bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study of Soil Improvement Technology for Iron Tailings
Authors: Sui Shumei , Zhao Yabo , Hai Long , Fan Guoli 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In order to study the effect of different ratios of improver on the physicochemical properties of iron tailings, so that the physicochemical properties and growth environment of iron tailings are suitable for plant growth. In this paper, the properties of iron tailings were optimized by replacing the natural soil with iron tailings and rice husk and organic fertilizer as the improvers, and the improvement effects of slope protection substrates with different ratios were studied, and the physicochemical properties and plant growth states of slope protection substrates with different ratios were tested and analyzed. The results showed that: (1) Organic fertilizer and rice husk could reduce the density of the substrate and increase the total porosity, neutralize the alkalinity of iron tailings, reduce the pH value of iron tailings, and gradually reduce the pH value of the substrate to the suitable range for plant growth on the 10th day with the passage of time. (2) The water-holding capacity of the slope protection substrate was positively correlated with the content of rice husk, and with the increase of rice husk, the water-holding capacity of the slope protection substrate was significantly improved, which effectively improved the loose and porous nature of iron tailings structure. (3) The shear strength of the substrate was the best in groups I and II., and the cohesiveness reached its peak in group II., and decreased sharply with the increase of rice husk. The internal friction angle showed a decreasing trend with the increase of rice husk. It can be seen from the relationship between the moisture content and the cohesion of the substrate that the cohesion of the substrate increases first and then decreases with the increase of moisture content, and the internal friction angle fluctuates less with the increase of moisture content. (4) The optimal ratio scheme is: 100g of iron tailings, 8g of organic fertilizer, and 0.8g of rice husk. The experimental results provide reference value and guiding significance for the ecological restoration of iron tailings.
Impact of Rock Content and Distribution on the Stability of Soil-Rock Mixture Embankments: Insights from Static Load Experiments
Authors: Qiu Zhenfeng , Liu Yan , Tang Shenlin , Meng Qi , Wang Junjie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Soil-rock mixture (SRM) embankments are essential for infrastructure stability, particularly in high-fill construction projects. This study evaluates the effects of rock content and spatial distribution of rock blocks on the bearing capacity, stability, and failure sliding surfaces of SRM embankments through static load model tests. We developed an ESRD equation to calculate sliding surfaces based on rock content and distribution.. The results demonstrate that rock content significantly influences embankment stability. When rock content is below 60%, the shear outlet position of the sliding surface increases, and its curvature decreases as rock content rises, thereby enhancing the bearing capacity. Beyond 60% rock content, the internal structure densifies, markedly improving stability, although further increases yield diminishing returns. Additionally, the spatial distribution of rock blocks is crucial; concentrating rock blocks at the slope crest or toe enhances stability, while distributing them in the middle reduces it. These findings offer practical guidance for optimizing the design and construction of SRM embankments, emphasizing the importance of appropriate rock content and spatial distribution to achieve enhanced stability and safety.
Differences in women’s experiences of labour according to type of fetal monitoring: a quantitative analysis of an Australian national survey
Authors: Levett Kate , Fox Deborah , Bamhare Panashe , Coddington Rebecca , Sutcliffe Kerry , Newnham Elizabeth , Scarf Vanessa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

