bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prince and princesses: The current status of robotic surgery in surgical oncology
Authors: Hays Sarah B. , Corvino Gaetano , Lorié Benjamin D. , McMichael William V. , Mehdi Syed A. , Rieser Caroline , Rojas Aram E. , Hogg Melissa E.
Published: November 2023

Robotic surgery has experienced a dramatic increase in utilization across general surgery over the last two decades, including in surgical oncology. Although urologists and gynecologists were the first to show that this technology could be utilized in cancer surgery, the robot is now a powerful tool in the treatment of gastrointestinal, hepato–pancreatico–biliary, colorectal, endocrine, and soft tissue malignancies. While long‐term outcomes are still pending, short‐term outcomes have showed promise for this technologic advancement of cancer surgery.
Spatiotemporal behavior of a generalist predator–prey system with harvesting phenomena
Authors: Mandal Gourav , Dutta Swagata , Narayan Guin Lakshmi , Chakravarty Santabrata
Published: November 2023

Of concern, the present article is a theoretical investigation on the reaction–diffusion interacting species model system including prey harvesting and the alternative food source for the predator maintained partially by Beverton–Holt‐like food. Major attention is focused on the influence of alternative food source for the predator in the event of prey harvesting on the dynamical complexity of the system. The existence of equilibria together with their topological classification concerning positive coexisting equilibria of the system is thoroughly explored. The threshold of extinction for interacting species, the stability of feasible equilibria, and the persistence scenario as well are examined analytically. The parametric constraint for subcritical Hopf bifurcation emerging from altering harvesting efforts is established through normal form setting. The perception of the local bifurcation structure of codimensions 1 and 2 depending on the model parameters of significance is also explored. Special emphasis is paid on the sensitivity analysis of the model system so as to examine the effect of harvesting and alternative food source for sustaining biomass balance. The existence and stability of nonnegative equilibria together with Turing instability corresponding to spatiotemporal system are, however, not ruled out from the present pursuit. The evolution of diffusion‐driven pattern formation with the inclusion of spots, stripes, labyrinthine, stripe‐hole mixtures, and hole replication is well‐depicted in
space influenced by both the harvesting and additional food source of the dynamical system. Extensive numerical simulations are performed in order to establish all the theoretical outcomes in terms of stability of the system and its sustainable development.
Kinderlähmung: Schluckimpfung neu aufgelegt
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: November 2023

Gegen die Kinderlähmung gibt es zwei Arten von Impfstoffen. Beide haben Nachteile, welche die geplante Ausrottung der Krankheit verzögert haben. Ein neuer Impfstoff soll nun einen Ausweg bieten.
Nachruf: Michael Maiwald (1967 – 2023)
Authors: Eifert Tobias , Engelhard Carsten
Published: November 2023

Michael Maiwald war ein herausragender Physiko‐ und analytischer Chemiker. Besonders den Arbeitskreis Prozessanalytik der GDCh‐Fachgruppe Analytische Chemie hat er stark geprägt.
Treatment of refractory shock with vitamin B12: A narrative review
Authors: Wedemire Courtney , Samavat Hamed , Newkirk Melanie , Parker Anna
Published: November 2023

High‐dose vitamin B12 is a potential treatment for patients with vasodilatory shock that is refractory to other therapies. Vasodilatory shock is characterized by low blood pressure and low systemic vascular resistance. Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, two potential targets of high‐dose vitamin B12 given as hydroxocobalamin, facilitate this syndrome. This review explores the relationship between high‐dose vitamin B12 and hemodynamic outcomes in adults with vasodilatory shock and provides an update on the literature since a 2019 review on this topic. A literature search of studies published in the past 5 years was conducted in the CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases in May 2023. After assessing for eligibility, eight studies met this review's inclusion criteria. Seven of the eight studies reported decreased vasopressor requirements for part or all of the study samples after receiving a hydroxocobalamin infusion. However, not all patients responded to hydroxocobalamin. These findings are limited by patient selection and differences in the timing of vasopressor requirement and blood pressure outcome assessments. The current evidence is promising as to whether vitamin B12, given as a hydroxocobalamin infusion, may improve hemodynamic outcomes in vasodilatory shock, but the evidence is of low quality. The use of hydroxocobalamin to treat refractory, vasodilatory shock remains investigative. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to elucidate the role of vitamin B12 in treating refractory, vasodilatory shock, including in conjunction with other alternative therapies such as methylene blue and corticosteroids.
Mindfulness in ward nurses: A concept analysis
Authors: Feng Xiaoyan , Zhu Hongjun , Cai Ping , Zhang Yingying , Chen Yuhong
Published: November 2023

Aim

Mindfulness has been widely used with all kinds of people, such as students, educators or patients. However, there have been no studies explicitly targeting ward nurses. The aim of this study is to explore the concept analysis of mindfulness in ward nurses.

Design

A concept analysis.

