bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Productivity and Efficiency Heterogeneity Among Maize Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Mengistu , Berihun Daregot , Lokossou Jourdain C. , Yismaw Bedilu 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The paper used stochastic frontier analysis to investigate factors contributing to productivity and efficiency heterogeneity among smallholder maize producers in Ethiopia. Findings showed that the supply of inputs and technology significantly impacted maize productivity, and they are significant efficiency differences among farmers. We found that women-managed households were more efficient than their male-managed counterparts. We also offer new insights into a non-linear effect of farmers’ education on their efficiency level. Furthermore, we documented that households would benefit from a 20.80% productivity gain and 14% production cost savings if they were operating at the full economic efficiency level. Land fragmentation and distance from the main market were the key factors that adversely affected the efficiency level of smallholder maize farmers. Hence, policies leading to reduction of land fragmentation and developing market infrastructure in rural areas could promote the efficiency of farmers which enhances farm productivity.
Assessment of the potential of cold plasma-pretreated beta-tricalcium phosphate in combination with periodontal ligament stem cells to enhance bone regeneration in vivo
Authors: Miletić M , Puač N , Škoro N , Brković B , Andrić M , Prokić BB , Danilović V , Milutinović-Smiljanić S , Mitrović-Ajtić O , Mojsilović S 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives

A new strategy in the field of regenerative bone tissue medicine involves the combination of artificial bone substitutes and progenitor cells. In this approach the positive interaction of biomaterials and cells is crucial for successful bone regeneration.

Materials and methods

Herein, we examined if cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-pretreated beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) alone, or in combination with periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), increases the bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial critical-size defect model. After two and four weeks of bone regeneration we analyzed and compared the bone formation in experimental groups using histology and histomorphometry. In addition, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the protein expression of bone healing markers.

Results

After two and four weeks of bone regeneration, the results of histological and histomorphometric, analysis demonstrated significantly higher bone regeneration capacity and absence of inflammatory reaction in the implant of plasma-treated β-TCP in combination with PDLSCs compared to the β-TCP alone. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis showed the highest percentages of immunostained cells for the bone healing markers, bone morphogenic proteins 2 and 4, runt-related transcription factor 2, collagen-1, and osteonectin in the defects filled with CAP-treated β-TCP and PDLSC which additionally support beneficial therapeutic effects of such combined approach on osteoregeneration.

Conclusion

The CAP-pretreated β-TCP implant seeded with PDLSCs shows significantly higher bone regeneration capacity and absence of inflammatory reaction in vivo in comparison to the β-TCP alone.

