bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the causal linkage among economic growth and renewable and non‐renewable energy consumption: cases of Germany, the UK and France
Authors: El‐Karimi Mounir 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis empirical study examines the causal links among renewable energy consumption (REC) and non‐renewable energy consumption (NREC) and economic growth in Germany, the UK and France between 1980 and 2019. To this purpose, we use two different approaches: Toda and Yamamoto (Journal of Econometrics, 66, 1995, 225) time causality test and Lemmens et al. (International Journal of Forecasting, 24, 2008, 414) frequency causality test. For UK and France, the results show no significant causality between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and REC, which supports the neutrality hypothesis. Regarding NREC, similar findings are obtained. However, for Germany, the time approach indicates bi‐directional causality between REC and GDP, while the frequency approach shows uni‐directional causality from REC to GDP in the long‐run. Therefore, there is a consensus on the growth hypothesis in Germany. Furthermore, the frequency analysis displays also one way causal nexus running from Germany’s GDP to NREC in long horizons. The policymakers in UK and France should take into account that renewables and energy conservation policies are neutral in respect to economic growth. As for Germany, measures of reducing NREC would not significantly damage GDP, and renewable energies promotion plan would be beneficial for economic growth.
Condensed tannins as antioxidants that protect poplar against oxidative stress from drought and UV‐B
Authors: Gourlay Geraldine , Hawkins Barbara J. , Albert Andreas , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Peter Constabel C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCondensed tannins (CTs, proanthocyanidins) are widespread polymeric flavan‐3‐ols known for their ability to bind proteins. In poplar (Populus spp.), leaf condensed tannins are induced by both biotic and abiotic stresses, suggesting diverse biological functions. Here we demonstrate the ability of CTs to function as physiological antioxidants, preventing oxidative and cellular damage in response to drought and UV‐B irradiation. Chlorophyll fluorescence was used to monitor photosystem II performance, and both hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content was assayed as a measure of oxidative damage. Transgenic MYB‐overexpressing poplar (Populus tremula × P. tremuloides) with high CT content showed reduced photosystem damage and lower hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content after drought and UV‐B stress. This antioxidant effect of CT was observed using two different poplar MYB CT regulators, in multiple independent lines and different genetic backgrounds. Additionally, low‐CT MYB134‐RNAi transgenic poplars showed enhanced susceptibility to drought‐induced oxidative stress. UV‐B radiation had different impacts than drought on chlorophyll fluorescence, but all high‐CT poplar lines displayed reduced sensitivity to both stresses. Our data indicate that CTs are significant defences against oxidative stress. The broad distribution of CTs in forest systems that are exposed to diverse abiotic stresses suggests that these compounds have wider functional roles than previously realized.
Goal conflict in retirement: Implications for satisfaction, goal pursuit, and health
Authors: Yarrington Julia S. , Tomlinson Jennifer M. , Zhang Yiyue , Sherry Ariel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe investigated goal conflict between romantic relationships and individual goals. In Study 1, 25 retired couples (N = 50) discussed a goal perceived as conflicting with the relationship. Dyadic results suggest both actor and partner general perceptions of goal conflict predicted lower relationship satisfaction. Goal conflict around the goal discussed predicted lower responsiveness from partners, higher negative affect, and diastolic blood pressure reactivity. In Study 2, goal conflict in retired, married individuals (N = 185) was negatively associated with closeness, self‐efficacy, and mental and physical health. Relationship satisfaction was a mechanism behind associations with goal conflict across studies. This research demonstrates negative implications of goal conflict for relationship and individual well‐being during retirement. Findings contribute to a growing literature suggesting that goals and support for growth are important as we age. Further, results suggest that goal conflict is detrimental to health, which is essential to protect in older adulthood.
