bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of preterm birth in public hospitals in central Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study
Authors: Deriba Berhanu Senbeta , Ayalew Agumas Fentahun , Gebru Addis Adera 
Published: August 2021

Background: Around 15 million babies are born prematurely in the world every year. The most common cause of neonatal death in Ethiopia is premature birth. To reduce the rate of preterm delivery by correcting modifiable or preventable causes, the availability of local data is important. Hence, this study aimed to identify the determinants of preterm birth among women who gave birth in public hospitals in central Ethiopia. Methods: An Institutional-based unmatched case-control study was conducted at public hospitals in central Ethiopia to select 170 cases and 340 controls. The collected data were entered into EPI INFO and transferred to SPSS for analysis. Tables, graphs, and proportions were used to present the results. Binary and multiple logistic regressions analysis were computed to identify determinants of preterm birth. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and a p-value < 0.05 were computed to determine the presence of an association between preterm birth and independent variables. Results: A total of 166 cases and 332 controls participated in the study, giving a response rate of 97.6%. Cigarette smoking (AOR=3.77, 95% CI=1.35,10.56), alcohol consumption (AOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.11,3.10), wanted but unplanned pregnancy (AOR=3,95% CI=1.68,5.34), neither wanted nor planned pregnancy(AOR=3.61% CI=1.62,8.06), lack of antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR=4.13, 95% CI=1.95, 8.74), adverse birth outcomes (AOR=5.66, 95% CI=2.88,11.12), presence of a diagnosed illness (AOR=2.81, 95% CI=1.37, 5.76), presence of one or more of obstetrics complications(AOR=6.44, 95% CI=5.49, 3.35, 9), and hemoglobin level < 11g/dl (AOR=2.78, 95% CI=1.48, 5.22) were determinants of preterm birth. Conclusion:-In this study, cigarette smoking status, alcohol drinking status, pregnancy status, adverse birth outcomes, ANC visits, obstetric complications, presence of medical illness, and anemia were identified as determinants of preterm birth. It is important to encourage such women to attend ANC visits, stop smoking, and abstain from alcohol.
The Hidden Role of Contract Terms: The Case of Credit Card Minimum Payments in Mexico
Authors: Medina Paolina C. , Negrin Jose L. 
Published: August 2021

This paper argues that thresholds in financial contracts act as implicit nudges in consumers’ decisions. Exploiting a regulatory change to credit card minimum payments in Mexico, we find that a 1-percentage point change in minimum payments leads to a 0.87-percentage point change in actual payments, both expressed as a percentage of total balances. We decompose the effect of minimum payments into a constraining effect and a reference effect. The former captures the effect of minimum payments as a binding constraint and accounts for 59% of its total effect. The latter captures any remaining impact of changes in minimum payments beyond their constraining effect and represents 41% of the total. In turn, 67% of the reference effect is explained by the multiple heuristic: the tendency of consumers to pay whole-number multiples of the minimum payment. This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Mechanical and Physical Properties of Oriented Strand Board Exposed to High Temperature and Relative Humidity and Coupled with Near-Infrared Reflectance Modeling
Authors: Cheng Qingzheng , Zhou Chengfeng , Jiang Wei , Zhao Xiping , Via Brian K. , Wan Hui 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The mechanism underlying thermal degradation of oriented strand board was tested under a humid environment. Near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric modeling was utilized to better understand the degradation of functional groups over time. The flexural properties, internal bond (IB), water absorption, and thickness swelling were tested after exposure to various times of 0, 3, 6, and 9 weeks in a climate-controlled laboratory to 76.7°C and 60 percent relative humidity. The largest reduction in all flexural and physical properties occurred during the first 3 weeks of exposure and then leveled off thereafter, while IB decreased significantly through the 9-week period (α = 0.05). Chemometric models built from NIR spectra revealed pertinent chemical changes in wood chemistry and resin components.