Methods

An electronic literature search of MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cambridge Online Dictionary and EBSCO on mindfulness was conducted over a ten‐year period of Peer‐reviewed scholarly articles published in English. The Walker and Avant's framework was used for this paper.

Results

Eleven articles in total were included in this study. Three attributes of mindfulness in ward nurses were identified as in the present moment, paying attention and being receptive. The consequence of mindfulness in ward nurses lead to positive changes, which included improving well‐being, decreased burnout, anxiety and depression. An exploration of mindfulness in ward nurses was developed. The findings of this paper can be used in ward nurses, research and administration.
In utero/peripartum antiretroviral therapy exposure and mental health outcomes at 8–18 years old: A longitudinal comparative study of children with perinatally acquired HIV, children perinatally HIV exposed but uninfected, and children unexposed uninfected from Uganda
Authors: Coventry Audrey , Sikorskii Alla , Zalwango Sarah K. , Familiar‐Lopez Itziar , Cardino Vanessa N. , Giordani Bruno , Ezeamama Amara E.
Published: November 2023

In utero/peripartum antiretroviral therapy (IPA) exposure type was examined in relationship to mental health symptoms among 577 children with perinatally acquired HIV (CPHIV), children perinatally HIV exposed but uninfected (CHEU), and children HIV unexposed uninfected (CHUU). IPA exposure was categorized for CPHIV and CHEU as none, single‐dose nevirapine with or without zidovudine (sdNVP±AZT), sdNVP+AZT+lamivudine (3TC), or combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Anxiety and depressive symptoms were reported at baseline, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up per behavioral assessment system for children. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to estimate differences (b) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for IPA exposure types versus CHEU without IPA exposure. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were lower in CHUU relative to CHEU and CPHIV but did not differ between CPHIV and CHEU. CHEU with sdNVP±AZT exposure had greater anxiety (b = 0.51, 95% CI: [0.06, 0.96]) and depressive symptoms (b = 0.48, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.89]) than CHEU without IPA exposure. CHEU with sdNVP+AZT+3TC exposure had higher anxiety (b = 0.0.45, 95% CI: [0.03, 0.86]) and depressive symptoms (b = 0.72, 95% CI: [0.27, 1.17]) versus CHEU without IPA exposure. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were not different for CHEU and CPHIV exposed to cART (b = 0.12–0.60, 95% CI: [−0.41, 1.30]) and CHEU and CHUU (b = −0.04 to 0.08, 95% CI: [−0.24, 0.29]) without IPA exposure. Among CHEU, peripartum sdNVP±AZT and sdNVP+AZT+3TC but not cART compared to no IPA exposure was associated with clinically important elevations in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Monitoring of mental health trajectory of HIV‐affected children considering IPA is needed to inform mental health interventions. Patient Contribution: Caregivers and their dependents provided consent for participation and collaborated with study team to identify mutually convenient times for protocol implementation.
Excellent Reliability Characteristics of Ovonic Threshold Switch Device with Higher‐Temperature Forming Technique
Authors: Lee Jangseop , Ban Sanghyun , Seo Yoori , Kim Dongmin , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: November 2023

Amorphous chalcogenide‐based ovonic threshold switch (OTS) has significant potential as a selector device in high‐density memory arrays. However, to realize the ideal selector device, OTS still needs to enhance its reliability characteristics such as device uniformity and threshold voltage (Vth) drift. Herein, the effect of elevated temperature forming on the selector characteristics of an OTS device is investigated. The findings indicate that the reliability performance of the device significantly improves when the forming process is conducted at higher temperature. In particular, it shows excellent Vth uniformity (σ = 32 mV) and a notable enhancement in the Vth drift characteristics. Based on trap analysis at cryogenic temperature (77 K), it is confirmed that improved reliability characteristics can be attributed to the stability of the activated trap formed by the HT forming process.
Reorganizing heterogeneous information from host–microbe interaction reveals innate associations among samples
Authors: Cui Hongfei
Published: November 2023

The information on host–microbe interactions contained in the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) abundance table can serve as a clue to understanding the biological traits of OTUs and samples. Some studies have inferred the taxonomies or functions of OTUs by constructing co‐occurrence networks, but co‐occurrence networks can only encompass a small fraction of all OTUs due to the high sparsity of the OTU table. There is a lack of studies that intensively explore and use the information on sample‐OTU interactions. This study constructed a sample‐OTU heterogeneous information network and represented the nodes in the network through the heterogeneous graph embedding method to form the OTU space and sample space. Taking advantage of the represented OTU and sample vectors combined with the original OTU abundance information, an Integrated Model of Embedded Taxonomies and Abundance (IMETA) was proposed for predicting sample attributes, such as phenotypes and individual diet habits. Both the OTU space and sample space contain reasonable biological or medical semantic information, and the IMETA using embedded OTU and sample vectors can have stable and good performance in the sample classification tasks. This suggests that the embedding representation based on the sample‐OTU heterogeneous information network can provide more useful information for understanding microbiome samples. This study conducted quantified representations of the biological characteristics within the OTUs and samples, which is a good attempt to increase the utilization rate of information in the OTU abundance table, and it promotes a deeper understanding of the underlying knowledge of human microbiome.
Asymmetric Electrode Design for High‐Area Capacity and High‐Energy Efficiency Hybrid Zn Batteries
Authors: Ma Yanyi , Zhao Zhongxi , Cui Yifan , Yu Jianwen , Tan Peng
Published: November 2023

