bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Audit and Intervention of Infectologists in the Use of Antimicrobials in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Silva Ravena Melo Ribeiro da , Câmara Ana Cláudia de Brito , Koga Ellen Karla Chaves Vieira , Lobo Iza Maria Fraga , Silva Wellington Barros da 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Antimicrobials are among the most prescribed drugs in ICUs, where the use of these drugs is approximately 10 times greater than that of other wards. Even so, it is observed that between 30 to 60% of antimicrobial prescriptions performed in these units are unnecessary or inadequate. Thus, surveillance of antimicrobial prescription is a first and essential step to identify potential overuse or misuse, which could be the target of interventions for antimicrobial administration.Methods: This is an observational, analytical, and prospective study conducted in two adult intensive care units (ICU 1 = surgical and ICU 2 = clinic), with 27 beds each. The study period was divided into pre-intervention (January to June 2019) and post-intervention (July to December 2019).Results: Overall, in the pre- and post-intervention period, 91.4% and 90.0%, respectively, of patients received at least one antimicrobial agent. The most frequently prescribed antimicrobial classes were carbapenems (PRE = 26.0% vs POST = 24.9%; p = 0.245) followed by glycopeptides (PRE = 21.0% vs POST = 18.6%; p = 0.056). Overall, there was a significant reduction in the duration of therapy (PRE = 727 LOT / 1000pd vs POST = 680 LOT / 1000pd; p = 0.028). The highest rates regarding the time of use of antimicrobials were observed for carbapenems, followed by glycopeptides, with significant reductions in the time of exposure of glycopeptides (PRE = 284 DOT / 1000pd vs POST = 234 DOT / 1000pd; p = 0.014) and polymyxin B (PRE = 121 DOT / 1000pd vs POST = 88 DOT / 1000pd; p = 0.029), and significant increases for penicillins (PRE = 25 DOT / 1000pd vs POST = 45 DOT / 1000pd; p = 0.009), and tigecycline ( PRE = 3 DOT / 1000pd vs POST = 27 DOT / 1000pd; p = 0.046).Conclusions: In general, the intervention of infectologists in intensive care units had a limited impact on the results evaluated. This may be due to the short period analyzed. Therefore, it is important to monitor the impact of these changes in the long term, drawing a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of an intervention, with the implementation of active feedback.
Impact of One Belt,One Road Initiatives on African Infrastructure Development
Authors: Kayembe Helex , Stone Lazarus Obed Livingstong Banda , Mbughi Colleen , Munthali George N. Chidimbah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: China is one of the developing countries that has witnessed tremendous growth in all sectors of development. One of the strategies that China is using is the reintroduction of the 21st Century Silk Road Economic Belt Development Initiative which moves across the world creating trade partners all around the world. Some of the African countries are among the beneficiaries se in this initiate especially in terms of infrastructure development which is ranked behind as compared to other developments. Aim of the study: This review was aimed at finding out the impacts of OBRI on infrastructure development in African countries. Methods: The data were retrieved from the databases of Scopus, Google Scholars, Web of science with papers that were written in English in the month of September to November 2020. Results: The results of the study indicated that OBRI has positively impacted many participating countries in Africa. However, it is also argued that many African countries over depend on the loans provided through this strategy which acts as a burden. Conclusion: This study recommends that African countries should be underrating clearly the terms of the agreements during the time of signing of the loan agreements by even assessing their capacity to pay back. Besides, African countries should civically educate people on the ownership of these projects for sustainability
The impact of previous cesarean section on the outcome in patients with non-adherent placenta previa
Authors: Sindiani Amer 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: to evaluate the impact of lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) on the maternal and fetal outcomes of women with non-adherent placenta previa (PP). Methods: This is a retrospective study of all women who delivered at our hospital by LSCS with non-adherent PP over a period of 10 years. Data were obtained through hospital registry and medical records search. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 20). The differences in demographic and obstetric characteristics, peripartum complications, and fetal outcomes between women with no previous CS and those with previous CS were analyzed using t test or chi-square test wherever appropriate. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 90 women with non-adherent placenta were included, 54 women with no previous CS and 36 women with previous CS. Women with previous CS were significantly more likely to experience organ injury (p-value <0.005), transfusion of ≥ 4 units of PRBC (p-value = 0.034), transfusion of FFP (p-value = 0.034), and hysterectomy or other procedure ( B Lynch, Uterine artery ligation) use (p-value <0.005)Conclusion: There is a significant increase in the incidence of maternal morbidities such as hysterectomy, blood transfusion and organ injury in patients with non-adherent PP with previous CS, with no difference in perinatal outcome in the same group of patients.
