bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methane emission rate estimate using airborne measurement at offshore oil platforms in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Authors: Khaleghi Afshan , MacKay Katlyn , Darlington Andrea , James Lesley A. , Risk David 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Methane (CH4) measurements are needed to better understand emissions from oil and gas sources. While many CH4 measurement studies have been done in Canada, they have not yet targeted offshore production from which low emission intensities are reported by industry. For this study, a Twin Otter aircraft was equipped with a Picarro 2210-i gas analyzer and an Aventech wind measurement system (AIMMs_30) to measure CH4 emissions from three oil production facilities in offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Each facility was visited three times to account for daily variability. Measured concentrations were used to estimate emission rates and production-weighted intensities using two different methods, Top-down Emission Rate Retrieval Algorithm (TERRA), a mass conservation technique developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and a Gaussian Dispersion method (GD). Overall, TERRA mass balance-derived emission rates from our measurements were 2,890 ± 3,027 m3 CH4 day− 1(GD = 7,721 m3 CH4 day− 1), 3,738 ± 7,199 m3 CH4 day− 1 (GD = 13,131 m3 CH4 day− 1) and 7,975 ± 4,453 m3 CH4 day− 1 (GD = 7,242 m3 CH4 day− 1), respectively for SeaRose, Hibernia and Hebron. Based on results from both TERRA and Gaussian dispersion the weighted average was (considering number of samples in each method) 5,000 m3 CH4 day− 1 (3.35 tonnes CH4 day− 1), which is comparable to the federally reported estimate of 8,037 m3 CH4 day− 1 of federal estimates, reported in 2019. Production-weighted methane intensities calculated using measured emission rates and reported oil production show that Canadian offshore production ranges from 0.4–2.2 MJ emitted/MJ produced, making it among the least methane-intensive oil produced in Canada.
The causal relationship between gut microbiome and carpal tunnel syndrome:A two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Ye , Zhang Zhen , Li Chun’e , Hui Jingni , Gou Yifan , Zhou Ruixue , Kang Meijuan , Liu Chen , Wang Bingyi , Shi Panxin , Liu Huan , Cheng Bolun , Jia Yumeng , Wen Yan , Zhang Feng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective There is considerable evidence linking gut microbiome to bone-joint diseases, but no studies explored the causal association between gut microbiome and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Methods This study utilized large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics to evaluate the causal association between gut microbiome and CTS. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was used to identify the causal microbial taxa for CTS. Comprehensively sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the robustness of results. Reverse-direction MR analysis was performed to rule out the possibility of reverse associations.Results Multiplicative random effect inverse variance weighted (IVW_mre) method suggested that 4 gut microbial taxa had a positive effect on CTS such as Actinobacteria (OR = 1.12, PIVW = 0.05) and Oxalobacter (OR = 1.06, PIVW < 0.01); 11 gut microbial taxa had a negative effect on CTS such as Methanobacteria (OR = 0.95, PIVW = 0.01), Rikenellaceae (OR = 0.92, PIVW = 0.03), Blautia (OR = 0.92, PIVW = 0.02), Butyrivibrio (OR = 0.94, PIVW = 0.01) and Lachnospira (OR = 0.86, PIVW < 0.01). Sensitivity analysis excluded the influence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. According to the results of reverse-direction MR analysis, no significant causal effect of CTS was found on 15 gut microbial taxa.Conclusions Our study identified the causal relationships between several gut microbiomes and CTS. These findings may give insights into the mechanism of CTS and provide novel therapeutic targets.
