bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling policy pathways to maximize renewable energy growth and investment in Democratic Republic of the Congo using OSeMOSYS
Authors: Dalder Jacob , Oluleye Gbemi , Yeganyan Rudolf , Tan Naomi , Cannone Carla , Howells Mark 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Keeping global warming from evolving into irreversible climate disaster requires immediate and sustained decarbonization of global energy systems. Of urgent priority are the energy systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where billions of people are projected to gain energy access in the next several decades. Therefore, leapfrogging traditional fossil fuel-based electricity production in favor of renewable energy technologies is a critical issue area for sustainability. Political and economic challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) mean $44B in external investment is required to achieve its 2030 emissions reduction targets. Additionally, renewable energy technologies (RETs) are often more expensive.
This study sought to generate, evaluate, and recommend possible national policies for the DRC government to implement to most effectively boost growth and investment in RETs through 2065. Market-based instruments were identified as the policy type most practical for DRC. Modeling the resulting energy systems for policy pathways involving a 16% RET subsidy, a 70% fossil fuel tax, and both in combination relative to no-policy baseline scenarios, the scenarios including the tax had the lowest net costs ($304-306B) and the highest proportion of RETs (above 90%). Additionally, despite current reliance on hydropower to fulfill 98% of its energy needs, hydropower plays a very minor role in all modeled scenarios (no future investment beyond residual capacity). Finally, a post-modeling market potential assessment was performed on the technology that dominated off-grid supply across policy pathways: the 0.3 kW small solar home system (SHS). Based on learning rates for solar PV, demand for the small SHS system in DRC (>160 million units in total) was found to be sufficient to substantially reduce the unit cost as deployment scales.
Putting results into context, emissions reductions for the policy pathways were higher than a past study focused on distributed RETs in DRC, and system costs were 15% higher than estimated in other analysis. These results provide a novel contribution to the literature by demonstrating how financial incentive policies can influence RET uptake in DRC specifically. Ultimately, this study yielded four policy recommendations for the DRC government:
1. Pursue financial incentives to catalyze DRC’s renewable energy supply
2. Tax fossil fuel energy production
3. Re-evaluate focus on hydropower
4. Promote DRC as a healthy market for solar home systems
Stabilizing ruthenium dioxide with cation-anchored sulfate for durable oxygen evolution in PEMWE
Authors: Xue Yanrong , Zhao Jiwu , Huang Liang , Lu Ying Rui , Malek Abdul , Gao Ge , Zhuang Zhongbin , Wang Dingsheng , Lu Xu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) is considered as the most promising alternative to the prevailing but expensive iridium (Ir)-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). However, the stability of RuO2 in PEMWEs has remained poor due to the over-oxidation of under-coordinated lattice oxygen (O) and the consequent formation of O vacancies (Vo) at high oxidation potentials under acidic corrosive conditions. Here, we propose an oxyacid anion protection mechanism to prevent the formation of Vo on the RuO2 surface by forming coordination-saturated lattice O. Combining density functional theory calculations, electrochemical measurements, and a suite of operando spectroscopies, we showcase that barium (Ba)-anchored sulfate can greatly impede Ru loss and extend the lifetime of Ru-based catalysts during acidic OER while maintaining the activity. The as-prepared Ba0.3(SO4)δW0.2Ru0.5O2−δ, when integrated into a PEMWE using 0.5 M H2SO4 as the electrolyte, can be stably operated for > 300 h at 500 mA cm−2. This work paves a new way for designing stable and active OER catalysts toward acidic water splitting.
Stroke Pathway performance and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in a first level Stroke Unit in Northen Italy: an observational study
Authors: Camporesi Jacopo , Strumia Silvia , Pilla Andrea Di , Paolucci Matteo , Orsini Diego , Assorgi Chiara , Cacciuttolo Maria Gabriella , Specchia Maria Lucia 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background and Aim
Performance assessment of the Stroke Pathway is a key element in healthcare quality. The aim of this study has been to carry out a retrospective assessment of the Stroke Pathway in a first level Stroke Unit in Italy, analyzing the temporal trend of the Stroke Pathway performance and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was carried out analyzing data from 1/01/2010 to 31/12/2020. The following parameters were considered: volume and characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis, baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, Onset-to-Door (OTD), Door-To-Imaging (DTI) and Door-To-Needle (DTN) Times, mRS score 3 months after the ischemic event onset (3m-mRS) and NIHSS score 24 hours after the ischemic event onset (24h-NIHSS). The study also compared the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (March-December 2019) with the one immediately following it (March-December 2020).