Compared to Zn‐air batteries, by integrating Zn‐transition metal compound reactions and oxygen redox reactions at the cell level, hybrid Zn batteries are proposed to achieve higher energy density and energy efficiency. However, attaining relatively higher energy efficiency relies on controlling the discharge capacity. At high area capacities, the proportion of the high voltage section can be neglected, resulting in a lower energy efficiency similar to that of Zn‐air batteries. Here, a high‐loading integrated electrode with an asymmetric structure and asymmetric wettability is fabricated, which consists of a thick nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) electrode layer with vertical array channels achieving high capacity and high utilization, and a thin NiCo2O4 nanopartical‐decorated N‐doped graphene nanosheets (NiCo2O4/N‐G) catalyst layer with superior oxygen catalytic activity. The asymmetric wettability satisfies the wettability requirements for both Zn‐Ni and Zn‐air reactions. The hybrid Zn battery with the integrated electrode exhibits a remarkable peak power density of 141.9 mW cm−2, superior rate performance with an energy efficiency of 71.4% even at 20 mA cm−2, and exceptional cycling stability maintaining a stable energy efficiency of ≈84% at 2 mA cm−2 over 100 cycles (400 h).
Protective effect of chicory and/or artichoke leaves extracts on carbon tetrachloride and gamma‐irradiation‐induced chronic nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Eassawy Mamdouh M. T. , Ismail Amel F. M.
Published: November 2023

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is in progress that causes kidney failure, leading to global problems. This manuscript investigated the nephroprotective effects of chicory (CLE) and/or artichoke (ALE) leaves extracts on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and gamma‐irradiation (Rad)‐induced chronic nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into 10 groups (10 animals/group): group 1: control, groups 2–7 rats were treated with CLE, ALE, CLE/ALE, CCl4, Rad, and CCl4/Rad, respectively. Groups 8 to 10, rats were intoxicated with CCl4/Rad, and treated with CLE, ALE, and CLE/ALE extracts, respectively, for 4 weeks. The data demonstrated that CCl4 administration or Rad exposure induced high levels of urea and creatinine, with low levels of total protein and albumin in the serum. However, high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), some pro‐inflammatory markers such as interleukins (IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6), TNF‐α, NF‐κB, the fibrotic marker; TGF‐β1, calcium, and copper, low contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), iron, and zinc, and suppression of the antioxidant enzymes' activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were observed. In addition, the Wnt and β‐catenin protein expression ratios were up‐regulated in the kidney tissues of the CCl4, and Rad intoxicated animals. However, the combined treatment CCl4/Rad augmented these measurements. On the other hand, CLE, ALE, and CLE/ALE treatments demonstrated nephroprotection in the kidney tissues of CCl4/Rad intoxicated animals, in the order of CLE/ALE>ALE>CLE by ameliorating the investigated parameters. Kidney tissues' histopathological examinations confirmed these results. In conclusion, CLE and/or ALE demonstrated nephroprotection against CCl4/Rad co‐toxicity mediated by down‐regulation of renal Wnt/β‐catenin protein expressions.
Placenta accreta spectrum conservative management and coagulopathy: case series and systematic review
Authors: Abi Habib P. , Goetzinger K. , Turan O. M.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) with the placenta kept in situ aims to preserve fertility and minimize blood loss. However, this method is associated with a risk of coagulopathy and subsequent bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and pathophysiology of coagulopathy in cases of PAS managed conservatively.

Methods

We reviewed our database for cases of PAS in which the placenta was kept in situ. In addition, we performed a systematic review of articles on PAS in which the placenta was left in situ and was complicated by coagulopathy. PubMed was searched for publications between 1980 and 2023. Our eligibility criteria included studies in which no additional interventions were performed other than keeping the placenta entirely in situ, and in which coagulopathy was reported.

