bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How has the external quality assessment/proficiency testing of semen analysis been developed in the past 34 years: a review
Authors: Zheng Yan , Wu Yingbi , Yu Lin , Jia Yelin , Yang Tingting , Cheng Qingyuan , Qin Jiao , Liu Xiao , Jiang Min , Li Fuping 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Male infertility has become an important issue of global concern. Semen analysis is the cornerstone of male fertility assessment. External quality assessment (EQA) of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology is widely recognized in the world. However, over the past 34 years, the implementation of EQA for semen analysis has varied across different countries, and there is no global consensus. The goal of this paper is to first explore the overall development of EQA during this period. Secondly, it aims to discuss the extent of difference of participating laboratories in different countries. Finally, the paper examines the differences in EQA programs developed by various EQA providers in order to seek a global standard. In total, 29 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. There is inconsistent in the implementation of EQA across different countries, and there is no global consensus. Policies for EQA of semen analysis vary from country to country. Some countries mandate laboratory participation, while others permit voluntary involvement. Different EQA organizers choose different ways to calculate assigned value and acceptance limits. The coefficient of variation (CV) for each EQA item was large. The CVs of concentration, motility, morphology, and viability were 12.7–138.0 %, 17.0–127.0 %, 7–375 %, and 6–41.1 %, respectively. The results of the semen analysis varied considerably among the participating laboratories. The collaborative efforts of national policymakers, EQA organizers, and all participating laboratories are essential to improving the current situation.
Friend or Foe? A Mixed-Methods Study on the Impact of Digital Device Use on Chinese–Canadian Children’s Heritage Language Learning
Authors: Li Guofang , Mei Ziwen , Zhen Fubiao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Digital devices have been increasingly integrated into language learning environments, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing literature, focusing predominantly on dominant languages like English, presents mixed findings on the effectiveness of digital resources for language learning. Few studies address heritage languages, which often have limited resources beyond the home and may depend more on digital tools for support. This longitudinal, mixed-methods study investigated the impact of digital device use on heritage language learning among Chinese–Canadian families. We examined the relationship between digital device use and Chinese receptive vocabulary among 128 first graders, 137 second graders, and 66 third graders over three years. Additionally, we conducted parental interviews with 42 focal families for three years to explore the evolving patterns of digital resource use at home. Our findings revealed a statistically significant positive impact of digital device use on Chinese receptive vocabulary development among first and second graders, while no significant effects were observed in third graders. The analyses of parental interviews uncovered increased digital use, diversity of resources, positive parental attitudes, and digital literacy among families from grades 1 to 2 but decreased digital use and parental enthusiasm in the third grade due to health and addiction concerns, reinforcing the quantitative results. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study offers a unique perspective on how families’ digital device use for heritage languages changed before, during, and after the pandemic. The findings offer valuable insights for families and educators to better support heritage language learners with digital resources.
A Novel Perspective on Prioritizing Investment Projects under Future Uncertainty: Integrating Robustness Analysis with the Net Present Value Model
Authors: Shao Sheng , Sorourkhah Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Investment decisions are important because they involve significant capital in a business. According to the literature, experts agree that a net present value (NPV) approach is better suited for evaluating investment projects’ feasibility. Practically, the NPV method does not account for uncertainty in calculating the expected return on investment. Investments may be susceptible to random events such as natural disasters or economic instability that hinder the expected return on investment. While previous research has attempted to address uncertainty using fuzzy approaches, these approaches mainly focus on data-centric uncertainty. The focus of this study is on the uncertain environmental conditions where changes in macroeconomic, political, and other indicators can influence decision outcomes. This study conceptualizes and implements combining the NPV approach with robust analysis as an efficient and practical method in decision-making under uncertainty and unpredictability. The proposed algorithm was implemented in a case study on investment project selection in Tannakabon, Iran. The results indicate that considering future scenarios, the restaurant investment project is the most suitable among the seven projects. In contrast, the cafe investment project is the least appropriate option available.