INTRO: While monitoring of the fetal heart rate in labour is recommended, few studies have compared women’s experiences of different forms of monitoring technologies, their impact on labour and perceived risks and benefits. METHODS: The Women’s experiences of Monitoring Baby (WOMB) study, an Australian national survey, examined experiences of intrapartum fetal monitoring in labour. This study is a quantitative analysis of selected survey responses received. RESULTS: We received 861 valid responses. The most common form of monitoring across all hospital settings was wired CTG, which was significantly more likely for primiparous women (p < 0.001), and at private hospitals in a metropolitan area (p < 0.001). Women who were monitored via wired CTG were more likely to use pharmacological pain management, and have an emergency caesarean section, including when epidural was controlled for (p < 0.001). Women who were monitored via intermittent auscultation were more likely to use non-pharmacological techniques such as mobility (p < 0.001) and supportive care (p < .01), and more likely to have a vaginal birth (p < 0.001). Women monitored via wired CTG were also more likely to ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ that monitoring had a negative impact on their labour (p < .01). CONCLUSION: This study has substantial implications for research, policy and practice, including the implementation of less invasive and more humanised forms of fetal monitoring. The promotion of freedom of movement and bodily autonomy in labour is essential. This includes implementation of evidence-based practices and information about methods of fetal monitoring that support woman-centred care and optimise physiological processes.
Intrinsically Interpretable Decision Trees for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Drousiotis Efthyvoulos , Joyce Dan , Varsi Alessandro , Spirakis Paul , Maskell Simon 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The deployment of machine learning for high-stakes decision support may demand algorithms that are intrinsically interpretable so that a model can be interrogated by a user to understand how the model arrived at an output given an input. Decision trees exemplify intrinsically interpretable machine learning but to achieve acceptable performance they rely on ensemble methods which sacrifice their interpretability because there is no single, or ‘canonical’ tree for the user to inspect. Sequential Monte Carlo Decision Trees are a novel method for training populations of decision trees that do not rely on ensembles or subspace sampling and achieve comparable performance to other tree-based methods. With SMC-DTs, each of the population of trees are trained on the entire feature space and each is a candidate for an intrinsically interpretable canonical decision tree. In this paper, we propose a tree-similarity algorithm to assist a user in choosing a final, canonical high-performing tree that is consistent (in structure) with other high-performing candidate trees. This enables the user to reduce the pool of candidates to a small number that can be inspected to select a final tree for deployment. We show that SMC-DTs are competitive with well-established methods Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting Trees and Classification and Regression Trees on four benchmark health-related data sets. We then demonstrate the combination of SMC-DTs with the tree similarity method to derive and present an interpretable decision tree to identify university students likely to experience suicidal ideation using summary and administrative data university welfare services would be able to access for their students (i.e. without detailed clinical information). We conclude that combining SMC-DTs with tree-similarity offers a plausible way of delivering intrinsic interpretability for use in mixed-data type tabular data sets.
WITHDRAWN: Are the reproductive results of ejaculate obtained on the morning of TESE more successful than those of TESE?
Authors: Mert Sule Atalay 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives: This study compared outcomes between oligo-asthenoterathozospermia (OAT) patients who underwentmicrosurgical testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE) due to recurrent assisted reproduction (ART) failureand patients in whomm-TESE was canceled because motile spermatozoa were found in the ejaculate.
Methods: This retrospective study examined the outcomes of couples who underwent ICSI using either ejaculate or m-TESE due to OAT between November 2016 and January 2024. The study analyzed 172 couples: 66 in the ejaculate group (Group 1) and 106 in the m-TESE group (Group 2). All patients had fewer than 1 million spermatozoa, with or without less than 1% normal sperm morphology, and less than 5% progressive motility in subsequent two semen analyses.
Results: Of the 106 patients, 69.81% (n = 74) had a sperm retrieval rate (SRR). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of female age (p = 0.590), male age (p = 0.782). On the 3rd day, the embryo transfer rate was significantly higherin the m-TESE group (32.2% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.003), whereas on the 5th day, the embryo transfer and FET cycle rates were higher in the ejaculate group (61.7% vs. 37.9%, p = 0.015). The overall pregnancy rate (59.1% vs. 33%, p = 0.001) and overall live birth rate (37.9% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.031) were significantly higher in the ejaculate group.
Conclusion: The reproductive success of ejaculate was higher than m-TESE. Recommending ICSI with ejaculate before m-TESE can be considered even in severe OAT patients who have recurrent ART/ICSI failure.
The Chemistry of Cave Ice: Two Examples from Slovenia
Authors: Smith Devin F. , Lyons W. Berry , Welch Susan A. , Zorn Matija , Tičar Jure , Lipar Matej , Carey Anne E. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Cave ice can contain a wealth of paleo-climatic and geochemical information that is rapidly being lost with the melting of the temperate zone cryosphere. The karst areas of Slovenia host over 260 ice caves. We collected samples for stable water isotope, major ion, and nutrient analyses from two Slovenian ice caves. Samples included two shallow ice cores in Snežna Cave, collected ∼5 m apart, and an ice face profile in Ivačičeva Cave. All ice isotopic ratios reflected modern precipitation that could be described by high-elevation meteoric water lines. An offset suggested that fractionation and mixing processes of melted ice affected the isotopic signals. Cation concentrations of ice in both caves showed Ca ≫ Mg &gt; Na &gt; K. The high Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents and elevated HCO3− concentrations indicate that CaCO3 dissolution within the local karst landscape is a primary control on ice chemistry. Low concentrations and inconsistent profile patterns of other major ions and nutrients suggest atmospheric deposition and vadose zone leaching were also primary sources of ions to the ice. Differences in Cl− and SO42− profile concentrations at similar depths in Snežna Cave imply that ice melting, water mixing, and re-freezing processes can affect the primary climatic signal stored in the ice. While temperate ice caves can be repositories of climatic information, secondary diagenetic processes that affect ice chemical composition alter the original signal. In addition to chemical analysis, physical processes within the caves must be studied at a small spatial scale to understand and interpret ice chemistry.
Effective teacher and effective teaching practices: literature perspective and learning experience. Qualitative study between Italy and Spain (part. II)
Authors: Del Pilar Alcolea Pina Maria , Formella Zbigniew 
Published: July 2024

