bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DIAMANTE: A data-centric semantic segmentation approach to map tree dieback induced by bark beetle infestations via satellite images
Authors: Andresini Giuseppina , Appice Annalisa , Ienco Dino , Recchia Vito 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Forest tree dieback inventory has a crucial role in improving forest management strategies. This inventory is traditionally performed by forests through laborious and time-consuming human assessment of individual trees. On the other hand, the large amount of Earth satellite data that are publicly available with the Copernicus program and can be processed through advanced deep learning techniques has recently been established as an alternative to field surveys for forest tree dieback tasks. However, to realize its full potential, deep learning requires a deep understanding of satellite data since the data collection and preparation steps are essential as the model development step. In this study, we explore the performance of a data-centric semantic segmentation approach to detect forest tree dieback events due to bark beetle infestation in satellite images. The proposed approach prepares a multisensor data set collected using both the SAR Sentinel-1 sensor and the optical Sentinel-2 sensor and uses this dataset to train a multisensor semantic segmentation model. The evaluation shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach in a real inventory case study that regards non-overlapping forest scenes from the Northeast of France acquired in October 2018. The selected scenes host bark beetle infestation hotspots of different sizes, which originate from the mass reproduction of the bark beetle in the 2018 infestation.
Creep properties of heat-resistant ultrafine-grained Al (HITEMAL©) determined by small punch testing
Authors: Krizik Peter , Balog Martin , Sadeghi Behzad , Dvorak Jiri , Sikora Andreas 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe creep properties of thermally stable ultrafine-grained Al metal matrix composite strengthened and stabilized by continuous in situ amorphous Al2O3 network (named HITEMAL©) prepared by powder metallurgy (PM) were tested by small punch creep testing (SPCT) in the temperature range from 573 to 673 K. The experimental SPCT results were correlated and compared with the results obtained by conventional tensile creep testing. The mutual correlation between tensile and SPCT creep results based on the transition stress was proposed and used to correctly interpret the measured SPCT data. The creep behaviour of HITEMAL© is characterized by the high values of apparent stress exponents and by the presence of transition stress at which the apparent stress exponents significantly changed. The SPCT discs fractured by the radial cracks at low values of deflection with only limited creep deformation highly localized in the vicinity of the fracture surfaces. The detailed analysis of fractured SPCT discs by scanning electron microscopy showed ductile dimpled fracture surfaces with the presence of unusual high filament-like tearing edges. The comparison of obtained results with other PM Al-based alloys and composites confirmed a significantly higher creep performance of HITEMAL© at used testing conditions.
A New Use of Polysorbate-Type Nonionic Surfactants as Plasticizers for Highly Flexible Poly(lactide) Formulations
Authors: Gazquez-Navarro J. J. , Garcia-Sanoguera D. , Balart R. , Garcia-Garcia D. , Gomez-Caturla J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPolysorbates are non-ionic amphiphilic organic compounds, widely used as surfactants. They have a molecular weight in the 1200–1400 g mol−1 range, so they are on the borderline between monomeric and polymeric plasticizers. Therefore, they can potentially provide the benefits of both plasticizer types. In this work, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate (Tween® 20), and polyethylene glycol monooleate (Tween® 80) are proposed as environmentally friendly plasticizers for PLA with enhanced ductile properties. The addition of 20 wt% of polysorbates into a PLA matrix, leads to a noticeable increase in elongation at break, from 4.0% (neat PLA) up to values around 180%. The plasticization efficiency was assessed by the decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg), from 61.0 ºC (neat PLA) down to such los values of 29.5 ºC, and 36.6 ºC, for plasticized PLA formulations with 30 wt% Tween® 20, and 30 wt% Tween® 80, respectively. Moreover, due to the high molecular weight of polysorbates, they are not highly volatile, which allows processing PLA by conventional extrusion and injection molding without plasticizer volatilization. This works widens the industrial applications of polysorbates, as cost-effective, highly efficient and environmentally friendly plasticizers for PLA with enhanced toughness.
Modification of SBA-15 for stabilizing supported oxides
Authors: Wang Ching-Yu , Shen Kai , Vohs John M. , Gorte Raymond J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The effect of treating SBA-15 with a piranha solution at room temperature was studied for purposes of stabilizing a WO3 film deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). For unmodified SBA-15, the film was found to migrate out of the SBA-15 pore structure between 573 and 773 K; however, WO3 remained within the pores in piranha-treated samples at 773 K, as demonstrated by X-Ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Although N2 adsorption isotherms showed that the pore structure of SBA-15 was unaffected by the piranha treatment, the silanol content increased, as shown by water adsorption isotherms and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectra of the silanol region. Temperature-programmed desorption results for 2-propanol also suggested that the silanols were more reactive in the piranha-treated samples. The results demonstrate the importance of surface modification of SBA-15 for the preparation of supported-oxide catalysts.
Frailty indices predict mortality, complications and functional improvements in supratentorial meningioma patients over 80 years of age
Authors: Schwartz Christoph , Ueberschaer Moritz F. , Rautalin Ilari , Grauvogel Jürgen , Bissolo Marco , Masalha Waseem , Steiert Christine , Schnell Oliver , Beck Jürgen , Ebel Florian , Bervini David , Raabe Andreas , Eibl Thomas , Steiner Hans-Herbert , Schebesch Karl-Michael , Shlobin Nathan A. , Nandoliya Khizar R. , Youngblood Mark W. , Chandler James P. , Magill Stephen T. , Romagna Alexander , Lehmberg Jens , Fuetsch Manuel , Spears Julian , Rezai Arwin , Ladisich Barbara , Demetz Matthias , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Niemelä Mika , Korja Miikka 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To assess whether the Modified 5 (mFI-5) and 11 (mFI-11) Factor Frailty Indices associate with postoperative mortality, complications, and functional benefit in supratentorial meningioma patients aged over 80 years.

