bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Fleet Management Software in the Greek Construction Industry
Authors: Petroutsatou Kleopatra , Ladopoulos Ilias , Vlachokostas Grigorios 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Nowadays, construction companies are facing multiple difficulties on how properly and effectively manage their fleet of construction equipment. Fleet management (FM) is a feature that allows companies to avoid or minimize the risks associated with investing in equipment, efficiency, productivity, overall transportation costs, impartial compliance in legislation. FM can include a variety of functions such as equipment acquisition, maintenance, licensing, accident management, replacement, equipment tracking, health and safety management, and many others. Internationally, there have been developed many Fleet Management Software (FMS) that offer a company with several functionalities. In this research the functions of the most globally used FMS are analysed and evaluated according to their qualitative characteristics. A questionnaire was distributed among significant large construction companies and public construction institutions in Greece, in order to evaluate those characteristics. This allowed to identify their extent of use and to highlight the most important abilities that the users desire. Finally, these characteristics were ranked using the Relative Importance Weight (RIW). By this hierarchy process users’ needs are revealed, and further areas of software development are enlightened.
Financing Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects through Tokenization-enabled Project Finance on Blockchain
Authors: Tian Y , Minchin R E , Petersen C , Moayed E , Adriaens P 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInfrastructure is critical for enabling society to function and the economy to thrive. Unfortunately, there is an increasing mismatch between the need for infrastructure investment and available financing globally due to constraints on public resources and limited capacity to effectively leverage private sector co-financing in the current system. This research explores the integration of blockchain-enabled asset tokenization with public-private partnership (PPP) project finance to engage private sector resources and innovation to supplement limited public sector capacities and to leverage the inherent efficiencies in infrastructure financing. A conceptual framework of tokenization-enabled PPP project finance is proposed. The transactional and contractual structures of the blockchain-driven infrastructure financing system are illustrated and evaluated. It is found that the potential benefits can be summarized into three categories: better project management, improved bankability, and enhanced inclusivity.
The Bromilow Time-Cost model: a case study for the infrastructure projects in Romania
Authors: Purnus A , Bodea C N , Stoian M 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The Bromilow Time-Cost model is widely applied for estimating the duration of the construction works. The application of this model requires the estimation of different model’s parameters, which are capturing the economic, social and technological differences in projects’ implementation in different regions/countries. The paper aims to develop a mathematical Time-Cost model to be applied in Romania for the road infrastructure projects, grouped into four categories: highways, road rehabilitation, road modernization and by-pass. The research carried out by the authors has as objective to confirm the existence of the correlation between the project duration and costs, and to propose a procedure to be applied by the public decision authorities in order to estimate the duration of road infrastructure contracts. Tthe estimation of the implementation time was done through three scenarios: optimistic, most likely and pessimistic. The parameters of the Bromilow Time-Cost model and the regression models were identified
Analysis of Events and Exposures Leading to Construction Injuries in Developing Countries: The Case of Lebanon
Authors: Hatoum M B , Nassereddine H , Hamzeh F , Khoury H 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
There is unanimous agreement that the complex and dynamic nature of construction jobsites is coupled with inherent risks. Global occupational and health agencies revealed that the construction industry leads with the number of fatal injuries incurred every year. Lebanon, a developing country in the Middle East, is no exception. Studies on construction safety in the country showed that the industry has failed to implement safety regulations, while also witnessing a lack of safety incentives, training, and education. The situation worsens with the absence of a national experience multiplier that could reflect on contractors’ safety statuses and hold them accountable for their safety performance. This study addresses the problem by proposing a cost model that evaluates construction injuries. An analysis was performed on more than 3,000 accident claims collected from insurance companies to understand the events and exposures that construction labour face. Results showed that there are 17 different types of events and exposures which can be grouped into three clusters depending on their frequency and average cost. This paper presents and expands on the three clusters and identifies the events that fall under each of them. The findings will serve as the base of the cost model in a future study.
The reuse of discarded plastic water bottles as an insulating material for external walls in buildings
