bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Model for Rotor Disk Vortex Interference Effects on Quadcopter UAV Thrust Performance
Authors: San Martin Emma , Melnyk Richard
Published: February 2023

As Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) increase in prominence as tools for reconnaissance, exploration, and defense, it becomes more important to develop methods for realistically modeling their performance without the requirement for extensive testing. Numerical and empirical models have been developed for predicting critical performance parameters, including thrust and drag, from UAV geometry and hardware. However, due to the inherent uncertainties introduced by complex flow through a small rotor disk, much more development is needed before such models become accurate. The geometric spacing of the rotors on a quadcopter UAV is known to affect thrust produced, and it has been hypothesized that the decrease in thrust for closer spacing is due to interference between individual rotor vortices. This effect dictates the impact of rotor disk placement on the UAV’s hover and forward-flight efficiency; however, no relationship has been established between rotor separation and thrust reduction. Thus, the purpose of this study was twofold: To 1) develop a system for experimentally testing the thrust produced by a quadrotor UAV at varying rotor separation distances, and 2) begin developing empirical methods for modeling the effect of separation distance on thrust. As hypothesized, decreasing separation distance caused a statistically significant decrease in thrust; this relationship was more regularly modeled using a normalized-area rather than normalized-linear-distance relationship. This led the author to develop the concept of Area Separation Index (ASI), which accounts for separation by normalizing the square area of the rotor configuration by individual rotor disk area. Future research should examine larger datasets, attempt to improve data resolution, and use the preponderance of data to begin developing a robust mathematical model for the effect of normalized rotor separation on thrust.
Heat Transfer During Polymer Selective Laser Sintering Process: Parametric Analysis
Authors: Zhang Lan , Boutaous M'Hamed , Xin Shihe , Siginer Dennis A.
Published: February 2023

The laser transmission in the polymer powder bed includes three parts during the selective laser sintering (SLS) process: absorption, reflection, and scattering. Because of the granular nature of the polymer powder, the scattering phenomena causes the photons isotropic travel in the medium, which affects directly the photons’ distribution in the powder bed. In this paper, we numerically simulate the laser heat source traveling in a powder polymer bed, as in the SLS process, by introducing the Mie theory with Monte-Carlo method, instead of the Bear-Lambert Law, to correctly represent the heating energy distribution in the material. The obtained energy distribution is then introduced in the energy equation to solve the heat transfer problem in such non homogeneous medium. All the material transformation are also introduced, as the melting process, the coalescence, air diffusion and porosity evolution, based on classical theories. Meanwhile, we carry out a parametric thermal analysis and discussed based on process parameters, like the laser power, laser moving length and the material preheating temperature. Their influence on the temperature evolution is quantified. These analysis results can be used as a guide for providing technical database to SLS process, helpful for various industries in automotive, aerospace and medical areas.
Open-Loop Optimal Control for Tracking a Reference Signal With Approximate Dynamic Programming
Authors: Diaz Jorge A. , Xu Lei , Sardarmehni Tohid
Published: February 2023

Dynamic programming (DP) provides a systematic, closed-loop solution for optimal control problems. However, it suffers from the curse of dimensionality in higher orders. Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) methods can remedy this by finding near-optimal rather than exact optimal solutions. In summary, ADP uses function approximators, such as neural networks, to approximate optimal control solutions. ADP can then converge to the near-optimal solution using techniques such as reinforcement learning (RL). The two main challenges in using this approach are finding a proper training domain and selecting a suitable neural network architecture for precisely approximating the solutions with RL. Users select the training domain and the neural networks mostly by trial and error, which is tedious and time-consuming. This paper proposes trading the closed-loop solution provided by ADP methods for more effectively selecting the domain of training. To do so, we train a neural network using a small and moving domain around the reference signal. We asses the method’s effectiveness by applying it to a widely used benchmark problem, the Van der Pol oscillator; and a real-world problem, controlling a quadrotor to track a reference trajectory. Simulation results demonstrate comparable performance to traditional methods while reducing computational requirements.
Magnetorheological Fine Finishing of Tungsten Carbide Mold Material
Authors: Thomas Arpit , Singh Anant Kumar , Arora Kunal
Published: February 2023

