bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public Health Knowledge and Perception of Microplastics Pollution: Lessons from the Lagos Lagoon
Authors: Omoyajowo Koleayo Oluwafemi , Raimi Morufu Olalekan , Waleola Temitope Oluwagbenga , Odipe Oluwaseun Emmanuel , Ogunyebi Amos Lanrewaju 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The magnitude of ocean plastic debris is forecast to triple within the next decade due to a number of factors such as increased plastic demands and production, inadequate waste disposal and management, unhealthy lifestyle and poor knowledge on the health impact of plastic waste among several others, all of which could be exacerbated by COVID-19 and climate change and cause humanity to face a disaster for ocean health in less than 20 years. Hence, microplastic pollution is globally flagged as one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in recent time as they are found nearly everywhere in the environment. While, the world confronts the plastic problem and transitions towards a circular system, turning the ubiquitous plastic loads around requires both momentum and careful navigation. So far, if the burning of plastics and the accumulation of the materials in oceans and landfill is to be reduced, the industry cannot continue to manufacture plastics at the current rate.Objectives: This paper explores public health knowledge and perception of microplastics pollutionMethods: Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0) and a significance difference was established at 5% with p<0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results: The result reveals that out of the 102 respondents that participated in the study, 59 respondents representing 57.8% were aware of microplastic pollution. Nonetheless, a significant association between awareness of microplastic pollution and the category of workers (p =0.004, p<0.05) was observed. The mean score on knowledge of microplastic is less than the expected weighted mean of 3.00 for 5 points rating scale which implies that the respondents have poor knowledge of microplastic pollution though they show better knowledge of the serious global problem of microplastic pollution than other knowledge items. Result also indicates that the mean score on perception is greater than 3.00 (3.32) which indicates that the respondents have a good perception of microplastic pollution. Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen advocacy coalition framework (ACF) communication and learning for the determination towards improving the opportunities to protect public interests, including a thorough review of all policy processes, with policy change. This will help highlight the learning importance and involving citizen stakeholder’s participation through observing risk communication on environmental pollutants menace while advancing citizen risk perception, thus influencing risk perception on plastic pollution, as well as the citizens involvement in such environmental problems. Hence, research role as well as creating education awareness will help enlighten the development of policy on the dangers of plastic pollution.
Elevating silicon into a high performance nonlinear optical platform through the integration of 2D graphene oxide thin films
Authors: Moss David 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Layered two-dimensional (2D) GO films are integrated with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) nanowire waveguides to experimentally demonstrate an enhanced Kerr nonlinearity, observed through self-phase modulation (SPM). The GO films are integrated with SOI nanowires using a large-area, transfer-free, layer-by-layer coating method that yields precise control of the film thickness. The film placement and coating length are controlled by opening windows in the silica cladding of the SOI nanowires. Owing to the strong mode overlap between the SOI nanowires and the highly nonlinear GO films, the Kerr nonlinearity of the hybrid waveguides is significantly enhanced. Detailed SPM measurements using picosecond optical pulses show significant spectral broadening enhancement for SOI nanowires coated with 2.2-mm-long films of 1 − 3 layers of GO, and 0.4-mm-long films with 5 − 20 layers of GO. By fitting the experimental results with theory, the dependence of GO’s n2 on layer number and pulse energy is obtained, showing interesting physical insights and trends of the layered GO films from 2D monolayers to quasi bulk-like behavior. Finally, we show that by coating SOI nanowires with GO films the effective nonlinear parameter of SOI nanowires is increased 16 fold, with the effective nonlinear figure of merit (FOM) increasing by about 20 times to FOM > 5. These results reveal the strong potential of using layered GO films to improve the Kerr nonlinear optical performance of silicon photonic devices.