Results

After screening and selection of full‐text articles, 10 studies were included in the review. A review of our databases yielded a case series of PAS managed conservatively with the placenta kept in situ. When adding our case series to the results of our systematic review, a total of 87 cases were found to have been managed conservatively, with 28 cases of coagulopathy. Of these, the time at which coagulopathy developed was known in 11 cases. The median time at development of coagulopathy was 58 (interquartile range, 50–67) days postpartum.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that conservative management of PAS with the placenta in situ poses a risk of coagulopathy. Keeping the placenta in situ after delivery prolongs the risk factors that are integral to PAS. The pathophysiology behind coagulopathy is comparable with that of concealed placental abruption, due to the disrupted uteroplacental interface and the collection of blood in the placenta. Therefore, the presence of large placental lakes could be an indicator of developing coagulopathy. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Can I benefit from laboratory automation? A decision aid for the successful introduction of laboratory automation
Authors: Rupp Nicole , Ries Robert , Wienbruch Rebecca , Zuchner Thole
Published: November 2023

The large volumes of samples to be analysed every day would be impossible to manage without laboratory automation. As laboratory procedures have progressed, so have the tasks of laboratory personnel. With this feature article, we would like to provide (bio)chemical practitioners with little or no knowledge of laboratory automation with a guide to help them decide whether to implement laboratory automation and find a suitable system. Especially in small- and medium-sized laboratories, operating a laboratory system means having bioanalytical knowledge, but also being familiar with the technical aspects. However, time, budget and personnel limitations allow little opportunity for personnel to get into the depths of laboratory automation. This includes not only the operation, but also the decision to purchase an automation system. Hasty investments do not only result in slow or non-existent cost recovery, but also occupy valuable laboratory space. We have structured the article as a decision tree, so readers can selectively read chapters that apply to their individual situation. This flexible approach allows each reader to create a personal reading flow tailored to their specific needs. We tried to address a variety of perspectives on the topic, including people who are either supportive or sceptical of laboratory automation, personnel who want or need to automate specific processes, those who are unsure whether to automate and those who are interested in automation but do not know which areas to prioritize. We also help to make a decision whether to reactivate or discard already existing and unused laboratory equipment.
Towards computational fluid dynamics applications in brewing process
Authors: Jagiełło Kacper , Ludwig Wojciech
Published: November 2023

The popularity of beer and the complexity of its formation call for simulating and optimizing the operations that take place during brewing in order to reduce energy costs, minimize the consumption of raw materials, maximize the use of equipment, and produce a product of the best possible quality. In recent decades, noteworthy progress has been made in understanding the phenomena occurring in various industrial devices thanks to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This article is a review of previous attempts to use CFD methods to understand and simulate the processes that accompany individual stages of beer production. Additionally, the paper indicates the possible use of CFD methods for processes that have not been modelled yet in the brewing industry.
Interdecadal change in the relationship between the boreal winter North Pacific Oscillation and the following summer El Niño
Authors: Min Qingye , Zhang Renhe
Published: November 2023

The boreal winter North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) has a significant impact on the tropical Pacific large scale air-sea interaction in the following spring and summer. But it is unclear whether the boreal winter NPO is associated with the El Niño development or decaying during following summer. This study confirms the relationship between the winter NPO-like sea level pressure anomalies and following summertime El Niño and reveals an interdecadal change in this relationship. It tends to promote the development of sea surface temperature anomaly in central equatorial Pacific in the following summer when the subtropical lobe of the NPO located west of its average position. But after a significant eastward shift of NPO’s subtropical lobe, it is more conducive to the development of sea surface temperature anomaly in eastern equatorial Pacific. The eastward shift of the NPO’s subtropical lobe altered both the seasonal foortprint mechanism and the trade wind charging mechanism associated with the NPO, thus profoundly influenced the summertime El Niño. The findings in the present study have implications for a better understanding of the relationship between the boreal winter NPO and the El Niño in developing summer.
Valvulotomy of the great saphenous vein in ex situ non-reversed and in situ setting: a multicenter post-market study to assess the safety and efficacy of the AndraValvulotome™”
Authors: Souri Yaser , Liebetrau Dominik , Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander ,   Vascular Investigators, Weigang E. , Kemke J. , Branzan D. , Wilhelmi M. , Classen S. , Pfister K. , Kuhnert M. , Seifert S. , Derwich W. , Stavroulakis K.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and technical success of the AndraValvulotome™ device (Andramed GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) requiring bypass surgery using the great saphenous vein (GSV) as graft.

Methods

This was a multicenter, post-market observational study conducted in 2021 in 11 German centers. Safety and efficacy data were prospectively collected and analyzed. Primary endpoints were the absence of device-related serious adverse events until 30 ± 7 days follow-up, the clinical efficacy of valvulotomy, which was defined as pulsatile blood flow in the bypass and the number of insufficiently destroyed vein valves. Secondary endpoints were the number of valvulotomy passages, the primary patency rate of the venous bypass (determined by a color-duplex sonography showing a normal blood flow through the bypass and absence of stenosis or occlusion), and the primary technical success defined as the absence of product-specific (serious) adverse events and clinical efficacy.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 71 years (46–91), and 74.6% were males. The vein material used for bypass grafting had a median length of 47.5 cm (range 20–70 cm) with a median diameter of 5.0 mm (range 3–6 mm) and 4.0 mm (range 2–6 mm) in the proximal and distal segments, respectively. The technical success rate was 96.6%. The primary patency rate was 89.9% at 30 days follow-up. The clinical efficacy was rated as very good in 81% of patients, fair in 17%, and poor in 2%. Between 1 and 5 (average 2.9) valvulotome passages were performed. One product-related serious adverse event was recorded (bypass vein dissection).