Results
418 patients were included. Over time, treatment was extended to older patients (mean age from 66.3 to 75.51 years; p = 0.006) and with a higher level of baseline disability (baseline mRS score from 0.22 to 1.22; p = 0.000). A statistically significant reduction over the years was found for DTN, going from 90 minutes to 61 minutes (p = 0.000) with also an increase in the number of thrombolysis performed within the “golden hour” – more than 50% in 2019 and more of 60% in 2020. Comparing pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic periods, the number of patients remained almost unchanged, but with a significantly higher baseline disability (mRS = 1.18 vs 0.72, p = 0.048). The pre-hospital process indicator OTD increased from 88.13 to 118.48 minutes, although without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.197). Despite the difficulties for hospitals due to pandemic, the hospital process indicators DTI and DTN remained substantially unchanged, as well as the clinical outcome indicators 3m-mRS, NHISS and 24h-NHISS.
Conclusions
The results of the retrospective assessment of the Stroke Pathway highlighted its positive impact both on hospital processes and patients’ outcomes, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that the current performance is aligning itself with international goals. Moreover, the analysis showed the need of improvement actions for both hospital and pre-hospital phases. The Stroke Pathway should be improved with the thrombolysis starting in the diagnostic imaging department in order to further reduce the DTN score. Moreover, health education initiatives involving all the stakeholders should be promoted, also by using social media, to increase population awareness on timely recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and emergence medical services usage.
Clinical analysis of 7 cases of cryptogenic new-onset refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Diao Haiyan , Wang Yanhong , QU Haixia , Ren Gang , Wang Zhijun , Wang Hailong , Pang Qian , Xiang Naibing 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
There are relatively few studies related to new-onset refractory status epilepticus(NORSE), in which patients with cryptogenic NORSE have more frequent and longer duration seizures than patients with a clear etiology, are more likely to develop drug-refractory epilepsy and have a more likely prognosis of severe cognitive impairment. We have conducted a series of case studies to investigate the treatment options and prognosis of NORSE.
Methods
Seven adult patients with cryptogenic NORSE who were treated at the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June 2016 to April 2022 were reviewed. We collected basic information and clinical data of the study subjects, including demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and imaging data, medication use, and prognostic regression; the prognosis was assessed by a modified Rankin Scale score (MRS).
Results
The median age of the 7 patients with cryptogenic NORSE was 32 years (interquartile range 25.00–39.00), and 4 patients(57.1%) were male. 6 patients(85.7%) had a history of prodromal fever; 2 (28.6%) patients received high-dose propofol and midazolam and 5 (71.4%) patients received high-dose phenobarbital, of which 4 patients(57.1%) were treated with a ketogenic diet KD. The overall mortality rate was 28.6% (2/7), with 2 patients dying during hospitalization (both treated with high-dose propofol and midazolam). Of all surviving patients at discharge, 3 patients(60%) had an mRS score of 2, and 2 patients (40%) had an mRS score of 4. In the 3-month post-discharge follow-up data, all surviving patients had an mRS score of 2.
Conclusion
In a retrospective description of our cohort high-dose phenobarbital and a ketogenic diet were found to be probably safe and effective in the treatment of cryptogenic NORSE.
Microgrid TestBed for Temporal Forecasting by Converting Stochastic Behaviour into a Stable Pattern
Authors: Qashou Akram , Yousef Sufian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The malfunction variables of power stations are related to the areas of weather, physical structure, control, and load behavior. To predict temporal power failure is difficult due to their unpredictable characteristics. As high accuracy is normally required, the estimation of failures of short-term temporal prediction is highly difficult. This study presents a method for converting stochastic behavior into a stable pattern, which can subsequently be used in a short-term estimator. For this conversion, K-means clustering is employed, followed by Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) algorithms are used to perform the Short-term estimation. The environment, the operation, and the generated signal factors are all simulated using mathematical models. Weather parameters and load samples have been collected as part of a dataset. Monte-Carlo simulation using MATLAB programming has been used to conduct experimental estimation of failures. The estimated failures of the experiment are then compared with the actual system temporal failures and found to be in good match. Therefore, for any future power grid there is a ready testbed to estimate the future failures.
Impact of SGLT-2 inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal outcomes according to baseline renal function A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mavrakanas Thomas A. , Tsoukas Michael A. , Brophy James M. , Sharma Abhinav , Gariani Karim 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction
The effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal outcomes has not been systematically reviewed across baseline kidney function groups. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) with SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with and without CKD.
Methods
We performed a PubMed/Medline search of randomized, placebo-controlled, event-driven outcome trials of SGLT-2 inhibitors versus active or placebo control in patients with and without diabetes from inception to November 2022. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (PROSPERO registration CRD4202016054). The primary outcome was cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization for heart failure, major adverse cardiovascular events, CKD progression, all-cause mortality, treatment discontinuation, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The relative risk (RR) was estimated using a random-effects model.