Role of Sequential Functional Echocardiography in Predicting Clinically Apparent Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Newborns-An Observational Study
Authors: Bhardwaj Anchala , Saili Arvind , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Kumar Ajay 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background-The management of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates continues to be a topic of discussion and controversy. Prolonged ductal patency in preterm neonates has been associated with significant short and long-term morbidities and with increased mortality however, the policy of routine treatment of all during the neonatal period has failed to show significant improvement in the long-term outcome. Echocardiography has emerged as a promising modality to screen newborns at risk of adverse effects of ductal shunting. This helps in identifying PDAs that require treatment to ultimately prevent unnecessary therapy or delay of necessary therapy. There is a multitude of studies that have evaluated a large number of echocardiographic markers for their predictive utility but only a few have included all ductal markers together in a single study. The reported sensitivity (26-100%) and specificity (6-100%) of echocardiographic markers vary over a wide range. Thus, this study was planned to assess the predictive utility of all available ductal markers and their added advantage of having all over few ones in clinically apparent PDA in preterm VLBW newborns.Methods-It was an observational prospective study conducted in tertiary care NICU at Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi. Fifty preterms very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns underwent four sequential Echo scans within the first 72 hrs; the first scan within 12 hours, thereafter at 24 hrs,48 hrs, and 72 hrs of age and were monitored clinically for the signs of PDA up to two weeks of life or discharge whichever comes later.Results-The Ductal diameter, pulsatile ductal flow pattern, Left pulmonary artery (LPA) velocity, Left atrial to aortic width (La/Ao) ratio, Left atrial volume index (LAVI), Left ventricle to aortic width (Lv/Ao) ratio, E/A ratio and Left ventricular output/superior vena cava (LVO/SVC) flow ratio predicted clinically apparent PDA during first 72 hours of life.Conclusion- This study provides insights into the predictive utility of other ductal echo markers along with the routinely measured conventional ones during the first 72 hours of life in preterm VLBW newborns.
Spin-layer locking induced second-order nonlinear effect in centrosymmetric crystals
Authors: Zhao Yanchong , Du Luojun , Liang Jing , Bahramy Mohammad , Yang Mingwei , Guang Yao , Wei Zheng , Liao Mengzhou , Tang Jian , Zhao Jiaojiao , Shen Cheng , Li Xiaomei , Wang Qinqin , Yang Rong , Shi Dongxia , Liu Kaihui , Sun Zhipei , Zhang Guangyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
According to the generally accepted nonlinear principles, second-order nonlinear effect (SONE) is strongly inhibited by the crystalline symmetries and thus can manifest only in non-centrosymmetric materials with broken global spatial inversion symmetry. In stark contrast, here we report the observation of direct-current (DC) related SONE, including circular and linear photogalvanic effects, in centrosymmetric bilayer and multilayer MoS2. In conjunction with relativistic first-principles calculations, we uncover that the observed DC-related SONE in inversion-symmetric MoS2 results from the localized electronic states and the locking of spin with the layer and valley pseudospins. Our results provide a new insight into nonlinear physics and would be applicable to other phenomena thus far believed to occur only in non-centrosymmetric systems, such as quantum spin Hall effect, valley Hall effect, piezoelectricity and unconventional Ising superconductivity.
