bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for oil spill cleanup from water
Authors: Abdullah Thamer Adnan , Juzsakova Tatjana , Hafad Sanaa A. , Rasheed Rashed Taleb , Al-Jammal Noor , Mallah Muhammad Ali , Salman Ali Dawood , Le P. C. , Domokos Endre , Aldulaimi Mustafa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe growing global economy resulted in an incessant increase in transportation and exploitation of oil. Hence, the oil spillage has been considered a serious threat to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, water purification has been considered a major challenge around the world. There are numerous classical methods available for oil removal from water, but owing to multiple defects and disadvantages, research efforts have focused to find such adsorbents which can improve oil adsorption capability. Traditional adsorbent material typically applied in oil removal includes activated carbon, organoclays, wool, zeolites, etc. These materials suffer from several drawbacks such as low absorption capacity, non-selective absorption, and complicated reusability, whereas nano-adsorbents offer multiple advantages such as having multiple sorption sites, large surface area, short intra-particle diffusion distance, tuneable pore size, and ease of low-temperature modification. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are extensively used adsorbent materials with a strong affinity for the removal of organic pollutants. The functionalization MWCNTs further increase the sorption capacity of adsorbents manifolds to remove organic materials. These nanocomposites are also compatible with green materials and considered environmentally friendly adsorbents. This review paper aims at providing an insight to understand the properties of the MWCNTs and their potential use to adsorb hydrocarbons from water. Moreover, the synthesis methods of those materials, their modification procedures including the functionalization with metal oxide nanoparticles, and applications are also discussed in detail.
Graphic abstract
Securing the surgical field for mobilization of right-sided colon cancer using the duodenum-first multidirectional approach in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Nagayoshi K. , Nagai S. , Zaguirre K. P. , Hisano K. , Sada M. , Mizuuchi Y. , Nakamura M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of the duodenum-first multidirectional approach (DMA) in laparoscopic right colectomy with those of the conventional medial approach to assess its safety and feasibility.

Methods
This retrospective study enrolled 120 patients who had laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon cancer in our institution between April 2013 and December 2019. Fifty-four patients underwent colectomy using the multidirectional approach; among these, 20 underwent the DMA and 34 underwent the caudal-first multidirectional approach (CMA). Sixty-six patients underwent the conventional medial approach. Complications within 30 days of surgery were compared between the groups.

Results
There were 54 patients in the multidirectional group [29 females, median age 72 years (range 36–91 years)] and 66 in the medial group [42 females, median age 72 years (range 41–91 years)]. Total operative time was significantly shorter in multidirectional approach patients than conventional medial approach patients (208 min vs. 271 min; p = 0.01) and significantly shorter in patients who underwent the DMA compared to the CMA (201 min vs. 269 min; p < 0.001). Operative time for the mobilization procedure was also significantly shorter in patients who underwent the DMA (131 min vs. 181 min; p < 0.001). Blood loss and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ. In 77 patients with advanced T3/T4 tumors, the DMA, CMA, and conventional medial approach were performed in 13, 21, and 43 patients, respectively. Total operative time and operative time of the mobilization procedure were significantly shorter in patients undergoing DMA. Blood loss and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ. R0 resection was achieved in all patients with advanced tumors.

Conclusions
The DMA in laparoscopic right colectomy is safe and feasible and can achieve R0 resection with a shorter operative time than the conventional medial approach, even in patients with advanced tumors.
Simulation of building damage distribution in downtown Mashiki, Kumamoto, Japan caused by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake based on site-specific ground motions and nonlinear structural analyses
Authors: Sun Jikai , Nagashima Fumiaki , Kawase Hiroshi , Matsushima Shinichi , Baoyintu  
Published: May 2021

AbstractMost of the buildings damaged by the mainshock of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake were concentrated in downtown Mashiki in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. We obtained 1D subsurface velocity structures at 535 grid points covering this area based on 57 identified velocity models, used the linear and equivalent linear analyses to obtain site-specific ground motions, and generated detailed distribution maps of the peak ground acceleration and velocity in Mashiki. We determined the construction period of every individual building in the target area corresponding to updates to the Japanese building codes. Finally, we estimated the damage probability by the nonlinear response model of wooden structures with different ages. The distribution map of the estimated damage probabilities was similar to the map of the damage ratios from a field survey, and moderate damage was estimated in the northwest where no damage survey was conducted. We found that both the detailed site amplification and the construction period of wooden houses are important factors for evaluating the seismic risk of wooden structures.
