nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
On the causal dynamics between CO2 emissions, health expenditures and economic growth

The objective of the study is to examine the causal relationship between CO 2 emissions, health expenditures and economic growth using dynamic simultaneous equations models for a global panel of 51 countries over the period 1995 2013. The study also implements these empirical models for three groups: low income group, lower middle income group and upper middle income group countries. Our empirical results show that there is bidirectional causality between CO 2 emissions and economic growth, between health expenditures and economic growth for the global panel, and there is unidirectional causality from CO 2 emissions to health expenditures, except low income group countries. It has also been found that health plays an important role in economic growth it limits its impact on an increasing deterioration of environmental quality. These research findings would certainly serve as usefully effective policies instruments aiming at maximizing both the environmental and health gains highly associated with economic growth and development.
Local relapse of prostate cancer after primary definitive treatment: the management.
Venue: Minerva urologica e nefrologica The Italian journal of urology and nephrology

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men and the second leading cause of cancer related death in industrialized countries. Even if the healing chances are very high after definitive treatment of localized disease, 20 30% of patients experience recurrence.  A review of the literature on the management of local recurrent prostate cancer was conducted using the Medline and Embase electronic databases. Search terms included "biochemical relapse" "PSA recurrence" "prostate cancer" "prostate cancer recurrence" "prostate salvage therapy" "radiorecurrent prostate cancer" "Re HIFU" "post HIFU" "post cryoablation" "postradiation" and "postprostatectomy salvage" The search was restricted to English language articles. The websites of guidelines organizations (EAU, AUA, NICE) were consulted in order to identify evidence based practice guidelines. The present role of salvage prostatectomy and radiation therapy was studied and today's outcomes and tomorrow perspectives of salvage focal therapies as cryoablation and HIFU have been analyzed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Although the treatment landscape for patients with biochemical recurrence prostate cancer remains challenging, new research is helping to identify patient populations suitable for specific therapies.  Further evaluation in prospective clinical trials will hopefully confirm the role of therapeutic options in clinical practice and the impact on the long term survival.
A Randomized Phase II Trial of Short Course Androgen Deprivation Therapy With or Without Bevacizumab for Patients With Recurrent Prostate Cancer After Definitive Local Therapy.
Venue: Journal of clinical oncology official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Patients with recurrent prostate cancer after local treatment make up a heterogeneous population for whom androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the usual treatment. The purpose of this randomized phase II trial was to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of short course ADT with or without bevacizumab in men with hormone sensitive prostate cancer.  Eligible patients had an increasing prostate specific antigen (PSA) of 50 ng/mL and PSA doubling time of less than 18 months. Patients had either no metastases or low burden, asymptomatic metastases (lymph nodes 3 cm and five or fewer bone metastases) Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist, bicalutamide and bevacizumab or ADT alone, for 6 months. The primary end point was PSA relapse free survival (RFS) Relapse was defined as a PSA of more than 0.2 ng/mL for prostatectomy patients or PSA of more than 2.0 ng/mL for primary radiation therapy patients.  Sixty six patients received ADT bevacizumab and 36 received ADT alone. Patients receiving ADT bevacizumab had a statistically significant improvement in RFS compared with patients treated with ADT alone (13.3 months for ADT bevacizumab v 10.2 months for ADT alone; hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.77; log rank P .002) Hypertension was the most common adverse event in patients receiving ADT bevacizumab (36% CONCLUSION ADT combined with bevacizumab resulted in an improved RFS for patients with hormone sensitive prostate cancer. Long term follow up is needed to determine whether some patients have a durable PSA response and are able to remain off ADT for prolonged periods. Our data provide rationale for combining vascular endothelial growth factor targeting therapy with ADT in hormone sensitive prostate cancer.
Europe's drug regulator opens vaults of clinical trials data
Venue: Nature

A heavy security presence awaits academics at the University of KwaZulu Natal campus in Westville, South Africa. After a library at the universi ty's nearby Durban campus was torched last month, police officers now regularly search staff and their cars for petrol bombs, says Kavilan Moodley, an astrophysicist there. Still, the institution remains open for research and teaching. On the other side of the country, all classes and lab based research at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town have ground to a halt. The lockdown follows a non fatal attack late on 11 October in which three men were locked in a university building that was then set on fire. " The physical lockdown has been about a week. Since the arson attacks, we could not guarantee staff and students' safety, " says Mellet Moll, assistant dean for research in the engineering faculty. Campus violence is affecting many of South Africa's 26 universities and the impact is spilling over into research. Student protests against rising tuition fees began in 2015 as the #FeesMustFall campaign, which secured a freeze on fees for this academic year. But the protests flared up again and have become increasingly physically destructive since Sep tember, when the government announced that an 8% hike in fees would be permitted for the 2017 academic year. Many undergraduate classes around the country have been stopped, including those at the University of Cape Town (UCT) where face to face teaching has been suspended in all faculties. Last week, two security guards were attacked. The effects on research are uneven. Scientists at the UCT, the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and the University of Pretoria say that, despite the distraction of protests and security, and difficulties in getting packages delivered, they are able to continue with their work. At the CPUT and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town, however, protests have been catastrophic for research. A senior academic at the UWC says that the situation is dire. With the POLITICS Violence rocks South African universities Student protests over rising tuition fees have stopped classes, closed institutions and slowed research. I n a move lauded as a landmark for transparency in medical science, the London based European Medicines Agency (EMA) has begun to release details of the full clinical trial data that it receives from pharmaceutical companies. On 20 October, the agency published around 100 clinical reports on two EMA approved medicines
Design of tubular Moving Magnet Linear Alternator for use with an External Combustion Free Piston Engine