This second part of work presents the information gathered from both theoretical (disciplinary perspective) and empirical (student perspective) sources. It compares the documentary analysis based on bibliographic review with the students' voice, which is examined through Atlas.ti-V22 program. Finally, two tables synthesis below compares scientific and student perspectives, initially in a positive sense (table 3) and then in a negative one (table 4). We propose that quality as effectiveness is also quality as internal transformation: students should be able to report whether they have made qualitative progress, that is why the teacher should ask them and listen to them to improve the educational process.
The effects of various factors on the efficacy of lithotripsy treatment of urolithiasis
Authors: Feofilov I. V. , Chernega V. S. , Arbuzov I. A. 
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Currently, single- and multifactorial criteria are employed to evaluate the quality of urolithiasis treatment utilizing lithotripsy. Among the most utilized single factors that influence the efficacy of urolithiasis therapy are the stone-free rate (SFR), the duration of lithotripsy, the level of intra- and post-operative complications, and hospital stay following lithotripsy. A more promising approach is the integrated indicator of the efficacy of urolithiasis management using the lithotripter, which considers all the aforementioned factors. It is an urgent task to determine the extent to which alterations in individual variables impact the value of an integrated assessment of the efficacy of laser lithotripsy-based urolithiasis intervention.Objective. To study the dependence of the integral efficiency indicator on the magnitude of influencing factors in the treatment of urolithiasis using transurethral thulium lithotripsy.Materials & methods. We used the method of mathematical modeling of the integral criterion for urolithiasis treatment efficacy using the Scilab v.6.02 software package to determine the extent to which individual factors influence the overall effectiveness of laser thulium lithotripsy.Results. Graphical dependences of the index of urolithiasis treatment efficacy for lithotripsy on the complication rate (at different values of surgery time and dependence of urolithiasis treatment efficacy on SFR at different values of complication rate, surgery time and hospital stay) were obtained. A software system for determining the integral index of urolithiasis treatment efficiency for lithotripsy was developed.Conclusion. The resulting dependencies of the index of urolithiasis treatment efficacy for lithotripsy can be used to evaluate the impact of the complication grade and the SFR on the value of the efficacy index and to devise measures to enhance it. The software developed for the calculation of this index allows to obtain the required value at different input influencing parameters.
Prognostic factors for the success of BPH/BPO surgery in patients with suprapubic tube
Authors: Mamaev I. E. , Sushkova Yu. V. , Kotov S. V. 
Published: July 2024

