bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cyclical and asymmetrical impact of green and sustainable technology research (GSTR) on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in BRICS economies: Role of renewable energy consumption, foreign direct investment, and exports
Authors: Khattak Shoukat Iqbal , Ahmad Manzoor , Khan Shehzad , Li Hui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Environmental degradation is harming the sustainable development of all societies by reducing the availability of resources for development. And environmental pollution is largely due to the use of fossil fuels, like natural gas, petroleum, coal, heavy oil, bitumen, and oil shales. According to many researchers and environmentalists, clean technologies have been considered an effective method to deal with environmental pollution. Thus, governments and enterprises have invested a significant amount in green research and development expenditures for green and sustainable research to improve clean technologies. However, cyclical fluctuations (increasing in the boom period and declining in the recession) could badly affect the research and development expenditures and green and sustainable research. Moreover, the pro-cyclicality in green and sustainable technology research may have a non-linear effect on environmental sustainability. However, there are no empirical studies on the non-linear link between green and sustainable technology research and environmental sustainability. This paper explored the asymmetrical relationships between green and sustainable technology research and environmental sustainability among the BRICS states, along with foreign direct investment, renewable energy use, and exports as control variables. The data was analyzed by second and third-generation economic techniques such as Slope Heterogeneity and Cross-Section Independence Test, Unit Root Test, structural break unit root test, Panel Cointegration with Structural Breaks cointegration tests, CS-ARDL, AMG, FMOLS, and Dumitrescu-Hurlin Panel Causality test. The results showed that positive shocks to green and sustainable technology research and renewable energy consumption are proper to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions (short- and long-run). Meanwhile, negative shocks to green and sustainable technology research, gross domestic product, foreign direct investment, and exports increase carbon dioxide emissions.
Phosphorus requirement for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal “Zero Hunger”
Authors: Langhans Christoph , Beusen Arthur , Mogollón José , Bouwman Alexander 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for life. In many tropical countries, P-fixing soils and very low historical P input limit uptake of P in crops and thus yields. This presents a serious obstacle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 2.3 of doubling productivity in smallholder farms. We calculated the geographic distribution of actual over potential P uptake (P limitation) and the P input required to achieve this SDG target in 2030 following the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP2) scenario for five world regions where smallholder farms dominate. To achieve target 2.3, these regions require 39 % more P application (126 Tg). While P limitation is most widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is the only region on path to achieving the doubling of productivity (increase by a factor of 1.8). Achieving the target requires a strong increase in P input, while protecting soils and waterways from excessive P runoff.
Qualitative Analysis of Interviews with Patients on Facilitators and Barriers to Reducing Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Andrews Courtney , Childers Timothy C. , Wiseman Kimberly D. , Lawhon Valerie , Ingram Stacey , Smith Mary Lou , Wolff Antonio C. , Wagner Lynne , Roque Gabrielle 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background As the combination of systemic and targeted chemotherapies is associated with severe adverse side effects and long-term health complications, there is interest in reducing treatment intensity for patients with early stage breast cancer (EBC). Clinical trials are needed to determine if it is feasible to reduce treatment intensity while maintaining 3-year recurrence-free survival of greater than 92%. In order to recruit patients for de-implementation trials, it is important to understand patient perspectives on barriers and facilitators to reducing treatment intensity. Methods We collected qualitative interview data from patients with Stage II-III breast cancer (N=24) and patient advocates (N=16). Interviews explored interest in de-implementation trial participation and identified potential barriers and facilitators to participation. 17 participants were asked about the potential impact of COVID-19 on de-implementation efforts. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and researchers used qualitative content analysis (NVIVO and Atlas.ti) to code for dominant themes. Results 17 participants (42.5%) expressed interest in participating in a trial of reduced chemotherapy. Barriers to reducing chemotherapy included (1) fear of recurrence and inefficacy, (2) preference for aggressive treatment, (3) disinterest in clinical trials, (4) lack of information about expected outcomes, (5) fear of regret, and (6) having young children. Facilitators included (1) avoiding physical toxicity, (2) understanding the scientific rationale of reducing chemotherapy, (3) confidence in providers, (4) consistent monitoring and the option to increase dosage, (5) fewer financial and logistical challenges, and (6) contributing to scientific knowledge. Of those asked, nearly all participants said they would be more motivated to reduce treatment intensity in the context of Covid-19, primarily in order to avoid exposure to the virus while receiving treatment. Conclusions We recommend framing de-implementation strategies and recruitment to trials in terms of customizing treatment to the individual patient and added benefit—reduced toxicities, higher quality of life during treatment and lower risk of long-term complications—rather than in terms of taking treatments away or doing less than the standard of care. Doctor-patient rapport and provider support will be crucial in this process.