Influence of Specimen Size on Accelerated Weathering of Laminated Veneer Lumber
Authors: Way Daniel , Kamke Frederick A. , Sinha Arijit 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Moisture intrusion can be significantly higher along specimen edges, particularly at edges where longitudinal grain is exposed, which is referred to as the edge effect. The influence of edge effects on moisture durability are assumed to decrease as the edge area to total-surface-area ratio decreases. Moisture durability assessment of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is commonly evaluated using accelerated weathering (AW) and outdoor exposure methods, where small specimens are analyzed. The influence of specimen size (i.e., edge effect) on moisture durability evaluation of LVL was investigated in this study. To vary specimen size, three widths with constant length and thickness were evaluated. In addition, three AW methods were used to characterize how the method of inflicting degradation influenced edge effects. No consistent trends in mechanical property loss were found across AW methods, indicating that the influence of specimen size varied with AW method. The greatest influence of specimen size occurred when cyclic vacuum-soak-dry was included, where water absorption decreased significantly with increasing width, and three of four mechanical properties evaluated displayed an influence of specimen size. The smallest influence of specimen size occurred when a single soak-dry procedure was included, where only one of four mechanical properties evaluated displayed an influence of specimen size. Results from this study provide evidence that edge effects may occur during LVL moisture durability assessment but that the severity is dependent on AW conditions.
Analysis of Surface Finishing and Pressing Time in Wooden Pieces for the Use of Wood Waste in the Furniture Industry
Authors: Gutiérrez Carlos Mario , Ángel Beatriz Elena , Silva Julia , Kiperstok Asher , Cunha Rita , César Sandro Fábio 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This article analyzes the behavior of surface finish and pressing time in glued pieces of eucalyptus wood. The importance of the study lies in verifying the influence of two variables (surface finish and pressing time) on the gluing of wood pieces for the furniture industry over time. For this purpose, the quality of adhesion of Eucalyptus urograndis wood pieces with polyvinyl acetate adhesive and the behavior of the wood to shear in the glue line are evaluated. It was necessary to produce test specimens according to the ABNT-NBR 7190 standard; three different surface finishes were evaluated on the faces to be adhered and three different cold pressing times, a variable that has not been analyzed in previous studies. It was possible to determine the shear resistance in the glue line and also to observe the percentage of wood failure when performing the destructive test on the test specimen 1 year after being glued. The highest shear strength was obtained for test specimens without surface finish and with a pressing time of 24 hours. With the results obtained in this study, the optimal surface finish and pressing time to be used in the furniture industry is evidenced.
Chemical Characteristics of Heartwood and Sapwood of Red-Heart Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)
Authors: Li Yanfei , Deng Xiangwen , Zhang Yifei , Huang Yaqi , Wang Chenyang , Xiang Wenhua , Xiao Fuming , Wei Xiaocong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The chemical composition of wood is an important factor affecting the properties and utilization of wood. To compare the difference in chemical compositions between heartwood and sapwood of red-heart Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), three graded wood, dominant, average, and overtopped trees were selected from the Chenshan Forest Station of Anfu County in Jiangxi Province. Their chemical composition parameters were determined according to international standards. Our results indicate that sapwood contains on average a higher moisture content than that of heartwood, constituting 9.4 and 8.6 percent, respectively. The pH values of wood present acidic and are higher in sapwood. Cellulose is abundant in both wood tissues; the heartwood content (52.0%) is higher than that of sapwood (48.6%) on average. Furthermore, the lignin in heartwood is slightly less than that of sapwood. Hemicellulose content is similar in heartwood and sapwood (23.4% vs. 23.1%), on average. All kinds of extractives in heartwood are substantially richer. Approximately three times more benzene–ethanol extractives are in heartwood than sapwood. This suggests that there is a considerable variation of chemical constituents among the graded woods (P < 0.05). The pH values are both significantly correlated with the contents of the four extractives in heartwood and sapwood (P < 0.05). The longitudinal variation of chemical compositions is different along the direction of tree height in heartwood and sapwood. Understanding the chemical heterogeneity of wood is vital for wood product manufacturing as well as for wood property improvement.
