bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic recyclable Fe-substituted zinc aluminate photocatalysts with enhanced sunlight-driven degradation of industrial dyes
Authors: Tangcharoen Thanit , T-Thienprasert Jiraroj , Kongmark Chanapa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Using the sol-gel auto combustion approach with diethanolamine (DEA) as fuel, a sequence of iron-substituted zinc aluminates, ZnFexAl2−xO4 powders, including variable Fe3+ ion concentrations (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) were effectively created. XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, BET, UV-DRS, and VSM were employed to examine the structures, chemical bonds, morphologies, composition, surface area, and optical properties as well as the magnetic behavior of the collected samples. A single-phase spinel structure was gained for the calcined aluminate powders with different interplanar spacing and crystallite sizes, as revealed by the classification results. The bandgap energy (Eg) of adapted aluminates was in the range of 2.08–3.14 eV, identified as being much lower compared to the pure sample (5.60 eV). Thus, Fe3+-substituted ZnAl2O4 samples could be successfully photoexcited using both ultraviolet and visible light, as suggested by the results. Examination of how the four main pollutant types decay when irradiated by sunlight was carried out to assess the samples and establish photocatalytic activity. These contaminants included phenol rhodamine B (RhB), heteropolyaromatic methylene blue (MB), azoic methyl orange (MO) and methyl red (MR). The performance of photocatalytic degradation reached 98% after 150 minutes for all optimal samples of organic dyes. Besides, each of the altered photocatalysts could be recycled and displayed high stability. The S-shaped curve of ferrimagnetism can result from in those samples as found by the magnetic measurements, though pure ZnAl2O4 displays diamagnetic characteristics. The adapted samples show intense improvement in the remanent magnetization (Mr) when compared to pure ZnAl2O4, signifying that magnetic photocatalyst recovery by applying an external magnetic field is easy. Thus, these results offer a convincing sign that ZnAl2O4 powders replaced by Fe3+ could provide the ability to aid in the ecologically-friendly collection of solar energy.
Inhibition of Cr(VI) in the Al2O3-CaO-Cr2O3 castables by using (Al1-x,Crx)2O3 solid solution
Authors: Xu Tengteng , Xu Yibiao , Li Yawei , Nath Mithun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Al2O3-CaO-Cr2O3 castables are required for various furnaces due to excellent corrosion resistance and sufficient early strength. However, generation of toxic Cr(VI) caused subsequent problems with disposal. The present work aimed at achieving Cr(VI) reduction by replacing Cr2O3 with (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 solid solution. The phase evolutions and Cr(VI) formation in castables were systemically investigated. Compared with Cr2O3, stability of (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 in CAC was much higher and improved gradually with Al3+ proportion. The substitution of Cr2O3 with (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 completely inhibited CaCrO4 formation at 300–1100 oC, and drastically suppressed Ca4Al6CrO16 generation at 900–1300 °C. Thus, a remarkable Cr(VI) reduction of 98.1% could be achieved. Moreover, In comparison with CA and CA2, CA6 was much more stable, which would not take chemical reaction with (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3. Thus, incorporating some Al2O3 powders in Al2O3-CaO-Cr2O3 castables to form CA6 at temperature above 1300 oC was also essential for inhibiting Cr(VI) formation when using (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 as substitute for Cr2O3.
Habitual Tea Drinking is Associated with Reduced Odds of Restrictive Spirometry Pattern in Non-smokers
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Yuan , Wu I-Hsuan , Chou Chieh-Ying , Chang Yin-Fan , Sun Zih-Jie , Yang Yi-Ching , Lu Feng-Hwa , Chang Chih-Jen , Wu Jin-Shang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRestrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) is found to be associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. This study was aimed to examination of the association between tea consumption and RSP in smokers and non-smokers.MethodsA total of 14,997 eligible subjects were analyzed after excluding individuals with (1) age <20 years, (2) a history of asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis, or any chest structural deformities, or (3) a history of connective tissue diseases. RSP was defined as FVC<80% of the predicted value and an FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 70%. One traditional Chinese teapot containing 120ml was defined as one “cup.” Habitual tea consumption was defined as 120mL/d or more for at least 1 year. To evaluate the effects of cumulative dosage of tea over time, the variable “cup-year” was obtained by multiplying the number of daily cups of tea by the number of years one has consumed. ResultsThe amount of daily tea consumption and the prevalence of habitual tea drinking were significantly higher in the non-RSP group (65 ± 191 vs. 110 ± 242 mL, p < 0.001; 15.1% vs. 24.0%, p< 0.001). In multiple logistic regression, habitual tea drinker (OR = 0.75, CI 0.63-0.89, p < 0.01) and tea consumption no less than 3 cup-year (OR = 0.74, CI 0.61-0.89, p < 0.01) were associated with a lower risk of RSP in non-smoking group while the association was insignificant in the smoking group.ConclusionHabitual tea drinking and tea consumption of at least three cup-years were associated with a reduced risk of RSP in the non-smokers, but not in the smokers.
What resources do elderly people choose for managing their symptoms? Clarification of rural older people’s choices of help-seeking behaviors in Japan
Authors: Ohta Ryuichi , Sato Mikiya , Ryu Yoshinori , Kitayuguchi Jun , Maeno Tetsuhiro , Sano Chiaki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Appropriate help-seeking behavior (HSB) that involves lay and professional care may moderate the usage of medical resources and promote good health, especially among the rural elderly. However, there is little evidence regarding the rural elderly’s HSB choices for mild symptoms. Therefore, this study attempts to bridge this gap.
Methods

