bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphometric Analysis and Genetic Relationship of Rasbora spp. in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Aimi Wahidah Aminan  , Leonard Lim Whye Kit  , Chung Hung Hui  , Badiozaman Sulaiman  
Published: August 2020

The genus Rasbora is one of the most species-rich genus among the freshwater fishes and cryptic diversity has been a major hindrance in species identification in the past four decades due to their high similarities in terms of morphology. This study aimed to investigate this issue both morphologically and molecularly. In this study, a total of 23 morphometric parameters were used to differentiate the 103 Rasbora fish samples harvested from different regions of Sarawak state of Malaysia via Multivariate Stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis (SDFA). Then, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was utilised to further distinguish 33 of these fishes, followed by sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Our results unravelled pre-anal length as strongest morphometric discriminant (100%) and that all eight Rasbora species tested are monophyletic except for R. sumatrana and R. caudimaculata, revealing possible cryptic Rasbora species. Further investigations are vital to enrich the data from this study for Rasbora cryptic diversity and conservation studies in future.

Genus Rasbora adalah salah satu daripada genus yang memiliki kerencaman spesies yang paling tinggi dalam kalangan ikan air tawar dan kepelbagaian krip telah menjadi penghalang utama dalam pengecaman spesies sepanjang empat dekad disebabkan persamaannya yang tinggi dari segi morfologi. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji isu-isu morfologi dan molekular. Dalam kajian ini, 23 parameter morfometrik telah digunakan untuk membezakan 103 sampel ikan Rasbora yang dikutip daripada daerah berbeza di negeri Sarawak, Malaysia menggunakan Multivariate Stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis (SDFA). Kemudian, gen cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) digunakan untuk membezakan 33 jenis ikan ini, diikuti dengan analisis jujukan dan analisis filogenetik. Keputusan menunjukkan panjang pra-anal sebagai morfometrik diskriminan terkuat (100%) dan kesemua lapan spesies Rasbora yang diuji adalah monofiletik kecuali R. sumatrana and R. caudimaculata, dan mendedahkan spesies Rasbora yang mungkin krip. Penyelidikan lebih lanjut adalah sangat penting untuk memperkayakan data dari kajian ini untuk kepelbagaian dan pemuliharaan krip di masa akan datang.
Characterizing past and future trend and frequency of extreme rainfall in urban catchments: a case study
Authors: Mzava Philip , Valimba Patrick , Nobert Joel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Urban communities in developing countries are one of the most vulnerable areas to extreme rainfall events. The availability of local information on extreme rainfall is therefore critical for proper planning and management of urban flooding impacts. This study examined the past and future characteristics of extreme rainfall in the urban catchments of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Investigation of trends and frequency of annual, seasonal and extreme rainfall was conducted, with the period 1967–2017 taken as the past scenario and 2018–2050 as the future scenario; using data from four key ground-based weather stations and RCM data respectively. Mann–Kendall trend analysis and Sen's slope estimator were used in studying changes in rainfall variability. Frequencies of extreme rainfall events were modeled using the Generalized Pareto model. Overall, the results of trend analysis provided evidence of a significant increase in annual and seasonal maximum rainfall and intensification of extreme rainfall in the future under the RCP4.5 CO2 concentration scenario. It was determined that extreme rainfall will become more frequent in the future, and their intensities were observed to increase approximately between 20 and 25% relative to the past. The findings of this study may help to develop adaptation strategies for urban flood control in Dar es Salaam.
Succession of phytoplankton in a shallow lake under the alternating influence of runoff and reverse water transfer
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Guoqiang , Tan Zhongxin , Wang Hongqi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Both runoff and water diversion can interfere with the physical and chemical environment of a lake and affect aquatic organisms. In this study, previously obtained data were used to analyze the phytoplankton community, water quality, water level, and temperature in Dongping Lake (DPH) before, during, and after the water diversion caused by the South-to-North Water Transfer Project. The results showed that the total density and diversity index of phytoplankton decreased in the water transfer period, and was related to low temperature. Temperature also affected the recovery of phytoplankton community structure when the water transfer period ended. In a water transfer cycle, changes in dominant genera were more drastic than that of a whole phytoplankton community, and dominant genera were sensitive to total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) changes. Water transfer alleviated the deterioration of water quality in DPH, but water transfer process increased the risk of water pollution. Runoff from Dawen River carried TN, TP, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) into DPH in the rainy season, which indirectly affected phytoplankton, while it also carried phytoplankton directly into DPH. Overall, these findings provide a clear understanding of the impact of water transfer projects on ecology in shallow lakes.