Green Sequestration Potential of Chir Pine Forests Located in Kumaun Himalaya
Authors: Pant Harshit , Tewari Ashish 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Himalayan forests act as reservoirs of carbon due to their high percentage of forest cover. The biomass values of these forests cluster around two different levels, which dwell between higher values (approximately 400 t/ha for Shorea robusta and Quercus leucotrichophora forests) and lower values (approximately 200 t/ha) for Pinus roxburghii forests. The present study is focused on assessment of variation in tree biomass and carbon sequestration at four sites dominated by chir pine (P. roxburghii Sarg.) forests located on two different slope aspects. We calculated the tree biomass following allometric equations based upon circumference at breast height by Chaturvedi and Singh (1982). The tree biomass values ranged between 97.87 ± 9.84 t/ha and 158.97 ± 9.39 t/ha; however, tree carbon values ranged between 46.48 ± 4.67 t/ha and 74.66 ± 7.17 t/ha across the study sites. Rates of carbon sequestration ranged between 0.2 ± 0.01 t/ha/yr and 3.96 ± 1.36 t/ha/yr. The rates were higher on slopes of northern aspect in comparison with southern aspect. The results emphasize that the biomass accumulation was higher in the trees located on northern aspects and can be better managed for developing a payment for ecosystem services strategy for following up of REDD+ in the country.
Effect of Growth Rings Per Inch and Specific Gravity on Compression Perpendicular to Grain in No. 2: 2 by 8 and 2 by 10 Southern Pine Lumber
Authors: Irby Nathan E. , França Frederico José Nistal , Barnes H. Michael , Seale R. Daniel , Shmulsky Rubin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Southern pine lumber 2 by 8s and 2 by 10s from across the Southeast were used as the parent material source for this study. Fundamental data were collected for each piece of lumber: growth rings per inch (RPI), presence of pith, and specific gravity (SG), among other information. After mechanical property evaluation through static bending, small clear specimens were cut from the lumber pieces and tested for compression perpendicular to grain (C⊥). Those values were then compared with 2 by 8 and 2 by 10 average RPI and density. The results were significant for both tests. Therefore, a segmentation of the growth ring data into groups of <3, 3 to 5, and >5 RPI was conducted. Correlations were run specific to each group, per both lumber sizes, and still significance was found. Segmentation of SG was not significant only for 2 by 8 SG <0.4. The results suggest that SG is a better predictor of C⊥ than RPI alone due to statistical significance found during these analyses.
Accelerated Polymerization of Ammonium Lignosulfonate from Loblolly Pine
Authors: Narron Robert , Wolken Gregory , Gargulak Jerry 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Lignin bioproducts derived from pulping of woody biomass find utility in multiple industrial applications. Ammonium lignosulfonates have historically displayed unique polymerization characteristics relative to other lignin materials and show promise as sustainable adhesives for the panel industry. To further understand the system's chemistry, polymerization reactions were observed through the lens of viscosity build-up using high temperature rheological measurements. It was found that highly controllable lignosulfonate properties like cooking temperature, pH, and percentage dissolved solids each significantly contribute to gelation behavior. The concept of thermal priming to shorten gelation time was also introduced and demonstrated. Finally, possible applications for this technology are postulated.
Economic Contributions of West Virginia's Forest Products Industry Over Time: A Look at 2006, 2010, 2015, and 2017 Data
Authors: Gabbert C. Clinton , Gazal Kathryn , McNeel Joseph 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
West Virginia's forest products industry (FPI) has long been viewed as an important industry to the state. However, there is a lack of recent data regarding the economic contribution of the industry to the state's economy. The housing market collapse of the mid-2000s, subsequent recession, continued increasing global competition, natural gas boom, and other macroeconomic trends have affected the FPI in the state. The continuing evolution of the state economy necessitates a reexamination of the role the FPI plays in the state. Thus, this article examines the historical contribution of the FPI to West Virginia's economy using 2006, 2010, 2015, and 2017 data. Both the direct and total economic contributions of the industry substantially declined from 2006 to 2010. The largest declines were experienced in the secondary solid-wood products and wood furniture sectors. Between 2010 and 2015, the industry's direct and total contributions rose for all measures evaluated. Between 2015 and 2017, all measures of direct and total contributions of the industry also increased but at a much slower pace and remained lower than 2006 levels. The inability of the FPI in the state to return to 2006 levels of direct contributions suggests that long-term industry trends such as the continued offshoring of value-added forest products sectors and increased industry automation are still putting negative pressure on direct industry growth. Additionally, the industry is facing new challenges such as uncertainty about the future availability of the foreign markets and competition for resources from emerging industries.
