bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping of density-dependent material properties of dry manufactured snow using $$\mu$$CT
Authors: Bahaloo Hassan , Forsberg Fredrik , Casselgren Johan , Lycksam Henrik , Sjödahl Mikael 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDespite the significance of snow in various cryospheric, polar, and construction contexts, more comprehensive studies are required on its mechanical properties. In recent years, the utilization of $$\mu$$
μ
CT has yielded valuable insights into snow analysis. Our objective is to establish a methodology for mapping density-dependent material properties for dry manufactured snow within the density range of 400–600 kg/m$$^3$$

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utilizing $$\mu$$
μ
CT imaging and step-wise, quasi-static, mechanical loading. We also aim to investigate the variations in the structural parameters of snow during loading. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of snow is captured using $$\mu$$
μ
CT with 801 projections at the beginning of the experiments and at the end of each loading step. The sample is compressed at a temperature of − 18 $$\mathrm {^o}$$

o

C using a constant rate of deformation (0.2 mm/min) in multiple steps. The relative density of the snow is determined at each load step using binary image segmentation. It varies from 0.44 in the beginning to nearly 0.65 at the end of the loading, which corresponds to a density range of 400–600 kg/m$$^3$$

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. The estimated modulus and viscosity terms, obtained from the Burger’s model, show an increasing trend with density. The values of the Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt moduli were found to range from 60 to 320 MPa and from 6 to 40 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the viscosity values for the Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt models varied from 0.4 to 3.5 GPa-s, and 0.3–3.2 GPa-s, respectively, within the considered density range. In addition, Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) was used to calculate the full-field strain distribution in the specimen at each load step. The image analysis results show that, the particle size and specific surface area (SSA) do not change significantly within the studied range of loading and densities, while the sphericity of the particles is increased. The grain diameter ranges from approximately 100 $$\upmu$$
μ
m to nearly 400 $$\upmu$$
μ
m, with a mode of nearly 200 $$\upmu$$
μ
m. The methodology presented in this study opens up a path for an extensive statistical analysis of the material properties by experimenting more snow samples.
Risk of obstructive sleep apnea among health workers: results of a screening in a large Italian University Hospital
Authors: Spiteri Gianluca , Monaco Maria Grazia Lourdes , Carta Angela , Taus Francesco , Torroni Lorena , Verlato Giuseppe , Porru Stefano 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory sleep disorder, related to increased mortality, poor quality of life, and higher risk of work accidents and injuries. Studies on the risk of OSA (rOSA) among health workers (HW) are scant. The aims of this study were to investigate this issue in a large University Hospital and to assess the effectiveness of a screening program.

Methods
The STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ) was sent via e-mail to the 5031 HW employed at the University Hospital of Verona. HW who completed the SBQ were classified at low, moderate, and high rOSA. HW at high rOSA were invited to undergo nocturnal polygraphy. The determinants of rOSA were studied by non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, Pearson's chi-squared, and multinomial logistic model.

Results
Of 5031 HW, 1564 (31.1%) completed the online questionnaire. Responders with low, moderate, and high rOSA were 72.7%, 13.7%, and 13.6%. Male gender, older age, and higher body mass index (BMI) were significant predictors of high rOSA, as expected. Physicians had the lowest probability of being in the high-risk category. Polygraphy was performed in 64 subjects. The positive predictive value of the self-administered SBQ was 68.8% (95%C.I. 55.9–79.8%) but raised to 96.9% (95%C.I. 89.2–99.6%) when re-administered by medical staff.