WITHDRAWN: THBS4/Integrin α2 axis mediates BM-MSCs promote angiogenesis of gastric cancer associated with chronic Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: He LingNan , Wang WeiJun , Shi HuiYing , Jiang Chen , Yao HaiLing , Zhang YuRui , Qian Wei , Lin Rong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBM-MSCs contribute to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric cancer, but its mechanism is still unclear. The aim of our study is to investigate the specific role and mechanism of BM-MSCs in H. pylori-induced gastric cancer.Main methodsMice were received total bone marrow transplantations and then infected with H. pylori. BM-MSCs were extracted and transplanted to gastric serosal layer of mice infected with H. pylori chronically. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry staining and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the tumor growth and angiogenesis in mice stomach tissues. Chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, xenograft tumor model, and Human umbilical vein endothelial cells tube formation assay were used for in vivo and in vitro angiogenesis study. THBS4 was screened out from RNA-SEQ Analysis with gastric tissues of BM-MSCs transplantation into H. pylori infected mice.ResultsBM-MSCs can migrate to the site of chronic mucosal injury and promote tumor angiogenesis associated with chronic H. pylori infection. Migration of BM-MSCs to the site of chronic mucosal injury induced the up-regulation of THBS4, which was evident also in human gastric cancer, and correlated with more blood vessel formation and worse outcome. THBS4/Integrin α2 axis exhibited promoting angiogenesis by facilitating PI3K/AKT pathway in endothelial cells.ConclusionsOur results discover that BM-MSCs have a new pro-angiogenic effect in chronic H. pylori infection microenvironment, primarily through THBS4/Integrin α2 axis, which activated PI3K/AKT pathway in endothelial cells and eventually induced formation of new tumor vessels.
Investigation of Pollutants Formation in a Diesel Engine Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Syed Khalid Saifullah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The current study aims to explore the combustion process in a diesel engine and investigate the behavior of pollutant formation at different time events and different locations in the combustion chamber. The time event for maximum rate of production of pollutant soot is also investigated. Further, time events are investigate at which almost all the amounts of pollutants soot and nitric oxide have been produced. The combustion simulation is performed on a 3D sector. Finite volume method is used for numerically solving the partial differential equations that govern the flow along with Transition SST turbulence model. Eddy dissipation model is used for turbulence chemistry interaction. For soot calculation, Moss-Brookes model is used which has less empiricism and theoretically provides superior accuracy.
Bacteriological Concentration of Peritoneal Drainage Fluid Could Make an Early Diagnosis of Anastomotic Leakage Following Rectal Resection
Authors: Ge Wei , Gong Hai-yan , Xia Yong-quan , Shao Li-hua , Shen Han , Chen Gang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate that the bacteriological concentration and pH value in peritoneal drainage fluid might serve as indicators of early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage following rectal resection.Methods: We prospectively analyzed consecutive patients who were treated for rectal diseases with anastomotic stoma at the department of general surgery, the affiliated hospital of Nanjing University Medical School between August 2018 and December 2020. The bacteriological concentration and the pH levels in peritoneal drainage fluid were tested on the first, fourth, seventh days postoperatively.Results: A total of 300 consecutive patients underwent rectal resection were tested. 21 patients present with AL and the overall AL rate was 7%. The bacteriological concentration in peritoneal drainage fluid of AL group was significantly higher than that in non-AL group. The AUC value was 0.98 according to the ROC curve. The best cut-off value was 1143/uL and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 93.19% respectively. There was no difference of pH value between the AL and non-AL groups. Conclusion: According the results of present study, a high bacteriological concentration in peritoneal drainage fluid is a good marker for predicting and diagnosing AL following rectal resection. The best cut-off value is1143/uL and the sensitivity and specificity are 100% and 93.19% respectively.
An Approach to stimulate the sustainability of Eco-industrial Park using a coupled emergy and system dynamics
Authors: Zhao Yu , Yu Miao , Xiang Yinghui , Chang Chunguang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we study the emergy evaluation index system of the sustainable development of Shenyang Economic and Technological Development Zone (SETDZ) by system dynamics model, and employ the simulation of dynamic evaluation analysis. By the simulation of system dynamics model, four SETDZ’s development scenarios are designed, including inertia scenario, economic scenario, environmental protection scenario and science and technology scenario, and the sustainable development status of each scenario is simulated and dynamically evaluated. The results show that under the background of coordinated development of economy and environment, science and technology scenario based on high-tech investment is the most dynamic, and it also is the best development strategy of SETDZ. Furthermore, SETDZ could achieve the coordinated development of economy and environment by reasonable layout of industrial enterprises, integration of public resources, effective utilization and disposal of waste, establishment of enterprise symbiosis system, development of cleaner production and other measures.