The requirement of finishing tungsten carbide at the nano level has drastically increased due to recent development in the field of punch and dies manufacturing industry. The surface roughness has a considerable impact on the quality of the created product. The current study’s major purpose is to investigate how well tungsten carbide can be completed using the solid rotating core magnetorheological finishing (MRF) method. Response surface approach is used to screen studies in order to find the main parameters impacting tungsten carbide surface roughness. The concentration of diamond abrasives, the current induced in the electromagnetic coil, the gap maintained between the workpiece surface, the solid rotating tool core tip surface, and the tool’s rotational speed are the process parameters used in this work. The process parameters in the magnetorheological finishing of tungsten carbide have a significant influence in lowering the considerable value of surface roughness. The minimal surface roughness value found on the tungsten carbide workpiece after 45 min of finishing by the solid rotating core magnetorheological finishing method was as low as 54 nm, down from an initial value of 248 nm. To analyze the finished surface characteristics of the tungsten carbide, the study of surface morphology test is performed. After performing the present MRF, the surface characteristics of the tungsten carbide show a substantial improvement. Thus, the fine finishing with the improved smooth surface quality of the tungsten carbide workpiece may improve its performance in the mold and dies manufacturing industry.
Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Analysis of Origami-Based Sheet Metal for Automobile Parts
Authors: Al-Gamal Anwar , Ablat Muhammad Ali , Ramineni Lakshmi , Ali Majed , Almotari Abdalmageed , Alafaghani Ala’aldin , Sun Jian-Qiao , Qattawi Ala
Published: February 2023

The sustainability of sheet metal parts often has multiple facets depending on the phase under consideration. The work presented in this paper focuses on cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of the Origami-based Sheet Metal (OSM) folding process. OSM is an emerging fabrication technique that utilizes the principle of folding sheet metal parts by creating Material Discontinuities (MD) along the bend line. MD enables sheet metal folding (i.e., bending) with minimal force requirements and machinery. The anticipated reduction in force and machinery will result in a reduction in the required manufacturing energy. In addition, the OSM has less dependency on dies and shape-dedicated equipment. Hence, the cost associated with sheet metal parts development is reduced.

This study attempts to establish the environmental impacts of the OSM for sheet metal parts by utilizing cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis. Environmental impacts of OSM are highlighted by comparing the OSM with the conventional stamping process. In the LCA, consumed energy and emissions are considered environmental impact indicators. Energy and emissions data are collected from published literature, machinery manuals, and available empirical models for energy consumption. A case study of a vehicle floor panel is presented as an example. Finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to achieve a more accurate energy estimation since the LCA inventory data displays a significant discrepancy. The findings of this study reveal that OSM requires less energy and produces fewer emissions than the stamping process.
Flexible Drilling/Reaming Manufacturing System Using a Kawasaki Robot and a Cognex Vision Inspection System
Authors: Calhoun Cameron , Scharfenberg Quentin , Brink Jan
Published: February 2023

Students of the mechanical engineering program at Midwestern State University are required to take a senior design class where they are given a project by a faculty member. A matrix is used to check and assess the students on desired objectives to determine their learning outcomes. This project required robustness and efficiency improvements of an existing robotic work cell. This new robotic work cell incorporates an automatic clamping, drilling/reaming, and inspection stations as well as a new material handling feeding system. The equipment used in this project includes a Kawasaki RS005L robotic arm, sensors, pneumatics, and a Cognex 7801 Vision System. For this research, wooden blocks of similar size are loaded onto an in-feed pallet by an operator that is transported using an air bearing and a cylinder. The parts will then be depalletized by a robot and placed into a hopper via cylinders. These blocks will then be fed into the drilling/reaming operation and clamped one-by-one. The blocks will be drilled through and reamed before it is then transported by the robotic arm to the vision system. The vision system will determine if the hole is acceptable. The parts will then be loaded onto a finished pallet if they pass the inspection.
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Vehicle Reliability and Safety Analysis
Authors: Raigoza Karla , Chadwick Arthur , Kishore Chiranth
Published: February 2023

With the expansion of cosmopolitan areas resulting in an increase of traffic and overcrowding came the creation of the urban air mobility (UAM) market. One technology that has been growing swiftly within the UAM market in the last decade is that of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. This paper tackled the reliability and safety analysis of eVTOLs by using Six Sigma tools and the DMAIC (Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) process to establish design recommendations that can improve and facilitate the integration of eVTOLs to the public. Based on the gathered results, it is recommended that an eVTOL have a robust sensor system, frequent and rigorous maintenance schedules, and redundant airbags and air filters. If wing structures are utilized in the framework, it can be recommended that the eVTOL have them mounted on the lower half of the fuselage. To operate an eVTOL, it is recommended that the training process be meticulous, as human error was a leading cause in failure modes and autonomous flight will take time to fully mature. Furthermore, it is recommended that more battery testing for eVTOLs be conducted in order to achieve the high capacity needed for takeoff and landing. Overall, this paper expounded upon the potential for further testing and research with regards to the current and future development of eVTOLs such that safety drives design rather than responding to tragedies.
Preserving Auditory Cues for Human Echolocation Training: A Geometrical Acoustics Study Using a Benchmark Dataset (BRAS)
Authors: Karlberg Jonas , Milo Alessia , Pind Finnur , Unnthorsson Runar
Published: February 2023

