bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Hydraulic Performance of Water Distribution System for Sustainable Management
Authors: Kuma Tarekegn , Getahun Brook Abate 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Understanding water distribution system hydraulic performance is crucial for a water supply system management. A case study was conducted evaluating the hydraulic performance of water distribution system of Tulu Bolo town. The hydraulic model of water distribution network was developed using GIS integrated with WaterGEMS hydraulic model. The implementation of the integrated system verified that water to regulate the pressure and velocity in order to sustain. According to the analysis, about 92.6% of nodes have optimized pressure ranged between 15m to 70m and about 1.27% is under permissible pressure. Model calibration was performed by comparing simulated data with field data, the result of pressure calibration has a linear correlation coefficient of 0.93 and the hydraulic model in WaterGEMS was calibrated and optimized with a field data.
Long-term Exposure to Phenanthrene-Induced Gene Expressions and Enzyme Activities of Cyprinus Carpio Below the Safe Concentration
Authors: Kang Xin , Li Dongpeng , Cao Xin , Zhao Xiaoxiang , Lv Yanfeng , Chen Xi , Song Xinshan , Liu Xiangyu , Chen Chengrong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Phenanthrene (PHE) is a typical food chain biomagnified compound which endangers human health and is generally accumulated from marine lives. Previous PHE-stressed Carp acute toxicity test showed that the safe concentration of PHE to carp was 1.12 mg/L. In this study, the carp was long-term exposed to PHE below safe concentration up to 25 days. The gene expression levels and cytochrome P450 (CYP1A/EROD (7-Ethoxylesorufin O-deethylase)) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in the carp liver and brain tissues. The results showed that both the CYP1A mRNA expression and EROD activity in the liver were continuously stimulated after induction with the increase in exposure time and exposure concentration. However, with the increase of PHE concentration, GST mRNA expression in the liver was firstly induced and then inhibited and the induction was significant in the treatment with 0.1 mg/L PHE in the 15th day (almost 2-fold). In the brain, after the 15th day, GST mRNA expression was suppressed, but GST activity was induced. Correlation analysis results showed that the CYP1A mRNA expression was significantly correlated with the activity of EROD in both tissues (liver, r = 0.602, P < 0.01; brain, r = 0.508, P < 0.01), but the correlation between GST mRNA expression and GST activity was poor (liver, r = 0.385, P < 0.01; brain, r = 0.293, P < 0.01). This experiment revealed the self-regulation mechanism of carp exposed to lower than safe concentrations of PHE for a long time, indicating the toxicological risk of PHE in the ecosystem.
Visiting Peri-Urban Forests and Mountains During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Empirical Analysis of Environmental Factor and Awareness of Visitors via Large-Scale Online Survey
Authors: Uchiyama Yuta , Kohsaka Ryo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This research analyzed the status of visiting peri-urban forestlands and mountains during the first emergency period in Japan via large-scale online questionnaire survey. We examined in explorative manner corelating factors with visits; i.e. social-economic attributes as well as environmental factors of residents (such as land use patterns of residential areas), and their awareness on forestlands. Results implied that environmental factors could provide a basis to encourage the residents to visit peri-urban forestlands and mountains during the pandemic. Peri-urban areas with forestlands have such environmental factors, and the residents who visited peri-urban forestlands and mountains tended to live in peri-urban areas. As for the awareness of the visitors, the expectations for forest functions were identified as another influential factor to facilitate them to visit those places. The residents who visited the area (forests and mountains) had relatively high expectations for mental and educational functions of forest. The environmental factor might be able to encourage to have such expectations. In future research, the relationships between the environmental factors and expectations or awareness of residents for peri-urban forest need to be explored.
Synthesis of Reusable Cyclodextrin Polymers for Removal of Naphthol and Naphthylamine from Water
Authors: Xu Weifeng , Liu Xiang , Cai Jianzhe , Xue Tiemeng , Tang Kewen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
As one group of important naphthalene derivatives, naphthol and naphthylamine, are diffusely employed as dye intermediates. The presence of naphthol and naphthylamine in water systems may pose risks to the environment and public health due to their carcinogenicity. In this study, four mesoporous polymers prepared by β-cyclodextrin derivatives and tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile were obtained, and applied to deal with 1-naphthylamine, 2-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol, and 2-naphthol from water. The impact of adsorption time, initial concentration of naphthol and naphthylamine, and temperature on the adsorption efficiency of the four polymers were explored separately. The four polymers present fast adsorption kinetics towards naphthol and naphthylamine, attaining 93%~100% of adsorption equilibrium uptake for 1-naphthol, 1-naphthylamine, 2-naphthylamine in 15 min, and 87%~90% of equilibrium uptake for 2-naphthol in 15 min. The kinetics could be depicted well by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherms of the four polymers towards naphthol and naphthylamine accord with Redlich-Peterson or Sips model. The adsorption ratio increases fast with reducing the initial concentration of naphthol and naphthylamine, which suggest that these polymers are applicable to removing low concentration of naphthol and naphthylamine from water. The adsorption ratio of naphthol and naphthylamine in 5 mg/L, can achieve over 95% in 25 oC. In addition, the four polymers can be effortlessly recovered by a gentle and simple washing procedure with little reduction in performance. The adsorption performance of the four polymers towards the four naphthalene derivatives can be improved by increasing the adsorption temperature. In conclusion, the prepared β-cyclodextrin polymers exhibit rapid water treatment in removing the four low-concentration naphthalene derivatives with convenient regeneration and good reusability.