Camera trapping reveals the reddish phenotype of jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) on the western border of Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Porfírio Grasiela , Queiróz Mariana , Tonolli Geovani , Arruda Moreno Wener Hugo , Barreto Sergio Eduardo , Cardoso de Lima Paula , Guerra Angélica , Kellermann Betina , Oliveira Josiel , Passos Viana Diego Francis 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The jaguarundi is one the least studied felids in South America. With its three main forms (brownish-black, grey and reddish), the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but is Vulnerable in Brazil. The grey form is the most common, and has been recorded at several sites within the Pantanal biome, but not the reddish form so far. In this study we report the reddish phenotype for the first time in the biome. Records were obtained from November 2022 through camera traps in Acurizal Reserve. Reports like this are important to understand the evolutionary processes affecting the species over time.
Structural monitoring of elevator guide rail bracket under normal running condition
Authors: Baran Muhammet İsmail , Onur Yusuf Aytaç 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In parallel with the need for high-rise building structures over the last five decades, challenge in the field of elevator technology has increased. Elevator facilities are one of the most important mechanical systems among the vertical transport systems that have vast variety of usage areas. Guide rails and connection equipment are used to guide the vertical movement of elevators, prevent horizontal movement, and help to stop cabin in case of emergency. The state of stresses and deformations in guide rails and their brackets that perform different and important tasks and their association with elevator safety is a very important issue that needs to be investigated. In this study, three different load distributions that result in forces, stresses, and deflections on guide rail and rail brackets have been considered to attain analytical solutions described in related standards. Finite element modeling and stress analysis of guide rail connection system have been performed. In addition, experimental studies were carried out to measure the normal stresses on the guide rail brackets during the movement of the elevator. About 15.46 % higher experimental normal stress values were observed on the rail bracket during the movement of the elevator in accordance with FEA results.
Influence of SiC content on the properties of Al/SiC composites produced by powder metallurgical route
Authors: Bayrak Yahya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In this study, Al/SiC composites were produced by hot pressing and the properties of the fabricated samples were investigated. The composites were produced at 5 wt.%, 10 wt.% and 15 wt.% SiC ratios. The hot pressing process was carried out at 550 °C for 30 min with 65 MPa. The properties of the samples were characterized by microstructure analysis, wear and corrosion tests. It was revealed that a higher reinforcement ratio caused the clustering of SiC particles. On the other hand, wear rate and corrosion resistance of the composites were improved with SiC reinforcement. The wear rate of the aluminium was determined as 21.82·10−4 mm3·Nm−1. The wear rate decreased to 0.69·10−4 mm3·Nm−1 with 15 wt.% SiC ratio. Moreover, the corrosion rate of the aluminium was reduced from 0.1247 mm/year to 0.0932 mm/year with 15 wt.% SiC. In conclusion, it has been revealed that SiC reinforcement improves the wear and corrosion properties of aluminium.
Das Projekt „Qualität und Qualitätsentwicklung im Religionsunterricht“ (QUIRU) – Bedeutung für die Praxis und das Theorie-Praxis-Problem empirischer Unterrichtsforschung
Authors: Schweitzer Friedrich 
Published: November 2024

Zusammenfassung
Den Ausgangspunkt dieses Beitrags stellt das bei dem Projekt „Qualität und Qualitätsentwicklung im Religionsunterricht“ identifizierte Problem dar, dass Befunde aus der empirisch-religionspädagogischen Unterrichtsforschung die Praxis nicht zu erreichen scheinen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird das Projekt QUIRU mit seinen Teilprojekten (Untersuchungen zur Ausbildung und Fortbildung für den Religionsunterricht, Erhebungen zur Unterrichtsqualität) kurz vorgestellt, mit ausgewählten Befunden zur Wahrnehmung von Religionsunterricht durch die Schüler:innen und zu ihrem Lernerfolg, zum Thema andere Religionen sowie zum Verhältnis zwischen Glaube und Naturwissenschaft. Darüber hinaus wird nach der Bedeutung solcher Befunde für die Praxis gefragt. Am Ende stehen Überlegungen dazu, wie solche Befunde in Zukunft die Praxis besser erreichen können.
