bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influent salinity affects substrate selection in surface flow constructed wetlands
Authors: Zhou Shenyan , Zhao Ran , Li Qiming , Du Juan , Chen Chen , Lu Qianqian , Zhang Miao , Zhao Dehua , An Shuqing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Conducted in pilot-scale surface flow constructed wetlands (SFCWs), this study’s objective is to identify the effect of influent salinity on substrate selection. Compared with gravel and sand SFCWs, soil SFCWs performed similarly to worse and similarly to better at low and high salinities, respectively, in removal efficiencies (REs) of salt, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Soil generally increased macrophyte growth (especially at high salinity) in dry biomass, leaf chlorophyll concentration, root activity and root catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. The decrease of bacterial diversity in rhizosphere may be caused by high salinity, while soil improved rhizosphere bacterial community stability at varying salinities more than gravel or sand. At high salinity, soil support of macrophytes and rhizosphere microorganism increased pollutant REs in SFCWs or at least offset relatively poor biofilm attachment to soil. This highlights the necessity of the varying substrate selection in SFCWs with influent salinities for both increasing pollutant REs and reducing input cost.
Thermal Kinetics of SiCp Reinforced Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy Composite
Authors: Das Saikat , Rao R. Govinda , Rout Prasanta Kumar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the present work, the artificial aging kinetics of SiCp particles reinforced AA7075-SiCp composite fabricated by stir casting method was investigated. The aging behavior of AA7075-SiCp composite was investigated by Rockwell hardness tests and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results show there are no changes in the sequences of formation and dissolution of precipitate. Reinforced particles are uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. The hardness profile shows increase in hardness with the comparison of AA7075 base alloy. In addition to SiCp in the matrix, precipitation kinetics has changed compared with base alloy since higher dislocations present in composite, hence requires lower activation energy to form ή precipitate and takes less time to reach the maximum hardness. In contrast, the addition of SiCp at low volume percent also showing accelerated aging phenomena in the composite during the aging process. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) micrograph of peak age (T6) condition divulges that enormous fine and plate-like ή (MgZn2) precipitates are uniformly distributed in the composite.
Neuropeptide W Attenuates Oxidative Multi-Organ Injury in Rats Induced with Intra-Abdominal Sepsis
Authors: Atici Ali Emre , Tamer Sevil Arabacı , Levent Hilal Nisva , Eyuboglu İrem Peker , Ercan Feriha , Akkiprik Mustafa , Yegen Berrak Ç 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Sepsis leads to systemic hypotension, disturbed perfusion, inflammation and tissue toxicity in vital organs. Neuropeptide W (NPW) has modulatory effects in the control of blood pressure and inflammatory processes, implicating a potential beneficial effect against sepsis-induced oxidative damage. Under anesthesia, male Sprague Dawley rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture. Immediately after surgery, either saline or TNF-alpha inhibitor (etanercept; 1 mg/kg) antibiotic (ceftriaxon; 100 mg/kg) combination or NPW (0.1, 1 or 3 µg/kg) was given subcutaneously, and injections were repeated at 12th and 24th h. The sham-operated control group was treated with saline at the same time points. All rats were euthanized at the 25th h of surgery. Sepsis resulted in oxidative damage of the brain, heart, lung, liver and kidney. Elevations in blood urea nitrogen and alkaline phosphatase, showing renal and hepatic dysfunction, were not evident when septic rats were treated with NPW. NPW reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein, corticosterone and interleukin-6, while histopathologically verified tissue damage in all the studied tissues was ameliorated. NPW treatment suppressed lipid peroxidation in the heart, lung and brain, and the depleted antioxidant GSH levels of the brain and heart were replenished by NPW. Moreover, sepsis-related neutrophil recruitment to liver and lung was also suppressed by NPW. Although survival rate of the rats was not significantly prolonged by NPW, most of these improvements in systemic and local inflammatory events were comparable with those reached by the etanercept and antibiotic combination, suggesting the therapeutic impact of NPW during the acute period of sepsis.