Conclusion
SBQ showed its effectiveness as a screening tool in detecting undiagnosed OSA in HW. Systematic screening for OSA in work settings could allow early diagnosis and treatment, reducing short- and long-term health effects of OSA.
Orthogonal Dissection into Few Rectangles
Authors: Eppstein David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe describe a polynomial time algorithm that takes as input a polygon with axis-parallel sides but irrational vertex coordinates, and outputs a set of as few rectangles as possible into which it can be dissected by axis-parallel cuts and translations. The number of rectangles is the rank of the Dehn invariant of the polygon. The same method can also be used to dissect an axis-parallel polygon into a simple polygon with the minimum possible number of edges. When rotations or reflections are allowed, we can approximate the minimum number of rectangles to within a factor of two.
Satisfaction of surgeons with the current state of training in minimally invasive surgery: a survey among German surgeons
Authors: von Bechtolsheim Felix , Schneider Alfred , Schmidt Sofia , Al-Aqiqi Omar , Radulova-Mauersberger Olga , Krause-Jüttler Grit , Weitz Jürgen , Distler Marius , Oehme Florian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) requires intense education and training with structured supervision and feedback. However, a standardized training structure is lacking in Germany. This nationwide survey aimed to assess the current state of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) training and factors impacting surgeons' satisfaction.

Methods
Between July and October 2021, an online survey was conducted among general, abdominal, and thoracic surgeons in Germany. The survey collected data on department size, individual operative experience, availability of MIS training equipment and curricula, and individual satisfaction with training. A linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors influencing the surgeons’ satisfaction with the MIS training.

Results
A total of 1008 surgeons participated in the survey, including residents (26.1%), fellows (14.6%), attendings (43.8%), and heads of departments (15.2%). Of the respondents, 57.4% reported having access to MIS training equipment, 29.8% and 26% had a curriculum for skills lab MIS training and intraoperative MIS training, respectively. In multivariate linear regression analysis, strongest predictors for surgeons’ satisfaction with skills lab MIS training and intraoperative training were the availability of respective training curricula (skills lab: β 12.572; p < 0.001 & intraoperative: β 16.541; p < 0.001), and equipment (β 5.246; p = 0.012 & β 4.295; p = 0.037), and experience as a first surgeon in laparoscopy (β 12.572; p < 0.001 & β 3.748; p = 0.007). Additionally, trainees and teachers differed in their satisfaction factors.

Conclusion
Germany lacks standardized training curricula and sufficient access to MIS training equipment. Trainees and teachers have distinct factors influencing their satisfaction with MIS training. Standardized curricula, equipment accessibility, and surgical experience are crucial for improving surgeons’ satisfaction with training.
Interdisziplinärer Ansatz zur Implementierung von BIM im Tunnelbau
Authors: Moser Karoline , Schmelz Julia , Weitering Lucas , Zeni Philipp 
Published: December 2023