Human echolocation is a method mainly used within the blind community to navigate using sound emission and analysing the returning echoes from the surrounding environment. Echolocation is predominantly trained by orientation and mobility instructors at visual rehabilitation centres. However, systematic guidelines or protocols focusing on the requirements of room acoustic simulations to accurately represent the auditory cues necessary in a virtual training environment for echolocation have not yet been developed.

This paper sets out to investigate the use of geometrical acoustic (GA) calculations for a virtual echolocation training system comparing the measurements from the Benchmark for Room Acoustical Simulation (BRAS) dataset with other GA calculations outcomes. Three simple and one complex test scenes are chosen from the dataset. The calculation settings are optimised for each test scene considering the complexity of the scene, room volume and acoustic phenomena.

The monaural room impulse responses from the simulations are analysed with respect to the timing of the reflections and the level relations between the reflections and the resulting frequency response for each scene. These are subsequently compared with each measured counterpart. The paper discusses the results, their limitations, and provides recommendations on the use of GA calculation tools for echolocation training scopes.
Review of Optical Techniques for Studying Interfacial Dynamics in Multiphase Flows and Phase Change Heat Transfer
Authors: Lee Jonghyun , Banerjee Debjyoti
Published: February 2023

Optical techniques are widely used in a variety of applications that are related to biology, physics, and material science due to their inherent advantages (e.g., non-intrusive, fast data processing, and high resolution). Even though optical techniques were initially developed in 19th century, advanced optical techniques have recently been used in multiphase flows and phase change heat transfer studies (e.g., boiling, evaporation, and condensation). In this review, the optical techniques that are used in micro/nanoscale heat transfer, (e.g., phase change, dropwise condensation and evaporation and thin film measurements), as well as characterization of profiles (e.g., for micro-droplets) are explored. The scope of optical techniques reviewed in this study is limited to surface plasmon resonance, fringe equal chromatic order interferometry, ultrathin film interferometry, total internal reflection (A-TIR) and shadowgraph techniques. The efficacy and advantages of optical techniques were explored for various applications. These optical techniques can be leveraged for illuminating the complicated physics governing different types of multi-phase flows (e.g. during dropwise condensation). The potential deployment of these novel optical techniques in various types of multi-phase flow configurations are also explored in this study (e.g., thin-film evaporation, boiling, etc.).
A Case Study of Collaborative Teaching and Learning in Engineering Experimentation: the Hydrostatic Vacuum Tube
Authors: Wright Kamau , Wootton David , Sidebotham George , Baglione Melody , Chambers Reid , He Jason , Potoskie Zachary , Gilliar-Schoenenberger Lionel
Published: February 2023

An experimentation course in the mechanical engineering program at The Cooper Union in New York, is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment. Like many undergraduate engineering laboratory-based courses, students are tasked with working in groups to conduct and design experiments and prepare detailed technical reports and presentations. This experimentation course has two sections and two instructors facilitating collaboration at the faculty level as well. Not only do these two instructors work together, but projects in the course have “clients” and “advisors/mentors” allowing for further collaboration with other faculty and in some cases other students involved in adjacent projects at the college. This study describes the nature of the course, collaboration, and the assessment of student teamwork using the Comprehensive Assessment for Team-Member Effectiveness (CATME) tool. A case study is detailed for one student-designed experiment, using a hydrostatic vacuum tube (HVT) apparatus and associated instrumentation. The collaborative environment and emphasis on experimentation have (1) supported students in functioning effectively on teams; and (2) facilitated students in demonstrating an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation in line with ABET Student Outcomes. These positive impacts can be built upon by exposing students to other strategic experimentation experiences throughout the curriculum.
Study of Different Flow Configurations and Heat Pipe Combination Effects in Air Cooling Systems
Authors: Carbajal Gerardo
Published: February 2023