Introduction. In patients with suprapubic tube (SPT) surgical restoration of voiding is not 100% successful. Sometimes urination is inadequate or not recovered at all.Objective. To determine factors influencing the outcomes of benign prostatic hyperplasia / benign prostate obstruction (BPH/BPO) surgery in patients with cystostomy drainage.Materials & methods. The study included 52 men with suprapubic tube initially placed for urinary retention caused by prostate hyperplasia. Afterwards, all patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. The age of the patients ranged from 48 to 85 years old. Clinical and urodynamic data of the patients were analysed, restoration of adequate urination after surgery was evaluated as well. We took into account patients age, IPSS scores, bacterial growth in the urine culture test, number of episodes of urinary retention, volume of urinary retention prior to cystostomy, prostate volume, intravesical prostate growth, detrusor overactivity and ability to void in the presence of SPT.Results. We were unable to achieve adequate bladder emptying after transurethral resection of the prostate in 4 (7.6%) patients. These patients required continued bladder drainage after surgery. In 48 (92.4%), adequate urination was restored after surgery and cystostomy drains were removed. Patients with one or more of the following characteristics were more likely to experience a failure of surgical treatment: age over 80, residual urine volume over 1500 mL, and absence of overactive bladder.Conclusion. The study indicates that use of cystometry prior to BPH/BPO surgery is reasonable in such patients. Feasibility of BPH/BPO surgery for this group of patients should be considered individually.
Understanding the Occurrence and Fate of Atmospheric Microplastics and Their Potential Risks to Human Health: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Hasan Shaikh Sharif , Salam Abdus , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Bari Md Aynul , Aich Nirupam , Jahan Farjana , Rahman Mahbubur , Islam Zubayer , Kabir Md Humayun , Shaikh Md Aftab Ali , Raqib Rubhana , Parvez Sarker Masud 
Published: July 2024

Background
Plastic pollution has reached an alarming magnitude, defining the contemporary era as the “Plastic Age.” Uncontrolled plastic production and inadequate recycling processes have led to widespread contamination of the environment with micro and nanoplastics.

Objective
The study aims to assess the environmental and human health consequences of exposure to microplastic particles (MPs) and their additives among plastic recycling workers in Dhaka. Specifically, it focuses on mapping the management pathways of plastic waste from collection to disposal, analyzing the types of MPs in the environment, and assessing the potential health impacts on plastic recycling workers.

Methods
A cross-sectional exploratory study design was used, consisting of exposed and nonexposed groups in plastic recycling sites in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study will establish possible associations between different health consequences and microplastic particle exposure with a systematic approach involving plastic recycling hot spot detection, management pathway mapping, and detecting the presence of environmental MP. MPs and heavy metals will be detected from environmental samples using fluorescence microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Human exposure will be assessed by detecting the metabolites of bisphenol and phthalates from urine samples using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and thoroughly evaluating endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, and renal functions. The sample size was derived from the mean concentrations of urinary bisphenol and phthalates metabolites, requiring the participation of 168 respondents. A 1:1 exposure to nonexposed stratification would be sufficient to meet our study objectives, considering the conventional level of power and confidence interval. This study protocol (PR#22111) has received approval from the Research Review Committee and Ethical Review Committee of the icddr,b.

Results
The project was funded in August 2022. We started collecting environmental samples in January 2023 and completed participant enrollment, exposure survey, and biological sample collection by December 2023. We enrolled 84 adult plastic recycling workers with at least 5 years of exposure history and 84 nonexposed participants who were not involved with plastic recycling activities. Data analysis is currently underway, and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in November 2024.

