bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Emission Trading Improve Carbon Emission Efficiency of China’s Iron and Steel Industry? An Exploration Using a DEA-SBM and Difference-In-Differences Approach
Authors: Wang Xiping , Wang Sujing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
As an effective tool of carbon emission reduction, emission trading has been widely used in many countries. Since 2013, China implemented carbon emission trading in seven provinces and cities, with iron and steel industry included in the first batch of pilot industries. This study attempts to explore the policy effect of emission trading on iron and steel industry in order to provide data and theoretical support for the low-carbon development of iron and steel industry as well as the optimization of carbon market. With panel data of China’s 29 provinces from 2006 to 2017, this study adopted a DEA-SBM model to measure carbon emission efficiency of China’s iron and steel industry (CEI) and a difference-in-differences (DID) method to explore the impact of emission trading on CEI. Moreover, regional heterogeneity and influencing mechanisms were further investigated, respectively. The results indicate that: (1) China's emission trading has a significant and sustained effect on carbon abatement of iron and steel industry, increasing the annual average CEI by 12.6% in pilot provinces. (2) The policy effects are heterogeneous across diverse regions. Higher impacts are found in the western and eastern regions, whereas the central region is not significant. (3) Emission trading improves CEI by stimulating technology innovation, reducing energy intensity, and adjusting energy structure. (4) Economic level and industrial structure are negatively related to CEI, while environmental governance and openness degree have no obvious impacts. Finally, according to the results and conclusions, some specific suggestions are proposed.
Production of Sphere-Like Bacterial Cellulose In Cultivation Media With Different Carbon Sources: A Promising Sustained Release System of Rifampicin
Authors: Lazarini Silmara C. , Yamada Caroline , Nóbrega Tainá Rosa da , Lustri Wilton Rogério 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) production can be performed using a static or stirred culture method. In the static culture method, the BC is obtained presents three-dimensional thinner network structures and excellent mechanical properties. In the agitated culture method, BC is produced in the form of fibrous granules or threads with a lower degree of polymerization, mechanical resistance, and crystallinity than the films formed in static fermentation. Compared with BC membranes, sphere-like BC (SBC) cultured under agitated conditions showed advantages for adsorption due to its larger surface area. The objectives of this work were to obtain SBC, by the bacterial strain Komagataeibacter hansenii ATCC 23769, in agitated cultivation, using media containing different carbon sources carbon sources, such as fructose (FRU), glucose and sucrose (MS1), sucrose (Y) and glucose (Z and HS), aiming to produce supports for sustained release of rifampicin (RIF). SBC has been produced under agitation at 130 rpm and 25°C. SBC obtained were processed to remove bacteria and residues from the culture media and lyophilized. The SBC characterizations were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and by derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). The SBC produced were impregnated with antibiotic RIF and tested for the sustained release capacity of this drug by diffusion method and Frans cell kinetics. SBC that the best results for all tests were produced in FRU, Z and MS1 media, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential of the SBC to contribute to the design of new drug delivery systems with biomedical applications.