Conclusion

The AndraValvulotome™ can be considered a safe and effective device to disrupt venous valves during in situ non-reversed bypass surgeries using GSV grafts in patients with PAD.
Palladium nanoclusters as a label to determine GFAP in human serum from donors with stroke by bimodal detection: inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and linear sweep voltammetry
Authors: Rodríguez-Penedo Alejandro , Costa-Rama Estefanía , Fernández Beatriz , García-Cabo Carmen , Benavente Lorena , Calleja Sergio , Fernández-Abedul M. Teresa , Pereiro Rosario
Published: November 2023

Water-soluble, stable, and monodisperse palladium nanoclusters (PdNCs) were synthesized using NaBH4 as a reductant and lipoic acid as a ligand. PdNCs, measured by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, showed a round shape and a diameter of 2.49 ± 0.02 nm. It was found that each PdNC contains 550 Pd atoms on average. These PdNCs offer high amplification as a label of biochemical reactions when inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is used as a detector. In addition, PdNCs have catalytic activity on electrochemical reactions, allowing detection by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). As a proof of applicability, a competitive immunoassay based on PdNC labels was developed for the determination of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in human serum, comparing ICP-MS and LSV detection. GFAP is a biomarker for differentiating between patients with ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS). The limit of detection (LoD), corresponding to IC10 (4-parameter logistic curve), was 0.03 pM of GFAP, both by ICP-MS and LSV, being lower than the 0.31 pM LoD provided by the ELISA commercial kit. Using the error profile method, 0.03 pM and 0.11 pM LoDs were obtained respectively by ICP-MS and LSV: LoD is lower by ICP-MS due to the better precision of the measurements. The analyses of human serum samples from IS, HS, and control (CT) donors using PdNC labels and detection by ICP-MS and LSV were validated with a commercial ELISA kit (for CT donors only ICP-MS provided enough sensitivity). Results point out toward the future use of PdNCs as a label in other immunoprobes for the determination of specific proteins requiring very low LoDs as well as the development of electrochemical decentralized methodologies.

Graphical Abstract
Self-assembled miR-134-5p inhibitor nanoparticles ameliorate experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) via suppressing ferroptosis
Authors: Lan Jiang , Chen Xu , Xu Fengdan , Tao Fangfei , Liu Liyuan , Cheng Rui , Li Ning , Pan Ya
Published: November 2023

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in premature infants with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ferroptosis. Herein, we designed a peptide-based nanoparticle to deliver therapeutic molecules to pulmonary, thereby ameliorating BPD. The BPD-induced damages of lung tissues were detected by H&E and immunohistochemistry staining. Inflammatory cytokines, Fe2+, and ROS levels were quantified by the indicated kits, respectively. The targeting relationship was verified by luciferase reporter assay and pull-down assay. Subsequently, self-assembled miR-134-5p inhibitor nanoparticles with pulmonary epithelial cell-targeting were synthesized. The characteristics were detected by transmission electron microscopy, luminescence imaging, and dynamic light scattering. A significant ferroptosis was observed in the BPD mice. The protein level of GPX4 was decreased significantly compared to the control group. Constantly, miR-134-5p showed positive regulation on ferroptosis by targeting GPX4. The designed nanoparticles were mainly accumulated in the lung region. Besides, it ameliorated experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia via suppressing ferroptosis, in vivo and in vitro. Our findings provided a miR-134-5p/GPX4 axis in regulating ferroptosis of BPD and prompted the potential of applying the peptide-based nanoparticle to BPD treatment.
Pyrometallurgical reduction of manganese-rich black mass from discarded batteries using charcoal
Authors: Nieto-Arango Edgar , Sánchez-Rojas Juan J. , Palacios Jhon Freddy , Hernández-Pardo Diego , Perez-Acevedo Diego , Delvasto Pedro
Published: November 2023

The recycling of heavy metals contained in alkaline batteries allows minimizing the environmental impact and gives an alternative use to this waste, which can be used in the pyrometallurgical industry. In the present research work, we evaluated the possibility of reducing the manganese oxide black mass from discarded alkaline batteries to produce metallic manganese, using charcoal as a reducing agent. The procedure begins with the characterization of the raw materials, the stoichiometric calculations and the preparation of a practical method to produce self-reducing pellets, composed of manganiferous material, charcoal and bentonite as agglomerant. Computer simulations were performed, to establish the appropriate thermodynamic conditions for reduction. The tests were carried out in a tubular-type furnace, and the results obtained were evaluated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with microchemical analyses and X-ray diffraction techniques. It was verified that the agglomerates showed a self-reducing behavior, so an increase of the %Mn in the samples due to increasing the temperature of the reduction treatment was found, as well as the presence of a metallic manganese phase that was identified by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Graphical Abstract