ZusammenfassungDas Projekt „Interdisziplinärer Ansatz zur Implementierung von BIM im Tunnelbau“ erforscht die Integration von Building Information Modeling (BIM) im Tunnelbau. Ziel ist die bessere Zusammenarbeit und Koordination durch die Nutzung von BIM-Technologien. Durch Fallstudien und Untersuchungen sollen wertvolle Erkenntnisse für die Integration von BIM in zukünftige Tunnelbauprojekte gewonnen werden.In Zusammenarbeit mit verschiedenen Lehrstühlen an der Montanuniversität Leoben konzentriert sich das Projekt auf das Tunnelsystem ZaB – Zentrum am Berg, eine Untertage Forschungsanlage der Montanuniversität Leoben am steirischen Erzberg, das die Einführung eines BIM-fähigen Standards für zukünftige Tunnelprojekte anstrebt.Die Digitalisierung im Tunnelbau ist aufgrund fehlender effizienter Infrastrukturtechnik notwendig. Dieses Projekt zielt darauf ab, durch die Kombination von Fachwissen aus verschiedenen Bereichen umfassende Lösungen für die Digitalisierung im Tunnelbau zu schaffen.Langfristig strebt das Projekt die Etablierung einer integrierten Softwarelösung für den Tunnelbau an. Es setzt auf Kollaboration und interdisziplinäres Wissen, um die Implementierung von BIM im Tunnelbau zu erleichtern.
Need for a protocol for performance evaluation of the gas analyzers used in biomethane conformity assessment
Authors: Arrhenius Karine , Culleton Lucy , Nwaboh Javis , Li Jianrong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBiomethane may contain trace components that can have adverse effects on gas vehicles performances and on the pipelines when injected in the gas grid. Biomethane quality assurance against specifications is therefore crucial for the integrity of the end-users’ appliances. Analytical methods used to assess biomethane conformity assessment must be validated properly and possibly, new methods specifically for biomethane should be developed. This paper provides an overview of the biomethane quality assurance infrastructure and the challenges faced with focus on sampling, analysis methods, reference gas mixtures, and performance evaluation. Currently, requirements for analytical method validation and fit-for-purpose assessments do not exist for biomethane. The industry is in urgent need of a protocol to evaluate the fit-for-purpose of methods in a harmonized manner. Reference gas mixtures to check the accuracy of the instrument and to determine the traceability of the measurement are also urgently required.
A computational insight on the aromatic amino acids conjugation with [Cp*Rh(H2O)3]2+ by using the meta-dynamics/FMO3 approach
Authors: Paciotti Roberto , Marrone Alessandro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Context
Rh(III) complexes demonstrated to exert promising pharmacological effects with potential applications as anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and antimicrobial agents. One important Rh(III)-ligand is the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) group forming in water the [Cp*Rh(H2O)3]2+ complex. Among of its attractive chemical properties is the ability to react specifically with Tyr amino acid side chain of G-protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) peptides by means of highly chemoselective bioconjugation reaction, at room temperature and at pH 5–6. In this computational work, in order to deepen the mechanism of this chemoselective conjugation, we study the ligand exchange reaction between [Cp*Rh(H2O)3]2+ and three small molecules, namely p-cresol, 3-methylimidazole, and toluene, selected as mimetic of aromatic side chains of tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and phenylalanine (Phe), respectively. Our outcomes suggest that the high selectivity for Tyr side chain might be related to OH group able to affect both thermodynamic and kinetic of ligand exchange reaction, due to its ability to act as both H bond acceptor and donor. These mechanistic aspects can be used to design new metal drugs containing the [Cp*Rh]2+ scaffold targeting specifically Tyr residues involved in biological/pathological processes such as phosphorylation by means of Tyr-kinase enzyme and protein–protein interactions.