Clinical relevance

Cold atmospheric plasma could be an effective method of treating β-TCP to improve the interaction of the material with stem cells enhancing regeneration of the bone.
Adherence, safety and satisfaction of a cardio-oncology rehabilitation program framework versus community exercise training for cancer survivors: findings from the CORE trial
Authors: Viamonte Sofia Gonçalves , Joaquim Ana , Alves Alberto , Vilela Eduardo , Capela Andreia , Ferreira Cristina , Costa Ana João , Teixeira Madalena , Duarte Barbara , Rato Nuno , Tavares Aida , Santos Mário , Ribeiro Fernando 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To assess safety, satisfaction and overall adherence of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) based framework for cancer patients at increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, compared to a community-based exercise training (CBET)
Methods
The CORE study (NCT05132998) was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolling cancer survivors exposed to cardiotoxic cancer treatment and/or with previous CV disease. Participants were randomized to an eight-week center-based CR program (CBCR) or CBET, twice a week. Overall feasibility (consent, retention, and completion rates) as well as intervention adherence (percentage of exercise session attended) and safety were assessed. Adverse events (AEs) were registered, and patients’ satisfaction was measured at the end of the study through a 5-item questionnaire.
Results
Eighty patients were included. The consent rate was 72.4%, and 77 (96.2%) patients started the study (retention rate 100% in CBCR vs 92.5% in CBET). The completion rate was 92.5%. Intervention adherence was higher in CBCR (90.3 ± 11.8% vs 68.4 ± 22.1%, p < 0.001). Exercise-related AEs were mainly musculoskeletal, accounting for exercise prescription modification in 47 sessions, none of them motivating exercise discontinuation. Major CV events were not reported. Patients revealed higher satisfaction in the CBCR (86.8% reported being very satisfied with the program vs 45.9% in CBET, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The CORE trial suggests that both exercise-based interventions are feasible and safe in this setting. The higher intervention adherence and patient satisfaction in the CBCR group suggests that this comprehensive approach could be of interest in this patient population.
An Ultra-Efficient Nano-Scale Arithmetic and Logic Unit Using a New Conservative Reversible Block and Quantum-Dots
Authors: Navimpour Nima Jafari , Ahmadpour Seyed-Sajad , Yalcin Senay 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Reversible logic has attracted significant attention recently due to its inherent ability to decrease energy dissipation, which is the primary need of low-power digital circuits. One of the newest areas of study is reversible logic, which has applications in several areas, including nanotechnology, DNA computing, quantum computing, fault tolerance, and low-power CMOS. On the other hand, Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is one of the stunning approaches that can be used as an alternative to traditional technologies. An Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is considered for performing essential instructions such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, and logic operations, including OR, XOR, AND, and XNOR. In other words, ALUs perform essential functions in digital processing circuits because of their wide applications in Central Processing Units (CPUs). Accordingly, ALUs have become a necessary part of microprocessors and are extensively used to solve procedural problems more efficiently and reliably. Hence, this paper proposes an efficient ALU with low power and high speed. At first, a full adder and a 4:1 multiplexer circuit are developed using a unique reversible gate. At last, using all the suggested circuits, an ALU with four mathematical and logical operations is developed. Moreover, several physical validations are presented to confirm the functionality of the QCA gate. The simulations of the structures and power consumption analysis are performed using QCADesigner 2.0.03 and QCAPro software. The suggested ALU's consumption power under various energy ranges (0.5 Ek, 1 Ek, and 1.5 Ek) showed significant advancements from previous designs.
Quality of life and anxiety in an underdeveloped city in IRAN during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross sectional study
Authors: Abdi Mohammadamin , Dahouei Arefeh Arabpour , Araghi Navid Mirzakhani 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Studies have widely explored the quality of life in wealthy communities during COVID-19 pandemics; the present study selected the earthquake-prone and underdeveloped city, Zarand (Iran) to examine quality of life and anxiety.
Methods
291 patients who were infected with COVID-19 in the last 14 days were included in the study .They were selected using systematic non-random sampling. The quality of life and anxiety of the participants were evaluated using online WHO-Quality of Life-BREF and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) respectively. The analysis was not limited to significance and also included the effect size.Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26 using Spearman's correlation, T-test and Kruskal-Wallis.
Results
The quality of life scores were less than 50 out of 100 on average. 58% of patients reported moderate to severe anxiety and there was a negative correlation between all of the four physical(P value < 0.001), psychological(P value < 0.001), social(P value < 0.007) ,and environmental(P value < 0.001) domains of quality of life and anxiety, respectively. Education and quality of life were positively correlated in all domains except for the environmental domain. Participants' age ranged from 18 to 58 and the correlation between age and the physical and psychological domain was significant. No significant correlation was found between the quality of life, sex and marital status.
Conclusions
The current study provides evidence of low Quality of life and high levels of anxiety in patients who were experienced COVID-19. This implicates immediate considerations to be taken into account by policymakers and officials.
Outcomes of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia among Preterm Infants: Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Analysis
Authors: Imanishi Yousuke , Usui Noriaki , Furukawa Taizo , Nagata Kouji , Hayakawa Masahiro , Amari Shoichiro , Yokoi Akiko , Masumoto Kouji , Yamoto Masaya , Okazaki Tadaharu , Inamura Noboru , Toyoshima Katsuaki , Terui Keita , Okuyama Hiroomi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives

To evaluate the survival and intact-survival rates among preterm infants with congenital diaphragm hernia (CDH).

Study Design

Multicenter retrospective cohort study of 849 infants born between 2006 and 2020 at 15 Japanese CDH study group facilities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used. We also compare trends of intact-survival rates among term and preterm infants with CDH.

Results

After adjusting using the IPTW method for CDH severity, sex, APGAR score at 5 min, and cesarean delivery, preterm infants had a significantly lower survival rate [odds ratio (OR), 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.22–0.95] and lower intact-survival rate [OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32–0.74] compared with term infants. Trends of intact-survival rates for preterm infants had changed little unlike term infants.

