bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life of patients with neurofibromatosis 1 – physical disability does not necessarily result in inferior mental health.
Authors: Bäzner Ute Marlies , Stauss Leonie , Kapapa Thomas , Wirtz Christian Rainer , Pala Andrej 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a chronic neurocutaneous disease with tremendous impact on quality of life (QoL). We have performed an analysis of disease severity, mental and physical QoL and compared the different severity classes of patients with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1).
Patients and methods
We performed a prospective analysis of 89 patients with NF-1 which are included in the period of 1/2016 - 3/2018. Local records served as data source including demographic data, employment status, level of education, and marital status were evaluated. All patients received 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Additionally, numerical pain rating scale (NPS) Patients were stratified according to different severity of NF-1 and different visibility and severity of disease.
Results:
Out of 89 patients, severity grad 4 was identified in 42 (47.2%), moderate in 17 (19.1%), mild in 23 (25.8%) and minimal in 7 (7.9%) cases. According to visibility scale, severe grade 3 was found in 28 (31.5%), moderate grade 2 in 26 (29.2%) and mild grade in 35 (39.3%) cases. All SF-36 related data except for pain showed significantly lower values, if compared to the standard German population (p<0.001, physical component summary p=0.045). Sex, marital status and level of education showed no significant differences. Employment was significantly associated with better mental and physical status (p=0.028 and p=0.01 respectively) and age >40 was significantly associated with lower physical (p=0.027) but not mental component (p=0.362). According to the numerical pain rating scale, 7-10 were noted in 9 cases (10,1%), 5-6 in 10 patients (11.2%), 1-4 in 26 patients (29.2%) and no pain in 44 cases (49.4%). Physical component showed significant difference between different NPS grades (p<0.001) but no significance in mental component summery (p=0.06). Finally, we found no significant difference between different severity grades and visibility grades in mental component summery.
Conclusion:
The severity grade and visibility grade of patients with NF-1 does not necessarily results in decreased mental components and physical limitations in comparison with lower grades, so that symptomatic treatment should be considered even in patients with severe disability, since these still may have comparable QoL to less severe disabled patients with NF-1. Employment was associated with better QoL according to our results.
Impact of Transmitter Imbalances on the Security of Continuous Variables Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Pereira Daniel Filipe Figueiredo , Almeida Margarida Ribau , Pinto Armando Humberto Moreira Nolasco , Silva Nuno Alexandre Peixoto 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) provides a theoretical unconditionally secure solution to distribute symmetric keys among users in a communication network. However, the practical devices used to implement these systems are intrinsically imperfect, and, as a result, open the door to eavesdropper attacks. In this work, we study the impact of transmitter stage imperfections on the performance and security of a Discrete Modulated (DM) CV-QKD system using M-symbol Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (M-QAM) and Amplitude and Phase Shift Keying (M-APSK) coupled with Probabilistic Constellation Shaping (PCS). Assuming two different modulation stage topologies, we first deform the constellations and then evaluate the secure key rate achievable with the deformed constellation. The presented results show that, due to the erroneously estimated channel parameters, non-monitored imbalances greatly reduce the system's performance, with situations where Bob and Alice estimate that no secure bits can be obtained while the real value of the key rate is still positive. Our results show the importance of monitoring these constellation imbalances and show that the optimal constellation may vary depending on the degree of device imperfection.
Caregivers’ Use of Herbal and Conventional Medicine to Treat Children with Sickle Cell Disease at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional Study
Authors: Apolot Consiliate , Obakiro Samuel Baker , Mukunya David , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Matovu Joseph KB 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that caregivers of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) normally oscillate between the use of herbal and conventional medicines but little evidence exists on the prevalence of and factors associated with use of both therapies in the extant literature. We examined factors associated with caregivers’ use of combined herbal and conventional medicine to treat children with SCD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda between January and March 2022. Caregivers of children with SCD aged 1 to <18 years attending the Sickle Cell Clinic at the hospital were interviewed using structured questionnaires. We collected data on caregivers’ socio-demographic characteristics, use of herbal or conventional medicine, perceptions of and intentions to use either or both therapies, self-reported use of either or both therapies, and community and health-related factors. A multivariable logistic regression model was computed to assess the factors independently associated with caregivers’ use of combined therapy to treat children with SCD, using Stata version 15.0. Results: Of the 372 caregivers interviewed, 341 (91.7%) were female. On average, Respondents aged 34.3 years (Standard Deviation [SD]: ±9.8 years). Thirty-seven percent (n=138) of the caregivers reported the use of both herbal and conventional medicine, 58.3% (n=217) reported use of only conventional medicine, while 4.6% (n=17) reported use of herbal medicine only. Higher odds of using combination therapy were found in caregivers aged 60+ years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 11.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 115.2), those with lower secondary education (AOR=6.2; 95% CI: 1.5, 26.0), those who believed in the safety and/or efficacy of herbal medicine (AOR=3.3; 95% CI: 1.5, 7.6) and those who thought that use of both therapies was safe (AOR=7.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 17.0). Conclusion: Slightly more than one-third of the caregivers reported use of combined herbal and conventional medicines to treat children with SCD, the majority of whom were of older age (>60%) and had lower secondary education. These findings suggest a need for targeted health promotion to educate caregivers about the dangers of using both herbal and conventional medicines in treating children with SCD in this setting. Keywords: herbal medicine, conventional medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, sickle cell disease, Uganda
Educational Program Promoting Report of Elder Abuse by Nursing Students: Pilot Study
Authors: Park Dahye , Ha Jeongmin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background: Elder abuse is an important public health concern that requires urgent attention. One of the main barriers to achieve active response to elder abuse in a clinical setting is a low level of relevant knowledge among nurses. This study aims to develop an educational program to promote an intent to report elder abuse among nursing students and assess its effectiveness, with a focus on the rights of older adults.