Methods
The geometry of three encounter complexes and product adducts were optimized at the B3LYP//CPCM/ωB97X-D level of theory, adopting the 6-311+G(d,p) basis set for all non-metal atoms and the LANL2DZ pseudopotential for the Rh atom. Meta-dynamics RMSD (MTD(RMSD)) calculations at GFN2-xTB level of theory were performed in NVT conditions at 298.15 K to investigate the bioconjugation reactions (simulation time: 100 ps; integration step 2.0; implicit solvent model: GBSA). The MTD(RMSD) simulation was performed in two replicates for each encounter complex. Final representative subsets of 100 structures for each run were gained with a sampling rate of 1 ps and analyzed by performing single point calculations using the FMO3 method at RI-MP2/6-311G//PCM[1] level of theory, adopting the MCP-TZP core potential for Rh atom.
Influence of crown and canopy structure on light absorption, light use efficiency, and growth in mixed and pure Pseudotsuga menziesii and Fagus sylvatica forests
Authors: Plaga Benjamin N. E. , Bauhus Jürgen , Pretzsch Hans , Pereira Mário Gonzalez , Forrester David I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMixed-species forests can provide higher levels of ecosystem functions and services and can be more resistant and resilient in the face of global change. While many studies focus on the growth and yield of mixed forests, fewer have examined the underlying processes. Inter- or intra-specific differences and interactions influence tree- and stand-level light absorption by determining the vertical structure of stratified canopies, stand density, leaf area index, and the size or allometry of trees. While canopy light absorption is a very important process, it is difficult to quantify it for individual species within a mixture and is rarely examined. A detailed tree-level model (MAESTRA) was used in combination with measurements of tree sizes and stand structures to examine effects of mixing on absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) in 41–63-year-old stands of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Fagus sylvatica at three sites in Bavaria, Germany. The effects of initial stand density on APAR were analysed in 46-year-old P. menziesii stands of a spacing experiment at two sites. At the tree level, mixing increased mean height and leaf area, growth (185% higher) and APAR (85% higher) of P. menziesii at all sites. Mean tree heights and crown sizes of F. sylvatica were larger in mixtures, while recent growth rates and APAR were not significantly different to monocultures. Planting density did not influence mean tree variables (e.g. height, leaf area, crown volume), because any initial spacing effects had been gradually removed by thinning across all treatments. At the stand level, there were no differences in growth, basal area or in the annual growth per annual APAR (light use efficiency, LUE) between monocultures and mixtures. The highest APAR values were observed in P. menziesii monocultures, while the lowest APAR values were observed in F. sylvatica monocultures. While mixing these species may not increase stand-level growth during later phases of development, mixing accelerated initial growth of individual trees and reduced the time to reach target diameters, which are both important aspects in adapting forests to global change.
The effects of energy consumption of alumina production in the environmental impacts using life cycle assessment
Authors: Sáez-Guinoa Javier , García-Franco Enrique , Llera-Sastresa Eva , Romeo Luis M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Aluminium industry emits around 1–2% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Up to one-third of those are linked to the thermal energy consumed during its initial process: the alumina refining (Bayer process). Previous studies consider the Bayer process a single stage despite its being made of several reaction stages. This work presents a disaggregated energy analysis of the Bayer process that facilitates to find relationships between the main variables in regular alumina production and the environmental impacts.

Methods
Two different thermodynamic simulations of the Bayer process were carried out using Aspen V11 software. The results of these simulations were validated with referenced data, and afterwards, they were used to perform a life cycle assessment. ISO 14040 and 14,044 standards were followed during the analysis. LCA was implemented on SimaPro 9.0, and ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) method was used to calculate environmental impacts. The influence of bauxite mineral form, type of fuel (energy input), and the distance from the mine to the plant was analysed throughout the study.

Results and discussion
As expected, the type of fuel was revealed as the most crucial factor in the environmental impact of alumina production, with potential savings of up to 75.5% of CO2-equivalent emissions. Nonetheless, the tendency is diverse for other indicators, such as marine eutrophication or terrestrial acidification. On the other hand, while bauxite transportation always has the same impact on the different environmental indicators, bauxite mineral form affects differently depending on the fuel, causing variations in the CO2-eq emissions from 7.7 to 51.3%.