Conclusion

Prematurity was a significant risk factor for survival and intact-survival among infants with CDH, regardless of adjustment for CDH severity.
Performance and emissions of a high-pressure common-rail diesel engine fueled by coal-based diesel fuels and their blends with polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers
Authors: Zhao Yuwei , Li Ting , Niu Tianlin , Zheng Wenxiu , Xie Yijing , E Weibo 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the performance and emissions of a diesel engine fueled by coal-based diesel fuels and their blends with oxygenated fuel polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODEn). First, coal-based Fischer–Tropsch diesel fuel was blended with hydrogenated diesel fuel at three volume ratios of 40%/60%, 50%/50%, and 60%/40%, denoted as T6W4, T5W5, and T4W6, respectively. Then, PODEn were added into the T4W6 fuel with the volume ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30% to evaluate its effects on the performance and emissions of a coal-based diesel engine. The results showed that the output torques and powers of the three coal-based diesel blends were slightly lower than those of the petroleum diesel fuel. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of the coal-based diesel fuels was almost the same as that of the petroleum diesel fuel. The brake thermal efficiencies (BTE) of the coal-based diesel blends were slightly lower than that of the petroleum diesel fuel, and the maximum reduction was 1.59%. The pollutant emissions of T5W5 were the closest to those of petroleum diesel fuel. The NOx emissions of T4W6 were lower, with a maximum decrease of 12.16% compared with the petroleum diesel. The carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions of T6W4 were the highest, and the smoke emissions of T4W6 and T6W4 were higher than those of petroleum diesel fuel. Adding PODEn into T4W6 lowered the engine power and torque but increased the BSFC and BTE. The output torque and power of the diesel engine were further reduced when PODEn were blended with T4W6. With an increase in the PODEn blending ratio, BSFC and BTE increased gradually, and the maximum increase in the BTE was 1.57%. Blending PODEn with the fuel effectively improved the emission characteristics of the coal-based diesel fuels, and the NOx emissions increased slightly. The emissions of HC, CO, and smoke were reduced significantly, with maximum reductions of 19.15%, 26.65%, and 82.35%, respectively.
Moisture diffusivity of medicinal and aromatic plants during convective drying by hot air: Myrtle leaves
Authors: Marwa Bedjaoui , Oumaima Berrich , Soufien Azzouz , Salah-eddine Azzouz 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In order to investigate the influence of the drying air characteristics on the drying performance of Tunisian myrtle leaves, drying tests were carried out on a tunnel dryer at the Laboratory of Energetic and Thermal and Mass Transfers LETTM. The sorption isotherm was determined at five temperature levels 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60°C and at water activity ranging from 0.058 to 0.89, using the static gravimetric method. A non-linear regression procedure was used to fit experimental sorption isotherms with the most used empirical mathematical models available in the literature. The Peleg model was reported to be a suitable fit for the sorption experimental data in the mentioned investigated ranges of water activities and temperature. The myrtle leaves drying experiments were carried out at the five air temperatures in the range of 40–60°C air velocity of 2.0 m/s and performed at a relative humidity of 20%. Results indicated that drying took place in the falling rate period. Moisture transfer from myrtle leaves was described by applying Fick's diffusion model. The drying characteristic curve has been established from experimental convective drying kinetics. The values of the diffusivity coefficients at each condition were obtained using Fick's second law of diffusion. They varied from 1.266 * 10-10 to 13.06 * 10-10m²/s in the temperature range of 40–60°C and the relative humidity of 20%. An Arrhenius relation with an activation energy value of 104.63 kJ/mol was obtained.
Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection for distinct immune functions and coexistence space of SARS-CoV-2 endemic and cytotoxic T lymphocytes response-free equilibria
Authors: de Carvalho João P. S. Maurício 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (CoViD-19). The symptoms of CoViD-19 are essentially reflected in the respiratory system, although other organs are also affected. More than 6.5 million people have died worldwide due to this disease. Despite CoViD-19 vaccines are already being administered, alternative treatments that address the immunopathology of the infection are still needed. For this end, a deeper knowledge on how human immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 is required. In this study, we propose a non-integer order model to understand the dynamics of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the presence of SARS-CoV-2. We have found a space of parameters for which a SARS-CoV-2 endemic and a CTL response-free equilibria can coexist. Also, we computed the basic reproduction number and analysed the values of the model parameters in order to understand which ones inhibit or enhance the progression of the infection. Numerical simulations were performed for different values of the order of the fractional derivative and for four different proliferation functions of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Formation of bis-spiropyrrolidines from isatin, secondary amins, and alkylidene Meldrum’s acids
Authors: Khandan Samira , Yavari Issa 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Abstract