Validação do inquérito Conhecimento, Atitude e Prática para o autocuidado em hanseníase
Authors: Gomes Charmenes Alves , Lopes Maria do Socorro Vieira , Alves Sabrina Alaide Amorim , Maia Evanira Rodrigues , Cavalcante Edilma Gomes Rocha , Lima Cynthia Kelly Fernandes de , Silva José Wagner Martins da 
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: validar o conteúdo do inquérito Conhecimento, Atitude e Prática de autocuidado em hanseníase. Métodos: estudo metodológico desenvolvido em duas etapas: elaboração do instrumento e validação do conteúdo por juízes especialistas. O conteúdo de cada item foi validado quanto à clareza. Utilizou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo para avaliar a concordância entre os juízes. Para análise dos dados, foram usadas estatísticas descritivas. Resultados: participaram cinco especialistas, o índice de validade de conteúdo do inquérito foi de 0,87. Foram reformulados 21 itens, incluídos 11 e três foram acrescentados em outro domínio. Resultando em 40 itens distribuídos em três categorias: cuidados com a face (15 itens), mãos (12 itens) e pés (13 itens). Conclusão: a versão final do inquérito Conhecimento, Atitude e Prática contemplam as categorias de face, mãos e pés e alcançou validade de conteúdo adequada para sua utilização. Contribuições para a prática: consiste em um importante instrumento que auxiliará profissionais de saúde na tomada de decisões junto às práticas de promoção para o autocuidado de pessoas com hanseníase.
Legal Regulation Experience of Individual Countries of The European Region Regarding Implementation of International Standards for Ensuring Criminological and Criminal-Legal Protection of Justice
Authors: Khrystova Yuliia , Miroshnychenko Serhiy , Kurbatova Iryna , Titarenkо Oleksiy , Maksimentsev Maksym 
Published: November 2024

The article describes experience of Germany and Austria in implementing international standards for ensuring criminological and criminal-legal protection of justice. A set of general scientific and specific scientific research methods were used in the preparation of this article in order to define special subjects authorized to carry out such criminological activities, peculiarities of their interaction with the police and other law enforcement agencies, to reveal the content of legislative mandates regarding organization and functioning of the Court Security Services and their counterparts, as well as that of the legislation on criminal liability for criminal offenses against justice. The purpose of this work is to determine promising directions for increasing efficiency of implementing criminological and criminal-legal protection of justice by authorized subjects in Ukraine, which has become especially important in the sphere of ensuring national security under martial law, taking into account positive experience of such European region countries as Germany and Austria regarding implementation of international standards recognized by the international community in this area. Based on the results of the research, prospective directions for improving the activity of the Court Security Service of Ukraine, its interaction with the National Police and other subjects of the state sector and non-state sector in provision of criminological protection of justice, as well as the legislation of Ukraine on criminal liability for criminal offenses against justice, taking into account experience of Germany and Austria regarding implementation of standards recognized by the international community in this area.Key words: Criminological Protection of Justice; Court Security; Court Security Service; National Police of Ukraine; Criminal Offenses Against Justice.
Investigation into the flexural performance of novel precast sandwich wall panels
Authors: Dai Chunquan , Hou Mingfa , Huang Ming , Yu Haiyang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe paper focuses on investigating a novel sandwich panel, which incorporates extruded polystyrene foam boards placed between the inner and outer concrete panels. These are connected using various types of shear connectors to achieve a composite action, meeting the bending resistance requirements. To study the structural performance of the sandwich panels, three representative specimens were designed. These specimens employed different types of shear connectors, namely, steel truss connectors with inclined bars at 45°, and GFRP connectors with inclined bars at 45° and 30°, respectively. The specimens underwent full-scale testing using a step-by-step four-point loading method. The test results indicated shear-compression failure of the specimens, exhibiting consistent failure modes across all specimens, and a composite action in resisting bending moments. Based on theoretical stress–strain diagrams and considering the slip phenomenon between the concrete panel and the connectors, this paper establishes an analytical model. It can reasonably estimate the ultimate load-carrying capacity of sandwich insulation panels under shear-compression failure, which has implications for subsequent engineering applications.