Methods: A mixed method design was used with the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate model. Twenty-five nursing students from Chungbuk Province participated in the study. Attitude toward older adults and knowledge of, awareness of, attitude towards, and intent to report elder abuse were assessed quantitatively and analyzed using paired t-test using SPSS 25.0. The feasibility of the program and feedback were collected qualitatively through group interviews and were analyzed using content analysis.
Results: After the education program, attitude toward older adults (Cohen’s d=1.08), knowledge of (Cohen’s d=2.15), awareness of (Cohen’s d=1.56), attitude towards (Cohen’s d=1.85), and intent to report elder abuse (Cohen’s d=2.78) increased, confirming the positive effects of this program. On the whole, all participants were satisfied with the contents and method of the program.
Conclusions: The method of program delivery should be improved and tailored strategies to boost program engagement among nursing students should be explored to implement and disseminate the program.
Genomic innovation, convergence and parallelism facilitated the ecological transition to life out of the sea in molluscs
Authors: Aristide Leandro , Fernández Rosa 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Animals abandoned their ancestral marine niche and ventured into land multiple times across evolution, repeatedly overcoming major ecological challenges. These replicated evolutionary transitions constitute magnificent demonstrations of life’s capacity to evolve, and provide a rare opportunity to study the mechanisms driving large scale macroevolutionary convergence. However, the genomic underpinnings of the terrestrialization process remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the macroevolutionary dynamics of gene repertoire evolution during convergent transitions out of the sea in molluscs. We find that despite deep temporal divergences, parallel expansions of ancient gene families played a major role in facilitating adaptation to non-marine habitats, highlighting the evolutionary potential of the pre-existing genomic toolkit. We further find evidence of functionally convergent lineage-exclusive gene gains, while overall family contractions seem mostly driven by neutral processes. Also, genomic innovations appear to have further fueled evolutionary independent habitat transitions. Collectively, these findings show that different evolutionary paths to genomic change (i.e. parallelism, convergence and innovation) can be simultaneously at play during major evolutionary transitions. Our results provide a genome-wide gene repertoire atlas of the molluscan terrestrialization that pave the way towards further understanding the functional and evolutionary bases of this process.
Amorphous Mn2SiO4: A potential manganese phase in the stagnant slab
Authors: Ye Zhilin , Xu Jingui , Fan Dawei , Zhang Dongzhou , Zhou Wenge , Xie Hongsen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Tephroite (Mn2SiO4), together with some manganese (Mn)-rich mineral inclusions, has been found in ophiolite-hosted diamonds, possibly originating from Mn-nodules and sediments that were once deposited on the oceanic floor and later subducted into the deep mantle, which provides evidence for oceanic crustal recycling. However, the state and behavior of tephroite under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted in situ synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy of synthetic tephroite up to ~30 GPa and ~900 K. The XRD and Raman spectroscopy experiments in this study first show that tephroite undergoes a pressure-induced, irreversible, amorphous transformation above ~20 GPa. Temperature (&lt;900 K) is found to be an insignificant factor governing the process of amorphous transformation. Amorphous tephroite may be a potential phase in a rapidly cooling oceanic lithospheric subduction slab stagnating at the bottom of the mantle transition zone.