The participants were patients living in rural areas and over the age of 65, who attended Japanese clinics and general hospitals. In Phase 1, monthly diaries and one-on-one interviews about their mild symptoms and HSB were used to establish checklist items and assess content validity. Content analysis helped determine the items. In Phase 2, participants were asked to complete the checklist to measure HSB. The checklist answers and HSB mentioned in the diaries were compared to evaluate construct validity. Retests were conducted to examine the content’s reliability and test-retest reliability.
Results

Phase 1 included 267 participants (average age = 75.1 years, standard deviation [SD] = 4.3; 50.1% male). The diary collection rate was 97.6%. Of the participants, 70.4% used lay care and 25.4% used professional care. Content analysis identified eight types of lay care and four types of professional care. Phase 2 included 315 participants (average age = 77.7 years, SD = 8.27; 46.0% male). In terms of validity, the results of the checklists and the diaries were correlated (Spearman p 0.704; p < 0.001). The most common behavior with mild symptoms was consulting with primary care physicians, followed by self-care and using home medicine. The test-retest reliability for mild symptoms found kappa values of 0.836 for lay care and 0.808 for professional care.
Conclusions

The list of rural older people’s choices of HSB for mild symptoms had high validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be used to assess the relationships between HSB and health conditions and the effectiveness of health promotion on HSB among rural elderly people.
Changes in healthcare workers’ anxiety during two time points of the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a longitudinal study
Authors: Steinmetz Lorena Cecilia López , Herrera Carla Romina , Fong Shao Bing , Godoy Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Evidence on the within-person changes of healthcare workers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is absent. This study aimed to examine the within-person changes of anxiety in Argentinean healthcare workers during this pandemic, adjusting for main demographic factors, region, mental disorder history, and COVID-19 contagion. A longitudinal web survey (N = 305) was conducted during two time points of the pandemic, one of which was an infection peak. Anxiety significantly increased across time. However, there were significant interaction effects modulating anxiety levels. The largest anxiety increases occurred in healthcare workers who were wondering if they had contracted COVID-19 while symptomatic. Irrespective of the time point, anxiety was the highest in healthcare workers from a region inside the country who were wondering if they had contracted COVID-19, either asymptomatic or symptomatic. An interaction effect between the mental disorder history and the COVID-19 contagion suggested that the anxiety outcomes were mainly due to the concern about the COVID-19 contagion, rather than due to pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities. An increasing anxiety outcome may be expected among healthcare workers as the pandemic progresses. The uncertainty regarding COVID-19 contagion is a preventable and modifiable interacting factor to produce the worst anxiety outcomes among healthcare workers.
Quantitative Analysis of Colistin-Resistant Escherichia Coli in Retail Meat from Local Vietnamese Markets
Authors: Nguyen Thang Nam , Khong Diep Thi , Le Ha Viet , Tran Hoa Thi , Phan Quang Ngoc , Le Huong Thi Thu , Kawahara Ryuji , Yamamoto Yoshimasa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The spread of drug-resistant bacteria via food has contributed to the dissemination of resistant bacteria among humans. However, the status of food contamination with resistant bacteria, particularly the quantitative level of resistant bacteria in food, has not yet been well elucidated. In this study, the abundance of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in meat samples was quantified to understand the origin of the contamination of meat available in local Vietnamese markets. Fifteen samples each of chicken and pork meat purchased from local Vietnamese markets were assessed for the presence of colistin-resistant E. coli with the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr. The results showed that 40% (6/15) and 66% (10/15) of the pork and chicken meat samples, respectively, were contaminated with colistin-resistant E. coli. The median quantitative levels of colistin-resistant E. coli in the contaminated pork and chicken samples were 1.8 × 104 and 4.2 × 103 CFU/g, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analysis of isolates from a chicken meat sample showed that the contaminated colistin-resistant E. coli were a mix of multiple phylogenetical clones of bacteria that may have multiplied during sale. This is the first study to quantify the abundance of colistin-resistant E. coli in meat samples.
ENSINO REMOTO DE URGÊNCIA NOS CURSOS DA ÁREA DA SAÚDE DURANTE O DISTANCIAMENTO SOCIAL GERADO PELA PANDEMIA
Authors: Fávero Ana Carolina Dondoni , Parreira Felipe Moura 
Published: December 2020

