bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Solution-processed Inorganic Emitter with High Spectral Effectiveness for Efficient Daytime Radiative Cooling in Hot Humid Climates
Authors: Lin Chongjia , Li Yang , Chi Cheng , Kwon Ye Seul , Tso Chi Yan , Chao Christopher , Huang Baoling 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Daytime radiative cooling provides an eco-friendly solution to space cooling with zero energy consumption. Despite significant advances, most state-of-the-art radiative coolers show broadband infrared emission with low spectral effectiveness, which limits their cooling temperatures and climate applicabilities, especially in hot humid regions. Here we report an all-inorganic narrowband cooler comprising a solution-derived SiOxNy layer sandwiched between a reflective substrate and a self-assembly monolayer of SiO2 microspheres. It shows a high and diffusive solar reflectance (96%) and strong infrared-selective emittance (94.6%) with superior spectral effectiveness (1.44). Remarkable subambient cooling of up to 5°C was achieved under high humidity without any solar shading or convection cover at noontime in a subtropical coastal city, Hong Kong. Owing to the all-inorganic hydrophobic structure, the emitter showed outstanding resistance to ultraviolet and water in the long-term durability tests. The scalable solution-based fabrication renders this stable high-performance emitter promising for large-scale deployment in various climates.
Impact of the Residential Landscape on Residents’ QOL: A Study from the Perspective of Sustainable Development
Authors: Ho-Mo Hung 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Good residential quality is not only conducive to living comfort but also adds value to the residence. Therefore, whether it is for self-occupation purposes or investment purposes, individuals will inevitably consider the quality of a residence when deciding on ownership. In addition, most residents also expect to improve their residential environment through beautiful landscapes and green spaces because it affects their quality of life (QOL). This study examined the impact of the residential landscape on the quality of residential environment and on residents’ QOL in Taipei City. A structured questionnaire was developed to analyze participants’ perceptions and attitudes regarding these associations. The results revealed that most residents had expectations and demands concerning the residential landscape and they perceived that the benefits of the residential landscape influenced their QOL and whether they purchased the residence. Residents valued the residential environment, including green spaces and gardens. The residential landscape has an important impact on the selection of a residential location, and it plays a key role in enhancing residents’ QOL.
WITHDRAWN: An Efficient Non-Iterative Method for Computing the Centroid of an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Set
Authors: Zirkohi Majid Moradi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In many applications, interval type-2 fuzzy logic systems (IT2FLSs) are better at dealing with uncertainties. Iterative Karnik-Mendel (KM) algorithms in type reduction (TR) have a high computational cost. This is one of the major drawbacks of IT2FLSs. From the practical point of view, this prevent using IT2FLS in real-world applications. To address this issue, a novel non-iterative method called Moradi-Zirkohi (MZ) TR method is proposed for computing the centroid of an IT2FLS. This makes the practical implementation of the IT2FLSs simpler. Comparative simulation results verify that the proposed method outperforms the KM TR method in terms of computational burden. Besides, closer results, in terms of accuracy, to the KM TR method among the existing non-iterative TR methods are also achieved by the proposed TR method.
ERRα Expression in Ovarian Cancer and Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cells Migration in Vitro
Authors: Huang Weiyi , Chen Lili , Sun Pengming 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Ovarian cancer is one of the common gynecological malignancies, which is prone to metastasize and thus causes a high fatality rate. Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) is highly expressed in various malignant tumors. Our objective was to explore the impact of ERRα expression on the progression of ovarian cancer. Methods: The correlation between ERRα expression level and clinical pathological parameters in ovarian cancer tissues were analysed via cancer public database CPTAC. The expression level of ERRα in ovarian cancer cells were confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western Blot methods. The cellular ERRα expression was up-regulated via lentivirus transfection and down-regulated via specific antagonist. The invasion and metastasis capabilities of ovarian cancer cells were observed by wound healing assay and trans-well chamber assay. Results: The CPTAC database showed that the ERRα expression levels were higher in the late-stage and high-grade ovarian cancer tissues compared with those in early-stage and low-grade tissues. Ovarian cancer cells with higher expression level of ERRα had stronger invasion and metastasis capabilities in vitro. After up-regulating the ERRα expression level, the invasion and metastasis capabilities of ovarian cancer cells were enhanced, while down-regulation weakened. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the percentages of wound closure and cellular ERRα mRNA expression level (r=0.921, P<0.01), and the cell invasiveness was also positively correlated with the cellular ERRα mRNA expression level (r=0.926, P<0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that ERRα may play a positive role in the progression of ovarian cancer, and may serve as a promising predictive biomarker.
Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors of Uncertain Malignant Potential (STUMP): A Retrospective Study in A Single Center
Authors: Zhang Chen , Gao Juan , Lu Shanshan , Zhang Yinli , Zhu Honglan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is a heterogeneous group of tumors with histological and biological diversity that cannot be defined as a benign leiomyoma or malignant leiomyosarcoma. The study aims to investigate the diagnostic methods, treatment management and prognosis of STUMP patients in a 13-year period. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic information of 31 STUMP patients in Peking University People’s Hospital. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the difference of clinical characteristics between the women in myomectomy group and those in hysterectomy group. Results: The most common clinical presentation was menstrual disorder. The tumors were mainly manifested as hypoechoic, non-cystic nodules with low blood flow signal by pelvic doppler ultrasonography. Most tumors carried Ki-67 index ranging from 10% to 30%. Immunohistochemical markers such as ER, PR, p16 and Desmin was positively expressed in tumors. At the first operation, 21 cases underwent myomectomy and 10 cases underwent hysterectomy. The patients in myomectomy group were younger than those in hysterectomy group. In the follow-up period, two cases experienced a relapse in the form of STUMP within 36 months. One case died of cardiovascular accident while the other cases were alive. Six of 21 women in myomectomy group desired pregnancy and two healthy live births were recorded.Conclusion: The diagnosis of STUMP primarily depends on histopathologic features. Fertility-sparing surgery may be a treatment selection for patients with fertility desire. Patients with STUMP, especially in the case of myomectomy, should be informed of recurrence risk and monitored closely.
The Effect of Epididymal Sperm Cryopreservation on Neonatal Birthweight Following PESA-ICSI
Authors: Cai Jiali , Liu Lanlan , Chen Jinghua , Liu Zhenfang , Wang Wenjie , Jiang Xiaoming , Chen Haixiao , Ren Jianzhi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To compare the neonatal birthweight of singletons derived from ICSI cycles with fresh or frozen-thawed epididymal sperm in patients with obstructive azoospermiaMethods: A total of 436 singletons derived from ICSI cycles with fresh (n=220) or frozen-thawed (n=216) epididymal sperm in obstructive azoospermia evaluated from 2012 to 2018 in the retrospective study. Multivariate generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between epididymal sperm cryopreservation and neonatal birthweight.Result(s): The crude birthweight and z-score in neonates derived from frozen-thawed epididymal sperm were significantly lower than those from fresh epididymal sperm (3186.57g vs 3303.61g and -0.18 vs 0.08, respectively), with a mean difference of 117.04 (95%CI: 32.36 to 201.72) g and 0.25 (95%CI: 0.06 to 0.45). Adjusted for confounders including parental age and BMI, maternal ovarian reserve, paternal FSH and T levels, peak E2 during OPU cycles, frozen-thawed embryo transfer, embryo development stage, gestational age, maternal parity and child gender, the multivariate model suggested that singletons conceived from ICSI with fresh epididymal sperm was on average 91.21 g heavier than those conceived from ICSI with frozen-thawed epdidiymal sperm (95%CI:12.72 to 166.7, P=0.016).Conclusion(s): Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm may negatively affect birthweight
Investigation of common risk factors between polycystic ovary syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sarahian Nahid , Sarvazad Hosna , Sajadi Elham , Rahnejat Nasrin , Eskandari-Roozbahani Narges 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The most common endocrine disorder among women is Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic ovulation, and/or ultrasound evidence of small ovarian cysts. Obesity and insulin resistance are also the main factors influencing the clinical manifestations of this syndrome. High intakes of fat have been linked to more significant cognitive decline in old age, and due to the growing elderly population, maintaining long-term optimal cognitive function is very important. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most typical progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, and recent studies suggest a relationship between endocrinal dysregulation and neuronal loss during AD pathology. In this narrative review, the international databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, were searched for retrieving the relevant studies. According to the factors involved in Alzheimer's and PCOS, it seems that both disorders may share some common risk factors. In this study, the relevant studies' summaries were categorized to discuss the possible pathways that may explain the association between Alzheimer's and PCOS signs/symptoms and complications. Future preclinical studies are needed to investigate the exact underlining mechanisms related to PCOS and Alzheimer's association.
