of dynamic changes in the number of staff in environmental protection agencies on the basis of China's 30 provinces from 2005 to 2016. Spatial panel and dynamic threshold models are employed to investigate the impacts of environmental decentralization on carbon emissions. Results indicate that a remarkably positive spatial correlation is found in regional carbon emissions in China, and environmental decentralization has a positive impact on carbon emissions, suggesting that China's current environmental decentralization system may be unconducive to carbon emission control. Taking different environmental decentralization types as threshold variables, results from the dynamic threshold panel model show that environmental administrative decentralization and environmental monitoring decentralization have a positive threshold promoting effect on carbon emissions, whereas environmental supervision decentralization has a negative threshold inhibiting effect on carbon emissions. Therefore, the environmental administrative and monitoring power of local governments must be appropriately reduced and an environmental management mechanism must be developed for joint prevention and control to reduce carbon emissions. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Dynamic energy conversion and management strategy for an integrated electricity and natural gas system with renewable energy: Deep reinforcement learning approach

With the application of advanced information technology for the integration of electricity and natural gas systems, formulating an excellent energy conversion and management strategy has become an effective method to achieve established goals. Differing from previous works, this paper proposes a peak load shifting model to smooth the net load curve of an integrated electricity and natural gas system by coordinating the operations of the power-to-gas unit and generators. Moreover, the study aims to achieve multi-objective optimization while considering the economy of the system. A dynamic energy conversion and management strategy is proposed, which coordinates both the economic cost target and the peak load shifting target by adjusting an economic coefficient. To illustrate the complex energy conversion process, deep reinforcement learning is used to formulate the dynamic energy conversion and management problem as a discrete Markov decision process, and a deep deterministic policy gradient is adopted to solve the decision-making problem. By using the deep reinforcement learning method, the system operator can adaptively determine the conversion ratio of wind power, power-to-gas and gas turbine operations, and generator output through an online process, where the flexibility of wind power generation, wholesale gas price, and the uncertainties of energy demand are considered. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can increase the profit of the system operator, reduce wind power curtailment, and smooth the net load curves effectively in real time.
Adenosine signaling mediate pain transmission in the central nervous system

Pain is a common clinical symptom that seriously affects the quality of life in a variety of patient populations. In recent years, research on the role of adenosine signaling in pain modulation has made great progress. Adenosine is a purine nucleoside and a neuromodulator, and regulates multiple physiological and pathophysiological functions through the activation of four G protein-coupled receptors, which are classified as A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 adenosine receptors (ARs). Adenosine and its receptors that are widespread in the central nervous system (CNS) play an important role in the processing of nociceptive sensory signals in different pain models. A1Rs have the highest affinity to adenosine, and the role in analgesia has been well investigated. The roles of A2ARs and A2BRs in the modulation of pain are controversial because they have both analgesic and pronociceptive effects. The analgesic effects of A3Rs are primarily manifested in neuropathic pain. In this article, we have reviewed the recent studies on ARs in the modulation of neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, postoperative pain, and visceral pain in the CNS. Furthermore, we have outlined the pathways through which ARs contribute to pain regulation, thereby shedding light on how this mechanism can be targeted to provide effective pain relief.
Poisoning due to consumption of horse chestnut seed

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a common tree found on roads and parks. The shape of the fruit is very similar to that of the edible Korean chestnut (Castanea crenata); thus, people can eat it by mistake. However, reports of the side effects and toxicity from ingestion are very rare. A 46-year-old male who had no unusual findings in the past had eaten horse chestnut seed which he had mistaken to be Korean chestnut. He visited the emergency department (ED) with complaints of epigastric pain, nausea, and sweating. Blood tests showed a slight increase in the levels of liver enzymes, serum amylase, and pancreatic amylase. During the monitoring, he complained of palpitations, and electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation. On the following day after conservative treatment, blood testing and electrocardiogram showed normal findings. He was discharged from the ED as he did not complain of any further symptoms. When a patient who has eaten horse chestnut visits the ED, blood examination and electrocardiogram monitoring are needed, and conservative treatment is required.
Comprehensive techno-economic and environmental sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization of a novel heat and power system for natural gas city gate stations