The present work investigates the combined effect of flow rate pattern configuration and the presence of localized passive cooling systems such as heat pipes to improve the thermal performance of an air-cooling system. The combined heat pipe air-cooling system consists of 10 blocks (batteries) arranged in parallel and surrounded by 10 to 11 air passage channels; the blocks are subjected to variable heat generations. Previous studies have shown that air cooling systems do not provide a uniform temperature distribution when loaded with constant heat generation. Three flow configurations were numerically investigated: the U, Z, and I configuration, respectively. A three-dimensional numerical simulation was conducted to solve the continuity, momentum, and energy equations of the working fluid. The numerical model also included the presence of the ten blocks, heat pipe, and related boundary conditions. The heat pipe was modeled as a solid material with high effective thermal conductivity. The results from the three air configurations without the presence of heat pipes depict an increase in the temperature field in blocks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 for the Z-configuration; blocks 2, 3, 8, and 9 for the I-configuration; and blocks 3, 4, 5, and 6 for the U-configuration. The I-configurations show a better temperature distribution on the blocks compared with the U and Z configuration. Different flow airflow rates were also investigated to reduce the hot spot temperature fields on the blocks. No significant difference was found in increasing the air mass flow rate. After placing a heat pipe closed to the air channels of the block with a high peak in temperature for the three air cooling configurations, the performance of the air-cooling system improved. The number of blocks with higher spot temperature was reduced to blocks 7 and 8 for Z-configuration, blocks 3 and 8 for the I-configuration and blocks 4 and 5 for the U-configuration. The presence of the heat pipe increased the pressure drop between the inlet and outlet for the three configurations. The results have shown that the U-configuration experienced the lowest pressure drop, and the I-configuration presented the most uniform temperature distributions of the block. The results revealed potential thermal performance improvement by using heat pipes in localized hot spot regions in air cooling systems for Li-Ion batteries or other cooling systems subjected to continuous or intermittent heat generation.
CFD and Experimental Investigation of Graphite Heat Spreader Based Cooling for Li-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles and EVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Aircraft Applications
Authors: Bakhshi Shashwat , Dubey Prahit
Published: February 2023

Over the past few years, owing to different critical features such as high energy densities, safety, cycle-life etc., Lithium-ion batteries have been used successfully as an energy storage system for automotive applications. In addition, due to recent increase in interests towards developing EVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircrafts, demand for Li-Ion batteries capable of providing high power discharge and charge along with above mentioned features has increased. Thermal Management System (TMS) is a critical component of a Li-Ion battery system that enables sustained high-power peak performance, improves overall life-cycle, and reduces possibility of thermal runaway during regular vehicle operation. The current article studies two different cooling configurations for thermal management of a commercially available 9 A-h Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Lithium-ion pouch cell for high C-rate conditions. The two configurations are referred to as the Double-sided cooling and Hybrid cooling, which includes a novel approach utilizing graphite-based heat spreader. The thermal performance for both configurations are studied through experimental testing and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modeling. During experimental analysis, the pouch cell was subjected to high C-rate discharges of 3C, 4C and 5C using an Arbin controller and thermal test bench including a cold plate, mass flow meter, and temperature sensors. The temperature response of the cell is measured using T-type thermocouples that are strategically installed on its surface using a thermal interface material. For the numerical analysis, time-accurate, conjugate heat transfer-based 3D CFD simulations are conducted on high spatial resolution grids with a commercially available finite-volume method based CFD software. Numerical simulations at the mentioned C-rates are then run to explore the overall temperature distribution on the cell body. Temperature estimates from the numerical model are compared to the test data for the most aggressive 5C discharge condition. Both experimental testing and numerical modeling show that the Hybrid cooling approach provides higher rate of heat transfer compared to Double-sided cooling, owing to high thermal conductivity of graphite. Average cell surface temperatures using Hybrid cooling are ∼3°C, 3.7°C and 4.3°C lower than Double-sided cooling for 3C, 4C and 5C discharge conditions, respectively. The maximum measured cell temperature at the end of the most aggressive 5C discharge is 6°C lower in the case of Hybrid cooling. The temperature gradients are also less aggressive thereby allowing for a more uniform temperature distribution within the cell. Additional results in terms of flow and temperature distributions are also provided for the cold plate present in the cooling setup.
Investigation of Passive Radiative Cooling Using Biopolymers
Authors: Kamali Khanghah Zahra , Tenorio Miguel Moreno , Brown Judith , Mainieri Eymael Guilherme , Ghashami Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Passive thermal radiative cooling (PTRC) has drawn massive attention in the past few years due to its advantages, including excellent cooling potential, no emission of greenhouse gases, silent operation, low maintenance, and off-grid operation. PTRC has been successfully demonstrated to reduce the electricity consumption required for cooling and ventilation of buildings. Several radiative emitters have been studied in the literature, such as pigmented paints, nanoparticle-based coatings, photonic crystals, metamaterials, and polymers. Among them, polymers have proven to be inherently strong infrared (IR) emitters, scalable, low-cost, flexible, easy to apply, and durable candidates. In addition to these features, biopolymers are eco-friendly and currently abundant in the market. Despite their significant advantages, there have been limited studies on the applications of biopolymers for radiative cooling. In this study, we report promising performances from a commercially available, affordable, and applicable biopolymer, cellulose, as a PTRC emitter. We fabricated several cellulose films with various structural characteristics and thicknesses. The emissivity and reflectivity of these emitter surfaces were measured for the desired wavelengths and direction. The obtained measurements reveal relatively high magnitudes of diffuse emissivity in the atmospheric window and high reflectivity in the solar spectrum range. Using the materials’ reflectivity and emissivity data, we theoretically calculated the net cooling power and the expected temperature drop. Each emitter demonstrated high cooling power and considerable temperature reduction based on the average recorded weather conditions in Lincoln, NE.
Influence of a Summer Wellness Program on Bullying Reduction Among School-Age Children
Authors: Wei Mengyi , Richards Kevin Andrew , Khan Naiman A. , Woods Amelia Mays , Espelage Dorothy L. , Graber Kim C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine children’s, camp counselors’, and activity leaders’ perceptions toward the effects of a 4-week teaching personal and social responsibility model-based summer learning and enrichment program and its ability to reduce bullying behaviors among school-age children. Method: Data collection included semistructured interviews with 30 children and eight camp staff. Child participants completed the following pre- and postsurveys: Personal and Social Responsibility Questionnaire and the Illinois Bullying Scale. In addition, daily observations over a 4-week period were recorded in a field notes log. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations, and all observational and interview data were coded using inductive and deductive techniques. Results: The results indicated that the implementation of teaching personal and social responsibility model was perceived to be associated with reduction in the bullying. Conclusion: Findings from the present study suggested teaching personal and social responsibility facilitated social and emotional learning and improved children’s personal and social responsibility.
MJL-1 is a nuclear envelope protein required for homologous chromosome pairing and regulation of synapsis during meiosis in
C. elegans
Authors: Kim Hyung Jun , Liu Chenshu , Zhang Liangyu , Dernburg Abby F.
Published: February 2023