Methods
Baseline characteristics were collected from eight centers. Based on the patients’ preoperative status and comorbidities, frailty was assessed by the mFI-5 and mFI-11. The collected scores were categorized as “robust (mFI=0)”, “pre-frail (mFI=1)”, “frail (mFI=2)”, and “significantly frail (mFI≥3)”. Outcome was assessed by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS); functional benefit was defined as improved KPS score. Additionally, we evaluated the patients’ functional independence (KPS≥70) after surgery.

Results
The study population consisted of 262 patients (median age 83 years) with a median preoperative KPS of 70 (range 20 to 100). The 90-day and 1-year mortality were 9.0% and 13.2%; we recorded surgery-associated complications in 111 (42.4%) patients. At last follow-up within the postoperative first year, 101 (38.5%) patients showed an improved KPS, and 183 (69.8%) either gained or maintained functional independence. “Severely frail” patients were at an increased risk of death at 90 days (OR 16.3 (CI95% 1.7-158.7)) and one year (OR 11.7 (CI95% 1.9-71.7)); nine (42.9%) of severely frail patients died within the first year after surgery. The “severely frail” cohort had increased odds of suffering from surgery-associated complications (OR 3.9 (CI 95%) 1.3-11.3)), but also had a high chance for postoperative functional improvements by KPS≥20 (OR 6.6 (CI95% 1.2-36.2)).

