bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geochemical and statistical evaluation of groundwater in the Thamirabarani river basin, south India
Authors: Chellaiah Gajendran , Basker  , Pravin Hima , Joshi Suneel Kumar , Gautam Sneha 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop the dictate metrics using a multi-proxy approach, i.e., spatial-temporal analysis, statistical evaluation, and hydrogeochemical analysis for 45 water samples located in the Thamirabarani river basin in Tamil Nadu, India. In order to evaluate the aptness of developed metrics for agriculture and domestic needs, eleven years dataset was analyzed and compared with national and international standards. Monitoring and analysis results revealed that the concentration of calcium and chloride ion was on the higher side in all the selected locations. These higher values may be attributed to the regional point sources such as untreated water disposal and off-peak sources such as agriculture practices. The principal component analysis resulted in 84.2% of the total variance in the post-monsoon season dataset. The major analyzed cations and anions were observed in the following order: Na+> Ca2+> Mg2+> K+ and Cl−> HCO3−> SO42−> NO3−, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that the studied area's groundwater quality was significantly affected by the high salinity in the region, probably due to anthropogenic activities and unprotected river sites.
Preparation of Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 by Reflux Method and Its Application in Photodegradation of Organic Pollution
Authors: Peng Chundong , Jia Zeyu , Zhong Yi , Ao Weihua , Chen Daimei , Wang Ruizhe , Ding Hao , Wu Xiangfeng , Wang Jiao , Du Gaoxiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bismuth molybdate (γ-Bi2MoO6) photocatalyst has drawn numerous attentions in the field of photocatalysis because of its band gap (2.5eV ~ 2.8eV) and good visible light response (420 ≤ λ ≤ 500 nm). However, as a kind of bismuth molybdates, there are still few studies on Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 (BMO), thus further exploration is needed. Herein, a simple reflux method was developed to synthesize the cubic phase BMO. This method is simple and easy to operate under atmospheric pressure, showing the great potential for large-scale production. In contrast with the nanosheet structure of Bi2MoO6, the morphology of BMO is mixture of nanorod and nanoparticle-like structure. The Motts curves show that conduction band position and the valence band position of BMO was 2.77 eV, -0.33eV and 2.44eV, respectively. A new mixed phase of 3Bi2O3•2MoO3 was appeared in BMO crystal, showing that the phase transition of BMO began at 400℃. When BMO was calcined at 300℃, photocatalytic degradation rate is up to maximu. The photocatalytic activity of visible-light range was tested and compared with γ-Bi2MoO6. BMO had a better photodegradation activity than that of the Aurigillius phase γ-Bi2MoO6 due to its larger band gap and the strong oxidation ability.
Clinical Presentation, Management and Outcome of Staffs with COVID-19 Disease: a large tertiary Oil and Refinery Grand Hospital Study
Authors: Dehghan Bahram , abeshtan Ahmad , Sarami Abdullah , Saeidimehr Saied , Maraghi Elham , Rahim Fakher 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess clinical characteristics, managing and controlling, and in-hospital outcome of COVID-19 among oil refinery workers in a single referral center.
Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a non-COVID single referral center from March to August 2020. At the Naft grand Hospital, the COVID-19 specimen collection and molecular detection unit was established with staff trained to collect suitable samples (sufficiently deep swabs), storage, packaging, and transportation. The diagnosis of COVID-19 infection (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.
Results

Overall, 500 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were included, of which the most common comorbidities were hypertension (52.2%) and diabetes (45.6%). Moreover, 298 patients (59.6%) had one to three comorbidities, 148 patients (29.6%) had four to six cases, and two patients (0.4%) had seven and more comorbidities. Finally, 23 people (4.6%) have cancer and 206 people (41.2%) have other diseases. 390 (78.8%) received Kaletra, and 387 (78.02%) receive Azithromycin. Overall, PCR test result was positive in 377 (75.4%) patients, computed tomography scan (CT-scan) test was positive in 413 (82.6%) patients, and CRP test had positive result in 335 patients (67%) patients.