Wood Functional Modification Based on Deposition of Nanometer Copper Film by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Jingkui , Wang Yanan , Tian He , Qi Dawei , Wang Ruoying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
It can be helpful for selected applications to improve the functionality of wood by compounding nano-metal materials with wood, endowing the wood surface with certain physical properties, for example, metallicity, electrical conductivity, and hydrophobicity. Therefore, in this study, a thin copper film was deposited on the surface of Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongholica Litv. veneer by magnetron sputtering. The film was applied at both room temperature and 200°C to obtain nano-copper–wood composites. The physical properties of wood-based nano-metal composites were characterized. The results indicated that the wood veneer metallization had no effect on the crystallization zone of wood; there were still wood cellulose characteristic peaks, but the intensity of the diffraction peak decreased. At the same time, there were characteristic diffraction peaks of copper. The mechanical properties of the wood veneer surface changed greatly; the surface of copper-plated wood veneer had good electrical conductivity and the wettability of the wood surface transformed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. When the base temperature was 200°C, not only was the sheet resistance of the sample with coating time of 15 minutes about 4.6 times that of the sheet resistance of the sample at room temperature, but also the quality of the copper film on the wood surface was better than that at room temperature. The copper film was mainly composed of small particles with a compact arrangement.
Nuvolve Engineered Polysaccharides as Performance-Enhancing Additives for Latex Wood Adhesives
Authors: Marcinko Joseph J. , Lenges Christian , Kim Kyle , Harvey Monica 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The work presented here focuses on the, incorporation of an engineered polysaccharide polymer, α-1,3-glucan, derived from the enzymatic polymerization of sucrose, as a performance-enhancing additive for commercial, latex-based wood adhesives used in wood bonding applications. Adhesive performance was measured on hard maple (Acer saccharum) using ASTM Standard Method D-905. Dynamic mechanical analysis and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were the characterization techniques used to assess the properties of room-temperature–cured adhesive films. Significant increases in shear stress were observed for these formulated latex adhesives containing the polysaccharide polymer.
Effect of Multiple Leaching Cycles on Decay Resistance of Micronized Copper Azole–Treated Southern Pine Sapwood
Authors: Xu Guoqi , Cappellazzi Jed , Konkler Matthew J. , Morrell Jeffrey J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Copper remains one of the key biocides for protecting timber in soil contact. Historically, copper-based preservatives relied on solubilized copper. Over the past decade, micronized copper systems have largely replaced soluble copper systems in this application. While micronized copper chemistries have been shown to perform well over time with reduced copper leaching compared to solubilized copper, data are lacking on the effects of repeated leaching cycles on resistance of the timber to fungal attack. The potential effects of repeated leaching cycles of micronized copper azole–treated southern pine (Pinus spp.) blocks on both copper losses and resistance to fungal attack were explored over 20 leaching cycles using Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta as test fungi. Copper losses during leaching were elevated for the first two cycles and steadily declined with additional cycling. There were no noticeable differences in fungal-associated weight losses in blocks exposed to G. trabeum. There was only a slight increase in average block weight losses with R. placenta, although blocks exposed to this fungus experienced higher weight losses with increased leaching cycles. The results suggest that repeated leaching exposures may produce some localized increases in susceptibility to fungal attack, but the overall effects were minor.
