bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Landfills Solid Waste in Muscat and Estimation of their Energy Recovery
Authors: Etri Talal , Samsami Omaima Al , Baawain Mahad 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Solid waste management is one of the most important issues faced by the Sultanate of Oman. Disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) in engineered landfills without any pre-treatment or separation is the only option available. Engineered landfills themselves are still new and their waste properties have not been well studied. A reliable database of the solid waste compositions, properties, and estimated energy content is important and the first stage in an efficient waste management system. This is an essential requirement, notwithstanding the complexity of the investigations in this area and the associated logistical challenges. This study investigates the sort of the MSW from landfills in Muscat Governorate. Muscat MSW samples were gathered from Al Amerat and Barka landfills in 2020. MSW compositions were analyzed in terms of the materials ratios (food, plastics, papers… etc.), followed by investigating the ability of recycling that waste. MSW physiochemical properties of both landfills were studied. Therefore, eleven solid waste samples were collected in February from each landfill. Another eleven solid waste samples were collected from Barka landfill in March 2020. All solid waste samples preparation was done manually, and they were converted from solid into the liquid phase for laboratory analysis. The results demonstrated that about 50% of the weight of disposed waste at both landfills is a recyclable material. MSW biodegradable organic content was high observed. MSW moisture content was observed to be within the range from 21.5 to 43.3%. In addition, MSW volatility and loss of ignition both were on the high sides; between 47.0 and 82.0% and between 56 and 91%; respectively. Total oxides ratio in the MSW were within the range of 12.4 and 44.06%. Silica was the highly influential oxide followed by Calcium Oxide. Furthermore, Muscat MSW found more than 18000 kJ/kg which results in high energy content. Six chemical formulas of the MSW were derived from the waste categories elemental analysis with and without sulfur element. It has been noticed from this study that almost half of Muscat's municipal solid waste can be recyclable. Thus, the recycling industry should be adopted to utilize solid waste for the production of renewable material sources that can be an alternative to oil resources. Moreover, MSW biodegradable portion is high with a suitable degree of moisture content for the composting and biodegradation process. Waste-to-energy technologies are also feasible for Muscat MSW because of their high energy content associated with high volatility.
The Effect of Low Dose Nicotine on Working Memory and Positive Emotion in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Samnia Zeinab , Yousefi Zhila , Mahdavi Abed , Suksatan Wanich , Nouri Shadi , Khodadadi Esmail 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment are more likely to develop dementia. This condition can lead to permanent memory impairment and dementia if left untreated. So far, several non-pharmacological treatments have been used to prevent the progression of this disorder, but their effectiveness needs to be further investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of low dose nicotine on working memory and positive emotion in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Methods
This is a quasi-experimental study with a control group. Fifty male patients referred to neurology clinics in Tabriz city were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. Data collection tools included Wechsler Memory Scale (WISC-IV) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS software ver. 24.
Results
The findings indicated that the mean scores of working memory and positive emotion in experimental group were not statistically significantly different from the control group before intervention (P > 0.05). But after intervention the mean scores of working memory and positive emotion in experimental group were statistically significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The study findings indicated that low dose nicotine enhances working memory and increases positive emotions in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with mild cognitive disorders.
High potential for surprising heat and drought events in wheat-producing regions of USA and China
Authors: de Perez Erin Coughlan , Ganapathi Hamsa , Masukwedza Gibbon I. T. , Griffin Timothy , Kelder Timo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Previous analyses of the possibility of global breadbasket failures have extrapolated risks based on historical relationships between climate and yields. However, climate change is causing unprecedented events globally, which could exceed critical thresholds and reduce yields, even if there is no historical precedent. This means that we are likely underestimating climate risks to our food system. In the case of wheat, parts of the USA and China show little historical relationship between yields and temperature, but extreme temperatures are now possible that exceed critical physiological thresholds in wheat plants. Novel UNprecedented Simulated Extreme ENsemble (UNSEEN) approaches use large ensembles to generate plausible unprecedented events, which can inform our assessment of the risk to crops. We use the UNSEEN approach with a large ensemble of archived seasonal forecasts to generate thousands of plausible events over the last 40 years, and compare the results with historically observed extreme temperature and precipitation. In Kansas, USA, extreme temperatures that would have happened approximately 1-in-100-years in 1981 now have a return period of 1-in-10 years, while in China, the current return period is on the order of 1-in-20 years. Record-breaking years exceeding critical thresholds for enzymes in the wheat plant are now more likely than in the past, and these record-breaking hot years are associated with extremely dry conditions in both locations. However, recent temperature extremes, especially in Kansas, have not kept pace with the change in risk, and we find the region has “gotten lucky” in recent years with a lower trend in extremes in the observations than in the UNSEEN results. We find that there is a high potential for surprise in these regions if people base risk analyses solely on historical datasets, and we characterize plausible extremes from the UNSEEN ensemble that can be used to inform adaptation planning in these regions.