Mechanism of Nitrite Transporter NirC&nbsp;in Motility, Biofilm Formation, and Adhesion of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Zhang Dong , Lian Siqi , Gu Xuanqiang , Hou Qianxi , Xia Pengpeng , Zhu Guoqiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The Escherichia coli (E. coli) nirC gene encodes a nitrite transporter, which involved in transporting toxic nitrite (NO2-) from the environment into the bacteria. Although the deletion of nirC gene could cause changes in motility, adhesion in the previous study, and the virulence involved in the specified mechanism for pathogenic E. coli remains to be known. In the present work, we aimed to evaluate the role of NirC in a serotype O2:K1:H7 avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strain. For this purpose, we generated a NirC-deficient mutant of APEC XM strain and examined its biological characteristics. The nirC gene deletion mutant enhanced ability of motility, decreased in biofilm formation, and it markedly reduced ability to adhere mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell b.End3 cells. For understanding its mechanism, sequentially we detected and found the stress regulator rpoS and its downstream genes csrA were up-regulated in NirC-deficient mutant while diguanylate cyclase gene dgcT was down-regulated. By high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) experiment, we demonstrated the concentration of intracellular 3',5'-cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) significantly decrease in nirC gene deletion mutant. Taken data together, we may make a conclusion with a possible signal pathway clue, due to NirC mutation, environmental NO2- accumulation leads to nitrite stress and inactivates c-di-GMP synthesis by stimulating the stress regulator RpoS, resulting in changes of biological characteristics.
Craniofacial Syndrome Identification Using Convolutional Mesh Autoencoders
Authors: Lande Lara S. van de , O'Sullivan Eimear , Papaioannou Athanasios , Breakey Richard W. , Jeelani N. Owase , Ponniah Allan , Duncan Christian , Schievano Silvia , Khonsari Roman H. , Zafeiriou Stefanos , Dunaway David J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Clinical diagnosis of craniofacial anomalies requires expert knowledge. Recent studies have shown that artificial intelligence (AI) based facial analysis can match the diagnostic capabilities of expert clinicians in syndrome identification. In general, these systems use 2D images and analyse texture and colour. They are powerful tools for photographic analysis but are not suitable for use with medical imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI or CT, and are unable to take shape information into consideration when making a diagnostic prediction. 3D morphable models (3DMMs), and their recently proposed successors, mesh autoencoders, analyse surface topography rather than texture enabling analysis from photography and all common medical imaging modalities and present an alternative to image-based analysis.We present a craniofacial analysis framework for syndrome identification using Convolutional Mesh Autoencoders (CMAs). The models were trained using 3D photographs of the general population (LSFM and LYHM), computed tomography data (CT) scans from healthy infants and patients with 3 genetically distinct craniofacial syndromes (Muenke, Crouzon, Apert).Machine diagnosis outperformed expert clinical diagnosis with an accuracy of 99.98%, sensitivity of 99.95% and specificity of 100%. The diagnostic precision of this technique supports its potential inclusion in clinical decision support systems. Its reliance on 3D topography characterisation make it suitable for AI assisted diagnosis in medical imaging as well as photographic analysis in the clinical setting.
Knowledge translation strategies for sharing evidence-based health information with older adults and their caregivers: Findings from a co-design study
Authors: Lokker Cynthia , Ganann Rebecca , Gentles Stephen J. , Jezrawi Rita , Tahir Irtaza , Okelana Opeyemi , Yousif Claudia , Iorio Alfonso , Valaitis Ruta 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background By understanding the information seeking behaviors of older adults, we can better develop or iterate effective information technologies, such as the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, that provide evidence-based health information to the public. This paper reports health-related information seeking and searching behaviours and provides strategies for effective knowledge translation (KT) to increase awareness and use of reliable health information.Methods We conducted a qualitative study with eighteen older adults using a design-thinking approach whereby participants created personas and scenarios describing older adults seeking health information. Scenarios were analyzed using a two-phase inductive qualitative approach, with the personas as context. From the findings related to pathways of engaging with health information, we identified targeted KT strategies to raise awareness and uptake of evidence-based information resources.Results Twelve women and six men, 60 to 81 years of age, participated. In pairs, they created twelve personas that captured rural and urban, male and female, and immigrant perspectives. Some scenarios described older adults who did not engage directly with technology, but rather accessed information indirectly through other sources or preferred nondigital modes of delivery. Two major themes regarding KT considerations were identified: connecting to information via other people and personal venues (people included healthcare professionals, librarians, and personal networks; personal venues included clinics, libraries, pharmacies, and community gatherings); and health information delivery formats, (e.g., printed and multimedia formats for web-based resources). For each theme, and any identified subthemes, corresponding sets of suggested KT strategies are presented.Conclusion Our findings underline the importance of people, venues, and formats in the actions of older adults seeking trusted health information and highlight the need for enhanced KT strategies to share information across personal and professional networks of older adults. KT strategies that could be employed by organizations or communities sharing evidence-based, reliable health information include combinations of educational outreach and materials, decision support tools, small group sessions, publicity campaigns, champions/opinion leaders, and conferences.
