bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Decay on the Mechanical Properties of Nailed Joints in Light Wood Frame Structure
Authors: Gao Ying , Mei Shiyi , Ma Xingxia , Meng Xinmiao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
For this study, spruce–pine–fir (Picea–Pinus–Abies [SPF]) specification material, oriented strand board (OSB), and domestic twisted nails that were driven vertically and perpendicular-to-grain were selected. Referring to GB/T 13942.1-2009, nailed joints specimens were exposed both to white rot fungus and brown rot fungus for 1 month to 6 months. The monotonous loading test was applied to the specimens based on ASTM D1761-88. The holding power of the nails and weight loss of both OSB and SPF were investigated. Theoretical maximum load of the nailed joints was calculated according to Eurocode5. Results illustrated that the load, stiffness, and energy consumption of the nailed joints showed significant linear decline with the decay time. A linear decline of the ductility coefficient was not obvious, and there was no obvious difference between white rot fungus and brown rot fungus. Effect of decay on the OSB was much greater than the impact on the SPF. The decay grade of the nailed joints was established according to the linear relationship between weight loss and maximum load. Based on Eurocode5, the study calculated the maximum load of the nailed joints and introduced the correction coefficient γ to better predict the maximum load.
Improving the Performance of Waterborne Preservatives in Infrastructure Applications
Authors: Barnes H. M. , Carey N. T. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This article explores the benefits covering waterborne preservative systems that include an oil emulsion treatment. Waterborne preservatives have a long history of protecting wood products in severe exposures. Enhancing the surface of these products can increase their service life. Oil emulsion treatments were originally developed to improve the climbability of waterborne poles by utility linemen. Over time, these products have shown that they can improve other surface characteristics, such as checking, flammability, and, with added pigments, ultraviolet exposure.
The Effect of Variables on Laboratory Termite Testing: Part I—Worker:Soldier Ratio
Authors: Lindsey G. B. , Amburgey T. L. , Barnes H. M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if the same soldier:worker ratio could be used in the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) and the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus) in standard tests. Native (R. flavipes) and introduced (C. formosanus) subterranean termite species were tested in an American Wood Protection Association E1 standard laboratory test. Statistically equivalent weight losses were found as long as the ratio was within 10 percent of the rate required by the standard.
Aboveground Field Performance of Douglas-Fir Heartwood Subjected to Combinations of Glycerol, Boron, and Thermal Modification
Authors: Yan Li , Cappallazzi Jed , Morrell Jeffrey J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The effect of pretreatment with either boron or glycerol followed by thermal modification on the durability of Douglas-fir heartwood was evaluated in an American Wood Protection Association ground proximity test in Hilo, Hawaii. Non–thermally modified samples were generally more heavily decayed than any of the modified woods, but there was no consistent effect of different thermal modification conditions on decay resistance. Thermally modified woods tended to perform better than untreated timbers but not as well as copper azole–treated Douglas-fir heartwood lumber in test at the same site. The results are discussed in relation to how the extreme site conditions might have made it difficult for thermally modified materials to perform.
Study on the Visual Cognition of Laminated Bamboo Furniture
Authors: Wan Qian , Hu Qianwen , Chen Bingwan , Fang Hai , Ke Qing , Song Shasha 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Laminated bamboo furniture is high in ecological value and low in overall cost, exhibiting broad prospects for industrial development. Studies have been conducted on human visual cognition of wood and textiles but not of glue-laminated bamboo materials. This study employed a subjective questionnaire and eye-tracking technology to explore the effect of the laminated bamboo furniture surface characteristics on human visual cognition. The results indicate that the fixation count and total fixation duration of caramelized glue-laminated bamboo materials were higher than those of natural colors; participants tend to pay more attention to the colors of glue-laminated bamboo surfaces than to their textures. Although no significant differences have been identified between the overall evaluations attributed to various types of glue-laminated bamboo, within specific cognitive dimensions, participants evaluate natural and caramelized colors differently. Natural glue-laminated bamboo furniture is associated with a greater sense of usability and cultural design in participants' visual cognition, whereas caramelized glue-laminated bamboo furniture is associated with a greater sense of beauty. Total fixation duration and fixation count for the surface characteristics of laminated bamboo furniture are positively correlated with participants' subjective visual appraisals. The longer it takes for participants to notice a laminated bamboo furniture product and the more frequently they fix their gaze on it, the more favorable their evaluation of the product is. These research findings provide a reference to designers for the design of laminated bamboo furniture.
Effect of Nitrogen and Vitamins on the Decay Rate of Pine Sapwood Exposed above Ground
Authors: Nicholas Darrel D. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A need exists to develop improved test methods for evaluating potential wood preservatives in aboveground outdoor exposure. Our studies have shown that the three-component lap joint specified in AWPA Standard E27-15 represents an improved design for aboveground testing. One option for evaluating the extent of decay with this method relies on visual assessment. However, based on my observations in field tests, this assessment method does not provide an accurate measurement of the extent of wood biodeterioration in the early stages of decay. A second method of evaluation provided in this standard (in figure 4 of the standard) uses bending stiffness and dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) as alternate methods for determining the extent of decay, and this option was chosen to follow the progress of biodeterioration in this study. It was found that both of these methods provided an accurate assessment of decay in the early stages of biodeterioration that was superior to visual assessment.
In an attempt to accelerate the rate of wood decay, some of the test units were treated with nitrogen-rich casein, and this resulted in a greater than twofold increase in the decay rate compared with the untreated controls. Another group of samples were treated with thiamin, but this resulted in only a slight increase in decay rate, whereas a combined treatment with both casein and vitamins resulted in a further increase in the decay rate beyond that of casein treated samples. Based on the results from this study, it is concluded that pretreatment of wood samples with thiamin has the potential for accelerating wood decay in aboveground test samples. Furthermore, the use of bending stiffness and dynamic MOE to measure the extent of wood decay was found to be superior to mass loss. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this concept could be useful in accelerating development of new wood preservatives.
Manufacture and Properties of Metasequoia-Based Three-Layer Parquet Flooring
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Wang Zhanguang , Li Quan , Lu Cuixiang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Metasequoia-based three-layer parquet flooring (MPF) was prepared under the following conditions: hot-pressing temperature of 95°C, hot-pressing time of 7 minutes, hot-pressing pressure of 9 kg·cm−2, and addition of 200 g·m−2 urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive. The results showed that the moisture content, density, formaldehyde emission, static bending strength, and elastic modulus of the three kinds of parquet flooring were not much different than poplar-based multilayer parquet flooring (PPF) or fir-based three-layer parquet flooring (FPF) on the market. The thermal conductivity of the MPF was 0.195 W·m−1·K−1, which was the lowest among the three kinds of parquet flooring. The sound absorption coefficient of MPF under 11 frequency conditions in the range of 0.2 to 2 kHz was higher than that of PPF and FPF under the same frequency condition. The research results provide a reference value for the efficient use of low-quality M. glyptostroboides wood.
Quality of service and continuous quality improvement in voluntary medical male circumcision programme across four provinces in South Africa: Longitudinal and cross-sectional programme data
Authors: Nyengerai Tawanda , Phohole Motshana , Iqaba Nelson , Kinge Constance Wose , Gori Elizabeth , Moyo Khumbulani , Chasela Charles 
Published: August 2021