The Challenges Inherent With Anchor-Based Approaches To The Interpretation of Important Change In Clinical Outcome Assessments
Authors: Wyrwich Kathleen W. , Norman Geoffrey R. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Anchor-based methods have been used to derive clinical outcome assessment (COA) interpretation thresholds of meaningful change over time for understanding individual (within-patient) as well as within-group change and between-group differences. The methods explore the associations between the targeted concept of the COA measure and the concept measured by the external anchor(s), typically a global rating, chosen as easier to interpret than the COA measure. While they are valued for providing plausible interpretation thresholds, anchor-based methods pose a number of inherent theoretical and methodological conundrums. Methods: This investigation provides a critical appraisal of anchor-based methods for COA interpretation thresholds and details a key bias in anchor-based methods that directly influences the magnitude of the interpretation threshold. Results: Five important concerns for the use of anchor-based methods have emerged from the literature: 1) global estimates of change are consistently biased toward the present state; 2) the use of static current state global measures, while not subject to artifacts of recall, may exacerbate the problem of estimating clinically meaningful change; 3) the anchor assessment response(s) that indicates meaningful change usually involves an arbitrary judgment; 4) the calculated interpretation thresholds are sensitive to the proportion of patients who have improved; and 5) examination of anchor-based regression methods reveals that the correlation between the COA change scores and the anchor has a direct linear relationship to the magnitude of the interpretation threshold derived using an anchor-based approach. Stronger correlations yielding larger interpretation thresholds. Conclusions: While anchor-based methods are recognized for their utility in deriving interpretation thresholds for COAs, the biases associated with estimation of the threshold using these methods may impede progress in the development of standard-setting methodologies for COAs.
Livelihood Impact and Risk Management of Drought: The Experiences of Farming Households in the Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: Danso-Abbeam Gideon , Ogundeji Abiodun O , Ojo Temitpoe O , Okolie Collins C. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Drought is one of the main causes of food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. It is therefore important to understand the perception of farmers on socioeconomic and environmental impacts of drought and the strategies employed to manage it. Using data collected from 301 smallholder households in Thaba Nchu, Free State Province, the study contributes to three perspectives: analysing the perceived socio-economic and environmental impact of drought, examining the determinants of the perceived impact, and identifying factors affecting the intensity of drought-risk management practices used by smallholder farming households. Using 11 indicators as a measure of perceived impact, the findings from the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three main dimensions of perceived drought impact: economic, environmental and social impacts. Different socio-economic and institutional factors have a different influence on the three dimensions. In addition, factors such as age, household size, non-farm work and extension services are significant in determining the intensity of drought-risk management strategies implemented by farmers in the study area. The study therefore recommends that climate risk management be integrated into the provision of extension services, particularly in drought-prone areas such as the Free State Province. Encouraging farmers to engage in non-agricultural economic activities is also crucial, as this can serve as insurance against events such as drought.
The Impact of Income Inequality on Carbon Emissions in Asian Countries: Non-Parametric Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Ghazouani Tarek , Beldi Lamia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Widening income inequality and environmental degradation are two of the most important problems that threat the sustainable development. For that, this study aims to examine the effect of income distribution on CO2 emissions in seven Asian countries over the period 1971–2014 using a non-parametric panel estimation method and time-varying coefficients. Specifically, we apply the local linear dummy variable estimator (LLDVE) approach that allows evaluating the coefficients which vary over time for the panel data models. The results reveal that there is a strong non-linear correlation between income inequality and per capita CO2 emissions. The non parametric model suggest that there is a negative relationship between income inequality and environment degradation over the whole study period expect for the period 1988–1997 which was positive. Our findings broadly support the existence of the "equity-pollution dilemma", whereby income redistribution induces environmental pollution. This dilemma has potential implications for policies designed to promote redistribution in the selected Asian countries.