Photoresponsive Photonic Crystals Constructed From Azobenzene-Grafted Silica Microspheres
Authors: Li Chunfang , Zhang Hongyan , Xue Qihao , Li Dongxiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Azobenzene compounds have been widely used in many fields and through their response to light they can be used to regulate the properties of ordered structures. In this paper, sub-micrometer colloidal SiO2 spheres are prepared and azobenzene groups are grafted on the surface of SiO2 microspheres. The SiO2 microspheres grafted with azobenzene groups could self-assemble to form photosensitive photonic crystals (PCs), whose photonic bandgaps red-shifted as irradiated by UV light and showed good reversibility.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Human Adenovirus in Adults: A Prospective Observational Study in Guangdong, 2019–2020
Authors: Wu Zhan , Zhang Rong , Liu Dongdong , Liu Xuesong , Zhang Jierong , Zhang Zhihui , Chen Sibei , He Weiqun , Li Yimin , Xu Yonghao , Liu Xiaoqing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Viral causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are mostly limited to influenza. However, adenovirus has been emerging as a cause of ARDS with a high mortality rate and described in adults are rare.Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center observational study of viral pneumonia with ARDS and confirmed adenovirus-associated ARDS in adults at our quaternary referral institution between March 2019 and June 2020. We prospectively analyzed clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, radiological characteristics, viral load from nasopharyngeal swabs and endotracheal aspirates, treatments, and outcomes for the study participants.Results: The study enrolled 143 ARDS patients, including 47 patients with viral pneumonia-related ARDS, among which there were 14 adenovirus-associated ARDS patients, which accounted for 29.79% of the viral pneumonia-related ARDS cases. Among the adenovirus-associated ARDS patients, 78.57% were men with a mean age of 54.93 ± 19.04 years. Adenovirus-associated ARDS patients had no specific clinical characteristics, but they presented with shortness of breath and fever, and their initial chest radiographic findings were multifocal or showed diffuse opacity. The viral load and the positivity rate in the lower respiratory tract were higher than that of the upper respiratory tract in the patients with adenovirus-associated ARDS, and 85.71% of the patients had a significant decrease in the number of CD3+CD4+ T cells during the early stage. All patients required invasive mechanical ventilation treatment. The average time from shortness of breath to the application of invasive ventilation was 24 hours. The median duration of invasive mechanical ventilation was 22 days (14–75 days). Six patients (42.86%) required renal replacement therapy, and three patients (21.43%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Additionally, 85.71% of the 14 adenovirus-associated ARDS patients survived.Conclusion: Adenovirus infection is an important cause of virus-related ARDS. The positivity rate of adenovirus infection in lower respiratory tract secretions was higher than that in upper respiratory tract secretions in these patients. Most of the patients had a significant decrease in the number of CD3+CD4+ T cells during the early stage. Early identification and intervention to prevent disease progression are essential for reducing the mortality rate in these patients.
An Adaptive Decision Feedback Equalisation For Broadband Powerline Communication System
Authors: Ngongi Werneld Egno , Kakwaya Fortunata , Anatory Justinian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Power line networks can be used to increase accessibility of broadband communication services in developing countries. Nevertheless, power line networks are affected by stochastic channel alterations triggered by load connection and disconnection, branched line lengths, branches, etc. This impairment affects the implementation of Broadband Power Line Communication (BPLC) system. This paper therefore proposes an Adaptive Decision Feedback Equalisation (ADFE) technique to overcome the stochastic channel changes in powerline communication channels. An appropriate power-line channel model is selected and channel impulse responses are obtained from the selected channel model. The impulse responses are obtained and used for simulation to analysing the the performance of ADFE technique. The ADFE is simulated and then results are analyzed through comparisons with other equalizers in order to examine its performance. Simulation results prove that the adaptive decision feedback equalizer performs better to overcome the effects of stochastic changes in power-line network compared to other techniques.
Dispersion Stability And Tribological Properties of Covalently Modified Graphene As A Lubricating Oil Additive
Authors: Wang Mingyue , Zhou Ming , You Shengli , Chen Xin , Mo Youtang , Liu Ziyan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Graphene has excellent mechanical properties with a low coefficient of friction and wear resistance and has a wide range of tribological applications. However, the stable dispersion of graphene in lubricating media is challenging. In this study, graphene is processed via covalent modification. A mild oxidation method selectively grafts carboxyl groups on the edge of the graphene sheet, before connecting tertiary alkyl primary amines through amide bonds. The alkyl chain allows graphene to be stably dispersed in hydrocarbon solvents.. FT-IR, XPS, Raman, XRD, SEM, etc. are used to characterize the covalently modified graphene (MG). Dispersion stability experiments showed that MG exhibited stable dispersion in 500N base oil and 15w-40 commercial lubricants, with stability for over 2 months. Tribological test results show that MG in 500N and 15w-40 significantly reduces the friction and wear of steel-steel friction pairs. The stable dispersion of MG in lubricating oil enables the formation of a stable chemical reaction film and graphene physical deposition film during the friction, protects the worn surface, and reduces direct contact, thereby significantly reducing friction and wear.