Melatonin supplementation and outcomes after assisted reproductive technology: A systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Zhao Jing , Hao Jie , Xu Bin , Wang Yonggang , Li Yanping 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
To assess the effect of melatonin (MT) supplementation on the outcomes of ART.
A meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted. Eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), Miscarriage rate (MR), fertilization rate (FR), Number of oocyte, MII oocyte, top-quality embryo were reported in 10, 3, 6, 7, 9, 8, and 6 studies, respectively. MT supplementation significantly increased the CPR, the No. of MII oocyte, the No. of top-quality embryo, and the FR. However, there was no significant difference in LBR, No. of oocyte, and the MR. When studies were sub-grouped by the interventions, no matter the control group is MI+FA or placebo/none, MT supplementation increased No. of MII oocyte and No. of top embryo, whereas showed similar CPR. When studies were sub-grouped according to women’s characteristic, MT supplementation showed no significant benefit on CPR in women with PCOS, with normal ovary function, and with previous low fertilization or poor-quality embryo. However, MT supplementation increased the No of MII in women with PCOS, but did not show benefit in women with normal ovary function. MT supplementation may not improve the CPR and LBR of ART. But MT seems be beneficial to the quality of oocyte and embryo, especially for women with PCOS and DOR. Further well-designed studies are needed before the recommendation of its clinical use.
Applying a novel framework for the estimation of the full cost of water in a degraded rural watershed
Authors: Alamanos A. , Tsota M. , Mylopoulos N. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Water Resources Management's modern concerns include solutions on water scarcity, water quality problems and the use of economic and decision-support tools. Especially, the agricultural sector in South Europe under the requirements of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC(WFD) remains a challenge. Most scholars so far doubt and criticize the implementation of the full cost of irrigation water, review papers highlight the limited progress, and fewer cases provide guidance on how to address this case. The present study applies a novel methodological framework for the estimation of the full cost of irrigation water, based on hydro-economic concepts such as: water balance, profits from agriculture, water value, water quality, monetary, opportunity and environmental costs. Originally, the method has been applied only once in a rural watershed with surface and groundwater resources. Here, a degraded Greek watershed using only groundwater resources is the study area, and the results of the two cases are compared. The model was also examined under demand management strategies and recommendations to scrutinize the effects and the applicability of the proposed measures in hydrological and economic terms. The findings give useful insights on the future management of achieving economic objectives with environmental constraints and the harmonization of Greek agriculture to the WFD.
Applicability of ferric(III) hydroxide as a phosphate-selective adsorbent for sewage treatment
Authors: Na Choon-Ki , Park Ga-Yeon , Park Hyun Ju 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This research was undertaken to evaluate the usability of ferric(III) hydroxide for phosphate removal from sewage. Batch adsorption experiments, partly fixed bed column experiments, were conducted to study the influence of various factors, competing anions and contact time on the adsorption of phosphate on ferric(III) hydroxide. Processing ferric iron in the form of akaganeite (β-FeOOH) greatly increased the adsorption capacity for phosphate. The optimum phosphate removal was observed in the pHeq ≤ 6.0. All results from this study demonstrate the potential usability of β-FeOOH as a good phosphate-selective adsorbent for the phosphate removal system for a sewage treatment plant.
Synergism of Temozolomide, Metformin, and Epigallocatechin Gallate Promotes Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Glioma Cells
Authors: Kuduvalli Shreyas S. , Precilla Daisy S. , Anandhan Vinodhini , Sivasubramanian Anitha Thirugnanasambandhar 
Published: May 2021