In the present study, a novel combined heat and power system is proposed to use in natural gas city gate stations. The proposed cogeneration system is used for power generation and satisfying heating requirements of the natural gas preheating in city gate stations. The system is composed of a regenerative gas turbine cycle, a heat exchanger and a Kalina cycle integrated with a city gate station heater. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis and single- and multi-objective optimizations are applied to investigate the system performance. The analysis is based on energetic, exergetic, environmental and economic standpoints which includes all important effective parameters (compressor presser ratio rCom, gas turbine inlet temperature T-GT, ammonia base concentration XNH3, condenser pinch point temperature difference DTPP;Con, ambient temperature T-amb and inlet NG pressure P-NG,P-in). Also, in addition to the energetic and exergetic efficiencies, a new performance criterion is defined as the system's annual costs to incomes ratio (this new function covers economic and environmental criteria simultaneously). The outputs of sensitivity analysis reveal that, rCom affects significantly on all of the three performance criteria; also, Tamb and PNG; in has the most impact on energetic efficiency. The exergetic analysis at the base system conditions shows that the combustion chamber has the maximum contribution in total exergy destruction with a share of 54.96%. This share is reduced by 3.65% in multi-objective optimization mode. Also, comparing the outputs of the base system and the multi-objective optimization mode for the proposed cogeneration system represents 30.72%, 3.48% and 10.55% improvement in energetic efficiency, exergetic efficiency and system's annual costs to incomes ratio, respectively. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Chinese photovoltaic poverty alleviation: Geographic distribution, economic benefits and emission mitigation

As a part of an environmentally concerned development strategy, the photovoltaic poverty alleviation in China is adopted to lift households above the rural extreme poverty line by the end of 2020. With the detailed project level data in 534 counties, 22 provinces, this systematic assessment on Chinese photovoltaic power projects identifies geographic distribution, economic benefits and emission mitigation for deployment distribution and policy implications. Overall, the photovoltaic installed capacity has reached 5213.37 MW, with the income generation of 7.41 billion CNY per year and the carbon emission mitigation of 5.98 million tons. From the results in this work, it is obvious that the GDP and household savings per capita in most counties and cities are lower than in those without photovoltaic poverty alleviation stations. As an essential strategy of generating income and mitigating emissions especially in countries well-endowed with sunlight, the deployment of photovoltaic power projects is consistent with sustainable development goals relating to global poverty eradication. With the assessments on the photovoltaic power stations, the initial implementation of photovoltaic poverty alleviation revealed a number of problems and solutions, which are practical for systematic deployment and policy implications of relevant photovoltaic power projects worldwide.
Simultaneous adsorption and oxidation of antimonite onto nano zero-valent iron sludge-based biochar: Indispensable role of reactive oxygen species and redox-active moieties

The nano zero-valent iron sludge-based biochar (nZVI-SBC) was prepared in this study to eliminate Sb(III) from aqueous solutions, which was characterized by BET, SEM, XRD, TEM, FTIR, XPS. Our results proved that the incorporated nZVI on SBC matrix could significantly enhance eliminating Sb(III), and the max-adsorption capacity (160.40 mg g(-1)) can be achieved at pH = 4.8 +/- 0.2 and temperature of 298 K. The effect of co-existing anions and natural organic matters on the Sb(III) adsorption efficiencies were systematically investigated. The surface complexation is the possible adsorption mechanisms by FTIR and XPS. Furthermore, mechanistic investigation revealed that center dot OH and hydroquinone radical (H-SQ center dot(-)) could be the primary oxidants for the transformation of Sb(III) under oxic conditions, while 9,10-phenanthrene quinone radical (P-SQ center dot(-)) were responsible under anoxic conditions. Thus, the enhanced elimination of Sb(III) from aqueous solution was ascribed to the combined adsorption and oxidation. The potential engineering application of nZVI-SBC can be proved through three actual water matrix experiments, including lake water, river water and acid mine drainage. Our present findings proved that nZVI-SBC could be a potential adsorbent, given the excellent performance in the adsorption processes, as well as the toxicity alleviating ability and economic advantages, especially under subsurface water.
Introducing a hybrid renewable energy system for production of power and fresh water using parabolic trough solar collectors and LNG cold energy recovery

In order to solve the water and energy crisis problem, the thermal water desalination and parabolic trough solar collectors are used at the cogeneration plants. In this paper, an integrated structure for cogeneration of fresh water and power has been developed using a multi-stage thermal water desalination system and organic Rankine cycle. In order to supply the input heat, an integrated structure of parabolic trough solar collectors, and to supply the condenser cooling of organic Rankine cycle, the re-gasification operations have been used. This integrated structure is capable of fresh water generation of 3628 kgmol/h and electrical power of 459.9 MW. In this integrated structure, the efficiency of the organic Rankine cycle power plant and gain output ratio of the multi effect desalination system is 12.47% and 2.918, respectively. Exergy analysis has been used to examine the second law of thermodynamics and the quality of the integrated structure. The total exergy efficiency of the integrated structure is 87.11%, and also, the highest share of equipment exergy destruction is related to the heat exchangers and collectors by 50.23% and 38.18%, respectively. In order to simulate the dynamics of the integrated structure, according to the input climatic information of the studied location in Tehran, Iran. Furthermore, decisions are made upon the sensitivity analysis on economic important indicators within an integrated structure. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bacterial Community of Galchi-Baechu Kimchi Based on Culture-Dependent and - Independent Investigation and Selection of Starter Candidates