Flow sheet for the production of self-reducing pellets containing eucalyptus charcoal for the recycling of manganese contained in spent alkaline batteries
Suitability- and utilization-based cost–benefit analysis: a techno-economic feasibility study of virtual reality for workplace and process design
Authors: Pöhler Ludger , Teuteberg Frank
Published: November 2023

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used in the corporate environment. Benefits of using VR have also already been identified in the area of combined workplace and process design. However, whether organizations should invest in VR for this use case is only feasible with knowledge of all operational and strategic costs and benefits. Since previous methods for simulating the costs and benefits of information systems rely strongly on prior knowledge and experience, these approaches are not effective for novel technologies such as VR for less tested use cases due to low empirical databases. In order to provide a more accurate cost–benefit analysis (CBA) of the use of VR for strategical planning like workplace and process design, design science research is applied. Subsequently, by including task technology fit theory, a suitability- and utilization-based CBA method emerged. The contribution thus provides, first, a systematically derived method for quantification and simulation of costs and benefits of strategic VR use in organizations. Second, it provides concrete insights into factors influencing profitability of an investment in a specific VR system for strategic planning projects for workplace and process design based on case study insights.
Effects of amending soil with black soldier fly frass on survival and growth of the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) depend on soil type
Authors: Wantulla Max , Dicke Marcel , van Loon Joop J. A.
Published: November 2023

New approaches to managing the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum L.) are needed because pesticide regulations continue to limit the availability of effective control products. Soil amendment with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) frass has recently been shown to reduce D. radicum survival. In a greenhouse experiment, soil from a field on which brassicaceous plant species had repeatedly been grown (brassica field soil) was mixed with frass at ratios of 1, 2 or 5 g/kg. In a second greenhouse experiment, 5 g/kg were added to (a) brassica field soil, (b) soil from a different field on which non-brassicaceous species had been rotated (crop rotation field soil) or (c) blocks of potting soil that were later transplanted to unamended field soil. Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea L.) plants were grown in amended soil and were infested with D. radicum larvae after 4 weeks. While amendment with 1 or 2 g/kg did not affect D. radicum performance compared with unamended soil, 5 g/kg reduced D. radicum survival and pupal biomass in brassica field soil. In crop rotation field soil, amendment with 5 g/kg reduced pupal biomass but did not reduce D. radicum survival. Amendment with 5 g/kg had no effect on D. radicum performance in potting soil. In general, D. radicum survival was lower in brassica field soil than in either other soil, irrespective of soil amendment. The effects of black soldier fly frass on D. radicum appear to depend on soil type.
Estimation error in speed of sound caused by rotation of measured cross-section from short-axis plane of blood vessels: a preliminary study
Authors: Mori Shohei , Onoda Keiji , Arakawa Mototaka , Kanai Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Estimating the speed of sound (SoS) in ultrasound propagation media is important for improving the quality of B-mode images and for quantitative tissue characterization. We have been studying a method for estimating the SoS by measuring the reception time distribution of waves scattered from a scatterer at the elements in a probe. Previously, the measurement cross section was assumed to be perpendicular to the long axis of the blood vessel. In this study, we experimentally investigated the relationship between rotation angle $$\theta$$
θ
of the probe relative to the short-axis plane of the blood vessel and the estimated SoS, $$\widehat{c}$$

c
^

.

Methods

Water tank and phantom experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of $$\widehat{c}$$

c
^

and element signals when the probe was rotated.

Results

The received signal powers at the elements around both edges greatly decreased as $$\theta$$
θ
increased. We introduced a parameter representing the decrease in power, $${P}_{\mathrm{dec}}$$

P
dec

, in the received signal at the elements at both edges relative to the center element. $$\widehat{c}$$

c
^

was estimated to be larger as $$\theta$$
θ
increased, especially for $$\theta \ge 30^\circ$$

θ
≥

30
∘

. $${P}_{\mathrm{dec}}$$

P
dec

also increased as $$\theta$$
θ
increased. An approximately proportional relationship existed between the errors in $$\widehat{c}$$

c
^

and $${P}_{\mathrm{dec}}$$

P
dec

.