Apo D and Apo E Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Esnafoglu Erman , Cırrık Selma 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Apo D is an atypical plasma apolipoprotein and a member of the lipocalin protein superfamily. In recent years, Apo D has been identified as an important factor in the pathology of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Apo D is highly produced in the brain and acts as a multiligand and multifunctional carrier. Apo D binds to and stabilizes Arachidonic acid in the cell membrane and cytosol. Thus, it suppresses inflammation and protects the cell membrane against oxidation. Apo E is important in cholesterol transfer and it has been reported that it may play a role in immune regulation, nerve regeneration, synaptogenesis and neuronal homeostasis. In this study, plasma Apo D and Apo E levels were examined and its possible role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) pathology was investigated. Thirty-nine subjects with ASD were compared with 30 healthy subjects who typically developed. Accordingly, plasma Apo D and Apo E levels were statistically significantly lower in the ASD group compared to the healthy control group. According to the results of this study, it can be suggested that low levels of Apo D and Apo E may play a role in ASD pathogenesis.
Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of Shift Manipulator for Robot Driver with Multiple Joint Clearance
Authors: Chen Gang , Xu Xinyao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The clearance joint is very important to the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of mechanism. This paper presents a nonlinear dynamic characteristic model of shift manipulator for robot driver based on multiple revolute clearance joints to improve dynamic characteristics. The relative penetration depth and velocity between pin and bushing are obtained by establishing the kinematic model of the shift manipulator with clearance joint. Based on the improved L-N contact force model and the modified Coulomb friction model, the normal contact force and the tangential contact force of clearance joint are analyzed. With full clearance joints, the nonlinear dynamic characteristic model of the shift manipulator for robot driver is established. The nonlinear dynamic characteristic laws of the shift manipulator including the end displacement, velocity, acceleration and active joint driving torque are analyzed by different sizes of clearance joints. And the performance test of the shift manipulator for robot driver is conducted. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear dynamic characteristics are well analyzed and verified through the presented characteristic model with clearance joints.
A Novel Approach for Ranking Intuitionisitc Fuzzy Numbers and its Application to Decision Making
Authors: Liang Meishe , Mi Ju-Sheng , Zhang Shaopu , Jin Chenxia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Ranking intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is an important issue in practical application of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. For making a rational decision, people need to get an effective sorting over the set of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. Many scholars rank intuitionistic fuzzy numbers by defining different measures. These measures do not comprehensively consider the fuzzy semantics expressed by membership degree, nonmembership degree and hesitancy degree of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. As a result, the ranking results are often counterintuitive, such as the indifference problems, the non-robustness problems, etc. In this paper, according to geometrical representation, a novel measure for intuitionistic fuzzy number is defined, which is called the ideal measure. After that a new sorting approach of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is proposed. It is proved that the intuitionistic fuzzy order obtained by the ideal measure satisfies the properties of weak admissibility, membership degree robustness, nonmembership degree robustness, and determinism. Numerical example is applied to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of this method. Finally, using the presented approach, the optimal alternative can be acquired in multi-attribute decision making problem. Comparison analysis shows that the intuitionistic fuzzy value ordering method obtained by the ideal measure is more effectiveness and simplicity than other existing methods.
Dynamic Crack Initiation And Growth In Cellulose Nanopaper
Authors: Miao Chengyun , Du Haishun , Zhang Xinyu , Tippur Hareesh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cellulose nanopaper (CNP) made of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) has gained extensive attention in recent years for its lightweight and superior mechanical properties alongside sustainable and green attributes. The mechanical characterization studies on CNP at the moment have generally been limited to tension tests. In fact, thus far there has not been any report on crack initiation and growth behavior, especially under dynamic loading conditions. In this work, crack initiation and growth in self-assembled CNP, made from filtration of CNF suspension, are studied using a full-field optical method. Dynamic crack initiation and growth behaviors and time-resolved fracture parameters are quantified using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. The challenge associated with dynamic loading of a thin strip of CNP has been overcome by an acrylic holder with a wide pre-cut slot bridged by edge-cracked CNP. The ultrahigh-speed digital photography is implemented to map in-plane deformations during pre- and post-crack initiation regimes including dynamic crack growth. Under stress wave loading conditions, macroscale crack growth occurs at surprisingly high-speed (600-700 m/s) in this microscopically fibrous material. The measured displacement fields from dynamic loading conditions are analyzed to extract stress intensity factors (SIF) and energy release rate (G) histories. The results show that the SIF at crack initiation is in the range of 6-7 MPa(m)1/2, far superior to many engineering plastics. Furthermore, the measured values increase during crack propagation under both low- and high-strain rates, demonstrating superior fracture resistance of CNP valuable for many structural applications.