Com o avanço do novo Coronavírus, as restrições exigidas pelo distanciamento social geraram impactos sobre as atividades da população, principalmente sobre as escolas e universidades, que têm experimentado um novo modelo educacional, marcado pela mudança da educação presencial para o ensino on-line. O ensino remoto emergencial traz consigo uma preocupação em relação à carência de fiscalização, podendo comprometer a qualidade do ensino, prejudicando a formação dos futuros profissionais. Este trabalho trata de uma pesquisa de levantamento, utilizando como instrumento de coleta de dados o survey, aplicado em meio digital. A população escolhida foram acadêmicos dos cursos da área da saúde de um Centro Universitário do leste mineiro sujeitos ao ensino totalmente on-line durante o período de pandemia. Após o recebimento das respostas, os dados foram analisados, sendo que, dos resultados obtidos, 72,7% dos estudantes acreditam que o ensino remoto pode ser uma ferramenta complementar ao ensino presencial, enquanto 27,3% acredita que não. Quando questionados se professores estão capacitados para o emprego do ensino remoto, 59% afirmaram que sim, mas 41% acredita que não. Em relação à produtividade, 87,5% dos estudantes afirmaram que as aulas presenciais são mais produtivas que as aulas à distância, enquanto 12,5% acredita que o ensino remoto seja mais produtivo. Os maiores dificultadores técnicos das aulas on-line foram: internet inadequada (52,4%), local inadequado para assistir às aulas (22,9%) e recursos tecnológicos inadequados (8,5%). Ao serem interrogados sobre seu nível de satisfação com o ensino remoto, as respostas dos acadêmicos variaram desde totalmente satisfeitos a totalmente insatisfeitos. Em virtude dos aspectos observados, depreende-se que o ensino remoto implantado no contexto da pandemia é uma solução imediata que pode continuar sendo empregada junto ao ensino presencial no intuito de enriquecer o crescimento científico e possibilitar maiores acessos.
Adsorption characteristics of ammonium onto biochar from an aqueous solution
Authors: Begum Shamim A. , Golam Hyder A. H. M. , Hicklen Qwanikwia , Crocker Taylor , Oni Ben 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Ammonium contamination in water is a major concern worldwide. This study focuses on the removal of ammonium from aqueous solution by batch adsorption experiments using biochar derived from a combination of various wood chips (spruce, pine, and fir). Adsorption characteristics of ammonium onto biochar were evaluated as a function of biochar dosages, initial concentrations of ammonium, contact time and pH. Results demonstrated that ammonium removal increased with the increase of biochar dosage. The percentage of ammonium removal reached a value of 80% at a biochar dosage of 100 g/L. Ammonium removal decreased by 15% with the increase of initial ammonium concentration by 50 mg/L. The optimum pH for ammonium removal was considered in the range from 6 to 8. Ammonium removal reached its stable value within 3 days. The maximum adsorption capacity of ammonium was 0.96 mg/g for 80 mg/L of initial ammonium concentration. The adsorption isotherm followed both the Langmuir and Freundich models for ammonium adsorption onto biochar. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated the presence of amine, amide and nitrile functional groups on the surface of biochar which could contribute to the adsorption of ammonium onto biochar. Thus, biochar derived from various wood chips showed the potential to remove ammonium from aqueous solution.