Cooperative Management of Ecosystem Services: Coalition Formation, Landscape Structure and Policies
Authors: Bareille Francois , Zavalloni Matteo , Raggi Meri , Viaggi Davide 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA growing body of literature shows that full-cooperation among farmers to manage productive ecosystem services would yield gains with respect to uncoordinated approaches. The public good feature of these ecosystem services may, however, hinder the emergence of a cooperative solution at the landscape scale. In this paper, we introduce in a coalition formation game a spatially-explicit bioeconomic model of fruit pollination, where pollinaton depends on the distance to the choosen location of natural habitats. We analyse: (i) which coalitions are stable; (ii) what benefits they provide; (iii) how cooperation depends on the initial landscape structure; and (iv) how policy instruments affect cooperation. The theoretical model presents the rationality of cooperation but, due to the detailed heterogeneity and complex spatial interactions among farms, we use a numerical example to determine the stable coalitions. We find that only small coalitions are stable and that the benefits of cooperation decrease when the spatial autocorrelation of fruit tree covers increase. Policy instruments can increase the interest for cooperation but per-hectare payments and minimum participation rules may reduce the habitat area at the margin (by decreasing the stability of coalitions). Price premium for the coalition members increase the habitat area but its budget-effectiveness decreases as the spatial autocorrelation of fruit tree covers increase.
Publishing Science in Tribology: The Past, Present and Future of Tribology Letters
Authors: Martini Ashlie , Burris David L. , Cayer-Barrioz Juliette , Spencer Nicholas D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe last 25 years have seen immense changes, both in the world generally and in scientific publishing. It is now hard to imagine that our original editorial responsibilities included managing filing cabinets full of manuscripts and making frequent trips to the post office! In this first Invited Viewpoint, we have invited ourselves to highlight some of the key breakthroughs that have been made on topics that are within the scope of Tribology Letters, i.e., breakthroughs in the science of tribology. We also bring your attention to some unique, existing features of the journal, as well as new ways in which Tribology Letters will be more functional for you in the future. Finally, we share our views on publishing tribology research more generally, with the aim of encouraging publication decisions that benefit the tribology community as a whole.
Structural basis for the functional properties of the P2X7 receptor for extracellular ATP
Authors: Jiang Lin-Hua , Caseley Emily A. , Muench Steve P. , Roger Sébastien 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe P2X7 receptor, originally known as the P2Z receptor due to its distinctive functional properties, has a structure characteristic of the ATP-gated ion channel P2X receptor family. The P2X7 receptor is an important mediator of ATP-induced purinergic signalling and is involved the pathogenesis of numerous conditions as well as in the regulation of diverse physiological functions. Functional characterisations, in conjunction with site-directed mutagenesis, molecular modelling, and, recently, structural determination, have provided significant insights into the structure–function relationships of the P2X7 receptor. This review discusses the current understanding of the structural basis for the functional properties of the P2X7 receptor.