Psychosocial Factors That May Help Make Exercise Programs For Prostate Cancer Patients Self-Sustaining: Two Case Studies
Authors: Fox Isaac Nikolai , Wassersug Richard J. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
PurposeProstate cancer (PCa) patients benefit from regular exercise, but it is difficult for patients to maintain an exercise regime. We examined two exercise programs that have proven to be self-sustaining with the goal of identifying features they share that may contribute to their success.MethodsWe compared the FC Prostata football (soccer) league in Denmark and the “Butts in a Boat” (BIAB) dragon-boating team in Canada. The FC Prostata project coordinator and the BIAB leaders provided information on the programs’ histories and structures.ResultsBoth programs are team-based with regular, intense exercise at their core. In both cases, social activities spontaneously evolved, starting with the men going out for food and/or drinks after practices. The sustainability of these programs appears to be driven by the regular socialization that is linked to the fitness activities.ConclusionsOur two case studies suggest that exercise programs for prostate cancer patients may have a good chance of being self-sustaining, if they are: 1) centered around intense exercise, 2) of a team nature, 3) structured to promote egalitarianism and avoid one-on-one competition within teams, yet 4) have some competitions between teams.Informal socialization organized by patients after team practice appears particularly important for building fellowship and strengthening patients’ commitment to exercise for themselves and social support for others.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infection and Their Associated Factors Among HIV-Infected Individuals in Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Program in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Thitipatarakorn Supanat , Chinbunchorn Tanat , Peelay Jitsupa , Seekaew Pich , Amatavete Sorawit , Sangsai Monsiri , Pankam Tippawan , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Avery Matthew , Phanuphak Praphan , Ramautarsing Reshmie , Phanuphak Nittaya 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Viral hepatitis is highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and can lead to chronic liver complications. Thailand started universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth in 1992. We explored prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C and associated factors among PLHIV from same-day antiretroviral therapy (SDART) service at the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods

We collected baseline characteristics from PLHIV enrolled in the SDART service between July 2017 and November 2019. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine factors associated with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV).
Results

We included a total of 4,011 newly diagnosed PLHIV who had HBsAg or anti-HCV results at baseline. Included were 2,941 men who have sex with men (MSM; 73.3%), 851 general population (21.2%), 215 transgender women (TGW; 5.4%), and 4 transgender men (0.1%). Median age was 27 years. Overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 6.0% and 4.1%, respectively. Subgroup prevalence rates were 6.2% and 4.7% among MSM, 4.6% and 2.4% among general population, and 9.3% and 3.7% among TGW. Factors associated with HBsAg positivity were being MSM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13 to 2.40), being TGW (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.60 to 5.17), birth year before 1992 (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.16), CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03, 1.86), and alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.43). Factors associated with anti-HCV positivity were being MSM (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.55), age > 30 years (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.17), alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L (aOR 7.74, 95% CI 5.48 to 10.9), creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min (aOR 5.58, 95% CI 1.95 to 16.0), and having syphilis (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.78).
Conclusions

Around 5–10% of newly diagnosed PLHIV in Bangkok had hepatitis B infection after 25 years of universal vaccination. Anti-HCV positivity was found in 4–5% of PLHIV who were MSM and TGW. Every PLHIV should be routinely tested for hepatitis B and C and immediately linked to appropriate prevention and treatment interventions.
Ellipsoid Zone Thickness in Sporadic Adult-Onset Foveomacular Vitelliform Dystrophy
Authors: Yousefi Shayan , Tiosano Liran , Jaouni Tareq , Averbukh Edward , Banin Eyal , Bdolah-Abram Tali , Chowers Itay 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the thickness of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) layer and its correlation with visual acuity and the disease stage in eyes with Adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AFVD).Materials and Methods: Ninety-two eyes of 57 patients with AFVD were evaluated. Four consecutive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans from each study eye were analyzed. Retinal layers were segmented, and the EZ layer thickness was measure in two areas of the macula: at the center of fovea (CF) and at the foveal avascular zone edge (FE).Results: The mean±SD EZ thickness for was 16.5±9.6 microns at the center of fovea (CF) and 17± 9.8 microns at the edge of foveal avascular zone (FE; p=0.006, t-test). Compared to 30 healthy eyes, the EZ was thicker at the vitelliform stage in both CF and FE (p<0.001 in both points, t-test), and during the pseudohypopyon or vitelliruptive stages in CF (p=0.007, t test), but not in edge of the fovea (p=0.15, t test). Visual acuity was better in eyes with intact EZ compared to absent EZ (p=0.001 for both CF and FE, ANOVA test). There was a trend for an association between EZ thickness and the stage of AFVD (p=0.06, ANOVA test). Conclusion: The foveal EZ thickness in AFVD, is thicker comparing with controls. This might suggest that impaired retinal pigment epithelium phagocytosis or excess photoreceptor EZ production play important role in the pathogenesis of AFVD.