The work presents a design methodology for a tubular Moving Magnet Linear Alternator for use with an External Combustion Free Piston Engine (EC FPE) Modelling and design of three alternative machines of 6 slots 7 poles composed of feasible PM arrangements have been performed to react the same EC FPE driving force. Demonstration of geometrical constraints and design methodology for the desired force is primarily presented, from which the Radial machine is found unsuitable for the application under the given design constraints. Then, performance comparison of the remaining designed machines is listed. Comparison using a weighted score system shows that the Quasi Halbach machine has a lighter translator mass, yet the Axial machine has higher magnet utilisation as well as higher power densities.
African Myths on Climate Change and Environmental Degradation and Challenges of Development in Africa

African religion is a collection of the belief systems of Africans. It is one of the oldest religions of the world practiced in both rural and urban centres in Africa. The religion is known to possess many myths which play profound roles and strongly influence the understanding of the African environment, history, geography, religious ideas, medicine, and their social organisations. This paper unearths some African myths that have led to climate change and environmental degradation. The research employed extensive library study in collecting data on African myths, especially of West African peoples, which relate to climate. The paper relied on the anthropological and comparative methods of data analysis. The article is organised into segments. The first section is the introduction while the second locates the concepts of climate change and environmental degradation. The third segment identified African myths that promote climate change and environmental degradation along with their effects on the development of Africa. The research found that, African religion, besides its principal function of helping humans to live in harmony with God, the deities and with nature, possesses a certain measure of mythological dispositions leading to practices that result in bush burning/smoke emissions, earthquakes/landslides, desertification, drought, excessive rainfall and flooding, greenhouse effect, and locust invasion among other things. These undermine the unity of the universe, leading to climate change and environmental degradation. The paper thus recommends that, Africans in pre literate and/or modernising societies should lay aside all myths and habits that threaten life in the ecosystem. The paper concludes that as long as many Africans, particularly Nigerians, continue to hold tenaciously to these traditional beliefs, the cries of climate change and global warming as well as all efforts towards environmental preservation will be a mirage not just in Africa, but in the wh
Gestion de la calidad universitaria en la Facultad de Ciencias Medicas "General Calixto Garcia"

Introduccion: la gestion de la calidad universitaria plantea la necesidad de un nuevo proceso educativo, fundamentado en los principios de excelencia, calidad y pertinencia, lo cual implica que la Educacion Superior debe ser perfeccionada en concordancia con la exigencia externa de la sociedad a que corresponde, teniendose como motor impulsor al sistema de evaluacion y acreditacion de instituciones y programas universitarios, el que permite crear una cultura de la calidad en la vida universitaria, planteamiento que significa y persigue alcanzar la mejora y optimizacion de cada proceso universitario. Objetivos: sistematizar conceptos, y teorizaciones alrededor de los procesos de autoevaluacion, evaluacion y acreditacion y caracterizar la gestion de la calidad universitaria en la Facultad de Ciencias Medicas "General Calixto Garcia" Metodos: se utilizo el procedimiento historico logico para valorar los antecedentes del proceso de evaluacion y acreditacion a nivel nacional e internacional, y el analisis documental de las normas y procedimientos del Sistema Universitario para la Evaluacion de Programas Universitarios, y las autoevaluaciones realizadas en la institucion. Resultados: mostraron que en la tipologia de la calidad se destaca el trinomio calidad evaluacion acreditacion. Conclusiones: en la Facultad se ha perfeccionado la gestion para lograr niveles superiores de calidad de los procesos universitarios, al realizarse procesos de autoevaluacion que permitieron identificar fortalezas y debilidades, disenar planes de mejoras, la creacion de una cultura de calidad en la comunidad universitaria y obtener logros en los procesos de acreditacion transitados.
El papel de los Stakeholders en la gestiA3n de la calidad universitaria: el enfoque de la ISO 9001:2015