Authors: Mousakhani E , Simons A , Harris D , Yavarkhani M , Anvari A 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The thermal conductivity of exterior wall insulation affects the overall energy consumption of a given building. Fiberglass insulation is often used for this application. This research investigated the feasibility of replacing typical fiberglass insulation with used empty Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles. In addition to potential cost savings, replacing fiberglass insulation with PET bottles on a large scale could help alleviate the environmental impact of sending these bottles to landfills. A small 8-inch by 8-inch wall section constructed with sheet metal and drywall was used for testing, maintaining a 3-inch airspace for proposed insulation. Thermal resistance was measured with the airspace packed with empty water bottles and comparisons were made to the same wall sections void of any water bottles. Testing was conducted both with and without a 1/2-inch foam board present for comparison. Kapton heaters and temperature sensors were used for the simulation. Preliminary testing showed promise for the proposed application. The effectiveness of the plastic water bottles at providing insulation properties increased with decreasing voltage in both test setups (both with and without the foam board) and was most effective when the foam board was present. Further research is needed to determine how the use of PET bottles for exterior wall insulation can be implemented on a larger scale and how R-values can be improved.
Effect of stress-relief annealing on isothermal fatigue life of a new hot stamping die steel 4Cr2Mo2V
Authors: Jiang Bin , Li Xiaocheng , Zuo Pengpeng , Wu Xiaochun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFor 4Cr2Mo2V hot stamping die steel, the isothermal fatigue test was suspended at different cycles, and the stress-relief annealing was carried outin situ. After annealing, the fatigue tests were continued. The stress-relief annealing was carried out at 30%, 50% and 70% of the cycle life when the total strain amplitude was 0.5%, and the fatigue life was increased by 30.27%, 23.84% and 10.24% respectively. On the basis of Basquin-Coffin-Manson life prediction model, by adding the influence of stress-relief annealing on life, obtained the stress-relief annealing life prediction model. The dislocation density, microstructure and pole figure were analyzed by TEM and XRD to explore the mechanism of stress-relief annealing on prolonging fatigue life. After stress-relief annealing, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) decreased, and the dislocations originally piled up at the grain boundary moved into the grain, delayed the time of dislocation cell or wall formation. At the same time, it could also eliminate the trend of consistent orientation of most grains in the fatigue process. This is the main reason why stress-relief annealing prolongs fatigue life.
A review of silver nanowire-based composites for flexible electronic applications
Authors: Sharma Neha , Nair Nitheesh M , Nagasarvari Garikapati , Ray Debdutta , Swaminathan Parasuraman 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have become a ubiquitous part of flexible electronic devices. The good electrical conductivity of silver, coupled with the excellent ductility and bendability exhibited by the wires make them ideal for flexible devices. Additionally, deposited films of Ag NWs are also found to be transparent due to the incomplete areal coverage of the wires. Thus, Ag NWs are widely used as transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) for flexible and wearable electronics, replacing the traditionally used metal oxide based TCEs. The properties and functionality of NWs can be further improved by forming composites with other materials. Composites have been synthesized by combining Ag NWs with metals, metal oxides, and polymers. Both dry- and wet-techniques have been used to synthesize and deposit these composites, which have unique structural, chemical, and functional properties leading to myriad applications. This review focuses on recent developments in the field of Ag NW-based composites. An overview of the various fabrication techniques is provided, with a particular focus on coating and printing techniques, which are widely used for depositing Ag NWs. The application of the composites in diverse fields is also discussed. While the most common application for these composites is as TCEs, they are also used in sensors (physical, chemical, and biological), displays, and energy-related applications. The structural and environmental stability of the composites is also discussed. Given the wide interest in the development of printed flexible electronic devices, new Ag NW-based composites and application areas can be expected to be developed going forward.
Dirac materials under linear polarized light: quantum wave function time evolution and topological Berry phases as classical charged particles trajectories under electromagnetic fields
Authors: Ibarra-Sierra V G , Sandoval-Santana J C , Kunold A , Herrera Saúl A , Naumis Gerardo G 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The response of electrons under linearly polarized light in Dirac materials as borophene or graphene is analyzed in a continuous wave regime for an arbitrary intense field. Using a rotation and a time-dependent phase transformation, the wave function evolution is shown to be governed by a spinor-component decoupled Whittaker–Hill equation. The numerical solution of these equations enables to find the quasienergy spectrum. For borophene it reveals a strong anisotropic response. By applying an extra unitary transformation, the wave functions are proven to follow an Ince equation. The evolution of the real and imaginary parts of the wave function is interpreted as the trajectory of a classical charged particle under oscillating electric and magnetic field. The topological properties of this forced quantum system are studied using this analogy. In particular, in the adiabatic driving regime, the system is described with an effective Matthieu equation while in the non-adiabatic regime the full Whittaker–Hill equation is needed. From there, it is possible to separate the dynamical and Berry phase contributions to obtain the topological phase diagram due to the driving. Therefore, a different path to perturbation theory is developed to obtain time-driven topological phases.
Progress toward a one-electron model for the non-valence correlation-bound anions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Mulvey Devin M , Jordan Kenneth D 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A one-electron model Hamiltonian is used to characterize the non-valence correlation-bound (NVCB) anions of hexagonal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