Stability and G × E Analysis of Oil Yield of Sunflower Single Cross Hybrids In Diverse Environments
Authors: Ghaffari Mehdi , Gholizadeh Amir , Andarkhor Seyyed Abbasali , Siahbidi َAsadolah Zareei , Ahmadi Seyed Ahmad Kalantar , Shariati Farnaz , Rezaeizad Abbas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Multi-environment trials have a fundamental role in selection of the best genotypes across different environments before its commercial release. This study was carried out to identify high-yielding stable sunflower genotypes using the graphical method of the GGE biplot. For this purpose, 11 new hybrids along with four cultivars were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications across 8 environments (combination of years and locations) during 2018–2020 growing seasons. The results indicated that genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype × environment (G×E) effects were significant for oil yield. The G, E and G×E interaction effects accounted for 51.94, 9.50 and 18.67% of the total variation, respectively. Results of biplot analysis showed that the first and second principle components accounted 45.9% and 20.4%, respectively, and in total 66.3% of oil yield variance. GGE biplot analysis indicated two major mega-environments of sunflower testing locations in Iran. Based on the hypothetical ideal genotype biplot, the genotypes G3 and G5 were better than the other genotypes for oil yield and stability, and had the high general adaptation to all environments. Ranking of genotypes based on the ideal genotype from the most appropriate to most inappropriate genotypes is as follows: G5 ˃ G3 ˃ G8 ˃ G14 ˃ G6 ˃ G2 ˃ G13 ˃ G12 ˃ G10 ˃ G11 ˃ G1 ˃ G7 ˃ G4 ˃ G15 ˃ G9. Furthermore, ranking the environments based on the ideal environment introduced Sari location as the best environment. Therefore, the Sari location can be used as suitable test location for selecting superior genotypes of sunflower in Iran. Generally, our results showed the efficiency of the graphical method of the GGE biplot for selection of the genotypes that are stable, high yielding, and responsive.
Trend Analysis of Observed Precipitation, Temperature and Streamflow for Hadejia – Nguru Wetlands Catchment, Nigeria
Authors: Dan'azumi Salisu , Ibrahim Usman Abdullahi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study investigated trends in hydro-climate data (precipitation, maximum/minimum temperatures, and streamflow) for the period 1980–2016 in a semi-arid Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands (HNWs) catchment, Nigeria. Four meteorological stations (Bauchi, Hadejia, Kano and Nguru) and three streamflow gauge stations (Gashua, Hadejia and Katagum on Rivers Yobe, Hadejia and Jama’are respectively) covers the HNWs catchment. Anderson-Darling and Shapiro-Wilk normality tests were applied on the monthly hydro-climate data series to determine their class of distribution. A non-parametric Pettit’s test for homogeneity was employed to detect change points in the data series. An absolute homogenization method using RHtestsV4 software was applied to homogenize and (as needed) pre-whitened the data series. Trend analysis was carried out using modified Mann–Kendall trend test (trend free pre-whitening approach), while Sen’s slope was used to estimate the magnitude of the changes. Results of the study revealed that there was an increasing positive trends at all the stations for monthly minimum, average annual minimum, average annual maximum, and annual average temperature data series. While monthly maximum temperature series of Bauchi and Kano stations indicated the presence of an increasing trend with magnitude 0.00350C and 0.00190C; and no trend was detected for Hadejia and Nguru stations. For monthly precipitation, no trends was detected at all stations. However, an increasing trend was detected at Bauchi, Hadejia and Nguru stations for mean annual precipitation with magnitude 7.7960mm/yr, 8.1766mm/yr and 5.7214mm/yr respectively. A decreasing trend was detected for monthly and annual streamflow series at Hadejia gauge station with magnitude − 0.0115m3/s/month and − 3.7037m3/s/year respectively; and no trend was detected for monthly and annual streamflow series at Gashua and Katagum gauge stations. The trend analysis may be helpful to water resources managers for planning and management of water resources in the HNWs catchment and the Hadejia Jama’are Komadugu Yobe Basin at large.