Light‐ and laser‐based treatments for granuloma annulare: A systematic review
Authors: Mukovozov Ilya M. , Kashetsky Nadia , Richer Vincent 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundGranuloma annulare (GA) is challenging to treat, especially when generalized. A systematic review to support the use of light‐ and laser‐based treatments for GA is lacking.MethodsWe performed a systematic review by searching Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase. Title, abstract, full‐text screening, and data extraction were done in duplicate. Quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for case series.ResultsThirty‐one case series met the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 336 patients. Overall, psoralen ultraviolet light A (PUVA) showed the greatest frequency of cases with complete response (59%, n = 77/131), followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT) (52%, n = 13/25), ultraviolet light B (UVB)/narrowband UVB (nbUVB)/excimer laser (40%, n = 19/47), UVA1 (31%, n = 27/86), and lasers (29%, n = 8/28). Overall across treatment modalities, higher response rates were seen in localized GA compared to generalized GA.ConclusionsThe body of evidence for light‐ and laser‐based treatment of GA is sparse. Our results suggest that PUVA has a high clearance rate for GA but its use may be limited by concerns of carcinogenesis. Although PDT has the second highest clearance rate, adverse effects, small sample sizes, impractical treatment delivery (especially with generalized disease), and long‐term concerns of carcinogenesis may limit its use. Although UVB/nbUVB/excimer laser appeared slightly less effective than other light therapies, we recommend UVB/nbUVB/excimer laser therapy as a first‐line treatment for patients with generalized GA given wider availability and a favorable long‐term safety profile.
On the aggregate effects of global uncertainty: Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Ahiadorme Johnson Worlanyo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper empirically examines the aggregate effects of global uncertainty using monthly South African data. The empirical analysis is implemented in the context of vector autoregressions (VAR), augmented with various proxies for economic and financial indicators. The evidence shows that global uncertainty shocks are a significant source of economic fluctuations—they are estimated to significantly explain the cyclical downturn and exert negative impact on the financial and stock markets. These results are consistent with the view that uncertainty shocks are an important exogenous source of cyclical fluctuations and the reactions in the financial market play an important role in the impact of uncertainty shocks on the real economy. The evidence shows that uncertainty is important to the inflation dynamics while inflation and output co‐move negatively conditional on uncertainty shocks.
Understanding carbonate factories through palaeoecological and sedimentological signals – Tribute to Luis Pomar
Authors: Brandano Marco , Mateu‐Vicens Guillem , Baceta Juan Ignacio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe carbonate factories, their controlling factors and their palaeoecological and sedimentological signals recorded in sedimentary successions are key elements for understanding the evolution of carbonate platform systems. Luis Pomar has dedicated most of his academic life to the study of carbonate rocks and carbonate factories. The idea for this special issue to celebrate Pomar’s career arose during a session at the 34th International Association of Sedimentologists meeting held in Rome, entitled ‘Understanding carbonate factories through palaeoecological and geochemical signals’. The proposal encountered great response among participants, and additional contributions followed an email invitation to other specialists. This issue contains a variety of papers on carbonate sedimentology and carbonate factories. Here, an introduction that contextualizes the papers and key concepts discussed in this thematic issue is provided. It reviews Luis Pomar’s major achievements in carbonate sedimentology and discusses the evolution of the concept of the carbonate factory and the series of palaeoecological and sedimentological signals used to characterize the wide spectrum of carbonate depositional systems found in the natural world.
Multi‐drug‐resistant tuberculosis clusters in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, 2013–2016: A spatial analysis
Authors: Mashamba M. A. , Tanser F. , Afagbedzi S. , Beke A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo identify spatial clusters with unusually high levels of MDR‐TB, which are highly unlikely to have arisen by chance in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.MethodsHome addresses of all MDR‐TB patients were collected from four MDR‐TB facilities from 2013 to 2016. We mapped all addresses, linking them to the nearest ward with population estimates. A spatial analysis was conducted using kernel density in ArcGIS to estimate and map the distribution of the disease and used Gertis‐Ord Gi to test for significant clustering.ResultsA total of 4065 MDR‐TB patients were mapped. Ten significant clusters (p‐value <0.05) were found across the province in six sub‐districts: Mbombela, Nkomazi, Emalahleni, Govan Mbeki, Lekwa and Mkhondo. Mbombela has the highest number of significant clusters. The central region did not have any MDR‐TB clusters.ConclusionThere is clear evidence of MDR‐TB clustering in Mpumalanga. This calls for concentrated TB prevention efforts and proper allocation of resources. Further investigations are needed to identify MDR‐TB predictors.