Dysfunction of EAAT3 Enhances LPS-induced Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Ma Yulong , Hou Aisheng , Song Yuxiang , Sui Xin , Liu Wengang , Liu Min , Wang Yongan , Cao Jiangbei , Mi Weidong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) function inhibition is related to several neurodegenerative diseases. Our previous studies also found that the EAAT3 function is intimately linked to learning and memory. In this study, we examined the role of EAAT3 in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and explored the potential benefit of riluzole against POCD. Methods: We measured EAAT3 protein expression in hippocampus of male mice at different ages. Next, we established a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV)-mediated shRNA to knockdown EAAT3 expression in the hippocampus of adult male mice. And then the mice received 2μg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intracerebroventricular microinjection to construct the POCD model. In addition, we intraperitoneally injected 4mg/kg of riluzole 2 days before LPS microinjection for consecutive 3 days in elderly male mice. Cognitive function was assessed using a Morris water maze 24h after LPS microinjection. Animal behavioral tests, as well as pathological and biochemical assays, were performed to clarify the role of EAAT3 function in POCD and evaluate the effect of activation of EAAT3 function by riluzole. Results: We found that the expression of EAAT3 was significantly decreased in old mice and EAAT3 knockdown in hippocampus aggravated LPS-induced learning and memory deficits in adult male mice. LPS significantly inhibited hippocampal EAAT3 membrane protein expression and GluA1 protein phosphorylation level in adult male mice. Moreover, riluzole pretreatment significantly increased hippocampal EAAT3 membrane protein expression and ameliorated LPS-induced cognitive impairment in old male mice. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the dysfunction of EAAT3 is an important risk factor for POCD susceptibility and riluzole may be a promising strategy for prevention and treating of POCD in the elderly people.
PROLIFERATE: An adaptable framework to evaluate participatory research products
Authors: Plaza Maria Alejandra Pinero de , Archibald Mandy , Lawless Michael , Ambagtsheer Rachel , Mudd Alexandra , McMillan Penelope , Kitson Alison 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Participatory research (PR) – the practice of involving stakeholders in research processes – is growing in prominence in health research because it can enhance the impact of research and the translation of research-based knowledge. Yet, the literature indicates that the products of PR studies are rarely evaluated empirically to track, demonstrate, and expand their claimed effectiveness and impact. This lack of measurement tools and frameworks can limit the effectiveness of knowledge translation (KT). Methods: We introduce a framework for evaluating the products of PR called PROLIFERATE. We use an inductive combination of formative and summative evaluation methods to pilot test the framework on a Frailty PR communication product (a video) to determine the methods’ functionality.Results: PROLIFERATE demonstrates adeptness for evaluating barriers and enablers of PR product uptake, effectiveness, and impact. It can identify ways to address barriers by assessing knowledge user perspectives on the comprehensibility of the product, emotional resonance, motivation to change, and future accessibility. Conclusions: PROLIFERATE can enable longitudinal and cross-sectional measurement of PR products in implementation and integrated KT efforts. It can evaluate and track the effectiveness and impact of different types of PR products in a situational responsive manner which compares users, platforms, and other factors in a replicable way.