Integrated Assessment of Coastal Exposure and Social Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards in East Africa
Authors: Ballesteros Caridad , Esteves Luciana S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn index of vulnerability to coastal change, integrating indices of social vulnerability and exposure to coastal hazards, was created for East Africa to identify ‘areas of priority concern’ for risk reduction. Currently, 22% of East Africa’s coastline and 3.5 million people are at higher levels of exposure to coastal hazards, which would increase, respectively, to 39% and 6.9 million people if mangroves, coral reefs and seagrasses are lost. Madagascar and Mozambique show the largest proportion of the coastline at higher exposure, while Kenya and Tanzania benefit the most from natural coastal protection. Coral reefs protect 2.5 million people from higher exposure, mostly in Mombasa, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Considering Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania, the latter is the least, and the former is the most vulnerable. Under current conditions, 17 (out of 86) coastal districts are considered ‘areas of priority concern’; four of these are critically exposed as over 90% of their shoreline length are at higher exposure (Zavala, Inharrime, Manhiça and Mandlakaze, all in southern Mozambique). These locations are of critical concern for any present or future coastal development due to the high level of exposure posed to both vulnerable people and investments. Habitat loss would increase the number of ‘priority concern’ districts to 24; some would show great increase in the population exposed (e.g. Pemba and Mossuril in Mozambique). Applying this knowledge to identify where ecosystem-based management should be prioritised to promote social and environmental resilience is timely and urgent in East Africa.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural production, livelihoods, and food security in India: baseline results of a phone survey
Authors: Jaacks Lindsay M. , Veluguri Divya , Serupally Rajesh , Roy Aditi , Prabhakaran Poornima , Ramanjaneyulu GV 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on agricultural production, livelihoods, food security, and dietary diversity in India. Phone interview surveys were conducted by trained enumerators across 12 states and 200 districts in India from 3 to 15 May 2020. A total of 1437 farmers completed the survey (94% male; 28% 30–39 years old; 38% with secondary schooling). About one in ten farmers (11%) did not harvest in the past month with primary reasons cited being unfavorable weather (37%) and lockdown-related reasons (24%). A total of 63% of farmers harvested in the past month (primarily wheat and vegetables), but only 44% had sold their crop; 12% were still trying to sell their crop, and 39% had stored their crop, with more than half (55%) reporting lockdown-related issues as the reason for storing. Seventy-nine percent of households with wage-workers witnessed a decline in wages in the past month and 49% of households with incomes from livestock witnessed a decline. Landless farmers were about 10 times more likely to skip a meal as compared to large farmers (18% versus 2%), but a majority reported receiving extra food rations from the government. Nearly all farmers reported consuming staple grains daily in the past week (97%), 63% consumed dairy daily, 40% vegetables daily, 26% pulses daily, and 7% fruit daily. These values are much lower than reported previously for farmers in India around this time of year before COVID-19: 94–95% dairy daily, 57–58% pulses daily, 64–65% vegetables daily, and 42–43% fruit daily. In conclusion, we found that the COVID-19 lockdown in India has primarily impacted farmers’ ability to sell their crops and livestock products and decreased daily wages and dietary diversity.
Heavy Mineral Analysis of Jamuna River Sediments, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Sakaouth , Aziz Md Tawhidul , Shahriar Md. Shams , Ritu Al Ahsan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The Jamuna is one of the world’s most heavily sediment-laden braided river. Despite a major host for heavy mineral resources, the sediments of the Jamuna river are sparsely studied. A mineralogical and SEM-EDS investigation has been carried out in the middle part (along Sirajganj and Jamalpur district of Bangladesh) of the Jamuna river to appraise the grain size parameter, texture, depositional environment, heavy mineral distribution, and elemental composition of the heavy minerals. The results show that sediment samples are very fine to fine sand, moderate to well sorted, near symmetrical to strongly fine skewed, and mesokurtic to very leptokurtic. Uniform to graded suspension mechanisms are the processes for sediment deposition. Heavy minerals accumulation ranges from 0.5% to 9.33%, and the assemblages are predominantly marked by epidote, amphibole, followed by opaque (magnetite and ilmenite), garnet, zircon, sillimanite, apatite, tourmaline, rutile, kyanite, staurolite, monazite, chlorite, and titanite. The percentage of amphibole, garnet, and zircon decreases downstream and epidote increases in the same direction. The calculated zircon-tourmaline-rutile index (ZTR) varied between 3 to 13%, average apatite-tourmaline index (ATi), garnet-zircon index (GZi), rutile-zircon index (RuZi) and staurolite-zircon index (SZi) values are 54.55%, 75%, 38.68%, and 30% respectively. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna river sediments are derived from mixed-source regions (e.g., Shillong Plateau, Indo-Burman Ranges, and the Himalayas). The abundance of subangular to angular, high relief heavy mineral grains with sharp edges on the surface, conchoidal fractures, deep troughs, and breakage blocks infer that the provenance is close to the depositional area. The presence of rounded to sub-rounded, smoother surface with adhering particles, arcuate steps, and low to medium relief indicate the long-distance transportation of heavy mineral grains through fluvial environment.
Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in Virudhunagar Taluk, Tamil Nadu, India by using Statistical Methods and GIS Technique
Authors: Lakshmi R. Venkada , Raja V. , Sekar C. Puthiya , Neelakantan M.A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In the present study, twenty water samples were collected during pre-monsoon (June 2017) and post-monsoon (December 2017) seasons. The water samples were analyzed to determine various chemical parameters like chloride, fluoride, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate. During pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) the order of dominance of anion in the water samples are HCO3-&gt; TDS &gt; Cl-&gt; SO42-&gt; TH &gt; NO3-&gt; F-&gt; PO4- and TDS &gt;HCO3-&gt;SO42-&gt;Cl-&gt; TH &gt;NO3-&gt;F-&gt;PO4-, respectively. The order of dominance of cations are Na+&gt; Ca2+&gt; Mg2+&gt; K+ in both the seasons. The irrigation water quality was determined using the parameters such as sodium absorption ratio (SAR), Kelly’s ratio (KR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), potential salinity (PS), permeability index (PI), sodium percentage (SP), magnesium hazard, calcium to magnesium molar ratio. The groundwater’s geochemical control and hydrogeochemistry were evaluated using the Piper, Chadha, scatter and Gibbs plots. This study reveals that groundwater quality is unfit for drinking purposes at a few places in the study area.
Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Wu Tara , Chandy Zachariah , Ference Elisabeth , Lee Jivianne T. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Surgery is often indicated for definitive biopsy or as the primary treatment modality for pediatric skull base lesions. Traditionally, open surgical approaches were utilized to address pediatric skull base pathology. However recently, expanded endoscopic sinus surgery has been utilized as a minimally invasive approach to addressing skull base pathology in the pediatric population.

Purpose
This review provides an overview of the current literature evaluating the unique anatomic challenges of the pediatric skull and the safety and efficacy of expanded skull base procedures in the pediatric population.

Findings
The pediatric skull base and sinus anatomy is small and continues to develop throughout childhood leading to unique surgical challenges. Sphenoid sinus pneumatization and intercarotid distance at the skull base are two significant anatomic challenges to pediatric skull base surgery. Despite the distinctive anatomy challenges, recent studies demonstrate that the safety and efficacy of expanded endoscopic sinus surgery appear to be equivalent to traditional open surgical approaches.

Conclusion
Expanded endoscopic sinus surgery in the pediatric population has similar efficacy and safety as the traditional open approaches.