Sustainable Solution to Low-Cost Alternative Abrasive From Electric Ceramic Insulator Waste For Use in Abrasive Water Jet Machining
Authors: Palaniyappan Sabarinathan , Veiravan Annamalai , Kaliyamoorthy Rajkumar , Kumar Vishal 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Increasing demand and resource overuse has prompted the exploration of spent secondary materials as a primary raw material for a variety of applications, leading to a more sustainable environment. Spent electric grid ceramic insulator, one of the waste materials of ceramic industry has a good hardness and strength. It can be reused as value added material in Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) industry. This present work deals with conversion of electric insulator rejects (EIR) into a cost-effective replacement material for abrasive water jet machining process. Mechanical crushing method is opted to generate the abrasive grit for the machining process. Grit generation pattern and the friability of the electric insulator rejects were determined experimentally. The results indicate that the friability of the processed electric insulator rejects is comparable with the commercially available garnet abrasive. Geometric parameters such as sphericity, elongation ratio, and shape factor for the processed electric insulator rejects were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The machining performance indicators for standard aluminium material such as volume of material removal, kerf angle, surface roughness and cutting width were measured for electric insulator rejects and compared with existing garnet abrasive grain. The experimental results of newly generated electric insulator reject abrasive were matched with performance indicators of the garnet abrasive. The observed deviation was lower proving that it can be used as alternative abrasive in the abrasive jet machining process. Cost analysis and recycling ability predict the economical usability of the newly generated abrasives.
The Effect of Social Distancing and Personal Protective Equipment on the Outbreak of SARS-COVID-2: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach
Authors: Effati Sohrab , Tavakoli Eman 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Biological phenomena such as disease outbreaks can be modeled as a subset of natural phenomena. Coronaviruses, first identified in the 1960s, are contagious diseases being constantly in the area of research and modeling in human society. The latest version of this group, SARS-COVID-2, has caused the Coronavirus disease one of the greatest pandemics in recent years. Due to the nature of this disease, being aware of the ways of transmission and how to prevent it, including social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve the general condition of society is of particular importance. In this study, dynamic systems (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Asymptomatic, and Recovered individuals as SEIAR), control systems, and Agent-based modeling (ABM) were used to forecast the behavior of the SARS-COVID-2 virus in the community. The numerical results display the undeniable impact of adhering to hygiene protocols. A significant decline in the number of people with the Coronavirus disease, after applying the control measures, indicates their remarkable impact on reducing the disease peak. Moreover, the result of the Agent-based simulation, which is in four ideal cases, show a significant reduction in the number of death as well.
Altered Intrinsic Brain Activity In Patients With CSF1R-Related Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Wu Jingying , Cao Yikang , Li Binyin , Jia Xize , Cao Li 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy is an adult-onset white matter disease with high disability and mortality, while current diagnostic approaches are prone to misdiagnosis and not sensitive enough for pre-clinical alternations. This study introduced amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) based on resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) to compare the spontaneous brain activities of patients and healthy controls, aiming to provide early clues for disease onset and enhance our understanding of the disease.Methods: RsfMRI was performed on 11 patients and 23 healthy controls and preprocessed for calculation of ALFF and ReHo. Permutation tests with threshold free cluster enhancement (number of permutations =5,000) was applied for comparison. Voxels with P value<0.05 (family-wise error corrected) and cluster size>10 voxels was considered with significant difference.Results: Compared to controls, the patient group showed decreased ALFF in right paracentral lobule and precentral gyrus, and increased ALFF in left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, left precentral gyrus, right precuneus, as well as bilateral insula, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, midbrain and cingulate gyrus. Decreased ReHo was found in bilateral supplementary motor area and paracentral lobule of patients, while ReHo increased in right superior occipital gyrus, right precentral gyrus, left angular gyrus, as well as bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, middle occipital gyrus, supramarginal gyrus and extra-nuclear.Conclusion: These results revealed altered spontaneous brain activities in CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy, especially in limbic system and supplementary motor area, which may serve as an early biomarker for the onset, and shed light on disease mechanisms.