Status of springs in mountain watershed of western Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Sanot , Gurung Anup , Chauhan Raju , Rijal Deepak , Dongol Bhawani S. , Aryal Dibit , Talchabhadel Rocky 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe study, conducted in western hilly areas of Nepal, inventoried and mapped over 4,222 springs from five different watersheds. The study showed that more than 50% of the spring sources were found under natural conditions, i.e., open spring whereas 15% of them were of pond type. Similarly, the other 15% spring was recorded as a concrete structure or tank while 1% was determined to be a well. Attempts were made to identify if a change in water discharge from springs relates to rainfall patterns. The inter-annual variability analysis shows a significant fluctuation suggesting variation in water discharge across spring sources. The lowest amount of yearly rainfall received in the river basin is governed by decreasing water flow from the springs in the upper and mid-hills of Nepal. Besides, the intra-annual variation (i.e., seasonal and concentrative nature of rainfall only during monsoon) leads to shortage of drinking water and other domestic purposes (e.g., cooking, cleaning) during the dry months of the year. This study, based on the estimation of discharge flow in these springs, revealed that about 70% were decreasing and, in particular, the flow over the recent ten years decreased significantly.
The performance of chlorobenzene degradation in groundwater: comparison of hydrogen peroxide, nanoscale calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate activated with ferrous iron
Authors: Sun Xuecheng , Gu Xiaogang , Lyu Shuguang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The chlorobenzene (CB) degradation performances by various oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nanoscale calcium peroxide (nCaO2) and sodium percarbonate (SPC), activated with ferrous iron (Fe(II)) were investigated and thoroughly compared. The results showed that all tested systems had strong abilities to degrade CB. The CB removal rate increased with increasing dosages of oxidants or Fe(II) because the generation of reactive oxygen species could be promoted with the chemical dosages' increase. Response surface and contour plots showed that CB could achieve a better removal performance at the same H2O2 and Fe(II) molar content, but the Fe(II) dosage was higher than that of oxidants in the nCaO2 and SPC systems. The optimal molar ratios of H2O2/Fe(II)/CB, nCaO2/Fe(II)/CB and SPC /Fe(II)/CB were 5.2/7.6/1, 8/8/1, and 4.5/8/1, respectively, in which 98.1%, 98%, and 96.4% CB removals could be obtained in 30 min reaction. The optimal pH condition was around 3, while CB removal rates were less than 20% in all three systems when the initial pH was adjusted to 9. The oxidative hydroxyl radicals (HO•) and singlet oxygen (1O2) had been detected by the electron paramagnetic resonance test. Based upon the results of liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer analysis, the pathways of CB degradation were proposed, in which 1O2 roles were elaborated innovatively in the CB degradation mechanism. The CB degradation performance was significantly affected in actual groundwater, while increasing the molar ratio of oxidant/Fe(II)/CB was an effective way to overcome the adverse effects caused by the complex of actual groundwater matrix.
Scutellaria barbata Flavonoids Improve the Composited Aβ-induced Abnormal Changes in Glial Cells of the Brains of Rats
Authors: Cheng Jian-Jun , Guo Qing , Wu Xiao-Guang , MA Shuai , Gao Yang , Ya-Zhen Shang 
Published: December 2020

Aim:
It has been reported that glial cells are involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). According to our previous
research, Scutellaria barbata flavonoids (SBFs) can protect the neuronal disorder and memory impairment for AD-like rats,
while the effect of SBFs on the glial cells disorder in AD-like rats has been less well studied. The effects of SBFs on
astrocytes(ASs), microglial cells (MGs) and oligodendrocytes (Ols), as well as heat shock proteins 70 (Hsp70) and
apolipoprotein E (ApoE) were investigated in the present study.