Age of the oldest Homo sapiens from eastern Africa
Authors: Vidal Céline , Lane Christine , Asrat Asfawossen , Barfod Dan , Tomlinson Emma , Tadesse Amdemichael Zafu , Yirgu Gezahegn , Deino Alan , Hutchison William , Mounier Aurélien , Oppenheimer Clive 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Efforts to date the oldest modern human fossils in East Africa, from Omo-Kibish and Herto in Ethiopia, have drawn on a variety of chronometric evidence, including 40Ar/39Ar ages of stratigraphically-associated tuffs. The generally-accepted ages for these fossils are ca. 196 thousand years (ka) for the Kibish Omo I and ca. 160-155 ka for the Herto hominins. However, stratigraphic relationships and tephra correlations that underpin these estimates have been challenged. Here, we report new geochemical analyses that link the Kamoya Hominin Site (KHS) Tuff, which conclusively overlies the Kibish Formation member containing Omo I, with a major explosive eruption of Shala volcano in the Main Ethiopian Rift. By dating the proximal deposits of this eruption, we obtain a new minimum age for the Omo fossils of 212±16 ka. Contrary to previous arguments, we also show that the KHS Tuff does not correlate with another widespread tephra layer, the Wadaido Vitric Tuff (WAVT), and therefore cannot anchor a minimum age for the Herto fossils. Shifting the age of the oldest known Homo sapiens fossils in eastern Africa to before ~200 ka is consistent with several independent lines of evidence for greater antiquity to the modern human lineage.
Characterization of Interannual and Seasonal Variability of Hydro-Climatic Trends in the Upper Indus Basin
Authors: Liaqat Muhammad Usman , Grossi Giovanna , Hasson Shabeh ul , Ranzi Roberto 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A high resolution seasonal and annual precipitation climatology of the Upper Indus Basin was developed, based on 1995-2017 precipitation normals obtained from four different gridded datasets (Aphrodite, CHIRPS, PERSIANN-CDR and ERA5) and quality-controlled high and mid elevation ground observations. Monthly precipitation values were estimated through the anomaly method at the catchment scale and compared with runoff data (1975-2017) for verification and detection of changes in the hydrological cycle. The gridded dataset is then analysed using running trends and spectral analysis and the Mann–Kendall test was employed to detect significant trends. The nonparametric Pettitt test was also used to identify the change point in precipitation and runoff time series. The results indicated that bias corrected CHIRPS precipitation dataset, followed by ERA5, performed better in terms of RMSE, MAE, MAPE and BIAS in simulating rain gauge-observed precipitation. The running trend analysis of annual precipitation exhibited a very slight increase whereas a more significant increase was found in the winter season (DJF). A runoff coefficient value greater than one, especially in glacierized catchments (Shigar, Shyok and Gilgit) indicate that precipitation was likely underestimated and glacial melt in a warming climate provides excess runoff volumes. As far as the streamflow is concerned, variabilities are more pronounced at the seasonal rather than at the annual scale. At the annual scale, trend analysis of discharge shows slightly significant increasing trend for the Indus River at the downstream Kachura, Shyok and Gilgit stations. Seasonal flow analysis reveals more complex regimes and its comparison with the variability of precipitation favours a deeper understanding of precipitation, snow- and ice-melt runoff dynamics, addressing the hydroclimatic behaviour of the Karakoram region.
Synthesis and Characterizations of Doped Barium Zirconate – Alkali Carbonate Composite Electrolytes
Authors: Taillades Gilles , Hachemi Ismahan , Marrony Mathieu , Dailly Julian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Composite materials based on yttrium-doped zirconate (BaZr0.9Y0.1 O2.95, BZY) and eutectic compositions of alkali carbonates (Li2CO3, Na2CO3 and K2CO3) are investigated. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. This study evidences that the combination of BZY with carbonate promotes the densification and enhances the ionic conductivity which reaches 87 mS.cm-1 at 400°C for the BZY – LNK40 composite. In addition, the increase of the conductivity as a function of pH2 suggests that protons are the main charge carriers. The obtained results are interpreted by the transfer of protons from the ceramic to the carbonate phase in the interfacial region.