bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative assessment of drought monitoring indices susceptibility using geospatial techniques
Authors: Yue Hui , Liu Ying , Qian Jiaxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
There are two main categories of dryness monitoring indices based on spectral feature space. One category uses the vertical distance from any point to a line passing through the coordinate origin, which is perpendicular to a soil line, to monitor the dryness conditions. The most popular indices are the Perpendicular Dryness Index (PDI) and the modified perpendicular dryness index (MPDI). The other category uses the distance from any point in feature space to the coordinate origin to represent the dryness status, for instance, the soil moisture (SM) monitoring index (SMMI) and the modified soil moisture monitoring index (MSMMI). In this study, the performances and differences of these four indicators were evaluated using field-measured SM (FSM) data based on Gaofen-1 (GF-1) wide field of view (WFV), Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), and Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI) sensors. Performance evaluations were conducted in two study areas, namely an arid and semi-arid region of northwest China and a humid agricultural region of southwest Canada. We employed gradient-based structural similarity (GSSIM) to quantitatively assess the similarity of the structural information and structural characteristics among these four indicators. Monitoring SM in bare soil or low vegetation-covered areas in the semi-arid region, the SMMI, PDI, MSMMI, and MPDI from Near-infrared (NIR)-Red had significantly negative linear correlations with the FSM at 0-5 cm depth (P < 0.01). However, SMMI was better than PDI in estimating SM in bare soil, which was better than MSMMI and MPDI for GF-1. Moreover, the PDI and SMMI had similar SM evaluation abilities, which were better than those of MPDI and MSMMI for Landsat-8. The GSSIM map of the SMMI/PDI and the MSMMI/MPDI showed that the low change areas accounted for 99.89% and 98.89% for GF-1, respectively, and 95.78% and 94.45% for Landsat-8, respectively. This result indicated that the SMMI, PDI, MSMMI, and MPDI values from NIR-Red in low vegetation cover were similar. In monitoring SM in agricultural vegetation areas, the accuracy of the four indices from Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) feature space was higher than that from NIR-Red feature space for Sentinel-2. The SM monitoring effect of MSMMI and MPDI was better than that of SMMI and PDI. Due to the lack of SWIR band, GF-1 was limited in monitoring SM in vegetation-covered areas. The SMMI and MSMMI, which do not rely on the soil line, were more suitable than PDI and MPDI for retrieving SM in the complex surface environment depending on the soil line and the number of parameters. GF-1 with 16 m resolution had higher accuracy in SM assessment than Landsat-8 with 30 m resolution and had almost the same accuracy as Sentinel-2 with 20 m.
Accumulation of PAH in bivalves (Crassostrea gigas andMytilus coruscus) from Zhejiang coastal,China , and associtated human health risk assessment
Authors: li lei , li ziniu , xv guodong , wang cuihua , jiang mei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The paper reported the determination on PAHs concentrations in bivalves (Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus coruscus) from the Zhejiang coastal of China, and evaluate their composition, and assess their human health risk. The content of ΣPAHs in the two bivalves ranged from 48.30 to 61.08 ng/g. The main component of PAHs was Phenanthrene(11.08–15.79 ng/g). Comparing with HMW-PAHs, PAHs dominated by LMW-PAHs have higher absorption rates and lower purification rates. In the local coastal environment, the pyrolytic sources were an important role of the PAH pollution. At present, it assessed the health risks on consumption the two bivalves species,there was no threat to human health by eating shellfish accumulated PAH intakes, but there were some carcinogenic risks for heavier consumption of this two bivalves. The results will provide a reference value for the shellfish living marine environment in the region.
Plasma-Calprotectin as an Indicator for Immediate Need of Intensive Care Treatment in Suspected Sepsis
Authors: Parke Asa Emilia , Unge Christian , Yu David , Sunden-Cullberg Jonas , Stralin Kristoffer 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Decisions regarding need of transfer to intensive care of patients with sepsis in the emergency department is challenging. We hypothesised that the new biomarker plasma-calprotectin could be used to help select patients who need intensive care, since it already has shown to be a promising tool in the intensive care unit. Methods: This prospective study was performed on consecutive sepsis alert patients. The alert summons a multidisciplinary team of physicians from the emergency department, the Department of Infectious Diseases, and the intensive care unit, who evaluate patients for possible infection and decide where to transfer the patient. Blood sampling was performed on consecutive sepsis alert patients. C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were routinely analysed, p-calprotectin was analysed from frozen plasma samples using a specific turbidimetric assay. Results: Among 367 sepsis alert patients, 335 had an infection of whom 66 were immediately transferred to the intensive care unit or high dependency unit. 269 patients were transferred to ordinary wards. Median p-calprotectin for all infected patients was 2.2 (IQR 1.2–3.9), 3.3 (IQR 1.6–5.2) among those transferred immediately to intensive care unit/ high dependency unit and 2.1 (IQR 1.1–3.5) among those transferred to wards (p = 0.0001). Analysis of area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for transferral to higher care level showed superiority for p-calprotectin compared to procalcitonin and neutrophil-lymphocyte-ratio, both regarding all sepsis alert cases and regarding the patients with infection (p < 0.001 for all comparisons)). The best p-calprotectin cut-off 4.0 mg/L showed sensitivity 42.5% and specificity 83% for transferral to ICU/HDU among patients with infection. Conclusion: In sepsis alert patients, p-calprotectin was significantly elevated in patients transferred immediately to intensive care. P-calprotectin was superior to traditional biomarkers as a predictor of need for intensive care. Trial registration: Not registered, as the sepsis alert was developed as a clinical supportive tool.
Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assistance and Synchronized Intermittend Mandatory Ventilation in Children Assessed by Electrical Impedance Segmentography: A Prospective Randomized Case-Control Crossover Trial
Authors: Brandt Jennifer Bettina , Mahlknecht Alex , Werther Tobias , Ullrich Roman , Hermon Michael 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Assessing relative differences of integrated impedance as a surrogate of volume changes between neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) by using electric impedance segmentography in children.Methods: Performed as a prospective randomized case-control crossover trial in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary center including eight mechanically-ventilated children, four sequences of two different ventilation modes were consecutively applied. The children were randomized in two groups; one that was started on neurally adjusted ventilatory assist and the other on synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation. During ventilation, electric impedance segmentography measurements were recorded.Results: The relative difference of vertical impedance between both ventilatory modes was measured (median 0.52, IQR 0-0.87). These differences in left apical lung segments were present during the first (median 0.58, IQR 0-0.89, p=0.04) and second crossover (median 0.50, IQR 0-0.88, p=0.05) as well as across total impedance (0.52 IQR 0-0.87; p=0.002). During neurally adjusted ventilatory assist children showed a shift of impedance towards caudal lung segments, compared to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation.Conclusion: Electrical impedance segmentography enables dynamic monitoring of transthoracic impedance. Segmental measurements, however, were of low reproducibility due to various limiting factors in its application. For further evaluation, larger prospective clinical trials are necessary.
Evaluation and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Eco-efficiency in Jilin Agricultural Production Zone Based on Super-SBM and Panel Regression Methods
Authors: Guo Yanhua , Tong Lianjun , Mei Lin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Agricultural eco-efficiency is a meaningful index that assess the agricultural sustainable development. Based on the super SBM-DEA approach incorporating agricultural carbon emissions and panel data regression, this study evaluates agricultural eco-efficiency and then investigates the influencing factors in agricultural production zone of Jilin Province. The empirical results show the following: (1) During the observation period, the average agricultural eco-efficiency exhibits a flat “M-shaped” fluctuating trend, a trend of fluctuant growth with phase characteristics, and the agricultural eco-efficiency of each county still has much room for improvement. (2) Significant spatial differences exist in agricultural eco-efficiency across counties. All of the studied counties, except for Nong’an, Huadian, Lishu, Yitong, Gongzhuling, and Qianguo, need to change the input and output structure to optimize agricultural eco-efficiency. (3) The panel data regression model verifies that the agricultural technology extension level, agricultural economic development level, agricultural industry structure, agricultural mechanization intensity and urbanization level have close correlations with agricultural eco-efficiency. (4) The research findings have important implications for policy makers formulating agricultural environmental policies in accordance with the local conditions of various counties.
Monitoring Hydrogen Peroxide Using Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Screen Printed Electrodes During Metal Assisted Chemical Etching Processes
Authors: Lan Chun-Wen , Kubendhiran Subbiramaniyan , Sison Gavin , Hsu Hsiao Ping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The concentrations of etchant solution substituents in metal assisted chemical etching (MACE) processes control the morphology and reflectivity of subsequently etched wafers. In particular, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a vital role in the MACE process. Unfortunately, the H2O2 concentration is not stable when prolonging the etching process at higher temperatures. As a result, the commercialization of MACE processes for the production of IP texturization has appeared industrially unattractive. Herein, we proposed an innovative method to monitor hydrogen peroxide during the MACE process with an electrochemical method. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) prepared through an environmentally benign electrochemical method was used to modify a screen-printed electrode (SPE). Under an optimized condition, the RGO/SPE was used to test etching solutions. The MACE process was conducted and the hydrogen peroxide concentration within the etching solution was checked by the RGO/SPE. The RGO/SPE demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance and could record changes to H2O2 concentrations with cyclic voltammetry (CV). Interestingly, the presence of copper (Cu) in the etching solution catalyzed not only the etching process, but also the electrochemical reduction of H2O2. After etching, the reflectivity and structural morphology of the etched wafers were checked. The described modified electrode is disposable, and the fabrication process is rapid and inexpensive, allowing for real time application in, and control of, MACE processes.