MRI features of canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the central nervous system
Authors: Mallol Claudia , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Hammond Gawain , Schweizer‐Gorgas Daniela , De Decker Steven , Novellas Rosa , Espada Yvonne , Oevermann Anna , Ortega Maria , Parry Andrew , Coelho Ana Maria , Gonçalves Rita , Stalin Catherine , Brocal Josep 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHemangiosarcoma is the most common metastatic tumor involving the brain in dogs but detailed published descriptions of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features are lacking. The objective of this multi‐center, retrospective case series study was to describe MRI characteristics of canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Medical records of seven referral institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma affecting the CNS and undergone an MRI of the brain and/or vertebral column. Lesions were independently evaluated by two observers. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria and one dog had both intracranial and intramedullary hemangiosarcoma. Consistent MRI features included heterogeneous (17/21) lesions in all sequences with mainly mixed signal intensity (12/21), presence of susceptibility artifact on T2*w (15/16), associated moderate to severe perilesional edema (21/21), and moderate to strong (20/21) heterogeneous (14/21) or ring‐like (6/21) contrast enhancement. Intracranial hemangiosarcoma was frequently multiple and intra‐axial, affecting consistently the telencephalon and no differences in MRI features were found between primary and metastatic hemangiosarcoma. This is the first MRI description of primary intracranial hemangiosarcoma and primary intracranial epithelioid hemangiosarcoma. Vertebral hemangiosarcomas were segmental poorly marginated polyostotic and highly aggressive lesions invading the thoracic vertebral canal and paraspinal tissues. Epidural hemangiosarcomas were single and well‐marginated lesions in the thoracolumbar and/or lumbar region. Intramedullary hemangiosarcomas were cervical, metastatic in origin, and frequently (3/4) accompanied by intracranial lesions. These described MRI features will aid early identification of hemangiosarcoma guiding subsequent diagnostics and therapeutics.
Autonomous Control and Transportation of Underslung Load With Single and Dual Lift Helicopter Systems
Authors: Dhiman Kuldeep K. , Kothari Mangal , Abhishek  
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper discusses the development of a single-lift and dual-lift helicopter underslung load transportation system for practical applications. A control law is developed to damp the load swing and stabilize the oscillation while performing the transportation task. For the dual-lift system, the load transportation is achieved by using a load distribution controller, developed for this purpose, to maintain equal load distribution among the vehicles. The load damping and load distribution controllers require accurate measurement of load states, which is achieved through the design and development of innovative, simple, and lightweight sensors units, namely, load tension measurement unit (LTMU) and load swing measurement unit (LSMU). LTMU sensor consists of a unique design that utilizes a flexi-force sensor, capable of measuring compressive load, for measurement of cable tension. The cable inclination in the longitudinal and lateral directions is measured by the LSMU sensor. These units are integrated with the helicopter autopilot for autonomous flight. The performance of the developed system is experimentally validated in the outdoor environment with single and dual-lift systems.