Developing Monthly Hydrometeorological Timeseries Forecasts To Reservoir Operation in a Transboundary River Catchment
Authors: Rehman Hammad Ur , Ahmad Ijaz , Haq Faraz ul , Muhammad Waseem , Zhang Jinxin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Forecasting of hydrometeorological timeseries data play vital role in flood forecasting and predicting the future water availability for various uses such as irrigation, hydropower generation, industrial, domestic, etc. Therefore, present study aims to forecast the hydrometeorological timeseries data, i.e., river inflows, precipitation, and evaporation for the improved reservoir operation of a transboundary Mangla catchment by using ARIMA (auto-regressive integrated moving average) model. Prior to applying the ARIMA model, stationarity of hydrometeorological timeseries data was checked. Moreover, ACF and PACF of timeseries were determined to determine the “p” and “q” terms of the ARIMA model. The best fitted structure of ARIMA model was used by evaluating the R2, MAE and RMSE to forecast the hydrometeorological timeseries. The seasonal ARIMA structure of (1,0,0)(2,1,2)12 was found best fitted for the inflow timeseries whereas ARIMA structures of (14,1,15) and (9,1,19) were considered for forecasting the precipitation and evaporation timeseries, respectively. An average water shortage of 14% was detected by using these forecasted hydrometeorological timeseries in the reservoir operation during the period of 2016–2030. It was also observed that inflows into Mangla reservoir have seasonal effect more prominent compared to evaporation and precipitation. However, variations in the precipitation timeseries were found less smooth than the inflows timeseries. It is believed that the results of this study may support reservoir operators and managers for developing efficient real-rime reservoir operation policies and strategies based on the variations in the future water availability.
Cost-Effectiveness of Screening With Polymerase Chain Reaction For Helicobacter Pylori To Prevent Gastric Cancer And Peptic Ulcers
Authors: Oh Aaron , Truong Han , Kim Judith , Rustgi Sheila D. , Abrams Julian A. , Hur Chin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for gastric cancer. Screening and treatment of H. pylori may reduce the risk of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of gastric biopsies provides superior sensitivity and specificity for the detection of H. pylori. This study explores whether population-based H. pylori screening with PCR is cost-effective in the US.Methods: A Markov cohort state-transition model was developed to compare three strategies: no screening with opportunistic eradication, 13C-UBT population screening and treating of H. pylori, and PCR population screening and treating of H. pylori. Estimates of risks and costs were obtained from published literature. Since the efficacy of H. pylori therapy in gastric cancer prevention is not certain, we broadly varied the benefit 30-100% in sensitivity analysis.Results: PCR screening was cost-effective and had an incremental-cost effectiveness ratio per quality adjusted life-year (QALY) of $38,591.89 when compared to 13C-UBT strategy with an ICER of $2373.43 per QALY. When compared to no screening, PCR population screening reduced cumulative gastric cancer incidence from 0.84% to 0.74% and reduced peptic ulcer disease risk from 14.8% to 6.0%. The cost-effectiveness of PCR screening was robust to most parameters in the model.Conclusion: Our modeling study finds PCR screening and treating of H. pylori to be cost-effective in the prevention of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. However, the potential negative consequences of H. pylori eradication such as antibiotic resistance could change the balance of benefits of population screening.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Staff Physical Activity: Evidence from the SHAHWAR Cohort Study in Iran
Authors: Khoramrooz Maryam , Zare Fariba , Sadeghian Farideh , Dadgari Ali , Chaman Reza , Mirrezaie Seyed mohammad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was aimed to investigate socioeconomic-related inequality in physical activity (PA) among Staff of Medical Sciences University in Shahroud, Iran.Methods: Data were extracted from the first phase of the SHAHWAR cohort study. The Concentration index (CI) and Wagstaff decomposition method were applied to determine socioeconomic-related inequality in PPA and its contributors, respectively.Results: CIs of poor total PA (PTPA) and poor work-related PA (PWRPA) were 0.092 and 0.141, indicating their more concentration among staff of higher socioeconomic groups. Furthermore, the negative CI of poor leisure-time PA (PLTPA) (-0.191) suggests that it disfavors staff from lower socioeconomic groups. While PWRPA, Subjective social status (SSS), socioeconomic status (SES), and gender were positively contributed to the measured inequality in PTPA (65.3%, 37.9%, 18.6%, and 16.6%, respectively), residence in urban areas and PLTPA have negative contributions (64% and 27%, respectively). Similarly, SES, marital status, and residence in urban areas positively contributed to the inequality of PLTPA by 53.4%, 36.2%, and 23.5% respectively. Whereas, gender had the most negative contribution by 28.7%. Residence in urban areas, SES, SSS, and shift work were all positively contributed to the measured inequality in PWRPA (its more concentration among staff from high SES groups) by 28.4%, 20%, 15.2%, and 12.7%, respectively, while the opposite is true for gender by the contribution of 13.3%.Conclusions: Different patterns of PPA inequality revealed that health promotion programs should aim to educate and support higher SES staff to increase their PA in workplace, leisure time, and transportation, and lower SES staff to increase their leisure-time PA.