Interactions between chromosomes and LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complexes in the nuclear envelope (NE) promote homolog pairing and synapsis during meiosis. By tethering chromosomes to cytoskeletal motors, these connections lead to processive chromosome movements along the NE. This activity is usually mediated by telomeres, but in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
, special chromosome regions called “pairing centers” (PCs) have acquired this meiotic function. Here, we identify a previously uncharacterized meiosis-specific NE protein, MJL-1 (MAJIN-Like-1), that is essential for interactions between PCs and LINC complexes in
C. elegans
. Mutations in MJL-1 eliminate active chromosome movements during meiosis, resulting in nonhomologous synapsis and impaired homolog pairing. Fission yeast and mice also require NE proteins to connect chromosomes to LINC complexes. Extensive similarities in the molecular architecture of meiotic chromosome-NE attachments across eukaryotes suggest a common origin and/or functions of this architecture during meiosis.
Magnon scattering modulated by omnidirectional hopfion motion in antiferromagnets for meta-learning
Authors: Zhang Zhizhong , Lin Kelian , Zhang Yue , Bournel Arnaud , Xia Ke , Kläui Mathias , Zhao Weisheng
Published: February 2023

Neuromorphic computing is expected to achieve human-brain performance by reproducing the structure of biological neural systems. However, previous neuromorphic designs based on synapse devices are all unsatisfying for their hardwired network structure and limited connection density, far from their biological counterpart, which has high connection density and the ability of meta-learning. Here, we propose a neural network based on magnon scattering modulated by an omnidirectional mobile hopfion in antiferromagnets. The states of neurons are encoded in the frequency distribution of magnons, and the connections between them are related to the frequency dependence of magnon scattering. Last, by controlling the hopfion’s state, we can modulate hyperparameters in our network and realize the first meta-learning device that is verified to be well functioning. It not only breaks the connection density bottleneck but also provides a guideline for future designs of neuromorphic devices.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Protein U Degraded the m
6
A Methylated TRAF3 Transcript by YTHDF2 To Promote Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Replication
Authors: Zhou Hongchao , Yan Yuchao , Gao Jie , Ma Mingrui , Liu Yi , Shi Xiaojie , Zhang Qi , Xu Xingang
Published: February 2023

PEDV, a highly infectious enteric coronavirus, has spread rapidly worldwide and caused severe economic losses. During virus infection, the host regulates innate immunity to inhibit virus infection.
Chloride Ions Are Required for Thermosipho africanus MurJ Function
Authors: Kumar Sujeet , Mollo Aurelio , Rubino Frederick A. , Kahne Daniel , Ruiz Natividad
Published: February 2023