Conclusion

Most referred cases were survivors with mild to moderate symptoms, and a few of them were unfortunately non-survivor. This could be due to those people with mild COVID-19 symptoms may respond well to the treatment and institutional isolation. Thus, good and evidence-based clinical care combined with strong public health interventions will save the lives of thousands, if not millions, worldwide.
The Circadian Temperature Trajectory Predicts the Severity and Prognosis in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Deng Hongbin , Yu Xianqiang , Lin Jiajia , Liu Yang , Tong Zhihui , Wei Yongyue , Li Weiqin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Disrupted circadian temperature is commonly observed in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study is to examine the association between body temperature (BT) circadian rhythm and mortality critically in patients receiving ICU admission for at least 24h.Method: Adult patients with a complete record of temperature during the first 24 hours of ICU stay in the Multi-parameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database were included in this retrospective cohort study. Body temperature circadian rhythm ratio (BTCRR) was calculated according to the value of mean nighttime divided by daytime mean temperature. All patients were divided into the nocturnal BT rising (NBTR) group (BTCRR >1) and the non-NBTR group (BTCRR≤1). Five subgroups were also built according to different quantile of BTCRR (5%, 10%, 30%, 50%). The associations of NBTR, subgroup, and BTCRR with 28-day mortality were assessed separately using Cox proportional hazards model.Findings: The overall cohort comprised 32419 patients. The non-NBTR group (n=20148) had higher 28-day mortality than the NBTR group (n=12271). After adjusting for covariates, the analysis showed that NBTR was significantly associated with mortality at 28 days (hazard ratio: 0.923; 95% CI, 0.888–0.960, P<0.05). All results of subgroup analysis showed obvious statistical significance, and similar results persisted in the patients with different groups. The % BTCRR had a significant non-linear (p < 0.05) association with 28d-mortality after adjusting for other variables (p < 0.05). Increasing the percentage up to 101% resulted in a hazard ratio (HR) to reduced mortality (HR: 0.96; 95%, 0.941–0.972, P<0.001), while increases above 101 % didn’t make a significant suggestion in mortality.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that both low and high BTCRR indicates a poor outcome, such that having a BTCRR of 101% had a survival advantage. BTCRR may aid in the early identification of critically ill patients at high risk of 28-day mortality. These findings may provide a basis for future randomized controlled trials comparing temperature control of ICU patients.
Inorganic and black carbon hotspots constrain blue carbon mitigation services across tropical seagrass and temperate tidal marshes
Authors: Gallagher John Barry , Prahalad Vishnu , Aalders John 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Total organic carbon (TOC) sediment stocks as a CO2 mitigation service require exclusion of allochthonous black (BC) and particulate inorganic carbon corrected for water–atmospheric equilibrium (PICeq). For the first time, we address this bias for a temperate salt marsh and a coastal tropical seagrass in BC hotspots that represent two different blue carbon ecosystems of Malaysia and Australia. Seagrass TOC stocks were similar to the salt marshes with soil depths < 1 m (59.3 ± 11.3 and 74.9 ± 18.9 MgC ha− 1, CI 95% respectively). Both ecosystems showed larger BC constraints than their pristine counterparts did. However, the seagrass meadows’ mitigation services were largely constrained by both higher BC/TOC and PICeq/TOC fractions (38.0% ± 6.6% and 43.4% ± 5.9%, CI 95%) and salt marshes around a third (22% ± 10.2% and 6.0% ± 3.1% CI 95%). The results provide useful data from underrepresented regions, and, reiterates the need to consider both BC and PIC for more reliable blue carbon mitigation assessments.