Aim:
This study aimed to study the synergistic anti-glioma efficacies of Temozolomide,
Metformin, and Epigallocatechin Gallate in U87MG and C6 glioma cells.

Background:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive tumor of the central nervous
system. The current standard treatment comprises surgical resection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy
and chemotherapy employing temozolomide (TMZ). Yet the survival rates for GBM patients
are very low. Hence there is a need for new treatment regimes.

Objective:
This study aimed to unravel the synergistic anti-tumor potential of a biguanide drug,
Metformin (MET) and a polyphenol, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to enhance the anti-GBM efficacy
of the standard drug.

Methods:
The anti-proliferative effect of TMZ, MET, and EGCG, individually and in combination
was elucidated in U87MG (human) and C6 (rat) glioma cells using MTT assay, and combination index
was used to determine synergism. Cytotoxicity of the drugs was carried out in HEK293T noncancerous
cells. Apoptotic morphological changes in the cells were observed by AO/EtBr staining.
Furthermore, the effects of drugs on antioxidant and apoptotic genes (SOD, CAT, Nrf-2, Caspase-
9, and Bcl-2) were evaluated using qRT-PCR, and the protein levels of Nrf-2 and Caspase-9
were evaluated using ELISA.

Results:
The triple-drug combination (TMZ+ MET+ EGCG) synergistically inhibited the proliferation
of U87MG and C6 glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner and promoted the apoptosis of
glioma cells. The triple-drug combination significantly up-regulated the expression of antioxidant
and apoptotic genes and induced oxidative stress, suggesting a shift in equilibrium towards apoptosis.

Conclusion:
MET and EGCG in combination with TMZ synergistically promoted oxidative stressinduced
apoptosis in glioma cells. Hence, the combination of TMZ, MET, and EGCG may be therapeutically
exploited for improving the clinical outcomes of patients with GBM.
Pharmacokinetics Parameters of Diagoxin among Saudi Patients in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Allihimy Abdulaziz S. , Almeman Ahmad A. , Alnassar Nassar A. , Almadhi Jihad 
Published: May 2021

Background:The pharmacodynamic effects of digoxin are susceptible to multiple factors, most notably, heart uptake of the digoxin dose and its concentration in the serum. Another important factor to mention is the renal function state of an individual.Objective:In this study, we aimed to develop a simple algorithm based on subsets of clinically relevant information, which will help to personalize digoxin based on pharmacokinetic (PK) approach which can help in marketing the appropriate utilization of this medication.Methods:This was a retrospective chart review and analysis of 48 patients who were admitted to the Drug and Poison Information center in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2016 and April 2019. All pharmacokinetic parameters were added according to the C-peaks and C-troughs. MONOLiX® was used for data pharmacokinetic analysis.Results:Twenty-seven (56%) were males and twenty-one (44%) were females with an average age of 63.6 years across both genders. The mean volume of distribution was 496.6 litres with an average clearance of 6.6 L/h. For females, their average volume of distribution was slightly higher than that for males (526 litres compared to 473 litres). In addition, the clearance rate between both genders showed a 2.1 litre/hour discrepancy (7.8 L/h for females compared to 5.7 L/h for males).Conclusion:In order to individualize the digoxin dosage regimens, this model can be used to predict digoxin serum concentration. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of nutritional status and co-administration of medications on digoxin pharmacokinetics.
Impact of a Workflow-Integrated Web Tool on Resource Utilization and Information-Seeking Behavior in an Academic Anesthesiology Department: Longitudinal Cohort Survey Study
Authors: Gopwani Sumeet R , Adams Erin , Rooney Alexandra , Tousimis Eleni , Ramsey Katherine , Warusha Sohan 
Published: May 2021

Background
Medical resident reading and information-seeking behavior is limited by time constraints as well as comfort in accessing and assessing evidence-based resources. Educational technology interventions, as the preferred method for millennial leaners, can reduce these barriers. We implemented an educational web tool, consisting of peer-reviewed articles as well as local and national protocols and policies, built into the daily workflow of a university-based anesthesiology department. We hypothesized that this web tool would increase resource utilization and overall perceptions of the educational environment.

Objective
The goal of this study was to demonstrate that an educational web tool designed and built into the daily workflow of an academic anesthesia department for trainees could significantly decrease barriers to resource utilization, improve faculty-trainee teaching interactions, and improve the perceptions of the educational environment.

Methods
Following Institutional Review Board approval, a longitudinal cohort survey study was conducted to assess trainee resource utilization, faculty evaluation of trainees’ resource utilization, and trainee and faculty perceptions about the educational environment. The survey study was conducted in a pre-post fashion 3 months prior to web tool implementation and 3 months following implementation. Data were deidentified and analyzed unpaired using Student t tests for continuous data and chi-square tests for ordinal data.