Advance Care Planning Conversations in Primary Care: a Quality Improvement Project Using the Serious Illness Care Program
Authors: Hafid Abe , Howard Michelle , Guenter Dale , Elston Dawn , Gallagher Erin , Winemaker Samantha , Waters Heather 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Advance care planning (ACP) conversations are associated with improved end-of-life healthcare outcomes and patients want to engage in ACP with their healthcare providers. Despite this, ACP conversations rarely occur in primary care settings. Therefore, the objective of this study was to implement ACP through adapted Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) training sessions, and to understand primary care provider perceptions of implementing ACP into practice. Methods: We conducted a quality improvement project guided by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT). NPT is an explanatory model the delineates the processes by which organizations implement and integrate new work. The project was implemented in an interprofessional academic family medicine group in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Primary care providers (PCP), consisting of physicians, family medicine residents, and allied health care providers, completed Pre- and post-SICP training self-assessments, NoMAD surveys, and structured interviews. Results: 30 PCPs participated in SICP training and completed self-assessments, 14 completed NoMAD surveys, and 7 were interviewed. Training self-assessments reported improvements in ACP confidence and skills. NoMAD surveys reported mixed opinions towards ACP implementation into primary care, raising concerns with their colleagues’ abilities to conduct ACP and their patients’ abilities to participate in ACP conversations. Interviews identified barriers to successful implementation including busy clinical schedules, patient preparedness, and provider discomfort or lack of confidence in having ACP conversations. Allied health identified discussing prognosis, scope of practice limitations and identification of appropriate patients as barriers. Conclusions: Our findings complement existing literature regarding high PCP confidence and willingness to conduct ACP, but low participation which may be attributed to logistical challenges. Our findings identified areas of the SICP that were more difficult to implement (i.e., prognostication). Future iterations will require a more systematic process to support the implementation of ACP into regular practice and to address knowledge gaps identified with targeted training.
Analysis of the Sagittal Root Angle and Its Correlation With Hard and Soft Tissue Indices in Anterior Teeth for Immediate Implant Evaluation - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shi Mengru , Wang Xiaoshuang , Zeng Peisheng , Liu Haiwen , Gong Zhuohong , Lin Yixiong , Li Zhipeng , Chen Zetao , Chen Zhuofan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: To assess the root angle characteristics of maxillary incisors, and to analyze the relationship between the root angle and other implant-related anatomical indices to use the sagittal root angle as an index for immediate implant evaluation and design. Methods: A random sample consisting of 400 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and 65 maxillary plaster models were selected for the present study. CBCT and stereolithography (STL) scan images were imported as DICOM files into coDiagnostiX software for matching the hard and soft tissue. The angle between the long axis of the anterior tooth and the corresponding alveolar bone and implant-related hard and soft tissue indices were measured in the sagittal section. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, multi-level comparisons, and correlation analyses were performed. Results: The average sagittal root angles were 15° at the central incisor and 19° at the lateral incisor. The root angle in males was significantly larger than that in females, and increased with age. The largest angle, 22.35º, was found in the lateral incisors of the oldest (> 50 years old) male group. The root angle was found to correlate with coronal buccal bone thickness, coronal palatal bone thickness, apical buccal bone thickness, palatal bone thickness, and the below apex bone thickness. Conclusions: The sagittal root angle could reflect the distribution of other implant-related anatomical indices, which may provide additional reference for the evaluation of immediate implant placement.
Iterative qubit-excitation based variational quantum eigensolver
Authors: Yordanov Yordan , Armaos Vasileios , Barnes Crispin , Arvidsson-Shukur David 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Molecular simulations with the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) are a promising application for emerging noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers.
Constructing accurate molecular ansatze that are easy to optimize and implemented by shallow quantum circuits is crucial for the successful implementation of such simulations.
Ansatze are, generally, constructed as
series of fermionic-excitation evolutions.
Instead, we demonstrate the usefulness of constructing ansatze with ``qubit-excitation evolutions', which, contrary to fermionic excitation evolutions, obey ``qubit commutation relations'.
We show that qubit excitation evolutions, despite the lack of some of the physical features of fermionic excitation evolutions, accurately construct ansatze, while requiring asymptotically
fewer gates.
Utilizing qubit excitation evolutions, we introduce the iterative qubit excitation based VQE (IQEB-VQE) algorithm.
The IQEB-VQE performs molecular simulations using a problem-tailored ansatz, grown iteratively by appending evolutions of single and double qubit excitation operators.
By performing numerical simulations for small molecules, we benchmark the IQEB-VQE, and compare it against other competitive VQE algorithms.
In terms of circuit efficiency and time complexity, we find that the IQEB-VQE systematically outperforms the previously most circuit-efficient, practically scalable VQE algorithms.