Background
Recent studies in the Sub-Saharan countries in Africa have indicated gaps and challenges for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) quality of service. Less has focused on the changes in quality of service after implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) action plans. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coaching, provision of standard operating procedures (SOPS) and guidelines, mentoring and on-site in-service training in improving quality of VMMC services across four Right to Care (RTC) supported provinces in South Africa.

Method
This was a pre- and post-interventional study on RTC supported VMMC sites from July 2018 to October 2019. All RTC-supported sites that were assessed at baseline and post-intervention were included in the study. Data for baseline CQI assessment and re-assessments was collected using a standardized National Department of Health (NDoH) CQI assessment tool for VMMC services from routine RTC facility level VMMC programme data. Quality improvement support was provided through a combination of coaching, provision of standard operating procedures and guidelines, mentoring and on-site in-service training on quality improvement planning and implementation. The main outcome measure was quality of service. A paired sample t-test was used to compare the difference in mean quality of service scores before and after CQI implementation by quality standard.

Results
A total of 40 health facilities were assessed at both baseline and after CQI support visits. Results showed significant increases for the overall changes in quality of service after CQI support intervention of 12% for infection prevention (95%CI: 7–17; p<0.001) and 8% for male circumcision surgical procedure, (95%CI: 3–13; p<0.01). Similarly, individual counselling, and HIV testing increased by 14%, (95%CI: 7–20; p<0.001), group counselling, registration and communication by 8%, (95%CI: 3–14; p<0.001), and 35% for monitoring and evaluation, (95%CI: 28–42; p<0.001). In addition, there were significant increases for management systems of 29%, (95%CI: 22–35; p<0.001), leadership and planning 23%, (95%CI: 13–34; p<0.001%) and supplies, equipment, environment and emergency 5%, (95%CI: 1–9; p<0.01). The overall quality of service performance across provinces increased by 18% (95%CI: 14–21; p<0.001).