Results
Survey response rates were greater than 50% in all groups: of the 43 trainees, we obtained 27 (63%) preimplementation surveys and 22 (51%) postimplementation surveys; of the 46 faculty members, we obtained 25 (54%) preimplementation surveys and 23 (50%) postimplementation surveys. Trainees showed a significant improvement in utilization of peer-reviewed articles (preimplementation mean 8.67, SD 6.45; postimplementation mean 18.27, SD 12.23; P=.02), national guidelines (preimplementation mean 2.3, SD 2.40; postimplementation mean 6.14, SD 5.01; P<.001), and local policies and protocols (preimplementation mean 2.23, SD 2.72; postimplementation mean 6.95, SD 6.09; P=.02). There was significant improvement in faculty-trainee educational interactions (preimplementation mean 1.67, SD 1.33; postimplementation mean 6.05, SD 8.74; P=.01). Faculty assessment of trainee resource utilization also demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all resource categories. Subgroups among trainees and faculty showed similar trends toward improvement.

Conclusions
Learning technology interventions significantly decrease the barriers to resource utilization, particularly among millennial learners. Further investigation has been undertaken to assess how this may impact learning, knowledge retention, and patient outcomes.
Increases in Naloxone Administrations by Emergency Medical Services Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Time Series Study
Authors: Khoury Dalia , Preiss Alexander , Geiger Paul , Anwar Mohd , Conway Kevin Paul 
Published: May 2021

Background
The opioid crisis in the United States may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Increases in opioid use, emergency medical services (EMS) runs for opioid-related overdoses, and opioid overdose deaths have been reported. No study has examined changes in multiple naloxone administrations, an indicator of overdose severity, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective
This study examines changes in the occurrence of naloxone administrations and multiple naloxone administrations during EMS runs for opioid-related overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Guilford County, North Carolina (NC).

Methods
Using a period-over-period approach, we compared the occurrence of opioid-related EMS runs, naloxone administrations, and multiple naloxone administrations during the 29-week period before (September 1, 2019, to March 9, 2020) and after NC’s COVID-19 state of emergency declaration (ie, the COVID-19 period of March 10 to September 30, 2020). Furthermore, historical data were used to generate a quasi-control distribution of period-over-period changes to compare the occurrence of each outcome during the COVID-19 period to each 29-week period back to January 1, 2014.

Results
All outcomes increased during the COVID-19 period. Compared to the previous 29 weeks, the COVID-19 period experienced increases in the weekly mean number of opioid-related EMS runs (25.6, SD 5.6 vs 18.6, SD 6.6; P<.001), naloxone administrations (22.3, SD 6.2 vs 14.1, SD 6.0; P<.001), and multiple naloxone administrations (5.0, SD 1.9 vs 2.7, SD 1.9; P<.001), corresponding to proportional increases of 37.4%, 57.8%, and 84.8%, respectively. Additionally, the increases during the COVID-19 period were greater than 91% of all historical 29-week periods analyzed.

Conclusions
The occurrence of EMS runs for opioid-related overdoses, naloxone administrations, and multiple naloxone administrations during EMS runs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in Guilford County, NC. For a host of reasons that need to be explored, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have exacerbated the opioid crisis.
Development and Acceptability of a Co-Produced Online Intervention to Prevent Alcohol Misuse in Adolescents: A Think Aloud Study
Authors: Davies Emma Louise , Martin Jilly , Foxcroft David R 
Published: May 2021

Background
The prototype willingness model (PWM) may offer an appropriate basis for explaining and preventing adolescent alcohol misuse. An intervention was developed using a co-production approach, and consisted of an online quiz featuring 10 questions linked to the PWM.

Objective
This study sought to determine the acceptability and relevance of the intervention content to young people, to incorporate their feedback into a final version.