Results
Twelve RCTs were included in this meta-analysis (89191 patients, including 38949 with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2). Use of an SGLT-2 inhibitor in patients with CKD was associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular death (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.79–0.95) and of heart failure (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.61–0.75), compared with placebo. Heart failure risk reduction with SGLT-2 inhibitors was larger among patients with CKD compared with patients without CKD (RR for the interaction 0.87, 95% CI 0.75–1.02, and p-value for interaction 0.08). SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with a lower incidence of CKD progression among patients with pre-existing CKD: RR 0.77 (95% CI 0.68–0.88), compared with placebo. Among patients with CKD, a lower risk of AKI (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.72–0.93) and treatment discontinuation was seen with SGLT-2 inhibitors compared with placebo.
Conclusion
SGLT-2 inhibitors offer substantial protection against cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with CKD. These results strongly advocate in favor of using them in patients with CKD and keeping them as kidney function declines.
Photocatalysis-PMS oxidation system based on CQDs-doped carbon nitride nanosheets for degradation of residual drugs in water
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Bai Yibo , Han Che , Li Zaimei , Lun Xiaowen , Zhang Conglu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A novel CQDs-doped carbon nitride nanosheets composite (CNS/CQDs) for visible light-induced activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for meloxicam (Mel) and tetracycline (TC) degradation was studied. The photocatalytic degradation of Mel and TC were remarkably promoted by CNS/CQDs under the simultaneous action of PMS and visible light irradiation. Mel photodegradation of 99.60% was achieved over 30 min with 20 mg CNS/CQDs and 20 mg PMS at pH11. And TC photodegradation of 95.97% was achieved over 45 min with 20 mg CNS/CQDs and 20 mg PMS at nature pH. The TOC mineralization rates of Mel and TC were 75.49% and 52.00%, respectively. The enhanced photodegradation of organic pollutants could be ascribed to be the efficient activation of PMS and the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes of CNS/CQDs. Capture experiments and EPR tests showed that in the CNS/CQDs + PMS + vis system, the effective active substances for Mel were mainly ·O2-, ·SO4- and h+, while the main active substances for TC were ·O2-, h+, and ·SO4-. This study provides valid residual drugs degradation under the dual conditions of visible light catalytic oxidation and persulfate oxidation, which will be a novel perspective for advanced oxidation technology to effectively remove organic pollutants from water.
IGF-1-mediated FOXC1 overexpression induces stem-like properties through upregulating CBX7 and IGF-1R in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: WU HAO , Li Zhaoxing , Zhang Zehua , Fang Kang , Chu Yuan , Zhao Ziying , Sun Mingchuang , Feng Anqi , Leng Zhuyun , Zhang Li , Chen Tao , Xu Meidong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Many evidences confirm that CSC plays an important role in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. As a member of the forkhead frame(FOX)family, FOXC1 plays a significant role in embryonic development and organogenesis. In addition, FOXC1 has been shown to be overexpressed as a transcription factor in a variety of tumors, promoting the proliferation, migration ability, drug resistance, and maintaining stem-cell like properties. However, there are few studies on its role in ESCC. We found that FOXC1 expression was upregulated in ESCC and correlated with poor prognosis. Downregulation of FOXC1 inhibited ESCC tumorigenesis, proliferative ability, and tolerance to chemotherapeutic agents, while reducing the expression of stemness-related markers CD44 and CD133. Further studies verified that FOXC1 induced ESCC stemness by transactivating of CBX7 and IGF-1R. In addition, IGF-1 activated PI3K/AKT/NF-κB and MEK/ERK/NF-κB pathways by binding to IGF-1R which increased FOXC1 expression. Conversely, suppressing FOXC1 impeded the ESCC stemness induced by IGF-1. A positive feedback loop of IGF-1-FOXC1-IGF-1R is present, which suggests that FOXC1 could serve as a prognostic biomarker for ESCC. Additionally, targeting IGF-1-FOXC1-IGF-1R may be a promising approach for anti-CSC therapy in ESCC.
Does Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Affect Female Sexual Function?: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Dingyu , He Li , Lin Yonghong , Zhou Yayu , Gong Zhaolin , Zhang Qian , Hou Qiannan , Huang Lu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the effect of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) on female sexual function. Methods: The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100050887, 07/09/2021). In this prospective cohort study, we prospectively analyzed the data of the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire of 130 patients who underwent laparoscopy in Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital due to gynecological benign diseases. The patients were assigned to the vNOTES group and the control group (underwent traditional laparoscopic surgery or transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery). Results: There were 4 cases dropout in the vNOTES group and 2 cases dropout in the control group. There was no difference in FSFI scores between the vNOTES group and the control group before and after surgery. There was no difference in postoperative FSFI scores between the vNOTES group and the control group. The time to start sexual life after surgery in the vNOTES group was later than that in the control group (39.34 ± 0.71 d versus 37.86 ± 0.69 d, P < 0.05). Conclusions: vNOTES has no significant adverse effect on female sexual function, however, the time to start sexual life after vNOTES is later than that after trans-abdominal laparoscopy.