Reducing surgical site infections and mortality among obstetric surgical patients in Tanzania: a pre-evaluation and postevaluation of a multicomponent safe surgery intervention
Authors: Ernest Edwin Charles , Hellar Augustino , Varallo John , Tibyehabwa Leopold , Bertram Margaret Mary , Fitzgerald Laura , Katoto Adam , Mshana Stella , Simba Dorcas , Gwitaba Kelvin , Boddu Rohini , Alidina Shehnaz , Giiti Geofrey , Kihunrwa Albert , Balandya Belinda , Urassa David , Hussein Yahya , Damien Caroline , Wackenreuter Brendan , Barash David , Morrison Melissa , Reynolds Cheri , Christensen Alice , Makuwani Ahmed 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionDespite ongoing maternal health interventions, maternal deaths in Tanzania remain high. One of the main causes of maternal mortality includes postoperative infections. Surgical site infection (SSI) rates are higher in low/middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Tanzania, compared with high-income countries. We evaluated the impact of a multicomponent safe surgery intervention in Tanzania, hypothesising it would (1) increase adherence to safety practices, such as the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC), (2) reduce SSI rates following caesarean section (CS) and (3) reduce CS-related perioperative mortality rates (POMRs).MethodsWe conducted a pre-cross-sectional/post-cross-sectional study design to evaluate WHO SSC utilisation, SSI rates and CS-related POMR before and 18 months after implementation. Our interventions included training of inter-professional surgical teams, promoting use of the WHO SSC and introducing an infection prevention (IP) bundle for all CS patients. We assessed use of WHO SSC and SSI rates through random sampling of 279 individual CS patient files. We reviewed registers and ward round reports to obtain the number of CS performed and CS-related deaths. We compared proportions of individuals with a characteristic of interest during pre-implementation and post implementation using the two-proportion z-test at p≤0.05 using STATA V.15.ResultsThe SSC utilisation rate for CS increased from 3.7% (5 out of 136) to 95.1% (136 out of 143) with p<0.001. Likewise, the proportion of women with SSI after CS reduced from 14% during baseline to 1% (p=0.002). The change in SSI rate after the implementation of the safe surgery interventions is statistically significant (p<0.001). The CS-related POMR decreased by 38.5% (p=0.6) after the implementation of safe surgery interventions.ConclusionOur findings show that our intervention led to improved utilisation of the WHO SSC, reduced SSIs and a drop in CS-related POMR. We recommend replication of the interventions in other LMICs.
Modelling the cost-effectiveness of essential and advanced critical care for COVID-19 patients in Kenya
Authors: Kairu Angela , Were Vincent , Isaaka Lynda , Agweyu Ambrose , Aketch Samuel , Barasa Edwine 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundCase management of symptomatic COVID-19 patients is a key health system intervention. The Kenyan government embarked to fill capacity gaps in essential and advanced critical care (ACC) needed for the management of severe and critical COVID-19. However, given scarce resources, gaps in both essential and ACC persist. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of investments in essential and ACC to inform the prioritisation of investment decisions.MethodsWe employed a decision tree model to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness of investment in essential care (EC) and investment in both essential and ACC (EC +ACC) compared with current healthcare provision capacity (status quo) for COVID-19 patients in Kenya. We used a health system perspective, and an inpatient care episode time horizon. Cost data were obtained from primary empirical analysis while outcomes data were obtained from epidemiological model estimates. We used univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results.ResultsThe status quo option is more costly and less effective compared with investment in EC and is thus dominated by the later. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of investment in essential and ACC (EC+ACC) was US$1378.21 per disability-adjusted life-year averted and hence not a cost-effective strategy when compared with Kenya’s cost-effectiveness threshold (US$908).ConclusionWhen the criterion of cost-effectiveness is considered, and within the context of resource scarcity, Kenya will achieve better value for money if it prioritises investments in EC before investments in ACC. This information on cost-effectiveness will however need to be considered as part of a multicriteria decision-making framework that uses a range of criteria that reflect societal values of the Kenyan society.