Drivers of unhygienic desludging practices in unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Seleman Amour , Gabrielsson Sara , Mbwette Tolly S. A. , Kimwaga Richard 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDesludging is considered a key step in urban sanitation improvement. Nevertheless, in most urban unplanned settlements, desludging is performed in an unhygienic manner, risking public health. This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse the underlying factors for unhygienic desludging in three urban unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Factors for unhygienic desludging were analysed using logistic regression analysis and the Integrated Behavioural Model for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IBM-WASH), respectively. It was found that 23.7% of the surveyed houses practised unhygienic desludging. Plot physical inaccessibility, outdated laws that stipulate low penalties and the lack of routine data were found to be key contextual factors. Furthermore, perceived inability to control unhygienic desludging among community members and the lack of feeling of shame among those performing unhygienic desludging are the key psycho-social factors. Technological factors contributing to continued practice of unhygienic desludging can be linked to the weakness in existing desludging technologies and general skepticism about the performance of manual desludging hand pumps. This paper concludes that unhygienic desludging in Dar es Salaam is likely to continue unless such factors are considered and integrated into the city's sanitation improvement plans.
Wastewater nutrient recovery using twin-layer microalgae technology for biofertilizer production
Authors: González Inmaculada , Ekelhof Alice , Herrero Natalia , Siles José Ángel , Podola Björn , Chica Arturo F. , Ángeles Martín M. , Melkonian Michael , Izquierdo Carlos García , Gómez José María 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study evaluates the feasibility of advanced biofilm microalgae cultivation in a twin layer (TL) system for nutrient removal (N and P) as the tertiary treatment in small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in sensitive areas. Furthermore, the potential valorisation of microalgae biomass as a component of bio-based fertilizers is assessed. Scenedesmus sp. was chosen among 33 microalgae strains for inoculation of TL due to its high growth rate and its nutrient uptake capacity. The tests carried out in the prototype were markedly efficient for total soluble and ammoniacal nitrogen removal (up to 66 and 94%, respectively). In terms of potential valorisation of microalgae, the nutrient content was 5.5% N (over 40% protein), 8.8% P2O5 and 1.5% K2O, high enzymatic activity, very low levels of heavy metals and no detectable pathogen presence. However, in the formulation of solid-state bio-based fertilizers, the microalgae proportions in blends of over 2% of microalgae led to negative effects on ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp.). The obtained results demonstrate that TL represents a promising technology, which allows efficient tertiary treatment of urban wastewater and the production of high-quality bio-based fertilizer.
Reuse of ammonium sulfate double salt crystals formed during electrolytic manganese production
Authors: Zhang Shaobo , Wang Sanfan , Zhang Qianqian , Li Yanhong , Xing Yue , Ren Guangyi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Ammonium sulfate double salt crystals (ASDSCs) are formed during the electrolytic production of manganese. Typically, the large volume of ASDSCs accumulates in the open air, and this leads to serious environmental pollution and wastage of resources. In this study, we developed a new double-membrane three-chamber electrolysis method. In this method, ASDSCs were dissolved in water and then pretreated stepwise to precipitate manganese(II) carbonate and magnesium carbonate. These precipitates were filtered and the filtrate (mainly ammonium sulfate) was subjected to double-membrane three-chamber electrodecomposition to produce sulfuric acid and ammonia. Further investigations showed that under the optimal conditions of current density of 250 A/m2, electrolysis time of 18 h, and temperature of 40 °C, the decomposition rate of ammonium sulfate reached as high as 96.15%. Thus, using this method, ASDSCs can be completely decomposed, which resolves the problem of environmental pollution and provides certain economic benefits to enterprises.
Transcriptome-wide Association Study Identifies Genetically Dysregulated Genes in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Lan Danfeng , Jiang Hong-Yan , Su Xiaoyang , Zhao Yan , Du Sicheng , Li Ying , Bi Rui , Zhang Deng-Feng , Yang Qiuping 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Complications are the main cause of the disease burden of diabetes. Genes
determining the development and progression of diabetic complications remain to be identified. Diabetic
neuropathy is the most common and debilitating complication and mainly affects the nerves
of legs and feet. In this study, we attempted to identify diabetic neuropathy-specific genes from reliable
large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for diabetes perse.

Methods:
Taking advantage of publicly available data, we initially converted the GWAS signals to
transcriptomic profiles in the tibial nerve using the functional summary-based imputation (FUSION)
algorithm. The FUSION-derived genes were then checked to determine whether they were
differentially expressed in the sciatic nerve of mouse models of diabetic neuropathy. The dysregulated
genes identified in the sciatic nerve were explored in the blood of patients with diabetes.

Results:
We found that eleven out of 452 FUSION-derived genes were regulated by diabetes
GWAS loci and were altered in the sciatic nerve of mouse models with early-stage neuropathy.
Among the eleven genes, significant (P-value#60;0.05) expression alterations of HSD17B4, DHX32,
MERTK, and SFXN4 could be detected in the blood of human patients.