First basin scale spatial-temporal characterization of underwater sound in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Picciulin Marta , Petrizzo Antonio , Madricardo Fantina , Barbanti Andrea , Bastianini Mauro , Biagiotti Ilaria , Bosi Sofia , Centurelli Michele , Codarin Antonio , Costantini Ilaria , Dadić Vlado , Falkner Raffaela , Galvez Daphnie , Leonori Iole , Menegon Stefano , Mihanović Hrvoje , Muslim Stipe , Pari Alice , Pari Sauro , Pleslić Grgur , Radulović Marko , Rako-Gospić Nikolina , Sabbatini Davide , Tegowski Jaroslaw , Vukadin Predrag , Ghezzo Michol 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Anthropogenic underwater noise is an emergent pollutant and several monitoring programs have started worldwide. However, only few data are available so far for the Mediterranean Sea, one of the global biodiversity hotspots. To fill this knowledge gap, this study presents the results of the first continuous acoustic monitoring run at a transnational basin scale in the Mediterranean Sea between March 2020 and June 2021, including the COVID-19 lockdown, at nine stations in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Median yearly sound pressure levels (SPLs) ranged between 64 and 95 as well as 70 and 100 dB re 1µPa for 63 and 125 Hz third octave bands, respectively. Although these values are comparable with those previously found in busy shallow EU basins, higher levels are likely to be found during a business-as-usual period. Higher and more variable SPLs, mainly related to vessel traffic were found in stations close to important harbours, whereas stations inside or close to Natura 2000 sites, experienced lower SPLs, and lower values were recorded during the Covid-19 lockdown in four stations. This represent the first baseline acoustic assessment for a highly impacted and valuable area that needs to be taken into account in a new sustainable blue growth strategy.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Structures in Long- and Short-Term Shoreline Evolution of Santa Marta Bay (Colombian Caribbean)
Authors: Portz Luana , Manzolli Rogério Portantiolo , Villate-Daza Diego , Bolívar-Anillo Hernando José , Fontán-Bouzas Ángela , Alcántara-Carrió Javier 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Interaction of Anthropic interventions (rigid structures) with coasts is an essential aspect for understanding their geomorphic evolution and incorporating these data into adequate coastal management. This study analyses the short and long-term behavior (1985 to 2019) of shoreline at Santa Marta Bay (Caribbean - Colombia) and their relationship with coastal protection structures. The shoreline variations were analyzed through aerial photographs and satellite images using DSAS tools. The short-term assessment revealed initial intense 1985–1991 erosion, with an average retreat speed of − 1.6 m·y− 1. It changed gradually since 2003, due to the construction of rigid structures and beach nourishment, decreasing shoreline retreat and even a progradation of 0.2 m·y− 1 was observed. The 2009–2019 period, despite recording a positive average value, exhibited a high percentage of erosion profiles. Therefore, in a decadal or long-term analysis (1985–2019), despite engineering works present positive results in the short term, new interventions are required. The coastal erosion is not uniform along the shoreline, because the area is a closed bay with small sediment contribution, the variations in erosion and accretion rates change with human intervention and the installation of new structures. Therefore, quantifying the scale and rate of shoreline changes and correlating them with anthropogenic structures is an essential step in assessing shoreline vulnerability.
Production of Low Emission Briquettes from Faecal Sludge as an Alternative Source of Cooking Energy
Authors: Sanka Paulo Martin , Germain Olivier , Khalifa Leyla , Komakech Hans , Magambo Hezron 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
In Tanzania, firewood, charcoal, and agricultural waste plays a crucial role in daily life as the source of cooking energy, especially in rural areas. Inefficient emissions of harmful substances lead to health problems, environmental degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Faecal sludge has shown the potential to be used as an environmentally friendly and more sustainable alternative to traditional sources to meet the increasing demand for cooking energy in Tanzania. The whole process involved sludge characterization, drying, sorting, carbonization, milling, and briquetting.
Results
Faecal sludge from households was assessed for zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) and the results were within the acceptable limits of the Tanzanian Standards of 5.00 mg/L, 5.00 mg/L, and 30.00 mg/L. Septic tanks and pit latrines sludge had a concentration of 0.5 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L, 0.55 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L, and 10.01 mg/L and 4.87 mg/L, respectively. The carbonization process at 450°C kills all the pathogens present. The addition of 25% sawdust or charcoal dust improves the calorific value of the briquettes (gross and net calorific value in Kcal/Kg) from 2500 and 2426 to 3388 and 3296, and 3915 and 3823, respectively. The emission of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10 in micrograms/m3) was reduced from 30.4 and 35 to 10.3 and 11.8 and 7 and 8, respectively. The emission of CO (ppm) was reduced from 51.2 to 19.7, respectively.
Conclusion
Faecal sludge briquettes demonstrated promising results with the addition of other biomass materials in terms of emission levels, burning time, and compressive strength. Therefore, from this study, faecal sludge briquettes have shown the potential to replace traditional cooking energy sources.
Determinants of Business Productivity Among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda: A Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Kwizera Seth , Twesige Daniel 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
The study sought to analyse the determinants of business productivity among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Rwanda. The productivity of MSMEs is still a major challenge in Rwanda, where most of the MSMEs do not exceed five years of existence.
Methodology
The study adopted a quantitative approach where primary data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire administered to 399 business owners/managers. Structural equation modelling was used to test the determinants of MSMEs' productivity in Rwanda.
Findings
Data collected from the survey indicated that there is a significant relationship between physical, human, technological resources and productivity of micro small and medium enterprise. The results further highlighted that stakeholder relationship, reputation, information, marketing skills entrepreneurship practices and business productivity.
Originanlity and Value
The current study contributes to the current literature by highlighting the determinants of both the tangible and intangible resources that enhance the productivity of MSMEs which can help policymakers to design policies to improve the productivity of MSMEs.