Para garantizar la calidad del servicio educativo, en las instituciones de educaciA3n superior se emplean diferentes modelos, entre ellos el de la norma ISO 9001:2015. En el marco de la gestiA3n de la calidad, en este trabajo se analiza el papel de las diferentes partes interesadas (stakeholders) en el desempeA+ o de las universidades. Para ello, se realiza una reflexiA3n inicial sobre la calidad en la educaciA3n superior y las teorAas de los stakeholders para, sobre esta base, establecer la vinculaciA3n entre ambos conceptos, a la luz de los principios y requisitos de la calidad establecidos en la ISO 9001:2015. Se identifican los stakeholders de las universidades, sus posibles impactos y algunas de las estrategias posibles para aprovechar las oportunidades y minimizar los impactos negativos. La gestiA3n de las relaciones con sus stakeholders posibilita a las universidades dar cumplimiento a su misiA3n, alcanzar su visiA3n y cumplir su responsabilidad social.
Medicion de la calidad universitaria en Chile: la influencia de los rankings

This article focuses on the analysis of performative effects of rankings on university quality, showing the main results of a qualitative study on a sample of Chilean universities. From a sociological perspective and assimilating the presence of a fact totem, a critical analysis of university rankings is presented in regards to its production and release, showing the subscribed quality model. The article describes the effects the rankings have on institutions and how the modeling of the current concept of quality operates, through an agency network which they are part of, along with the media and representatives of the participating universities, whom are ascribed a performative role. Finally, following the metaphor of imagining the ideal university, elements excluded from the current definition of university quality are identified and offered as a new reference, considering aspects such as the idea of community, improved teaching, and relevant research among others.
OxyR regulated catalase CatB promotes the virulence in rice via detoxifying hydrogen peroxide in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Venue: BMC Microbiology

BackgroundTo facilitate infection, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) the bacterial blight pathogen of rice, needs to degrade hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by the host defense response via a mechanism that is mediated by the transcriptional regulator OxyR. The catalase (CAT) gene catB has previously been shown to belong to the OxyR regulon in Xoo. However, its expression patterns and function in H2O2 detoxification and bacterial pathogenicity on rice remain to be elucidated.ResultsThe catB gene encodes a putative catalase and is highly conserved in the sequenced strains of Xanthomonas spp. b galactosidase analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed that OxyR positively regulated the transcription of catB by directly binding to its promoter region. The quantitative real time PCR (qRT PCR) assays revealed that the expression levels of catB and oxyR were significantly induced by H2O2. Deletion of catB or oxyR drastically impaired bacterial viability in the presence of extracellular H2O2 and reduced CAT activity, demonstrating that CatB and OxyR contribute to H2O2 detoxification in Xoo. In addition, DcatB and DoxyR displayed shorter bacterial blight lesions and reduced bacterial growth in rice compared to the wild type stain, indicating that CatB and OxyR play essential roles in the virulence of Xoo.ConclusionsTranscription of catB is enhanced by OxyR in response to exogenous H2O2. CatB functions as an active catalase that is required for the full virulence of Xoo in rice.
Ilio sacral Stabilization of Sacral Jumper's Fractures using the AO Spine Fracture System: A Novel Surgical Technique

's fractures are severe dissociation injuries of the spinopelvic junction. These U shaped fractures are due to an axial trauma. The treatment of these fractures associated with neurological complications includes emergency decompression combined with reduction and stabilization of the fracture dislocation. Usually, stabilization from L4 or L5 to the ilium combined with decompression of the spinal canal is advocated, thus fusing one or two additional healthy lumbar motion segments. We report on three patients with jumper's fractures, in whom we successfully performed a posterior decompression and open stabilization from S1 to the ilium, therefore sparing the motion segments L4/S1.  Indication for emergency decompression was present. In prone position a midline incision was performed and decompression of the sacral canal was achieved. After decompression bilateral long monoaxial USS II screws were placed into the ilium. Schanz' screws from the USS fracture system were then introduced bilaterally in S1. The rods were rigidly mounted to the monoaxial ilium screws. Fracture reduction and stabilization was performed under fluoroscopic control with the same maneuver as used for reduction of lumbar burst fractures. Fracture reduction and healing was examined with postoperative CT scan and controlled after 3 and 9 month.  Bony healing was achieved in all three patients. In all 3 cases implant removal was performed after bony healing was proved as seen in computed tomography. At 1 year follow up, neurological exam was normal in 2 patients. 1 patient still had persistent incomplete bladder and bowel function disorders. All patients were able to walk without assistance.  Ilio sacral stabilization seems to be a reliable way of achieving reduction and bony healing in jumper's fractures. The reduction manoeuver is the same as described by Magerl and later on by Dick for lumbar burst fractures. As the lumbosacral motion segments (L4/5 and L5/S1) remain untouched, this technique offers the advantage of sparing important motion segments of the lumbar spine, thus being less invasive than the usually advocated techniques. However, this technique only is possible, if the segment L5/S1 is intact.
Does diet variation determine the digestive tract length of Capoeta banarescui Turan, Kottelat, Ekmekci and Imamoglu, 2006?