Graph Hierarchy: A novel framework to analyse hierarchical structures in complex networks
Authors: Moutsinas Giannis , Shuaib Choudhry , Guo Weisi , Jarvis Stephen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Trophic coherence, a measure of a graph’s hierarchical organisation, has been shown to be linked to a graph’s structural and dynamical aspects such as cyclicity, stability and normality. Trophic levels of vertices can reveal their functional properties, partition and rank the vertices accordingly. Trophic levels and hence trophic coherence can only be defined on graphs with basal vertices, i.e. vertices with zero in-degree. Consequently, trophic analysis of graphs had been restricted until now. In this paper we introduce a hierarchical framework which can be defined on any simple graph. Within this general framework, we develop several metrics: hierarchical levels, a generalisation of the notion of trophic levels, influence centrality, a measure of a vertex’s ability to influence dynamics, and democracy coefficient, a measure of overall feedback in the system. We discuss how our generalisation relates to previous attempts and what new insights are illuminated on the topological and dynamical aspects of graphs. Finally, we show how the hierarchical structure of a network relates to the incidence rate in a SIS epidemic model.
Organisation and Timeline of Measures in French Psychiatric Establishments during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Epidemic: EvOlu’Psy Study
Authors: Legrand Guillaume , Boisgard Catherine , Canac Bernard , Cardinaud Zuzana , Gorla Michela Giugiario , Gregoire Elisabeth , Jamon Caroline , Oussal Tarik , Vaury Pascal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The onset of COVID-19 required rapid organisational changes in the mental health domain. Most mental health-care departments appear to have set up infection control measures and also organised planning, coordination and measures that enabled them to provide psychiatric care in a restrictive environment. Our objective was to assess the organisation by psychiatric facilities in France of their response to COVID-19, while considering their timelines and their sectorMethods: An audit with 48 items was proposed to 331 hospitals in metropolitan France with a capacity for full-time, that is, inpatient psychiatric hospitalisation of adults.Results: Of the 331 establishments contacted, 94 (28.4%) agreed to respond to the survey questionnaire. Full-time inpatient hospitalisation was completely or partially maintained by 94.7% of facilities. Specific measures concerning respect for patients' rights included updates of their procedures on the following themes, reported by 58.5% of establishments. Overall, 74.5% had set up a dedicated channel of care for patients at risk of severe COVID-19, and 52.1% a system for routine screening at admission for these risk factors. Nearly half the establishments (48.9%) reported they had set up specific training programmes for patients about barrier measures and social distancing.Conclusions: French psychiatric establishments on the whole were able to provide a necessary reorganisation of their management of patients and their families, regardless of facility status. Patients' rights nonetheless seem to have not received the attention they merited during the early pandemic period. Somatic management of patients with mental illness must absolutely be improved.
Amazonian terrestrial water balance inferred from satellite-derived water vapor isotopes
Authors: Shi Mingjie , Worden John , Bailey Adriana , Noone David , Risi Camille , Fu Rong , Worden Sarah , Herman Robert , Payne Vivienne , Pagano Thomas , Bowman Kevin , Bloom Alexis , Saatchi Sassan S , Liu Junjie , Fisher Joshua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The evolution of the Amazon forest is tightly coupled to its terrestrial water balance (evapotranspiration minus precipitation, or ET-P), as an increase in ET-P reduces soil moisture, increasing water stress. However, large differences of ~ 50% between current monthly estimates of ET-P make it challenging to confidently quantify its spatio-temporal distribution and evolution. Here, we show that new satellite observations of the HDO/H2O ratio of water vapor, spanning 2003 to 2020, constrain estimates of the Amazon water balance with monthly precision of ~ 20%. The HDO/H2O ratio of water vapor is sensitive to the difference between ET and P, rather than to either flux alone, because lighter isotopes preferentially evaporate and heavier isotopes preferentially condense. Consequently, variable bias and sensitivity errors that result from combining different ET and precipitation products are minimized with this proxy. Our analysis demonstrates these data can quantify the spatial patterns of Amazon water balance from monthly to interannual time scales.