Reveal linear optical effects of the liquid crystal by Stokes-Mueller calculus and θ-scan technology
Authors: Li Jian , Meng Xiangshen , Lin Yueqiang , Liu Xiaodong , li decai , He Zhenghong , Huang Yan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Based on the Stokes-Mueller calculus, linear optical effects of liquid crystals were investigated using the θ-scan technology. Usually, when a circularly polarized light beam passes through an anisotropic optical medium, the transmitted light beam behaves as elliptically polarized light. The Stokes-Mueller calculus shows that the change of the transmitted light intensity includes the linear optical characteristics of the medium, such as dichroism, birefringence, and ellipticity. Meanwhile, these optical characteristics can be probed simultaneously from the transmittance curve using an angular scan (T-θ), i.e., θ-scan technology. As the nanoparticle (NP) concentration in the liquid crystal increases from 0 to 0.1 wt%, the apparent dichroism monotonously decreases with the NP concentration. LC molecules are highly birefringent, resulting in Nπ uncertainty on the T-θ curve. As a result, when the NP concentration rises from 0 to 0.06 wt %, the ellipticity decreases; when the NP concentration rises from 0.06 wt % to 0.1 wt %, the ellipticity increases. However, from the change in the apparent phase delay with the NP concentration, Nπ can be distinguished. As well, birefringence decreases monotonously with the NP concentration.
Multiple sclerosis relapse after discontinuation of oral disease modifying therapies: Comparison of fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate
Authors: Etemadifar Masoud , Sabouri Masih , Feiz Fatemeh Sadat , Sigari Amirhossein Akhavan , Salari Mehri 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: The discontinuation of oral disease modifying therapies before pregnancy, especially in the patients receiving fingolimod, may lead to disease relapse and progression. The intent of this study is to compare the number of attacks and EDSS scores after fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate cessation due to pregnancy.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on pregnant women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were on fingolimod or dimethyl fumarate and discontinued the drugs before their pregnancy. Evaluation was done by a checklist and patients’ file. Disease attacks and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores before, during, and after pregnancy were evaluated.
Results: In our study, 13 people with MS (pwMS) using fingolimod and 16 pwMS using dimethyl fumarate discontinued their medication due to pregnancy. In the fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate groups, the median (range) number of attacks after drug withdrawal was 3 (0-4) and 0 (0-2), respectively. The median (range) six month post-delivery EDSS scores was 3.00 (1-8) in the fingolimod group and 1.5 (1-4) in the dimethyl fumarate group. Attacks were see 4.92 times more often after fingolimod cessation as compared to dimethyl fumarate discontinuation.
Conclusion: Fingolimod discontinuation due to pregnancy was linked to higher rates of attacks as compared to dimethyl fumarate cessation.
Efficacy of 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology (OK) in controlling myopia progression and effects on ocular surface in children
Authors: Hao Qian , Liang Douli 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To compare the effects of a two-year course of 0.01% atropine and OK on axial length (AL) and the ocular surface.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 350 children aged 8–12 years with myopia attending the refractive error clinic of the Aier Eye Hospital of Shenzhen Shendong between May 2020 and Aug 2022. Participants with spherical equivalent (SE) values at the first visit between −1.00 diopters (D) and −3.00 D were assigned to the low myopia cohort and participants with SE between −3.00 D and −6.00 D were assigned to the moderate myopia cohort. Participants were then randomly assigned to receive spectacles and 0.01% atropine (SA group) or orthokeratology (OK group). Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed at three month intervals.
Results: After two years, lower AL values were observed in the OK group compared with the SA group in the low myopia cohort and the moderate myopia cohort. We observed 0.01% atropine was more effective in the second year than the first year; however, OK was more effective in the first year. No statistically significant differences were observed in Schirmer’s test (Schirmer) or tear film break-up time (TBuT) assessments between before and after treatment in either cohort.
Conclusions: The clinical efficacy of OK in controlling axial elongation was greater than 0.01% atropine regardless of the SE after two years of treatment. While 0.01% atropine was more effective in the second year, OK was more effective in the first year. Neither 0.01% atropine nor OK had a significant effect on Schirmer or TBuT values after two years.