Yakubovichite, CaNi2Fe3+(PO4)3, a new nickel phosphate mineral of non-meteoritic origin
Authors: Britvin Sergey N. , Murashko Mikhail N. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Vapnik Yevgeny , Vlasenko Natalia S. , Vereshchagin Oleg S. , Pankin Dmitrii V. , Zaitsev Anatoly N. , Zolotarev Anatoly A. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Yakubovichite, CaNi2Fe3+(PO4)3, a new mineral containing up to 20 wt% NiO, represents a novel type of terrestrial phosphate mineralization featuring an extreme enrichment in Ni. The mineral was discovered in the Hatrurim Formation (Mottled Zone)—pyrometamorphic complex whose outcrops are exposed in Israel and Jordan in the area coincident with the Dead Sea Transform fault system. Nickel-rich minerals in these assemblages also include Ni phosphides: halamishite Ni5P4, negevite NiP2, transjordanite and orishchinite—two polymorphs of Ni2P, nazarovite Ni12P5, polekhovskyite MoNiP2; Ni-spinel trevorite NiFe2O4, bunsenite NiO, and nickeliferous members of the hematite-eskolaite series, Fe2O3-Cr2O3 containing up to 2 wt% NiO. Yakubovichite forms polycrystalline segregations up to 0.2 mm in size composed of equant crystal grains, in association with crocobelonite, hematite, other phosphates, and phosphides. It has a deep yellow to lemon-yellow color, is transparent to translucent with vitreous luster, and has no cleavage. Mohs hardness = 4. Yakubovichite is orthorhombic, Imma, unit-cell parameters of the holotype material: a = 10.3878(10), b = 13.0884(10), c = 6.4794(6) Å, V = 880.94(2) Å3, Z = 4. Chemical composition of holotype material (electron microprobe, wt%): Na2O 1.82, K2O 1.76, CaO 6.37, SrO 0.49, BaO 1.37, MgO 2.13, NiO 21.39, CuO 0.16, Fe2O3 18.80, Al2O3 1.06, V2O3 0.44, Cr2O3 0.15, P2O5 44.15, total 100.09. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 12 O atoms per formula unit is (Ca0.55Na0.29K0.18Ba0.04Sr0.02)1.08(Ni1.39Mg0.26Fe0.243+V0.033+Cu0.01Cr0.01)Σ1.94 (Fe0.903+Al0.10)Σ1P3.02O12. Dcalc = 3.657 g cm–3. The strongest lines of powder XRD pattern [d(Å)(I)(hkl)]: 5.82(44)(011), 5.51(73)(101), 5.21(32)(200), 4.214(34)(121), 2.772(97)(240), 2.748(100)(202), 2.599(38)(400). Yakubovichite is the first mineral that crystallizes in the α-CrPO4 structure type. It has a direct synthetic analog, CaNi2Fe3+(PO4)3. Since yakubovichite is the first natural Ni-phosphate of non-meteoritic origin, the possible sources of Ni in the reported mineral assemblages are discussed. Pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Formation were formed at the expense of the sediments belonging to a Cretaceous-Paleogene (Cretaceous-Tertiary) boundary (~66 Ma age). This geological frame marks the event of mass extinction of biological species on Earth that was likely caused by the Chicxulub impact event. The anomalous enrichment of pyrometamorphic assemblages in Ni may be related to metamorphic assimilation of Ni-rich minerals accumulated in the Cretaceous-Paleogene layer, which was formed due to a Chicxulub collision.
Computational hydraulics: stage for the hydroinformatics act
Authors: Minns A. W. , Verwey A. , Warren I. R. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The journey from computational hydraulics to hydroinformatics is described through an overview that starts from the first applications of computer code to civil engineering problems, through the development of the method of characteristics - as a necessary step in the development of numerical methods - to the modern day, wide-spread application of fourth-generation modelling systems that are used to derive solutions to water-related, and particularly environmental problems. Mike Abbott's contributions to the scientific development of numerical methods and computational techniques are described. These contributions led to the publication of his seminal work Computational Hydraulics - Elements of the Theory of Free Surface Flows in 1979. At the same time, the authors of this chapter have all worked closely with Mike Abbott to translate his sometimes-esoteric writings into practical and commercially viable solutions. An important milestone in this journey was the establishment of the Computational Hydraulics Centre at the Danish Hydraulics Institute in 1970, which was a result of the recognition of the commercial importance of computational hydraulics and the need for further professionalization of the development of modelling systems. This was witnessed through the development of modelling systems like, for example, System21 (later MIKE 21) and the Système Hydrologique Européen (MIKE SHE). When tracing the development of computational hydraulics, Mike Abbott often referred to a number of generations of modelling methodologies and corresponding models, which has led to the current, fourth-generation modelling systems. Furthermore, as a natural progression of computational hydraulics, he discussed at length the developing social dimension of hydraulics and hydraulic modelling, which was seen as a first and necessary step towards hydroinformatics. This chapter concludes with an assessment of the extent to which the anticipated benefits of fourth-generation modelling may or may not have come to fruition and what this has meant in daily practice. These lessons learned are placed in the context of what this then means for future hydroinformatics applications.