Conclusion
The mFI-5 and mFI-11 associate with postoperative mortality, complications, and functional benefit. Even though “severely frail” patients had the highest risk morbidity and mortality, they had the highest chance for functional improvement.
Mapping the Geographical Distribution of Climate-Related Extreme Events and PNRR Funding: The Case of Italy
Authors: D’Angeli Mariagrazia , Gazzellone Giacomo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe relationship between public policy and extreme weather events is of critical importance for disaster risk management. Institutions can facilitate adaptation through effective resource allocation. In Europe, initiatives such as the Next Generation EU offer funding to address adaptation challenges. Italy’s National Resilience and Recovery Plan (PNRR) aims, among other goals, to enhance disaster preparedness. This paper assesses the distribution of PNRR funding across Italian provinces, examining its geographical convergence with climate-related extreme events. With this analysis, useful insights can inform policymakers on PNRR resource allocation for disaster preparedness across Italy.
Incorporation of mechanistic model outputs as features for data-driven models for yield prediction: a case study on wheat and chickpea
Authors: Al-Shammari Dhahi , Chen Yang , Wimalathunge Niranjan S. , Wang Chen , Han Si Yang , Bishop Thomas F. A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Context Data-driven models (DDMs) are increasingly used for crop yield prediction due to their ability to capture complex patterns and relationships. DDMs rely heavily on data inputs to provide predictions. Despite their effectiveness, DDMs can be complemented by inputs derived from mechanistic models (MMs).

Methods
This study investigated enhancing the predictive quality of DDMs by using as features a combination of MMs outputs, specifically biomass and soil moisture, with conventional data sources like satellite imagery, weather, and soil information. Four experiments were performed with different datasets being used for prediction: Experiment 1 combined MM outputs with conventional data; Experiment 2 excluded MM outputs; Experiment 3 was the same as Experiment 1 but all conventional temporal data were omitted; Experiment 4 utilised solely MM outputs. The research encompassed ten field-years of wheat and chickpea yield data, applying the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBOOST) algorithm for model fitting. Performance was evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE) and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).