Learning Needs Assessment for Multi-stakeholder Implementation Science Training in LMIC Settings: Findings and Recommendations
Authors: Turner Mallory Wolfe , Bogdewic Stephanie , Agha Erum , Blanchard Carrie , Sturke Rachel , Pettifor Audrey , Salisbury Kathryn , Marques Andrea Horvath , Excellent Marie Lina , Rajagopal Nitya , Ramaswamy Rohit 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite significant progress in the field of implementation science (IS), current training programs are inadequate to meet the global need, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Even when training opportunities exist, there is a “knowledge-practice gap,” where implementation research findings are not useful to practitioners in a field designed to bridge that gap. This is a critical challenge in LMICs where complex public health issues must be addressed. This paper describes results from a formal assessment of learning needs, priority topics, and delivery methods for LMIC stakeholders.Methods: We first reviewed a sample of articles published recently in Implementation Science to identify IS stakeholders and assigned labels and definitions for groups with similar roles. We then employed a multi-step sampling approach and a random sampling strategy to recruit participants (n=39) for a semi-structured interview that lasted 30-60 minutes. Stakeholders with inputs critical to developing training curricula were prioritized and selected for interviews. We created memos from audio recorded interviews and used a deductively created codebook to conduct thematic analysis. We calculated kappa coefficients for each memo and used validation techniques to establish rigor including incorporating feedback from reviewers and member checking.Results: Participants included program managers, researchers, and physicians working in over 20 countries, primarily LMICs. The majority had over ten years of implementation experience but fewer than five years of IS experience. Three main themes emerged from the data, pertaining to past experience with IS, future IS training needs, and contextual issues. Most respondents (even with formal training) described their IS knowledge as basic or minimal. Preferences for future training were heterogeneous, but findings suggest that curricula must encompass a broader set of competencies than just IS, include mentorship/apprenticeship, and center the LMIC context.Conclusion: This work is the first to explicitly explore and highlight the need for fundamental, widespread, and context specific training in IS and capacity building in basic operational research for key stakeholders in LMICs. Therefore, we propose the novel approach of intelligent swarming as a solution to help build IS capacity in LMICs through the lens of sustainability and equity.
Environmental Regulations, Competition and Divestment of Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from China
Authors: Tai Lufeng , Yan Linnan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper is concerned with whether the Chinese increasingly stringent environmental regulations (ER) lead to the divestment of foreign direct investment (FDI). Based on industrial firm-level panel data from 2003 to 2010, our results show that the stricter ER do not induce the divestment of FDI but rather reduce the probability of foreign firms’ withdrawal from China. Moreover, in cities with a higher degree of marketization, the ER have greatly reduced the exit probability of foreign firms. The mechanism analysis shows that due to the scale and technological advantages of foreign companies, the ER have stimulated innovation, increased the market share and profits of foreign companies. However, the ER have a greater negative impact on domestic firms’ performance. This research has theoretical and empirical significance for the economic development and environmental protection of developing countries.
Design, Analysis and Experimental Eerification of a Epatial Constant Force End-Effector for Polishing/Deburring Operations
Authors: Ding Bingxiao , Zhao Jixu , Li Yangmin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Controlling the contact force on workpieces is a challenging task for industrial deburring operations. To solve this issue, a novel constant force mechanism(CFM) based on the combination of positive and negative sti ness mechanism is proposed by using folding beam and bi-stable beam. Without using any additional sensors and control algorithms, the proposed mechanism can produce a travel range in constant force manner. In this paper, the design concepts, analytical modeling, finite element analysis (FEA) simulation and experimental studies are presented and discussed. Firstly, a novel spatial CFM is proposed and using the pseudo rigid body(PRB) to established the mathematical model of the whole mechanism. Then, the FEA simulation is performed to validate the correctness of theoretical analysis. In addition, to eliminate the force variation, particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is utilized to find optimal architectural parameters solutions of the CFM. Finally, the experimental tests are performed to verify the performance of the designed CFM. The confguration design and parameter optimization can be further applied to the design of other CFM mechanisms for polishing operations.
Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide Risk Among Ugandan Youth in Vocational Training
Authors: Bukenya Badru , Kasirye Rogers , Lunkuse Joanne , Kinobi Moses , Vargas Sylvanna M. , Legha Rupinder , Tang Lingqi , Miranda Jeanne 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The current study examines the prevalence of depression, anxiety, suicide risk, and PTSD in Ugandan youth (13-25 years) attending vocational training programs.Methods: Youth from five urban (n=224 females, 81 males) and four rural (n=153 females only) vocational training centers operated by a non-governmental organization completed demographic and mental health questionnaires.Results: Nearly half of the youth reported moderate or severe depression and/or anxiety. More than half reported anxiety and depression-related impairment. Nearly a quarter of youth had considered or attempted suicide. More than half screened positive on the PC-PTSD screen. Rural female youth reported the most food insecurity (56.9%), trafficking (37.9%), severe depression (35.9%), depression-related impairment (56.9%), severe anxiety (26.1%), and anxiety-related impairment (55.6%).Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that Ugandan youth have exceedingly high rates of depression, anxiety, suicide risk, and probable PTSD. Rural female youth may be especially at risk. Relevant treatment interventions are needed that can be adapted to youth in vocational training centers.