JEL: M`13
Multimodal measures of spontaneous brain activity reveal both common and divergent patterns of cortical functional organization
Authors: Vafaii Hadi , Mandino Francesca , Desrosiers-Gregoire Gabriel , O'Connor David , shen xilin , Ge Xinxin , Herman Peter , Hyder Fahmeed , Papademetris Xenophon , Chakravarty M , Crair Michael , Constable R. Todd , Lake Evelyn , Pessoa Luiz 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Large-scale functional networks have been characterized in both rodent and human brains, typically by analyzing fMRI-BOLD signals. However, the relationship between fMRI-BOLD and underlying neural activity is complex and incompletely understood, which poses challenges to interpreting network organization obtained using this technique. Additionally, most work has assumed a disjoint functional network organization (i.e., brain regions belong to one and only one network). Here, we employed wide-field Ca2+ imaging simultaneously with fMRI-BOLD in mice expressing GCaMP6f in excitatory neurons. We determined cortical networks discovered by each modality using a mixed-membership algorithm to test the hypothesis that functional networks are overlapping rather than disjoint. Our results show that multiple BOLD networks are detected via Ca2+ signals; there is considerable network overlap (both modalities); networks determined by low-frequency Ca2+ signals are only modestly more similar to BOLD networks; and, despite similarities, important differences are detected across modalities (e.g., brain region “network diversity”). In conclusion, Ca2+ imaging uncovered overlapping functional cortical organization in the mouse that reflected several, but not all, properties observed with fMRI-BOLD signals.
Tracing and Tracking Residential Water Consumption in Adama City, Ethiopia: Coupling Geospatial and Socioeconomic Analysis for Water-Sensitive Intervention Decision-Making Support
Authors: Abraha Abraha , Assefa Tibebu , Gebremariyam Ephrem 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
To develop a water-conscious strategy, it is critical to trace and track water from its source to the end users, understand water conservation behaviors and identify the factors that influence water usage. However, in developing countries, comprehensive studies on water consumption are still scarce, and those that are already available are difficult to generalize and do not provide a full picture for decision-making. Hence, the main objective of the study is to trace and track water consumption from its source to end users to generate water consumption information for water-sensitive intervention decision-making. In terms of methodology, both secondary and primary data were gathered using a household survey and a Geospatial technique. The current analysis found that internalization and diverse water harvesting methods are not taken into account and that there is just "one source option" for the supply. The result asserted that the average water consumption per capita per day is 73 L/person/day. This falls short of both the national standard (80 l/person/day) and the WHO standard, the water delivery network only covers 45% of the city master plan, 38% of the demand is unmet and 40% of the city area coverage receiving water no more frequently than once per week. This shows that the city is experiencing a physical and economic water scarcity. The findings also demonstrated that variables like family size, housing quality, closeness to the city center, and reliability have a big impact on water consumption. Based on the findings, it is possible to infer that water crisis will continue at an accelerating rate so long as the ‘business as usual’ water consumption practice remains unchanged.
Trading electricity under different carbon pricing constraints: the French-German case
Authors: Chaton Corinne , Creti Anna 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
There is an ongoing debate regarding possible reforms in the EU ETS (Emissions Trading System) market. One of the measures considered is a price floor that would prevent the price from reaching very low values. This regulation instrument has been implemented for permits, in other markets like California. We contribute to the recent literature on the carbon price floor (CPF) by analysing its effect on the electricity sector in interconnected countries. We characterise electricity trade and carbon market equilibria under symmetric and asymmetric regulations and simulate our results for the French and German electricity markets. The French-German electricity trading case illustrates the likely impact of CPF measures, which may have counterintuitive effects on carbon prices.
Serum Calcium is Associated with Sudden Cardiac Arrest after Stroke: An Observational Multicenter Study of the eICU Database
Authors: Hou Jianfei , Huang Zhenhua , Zeng Wenfei , Wu Zhanxing , Zhang Lingna 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the association of serum calcium with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in patients with stroke. We evaluated the clinical data of 10226 acute stroke patients admitted to the intensive care unit. We assessed the correlation between serum calcium and SCA after acute stroke by multivariate logistic regression. A nonlinear association between platelet count and mortality of HS patients was investigated using a generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting. In this study, we found lower Serum Calcium at admission was associated with SCA of almost two times as high as that for that non-low calcium patients. An increment of per unit in serum calcium was associated with a 49% decrease in SCA. We found that the link between serum calcium at admission and SCA after stroke in the hospital was likewise nonlinear. In addition, we demonstrated that the inflection point of the serum calcium was 8.7 mg/dL. This study demonstrates a nonlinear relationship between serum calcium and the risk of SCA after stroke. Low serum calcium was a risk factor associated with in-hospital SCA after stroke, and elevated serum calcium may be a great intervention for decreasing the incidence of SCA after stroke.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Cognitive Function in Acute and Chronic Male Rats by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Reducing Neuroinflammation
Authors: AKCAY GUVEN , Celik Cagla , Cicek Betul , Yuce Neslihan , Bolat Ismail , Yildirim Serkan , Derin Narin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Epilepsy causes physical, psychological, social and economic problems. Epilepsy is a seizure condition that occurs as a result of deterioration of balance of inhibition and excitation between nerve cells in the brain. The aim of study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of DCS over the hippocampuscortex on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rats with acute and chronic temporal lobe epilepsy model.