Conclusion

Based on these results, we can distinguish between the presence and the absence of SoS misestimations using the difference in power among the elements in the received signal. In the absence of misestimation, we can obtain the true SoS, even if the target has a non-negligible size, by applying our previously proposed methods.
Weight prediction of intensively reared gilthead seabream Sparus aurata from morphometric traits measured in images
Authors: Karakatsouli Nafsika , Mavrommati Marina , Karellou Eva Iris , Glaropoulos Alexios , Batzina Alkisti , Tzokas Konstantinos
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to establish an accurate body weight (BW) prediction model for gilthead seabream Sparus aurata of 50–1000 g. Three thousand three hundred twelve (3312) fish were individually weighed and photographed. Traits measured from the images were total body length (TBL), fork body length (FBL), standard body length (SBL), body height (BH), head length (HL), eye diameter (ED), body area (BA, without fins), head area (HA), and eye area (EA). SBL, BH, BA, BA/SBL, and BA/BH showed a strong association with BW (correlation coefficients, r: 0.96–0.99). These traits were selected to proceed with the regression analysis. Simple, multiple linear, and 2nd-order polynomial regressions were applied to the whole data set and three BW subgroups of interest during gilthead seabream rearing (i.e., 50–100 g, 100–500 g, 500–1000 g). The prediction of BW from the whole data set was more accurate than from each BW subgroup. The models with the highest coefficient of determination (R2) and the lowest errors (mean absolute percentage error, MAPE) were either the power regression of BW with BA (R2: 99.0%, MAPE: 5.8%) or the multiple linear regression of BW with SBL, BA, BA/SBL, and BA/BH (R2: 98.6%, MAPE: 5.1%) as predictors. The accuracy of the two models is considered quite similar, and for reasons of simplicity, the power regression is advantageous, requiring only one trait to be measured (BA). The models identified in the present study can help to further develop the accuracy of machine vision-based systems for gilthead seabream BW measurement.
Seismic assessment of bridges through structural health monitoring: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Karakostas Christos , Quaranta Giuseppe , Chatzi Eleni , Zülfikar Abdullah Can , Çetindemir Oğuzhan , De Roeck Guido , Döhler Michael , Limongelli Maria Pina , Lombaert Geert , Apaydın Nurdan Memişoğlu , Pakrashi Vikram , Papadimitriou Costas , Yeşilyurt Ali
Published: November 2023

The present work offers a comprehensive overview of methods related to condition assessment of bridges through Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) procedures, with a particular interest on aspects of seismic assessment. Established techniques pertaining to different levels of the SHM hierarchy, reflecting increasing detail and complexity, are first outlined. A significant portion of this review work is then devoted to the overview of computational intelligence schemes across various aspects of bridge condition assessment, including sensor placement and health tracking. The paper concludes with illustrative examples of two long-span suspension bridges, in which several instrumentation aspects and assessments of seismic response issues are discussed.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion: A Pilot Interdisciplinary Professional Development Program for Faculty, Clinicians, and Administrators in Higher Education
Authors: Zapletal Audrey L. , Bell Karla A. , Sanchez Adair , Tobia Janine , Hunnicutt Melanie
Published: November 2023

LGBTQ+ communities experience significant healthcare and academic success disparities due to barriers in care, negative attitudes towards them, and lack of awareness among healthcare providers and educators. Addressing the unique health and wellbeing concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals in the classroom and clinic requires cultural competency among educators and health professionals, yet knowledge and training in this content is lacking. Thus, we created, piloted, and assessed a six-month interdisciplinary professional development program to enhance knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and cultural humility around LGBTQ+ health for educators, administrators, and clinicians in higher education. Participants were surveyed with standardized assessments pre- and post-program to measure their knowledge, skills, and readiness to teach these topics and incorporate them into their curricula and practice. Participants (n = 33) completed LGBTQ+ inclusivity training including six structured learning sessions, small group mentoring meetings, and a virtual visit to an LGBTQ+ community center. Participants consistently displayed interest and engaged actively in training sessions. In a follow-up survey seven months post-intervention, respondents reported changes in their practice to create inclusive environments. Data analysis demonstrated improved knowledge and comfort with LGBTQ+ care and readiness and willingness to integrate LGBTQ+ care into their curricula and interactions with students. These findings suggest that this interdisciplinary professional development pilot offers a useful program to enable educators and clinicians to support the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities.
Tipping the analytical scales, investigating the use of frequentist equivalence analyses in psychology: a scoping review
Authors: Marshall Alex D. , Occhipinti Stefano , Loxton Natalie J.
Published: November 2023