Methods
A qualitative think aloud study with follow-up semistructured interviews was undertaken with 16 young people aged 11-15 (50%). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results
The following 3 main themes relating the acceptability of the intervention were identified: “challenging expectations of alcohol education”; “motivations for drinking or not drinking,” and “the inevitability of drinking.” Participants found the intervention appealing because it was counter to their expectations. The content appeared to reflect their experiences of social pressure and drinking encounters. There was evidence that a focus on drinker/nondrinker prototypes was too narrow and that because adolescents perceived drinking as inevitable, it would be challenging to enact any plans to resist pressure to drink.

Conclusions
An online intervention based on the PWM has the potential to engage and interest adolescents. A wide range of alcohol prototypes should be targeted and a focus on short-term harms should ensure that the intervention is credible to young people.
Shifting demographics and comorbidity burden in adult Chinese urban patients with chronic hepatitis B, 2013 and 2016
Authors: Hou Jinlin , Chen Wendong , Han Ying , Wang Lei , Lee I-Heng , Hsu Ling-I , Xie Dongying , Yin Xueru , Hou Fengqin , Yang Yida 
Published: May 2021

Chronic hepatitis B demographics and comorbidity data are limited in China.
Materials & methods:
The China Health Insurance Association claims database from 2013 and 2016 was used to augment the existing data: the proportion of patients aged >45 years increased significantly from 40.3% in 2013 to 49% in 2016 (p < 0.001).
Results:
Significant increases in multiple comorbidities were observed, including hypertension (9.4–14.5%), hyperlipidemia (4.7–7.0%) and cardiovascular disease (5.7–10%; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Increases were observed in renal impairment (8.8–10.0%; p < 0.001) and osteoporosis and/or pathologic nontraumatic bone fracture (3.8–7.3%; p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Careful selection of treatment options and comorbidity monitoring should be considered when managing adult Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B.
O que adolescentes pensam sobre o compartilhamento de si na internet?
Authors: Satler Lara Lima , Carrijo Ana Júlia de Freitas 
Published: May 2021

Resumo: Analisamos neste texto os processos de atribuição de sentido feitos por adolescentes à prática do compartilhamento si, especialmente na plataforma Instagram. O objetivo é discutir possíveis articulações entre as ações de comunicação digital que envolvem o compartilhar-se e o cenário cultural contemporâneo, a partir das falas dos colaboradores da investigação. Para tanto, utilizamos o método cartográfico com aproximações etnográficas e realizamos entrevistas individuais em profundidade. No campo, a princípio, os participantes apresentaram ressalvas em tratar sobre esse uso, classificando-o como banal e desinteressante, mas posteriormente indicaram que ele faz parte de seus hábitos cotidianos. Os resultados conduzem para uma percepção geral do compartilhar-se como um processo com múltiplos sentidos e propósitos, vinculado à construção de modos de ser socialmente. Palavras-chave: Compartilhamento de si. Adolescentes. Instagram.
Teoria do Meio como alternativa para pesquisas em Comunicação:
Authors: Bueno Thaisa , Arraes Reino Lucas Santiago 
Published: May 2021

Aplicações da Teoria do Meio estão sendo debatidas por pesquisadores da área de Comunicaçãohá pelo menos 15 anos, haja vista que os primeiros estudos desse viés de pesquisa apontam para os trabalhos de Innis (1951). Muito criticada por seu caráter determinista, a teoria passou a ser revisitada com o advento das ferramentas digitais, já que debate, substancialmente, o papel do meio como transformador social. Mas, apesar de sedimentada no âmbito teórico, seus estudos não dispõem de uma metodologia sistematizada. Por esse motivo, este artigo buscou, a partir da leitura detalhada dos estudos dos representantes mais conhecidos dessa corrente, entre eles Innis (1951), McLuhan (1967), Meyrowitz (1998), Postman (1994), Einsenstein(1998), Sousa (2009) e outros, organizar as metodologias mais comumente usadas pelos teóricos desse campo de conhecimento. A proposta tem por finalidade oferecer um copilado de aplicações e quem sabe um primeiro modelo de pesquisa para quem quiser se arriscar em investigações nessa área.