The influence of menopause and cardiorespiratory fitness on lipoprotein particles in midlife women
Authors: Serviente Corinna , Chalvin Melody , Witkowski Sarah 
Published: December 2021

Lipoprotein particles may provide better information about cardiovascular risk than standard cholesterol measures for women. Whether lipoprotein subclasses change with menopausal stage is unclear. Given the high prevalence of low cardiorespiratory fitness in midlife women and benefit of cardiovascular disease risk, it is also important to understand the effect of fitness on lipoprotein profiles. This study evaluated the influence of menopausal status and fitness on lipoprotein particles in healthy midlife women. Lipoprotein particles were measured in high- (n = 25) and low- (n = 13) fit perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women, and in high-fit premenopausal (n = 10), perimenopausal (n = 12), and late postmenopausal women (n = 13). There were larger low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL-P; 21.7 ± 0.06 vs. 21.3 ± 0.1 nm, p = 0.002), more large LDL-P (623.1 ± 32.8 vs. 500.2 ± 52.6 nmol/L, p = 0.045), and fewer small LDL-P (145.5 ± 31.4 vs. 311.5 ± 44.7 nmol/L, p = 0.001) in the high-fit group vs. the low-fit group. High-density lipoprotein particles (HDL-P) were larger (10.1 ± 0.1 vs. 9.7 ± 0.1 nm, p = 0.002) in the high-fit group, with more large (14.8 ± 0.7 vs. 11.0 ± 0.9 μmol/L, p = 0.002), medium (12.9 ± 0.8 vs. 8.4 ± 0.9 μmol/L, p = 0.002) HDL-P, and fewer small HDL-P (10.2 ± 1.1 vs. 15.4 ± 1.6 μmol/L, p = 0.009) compared with the low-fit group. High-fit postmenopausal women had more large LDL-P (662.9 ± 47.5 nmol/L) compared with premenopausal women (479.1 ± 52.6 nmol/L, p = 0.035), and more HDL-P (40.2 ± 1.1 µmol/L) compared with premenopausal (34.9 ± 1.5 μmol/L, p = 0.023) and perimenopausal women (35.4 ± 1.3 μmol/L, p = 0.033). High fitness positively influences lipoprotein particles in healthy perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women. In healthy fit women, menopause may not have a large influence on lipoprotein particles. Novelty: In highly fit women, menopause may not have a negative influence on lipoprotein particle subclasses. High fitness is associated with a less atherogenic lipoprotein profile in perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women.
Does vacuum saturation work for the higher-dimensional vacuum condensates in the QCD sum rules?
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang 
Published: December 2021

In the QCD sum rules for the tetraquark (molecular) states, the higher-dimensional vacuum condensates play an important role in extracting the tetraquark masses. We carry out the operator product expansion up to the vacuum condensates of dimension-10 and observe that the vacuum condensates of dimensions 6, 8 and 10 have the same expressions but opposite signs for the [Formula: see text]-type and [Formula: see text]-type four-quark currents, which make their influences distinguishable, and they are excellent channels to examine the vacuum saturation approximation. We introduce a parameter [Formula: see text] to parametrize the derivation from the vacuum saturation or factorization approximation, and choose two sets of parameters to examine the influences on the predicted tetraquark masses, which can be confronted to the experimental data in the future. In all the channels, smaller value of the [Formula: see text] leads to better convergent behavior in the operator product expansion, which favors the vacuum saturation approximation.
New record of
Zhangsolva
Nagatomi and Yang, 1998 (Diptera, Zhangsolvidae) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and its implications
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Zhang Junfeng 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Zhangsolva
is the type genus of the extinct long proboscis family Zhangsolvidae, originally known as a compression fossil from the Laiyang Formation, China. Here we describe a new species
Zhangsolva burmensis
sp. nov in Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. Antennae of zhangsolvids are discussed, and a proposed antennal segmentation of
Zhangsolva cupressa
is given. Anatomical features of the proboscis are interpreted based on exceptional preservation of the holotype, which are identical to flower-visiting bombyliid flies. This discovery provides important characters for further phylogenetical analysis of the Zhangsolvidae and important evidence for the proboscis function in pollination.