This study tested the spatial variations in the digestive/intestine tract length of Capoeta banarescui, with regard to their diets in different habitats. Highly varied diets observed in a previous study within the same river system posed the question whether this flexibility is reflected in the digestive tract and intestine length of the species in the Yesilirmak River, Turkey. Totals of 382 specimens (standard length 4.6 19.1 cm) were captured by electro fishing along the river in September 2012 at 11 locations spanning elevations from 34 to 992 m. The stomach, intestine and total digestive tract lengths were measured, and stomach contents analysed from 196 specimens. For statistical analyses, the stomach, intestine and total digestive tract length were expressed as percentages of total weight and standard length. The data provided evidence that the digestive tract and intestine lengths varied significantly among locations in association with the diet. Fish having dominantly carnivorous diets (e.g. chironomid larvae/invertebrates) in two locations had significantly shorter intestines and digestive tracts than those with diets dominated by benthic algae and other plants. The data indicated that C. banarescui showed broad flexibility in their feeding habits. Feeding heavily on plant materials might lead to the development of longer digestive tracts, increasing the active surface area for digestion; alternatively, there may be less invested in development of the digestive tract when feeding primarily on carnivorous diets where the respective digestive enzymes are readily available. The data suggest that phenotypic plasticity in the digestive tract length of C. banarescui is associated more with the abundant protein rich carnivorous food sources in the studied habitats. Whether this digestive tract plasticity has a genetic background remains to be verified in future studies.
The temporal properties of e learning: an exploratory study of academics conceptions

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an exploratory study that investigates Portuguese academics' conceptions concerning the temporal properties of e learning, in the context of traditional Higher Education Institutions.  Theory methodology was used to systematically analyse data collected in semi structured interviews with 62 academics. Data analysis followed the constant comparative method and its three staged coding approach: open, axial and selective coding. Data collection and analysis developed until theoretical saturation was reached.  Emergent academics' conceptions concerning the temporal properties of e learning indicate the existence of unregulated and unaccounted for dynamics, which are a direct consequence of transitioning from campus based lecturing to teaching online using the affordances of virtual learning environments. This transition produces disruptions to established workload metrics and work patterns, as well.
Rare Case of Leiomyoma and Adenomyosis in Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome
Venue: Case reports in obstetrics and gynecology

We report a case of adenomyosis which developed from a hypoplastic uterus and leiomyoma in a patient with MRKH syndrome. A 45 year old Malay female with primary amenorrhoea and primary infertility presented with abdominal mass and abdominal pain. She is phenotypically female, has well developed secondary sexual characteristics, and has normal female external genitalia with shallow vagina dimple. Transabdominal ultrasonography showed a homogenous adnexal mass of 10 x 8 cm, uterus sized 5 x 4 cm, and normal kidneys. A complex mass of right adnexa was demonstrated by CT scan. Exploratory laparotomy showed torsion of right adnexal mass and rudimentary uterus with fibroid but no endometrial tissue and blind end with absent cervix. The normal right ovary and tube were not visualized. The left fallopian tube and ovary were normal. It is also complicated by vaginal agenesis. Removal of right adnexal mass and rudimentary uterus was done with preservation of left ovary. The histologic diagnosis was uterine adenomyosis and leiomyoma arising from the right adnexa, possibly from the broad ligament.
Quality evaluation of cookies produced from African breadfruit wheat and pigeon pea flour blends

Cookies were produced from composite flour blends obtained from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) African breadfruit (Treculia africana) and wheat (Triticum spp) The composite flour blends were used at different substitution level with wheat flour to produce cookies. The resulting flour blends were analyzed for functional properties while the cookie samples produced were subjected to nutritional and sensory evaluations. There were significant differences in the result of the proximate compositions. The protein content ranged from 8.81% to 13.36% with sample 100W0A0P having the least value, while Sample 60W20A20P had the highest value. It was observed that the protein content increased as the rate of composite flour addition progressed. The carbohydrate contents were in the range of 54.13 to 59.49% Results obtained from the antinutritional properties of the cookies showed there were no noticeable differences in the cookies. There were significant variations in the functional properties of the composite flour blends. The functional properties of the composite flour blends showed that the bulk density of the flour samples were in the range of 1.14 1.17 g/cm 3 while foam capacity increased from 30.19 to 38.16% Sample 60W20A20P had the best taste in the cookie samples. The organoleptic qualities of the cookie samples showed they were accepted by the panel especially samples 100W0A0P and 60W20A20P.