Our Health Counts Toronto: Commercial tobacco use among Indigenous peoples in Toronto
Authors: Maddox Raglan , O’Brien Kristen , Xavier Chloé G. , Wolfe Sara , Bourgeois Cheryllee , Smylie Janet 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objective
Fueled by the commercial tobacco industry, commercial tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of premature death in Canada, with opportunities to improve health outcomes. The objective of this research was to work with Indigenous partners to generate Indigenous population prevalence estimates of commercial tobacco use in Toronto, and examine the association between smoking and sociodemographic, cultural, resiliency, and social variables.

Methods
Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to generate prevalence estimates of commercial tobacco use and potentially associated sociodemographic, cultural, resiliency, and social connection variables for Indigenous adults living in Toronto. Statistical analysis examined associations between smoking and variables theorized to be predictors of tobacco use.

Results
The findings indicated that 36.3% (95%CI 28.2–44.5) of the Indigenous population in Toronto do not smoke, and 63.6% (95%CI 55.5–71.7) reported smoking. Univariate analysis of demographic, social, and cultural variables found age and employment to be statistically significantly different between adults who smoked and adults who did not smoke. Indigenous adults who were above the before-tax low-income cut-off (LICO) were more likely to smoke compared to those who were below the before-tax LICO. Indigenous adults who completed high school were more likely to smoke compared to those who did not complete high school, similarly to those who were unemployed compared to those who were employed. However, those who were not in the labour force (student or retired) were less likely to smoke compared to those who were employed. These effects remained after adjustment for age, gender, and LICO. Indigenous adults with stable housing were 20% less likely to smoke compared to those experiencing homelessness. Adults who had at least one close friend or family member to confide in were more likely to smoke compared to those who did not have any close friends or family members. Indigenous adults were more likely to smoke if they participated in Indigenous ceremony compared to those who did not participate.

Conclusion
The Indigenous population in Toronto continues to experience smoking prevalence nearly four times greater than that in the general population. This highlights the need for accurate population data to inform programs and policies and address the social determinants of health.
Anwendung des Infrastruktur-Leckage-Index (ILI) als Wasserverlustkennzahl für rheinland-pfälzische Wasserversorgungsunternehmen
Authors: Zipperer Daniel 
Published: November 2024

Das rheinland-pfälzische Benchmarking-Projekt ist eine der am weitesten etablierten Benchmarking-Initiativen der Länder Deutschlands. Seit dem Erhebungsjahr 2005 nimmt die Mehrzahl der rheinland-pfälzischen Wasserversorgungsunternehmen (WVU) im Dreijahresrhythmus daran teil. Der Infrastruktur-Leckage-Index (ILI) wird von der International Water Association (IWA) seit vielen Jahren als eine von mehreren Kennzahlen zur Beurteilung der realen Wasserverluste in der Trinkwasserversorgung empfohlen. Im Vorwort zu DVGW W 392 (A) ist zu lesen, dass die Kennzahl zukünftig im Zusammenhang mit der Beurteilung der Dichtheit von Wasserverteilungsnetzten auch in Deutschland eine größere Bedeutung erlangen wird [1]. Im Abschlussbericht zur Entwicklung eines Hauptkennzahlensystems der deutschen Wasserversorgung [2] ist sie als eine Kennzahl zur methodischen Erprobung ausgewiesen. Auf der Basis von gesammelten Erfahrungen bei der Anwendung soll über eine endgültige Aufnahme in das Hauptkennzahlensystem entschieden werden. Zudem nehmen die Richtlinie (EU) 2020/2184 (EU-Trinkwasserrichtlinie) [3] und die Verordnung (EU) 2020/852 (Taxonomieverordnung) [4] explizit Bezug auf den Infrastruktur-Leckage-Index, wodurch eine zunehmende Bedeutung dieses Index zu erwarten ist. Dieser Beitrag geht auf methodische Schwierigkeiten bei der Anwendung des Infrastruktur-Leckage-Index am Beispiel von rheinland-pfälzischen WVU ein. Aufgrund der zahlreichen Faktoren, die einen Einfluss auf den ILI haben, wurde dieser Fachbeitrag in zwei Teile unterteilt. Der erste Teil beleuchtet verschiedene Faktoren, welche das zur Berechnung der ILI-Werte zu ermittelnde technisch unvermeidbare Verlustvolumen beeinflussen können. Im zweiten Teil werden methodische oder datenbezogene Herausforderungen bei der Anwendung des ILI diskutiert.
