bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Groundwater Potential using Aquifer Characteristics of Parts of Boki Area, South – Eastern Nigeria.
Authors: Ugbaja Anthony Nuonum 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and pumping test (constant discharge and recovery test) was carried out in parts of Boki Local Government Area to evaluate the groundwater potential, using aquifer characteristics of the study area. Sixteen (16) VES point was employed for this study using the Schlumberger array, with a maximum spread of 400-600m. The stimulated result from the field data shows 3-5 layers resistivity model with the following curve types A, AK, KH, KHA, QH, QHA and QHK. The geoelectric properties include resistivity of the various layers ranging from 33.58 - 2.29 x 105Ώm, thickness from 0.2 - 50.2m, depth to basement varies from 2.99 - 74.60m across the study area. The litho logs show a top layer comprising of laterite, gravel/gravelly sand and siltstone intercalations and the layers underneath are made-up of clay, weathered basement containing migmatites and gneisses, fractured and unfractured basement are made up of granitic and metamorphic rocks. The weathered and fractured layers constitute the aquiferous layers in the study area. Hydraulic parameters were estimated from 16 pumped wells and results show transmissivity (T) range of 4.1x 10-5 - 1.92 x 10-1 m 2 /day, specific capacity (SC) ranges from 2.09-21.42m2 /day, hydraulic conductivity (K) varies from 2.6 x 10-5 - 3.0 x 10-3m/day and mean static water level (SWL) of 7.39m . Iso resistivity map of saprolite, fractured basement map, isopach map and the transmissivity map show that the studied area falls within the low-moderate groundwater potential zone.
Source Apportionment of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Around a Urea Fertilizer Factory and Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Human Health
Authors: Akter Shirin , Rahman Mohammad Obidur , Hasan Mehedi , Tushar Saiful Islam , Sarkar Mottalib Hossain , Mamun Khan Mohammad , Kabir Mohammad Jamiul , Rahman Mohammad Safiur , Abedin Mohammad Joynal , Begum Bilkis Ara , Jolly Yeasmin Nahar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The mean concentrations of heavy metals viz: K, Ca, Mg, Ti, Fe, Co, Cu, As, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb and Th were measured in soil samples using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique and sampling sites as a whole were found highly contaminated by Zn, considerably contaminated by Mg and Pb, while moderately contaminated by Fe, Co, Cu, Rb, Sr, As, Rb, Y, Th. The sampling sites are moderate to strongly polluted by heavy metals according to Enrichment factors value, whereas, Pollution Load Index values for 95% of the sample sites were ≥ 1.5, indicating deterioration of soil quality. Potential Ecological risk (RI) value followed the increasing sequence of Pb > As > Co > Zn > Cu. Non-carcinogenic exposure found higher in children compared to adults,however carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that both groups (adult and children) lied within Grade II category (10− 5 to 10− 6) and considered to be at no risk.
Mesoscopic Modeling and Rapid Simulation of Incremental Changes in Epidemic Scenarios
Authors: Perumalla Kalyan , Alam Maksudul 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In simulation-based studies and analyses of epidemics, a major challenge lies in resolving the conflict between fidelity of models and the speed of their simulation. Another related challenge arises in dealing with the large number of what-if scenarios that need to be explored. Here, we describe new computational methods that together provide an approach to dealing with both challenges. A mesoscopic modeling approach is described that attempts to strike a middle ground between macroscopic models based on coupled differential equations and microscopic models built on fine-grained behaviors such as at the individual entity level. The mesoscopic approach offers the possibility of incorporating complex compositions of multiple layers of dynamics even while retaining the potential for aggregate behaviors at varying levels. It also provides an excellent match to the accelerator-based architectures of modern computing platforms in which graphical processing units (GPUs) can be exploited for fast simulation via the parallel execution mode of single instruction multiple data (SIMD). The challenge of simulating a large number of scenarios is addressed via a method of sharing model state and computation across a tree of what-if scenarios that are localized, incremental changes to a large base simulation. A combination of the mesoscopic modeling approach and the incremental what-if scenario tree evaluation has been implemented in software on modern GPUs. Synthetic simulation scenarios are explored and presented here to demonstrate the basic feasibility and computational characteristics of our approach. Results from the experiments on large population data illustrate the overall modeling methodology and computational run time performance on large numbers of synthetically generated what-if scenarios.
Embedding qualitative research in randomised controlled trials to improve recruitment: findings from two recruitment optimisation studies of orthopaedic surgical trials.