Environmental Sustainability Framework for Plastic Waste Management - A Case Study in Bubble Tea Streets of Ss15, Subang Jaya
Authors: Lee Chie Jian , Chang Lam , Tan Jully 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Economic growth and rapid industrialisation have led to enormous increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) in the urban areas. Lack of waste management alternatives and ineffective waste policy implementation are the major challenges for government to materialise a sustainable solid waste management framework, especially for plastic waste. Booming bubble tea industry has aggravated the situation by generating more plastic waste which are either non-recyclable or rejected by recycling facilities as they have low or no economic values. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the overall environmental performance of existing and alternative waste management technologies that are available in Malaysia based on net greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of plastic waste that are analysed through life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Waste management technology with better environmental performance is taken into account in environmental sustainability framework development for plastic waste management based on the case study in Bubble Tea Streets of Subang Jaya. Two scenarios of waste management technologies are considered: (A) sanitary landfill; (B) waste to energy (WTE) incineration. Results showed that Scenario B (WTE incineration) is more environmentally preferable as it has a negative net GHG emission of -573.80 kg CO2-eq as compared to GHG emission of existing sanitary landfill (566.15 kg CO2-eq.). Negative net GHG emission in WTE incineration is mainly due to higher GHG saving achieved through cleaner electricity generation as compared to conventional power production. This proposed alternative technology has the potential to reduce the dependence on landfills and is served as the basis of framework development. The environmental sustainability framework for plastic waste management can be baseline for the local authorities or policy makers for other plastic waste generation hotspots other than bubble tea industry to improve plastic waste management via WTE incineration.
A plug-and-play, scalable control method for AC island microgrid
Authors: Feng Yiwei , Wang Xin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a scalable, plug-and-play (PnP) and system-stable synthesis control method is proposed for the AC island microgrid consisting of a distributed generator unit (DGU) and loads connected by power lines. The proposed method only requires a limited global parameter design controller, so the design process of the controller is decentralized, so that the addition and removal of DGU only need to adjust the controller of the DGU with its physical connection, without affecting the overall stability of the microgrid. In addition, we used the Lyapunov method to proved the stability of the close-loop system. Finally, the simulation verification was carried out with the MATLAB/Simulink and specific cases.
Characterizing the Deep Pumping-induced Subsidence Against Metro Tunnel Using Vertically Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing
Authors: Xin Yunxiao , Li Xiaozhao , Zhang Wei , Wang Qi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Continuous pumping of groundwater will induce uneven ground settlement, which may adversely affect the nearby metro tunnels. In this paper, taking Nantong Metro Line 1 crossing Nantong Port Water Plant as an example, the surface level measurement and subsurface deformation monitoring using vertically distributed fiber-optic sensing are implemented to acquire the surface and subsurface settlement of emergency water supply conditions. The fiber optic cable vertically buried in the constant-temperature layer is used to measure the subsurface strain field and deduce the deformation amount of each stratum. The monitoring results show that, during the pumping, the deformation of the aquifer and ground surface is linearly compressed with time; after the pumping, the ground surface continues to settle linearly at a slower rate for about 50 days, followed by a slow linear rebound, and the aquifer is logarithmically rebounded. In addition, deep pumping causes the deformation of the aquifers to be much greater than the surface settlement; the surface settlement lags behind the settlement of the aquifer by 1 to 2 months; the surface rebound recovery also exhibits a similar delay. Fitting models were derived to predict the maximum settlement and curvature radius of the site, which indicates that the adverse effects against the metro tunnel are not negligible once the continuous pumping exceeds 15 days. Those insights can be referred by the practitioners for the control of urban subsidence.
Tibetan Birds Lay Larger Eggs at the Cost of Egg Number
Authors: Guo Yangyang , Lu Xin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Life history theory predicts that when breeding in harsh environments, selection favors organisms to allocate more energy into fewer offspring at the expense of offspring number. However, it is unclear whether such a trade-off remains evident in the presence of parental care, which might compromise the maternal investment to offspring quality. We address this question using a comparative approach for phylogenetically-paired passerines breeding in the Tibet Plateau vs. adjacent lowlands, the two systems that sharply differ in environmental hardness. While total biomass of eggs within a clutch became lighter towards Tibet, clutch size decreased and egg size increased. Tibetan birds were more time-constrained in breeding duration but had longer incubation and nestling periods than their lowland counterparts. Despite so, nestlings reared in Tibet were of similar body mass at fledging to those reared in lowlands. Therefore, more investment in fewer eggs as well as in incubation and provisioning young suggests that Tibetan birds are making the best of a bad job to ensure offspring survival under the hard conditions. This research supports a role of adaptive reproductive allocation by animals with parental care in the evolution of life history strategy along elevational gradients.