High Dependency Renal Unit (HDRU) for the management of COVID-19 in patients with severe acute or chronic kidney disease
Authors: Thakare Sayali , Modi Tulsi , Gandhi Chintan , Bose Sreyashi , Deb Satrupa , Katyal Abhinav , Saxena Nikhil , Patil Ankita , Patil Sunil , Pajai Atim , Bajpai Divya , Jadhav Pratap , Jamale Tukaram 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 in patients on dialysis for acute or chronic kidney disease is associated with high mortality. We evaluated the effect of high dependency renal unit (HDRU) with nephrologists as primary care physicians for management of these patients. Methods: This was an observational, cohort study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in western India. Patients needing dialysis for COVID-19 associated Acute Kidney Injury (AKI-D) and patients with End-Stage-Renal-Disease (ESRD) hospitalized for COVID-19 were included in the study. After 2 months into the pandemic (28 March to 28 May), HDRU was commissioned for management of these patients. With nephrologists as primary care physicians, the components of care included completion of care bundle focusing on key nephrology and COVID-19 related issues, checklist-based clinical monitoring, integration of multispecialty care, and training of nurses and doctors. Primary outcome of the study was in hospital mortality compared between pre-HDRU and HDRU cohorts. Secondary outcomes were- dialysis dependence in AKI-D, and predictors of death. ﻿Results: 238 of 4052 (5.87%) patients with COVID-19 admitted from 28th March to 30th September had severe renal impairment (116 AKI-D and 122 ESRD). 133 of 238 (56.8%) has severe COVID-19. HDRU care was delivered from 28th May to 30th August. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant improvement in survival after implementation of HDRU [19 of 52 (36.5%) in pre-HDRU versus 35 of 160 (21.9%) in HDRU died, p=<0.01]. 44 (67.7%) AKI-D survivors were dialysis dependent at discharge. Male sex, breathlessness and altered mental status at presentation, development of shock during hospital stay and leukocytosis predicted mortality. Conclusions: HDRU managed nephrologists as primary care physicians is feasible and potentially effective approach to improve the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and severe renal impairment.
Forgone Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jalilian Habib , Heydari Somayeh , Mir Habibeh , Fehresti Saeedeh , Hatamzadeh Nasser , Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and objective: Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease requiring appropriate continuous medical care and delayed, or forgone care may exacerbate the severity of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting forgone care in diabetic patients.Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1139 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 18 years and older in East Azerbaijan. Data collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: Of the 1139 patients, 510 patients (45%) reported forgone care during the last year. The percentage of forgoing care was higher in patients without supplementary insurance coverage (P=0.01), those with complications (P=0.01) and those with the history of hospitalization (P=0.006). The majority of patients (41.5%) reported that the most important reason for forgoing care is financial barriers resulting from disease treatment costs. Of the main four factors, quality of care had the highest impact on forgone care at 61.28±39.74, followed by accessibility (37.01±25.12), awareness and attitude towards disease (18.52±18.87) and social support (17.22±18.80).Conclusion: The results showed that, despite the implementation of the Islamic Republic of Iran on a fast-track to beating non-communicable diseases (IraPEN), a considerable number of diabetics had a history of forgoing care, and the most important reasons for forgoing care were related to the financial pressure and dissatisfaction with the quality of care. Therefore, not only more financial support programs should be carried out, but the quality of care should be improved.
Ultra-efficient Copper Ions Adsorption of Chitosan-montmorillonite Composite Aerogel for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ye Xin , Shang Sisi , Zhao Yifan , Cui Sheng , Zhong Ya , Huang Longjin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The modified montmorillonite(MMT) has a two-dimensional stable and ordered lamellar structure. The addition of chitosan(CS) cross-links the two-dimensional sheets to build a three-dimensional network structure with a high specific surface area. We have prepared the best MMT-based water treatment materials that have been reported. This new type of aerogel can efficiently adsorb heavy metal ions in wastewater. The structure and performance of the composite material were characterized in this article. Besides, the adsorption kinetics, adsorption thermodynamics, pH influence, and recycling performance are all focused on. The adsorption equilibrium time of CS-MMT2 is 50 min. The removal rate of Cu2+ is as high as 98.21%. The maximum adsorption capacity is 86.95 mg/g. The adsorption process of Cu2+ by CS-MMT composite aerogel conforms to the quasi-second-order kinetic model and the Langrangian adsorption isotherm. After three cycles, the removal rate of Cu2+ by CS-MMT2 remained above 80%. This article also involves the discussion of the material's adsorption mechanism for Cu2+. This is a kind of environmentally friendly material that can be mass-produced, cheap, efficient, and excellent, which is of great significance to the development of environmental protection.