Authors: Scantlebury Arabella , McDaid Catriona , Brealey Stephen , Cook Elizabeth , Ranganathan Arun , Sharma Hemant , Adamson Joy 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Recruitment of patients is one of the main challenges when designing and conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Trials of rare injuries, or those that include surgical interventions pose added challenges due to the small number of potentially eligible patients and issues with patient preferences and surgeon equipoise. We explore key issues to consider when recruiting to orthopaedic surgical trials from the perspective of staff and patients with the aim of informing the development of strategies to improve recruitment in future research. Design: Two qualitative process evaluations of a United Kingdom-wide orthopaedic surgical RCT (ACTIVE) and mixed methods randomised feasibility study (PRESTO). Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and data was analysed thematically. Setting: NHS secondary care organisations throughout the United Kingdom. Interviews were undertaken via telephone. Participants: 37 trial recruiters (surgeons, physiotherapists, research nurses) and 22 patients were interviewed. Patients included those who agreed to participate in the ACTIVE and PRESTO studies and patients that declined participation in the ACTIVE study. Results: We used a mixed methods systematic review of recruiting patients to randomised controlled trials as a framework for reporting and analysing our findings. Our findings mapped onto those identified in the systematic review and highlighted the importance of equipoise, randomisation, communication, patient’s circumstances, altruism and trust in clinical and research teams. Our findings also emphasised the importance of considering how eligibility criteria are operationalised and the impact of complex patient pathways when recruiting to surgical trials. In particular, the influence of health professionals, who are not involved in trial recruitment, on patients’ treatment preferences by suggesting they would receive a certain treatment ahead of recruitment consultations should not be underestimated. Conclusions: A wealth of evidence exploring factors affecting recruitment to randomised controlled trials exists. A methodological shift is now required to ensure that this evidence is used by all those involved in recruitment and to ensure that existing knowledge is translated into methods for optimising recruitment to future trials. Trial registries: ACTIVE: (ISRCTN98152560) PRESTO: (ISRCTN12094890)
Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-based Amorphous Polyamide from Dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate
Authors: Mao Lei , Pan Lijian , Ma Bomou , He Yong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this research, bio-based polyamide (bio-PA) was synthesized from dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate and 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanamine by melt polymerization. The properties of bio-PA were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The results show that this bio-PA presents high glass transition temperature (Tg) from 150°C to 180°C and poor crystallization due to the asymmetric rigid structure of cyclohexane and furan. Its molecular weight is low, ascribing to the large steric hindrance from cyclohexane and furan, and the side reaction of N-methylation and decarboxylation. Besides, the results of solubility reveal that this bio-PA can be dissolved in DMSO, DMF and DMAC.
Effect of Autocorrelation On Temporal Trends In Air-Temperature In A Northern Algeria And Links With Teleconnections Patterns
Authors: Taïbi Sabrina , Zeroual Ayoub , Meddi Mohamed 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the effect of autocorrelation on temporal trends and step change on monthly, seasonal and annual temperatures of six meteorological stations of the North of Algeria from 1950 to 2016. Afterwards, links between the general atmospheric circulation, via six climate indices, and temperature are examined. Trends of temperature are analysed using six different versions of the Mann Kendall approach while the step change of the time series is computed using the original Pettitt test and the modified-Pettitt. Statistical tests have shown an increase in annual temperatures from 0.8 to 0.9°C since the 1980’s on the coastal regions and 90’s on the highlands. This warming most often exceeds 1°C on a seasonal scale, particularly in summer, while no significant trend is observed in winter. On a monthly scale, the increase in temperatures is marked between April and October. The analysis of relationships between six climate indices and average temperatures has shown that inter-annual temperature variability is most often associated with the East Atlantic oscillation for the entire study area. Winter temperatures are influenced by the Mediterranean oscillation as well as the North Atlantic oscillation. The East Atlantic oscillation is the dominant mode of circulation in spring and summer, while in autumn temperatures are strongly linked to West Mediterranean Oscillation. However, no significant correlations have been observed between temperatures and the Arctic Oscillation and El Nino southern oscillation.
Influence of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Parenting Stress Across Asian Countries: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Kurata Sawa , Hiraoka Daiki , Adlan Aida Syarinaz Ahmad , Jayanath Subhashini , Hamzah Norhamizan , Ahmad-Fauzi Aishah , Nishitani Shota , Fujisawa Takashi X , Tomoda Akemi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
In a previous study, we demonstrated that the accumulation of parenting stress during prolonged school closures and restrictions on daily activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan indicates the need for mental health intervention for parents at higher risk of parenting stress. However, few studies have focused on parenting stress in other Asian countries, although they have experienced higher numbers of COVID-19 infections.
Methods
We conducted an online survey immediately after the number of new cases in India significantly increased (September to November 2020). We measured parenting stress, anxiety, and fear associated with the COVID-19 crisis, as evaluated by the Parenting Stress Index, Short-Form (PSI-SF) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), across three Asian countries—India (n = 142), Malaysia (n = 69), and Japan (n = 182)—in addition to the US (n = 203). We also investigated whether respondents had adverse childhood experiences (ACE) as a risk factor for parenting stress.