Conclusions
Results indicated that the electrification of heat-demanding processes and the use of renewable power is the most effective approach for reducing environmental impacts. This strategy, however, must be considered in combination with others, as interdependent effects exist on the type of mineral used. These results provide strong evidence of the potential for environmentally friendly strategies in the metal industry, including new processes, alternative fuels, or mineral switching to promote more sustainable aluminium production.
Conditional Knockout of IL-1R1 in Endothelial Cells Attenuates Seizures and Neurodegeneration via Inhibiting Neuroinflammation Mediated by Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 Signaling in Status Epilepticus Model
Authors: Wu Lianlian , Zhu Yuhua , Qin Ying , Yuan Honghua , Zhang Lingzhi , Lu Tianyuan , Chen Quangang , Hu Ankang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStudies on the bench and at bedside have demonstrated that the process of epileptogenesis is involved in neuroinflammatory responses. As the receptor of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, IL-1β type 1 receptor (IL-1R1) is reported to express abundantly in the endothelial cells in epileptic brains, which is deemed to be implicated in the epileptogenic process. However, whether and how endothelial IL-1R1 modulates neuroinflammatory responses in the pathological process of epileptic seizures and/or status epilepticus (SE) remains obscure. Here, we indicated endothelial IL-1R1 is involved in neuroinflammation, facilitating epilepsy progress via Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3. In vitro, we observed upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in co-culture model under IL-1β challenge, as well as in BV2 cells after stimulation with conditional medium (CM) from IL-1β-stimulated bEnd.3 cells. In vivo, mice with conditional knockout of endothelial IL-1R1 (IL-1R1-CKO) were generated by hybrid IL-1R1flox/flox mice with Tek-Cre mice. IL-1R1-CKO reduced seizure susceptibility in kainic acid (KA)-induced SE model. In addition, IL-1R1-CKO KA mice exhibited lessened hippocampal neuroinflammation, mitigated neuronal damage, and decreased abnormal neurogenesis. In cognitive behavioral tests, IL-1R1-CKO KA mice presented improvement in learning and memory. Furthermore, we also indicated blockage of endothelial IL-1R1 downregulated the expressions of Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins. Nrf2-siRNA reversed the downregulation of HO-1, NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β. These results demonstrated CKO of endothelial IL-1R1 reduces seizure susceptibility and attenuates SE-related neurobehavioral damage by suppressing hippocampal neuroinflammation via Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3.
Estimating the causal impact of non-traditional household structures on children’s educational performance using a machine learning propensity score
Authors: Shang Li-Dan , Rowe Francisco , Lin Eric S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOver the past two decades, family structures have diversified. International migration has led to a rise in the number of families in which at least one parent is foreign-born. Increases have also been observed in both the rate of partnership separation, leading to a greater number of single-parent households and an increase in the number of families where grandparents have assumed caring responsibilities for their grandchildren. Evidence indicates a strong relationship between family structure and children’s educational outcomes. Parental involvement is well documented as a key ingredient for the educational success of children. Drawing on Taiwanese multi-wave survey data (Taiwan Assessment of Student Achievement) and a machine-learning-based propensity score algorithm for multiple treatments, this paper aims to determine the various relationships between children from different household structures (two-parent households, skipped generation households, single-parent households, and immigrant households) and their cognitive knowledge (measured by test scores). Key findings reveal that children from skipped generation households achieve the lowest performance scores and that those from immigrant households tend to perform even better than children from traditional two-parent households in certain disciplines. Our results suggest that policy interventions targeted at providing remedial education and/or financial assistance are needed to support children from skipped generation families to redress existing educational disadvantages in Taiwan.
Effects of Compaction and Thermal Pre-treatments on Generation of Dross and Off-Gases in Aluminium Recycling
Authors: Vallejo-Olivares Alicia , Gertjegerdes Tom , Høgåsen Solveig , Friedrich Bernd , Tranell Gabriella 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOrganic coatings are a challenge for aluminium packaging recycling since they tend to increase the re-melting metal losses. A solution is de-coating the scrap via a thermal pre-treatment to burn-off the organics before re-melting. Due to logistic benefits, the scrap is often pressed into bales. This study evaluates the influence of compaction on the de-coating efficiency and off-gas emissions, and its consequences for dross formation and recycling metal yield. Loose chips and two types of briquettes, one loosely compacted by uniaxial pressure and the other compacted by moderated-pressure-torsion to higher densities, were heated to 550 °C while analysing the off-gas emissions using FTIR. The briquettes were subsequently re-melted into a molten heel. Re-melting coated scrap multiplied the % wt of dross by a factor of 2 or 3, depending on the compaction pre-treatment, compared to re-melting uncoated aluminium. The densest briquettes emitted less than half the CO2 and CO gases during de-coating and formed significantly more dross. Compaction to the lower densities showed no tangible effects. The effect of de-coating compacted materials or not was small (± 2% wt dross), which was attributed to carbonaceous residues remaining after the thermal treatment. In conclusion, high compactions by torsion limit the de-coating reactions, which depend on factors such as temperature and gas transport. A complete removal of the organic residues is critical for a more sustainable recycling with less dross generated.
Graphical Abstract