Conclusions
The findings would provide valuable insights into the adverse impacts of microplastic pollution on both the environment and human health, aiding in better understanding the extent of the issue.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/60289
Utilization of Herbal Ingredients on Vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei) In Instalasi Budidaya Laut, Tasikmadu Village, Sub-District Watulimo, Trenggalek Regency, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Rizky Putri Nurhanida , Malasari Mita Nur , Halim Atika Marisa , Fauziah Anna 
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to conduct a technical analysis on vannamei (L. vannamei) rearing activities that utilize herbal ingredients including cultivation systems, preparation, fry stocking, feed management, water quality management, harvesting and post-harvesting in Instalasi Budidaya Laut (IBL), Trenggalek, East Java, Indonesia. Data analysis using descriptive analysis. In this study, the pond preparation process included washing tubs, drying for 3 days, liming at a dose of 30 ppm on the walls and bottom of the pond, filling water with a height of 80 cm and stocking with 300 ppm of Organic Fertilizer (POT). Shrimps acclimatized by adding 1 ml of Bionutren. The stocking density is 800 post larvae/m2 with a total stocking of 5,500 individuals. The feed was fermented for 3 days with the addition of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC). Feed management uses an acceleration system, which is feeding 24 hours non-stop according to anco control. The results of water quality monitoring obtained are temperature 28◦C – 32◦C, salinity 12 – 28 ppt, DO 3 – 5 mg/l, pH 6.2 – 7.1. Water quality control is carried out by spreading water POC at a dose of 60 ppm and siphoning is carried out every day starting from DOC 17. Herbal ingredients from temulawak and ginger in bionutren products produced FCR 1.3, SGR 10.42%, shrimp tonnage 60 kg/pond, and the survival rate 53.57%.
Optimalisasi gaya belajar melalui lontar barang antik untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar geografi
Authors: Ambarwati Dwi 
Published: July 2024

Lontar Barang Antik merupakan suatu pembelajaran yang memadukan modifikasi permainan tradisional engklek menjadi loncat pintar dengan penggunaan aplikasi Smartphone Toontastic. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat pengaruh penggunaan model pembelajaran Lontar Barang Antik terhadap peningkatan hasil belajar geografi peserta didik. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan eksperimen semu (quasi experimental design) dengan desain penelitian non randomized pretest-posttest control group design. Penelitian dilaksanakan di SMA Negeri 2 Probolinggo. Uji hipotesis menggunakan uji beda melalui independent sample t-test yang dilakukan dengan bantuan SPSS 16 For Windows. Hasil uji statistik dengan uji beda (t-test) menunjukkan model pembelajaran Lontar Barang Antik berpengaruh signifikan terhadap hasil belajar geografi peserta didik. Model pembelajaran Lontar Barang Antik bisa memfasilitasi semua gaya belajar yang dimiliki peserta didik. Peserta didik lebih aktif dan motivasi belajar menjadi lebih tinggi. Optimalisasi gaya belajar melalui model pembelajaran Lontar Barang antik dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar geografi.
Pengukuran Pengaruh Tantangan Pada Gim Bergenre Puzzle Dengan Metode PLS-SEM Terhadap Pembelajaran Anak
Authors: Husniah Lailatul , Wibowo Hardianto 
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini akan menjelaskan tentang pengaruh dari Gim terhadap pembelajaran, poin-poin gim yang akan dinilai pengaruhnya antara lain adalah Engagement, Immersion, Challenge, dan Skill. Data yang digunakan adalah hasil kuesioner serta nilai Try Out-UN siswa-siswi kelas 12 SMK 3 Malang. Menggunakan permainan Angry Bird, responden nantinya akan bermain selama kurang lebih 30 menit sebelum melakukan kegiatan belajar seperti biasanya. Hal ini dilakukan dalam waktu kurang lebih sekitar satu bulan. Setelah itu responden akan diminta untuk mengisi kuesioner yang nantinya akan diolah dengan metode SEM-PLS. Hasil dari pengolahan data kuesioner tersebut adalah seberapa besar pengaruh gim terhadap pembelajaran berdasarkan poin-poin yang sudah disebutkan di atas. Sedangkan nilai dari Try Out dan UN digunakan untuk mengetahui besar pengaruh gim terhadap pelajaran secara keseluruhan, menggunakan metode paired t-test. Setelah melalui pengujian, hasil yang didapatkan adalah bahwa stimulus gim terhadap pembelajaran berpengaruh secara positif. Dan Engagement menjadi poin paling berpengaruh dalam penilaian prosentase yaitu 32%, disusul dengan Immersion 9.34%, Skill 6.86%, dan Challenge 2.25%.