Investigating the effect of virtual education and multimedia based on the Health Belief Model in preventing COVID-19 among pregnant women
Authors: Hatemzadeh Nasser , Nejad Ghodratolah Shakeri , Haghigizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Navak Tayebeh , haghi mehdi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Pregnant women are considered one of the high-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, so paying attention to preventive behaviors among them is highly important. This study aimed to examine the effect of virtual education and multimedia based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in preventing COVID-19 among pregnant women.
Methods
This quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted on 120 pregnant women referring to Comprehensive Health Services Centers affiliated with East and West health centres of Ahvaz city, Iran, in 2021. Participants were divided into two control (n = 60) and intervention (n = 60) groups. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. The intervention group was given the required educational content using social networks virtually and multimedia in 12 sessions. Both groups were reinvestigated after two months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24, independent t-test and paired t-test tests.
Results
The mean age and mean gestational age of participants were estimated at 28 years old and 18 weeks, respectively. Before the educational intervention, there was no significant difference in mean constructs of HBM. In contrast, the mean of all constructs increased significantly in the intervention group after intervention. The greatest change was related to the constructs of self-efficacy and perceived susceptibility, and the lowest change was related to the perceived barriers construct.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest multimedia education using the HBM to COVID-19 preventive behaviors among pregnant women can benefit behavior change.
Gender Differences in the Relationships between Meaning in Life, Mental Health Status and Digital Media Use during Covid-19
Authors: So Wendy Wing Yan , Woo Bowie Po Yi , Wong Clifford , Yip Paul Siu Fai 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on individuals’ social lives, mental health status, and meaning in life (MIL). Globally, the use of different types of digital media has become a proxy for pre-COVID social lives for many people. This study investigated gender differences in the relationship between use of digital media, mental health status and MIL, during COVID-19 in Hong Kong.
Methods
This cross-sectional study surveyed 1,488 young people recruited via city-wide random sampling in 2021. Respondents completed a phone survey on digital media use, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2), COVID-19 impact, meaning in life, and demographics. Gender differences in MIL were tested with an independent sample t-test. Gender-specific multiple linear regression models tested associations between MIL and explanatory variables of age, educational level, history of diagnosis, digital media use, and mental health status.
Results
There was a significant gender difference in MIL (males (M = 12.90, SD = 4.12); females (M = 13.45, SD = 3.96); t (1485) = -2.656, p = .008). For males, all predictor variables significantly contributed to MIL (F (9, 759) = 15.731, p < .000, R2 = .157). However, for females, while the overall model for MIL was significant (F (9, 709) = 12.105, p < .001, R2 = .133), the only significant predictor variable was mental health status.
Conclusion
Females had significantly better MIL under COVID-19 than males. Digital media use contributed to MIL in males but not females, and there were gender-specific predictors of MIL.
How effective are the seasons and different applications in semi-intensive broiler rearing in terms of welfare?
Authors: Çürek Deniz İlaslan , Aksoy Tülin , Özdem Sebahat , Narinç Doğan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In this study, it was aimed that to evaluate the effects of season, genotype, and various semi-intensive production systems on broiler welfare. Fast-growing and slow-growing broilers were used, different semi-intensive production systems (extensive indoor, free-range, and traditional free-range) were applied according to EU standards, and trials were carried out in spring and summer in Antalya beside the Mediterranean Sea. Some welfare parameters were collected on day before slaughter (81 d for the traditional free-range, 55 d for the other systems). Recorded data were deal with fear and stress parameters, leg health, bruises on the breast and thighs, breast feather dirtiness, and certain blood parameters. Additionally, outdoor use was identified. The proportion of chickens on the outside was higher in spring than in summer, and slow- used more of the outdoor area than fast-. As a conclusion, the high ambient temperature decreased prominently the welfare of the birds, the welfare of the slow-growing chickens was clearly higher than fast- ones and the welfare-improving effect of grazing was limited.
An Adaptive Hand exoskeleton for Teleoperation System
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhou Bangda , Fan Bingfei , Du Mingyu , Bao Guanjun , Cai Shibo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Teleoperation can assist humans in completing various complex tasks in inaccessible or high-risk environments. Adequate adaptability should be available to enable the exoskeleton master hand to capture the motion of human fingers and reproduce the contacting force between the slave hand and its object. This paper presents a novel finger exoskeleton based on the cascading four-link closed-loop kinematic chain. Each finger has an independent kinematic chain, and the angle sensor is employed to measure the finger movement including the flexion/extension and the adduction/abduction angle. The servo motor controls the tension of the tendon to transmit the contacting force to the fingers in real-time. An adaptive hand exoskeleton is consequently developed based on the finger exoskeleton. The experiment results show that the adaptive hand exoskeleton could be worn without any mechanical constraints, and the slave hand could follow the motions of each human finger. The accuracy and the real-time capability of the contacting force reproduction were validated to be superior. The designed adaptive hand exoskeleton could be employed as the master hand to remotely control the humanoid five-fingered dexterous slave hand, thus, enabling the teleoperation system to complete complex dexterous manipulation tasks.