C

6
n

2

H

6
n

(n = 3–7). The model incorporates atomic electrostatic moments up to the quadrupole, coupled inducible charges and dipoles, and atom-centered repulsive Gaussians to describe the interaction between the excess electron and PAH. These model components are parameterized on and validated against all-electron calculations. Good agreement is found between the static dipole polarizabilities obtained from the model and those from PBE0 density functional theory and second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory calculations. In the model, charge flow dominates the in-plane polarizability of PAHs larger than C54H18, yielding an approximately quadratic scaling of the mean polarizabilty with the number of carbon atoms. Inclusion of electrostatic interactions decreases the electron binding energies for the largest PAHs considered by about 20% and shift charge distribution from above and below the plane of the ring system toward the periphery. Analysis of the electrostatic and polarization interactions provides insight into qualitative trends in the electron binding energy and the charge distribution of the lowest energy NVCB anion.
Comparative anatomy of leaf petioles in temperate trees and shrubs: the role of plant size, environment and phylogeny
Authors: Filartiga Arinawa Liz , Klimeš Adam , Altman Jan , Nobis Michael Peter , Crivellaro Alan , Schweingruber Fritz , Doležal Jiří 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsPetioles are important plant organs connecting stems with leaf blades and affecting light-harvesting ability of the leaf as well as transport of water, nutrients and biochemical signals. Despite the high diversity in petiole size, shape and anatomy, little information is available regarding their structural adaptations across evolutionary lineages and environmental conditions. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the variation of petiole morphology and anatomy of mainly European woody species to better understand the drivers of internal and external constraints in an evolutionary context.MethodsWe studied how petiole anatomical features differed according to whole-plant size, leaf traits, thermal and hydrological conditions, and taxonomic origin in 95 shrubs and trees using phylogenetic distance-based generalized least squares models.Key ResultsTwo major axes of variation were related to leaf area and plant size. Larger and softer leaves are found in taller trees of more productive habitats. Their petioles are longer, with a circular outline and are anatomically characterized by the predominance of sclerenchyma, larger vessels, interfascicular areas with fibres and indistinct phloem rays. In contrast, smaller and tougher leaves are found in shorter trees and shrubs of colder or drier habitats. Their petioles have a terete outline, phloem composed of small cells and radially arranged vessels, fibreless xylem and lamellar collenchyma. Individual anatomical traits were linked to different internal and external drivers. Petiole length and vessel diameter increase with increasing leaf blade area. Collenchyma becomes absent with increasing temperature, and petiole outline becomes polygonal with increasing precipitation.ConclusionsWe conclude that species’ temperature and precipitation optima, plant height, and leaf area and thickness exerted a significant control on petiole anatomical and morphological structures not confounded by phylogenetic inertia. Species with different evolutionary histories but similar thermal and hydrological requirements have converged to similar petiole anatomical structures.
The false dichotomy of surgical futility in the emergency laparotomy setting: scoping review
Authors: Javanmard-Emamghissi Hannah , Lockwood Sonia , Hare Sarah , Lund Jon N. , Tierney Gillian M. , Moug Susan J. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Futile is defined as ‘the fact of having no effect or of achieving nothing’. Futility in medicine has been defined through seven guiding principles, which in the context of emergency surgery, have been relatively unexplored. This scoping review aimed to identify key concepts around surgical futility as it relates to emergency laparotomy.

Methods
Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework, a scoping review was conducted. A search of the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and Embase was performed up until 1 November 2021 to identify literature relevant to the topic of futility in emergency laparotomy.

Results
Three cohort studies were included in the analysis. A total of 105 157 patients were included, with 1114 patients reported as futile. All studies were recent (2019 to 2020) and focused on the principle of quantitative futility (assessment of the probability of death after surgery) within a timeline after surgery: two defining futility as death within 48 hours of surgery and one as death within 72 hours. In all cases this was derived from a survival histogram. Predictors of defined futile procedures included age, level of independence prior to admission, surgical pathology, serum creatinine, arterial lactate, and pH.

