bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractVirtual 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

AbstractNew 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

Abstract
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractLGBTQ+ 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

AbstractPsychological 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractContemporary 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThis 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.
Etiology of a Fish Kill, Including the Endangered Tidewater Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi), in a Northeastern Pacific Coastal Lagoon
Authors: Feyrer Frederick , Young Matthew , Kraus Tamara , Stumpner Elizabeth , Fong Darren , Carpenter Kurt D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEcological disturbances such as fish kills can negatively impact ecosystem processes in coastal lagoons. To gain an understanding of factors causing fish kills, we examined conditions associated with a summertime fish kill in a northeastern Pacific coastal lagoon (Rodeo Lagoon, CA, USA). Examination of available data indicated the fish kill was likely caused by hypoxia involving the following etiology: (1) strong onshore winds (up to 12 m/s) mixed a stratified water column, (2) water column mixing transported nutrients from near the bed into the photic zone, (3) increased nutrient concentrations in the photic zone (> 200%) together with high solar irradiance fueled a phytoplankton bloom, (4) death and decomposition of phytoplankton (72% decrease in abundance) contributed to biological oxygen demand that led to (5) hypoxic conditions (as low as 0.6 mg/L) that caused the fish kill. The event resulted in the death of an estimated 3677 Tidewater Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi), a species listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act, and numerous (but not enumerated) Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), unidentified sculpins (Cottidae), and macroinvertebrates (primarily Amphipoda). The processes contributing to the event are likely re-occurring phenomena responsible for observed periodic fish kills. Coastal lagoons with limited freshwater inflows and connection to the Pacific Ocean may retain nutrients and be susceptible to similar events.
Deep-learning-based survival prediction of patients with lower limb melanoma
Authors: Zhang Jinrong , Yu Hai , Zheng Xinkai , Ming Wai-kit , Lak Yau Sun , Tom Kong Ching , Lee Alice , Huang Hui , Chen Wenhui , Lyu Jun , Deng Liehua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
For the purpose to examine lower limb melanoma (LLM) and its long-term survival rate, we used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. To estimate the prognosis of LLM patients and assess its efficacy, we used a powerful deep learning and neural network approach called DeepSurv.

Methods
We gathered data on those who had an LLM diagnosis between 2000 and 2019 from the SEER database. We divided the people into training and testing cohorts at a 7:3 ratio using a random selection technique. To assess the likelihood that LLM patients would survive, we compared the results of the DeepSurv model with those of the Cox proportional-hazards (CoxPH) model. Calibration curves, the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the concordance index (C-index) were all used to assess how accurate the predictions were.

Results
In this study, a total of 26,243 LLM patients were enrolled, with 7873 serving as the testing cohort and 18,370 as the training cohort. Significant correlations with age, gender, AJCC stage, chemotherapy status, surgery status, regional lymph node removal and the survival outcomes of LLM patients were found by the CoxPH model. The CoxPH model’s C-index was 0.766, which signifies a good degree of predicted accuracy. Additionally, we created the DeepSurv model using the training cohort data, which had a higher C-index of 0.852. In addition to calculating the 3-, 5-, and 8-year AUC values, the predictive performance of both models was evaluated. The equivalent AUC values for the CoxPH model were 0.795, 0.767, and 0.847, respectively. The DeepSurv model, in comparison, had better AUC values of 0.872, 0.858, and 0.847. In comparison to the CoxPH model, the DeepSurv model demonstrated greater prediction performance for LLM patients, as shown by the AUC values and the calibration curve.

Conclusion
We created the DeepSurv model using LLM patient data from the SEER database, which performed better than the CoxPH model in predicting the survival time of LLM patients.