The biosynthetic pathway of the peptidoglycan cell wall is one of the most favorable targets for antibiotic development. Lipid II, the lipid-linked PG precursor, is made in the inner leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane and then transported by the MurJ flippase so that it can be used to build the peptidoglycan cell wall.
Assessment of Level of Depression and Associated Factors among COVID-19-Recovered Patients: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Khatun Khadeza , Farhana Nasreen
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant psychological impact on healthy populations, with increased depression, perceived stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and insomnia reported. The COVID-19 pandemic affects people’s mental health by instilling fear of infection and depression.
Chlorate Contamination in Commercial Growth Media as a Source of Phenotypic Heterogeneity within Bacterial Populations
Authors: Vincent Maxence S. , Vergnes Alexandra , Ezraty Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Agar is arguably the most utilized solidifying agent for microbiological media. In this study, we show that agar powders from different suppliers, as well as certain batches of BD Bacto Casamino Acids, contain significant levels of chlorate.
Risk factors for myopia among children and adolescents: an umbrella review of published meta-analyses and systematic reviews
Authors: Ying Zhi-Qi , Li Dan-Lin , Zheng Xin-Yu , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Pan Chen-Wei
Published: February 2023

Aims

To identify potential risk factors for myopia in children and adolescents and assess the credibility of each evidence, providing reference for the development of myopia prevention strategies.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases from inception to April 2022 to find systematic reviews or meta-analyses investigating the relationship between potential risk factors and myopia, and conducted an umbrella review. We recalculated the pooled effect sizes and 95% CIs of each potential risk factor through random-effects model, and reported its 95% prediction interval and between-study heterogeneity. Small-study effect and excess of significance bias were assessed to reveal potential publication bias.

Results

Twelve publications were included in this umbrella review, including eight meta-analyses and four qualitative systematic reviews. Twenty-two factors were identified, of which 16 were analysed quantitatively. Ten factors showed statistically significant association with myopia. Myopia in one or two parents and per additional hour of time spend outdoors per week were rated as highly suggestive evidence. Near work and gender were evaluated as suggestive evidence. The other five factors are weak evidence.

Conclusions

We found several risk factors for myopia with different levels of evidence, of which parental myopia presented the strongest association with myopia in children and adolescents. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the association between potential risk factors and myopia among children and adolescents and are important for informing parenting, education, clinical practice guidelines and public health policy.

PROSPERO TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022333053.
Consensus on a netball video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the netball video analysis consensus group
Authors: Mackay Lois , Jones Ben , Janse van Rensburg Dina Christina (Christa) , Hall Francine , Alexander Lisa , Atkinson Karen , Baldrey Pippa , Bedford Anthony , Cormack Stuart , Clarke Jade , Croft Hayden , Denton Katie , Fox Aaron S , Hadley Paige , Handyside Richard , Hendricks Sharief , Kerss Jim , Leota Liana , Maddern Bjorn , McErlain-Naylor Stuart A , Mooney Mitchell , Pyke Daniel , Pistorius Danielle , Ramagole Dimakatso A , Ryan Dan , Scott Fiona , Scott Tannath , Snow Julie , Spencer Kirsten , Thirlby Jess , Viljoen Carel Thomas , Whitehead Sarah
Published: February 2023