A synthesis of stable bis-spiropyrrolidines from isatin, secondary amines, and alkylidene Meldrum’s acids in MeCN in 75–95% yield is described. The antioxidant properties and antimicrobial abilities of the synthesized compounds are investigated. For this purpose, the radical scavenging activities of four derivatives were studied by radical trapping of diphenylpicrylhydrazine and ferric reduction power experiments. Disk diffusion test on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria employed to investigate antibacterial activities of five derivatives.
Identification of Potential Artificial Groundwater Recharge Zones in Tikurwuha Watershed of Ethiopia
Authors: Ababulgu Yisak Mohammed , Molla Mikias Biazen 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Groundwater extraction has increased alarmingly in association with urbanization and population growth to fulfill the high water demand worldwide. On the other hand, urbanization cause reduction of the natural groundwater recharge due to deforestation and increase in impervious area. This problem is also common in most parts of Ethiopia including the study area. This study thus attempts to identify the potential artificial groundwater recharge zones in Tikurwuha watershed for implementation of artificial groundwater recharge techniques. To do this Geographic information system based multi criteria decision making method was used. Nine factors selected in the analysis process include rainfall, soil texture, geology, normalized difference vegetation index (as land use land cover indicator), slope, topographic position index, topographic wetness index, drainage density and lineament density. These factors were generated using study area rainfall, soil texture, geology, Landsat image and digital elevation model. The relative importance between pair of factors was decided using local expert interview and review of similar studies. The factors weights were then derived using analytical hierarchy process using decided relative importance. Weighted overlay was finally performed after Suitability classes have generated for each factor based on standards or expert interview. The final potential artificial groundwater recharge zones suitability class showed an area of extremely high (0.5625 hectare (0.001%)), high (20003.7 hectare (30.959%)), moderate (42428.17 hectare (65.665%)), poor (2179.656 hectare (3.373%)) and very poor (1.312 hectare (0.002%)). As extremely high potential sites are insignificant decision makers can use high potential sites for the implementation of artificial groundwater recharge techniques.
Adapting the Priestly-Taylor Index as a Physiological Stress Indicator in Vineyard Agrosystems
Authors: Kacur Sean , Yu Runze , Zaccaria Daniele , Snyder Richard L. , Marigliano Lauren E. , Gambetta Gregory A. , Bali Khaled M. , Kurtural Sahap 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Seasonal management of plant water status and the accompanying physiological responses are critical aspects of viticultural production. Presently, grapevine (Vitis vinifera, L.) water status is measured via in-season measurements of stem water potential or post-season analysis of must carbon isotope ratios, with the former limited by reliance on laborious measurements and the latter providing information post-season. Therefore, there is a gap in reliable, real-time measurements of plant water status. Technological advances in surface renewal measurement in vineyards have provided an economical and reliable method for measuring actual evapotranspiration of a vineyard. This experiment utilized surface renewal calculations to derive a novel index of grapevine water stress, the Priestly-Taylor index (β-index), and related it to measurements of stem water potential, leaf-gas exchange, and must carbon isotopes from three vineyards with differing irrigation strategies over two growing seasons. The sensible heat flux, latent heat flux and net radiation varied across these vineyards and affected the actual vineyard evapotranspiration measured. Likewise, the β-index was different across these vineyards and ranged from 1.7 to 2.1 in the Sacramento Valley of California to 0.5 to 1.2 in the Napa Valley of California. The β-index was related to stem water potential, net carbon assimilation and stomatal conductance (r2 = 0.42, r2 = 0.45, r2 = 0.33, respectively). Results indicated that the β-index was an indicator of real-time vineyard water status and a proxy for physiological responses in vineyards. The coupling of atmospheric controls on evapotranspiration with plant physiological responses makes β a powerful tool for irrigation management in large scale agrosytems.
Perturbations in third body with oblate primaryvia double averaging.
Authors: Pandey L. P. , Sharma Binay Kumar , Tomar Rahul 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In the present article we have developed an analytical model and did a numerical simulation to study the motion of the artificial earth’s satellite. We considered a model in which a celestial body(satellite) moving under the gravitational field of an oblate body and in presence of grav-itational pull of other distant body. We begin by expressing disturbing function in terms of Legendre’s polynomial and restricted our calculations up to second-order terms. Our methodology consists of a double averaging technique over the periods of perturbed and perturbing bodies. The focus of this work is to study the effect of the oblate shape of the central body on the orbital elements of the test particle in the framework of restricted three-body problem. We compare the evolution of orbital elements graphically when the central body has an oblate shape with the case when it is a point mass and illustrate the effect of oblateness on eccentricity , inclination, and argument of pericentre. On changing the shape of the central body from point mass to oblate shape, we noticed significant changes in orbital elements of perturbed body. The double averaged model(say) in this article can be applied on other systems but we have applied it to earth’s satellite movement in the medium earth orbit(MEO) region when it is perturbed by the moon.
Shifts in flood generation processes exacerbate regional flood anomalies in Europe
Authors: Tarasova Larisa , Lun David , Merz Ralf , Blöschl Günter , Basso Stefano , Bertola Miriam , Miniussi Arianna , Rakovec Oldrich , Samaniego Luis , Thober Stephan , Kumar Rohini 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Anomalies in the frequency of river floods, i.e., flood-rich or -poor periods, cause biases in flood risk estimates and thus make climate adaptation measures less efficient. While observations have recently confirmed the presence of flood anomalies in Europe, their exact causes are not clear. Here we analyse streamflow and climate observations during 1960-2010 to show that shifts in flood generation processes contribute more to the occurrence of regional flood anomalies than changes in extreme rainfall. A shift from rain on dry soil to rain on wet soil events by 5% increased the frequency of flood-rich periods in the Atlantic region, and an opposite shift in the Mediterranean region increased the frequency of flood-poor periods, but will likely make singular extreme floods occur more often. Flood anomalies driven by changing flood generation processes in Europe may further intensify in a warming climate and should be considered in flood estimation and management.