Nutritional Related Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Sekota Tefera Hailu Memorial Hospital, North West, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Kassahun , Fekadu Habtamu , Demisew Meron 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background. Anemia in pregnancy is now a prevalent health issue among poor economies, with terrible impacts for the woman and her unborn child. Poor maternal nutrition contributes significantly to the risk of anemia and negative pregnancy results. Therefore, the aim of the study is to assess nutritional factors that relate to anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Sekota Hospital in North West Ethiopia.
Methods. An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August of 2021 among 367 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Sekota Hospital in North West Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized for choosing study subjects. A semi-structured questionnaire was in use to collect socio-demographic, obstetric, and dietary information. The nutritional status of pregnant women was assessed using a MUAC measuring tape, and hemoglobin levels were determined using the hematocrit centrifugation technique. The collected data was put into and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Binary and multiple regressions were used to assess the relative significance of variables, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.
Results. Nutritional-related predictors like meal frequency (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.59), frequency of meat consumption (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 2.46, 33.65), frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 2.08, 26.81), dietary diversity score (AOR = 12.81, 95% CI: 3.93, 41.75), food aversion (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.47), and undernutrition (AOR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.64) were consistently related to anemia.
Conclusion. This study revealed six nutritionally related factors such as meal frequency, dietary diversity score, food aversion, frequency of meat consumption, frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as undernutrition, which are significantly associated with anemia among pregnant women in the study area. Therefore, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders should give special focus to maternal nutrition to address those factors. Programs should be developed and implemented to improve diet diversification and proper nutrition during pregnancy to overcome the anemia problem.
Land use/cover dynamics and its implication on the sustainability of urban agriculture in selected urban centers of Ethiopia
Authors: Gibtan* Ashagrie , Abera Wondosen , Delelegn Mekuria , Maru Molla , Emiru Adamu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Analysis of urban Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) dynamics in light of Urban Agriculture (UA) helps to understand its implication for UA practice and in turn making the necessary interventions. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine the LULC dynamics in for elected urban center of Ethiopia (Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Adama and Hawassa cities) for the last sixteen years (2006–2022). SPOT 5 satellite imageries for the year 2006 & 2016 and sentinel image for the year 2022 were analyzed. In addition, data from key informant interviews, focus group discussions and field observations were used to triangulate LULC analyses information and to identify the main causes of LULC dynamics in the studied urban centers. The findings reveled that was rapid expansion of urban built up area at the expense of other urban LULC types of mainly peri urban horticultural lands for the last 16 years (2006_2022) in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Bahir Dar & Adama cities of Ethiopia. This has adverse impact on the sustainability urban agriculture. Rapid urban population growth mainly because of high rural urban migration, expansion of squatter settlement and increment of investment were the main driving forces of LULC dynamics. Based on the findings of this study (changes in LULC and driving factors) the studied cities admirations or authorities need to develop sustainable development plans by considering UA.
Cover plant functional types alter the abundance and composition of hydrophobic compounds: the relationship with soil water repellency on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Chai Xiaohong , Wang Weiwei , Ren Xiuzi , Wang Junfeng , Zhang Qi , Duan Gaohui , Qu Yuanyuan , Xu Xuexuan , Du Feng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background and aims
It is widely accepted that soil water repellency (SWR) is mainly caused by plant-derived hydrophobic compounds in soils. The relation between these hydrophobic compounds, which are defined as SWR biomarkers, and SWR has been rarely known and the knowledge of their sources remains controversial. We aimed to select key SWR biomarkers predicting SWR and to trace their origin.
Methods
Topsoils under/around five dominant plant species (DPS) belonging to various plant functional types (PFTs) on the Chinese Loess Plateau were sampled, together with plant samples, i.e., plant leaves and roots. A sequential extraction procedure and hydrolysis approach was applied to obtain three organic fractions: dichloromethane (DCM)/MeOH soluble fraction (D), DCM/MeOH soluble fraction of isopropanol/ammonia solution (IPA/NH3) extract (AS), and DCM/MeOH insoluble fraction of IPA/NH3 extract (AI), which were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Results
The two-way hierarchical clustering analysis revealed a distinct division of soil organic carbon composition under different DPS, and the leaves of evergreen trees offered more cutin than those of other PFTs. In addition, structural equation modeling showed that AS cutin (path coefficient = 0.30) and AI cutin (path coefficient = 0.47) had direct and positive effects on SWR. Moreover, there was a strong link between SWR and the ratio of the two separate compound groups when AS cutin or AI cutin were taken as the numerators.
Conclusion
After considering the SWR behavior during extraction and the chemical composition of each fraction, we concluded that leaf-derived cutin appears to have the greatest effect.