Conclusion
The overall quality of service performance across provinces was significantly improved after implementation of CQI support intervention program. Regular visits and intensive CQI support are required for sites that will be performing below quality standards.
Predictors for one-year outcomes of cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factor control after cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients: The EU-CaRE study
Authors: Eser Prisca , Marcin Thimo , Prescott Eva , Prins Leonie F. , Kolkman Evelien , Bruins Wendy , van der Velde Astrid E. , Gil Carlos Peña , Iliou Marie-Christine , Ardissino Diego , Zeymer Uwe , Meindersma Esther P. , Van’tHof Arnoud W. J. , de Kluiver Ed P. , Wilhelm Matthias 
Published: August 2021

Introduction
Studies on effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in elderly cardiovascular disease patients are rare, and it is unknown, which patients benefit most. We aimed to identify predictors for 1-year outcomes of cardiorespiratory fitness and CV risk factor (CVRF) control in patients after completing CR programs offered across seven European countries.

Methods
Cardiovascular disease patients with minimal age 65 years who participated in comprehensive CR were included in this observational study. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2), body mass index (BMI), resting systolic blood pressure (BPsys), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were assessed before CR (T0), at termination of CR (T1), and 12 months after start of CR (T2). Predictors for changes were identified by multivariate regression models.

Results
Data was available from 1241 out of 1633 EU-CaRE patients. The strongest predictor for improvement in peak VO2 was open chest surgery, with a nearly four-fold increase in surgery compared to non-surgery patients. In patients after surgery, age, female sex, physical inactivity and time from index event to T0 were negative predictors for improvement in peak VO2. In patients without surgery, previous acute coronary syndrome and higher exercise capacity at T0 were the only negative predictors. Neither number of attended training sessions nor duration of CR were significantly associated with change in peak VO2. Non-surgery patients were more likely to achieve risk factor targets (BPsys, LDL-C, BMI) than surgery patients.

Conclusions
In a previously understudied population of elderly CR patients, time between index event and start of CR in surgery and disease severity in non-surgery patients were the most important predictors for long-term improvement of peak VO2. Non-surgery patients had better CVRF control.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ritbano , Mosa Hassen , Sultan Mohammed , Helill Shamill Eanga , Assefa Biruk , Abdu Muhammed , Ahmed Usman , Abose Selamu , Nuramo Amanuel , Alemu Abebe , Demelash Minychil , Delil Romedan 
Published: August 2021

Background
A number of primary studies in Ethiopia address the prevalence of birth asphyxia and the factors associated with it. However, variations were seen among those studies. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the pooled prevalence and explore the factors that contribute to birth asphyxia in Ethiopia.

Methods
Different search engines were used to search online databases. The databases include PubMed, HINARI, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Relevant grey literature was obtained through online searches. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias, and the I-squared was applied to check the heterogeneity of the studies. Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies that were conducted in Ethiopia were also be included. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies and was included in this systematic review. Data entry and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 14.

Result
After reviewing 1,125 studies, 26 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia was 19.3%. In the Ethiopian context, the following risk factors were identified: Antepartum hemorrhage(OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.1), premature rupture of membrane(OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 12.4, 6.6), primiparas(OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.1), prolonged labor(OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.8, 6.6), maternal anaemia(OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.59, 9.94), low birth weight(OR = 5.6; 95%CI: 4.7,6.7), meconium stained amniotic fluid(OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 4.1, 7.5), abnormal presentation(OR = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.8, 8.3), preterm birth(OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.9, 5.8), residing in a rural area (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.5), caesarean delivery(OR = 4.4; 95% CI:3.1, 6.2), operative vaginal delivery(OR: 4.9; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.7), preeclampsia(OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1, 7.4), tight nuchal cord OR: 3.43; 95% CI: 2.1, 5.6), chronic hypertension(OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.8), and unable to write and read (OR = 4.2;95%CI: 1.7, 10.6).

Conclusion
According to the findings of this study, birth asphyxia is an unresolved public health problem in the Ethiopia. Therefore, the concerned body needs to pay attention to the above risk factors in order to decrease the country’s birth asphyxia.

Review registration
PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020165283).
Psychological distress among frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study
Authors: van der Goot Wieke E. , Duvivier Robbert J. , Van Yperen Nico W. , de Carvalho-Filho Marco A. , Noot Kirsten E. , Ikink Renee , Gans Rijk O. B. , Kloeze Eveline , Tulleken Jaap E. , Lammers A. J. Jolanda , Jaarsma A. Debbie C. , Bierman Wouter F. W. 
Published: August 2021

Background
Novel virus outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may increase psychological distress among frontline workers. Psychological distress may lead to reduced performance, reduced employability or even burnout. In the present study, we assessed experienced psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic from a self-determination theory perspective.