Contour Error Modeling and Compensation of CNC Machining Based on Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Jiang Yakun , Chen Jihong , Zhou Huicheng , Yang Jianzhong , Hu Pengcheng , Wang Junxiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Contour error compensation of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tool is a vital technology that can improve machining accuracy and quality. To achieve this goal, the tracking error of a feeding axis, which is a dominant issue incurring the contour error, should be firstly modeled and then a proper compensation strategy should be determined. However, building the precise tracking error prediction model is a challenging task because of the nonlinear issues like backlash and friction involved in the feeding axis; besides, the optimal compensation parameter is also difficult to determine because it is sensitive to the machining tool path. In this paper, a set of novel approaches for contour error prediction and compensation is presented based on the technologies of deep learning and reinforcement learning. By utilizing the internal data of the CNC system, the tracking error of the feeding axis is modeled as a Nonlinear Auto-Regressive Long-Short Term Memory (NAR-LSTM) network, considering all the nonlinear issues of the feeding axis. Given the contour error as calculated based on the predicted tracking error of each feeding axis, a compensation strategy is presented with its parameters identified efficiently by a Time-Series Deep Q-Network (TS-DQN) as designed in our work. To validate the feasibility and advantage of the proposed approaches, extensive experiments are conducted, testifying that, our approaches can predict the tracking error and contour error with very good precision (better than about 99% and 90% respectively), and the contour error compensated based on the predicted results and our compensation strategy is significantly reduced (about 70%~85% reduction) with the machining quality improved drastically (machining error reduced about 50%).
Synergetic Effect of Carbon Dot at Cellulose Nanofiber for Sustainable Metal-free Photocatalyst
Authors: Ahn Jungbin , Pak Sewon , Kim Hyungsup 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Metal-free photocatalyst was synthesized by attaching carbon dot (CD) to cellulose nanofiber (CNF) via simple in-situ synthesis. The graphitic core and functional groups of CD on CNF was controlled along the precursor concentration, while the fibrous structure of CNF was intact. The optical property of the samples was profoundly analyzed focusing on the electron recombination pathway. It reveals that the excited electrons in the CD transferred to the CNF and delayed the radiative recombination. The electron-hole pairs were efficiently separated in the composite where abundant amide group and sulfide bonding existed. The CD on the CNF surface improved the morphological stability of CNF under UV irradiation as well. As a result, the composite showed superior photocatalytic performance to degrade 98% of MB molecules within 25 min. The aerogel synthesized from CDCNF had good re-usability without sacrificing its photocatalytic effect. The synthesized CDCNF composite showed superior possibility for applying cellulose nanofiber to sustainable metal-free photocatalyst.
Fueling the Future With Green Economy: An Integration of Its Determinants From Renewable Sources
Authors: Li Weiqing , Khan Abdul Razzaq , Bashir Shahid , Iqbal Wasim , Khokhar Maryam 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Green hydrogen energy is a clean alternative fuel that can help developing economies to increase energy security. This study assesses possible solutions for Pakistan's energy scarcity based on a renewable source of green hydrogen generated through wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy. For this purpose, four main criteria: economic, commercialization, environmental, and social acceptance, have been assessed. The study used two-step models, the Fuzzy-analytical hierarchal process, and the Data Envelopment Analysis techniques to evaluate hydrogen energy production through available renewable energy sources. According to the fuzzy-led analysis's empirical results, wind energy source optimization is best suited to produce hydrogen energy in Pakistan for all four criteria (economic benefit, environmental impacts, commercial potential, and social acceptance). At the same time, solar is the second-best option in all the given criteria. The DEA-led analysis also considers wind energy as the most efficient source to produce hydrogen energy in Pakistan. This study can help policymakers develop fact-based hydrogen energy projects in their respective areas, especially in developing economies, as most share the same characteristics.
Characteristics of Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Positive Cerebrospinal Fluid: A Systematic Review
Authors: Salman Maryam A. , Mallah Saad I. , Khalid Wasay , Moran Laura Ryan , Abousedu Yousef A. I. , Jassim Ghufran A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to affect several systems, notably the respiratory system. However, there has been considerable evidence implicating the nervous system in COVID-19 infection. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients whose cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, WHO Coronavirus database, bioRxiv, medRxiv, and Web of Science databases was carried out in August 2020. Original studies involving patients who tested positive for SARS-COV-2 in their CSF were included. Key search terms encompassed all variations of “COVID-19” AND “Cerebrospinal Fluid”.Results: A total of 525 studies were identified. 56 full-text articles were assessed, of which 14 were included. In total, 14 patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in their CSF. 21.4% (3/14) of patients had negative nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs despite a positive CSF sample. 14.2% (2/14) of patients who initially had positive NP swabs developed neurological deterioration after a supposed recovery as indicated by their negative NP swabs, but their CSF still tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Common symptoms were headache (42.8%; 6/14), fever (35.6%; 5/14), vomiting (28.6%; 4/14), cough (28.6; 4/14), visual disturbances (28.6%; 4/14), diarrhea (21.4%; 3/14), and seizures (21.4%; 3/14). Four patients (28.6%) were admitted to ICU, one (7.14%) was admitted to a rehabilitation facility, and two (14.3%) died.Conclusions: Physicians should be familiar with the presenting neurological features of COVID-19, and be aware that they can occur despite a negative NP swab. The results of this study are intended to aid in the development of informed guidelines to diagnose and treat COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations.