Psychological researchers may be interested in demonstrating that sets of scores are equivalent, as opposed to different. If this is true, use of equivalence analyses (equivalence and non-inferiority testing) are appropriate. However, the use of such tests has been found to be inconsistent and incorrect in other research fields (Lange and Freitag 2005). This study aimed to review the use of equivalence analyses in the psychological literature to identify issues in the selection, application, and execution of these tests. To achieve this a systematic search through several databases was conducted to identify psychological research from 1999 to the 2020 that utilized equivalence analyses. Test selection, choice of equivalence margin, equivalence margin justification and motivation, and data assessment practices for 122 studies were examined. The findings indicate wide variability in the reporting of equivalence analyses. Results suggest there is a lack of agreement amongst researchers as to what constitutes a meaningless difference. Additionally, explications of this meaninglessness (i.e., justifications of equivalence margins) are often vague, inconsistent, or inappropriate. This scoping review indicates that the proficiency of use of these statistical approaches is low in psychology. Authors should be motivated to explicate all aspects of their selected equivalence analysis and demonstrate careful consideration has been afforded to the equivalence margin specification with a clear justification. Additionally, there is also a burden of responsibility on journals and reviewers to identify sub-par reporting habits and request refinement in the communication of statistical protocols in peer-reviewed research.
Formation, Transformation, and Electrical Performance of Magnéli Phases Obtained by Flame Spraying from TiO2 Particles
Authors: Vargas-Galvis F. , Holguín-Villa J. D. , Arias Gómez J. A. , Mejía A. F. , Velásquez A. A. , Arroyave M. , Palacio Espinosa C. C.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the formation and transformation of Magnéli phases (TinO2n-1) during manufacturing of flame-sprayed coatings from two powders consisting of anatase nanoparticles and submicrometric particles with Magnéli phases is analyzed, respectively. These powders were thermally sprayed on a ceramic substrate through oxidizing and neutral flame. Crystalline phases in powders and coatings were identified by x-ray diffraction and quantified by the Rietveld method, verifying the presence of identified crystalline phases in coatings by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally, the electrical conductance of coatings was measured by the four-point probe method. Results indicate that Magnéli phases are produced from anatase nanoparticles sprayed using both the oxidizing and neutral flames, and when the neutral flame and finest particles are used, a high quantity of Ti4O7 and Ti5O9, recognized thanks to their high electrical conductivity, is obtained. In contrast, when the coatings were fabricated from the powder containing Magnéli phases, they were oxidized as much in oxidizing as in neutral flame, producing a partial transformation from Ti4O7 and Ti5O9 to both the rutile phase and TiO in low quantity. In spite of this partial transformation, the coatings maintain high electrical conductivity thanks to Ti4O7 and Ti5O9 Magnéli phases remaining and the TiO produced.
Suggestion for Determining Treatment Strategies in Dental Ethics
Authors: Kovács Szilárd D.
Published: November 2023

Contemporary medicine views health as the individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Oral health plays a crucial role in one’s well-being, as the oral cavity and its surrounding regions execute essential functions in verbal and nonverbal communication, sensing, digestion, and significantly contribute to aesthetic appearance. The multifaceted nature of the notion of oral health, as well as the patient’s needs and autonomous will result in various treatment options for the same oral state, favouring often contrasting ethical values and different aspects of oral health. The objective of this article is to suggest alternative treatment strategies in dentistry with respect to the following factors: extent of rehabilitation, preserving one’s anatomical structures, aesthetic outcome, number of sessions, patient autonomy. Additionally, this article describes the suggested treatment strategies in an ethical context and determines the conditions of their employment. The suggested treatment strategies are divided in two categories, extensive treatment strategies focusing on the patient’s entire craniofacial complex, while specific treatment strategies focus on specific paramount issues.
How speaking versus writing to conversational agents shapes consumers’ choice and choice satisfaction
Authors: Schindler David , Maiberger Tobias , Koschate-Fischer Nicole , Hoyer Wayne D.
Published: November 2023

The use of conversational agents (e.g., chatbots) to simplify or aid consumers’ purchase decisions is on the rise. In designing those conversational agents, a key question for companies is whether and when it is advisable to enable voice-based rather than text-based interactions. Addressing this question, this study finds that matching consumers’ communication modality with product type (speaking about hedonic products; writing about utilitarian products) shapes consumers’ choice and increases choice satisfaction. Specifically, speaking fosters a feeling-based verbalizing focus, while writing triggers a reason-based focus. When this focus matches consumers’ mindset in evaluating the product type, preference fluency increases, thereby enhancing choice satisfaction. Accordingly, the authors provide insights into managing interactions with conversational agents more effectively to aid decision-making processes and increase choice satisfaction. Finally, they show that communication modality can serve as a strategic tool for low-equity brands to better compete with high-equity brands.
Utilizing memory effects to enhance resilience in disease-driven prey-predator systems under the influence of global warming
Authors: Thirthar Ashraf Adnan , Sk Nazmul , Mondal Bapin , Alqudah Manar A. , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: November 2023

This research paper presents an eco-epidemiological model that investigates the intricate dynamics of a predator–prey system, considering the impact of fear-induced stress, hunting cooperation, global warming, and memory effects on species interactions. The model employs fractional-order derivatives to account for temporal dependencies and memory in ecological processes. By incorporating these factors, we aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms that govern the stability and behavior of ecological systems. Mathematically we investigate system’s existence, equilibria and their stability. Moreover, global stability and hopf bifurcation also analyzed in this study. Numerical simulations have been performed to validate the analytical results. We find that the coexistence equilibrium is stable under specific conditions, along with the predator equilibrium and the disease-free equilibrium. Bifurcation analyses demonstrate the intricate behavior of species densities in response to changes in model parameters. Fear and global warming are found to stabilize the system, while cooperation and additional food for predators lead to destabilization. Additionally, the influence of species memory has been explored. We observe that memory tends to stabilize the system as species memory levels increase.