Results
For all countries, we found significant increases in participants’ current parenting stress levels, compared to what they recalled regarding their lives before COVID-19-related restrictions and school closures were enacted. Textual analysis qualitatively identified common terms related to parenting stress across all countries. We also found a statistical model that indicated ACE in parents was a critical risk factor for higher parenting stress via increasing anxiety and fear related to the pandemic.
Conclusions
These results indicate the need to improve the mental health of caregivers who are at risk for higher levels of parenting stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asian countries as well as Western countries. These results indicate that there is a need to improve the mental health of caregivers who are at risk for higher levels of parenting stress during the COVID-19 pandemic globally.
Co-Pyrolysis of Waste Printed Circuit Boards With Iron Compounds for Br-Fixing and Material Recovery
Authors: Chen Weifang , Shu Yongkai , Li Yonglun , Chen Yanjun , Wei Jianbo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Waste printed circuit board was co-pyrolyzed with iron oxides and iron salts. Solid, liquid and gaseous products were collected and characterized. Co-pyrolysis with FeCl2, FeCl3 or FeSO4 was able to increase the yield of liquid product which was rich in phenol and its homologues. Also, the addition of co-pyrolysis reagents reduced the release of brominated organics to liquid as Br was either fixed as FeBr3 in solids or released as HBr. In particular, FeCl2 showed the best ability to reduce the release of Br-containing organics to liquid compared with FeCl3 and FeSO4. Solid residuals were rich in iron oxides, glass fibers and charred organics with surface areas of 20.6-26.5 m2/g. CO2 together with a small amount of CH4 and H2 were detected in the gaseous products. Overall, co-pyrolysis could improve the quantity and quality of liquid oil which could be reused as chemical or energy sources. Pyrolysis of waste printed circuit board was promising as a method for recycling.
Isolation And Characterization Of 45 SNP Markers In Triplophysa Tenuis
Authors: Liu Ya , Chen Yeyu , Lai Jiansheng , Ke Hongyu , Zhao Zhongmeng , Zhao Han , Wu Xiaoyun , Zhou Jian , Li Qiang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Triplophysa tenuis is an endemic species to China, which mainly distributed in Xinjiang and Gansu province. Effective conservation and management of this species is limited by insufficient molecular markers. In the present study, we reported the isolation and characterization of 45 SNP markers in T. tenuis. The minor allele frequency ranged from 0.046 to 0.500, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.061 to 0.667 and 0.088 to 0.508, respectively. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.083 to 0.375. Among these SNPs, three loci showed significant departures from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The novel polymorphic SNPs will be helpful for the future study on genetic management and population conservation for this species.
Exploration of Motivation To Participate in A Study of Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment Among Patients with Newly Diagnosed Aggressive Lymphoma: A Qualitative Sub-Study.
Authors: Gates Priscilla , Dhillon Haryana , Gough Karla , Wilson Carlene , Hawkes Eliza , Scudder Lindsay , Cushion Tania , Krishnasamy Meinir 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a recognised adverse consequence of cancer and its treatment. This qualitative sub-study was undertaken as part of a larger prospective longitudinal study in which recruitment and retention were very high. The aim was to gain an understanding of participants reasons for ongoing participation, at a time of heightened stress related to a new diagnosis of aggressive lymphoma and the rapid commencement of treatment.
Methods
This qualitative descriptive sub-study included semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and a thematic descriptive approach used to analyse the data.
Results
Twenty-seven interviews were completed. Four themes described participants’ motivation to consent and continue with the study. These included ease of participation, personal values, self-help, and valued additional support. Participants understood the requirements of the study, and data collection occurring during hospital visits was perceived to be convenient. Interviewees confirmed the study fulfilled desire to ‘help others’. Although testing was intense and challenging, it provided feedback on current functioning and was described by some as a ‘welcome distraction’ and enjoyable. Finally, interaction with the study nurse was perceived as an additional beneficial oversight and support.
Conclusion
Achieving sustained participation in a prospective study with patients undergoing treatment is facilitated where the logistical demands of data collection are minimised; a clinician from the service is included; the tasks are seen as inherently interesting; and care is taken to provide empathic support throughout.