On Generalized Fractional Dynamical System With Order Lying in (0, 2): Stability Analysis, Chaotic Behaviour, Control and Synchronization
Authors: Abed-Elhameed Tarek , Aboelenen Tarek 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The generalized fractional dynamical system with order lying in (0, 2) is investigated. We present the stability analysis of that system using Mittag-Leffler function, the Gronwall-Bellman Lemma and Laplace transform. The bifurcation diagram of generalized fractional-order Chen system is given. We investigate a theorem to control the chaotic generalized fractional-order systems by linear feedback control. Two examples to achieve the theorem of control are given. The synchronization between two different chaotic generalized fractional systems is presented. We give a theorem to calculate the control functions which achieve synchronization. This theorem is applied to achieve the synchronization between different generalized fractional-order systems with order lying in (0, 1]. And, also, used to achieve the synchronization between the identical generalized fractional-order L\"{u} systems with order lying in [1, 2). There exist an agreement among analytical results and numerical treatments for stability, control and synchronization theorems.
Conflict or Coordination? The Interactions between Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Evidence from China
Authors: jiang huiqin , Chen Miao-miao , Li Yixuan , Shao Xinxiao , Bao Jianqiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
As two important strategies to reduce adverse climate effects, mitigation and adaptation actions can interact, resulting in synergies or trade-offs. Using data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2008 to 2017, this study employs a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model to study the interactive relationships between mitigation and adaptation. Moreover, based on the coupling coordination model, this paper investigates the coordination degree of mitigation and adaptation in China. The results show that 1) there is Granger causality between mitigation and adaptation, and the positive impact of mitigation on adaptation is greater than the negative impact of adaptation on mitigation. Therefore, an integrated approach that considers these interactions can help enhance synergy and create a win-win situation. 2) The dynamic relationship between mitigation and adaptation in China has reached a barely balanced stage, and there are large regional differences. 3) Compared with the mitigation evaluation value, the adaptation evaluation value has a more positive effect on promoting an increase in the coordination degree. These findings can contribute to the formulation of effective regional sustainable development strategies.
Cumulative Plastic Deformation Characteristics of Saturated Silty Sand under Variable Frequency Cyclic Loading of Subway Entrance/Exit
Authors: Li Zeyao , Zhou Jie , Tian Wanjun , Tang Yiqun , Pei Wansheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The acceleration and deceleration movement of the subway near the subway station have a certain impact on the foundation soil. After the samples have been reconstituted in an inclined slope using sand rain method, undrained dynamic cyclic triaxial experiments were designed under specific variable frequency loading condition according to on-site monitoring data and theoretical calculation results. Effects of subway entrance/exit distance, subway entrance/exit acceleration, vibration amplitude, effective confining pressure on the cumulative deformation characteristics of Nanjing saturated silty sand were explored under experimental program. The results show that the cumulative plastic strain development of the Nanjing silty sand under the variable frequency cyclic loading of subway entrance/ exit can be roughly divided into three stages: explosive growth, rapid growth and gradual stability. The increase of the distance from the subway station can reduce the vibration cycles of subway entrance/exit loading to enter the gradual stabilization phase; it can also lower the shear deformation and increase the vertical deformation. Greater the vibration amplitude or lower the effective confining pressure can also have the same effect on soil deformation characteristics. Instead, greater the subway entrance/ exit acceleration, smaller the vertical deformation and larger the shear deformation. For practical engineering, the initial stage of subway line in operation is the focus of engineering geological disaster prevention. The settlement deformation of the soil in subway entrance interval, the horizontal displacement of the soil in subway exit interval are more serious. The soil closer to subway station is more prone to deformation hazard