Kinetic and isotherm studies on the removal of reactive Red 2 from aqueous solutions using phosphoric acid activated carbon
Authors: Mahmoudi Arezoo , Mousavi Seyyed Alireza , Atashkar Sheida 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In the current study, an alternative precursor for the production of activated carbon (AC) is introduced using grape wood. The AC structures and functional groups were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The efficiency of prepared AC has been investigated in the removal of Reactive Red 2 (RR2) from an aqueous solution. The effect of main variables, namely dye concentration (100–500 mg L−1), contact time (10–90 min), adsorbent dosage (0.25–12.25 g L−1), and initial pH (3–11) have been assessed on the adsorption process in order to find out the optimum conditions. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherm models were applied to describe the characteristics of adsorption behavior. Kinetic data were fitted to pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models. Based on the results, the highest removal efficiency (97.96%) of RR2 dye was obtained at an initial concentration of 100 mg L−1, adsorbent dose of 12.25 g, contact time of 90 min, and pH 3, which indicated a significant sorption efficiency. The rate of the adsorption fitted well to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.99). In addition, the Temkin adsorption isotherm model was found to fit the experimental data (R2 = 0.99).
Investigation on the effective disposal of sludge from a water treatment plant
Authors: Vishwajith A. G. H. , Mahanama K. R. R. , Wijesinghe L. P. R. J. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Accumulation of water treatment sludge is a major environment problem in the water purification process. Recovery of waste constituents or reuse of sludge is a cost-effective method in handling this environmental dilemma. The present study investigates the suitability of sludge in the production of bricks and recovery of aluminum from the sludge accumulated at the Biyagama drinking water treatment plant (BDWTP) in Sri Lanka. The chemical parameters of total organic carbon, pH, total nitrogen content, total phosphorous content, heavy metals, and cation exchange capacity in samples were analyzed in different turbidity periods. The aluminum recovery was investigated both by acidic and by alkaline leaching processes. A mixing ratio of 3:1 (clay:water treatment sludge) was found to be suitable for manufacturing bricks having compressive strength, efflorescence, and water absorption parameters according to SLS 39:1979. The metal composition of manufactured bricks was compared with clay and water treatment sludge. The environmental impact of current landfilling was estimated by analyzing the leachate of this sludge for COD, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, free NH3, SO42-, and metals. The heavy metal leachability of manufactured bricks was also analyzed to establish its suitability as an eco-friendly product.
Can activated carbon filtration of groundwater cause radiation safety problems?
Authors: Tyrväinen Jukka T. , Naarala Jonne , Turtiainen Tuukka 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Activated carbon filtration is commonly used to remove groundwater contaminants in water utilities. During its use, also groundwater radon is adsorbed on activated carbon where it radioactively decays to Pb-210 within a few days. The intermediate stages of radioactive decay produce gamma radiation outside the filter, which can be harmful to health. In addition, EU legislation sets a clearance level of 1 kBq/kg for the Pb-210 concentration of waste, above which disposal of carbon waste can be complicated, depending on national legislation. This study focused on activated carbon filters from two groundwater plants. Measurements were made over the service lifetime of the activated carbon and included measurements of adsorption of radon from water to carbon, radiation dose rates outside the filters and Pb-210 concentrations in the carbon. The study observed a rapid decrease in the radon adsorption rate of activated carbon during the first year of use. This phenomenon has a significant effect on the concentration of Pb-210 in the activated carbon waste at the end of service life. The calculated forecast model clearly showed that the risk of exceeding the clearance level of Pb-210 increases if the radon concentration in the raw water exceeds 100 Bq/L.
Application of partial ozonation on tank truck cleaning concentrate and the influence on biodegradability and ecotoxicity: a pilot-scale study
Authors: Poelmans Sven , Nagels Maarten , Mignot Mélanie , Dewil Raf , Cabooter Deirdre , Dries Jan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This study investigates the pilot-scale ozone treatment of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC), originating from variable tank truck cleaning wastewater. The influence of ozonation on short- and long-term biodegradation potential was examined through respirometry and Zahn–Wellens, respectively. Ecotoxicity was also examined for several concentrate batches and ozonation steps. Chemical oxidation through ozone had a beneficial effect on chemical oxygen demand removal, with a removal efficiency up to 56%. Formation of short-term biochemical oxygen demand (BODst) was induced for several, but not all batches, showing the potential of subsequent biological treatment of ozonated ROC. An increase in the inherent biodegradability through Zahn-Wellens was observed for all tested samples after ozonation, rising to a maximum of 68% after 3 hours of ozonation, highlighting the importance of sludge adaptation. Ecotoxicity, tested with Artemia franciscana and the saltwater algae P. tricornutum, showed initial decreases in algae inhibition after short ozonation periods. An increase in algae inhibition was, however, seen after prolonged ozonation for all tested ROC samples, pointing to the formation of ecotoxic by-products. Artemia showed no significant toxicity effects. When applying biological treatment through Zahn-Wellens, a decrease in ecotoxicity was observed for several samples, likely through biological oxidation of the produced degradation products.