The Disabled Wage Gap between Social Enterprises and Capitalist Enterprises
Authors: Calderón-Milán María José , Calderón-Milán Beatriz , Barba-Sanchez Virginia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: In recent years, the disabled wage gap between persons with disabilities (PwD) and those without disabilities (PwoD) has widened considerably. However, one of the prime reasons for creating social enterprise is that they include in their goals employ and include vulnerable groups, but such firms are in favor of PwD in relation to wage or not? The main aim of this article is to analyze whether wage discrimination exists between PwD employed by social enterprises (SE) and those employed by capitalist enterprises (CE).Methods: We used microdata from the Continuous Sample of Work Lives (CSWL) for Spain. In terms of the various statistical and econometric methods employed in the study, we used Pearson’s c2 test, and quantile regression and Oaxaca-Blinder wage decomposition.Results: Although wages for persons with disabilities are lower in social enterprises than in capitalist enterprises, this does not occur in every income distribution percentile. If we also consider employees with similar socio-occupational profiles, SE employees earn more than CE employees. However, the same wage gap exists in PwD employment as it does do in the Spanish labor market in terms of gender, age, level of education, skill level, type of contract, working hours, company size, and sector of activity, both in social and capitalist enterprises.Conclusion: Results of the study showed that not only, therefore, are SE more sensitive in terms of the labor inclusion of disabled people but they also pursue more positive PwD wage discrimination than CE.
Speech Enhancement from Fused Features Based on Deep Neural Network and Gated Recurrent Unit Network
Authors: Wang Youming , Han Jiali , Zhang Tianqi , Qing Didi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Speech is easily interfered by the external environment in reality, which will lose the important features. Deep learning method has become the mainstream method of speech enhancement because of its superior potential in complex nonlinear mapping problems. However, there are some problems are exist such as the deficiency for the learning the important information from previous time steps and long-term event dependencies. Due to the lack of the correlation in the same layer of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), which is an existing typical intelligent deep model of speech signal, it is difficult to capture the long-term dependence between the time-series data. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel speech enhancement method from fused features based on deep neural network and gated recurrent unit network. The method takes advantage of both deep neural network and recurrent neural network to reduce the number of parameters and simultaneously improve speech quality and intelligibility. Firstly, DNN with multiple hidden layers is used to learn the mapping relationship between the logarithmic power spectrum (LPS) features of noisy speech and clean speech. Secondly, the LPS feature of the deep neural network is fused with the noisy speech as the input of gated recurrent unit (GRU) network to compensate the missing context information. Finally, GRU network is performed to learn the mapping relationship between LPS features and log power spectrum features of clean speech spectrum. Experimental results demonstrate that the PESQ, SSNR and STOI of the proposed algorithm are improved by 30.72%, 39.84% and 5.53% respectively compared with the noise signal under the condition of matched noise. Under the condition of unmatched noise, the PESQ and STOI of the algorithm are improved by 23.8% and 37.36% respectively. The advantage of the proposed method is that it uses of the key information of features to suppress noise in both matched and unmatched noise cases and the proposed method outperforms other common methods in speech enhancement.
Personal Exposure To Particulate Matter And Heart Rate Variability Among Informal Electronic Waste Workers At Agbogbloshie: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Nti Afua A. Amoabeng , Robins Thomas G. , Mensah John Arko , Dwomoh Duah , Kwarteng Lawrencia , Takyi Sylvia , Acquah Augustine , Basu Niladri , Batterman Stuart , Fobil Julius N. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Informal electronic waste recycling activities are major contributors to ambient air pollution, yet studies assessing the effects or relationship between direct/continuous exposure of informal e-waste workers to particulate matter and cardiovascular function are rare. Methods: Repeated measurements of fractions of PM2.5, PM10-2.5, and PM10 in personal air of informal e-waste workers, (n=142) and a comparable group (n=65) were taken over a period of 20 months (March 2017 to November, 2018). Concurrently, 5-minute resting electrocardiogram was performed on each participant to assess resting heart rate variability indices. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the association between PM fractions and cardiac function.Results: SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF and LH/HF ratio were all associated with PM. Significant associations were observed for PM2.5 and MEANNN (p = 0.039), PM10 and SDNN (p = 0.035) and PM 10-2.5 and LH/HF (p = 0.039). A 10µg/m3 increase in the concentrations of PM 2.5, PM10-2.5, and PM10 in personal air was associated with reduced HRV indices and increased resting HR. A 10µg/m3 per interquartile (IQR) increase in PM10-2.5 and PM10, decreased SDNN by 11% [(95% CI: -0.002- 0.000); (p = 0.187)] and 34% [(95% CI:-0.002-0.001); (p = 0.035)] respectively. However, PM2.5 increased SDNN by 34 % (95% CI: -1.32-0.64); (p = 0.493). Also, 10µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10-2.5 and PM10 decreased RMSSD by 27% [(-1.34-0.79); (p = 0.620)], 11% [(-1.73, 0.95); (p = 0.846)] and 0.57% [(-1.56-0.46); (p = 0.255%)]. Conclusion: Informal e-waste workers are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease from cardiac autonomic dysfunction as seen in reduced HRV and increased heart rate.