Methods
This mixed-methods study, with repeated measures, used surveys (quantitative data) combined with audio diaries (qualitative data) to assess work-related COVID-19 experiences, psychological need satisfaction and frustration, and psychological distress over time. Forty-six participants (nurses, junior doctors, and consultants) completed 259 surveys and shared 60 audio diaries. Surveys and audio diaries were analysed separately.

Results
Quantitative results indicated that perceived psychological distress during COVID-19 was higher than pre-COVID-19 and fluctuated over time. Need frustration, specifically autonomy and competence, was positively associated with psychological distress, while need satisfaction, especially relatedness, was negatively associated with psychological distress. In the qualitative, thematic analysis, we observed that especially organisational logistics (rostering, work-life balance, and internal communication) frustrated autonomy, and unfamiliarity with COVID-19 frustrated competence. Despite many need frustrating experiences, a strong connection with colleagues and patients were important sources of relatedness support (i.e. need satisfaction) that seemed to mitigate psychological distress.

Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase of psychological distress among frontline workers. Both need frustration and need satisfaction explained unique variance of psychological distress, but seemed to originate from different sources. Challenging times require healthcare organisations to better support their professionals by tailored formal and informal support. We propose to address both indirect (e.g. organisation) and direct (e.g. colleagues) elements of the clinical and social environment in order to reduce need frustration and enhance need satisfaction.
Association between hospital liver transplantation volume and mortality after liver re-transplantation
Authors: Oh Seung-Young , Jang Eun Jin , Kim Ga Hee , Lee Hannah , Yi Nam-Joon , Yoo Seokha , Kim Bo Rim , Ryu Ho Geol 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe relationship between institutional liver transplantation (LT) case volume and clinical outcomes after liver re-transplantation is yet to be determined.MethodsPatients who underwent liver re-transplantation between 2007 and 2016 were selected from the Korean National Healthcare Insurance Service database. Liver transplant centers were categorized to either high-volume centers (≥ 64 LTs/year) or low-volume centers (< 64 LTs/year) according to the annual LT case volume. In-hospital and long-term mortality after liver re-transplantation were compared.ResultsA total of 258 liver re-transplantations were performed during the study period: 175 liver re-transplantations were performed in 3 high-volume centers and 83 were performed in 21 low-volume centers. In-hospital mortality after liver re-transplantation in high and low-volume centers were 25% and 36% (P= 0.069), respectively. Adjusted in-hospital mortality was not different between low and high-volume centers. Adjusted 1-year mortality was significantly higher in low-volume centers (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.05–4.37,P= 0.037) compared to high-volume centers. Long-term survival for up to 9 years was also superior in high-volume centers (P= 0.005). Other risk factors of in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality included female sex and higher Elixhauser comorbidity index.ConclusionCenters with higher case volume (≥ 64 LTs/year) showed lower in-hospital and overall mortality after liver re-transplantation compared to low-volume centers.
Questioning the sex-specific differences in the association of smoking on the survival rate of hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Khalil Athar , Dhingra Radhika , Al-Mulki Jida , Hassoun Mahmoud , Alexis Neil 
Published: August 2021

Introduction
In the absence of a universally accepted association between smoking and COVID-19 health outcomes, we investigated this relationship in a representative cohort from one of the world’s highest tobacco consuming regions. This is the first report from the Middle East and North Africa that tackles specifically the association of smoking and COVID-19 mortality while demonstrating a novel sex-discrepancy in the survival rates among patients.

Methods
Clinical data for 743 hospitalized COVID-19 patients was retrospectively collected from the leading centre for COVID-19 testing and treatment in Lebanon. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age and stratified by sex were used to assess the association between the current cigarette smoking status of patients and COVID-19 outcomes.

Results
In addition to the high smoking prevalence among our hospitalized COVID-19 patients (42.3%), enrolled smokers tended to have higher reported ICU admissions (28.3% vs 16.6%, p<0.001), longer length of stay in the hospital (12.0 ± 7.8 vs 10.8 days, p<0.001) and higher death incidences as compared to non-smokers (60.5% vs 39.5%, p<0.001). Smokers had an elevated odds ratio for death (OR = 2.3, p<0.001) and for ICU admission (OR = 2.0, p<0.001) which remained significant in a multivariate regression model. Once adjusted for age and stratified by sex, our data revealed that current smoking status reduces survival rate in male patients ([HR] = 1.9 [95% (CI), 1.029–3.616]; p = 0.041) but it does not affect survival outcomes among hospitalized female patients([HR] = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.374–1.689]; p = 0.551).

Conclusion
A high smoking prevalence was detected in our hospitalized COVID-19 cohort combined with worse prognosis and higher mortality rate in smoking patients. Our study was the first to highlight potential sex-specific consequences for smoking on COVID-19 outcomes that might further explain the higher vulnerability to death from this disease among men.