Results and conclusions
The validation results showed that the XGBOOST model had similar predictive power for both crops in Experiments 1, 2, and 3. For chickpeas, the CCC ranged from 0.89 to 0.91 and the RMSE from 0.23 to 0.25 t ha−1. For wheat, the CCC ranged from 0.87 to 0.92 and the RMSE from 0.29 to 0.35 t ha−1. However, Experiment 4 significantly reduced the model's accuracy, with CCCs dropping to 0.47 for chickpeas and 0.36 for wheat, and RMSEs increasing to 0.46 and 0.65 t ha−1, respectively. Ultimately, Experiments 1, 2, and 3 demonstrated comparable effectiveness, but Experiment 3 is recommended for achieving similar predictive quality with a simpler, more interpretable model using biomass and soil moisture alongside non-temporal conventional features.
A Map for the Ontological Crossroads
Authors: Maltrana Diego , Guíñez Rosa , Herrera Ana , Jara Alvaro , Benitez Federico 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges when teaching chemistry at the elementary and secondary levels arises from the conceptual gap between the ontology of macroscopic objects and agents and an ontology where the relevant objects behind macroscopic phenomena are, in fact, inaccessible to our senses. This work employs tools from the general philosophy of science to uncover the implicit ontology of school chemistry, offering an analysis that aligns with Talanquer’s proposition of a structure–property progression in chemistry learning. This is achieved through examining the distinction between two different theoretical functions in our science: modeling interactions and providing general structural frameworks. We envision that our proposal will help teachers when guiding the conceptual transitions of students along their learning progression.
Heparin-like effect of a dual antiplatelet and anticoagulant (APAC) agent on red blood cell deformability and aggregation in an experimental model
Authors: Matrai Adam Attila , Varga Adam , Bedocs-Barath Barbara , Vanyolos Erzsebet , Orban-Kalmandi Rita , Loczi Linda , Bagoly Zsuzsa , Jouppila Annukka , Lassila Riitta , Nemeth Norbert , Deak Adam 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTreatments with different antithrombotic agents can affect micro-rheological variables, such as red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation. Since the effect of dual antiplatelet and anticoagulant (APAC) treatment on micro-rheology is unknown, we aimed to investigate the effect of different intravenous doses of APAC on hematological and micro-rheological variables in a porcine model. Two groups were formed (APAC group, Control group), and blood was collected from the animals at preset intervals. Hematological variables, RBC deformability, and aggregation were measured. We observed an improvement in the RBC deformability measured at a low shear stress range (< 3 Pa). However, after both doses, a decrease in the maximal elongation index of RBC values occurred in the APAC group. RBC aggregation increased after APAC bolus dose, while it gradually and dose-dependently decreased. Supposedly, the improvement in RBC deformability that was observed at a lower shear rate could facilitate aggregation. Administration of APAC and unfractionated heparin (UFH) caused comparable changes in hematological and hemorheological variables. Signs of thrombosis or bleeding did not occur. APAC and UFH had comparable micro-rheological effects.
Impact of robotic-assisted surgery on length of hospital stay in Paris public hospitals: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Blanc Thomas , Capito Carmen , Lambert Edward , Mordant Pierre , Audenet François , de la Taille Alexandre , Peycelon Matthieu , Cattan Pierre , Assouad Jalal , Penna Christophe , Borghese Bruno , Roupret Morgan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe number of available hospital beds is decreasing in many countries. Reducing the length of hospital stay (LOS) and increasing bed turnover could improve patient flow. We evaluated whether robot-assisted surgery (RAS) had a beneficial impact on the LOS in a French hospital trust with a long-established robotic program (Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, AP-HP). We extracted data from “Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d’Information” to determine the median LOS for adults in our trust after RAS versus laparoscopy and open surgery in 2021–2022 for eight target procedures, and compared data nationally and at similar academic centres (same database). We also calculated the number of hospitalisation days ‘saved’ using RAS. Overall, 9326 target procedures were performed at AP-HP: 3864 (41.4%) RAS, 2978 (31.9%) laparoscopies, and 2484 (26.6%) open surgeries. The median LOS for RAS was lower than laparoscopy and open surgery for all procedures, apart from hysterectomy and colectomy (equivalent to laparoscopy). Results for urological procedures at AP-HP reflected national values. The equivalent of 5390 hospitalisation days was saved in 2021–2022 using RAS instead of open surgery or laparoscopy at AP-HP; of these, 86% represented hospitalisation days saved using RAS in urological procedures. Using RAS instead of open surgery or laparoscopy (particularly in urological procedures) reduced the median LOS and may save thousands of hospitalisation days every year. This should help to increase patient turnover and facilitate patient flow.
Medical financial hardship in the Southern United States: the struggle continues across generations pre- and post- the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Datta Biplab Kumar , Coughlin Steven S. , Moore Justin Xavier , Chen Jie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Medical financial hardship in the United States is a growing public health concern. This study aims to assess the south vs. non-south disparities in medical financial hardship among US adults of different generations – Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980), and the Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) across periods pre- and post- Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Methods
This observational study utilizes data from multiple waves of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) split into three periods: pre–ACA (2011–2013), ii) post ACA (2015–2018), and iii) COVID-19 pandemic (2021–2022). Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted, separately for each generation in each period, to compare the extent of medical financial hardship among those from South to rest of the US, and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) decomposition was applied to analyze whether there was a mediating impact of health insurance coverage.

Results
Adults living in the South were more likely to experience medical financial hardship in all three periods. Residing in the South was associated with 1.7 to 2.6% points (pp) higher probability of medical financial hardship among boomers, 1.8 to 4.0 pp among generation Xers, and 1.7 to 2.8 pp among millennials. The relationship was robust after accounting for chronic comorbidities, sociodemographic and socioeconomic attributes and was partially mediated through differences in health insurance coverage.

Conclusions
The problem of medical financial hardship has been deeply rooted in the South across generations, which was partly attributable to the regional differences in health insurance coverage.
Utility of dual source dual energy cardiac CT in coronary artery dissection diagnosis and follow-up: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Dell’Aversana Federica , Ferrandino Giovanni , Tedeschi Carlo , Tamburrini Stefania , Comune Rosita , Liguori Carlo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The role of cardiac CTA (CCTA) in the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established. However, its role in the morphological and functional evaluation of coronary artery dissection is still not adequately investigated.