Conclusions:
Our analyses identified genes with an effect in the sciatic nerve and provided the possibility
of noninvasive early detection of diabetic neuropathy.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Anti-tuberculosis Agents based on Bedaquiline Structure
Authors: Wu Chengjun , Luo Jinghan , Wu Mengtong , Meng Fanzhen , Cai Zhiqiang , Chen Yu , Sun Tiemin 
Published: August 2020

Background:Bedaquiline is a novel anti-tuberculosis drug that inhibits Mycobacterial ATP synthase. However, studies have found that bedaquiline has serious side effects due to high lipophilicity. Recently, the complete structure of ATP synthase was first reported in the Journal of Science.Objective:The study aimed to design, synthesise and carry out biological evaluation of antituberculosis agents based on the structure of bedaquiline.Methods:The mode of action of bedaquiline and ATP synthase was determined by molecular docking, and a series of low lipophilic bedaquiline derivatives were synthesized. The inhibitory activities of bedaquiline derivatives towards Mycobacterium phlei 1180 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv were evaluated in vitro. A docking study was carried out to elucidate the structureactivity relationship of the obtained compounds. The predicted ADMET properties of the synthesized compounds were also analyzed.Results:The compounds 5c3, 6a1, and 6d3 showed good inhibitory activities (MIC=15.62 ug.mL-1). At the same time, the compounds 5c3, 6a1, and 6d3 also showed good drug-like properties through molecular docking and ADMET properties prediction.Conclusion:The results of in vitro anti-tuberculosis activity assays, docking studies and ADMET predictions indicate that the synthesized compounds have potential antifungal activity, with compounds 6a1 being further optimized and developed as lead compounds.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Protective Potential of Moringa oleifera Against Dietary Acrylamide-induced Toxicity
Authors: Rifai Lubna , Mohammad Mariam , Raafat Karim , Saleh Fatima A 
Published: August 2020

Background:

A

c

rylamide (AA) in food is a public health concern that has attracted scientists’ attention worldwide.

Objective:

This study was carried out to investigate the efficiency of

Moringa oleifera (M. olifera)

leaves in the reduction of AA in French fries in vitro and its hepato-protective properties against AA-induced liver toxicity in vivo.

Materials and Methods:

Total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin contents and antioxidant potential of

M. oleifera

leaves were evaluated and the phenolic constituents characterized via HPLC. AA content was also monitored in French fries using LC-MS/MS. For in vivo assay, mice were treated with AA alone or in combination with

M. oleifera

(150 and 250 mg/kg IP).

Results:

Phytochemical screening showed that gallic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin, and quercetin were the most abundant phenolic compounds identified. This work also demonstrated a nearly 37% reduction in AA when French fries were soaked in 1% M. oleifera. Moreover, AA-intoxicated mice resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) elevation in the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which was restored when pre-treated with M. oleifera.

Conclusion:
This study proved that M. olifera could be effective in reducing AA levels in French fries and that treatment with M. oleifera extract can restore the hepatic damage in AA-intoxicated mice.
Investigating the Physiological Correlates of Daily Well-being: A PERMA Model-Based Study
Authors: Feng Xue , Lu Xuefei , Li Zhuoran , Zhang Mi , Li Jiawei , Zhang Dan 
Published: August 2020

Background:
For decades, psychologists have studied the well-being and its importance in human prosperity.

Objective:
In the present study, a mobile sensing approach was employed to explore the physiological correlates of daily well-being experiences.

Methods:
19 participants were recruited for a 30-day continuous physiological measurement using a smartwatch that collected their heart rates, galvanic skin responses, skin temperatures, and walking steps. They also reported their daily well-being experiences every day, on the five well-being dimensions of the well-established PERMA (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationship, Meaning, Accomplishment) model. The daily activity data were categorized into four mental states: asleep, relaxed, high mental load, and high physical load.

Results:
344 valid samples of the participants’ daily physiological data were obtained from the 19 participants. Using the daily physiological signals of these four states as features, both stepwise regression analyses and binary classification analyses revealed that the five well-being experiences were significantly predicted, with regression r-square values ranging from 0.052 to 0.157 and classification accuracies ranging from 55.8% to 61.3%.

Conclusion:
The findings provide evidence for the physiological basis of PERMA-based well-being.
The Epidemiology of Patients' Email Addresses in a French University Hospital: Case-Control Study
Authors: Looten Vincent , Neuraz Antoine , Garcelon Nicolas , Burgun Anita , Chatellier Gilles , Rance Bastien 
Published: August 2020

Background
Health care professionals are caught between the wish of patients to speed up health-related communication via emails and the need for protecting health information.

Objective
We aimed to analyze the demographic characteristics of patients providing an email, and study the distribution of emails’ domain names.

Methods
We used the information system of the European Hospital Georges Pompidou (HEGP) to identify patients who provided an email address. We used a 1:1 matching strategy to study the demographic characteristics of the patients associated with the presence of an email, and described the characteristics of the emails used (in terms of types of emails—free, business, and personal).