Using an expert consensus-based approach, a netball video analysis consensus (NVAC) group of researchers and practitioners was formed to develop a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions of physical, technical and contextual aspects for netball research. The framework aims to improve the consistency of language used within netball investigations. It also aims to guide injury mechanism reporting and identification of injury risk factors. The development of the framework involved a systematic review of the literature and a Delphi process. In conjunction with commercially used descriptors and definitions, 19 studies were used to create the initial framework of key descriptors and definitions in netball. In a two round Delphi method consensus, each expert rated their level of agreement with each of the descriptors and associated definition on a 5-point Likert scale (1—strongly disagree; 2—somewhat disagree; 3—neither agree nor disagree; 4—somewhat agree; 5—strongly agree). The median (IQR) rating of agreement was 5.0 (0.0), 5.0 (0.0) and 5.0 (0.0) for physical, technical and contextual aspects, respectively. The NVAC group recommends usage of the framework when conducting video analysis research in netball. The use of descriptors and definitions will be determined by the nature of the work and can be combined to incorporate further movements and actions used in netball. The framework can be linked with additional data, such as injury surveillance and microtechnology data.
Stratification Of LIver Disease (SOLID): protocol for a prospective observational cohort study to determine the optimum biomarker strategies for the detection of advanced liver disease at the primary–secondary care interface
Authors: McPherson Stuart , Jarvis Helen , McGonigle John , Bedlington Joan , Dean Jill , Hallsworth Kate , Hanon Elodie , Liddle Trevor , Luvai Ahai , Mansour Dina , Patel Preya , Renwick Laura , Teare Dawn , Tanney Christina , Anstee Quentin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Undiagnosed fatty liver disease is prevalent in the community, due to high rates of harmful alcohol consumption and/or obesity. Fatty liver disease can progress to cirrhosis and its complications. Early identification of liver disease and treatment may prevent progression to cirrhosis. Biomarkers including FIB-4, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF), PRO-C3 and vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) can stage liver fibrosis, but it is not known how well they perform in a primary care population. Moreover, no assessment of long-term prognostic ability of these biomarkers has been conducted in primary care. We aim to evaluate the performance of fibrosis biomarkers in primary care to develop a pathway to detect advanced fibrosis.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, observational cohort study will recruit 3000 individuals with fatty liver disease risk factors (obesity, type 2 diabetes or hazardous alcohol consumption) at their primary care ‘annual chronic disease review’. Participants will have a ‘liver health check’. Two pathways will be evaluated: (1) all have FIB-4, ELF and VCTE performed, and (2) patients have an initial assessment with FIB-4 and ELF, followed by VCTE in only those with increased FIB-4 and/or ELF. Individuals with suspected significant/advanced liver fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement>8 kPa), will be reviewed in secondary care to confirm their fibrosis stage and institute treatment. The performance of FIB-4, ELF, PRO-C3, VCTE and novel biomarkers alone or in combination for advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis will be evaluated. Participants will be followed longitudinally via their electronic health records to assess long-term clinical outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the London-Chelsea Research Ethics Committee (22/PR/0535; 27 June 2022). Recruitment began on 31 October 2022. Outcomes of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings. A lay summary of the results will be available for study participants and will be disseminated widely by LIVErNORTH.
Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of uric acid-lowering therapy in patients with different kidney functions: study protocol for a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yaqing , Song Runxia , Hua Ying , Su Xiaole , Wang Lihua
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Hyperuricaemia has been implicated in the development of kidney function in populations with chronic kidney disease; however, the benefits of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) remain uncertain in different clinical studies. The different kidney functions of enrolled populations and distinct pharmacokinetic characteristics of ULT might be of the essence for the contrasting results. In this study, we will synthesise all available data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies, then evaluate the outcomes of ULT in patients stratified by different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stratifications. Furthermore, we will attempt to explore a relatively optimal ULT regimen using a Bayesian network meta-analysis in different eGFRs.

Methods and analysis

We searched published and unpublished data from MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials and ClinicalTrials.gov website (before March 2022) for RCTs and cohort studies without language restriction. In the pairwise meta-analysis, all regimens of ULT will be pooled as a whole and compared with controls in different eGFRs. The random-effects model will be applied to generate the summary values using the software Stata V.12.0 (StataCorp). Network meta-analysis within a Bayesian framework will be conducted to explore the relative efficacy profiles of different ULTs and to find optimal ULT in different eGFRs. The software of WinBUGS V.1.4.3 and R2WinBUGS package of R V.3.1.1 will be used in the network meta-analysis. Primary outcomes will be the occurrence of major cardiovascular events and kidney failure events. Secondary outcomes will include the rate of change in eGFR per year, all-cause death, changes in serum uric acid level and major adverse events. Two authors will independently review study selection, data extraction and quality assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

The meta-analysis does not require ethical certification. The results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and through presentations at academic conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021226163.
Trends in mortality related to unintentional poisoning in the South Asian region from 1990 to 2019: analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Khan Nadeem Ullah , Khan Uzma , Khudadad Umerdad , Ali Asrar , Raheem Ahmed , Waheed Shahan , Razzak Junaid Abdul
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the burden of unintentional poisoning in South Asian countries from 1999 to 2019.

Design

An ecological study conducted at the regional level for South Asian countries, based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Setting

We extracted unintentional poisoning data from the Global Burden of Disease Study data set from 1990 to 2019 to assess trends in mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years of life lost, years lived with disability (YLDs) and causative agents in South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan).

Outcome measures

We determined the per cent change and 95% CI for the period between 1990 and 2019 by age, gender and country. We also conducted Poisson regression to measure the percentage change in the rate per year.