Methods:
The successful model rats, screened by Morris water maze, were daily orally administrated with 35, 70 and 140
mg/kg SBFs for 36 d. The numbers of brain’s astrocytes (ASs), microglial cells (MGs) and oligodendrocytes (Ols) were
examined by immunohistochemistry. The cortical glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), leukocyte common antigen (LCA)
(CD45), Claudin 11 and heat shock proteins 70 (Hsp70) protein expression were assayed by Western blotting, and
apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results:
Compared with the sham-operated group, the number of ASs and MGs in the brain was
significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), accompanied by an increase in the
expressions of GFAP, CD45, Hsp70 protein, and ApoE mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Ols
number and the expression of Claudin 11 protein decreased in the brain in the model group
(P<0.05, P<0.01). However, the above-mentioned abnormal changes induced by composited Aβ
were differently reversed by the treatment of SBFs at three doses of 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg
(P<0.05, P<0.01).

Conclusions:
SBFs can dramatically improve the abnormal changes in glial cells of the brains of
rats, induced by composited Aβ, which may be utilized as a helpful treatment for
neurodegenerative diseases.
Metallic Nanopopcorns: A New Multimodal Approach for Theranostics
Authors: Shende Pravin , Deshpande Gauraja 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Nanopopcorns are a novel class of metallic nanoparticles that demonstrate
structural similarity to the grains of popcorns with theranostic activities for diseases like cancer and
bacterial infection using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy-based detection.

Objective:
The objective of the present article is to highlight the importance of popcorn-shaped nanoparticles
for the treatment of various disease conditions like cancer, diabetes, ulcerative colitis,
rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Methods:
Nanopopcorns enter the target cells via conjugation with various proteins, aptamers, etc. to
kill the diseased cell. Moreover, external magnetic radiations are provided to heat these metallic nanopopcorns
for creating hotspots. All such activities can be tracked via SERS mechanism.

Results:
Nanopopcorns create alternative and minimally-invasive treatment strategies for inflammatory
conditions and life-threatening diseases.

Conclusion:
In the near future, nanopopcorn-based drug delivery system can be an interesting field
for research in medicinal nanotechnology.
The Role of Nanoparticles as Nanocarriers for the Controlled Release of some Potential Existing Antiviral Drugs for SARS-CoV-2 Management: A Review
Authors: Ejeromedoghene Onome , Orege Joshua I. , Onwuka Justina U. , Adebule Philip A. , Ehianeta Teddy , Okonkwo Bright O. , Akinyeye Richard O. 
Published: December 2020

Introduction:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared the outbreak
and spread of the new strain of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS--
CoV-2) a global pandemic. In this regard, a lot of scientific investigations and clinical trials on
some existing antiviral and antibiotic drugs have been ongoing to combat this menace.

Methods:
In the past, conventional drug therapy has shown irregular drug distribution, poor solubility,
and low permeability to target cells, organs, and tissues. However, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine
Remdesivir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, etc. have attracted several investigations in monotherapeutic
approaches and a combination of therapy have shown promising effects in reducing viral
loading in some SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Nevertheless, the advent of nanomedicine has
triggered serious attention on drug-loaded nanoparticle as nanocarriers to deliver bioactive drug
molecules to target organs with increased circulation and controlled release. Therefore, the application
of nanoparticles as nanocarriers for the controlled release of antiviral drugs would improve the
ease of drug administration and care of patients admitted at various health care facilities worldwide.

Conclusion:
Owing to their small sizes, biocompatibility, and high encapsulation properties, nanoparticles
can be utilized as potential nanocarrier of antiviral drugs for the SARS-CoV-2 management
at a reduced cost with minimal side effect in the body system. In addition, some noticeable
concerns on the ongoing management of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in developing nations have been
presented for concerted attention.