Optimization and Modelling of the Wear in Piston Ring and Cylinder Liner Using Taguchi Method and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: cesur Idris , Çoban Aslan , Eren Beytullah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Alternative energy sources are needed to meet the energy needs of the rapidly increasing population and developing industry and to increase the efficiency of the systems. In internal combustion engines, biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel for both being an alternative energy source and having a better efficiency compared to diesel fuel. Efficiency loss in the engines is largely due to friction and wear between the piston ring (PR) and the cylinder liner (CL). Different lubrication regimes in engines have substantial effects on wear and friction. In the present study, the effects of diesel and biodiesel (chicken oil methyl ester, COME) fuels on friction and wear in different loads (40-60-80-100 N) and speeds (60-90-120-150 rpm) were examined using the Taguchi experimental design method. In addition, an artificial neural networks (ANNs) model is utilized for modeling the wear at the cylinder liner (CL) and the piston rings (PR) using different fuel types, speeds and loads. As a result of the study, biodiesel fuel has a lower friction coefficient and abrasion in all load and cycle intervals due to its high viscosity and lubrication properties compared to diesel fuel. Besides, the developed ANN model has good predictive capability for the wear at the CL and the PR according to perfect match between experimental and modeling results.
Occurrence and Distribution Characteristics of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Sediments Between Urban and Rural of the Liaohe River Basin, China
Authors: Na Guangshui , Zhang Keyu , Gao Hui , Li Ruijing , Jin Shuaichen , Zhao Fuqiang , Zhang Haibo , Li Shisheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) are considered to be emerging pollutants related to human activities. The rapid development of global urbanization has expanded human activities, thereby exacerbating the global human health risks caused by antibiotic resistance genes. The effects of urban and rural environments are multifarious, which makes the source and distribution of ARGs in the environment diversification. Understanding the distribution and spread of ARGs is essential for studying the environmental behavior of ARGs. In this study, the occurrence 296 genes were detected by the high-throughput qPCR technology, and FC value was used to analyze the diversity of ARGs and Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) in sediments between urban and rural areas of the Liaohe River Basin, China. The co-occurrence of MGEs and ARGs was analyzed using network to decipher core genes. A total of 187 ARGs and 10 MGEs were detected in all sediment samples. The average number of genes detected in urban sites is 89 higher than that in rural sites. The high abundance and various types of ARGs and MGEs detected in urban river sediments indicates that the occurrence of urban ARGs is more complex. MGEs were detected high levels and were significantly correlated with the abundance and diversity of ARGs in river sediments providing evidence that MGEs were related to the occurrence and distribution of ARGs and tnpA(tnpA-07, tnpA-01 and tnpA-03) gene were at the key position of co-occurrence of various types of ARGs.
Quantifying Shedding and Degradation Rates of Environmental DNA (eDNA) from Pacific Crown-of-thorns Seastar (Acanthaster cf. Solaris)
Authors: Kwong Sarah Lok Ting , Villacorta-Rath Cecilia , Doyle Jason , Uthicke Sven 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Population outbreaks of the corallivorous crown-of-thorns seastar (CoTS; Acanthaster spp.) are significant threats to the Indo-Pacific reefs. Although recent research demonstrated that environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques could improve CoTS monitoring and management, the interpretation of surveillance results has been limited by uncertainties about eDNA dynamics in aquatic environments. Here, we aimed to identify biotic and abiotic factors affecting the shedding and degradation rates of CoTS eDNA. Using laboratory-raised 8-month-old juvenile CoTS, aquarium experiments were conducted to test the effect of two temperatures (24 and 28°C) and three feeding treatments (no food, food available and food inaccessible) on eDNA shedding rate. Additionally, CoTS eDNA degradation rate was quantified under three temperatures (24, 26 and 28°C). We found that eDNA shedding rate was affected by feeding treatment (p < 0.0001) but not temperature. Specifically, the shedding rate under food accessible treatment was about 7 times higher than that of food inaccessible treatment (p < 0.0001), whereas the presence of coral reduced the shedding rate by half (food inaccessible vs no food, p = 0.0249). Degradation of CoTS eDNA was rapid (half-life = 14h) and not affected by temperature. Our results demonstrated that feeding activity increased eDNA release, but some of the released DNA was lost potentially due to binding to coral surface mucus layer or skeleton. The rapid degradation rate indicated that results of eDNA surveillance likely reflects recent and local occurrence of CoTS. Although further testing is needed, this study provided support for using eDNA as a novel detection tool for early life stages of CoTS on coral reefs.