Assessment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction and Its Association with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women and Men Over 18 Years Old: Results From the COBaLT Study
Authors: Bravo-Balado Alejandra , Trujillo Carlos Gustavo , Caicedo Juan Ignacio , García Sandra , Azuero Julián , Rondón Martín , Plata Mauricio 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundFemale sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (FSD/ED) have been linked with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), from both epidemiological data and basic research studies, but few studies have been conducted in Latin America addressing these issues and most of them do not include the young population.AimTo determine the prevalence of FSD/ED and its association with LUTS in Colombia.MethodsSub-analysis of a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in subjects ≥18 years old to evaluate LUTS/OAB. The estimated sample size was 1,054. ED was defined as ≤21 points in the SHIM and FSD as ≤19 in the FSFI-6. For LUTS/OAB, we used the 2002 ICS and 2010 IUGA/ICS definitions and validated questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed.OutcomesPrevalence of FSD/ED and association of FSD/ED and LUTS.RESULTSWe included 1,060 participants; the median age was 40 (IQR 27–54) years. Fifty-seven (11.4%) men and 182 (32.7%) women were sexually inactive. The prevalence of FSD/ED in sexually active participants was 47% (men 52.9%, women 38.9%). The most common FSD/ED symptoms were diminished/absent lubrication in women (42%) and diminished erection maintenance after penetration in men (13%). Individuals with FSD/ED had higher rates of various LUTS. The multivariable logistic regression model found that the city of residence (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 8.4, 95% CI 1.4–48.7), menopause (OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.9–6.2), urge urinary incontinence (UUI) (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.3) and nocturia ≥2 (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.2) were associated with FSD. In men, age 40–59 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–3.7) and ≥60 (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.4–12.5), the city of residence (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.3), less than a high-school diploma vs higher education (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.2), depression (OR = 4.6, 95% CI 1.8–11.5), UUI (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.1–10.2) and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.5) were associated with ED.Clinical ImplicationsThis study underlines the importance of assessing LUTS in women and men of all affected age groups who present with symptoms of FSD/ED and vice versa, which could help achieve a better approach for these patients.Strengths & LimitationsThis is the first study in Colombia and one of the few in Latin America that addresses both FSD/ED and LUTS in men and women aged 18 years and older. Limitations include being a sub-analysis of a study aiming to determine the prevalence of LUTS/OAB and not FSD/ED.CONCLUSIONSRegardless of age, LUTS were observed more frequently in patients with FSD/ED. Various LUTS were associated with FSD/ED.
Migrant Remittances and Violent Responses to Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: López García Ana Isabel , Maydom Barry 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTHigh levels of crime are a key driver of emigration from Latin America and the Caribbean. But can emigration change public opinion about how best to respond to crime? Focusing on the political economy of remittances—the money migrants send to their families and communities—this study argues that emigration can increase support for violent responses to crime. Migrants’ families often spend remittances on investment goods, which makes them more vulnerable to crime and more supportive of violence to protect themselves. An analysis of AmericasBarometer data finds that remittance recipients are more likely both to fear crime and to be victims of crime than nonrecipients. They are also more approving of vigilantism, more tolerant of police bending the law to apprehend criminals, and more supportive of deploying the military in crime fighting. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the consequences of international migration for political development in migrant-sending countries.
Bayesian Estimation of Surface Strain Rates From Global Navigation Satellite System Measurements: Application to the Southwestern United States
Authors: Pagani C. , Bodin T. , Métois M. , Lasserre C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeismic hazard assessment in active fault zones can benefit of strain rate measurements derived from geodetic data. Producing a continuous strain rate map from discrete data is an inverse problem traditionally tackled with standard interpolation schemes. Most algorithms require user‐defined regression parameters that determine the smoothness of the recovered velocity field and the amplitude of its spatial derivatives. This may lead to biases in the strain rates estimation which could eventually impact studies on earthquake hazard. Here we propose a transdimensional Bayesian method to estimate surface strain rates from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) velocities. We parameterize the velocity field with a variable number of Delaunay triangles and use a reversible‐jump Monte‐Carlo Markov Chain algorithm to sample the probability distribution of surface velocities and spatial derivatives. The solution is a complete probability distribution function for each component of the strain rate field. We conduct synthetic tests and compare our approach to a standard b‐spline interpolation scheme. Our method is more resilient to data errors and uneven data distribution, while providing uncertainties associated with recovered velocities and strain rates. We apply our method to the Southwestern United States, an extensively studied and monitored area and infer probabilistic strain rates along the main fault systems, including the San Andreas one, from the inversion of interseismic GNSS velocities. Our approach provides a full description of the strain rate tensor for zones where strain rates are highly contrasted, with no need to manually tune user‐defined parameters. We recover sharp velocity gradients, without systematic artifacts.