Methods
We performed a review of the current literature regarding dual source—dual energy CCTA (dsDECCTA) performance in the diagnosis and follow-up of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and iatrogenic coronary artery dissection (ICAD).We highlighted dsDECTA diagnostic contribution in such a rare and specific scenario, through a single center experience, reporting more than 10 consecutive cases acquired in the acute phase in a 12 month period.

Discussion
DsDECT has an effective role in the diagnosis and the follow-up of SCAD and in the management of iatrogenic coronary dissections.

Conclusions
DsDECT cardiac imaging may represent a game-changer in the diagnosis of cases of coronary artery dissection and in the follow-up of SCAD, given its high recurrence rate.
Thermodynamic Processes Driving Thermal Circulations on Slopes: Modeling Anabatic and Katabatic Flows on Reunion Island
Authors: El Gdachi S. , Tulet P. , Réchou A. , Burnet F. , Mouchel‐Vallon C. , Jambert C. , Leriche M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study investigates thermal circulations on Reunion Island (21°07’S 55°32’E), focusing on the complex terrain of the region. Observations from the BIO‐MAÏDO campaign, along with 2 days of high‐resolution simulation using the MesoNH model, were analyzed to understand the thermally‐driven mechanisms. This simulation was conducted with a horizontal resolution of 100 m and employed a vertically stretched grid, achieving a resolution of 1 m at the lowest levels. Two distinct wind regimes were identified, characterized by katabatic flows prevailing within a 30 m thick layer during nighttime, and an anabatic flow manifesting within a layer spanning from 150 to 200 m during the daytime. The simulation was confirmed through validation with surface measurements, and thus enabling a detailed study of thermal breeze circulations. Results reveal that the intensity of trade winds significantly influences the development of thermal circulations. Complex layered structures in the atmosphere were also identified. At an intensity of 7 m s−1, trade winds impede the development of thermal circulations atop the slope, and result in the emergence of a convergence zone between local and regional circulations. The analysis of the breeze establishment period indicates that the katabatic flow stabilizes in 35 min, quicker than the anabatic flow, which takes 110 min. Momentum and heat budget analysis provide insights into the primary drivers of thermal circulations: buoyancy acceleration, influenced by local surface heating during anabatic flow onset, and local surface cooling during katabatic flow onset.
Boreal Forest Fire Causes Daytime Surface Warming During Summer to Exceed Surface Cooling During Winter in North America
Authors: Helbig M. , Daw L. , Iwata H. , Rudaitis L. , Ueyama M. , Živković T. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBoreal wildfires modify surface climates affecting plant physiology, permafrost thaw, and carbon fluxes. Post‐fire temperatures vary over decades because of successional vegetation changes. Yet, the underlying biophysical drivers remain uncertain. Here, we quantify surface climate changes following fire disturbances in the North American boreal forest and identify its dominant biophysical drivers. We analyze multi‐year land‐atmosphere energy exchange and satellite observations from across North America and find post‐fire daytime surface temperatures to be substantially warmer for about five decades while winter temperatures are slightly cooler. Post‐fire decadal changes are characterized by decreasing leaf area index during the first decade, by sharply increasing surface albedo during the snow cover period, and by a less efficient heat exchange between the forest and the atmosphere caused by decreasing surface roughness for about 2–3 decades. Over the first three decades, the amount of energy used for evapotranspiration increases before returning to lower values. We find that surface warming is mainly explained by less efficient forest‐atmosphere heat exchange while cooling is additionally explained by increasing surface albedo. We estimate that biome‐wide daytime surface temperatures of the Canadian boreal forest in 2024 are 0.27°C warmer in the summer and 0.02°C cooler during the winter because of fire. For a scenario with a strong increase in burned area, we estimate annual warming from fire to increase by a third until 2050. Our study highlights the potential for accelerated surface warming in the boreal biome with increasing wildfire activity and disentangles the biophysical drivers of fire‐related surface climate impacts.