Conclusion
There remains a paucity of research defining, exploring, and analysing futile surgery in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. With limited published work focusing on quantitative futility and the binary outcome of death, research is urgently needed to explore all principles of futility, including the wishes of patients and their families.
Impact of AJCC prognostic staging on prognosis and postmastectomy radiotherapy decision-making in hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Li Guan-Qiao , Yu Yang , Zhang Wen-Wen , Zhou Ping , Lian Chen-Lu , He Zhen-Yu , Wu San-Gang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in patients with node-positive hormone receptor-positive (HoR) and HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) regarding AJCC pathological prognostic staging (PPS) has not been fully determined. This study aimed to validate PPS in patients with node-positive HoR+/HER2+ BC after mastectomy and to investigate the role of PPS on PMRT decision-making in this patient subset.

Methods
Patients diagnosed with BC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were included. Patients were classified based on the anatomical staging (AS) and PPS. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) was calculated.

Results
In total, 6862 patients were included: 4306 (62.8 per cent) patients received PMRT and 2556 (37.2 per cent) patients had not. Compared to AS, PPS downstaged 5260 patients (76.7 per cent) and no patients were upstaged. The C-index was similar between PPS and AS (0.690 versus 0.682; P = 0.346). Regarding AS, patients who received PMRT had significantly better BCSS than those who had not in stage IIIA (P = 0.017) and stage IIIC (P &lt; 0.001) disease, but not in stage IB (P = 0.675), IIA (P = 0.677), IIB (P = 0.100), and IIIB (P = 0.747) disease. Regarding PPS, patients who received PMRT had significantly better BCSS than those who had not in stage IIIA (P = 0.038) and stage IIIB (P = 0.017) disease, but not in stage IA (P = 0.336), IB (P = 0.893), IIA (P = 0.815), and IIB (P = 0.120) disease. PPS might allow approximately 1390 stage III patients (45.0 per cent) in the AS criterion to avoid PMRT.

Conclusion
PPS does not provide better risk discriminatory ability in predicting prognosis than AS in patients with node-positive HoR+/HER2+ BC after mastectomy. However, PPS is valuable in providing prognostic counselling to patients and may also guide PMRT decision-making.
Rapid automated validation, annotation and publication of SARS-CoV-2 sequences to GenBank
Authors: Underwood Beverly A , Yankie Linda , Nawrocki Eric P , Palanigobu Vasuki , Gotvyanskyy Sergiy , Calhoun Vincent C , Kornbluh Michael , Smith Thomas G , Fleischmann Lydia , Sinyakov Denis , Bollin Colleen J , Karsch-Mizrachi Ilene 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Rapid response to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires fast dissemination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomic sequence data in order to align diagnostic tests and vaccines with the natural evolution of the virus as it spreads through the world. To facilitate this, the National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information developed an automated pipeline for the deposition and quick processing of SARS-CoV-2 genome assemblies into GenBank for the user community. The pipeline ensures the collection of contextual information about the virus source, assesses sequence quality and annotates descriptive biological features, such as protein-coding regions and mature peptides. The process promotes standardized nomenclature and creates and publishes fully processed GenBank files within minutes of deposition. The software has processed and published 982 454 annotated SARS-CoV-2 sequences, as of 21 October 2021. This development addresses the needs of the scientific community as the sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes increases and will facilitate unrestricted access to and usability of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence data, providing important reagents for scientific and public health activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Database URL https://submit.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sarscov2/genbank/
Characterisation of the E. coli and Salmonella qseC and qseE mutants reveals a metabolic rather than adrenergic receptor role
Authors: Hamed Abdalla , Pullinger Gillian , Stevens Mark , Farveen Fathima , Freestone Primrose 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Catecholamine stress hormones (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine) are signals that have been shown to be used as environmental cues, which affect the growth and virulence of normal microbiota as well as pathogenic bacteria. It has been reported that Escherichia coli and Salmonella use the two-component system proteins QseC and QseE to recognise catecholamines and so act as bacterial adrenergic receptors. In this study, we mutated the E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium genes encoding QseC and QseE and found that this did not block stress hormone responsiveness in either species. Motility, biofilm formation, and analysis of virulence of the mutants using two infection models were similar to the wild-type strains. The main differences in phenotypes of the qseC and qseE mutants were responses to changes in temperature and growth in different media particularly with respect to salt, carbon, and nitrogen salt sources. In this physiological respect, it was also found that the phenotypes of the qseC and qseE mutants differed between E. coli and Salmonella. These findings collectively suggest that QseC and QseE are not essential for E. coli and Salmonella to respond to stress hormones and that the proteins may be playing a role in regulating metabolism.