Synthetic Approach of Ternary Magnesium Niobate(Mg–Nb–O) Compounds
Authors: Rahman M. W. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Magnesium based niobium oxides (Mg–Nb–O) were prepared by solid–state reactions owing to understand the function of transition metal oxides as promoters/catalysts for practical application. Magnesium niobate (Mg3Nb6O11) was synthesized for the first time in nearly pure form reported in this context. MgNb2O6 and Mg4Nb2O9 were prepared in oxidizing conditions; on the contrary, Mg3Nb6O11 preferred reducing environment. Stoichiometric mixtures of the precursor materials MgO, Nb2O5 and/or metallic Nb were annealed for the syntheses which revealed the effect of temperature on phase formation, reaction kinetics and heat of reaction. The products were examined by ex–situ, in–situ X–ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystallographic parameters of various binary and ternary compounds (Mg/Nb/O) formed in different calcination conditions, were extracted by Rietveld method. In–situ experiment results in single step reaction for the MgNb2O6 synthesis and the heat of formation of the solid–state reaction obtained to be minimum (93 kJ/mol). In contrast, the formation of Mg4Nb2O9 and Mg3Nb6O11 compounds towards pure phases rather complicated due to multistep reactions and corresponding heat of formation were estimated to be 140 and 190 kJ/mol. Experimental results have been discussed based on kinetic and thermodynamic constrains.
Reproductive History and Pregnancy Incidence of Malian and Beninese Sex Workers Before and Suring Sex Work Practice
Authors: Sullivan Gentiane Perrault , Guédou Fernand Aimé , Tounkara Fatoumata Korika , Béhanzin Luc , Camara Nana , Aza-Gnandji Marlène , Dembele Bintou Keita , Azonnadou Odette , Théra Ismaila , Avery Lisa , Alary Michel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: To reduce maternal mortality, access to family planning and reproductive health care services is a key strategy. Access to and use by marginalized populations pose a substantial challenge. Sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa are a good example. The objective of this study was to describe the reproductive history of female sex workers (FSWs) before and during sex work.METHODS: FSWs aged ≥18 years were recruited in Cotonou (Benin), and Bamako (Mali), to answer a face-to-face questionnaire inquiring on reproductive history. Descriptive analyses were carried out and comparisons made between countries using Pearson chi-square and between the periods before (BSW) and during sex work (DSW) practice within women in each country using McNemar chi-square. In addition, multiple imputations were used to estimate and compare the incidence rate of pregnancy BSW and DSW.RESULTS: Mean age was 26 years in Mali (n=322) and 35 years in Benin (n=330). More women had at least one pregnancy BSW compared to DSW in both Mali (62.1% vs 33.5%) and Benin (91.2% vs 32.7%). The pregnancies occurring DSW had lower livebirth rates (57.9% vs 74.7% - Mali, 17.6% vs 60.6% - Benin) and ended more often with a therapeutic abortion, DSW compared to BSW, especially in Benin (65.2% vs 25.6%). The level of complications associated with therapeutic abortion was high, both DSW (23%) and BSW (20%). The incidence rate of pregnancy was about twice lower DSW compared to BSW [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.49; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.37-0.66 in Mali and IRR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.32-0.63 in Benin].CONCLUSION: In both Benin and Mali, FSWs had more pregnancies during the period preceding sex work practice, about twice more than during sex work when considering the differences in incidence rates. Single mothers need to be supported to avoid sex work as a financial solution. On the other hand, the reproductive needs of FSWs need to be acknowledged to reduce maternal mortality within this marginalized population. It is of paramount importance that interventions remain focused on reproductive health and prevent unwanted pregnancies, answer contraceptive needs and provide safe therapeutic abortions.
Effective Removal of Arsenic in Water by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Equilibrium and Kinetic Study
Authors: Hassan Sara Hassan , Syed Shane Zehra , Ahmed Zubair , Talpur Mohammad Younis , Chang Muammar Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, we report the efficient catalytic activity for the removal of arsenic contamination from water using L-cysteine derived iron oxide nanoparticles. The catalytic ability was checked by ICP-MS. Best optimized magnetite iron oxide nano particles at pH-10 were confirmed through different characterization techniques such as TEM, XRD, EDS, FTIR and zeta potential analyzer, respectively. TEM was confirmed the smallest particle size in the range of 5-30 nm. The application study was performed by ICP-MS instrument to check the removal efficiency of arsenic by iron oxide magnetite nano catalyst first on synthetic water prepared on laboratory was 99.8% and then checked on real water samples collected was 81.09% from arsenic contaminated sites areas of Larkana exceeded arsenic concentration from 10ug/l as compared to WHO limit, The adsorption capacity of arsenic on the prepared porous iron oxide nanoparticles was 1.96 mg/g proved that the particles having higher surface area with excellent catalytic degradation property. The adsorption dataset best fits in the Langmuir model and obeyed the pseudo-second-order model. Herein, we report the simple and greener synthesized iron oxide nano-adsorbent and their effective ability for the removal of arsenic from water source using advanced ICP-MS technique.