Geochemical aspects on formation processes of vein-hosted pyrite in the Carboniferous-Permian rocks of the Karavanke/Karawanken tunnel, northwestern Slovenia
Authors: Šoster Aleš , Bertrandsson Erlandsson Viktor , Ravnjak Mihael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The Carboniferous-Permian organic-rich shale in the Karavanke/Karawanken tunnel exhibits extensive pyrite mineralization in the form of veins and impregnations. Significant thermal alteration, induced by the overlying Mesozoic rock sequences, led to the decomposition of organic matter into methane, which subsequently acted as a sulfate-reducing agent. The primary source of sulfate were the evaporitic layers hosted within the Paleozoic strata. Reduced sulfur species necessary for pyrite formation were produced through methane-mediated thermochemical sulfate reduction, catalyzed by specific cations (Ni2+, Fe2+) and clay minerals (montmorillonite). The mineralizing fluids originated from the expulsion of interstitial water and possibly from dehydration reactions related to the gypsum-to-anhydrite phase transition. The geochemical data indicate that the metals originated from the surrounding sedimentary rocks. These mineralizing fluids were characterized by low temperatures (< 300–350 °C), moderate reducing conditions, and low chlorinity. The low permeability of Carboniferous-Permian rocks, combined with the low trace element content of the investigated pyrite, mitigates the potential risk of environmental pollution.
Assessment of the impact of procurement centralization on the drug provision for patients within the High-Cost Nosology Program in the Russian Federation
Authors: Omelyanovskiy V. V. , Ryagina V. A. , Kharitonova A. G. , Matrenin K. I. , Kingshott A. A. , Ashikhmina O. V. , Zhirov M. V. 
Published: November 2024

Background. In the Russian Federation, patients receive expensive drugs from the federal budget funds within High-Cost Nosology (HCN) Program.Objective: to assess the impact of drug procurement centralization on the weighted average price (WAP) per 1 unit of measurement (UM) of a drug, the procurement structure within HCN Program over 5 years (2019–2023), as well as the annual volume of procurements for each nosology and the additional annual growth compared to the previous year.Material and methods. The data on public procurement within HCN Program, regional and federal drug provision programs over the specified time period have been analyzed. During the analysis of individual nosologies, 22 drugs for the treatment of 12 HCN have been considered.Results. The median value of the change of WAP per 1 UM for all drugs within HCN Program was 6.01%. Aplastic anemia was characterized by the lowest volume of procurements over 5 years, while for malignant neoplasms was the largest. The growth in procurements from year to year within nosologies varied from +1% to +661%, while a decrease was from –97% to –1%.Conclusion. The results can be used as a basis for further research related to the process of implementation of preferential drug provision, and to development of additional tools to improve the efficacy of pharmacotherapy choice for included drugs and management decisions regarding the further expansion of HCN Program.