Low Dose Niacin Versus Placebo Treatment for Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wakade Chandramohan , Chong Raymond , Seamon Marissa , Purohit Sharad , Giri Bababihari , Morgan John C. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients have lower niacin levels compared to their spouses. The main objective was to study low-dose daily niacin supplementation on motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease subjects.
Methods

Forty-Seven PD patients were randomly assigned to receive low-dose niacin or placebo in a randomized, double-blind study for the first six months. After the double-blind phase, all participants received open-label niacin for the next six months. All patients were evaluated at baseline, six months, and one year of treatment. The main outcome measure was the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS III) scores. Secondary outcome measures were depression, sleep quality, mental flexibility and cognition, and physical fatigue.
Results

Niacin treatment was tolerated well by 45 subjects. The baseline mean UPDRS III score was 21.3 ± 15.8 for the niacin group and 22.4 ± 11.8 for placebo. The change with six months of placebo was 1.5 [95% CI, -0.73 to 3.73], and niacin was − 1.06 [95% CI, -3.68 to 1.57]. From six to twelve months, the average UPDRS III score decreased for the placebo group by 2.66 [95% CI, -0.95 to 6.24] and the niacin group by 4.63 [95% CI, 1.42 to 7.83]. Eight subjects withdrew from the study before the 6-month time point and eight more before the one-year time point due to voluntary discontinuation, flushing, or inability to continue (SARS-CoV-2 shut-down).
Conclusion

Low-dose niacin supplementation may be helpful as an adjunct therapy in improving motor function in PD.
Trial registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03462680. Registered 12 March 2018- Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03462680?term=gpr109A&draw=2&rank=1
Antagonistic Effect On The Lethality of Earthworm (Eisenia Fetida L.) Being Exposed To Binary Mixtures of Herbicides
Authors: Kalkhoran Elham Samadi , Alebrahim Mohamad Taghi , Abad Hamid Reza Mohammaddust Chamn , Streibig Jens Carl , Ghavidel Ali 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Frequent use of herbicides might impose a risk for non-target species. The objective was to test the combined toxic effect of binary herbicide mixtures: metribuzin:halosulfuron and metribuzin:flumioxazin on non-target earthworms in two test systems, a filter paper, and a soil toxicity test system. The joint action experiments were independently run twice to substantiate the findings. The most potent individual herbicide was metribuzin with a 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of 17.17 µg ai. cm− 2 at 48 h in filter paper test. The toxicity of the individual herbicides on filter paper test was ranked as metribuzin > halosulfuron > flumioxazin. In a soil test, metribuzin and halosulfuron had high toxicity with the LC50 8.48 and 10.08 mg ai. kg− 1 on day 14. Thus, the individual herbicide ranking did not change between the filter paper and artificial soil tests. The herbicides' mixed effect showed in both test systems consistent antagonistic effect relative to a Concentration Addition reference model. It means that the mixtures retracted the herbicides' action in the earthworms.