Results
Overall, 4.22% (41,004/971,822) of the total population of patients provided an email address. The year of last contact with the patient is the strongest driver of the presence of an email address (odds ratio [OR] 20.8, 95% CI 18.9-22.9). Patients more likely to provide an email address were treated for chronic conditions and were more likely born between 1950 and 1969 (taking patients born before 1950 as reference [OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.54-1.67], and compared to those born after 1990 [OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.53-0.59]). Of the 41,004 email addresses collected, 37,779 were associated with known email providers, 31,005 email addresses were associated with Google, Microsoft, Orange, and Yahoo!, 2878 with business emails addresses, and 347 email addresses with personalized domain names.

Conclusions
Emails have been collected only recently in our institution. The importance of the year of last contact probably reflects this recent change in contact information collection policy. The demographic characteristics and especially the age distribution are likely the result of a population bias in the hospital: patients providing email are more likely to be treated for chronic diseases. A risk analysis of the use of email revealed several situations that could constitute a breach of privacy that is both likely and with major consequences. Patients treated for chronic diseases are more likely to provide an email address, and are also more at risk in case of privacy breach. Several common situations could expose their private information. We recommend a very restrictive use of the emails for health communication.
User-Centered Design Process of an mHealth App for Health Professionals: Case Study
Authors: Saparamadu Amarasinghe Arachchige Don Nalin Samandika , Fernando Piyum , Zeng Peizi , Teo Henry , Goh Andrew , Lee Joanne Mee Yin , Lam Choong Weng Leslie 
Published: August 2020

Background
User-centered design processes are infrequently employed and not fully explored for building mobile health (mHealth) apps that are particularly targeted to health professionals as end users. The authors have used a user-centered design–based approach to build an mHealth app for health professionals, tasked to deliver medical laboratory-related information on a daily basis.

Objective
Our objective is to generate a simple and functional user-centered design process for mHealth apps for health professionals. This paper presents the key learnings from design activities.

Methods
A stratified random sample of doctors and nurses was recruited for the study. The design activities were planned in the following sequence: focus group discussion for situation analysis and information architecture, design activity 1 for wireframe designing, design activity 2 for wireframe testing, and user testing sessions 1 and 2.

Results
The final design and functions of the app, information architecture, and interactive elements were largely influenced by the participatory design–based user-centered design activities. As a result of the design process, we could identify the mental models of processing requests for information and personal preferences based on the experience. These findings were directly or indirectly incorporated into the app design.
Furthermore, finding alternative ways of working within time constraints and cultural barriers and the methods employed to manage the challenges of interdisciplinary discourse stood out among the lessons learned.

Conclusions
We recommend a user-centered design process based on a participatory design approach in mHealth app design, enriched with focus group discussions where possible.
Beneficial Features of a mHealth Asthma App for Children and Caregivers: Qualitative Study
Authors: Iio Misa , Miyaji Yumiko , Yamamoto-Hanada Kiwako , Narita Masami , Nagata Mayumi , Ohya Yukihiro 
Published: August 2020

Background
mHealth and uHealth apps are available for children with asthma and their caregivers. However, previous studies on mHealth apps for children older than 7 years old with asthma are limited, and most studies on asthma apps do not consider interactions involving communication between children and caregivers. Therefore, a prototype mHealth child asthma app was developed for children and their caregivers, with features of tailored feedback messages in continuing self-management and interactions between children and caregivers.

Objective
The aim of this study was to identify the beneficial features of a prototype mHealth app developed for children with asthma and their caregivers.

Methods
Children diagnosed with persistent asthma by allergy specialists at the National Center for Child Health and Development were recruited. The features of a prototype mHealth app for children with asthma and their caregivers were investigated using semistructured interviews after they tried the app. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Content-characteristic words were named and grouped together as categories to explore themes.

Results
We recruited 27 children with asthma aged 2 to 12 years and 26 their caregivers. Findings on the good aspects of the app for children older than 7 years old and caregivers suggested 4 themes (confirmation of asthma knowledge, child-caregiver interaction, design of the app, and child’s interest), and 6 categories were identified. Findings on the good aspects of app for children 7 to 12 years old and caregivers suggested 5 themes (new knowledge, manga as a Japanese-style comic, child’s interest, trigger of self-management, and design and operability), and 11 categories were identified. Findings on the beneficial features of app suggested 6 themes (asthma knowledge, elements for continuous, universal design, notification, monitoring, and functions), and 12 categories were identified.

Conclusions
Children with asthma and their caregivers perceived that the good aspects of the app were learning asthma knowledge with fun, including manga; interaction between child and caregiver; and easy-to-read design, such as colors. They wanted not only the asthma knowledge but also the universal design and enhanced elements, monitoring, and notification functions of the app.