Human Immunodeficiency and Hepatitis B Viral Infections Among Patients With Sickle Cell Disease in Dar Es Salaam City, Tanzania: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Shayo Grace A. , Makundi Irene , Luzzatto Lucio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Tanzania is not only the fourth in the world with the highest number of sickle cell disease (SCD) births but also endemic to Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. This study was done to determine the prevalence of HIV and HBV infections and their associated factors among SCD patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods: A multicenter hospital-based descriptive cross sectional study was done among participants aged ≥16 years. Participants’ socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded. Blood samples were drawn for HIV and HBV diagnosis. Categorical variables were summarized into frequencies and compared using Fisher’s exact test while continuous variables were summarized into mean and standard deviation. Logistic regression was done to ascertain predictors of HIV infection. P values <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: There were 185/325 (56.7%) females. Mean (SD) age and hemoglobin were 23.04 ± 7.45 years and 7.4 (± 1.58)g/dl respectively. The prevalence of HIV and HBV were 1.8% and 1.2% respectively. None of the risk factors was associated with HIV. No associations were calculated for HBV owing to small numbers. Conclusions: Prevalence of HIV and that of HBV infection are much lower in SCD patients in Dar es Salaam than the national prevalence of the two infections in the general population. The findings could not associate any risk factor with HIV infection. A nationwide similar study should be conducted to obtain enough numbers for characterization of the two infections in these patients.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Chih Hui Ju , Elias Flavia , Gaudet Laura , Velez Maria 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is one of the most common pregnancy complications and causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Many cohort studies were conducted to study adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with pregnancies from assisted reproductive technology. We aimed to comprehensively review all available evidence to date to compare the odds of HDP and preeclampsia between pregnancies achieved by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and spontaneous pregnancies.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on cohort studies identified from EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library (up to 2020) and manually using a structured search strategy. Cohort studies that compared pregnancies after IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm fertilization (ICSI) and SC with HDP or preeclampsia as the outcome of interest were included. The control group was women who conceived spontaneously without ART or fertility medications. Studies published in English, French, Chinese, and Portuguese were reviewed. Eligibility and quality of studies were evaluated by two reviewers independently. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) for Cohort Studies. The pooled results were reported in odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals based on random effects models. I-squared (I2) test was used to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots.ResultsSeventy-eight studies were included after a screening of 1,879 abstracts and 275 full text articles. Compared to SC, IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.54-1.74; I2 = 79%) and multiple pregnancies (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.18-1.47; I2 = 73%) were both associated with higher odds of HDP. Singleton pregnancies with oocyte donation had the highest odds of HDP out of all groups analyzed (OR 4.11; 95% CI 2.75-6.16; I2 = 85%). Frozen embryo transfer resulted in higher odds of HDP (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.58-1.92; I2 = 55%) than fresh embryo transfer (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.33-1.53; I2 = 72%). Similar findings for preeclampsia were also reported.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis confirmed that IVF/ICSI pregnancies are at high odds of HDP and preeclampsia than SC, irrespective of the plurality. The odds were especially high in frozen embryo transfer and oocyte donation pregnancies.
Analysis of Thermal Error Model of Ball Screw Feed System Based on Experimental Data
Authors: Yang Jiancheng , Li Changyou , Xu Mengtao , Zhang Yimin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of thermal expansion on the ball screw feed system (BSFS) of a precision machine tool, theoretical modeling of and experimental study on thermally induced error are focused in this paper. A series of thermal experiments are conducted on the machine tool to measure the temperature of the main heat source and measuring points of BSFS. To classify the main heat sources and discuss the impact on the ball screw feed system separately. By the experimental data of ball screw system, the thermal model of screw shaft in the axial direction is analyzed and verified. Based on the heat generation and transfer analysis of ball screw system, thermal expansion of screw shaft in the axial direction is modeled mathematically. In addition, by analyzing the effects of machining parameters such as rotational speed, preloads and lead, we get the parameter influence of BSFS’s temperature rising and thermal deformation. This work can help us reduce thermal deformation effectively, and improve the precision of CNC machining.