In this study, the bacterial community of galchi-baechu kimchi was determined using culture-based and culture-independent techniques (next generation sequencing:NGS), and showed discrepancies between results. Weissella koreensis and Pediococcus inopinatus were the dominant species according to the NGS results, while Bacillus species and P. inopinatus were dominant in the culture-dependent analysis. To identify safe starter candidates, sixty-five Bacillus strains isolated from galchi-baechu kimchi using culture-dependent methods were evaluated for their antibiotic resistance, presence of toxin genes, and hemolytic activity. Strains were then assessed for salt tolerance and protease and lipase activity. As a result, four strains-B. safensis GN5_10, B. subtilis GN5_19, B. velezensis GN5_25, and B. velezensis GT8-were selected as safe starter candidates for use in fermented foods.
Fate of thiamethoxam from treated seeds in mesocosms and response of aquatic invertebrate communities

Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely applied in the Canadian Prairies. It has been detected in surface waters of agro-ecosystems, including wetlands, but the potential effects on non-target invertebrate communities in these wetlands have not been well characterized. In an effort to understand better the fate of thiamethoxam in wetlands and the response of invertebrates (zooplankton and emergent insects), model systems were used to mimic wetland flooding into planted fields. Outdoor mesocosms were treated with a single application of thiamethoxam-treated canola seeds at three treatment levels based on a recommended seeding rate (i.e., 6 kg/ha; 1×, 10×, and 100× seeding rate) and monitored over ten weeks. The mean half-life of thiamethoxam in the water column was 6.2 d. There was no ecologically meaningful impact on zooplankton abundances or community structure among treatments. Statistically significant differences were observed in aquatic insect abundance between control mesocosms and the two greatest thiamethoxam treatments (10× and 100× seeding rate). The observed results indicate exposure to thiamethoxam at environmentally relevant concentrations likely does not represent a significant ecological risk to abundance and community structure of wetland zooplankton and emergent insects.
Recycling flowback water for hydraulic fracturing in Sichuan Basin, China: Implications for gas production, water footprint, and water quality of regenerated flowback water

The increased water consumption for hydraulic fracturing and the volume of wastewater generated from shale gas and tight oil exploration are major environmental challenges associated with unconventional energy development. Recycling of the flowback and produced water for hydraulic fracturing is one of the solutions for reducing the water footprint of hydraulic fracturing and removing highly saline oil and gas wastewater. Here we investigated the implications of recycling saline wastewater for hydraulic fracturing by monitoring the natural gas production, flowback water volume, and the water quality of generated flowback water in shale gas wells from Changning gas field in Sichuan Basin, China. A comparison of two sets of shale gas wells, with six wells in each sub-group, from the same location in Changning gas field shows lower (similar to 20%) natural gas production and higher flowback water volume (similar to 18%) in wells that were fracked with recycled saline wastewater relative to wells that were fracked with fresh water after a year of production. Geochemical analysis suggests that hydraulic fracturing with saline wastewater increases the salinity of the wastewater and reduces the magnitude of watershale rock interactions. In spite of the direct economic consequences in reduction in natural gas production from recycling of wastewater for hydraulic fracturing, in areas where water scarcity could become a limiting factor for future large-scale shale gas development, hydraulic fracturing with recycled flowback water can be more beneficial than utilization of limited freshwater resources, as long as the higher saline flowback water is fully recycled.
Evaluation of ozonation applicability to pulp and paper streams for a sustainable wastewater treatment