Fabrication of Transition-metal (Zn, Mn, Cu)-based MOFs as Efficient Sensor Materials for Detection of H2 Gas by Clad Modified Fiber Optic Gas Sensor Technique
Authors: Meeran M Nagoor , Saravanan S.P. , Hegazy H.H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recent research demonstrate that promising gas sensing materials are called metal-organic structures (MOFs) and their products due to their tunable form, elevated surface area, and extremely porous structure and physisorption towards gases with relatively low temperature.In this report, recent developments in transition-metal (Zn, Mn, Cu)-based MOFs and their derivatives are synthesized as sensing materials. The sensors samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET and XPS in order to know the textural, structural and electronic state of the samples. Fiber optic clad modified sensors were fabricated and tested gas sensing properties towards H2 gas with various concentrations (0-1000 ppm). Among the three sensing material, Zn doped MOFs sensor showed outstanding selectivity with high sensitivity (115 counts/kpa) towards H2 gas. Moreover, it has shown high response (20 s) and recovery time (27 s) as well as long term stability. The designed sensors may be required to apply to the production of an outstanding sensor for H2 for commercial uses.
Direct and Indirect Costs Associated With Non-invasive Treatments in Obesity and Overweight Patients
Authors: Maaroufi Saman , Golestani Mina , Alizadeh Mohammad , Imani Ali , Dalal Koustuv 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Obesity and overweight are a global public health problem causing several chronic diseases which can lead to various degrees of morbidity and mortality. These medical conditions cause economic costs and complications. The purpose of the present study to estimate the direct and indirect costs incurred by obese and overweight patients with non-invasive treatments in Tabriz, north-western Iran.Methods: The number of 247 patients were studied by cross-sectional approach and used cost of illness's prevalence approach assessing the total costs (direct and indirect) of obesity and overweight through interview and assessing relevant clinical records. The study conducted over three months from December 2018 to February 2019 in Tabriz, capital of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Direct costs included hospitalization, para-clinical medications and outpatient visits for treatment of obesity and overweight. Loss of productivity, days of restricted activity and days in bed, cost of wasting time, transportation costs and nursing expenditure were estimated as indirect costs in the present study. For estimating direct and indirect costs, we used the bottom-up costing approach. The foreign exchange rate used in the analysis was 42000 Iranian Rial = 1US$ (December-February 2018).Results: The mean three months cost per patient is 38529697 IRR (equivalent to $91.73 USD), Direct medical costs have a most significant part of total costs with 36765292 IRR (87.53USD) per three months (95%). Direct non-medical costs were 1380484 IRR (3.28USD) per patient (4%) and indirect costs were estimated 383981 IRR ($0.9USD) per patient (1%). The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the four strategies in three months. Among the therapeutic strategies, the most changes in body mass index (BMI) occurred in patients who used Basic diet with several types of medicines strategy (p<0.001). Tukey post hoc showed BMI Changes in a patient with a Basic diet with herbal remedies was minimum (p<0.001). According to results in the first month, BMI has a significant reduction over three months. Regarding costs, the analysis showed that Patients who used the Basic diet strategy incurred the lowest costs (p<0.001) and the highest costs are related to patients with a Basic diet with several types of medicines (p<0.001).Conclusions: The results of the present study are useful in improving health policymakers and researchers in motivating to do more studies in particular for adopting new policies depending on the level of insurance coverage and their problems which patients deal with during the treatment period.