Methods:
72 Wistar albino male rats, 3 months old, were divided into 6 groups; Acute control, acute epilepsy, acute epilepsy+tDCS, chronic control, chronic epilepsy and chronic epilepsy+tDCS. The TLE model was created with Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection. Locomotor activity behavior was evaluated with open field test, and learning behavior was evaluated with novel object recognition and y maze tests. After the behavioral experiments, the subjects were sacrificed and proinflammatory cytokine levels were measured in hippocampus brain tissue.
Results:
tDCS stimulation had a neuroprotective effect on cognitive function, which deteriorates learning and memory after epilepsy. In addition, the increase in GFAP and nNOS expressions after PTZ-induced epilepsy was found to be decreased as a result of tDCS stimulation. However, in acute and chronic epilepsy groups, it was observed that significant decrease in SOD levels increased with tDCS treatment, while the significant increases in MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were decreased with tDCS stimulation.
Conclusion:
These results showed that tDCS administration in acute and chronic epilepsy has a therapeutic and neuroprotective effect on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and has a reducing effect on neuroinflammation.
Production of Postbiotic Metabolites γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) by Lactobacillus brevis C23 Co-culture in Coconut-Based Medium for Potential Psychobiotics and Food Preservatives
Authors: Chuah Wei Wei , Tan Joo Shun , Oslan Siti Nur Hazwani , Raja Pandian Bothi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with antioxidant properties and sedative effects when it binds to GABA receptor in human’s brain. LAB can also produce bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) with antimicrobial capabilities during carbohydrate fermentation. GABA and BLIS are natural compounds with potential health benefits and food preservation properties. Lactobacillus brevis C23 was co-cultured with three different LAB as inducers, which produced the highest GABA content and BLIS activity. They were cultured in various plant-based media to obtain an edible and better-tasting final product over commercially available media like MRS broth. A coconut-based medium with additives was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to increase GABA and BLIS production. The optimized medium for maximum GABA production (3.22 ± 0.01mg/mL) and BLIS activity (84.40 ± 0.44%) was a 5.5% coconut medium containing 0.23% glucose, 1.44% Tween 20, 0.48% L-glutamic acid and 0.02% pyridoxine. Due to the presence of GABA, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) as a postbiotic showed a higher antioxidant activity than other food preservatives like nisin and potassium sorbate. Finally, a microbiological test on food samples showed that the postbiotic was more effective than other preservatives at combating the growth of LAB, molds, and coliform bacteria, making it a possible food preservative.
Hard and soft-tissue symmetry correlations in different facial aesthetic subunits: A retrospective study on Chinese young adults with normal occlusion
Authors: Qiu Tiancheng , Li Qianqian , Yang Rong , Li Zili , Liu Xiaojing 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to describe facial symmetry based on aesthetic units in normal Chinese young adults. Correlations between symmetries of soft tissue units and underlying bone was also investigated.
Materials and methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 96 data sets which included spiral CT and facial stereophotogrammetry. A landmark independent symmetry measurement based on original-mirror alignment was performed. The full face was divided into 14 facial aesthetic units. The root mean square (RMS) of each soft and bony unit was compared by the Wilcoxon test. The correlation between RMS of soft tissue and its underlying bone was investigated by spearman correlation analysis.
Results
The RMS of the soft tissue units and bony units varied from 0.64 ± 0.37 mm to 1.25 ± 0.76 mm and from 0.76 ± 0.37 mm to 1.75 ± 1.04 mm, respectively. The symmetry correlation coefficient of soft and underlying bony structure varied from 0.216 to 0.684. The highest correlation was in the zygomatic region (0.684), while the lowest in the periocular region (from 0.216 to 0.331).
Conclusions
It was suggested that the normal face is slightly asymmetric, and the symmetry of soft tissue is in correlation with underlying bony structure.
Clinical Relevance
The traditional principle of aesthetics units was applied in this study which make evaluating the facial symmetry more accurately. Meanwhile, the correlation analysis of the symmetry of facial soft and hard tissue provides a reference data for maxillofacial plastic surgery.