Soy Flour Substitution in Polymeric Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate Resin for Composite Panel Applications
Authors: Asafu-Adjaye Osei , Via Brian , Banerjee Sujit 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Partial substitution of polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) resin by 10 to 15 percent soy flour for the manufacture of strand board improves board properties while decreasing cost. For particleboard and medium-density fiberboard the soy-substituted resin performs as well as the control pMDI. The reaction of soy flour with pMDI occurs over several hours as tracked by CO2 evolution. The soy-amended resin must be used within about 30 minutes of formulation. Uniform mixing of soy flour with pMDI is critical because unreacted soy flour tends to retain water, which degrades the wet properties of the board. The soy flour increases the tack of pMDI resin, which increases the surface coverage and the relative bonded area at the glue line.
Comparative Aboveground Performance of Pressure-Treated Copper Azole with Alternative Wood Protection Systems under Subtropical Conditions
Authors: Konkler Matthew J. , Presley Gerald , Morrell Jeffrey J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The performance of several wood surface treatments as well as a silica treatment claiming to provide protection against fungal decay and termite attack in aboveground applications were examined in termite, ground proximity, and sandwich tests at a subtropical site near Hilo, Hawaii. In general, the surface treatments performed similarly to untreated controls and provided little or no protection against fungal or insect attack. The silicate treatment provided some termite and decay protection, but fungal decay resulted in rapid declines in condition after 50 to 54 months of exposure. Copper azole–treated lumber provided the best performance against both termites and fungal attack, illustrating the benefits of pressure treatment over surface treatments in high-decay-hazard environments. These results also illustrate the importance of rigorous testing and standardization protocols for any product that makes durability claims before it enters the market to ensure that it will perform as expected.
Intelligent Bamboo Part Sorting System Design via Machine Vision
Authors: Liu Tian-Hu , Wu Zi-Di , Chen Qin-Ling , Nie Xiang-Ning , Li Gui-Qi , Wang Hong-Jun , Zhang Di , Liu Wei , Wu Jin-Meng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The defect rate of initially produced block bamboo (Bambusoideae) parts is >20 percent. Sorting out these defective parts manually is a highly time-consuming and tedious process. An intelligent sorting system was developed based on machine vision using a Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network learning algorithm in this study. First, a high-speed charge-coupled device camera was used to obtain a series of images of perfect and defective block bamboo parts. Next, the RBF neural-network learning algorithm was applied to obtain defect characteristics and to locate defective parts moving forward on a conveyor belt. An array of air jets was designed to force defective parts off the belt. Experimental results showed that the average defective part removal rate of the proposed system was 91.7 percent.
Correlation among Physico-Acoustic Properties of Boscia angustifolia and Albizia adianthifolia Wood
Authors: Olaoye Kayode , Okon-Akan Omolabake , Adegoke Olaoluwa , Bobadoye A. O. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Underutilization of some wood species can be largely attributed to a dearth of scientific information. Therefore, identifying the acoustic characteristics of lesser used wood species such as Boscia angustifolia and Albizia adianthifolia wood is expected to encourage their use in acoustic applications. Thus, studying their acoustic properties and the relationship among these properties will help reveal their use potential for acoustic purposes and also highlight possible predictor variable(s) for other acoustic parameters in wood acoustics. This study aimed at measuring the acoustic properties of B. angustifolia and A. adianthifolia wood and investigating the correlation among these properties. Three trees of each species were felled, and a total of 270 wood samples of 20 by 20 by 300 mm3 were collected. The samples were conditioned before acoustic measurement. The longitudinal free vibration method was adopted to measure the acoustic properties. Some of the mean acoustic results obtained for B. angustifolia and A. adianthifolia wood were 835.89 Hz, 3,657.51 m/s, 0.008, 13.59 GPa, 935.39 m4 kg−1 s−1, and 807.78 Hz, 3,542.66 m/s, 0.009, 12.65 GPa, 731.75 m4 kg−1 s−1, respectively, for fundamental sound frequency (FF), velocity of sound (V), damping factor (tan δ), specific dynamic modulus of elasticity (Es), and acoustic conversion efficiency (ACE). The correlation of FF with tan δ was negatively significant (−0.59), while it was positively significant with Es and ACE (0.99 and 0.74). This study found the two wood species suitable for making frame boards only and highlights sound frequency and velocity of sound as the major predicting acoustic variables for measuring good acoustic wood.