Enhancing the Emergence of Hyperchaos Using an Indirect Coupling and Its Digital Implementation
Authors: Arellano-Delgado Adrian , Méndez-Ramírez Rodrigo Daniel , López-Gutiérrez Rosa Martha , Murillo-Escobar Miguel Angel , Cruz-Hernández César 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In this work, an indirect coupling used in a pair of simple autonomous discrete systems in order to enhance the emergence of hyperchaos is presented. The peculiarity that the used systems will never generate chaotic or hyperchaotic dynamics by itself makes this case an interesting problem to address. Moreover, it is possible to achieve inphase or anti-phase synchronization by varying some parameters of the indirect coupling. Additionally, different methods to analyze the emerging dynamics of the coupled systems using an indirect coupling compared to a conventional coupling are presented. Finally, an electronic digital implementation is conducted by using the SPI protocol of two coupled PIC-24FJ64GA006 16-bit Microcontrollers.
Effect of psilocybin on marble-burying in ICR mice: Role of 5-HT1A receptors and implications for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Lerer Bernard , Singh Sandeep , Botvinnik Alexander , Shahar Orr , Wolf Gilly , Yakobi Corel , Saban Michal , Salama Adham , Lotan Amit , Lifschytz Tzuri 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Preliminary clinical findings, supported by preclinical studies employing behavioral paradigms such as marble-burying, suggest that psilocybin may be effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. On this background, we set out to explore 1) the role of 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors in the effect of psilocybin on marble-burying; 2) the effect of staggered versus bolus psilocybin administration and persistence of the effect; 3) the effect of the 5-HT1A partial agonist, buspirone, on marble-burying and the head-twitch response (HTR) induced by psilocybin, a rodent correlate of psychedelic effects. Male ICR mice were administered psilocybin 4.4 mg/kg, escitalopram 5 mg/kg, 8-OH-DPAT 2 mg/kg, M100907 2 mg/kg, buspirone 5 mg/kg, WAY100635 2 mg/kg or combinations, intraperitoneally, and were tested on the MBT. HTR was examined in a magnetometer-based assay. The results show that 1) Psilocybin and escitalopram significantly reduced marble-burying. The effect of psilocybin was not attenuated by the 5-HT2A antagonist, M100907. The 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT reduced marble-burying as did the 5-HT1A partial agonist, buspirone. The effect of 8-OH-DPAT was additive to that of psilocybin but that of buspirone was not. The 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY100635, attenuated the effect of 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone but not the effect of psilocybin. 2) Psilocybin injections over 3.5 hours had no effect on marble-burying and the effect of bolus injection was not persistent. 3) Co-administration of buspirone with psilocybin blocked its effect on HTR. These data suggest that neither 5-HT2A nor 5-HT1A receptors are pivotally implicated in the effect of psilocybin on marble-burying. Co-administration with buspirone may block the psychedelic effects of psilocybin without impeding its anti-obsessional effects.
Recurrence and survival of patients with stage III endometrial cancer after radical surgery followed by adjuvant chemo- or chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Si , Fan Yu , Zhang Yu-Fei , Ruan Jia-ying , Mu Yi , Li Jin-ke 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective
To compare recurrence and survival in patients with stage III endometrial cancer after radical surgery, followed by either adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ACR) or adjuvant chemotherapy (AC).
Methods
We searched for relevant studies in PubMed Central, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Data were pooled on rates of recurrence as well as rates of progression-free, disease-free and overall survival. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.
Results
Data from 55,440 patients in 22 retrospective studies and one randomized controlled trial were meta-analyzed. Compared to the AC group, the ACR showed significantly lower risk of local recurrence (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.31–0.58) and total recurrence (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.58–0.87). ACR was also associated with significantly better overall survival (HR 0.68, 95%CI 0.63–0.74), progression-free survival (HR 0.54, 95%CI:0.38–0.77) and disease-free survival (HR 0.54, 95%CI 0.30–0.96).
Conclusions
Adding adjuvant radiotherapy to adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery may significantly reduce risk of local and overall recurrence, while significantly improving survival of patients with stage III endometrial cancer.