Pulp and paper wastewater ozonation was tested at pilot-scale in a medium-potentiality wastewater treatment plant (143,000 population equivalent). Single wastewater lines (bleaching and process water), as well as wastewater mixture (before and after secondary biological treatment) were investigated to evaluate the best ozonation conditions. The aim of the work was to evaluate the feasibility of substituting current tertiary physicochemical treatment with an ozonation unit, reducing operating costs and improving management operations. The tests were useful to identify the ozone dosage required to achieve the desired COD abatement. Ozone effectiveness was more pronounced in process water (60% COD removal), rather than bleaching water (28% COD removal); ozone showed a significantly higher efficiency on pulp and paper wastewater mixture after biological treatment (up to 81% COD removal) rather than before biological process (46% mean COD abatement). COD removal efficiency at a dosage of 100 mg O-3/L was comparable to existing physicochemical treatment (mean 50%); a good TSS abatement (up to 20-30 mg/L) was observed as well. Toxicity analysis revealed that ozonation treatment did not modify treated effluent toxicity characteristics (mean Daphnia Magna mortality of 23.3%). Economic analysis proved that ozonation installation cost would be 1.5-2.0 M(sic), for total flowrate to be treated of 1200 m(3)/h. Ozonation would lead to an economic saving of about 300,000 (sic)/y compared to actual physicochemical treatment and the investment cost could be recovered in about 7 years. The proposed innovative approach, including plant analysis, pilot-ozonation tests, data regression, respirometric fractionation, toxicity and economic analysis, could be exported to other industrial wastewater treatment plants to allow an increased advanced oxidation processes diffusion. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Understanding spatial-temporal evolution of renewable energy technology innovation in China: Evidence from convergence analysis

This paper constructs a knowledge-stock indicator to explore the trend of renewable energy technology innovation (RETI) levels across China's provinces during 1997-2015. First, the spatial-temporal evolution is analyzed. Second, the convergence characteristics and patterns are identified through the nonlinear time-varying factor model and the relative transition path curves. Third, the drivers of convergence behaviors are examined. The results are as follows: (i) China's RETI experienced a spurt of development. Its spatial pattern has changed significantly, and the average annual growth rate has also shown spatial differences; (ii) China's provincial RETI level was not converged as a whole during the sample period, but exhibited club convergence characteristics. The 30 provinces eventually converged to three clubs with large differences in average RETI level and annual growth rate; (iii) the provinces with a more optimized industrial structure, a greater R&D investment intensity, and a higher environmental regulation intensity tended to converge to the club with a higher innovation level and growth rate.
Asymmetric impact of renewable and non-renewable energy on economic growth in Pakistan: New evidence from a nonlinear analysis

This paper explores the asymmetric relationship between renewable energy consumption, non-renewable energy, and terrorism on economic growth of Pakistan. We applied a novel econometric cointegration method known as a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag modeling (NARDL). Our empirical findings indicate that positive and negative changes have a significant long-run asymmetric relationship between renewable energy, and terrorism on economic growth. We also found a negative and significant effect of non-renewable energy consumption on economic growth. To keep our environment clean and free of emissions, the study specifies policies that rely on renewable energy sources to boost economic growth. However, reduces terrorism has a positive impact on economic growth in the long-run and shows as an influential tool to combat terrorism in Pakistan. These novel results will help policy-makers and government officials to understand better the role of renewable energy and economic growth in Pakistan's development.
Multi-Faceted Analysis of Systematic Risk-Based Wind Energy Investment Decisions in E7 Economies Using Modified Hybrid Modeling with IT2 Fuzzy Sets

This study aimed to analyze the systematic risks of wind energy investments. Within this framework, E7 countries are included in the scope of the examination. A large literature review was carried out and 12 different systematic risk factors that could exist in wind energy investments were identified. The analysis process of the study consisted of two different stages. First, the specified risk criteria were weighted with the help of the interval type 2 (IT2) fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Second, E7 countries were ranked according to the risk management effectiveness in wind energy investments. In this process, the IT2 fuzzy Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) approach was taken into consideration. The findings show that volatility in exchange rates and interest rates were the most important risks in wind energy investments. In addition, it was determined that China and Indonesia were the most successful countries in managing risks in wind energy investments. In contrast, India, Russia, and Turkey were determined to be the least successful. Additionally, the IT2 fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was applied as a robustness check of the extended VIKOR method. It was concluded that the ranking results of the IT2 fuzzy TOPSIS method were similar to the results of the IT2 fuzzy VIKOR. It can be understood that the proposed ranking method was consistent with the comparative analysis results. From this point of view, it was observed that countries should take measures regarding their exchange rate and interest rate risks in order to increase the efficiency in wind energy investments. In this context, companies should first ensure that they do not have a foreign exchange short position in their balance sheets by conducting an effective financial analysis. In addition, it is important to use financial derivatives to minimize the exchange rate and interest rate risks. Using these results, it will be possible to manage this risk by taking the reverse position for the existing foreign currency and interest risk. In this way, it will be possible to increase the efficiency of wind energy investments, which will contribute to the social and economic development of each respective country.