Results

The absolute number of deaths due to unintentional poisoning in South Asia decreased (−32.6%) from 10 558 deaths in 1990 to 7112 deaths in 2019. The age standardised death rate from unintentional poisoning in South Asia has seen a downward trend (−55.88%), declining from 0.87 (0.67–1.01) age-standardised per 100 000 population in 1990 to 0.41 (0.34–0.47) in 2019. Among age groups, under 9 years and 10–19 years have seen downward trends for death and DALYs, accounting for −93.5% and −38.3%, respectively. YLDs have seen an upward trend (5.9%), increasing from 10 461.7 per 100 000 in 1990 to 11 084 per 100 000 in 2019. YLDs in women increased by 7.4%, from 11 558.2 per 100 000 to 12 418.3 per 100 000. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) adjusted by all age groups and gender for DALYs in all South Asian countries has reduced significantly (IRR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.97) from 1990 to 2019.

Conclusion

This study showed reduction in death and DALYs due to unintentional poisoning in South Asia except YLDs which is showing an increasing trend. Public health systems should continue efforts to minimise and prevent disabilities arising from unintentional poisoning in South Asia.
Experience of LGBTQIA2S+ populations with gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic: protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Brodeur Magaly , Roberge Pasquale , Cotton Julie-Christine , Monson Eva , Morvannou Adele , Poitras Marie-Eve , Lacasse Anaïs , Jutras-Aswad Didier , Couturier Yves , Loignon Christine , Audette-Chapdelaine Sophie , Auger Anne-Marie , Bertrand Karine , Dorceus Sabruna , Simon Olivier , Hudon Catherine
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Research undertaken since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has provided us information about the impact of the pandemic on the gambling habits of the general population. However, very little is known about certain subgroups at increased risk of developing gambling disorder, such as the LGBTQIA2S+ population. The purpose of this study is to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling behaviours among LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. In addition, we want to understand the experiences of the LGBTQIA2S+ population with gambling disorder and identify interventions that LGBTQIA2S+ people have found to be effective in addressing problem gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and analysis

This study has a sequential explanatory mixed-method design in two phases over 2 years. The first phase is a correlational study. We will conduct a cross-sectional survey using a stratified random sampling among Canadian residents who are 18 years of age or older, self-identify as sexually and gender-diverse (ie, LGBTQIA2S+) and have gambled at least once in the previous 12 months. This survey will be administered online via a web panel (n=1500). The second phase is a qualitative study. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with LGBTQIA2S+ people with problematic gambling (n=30).

Ethics and dissemination

This research project has been ethically and scientifically approved by the Research Ethics Committee and by the CIUSSS de l’Estrie—CHUS scientific evaluation committee on 3 March 2022 (reference number: 2022-4633—LGBTQ-JHA). Electronic and/or written informed consent, depending on the data collection format (online survey and online or in-person interviews), will be obtained from each participant. A copy of the consent form and contact information will be delivered to each participant.
Has COVID-19 increased inequality in mortality by income in the Netherlands?
Authors: Wouterse Bram , Geisler Joana , Bär Marlies , van Doorslaer Eddy
Published: February 2023

Background

In the Netherlands in 2020, COVID-19 deaths were more concentrated among individuals with a lower income. At the same time, COVID-19 was a new cause that also displaced some deaths from other causes, potentially reducing income-related inequality in non-COVID deaths. Our aim is to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income-related inequality in total mortality and decompose this into the inequality in COVID-attributed deaths and changes in the inequality in non-COVID causes.

Methods

We estimate excess deaths (observed minus trend-predicted deaths) by sex, age and income group for the Netherlands in 2020. Using a measure of income-related inequality (the concentration index), we decompose the inequality in total excess mortality into COVID-19 versus non-COVID causes.

Results

Cause-attributed COVID-19 mortality exceeded total excess mortality by 12% for the 65–79 age group and by about 35% for 80+ in the Netherlands in 2020, implying a decrease in the number of non-COVID deaths compared with what was predicted. The income-related inequality in all-cause mortality was higher than predicted. This increase in inequality resulted from the combination of COVID-19 mortality, which was more unequally distributed than predicted total mortality, and the inequality in non-COVID causes, which was less unequal than predicted.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in income-related inequality in all-cause mortality. Non-COVID mortality was less unequally distributed than expected due to displacement of other causes by COVID-19 and the potentially unequal broader societal impact of the pandemic.
Long-term annual climate trends around the Breton Plots area, Alberta: is there any evidence of local climate change?
Authors: Mapfumo Emmanuel , Chanasyk David S. , Puurveen Dick
Published: February 2023

The objective of this research was to investigate the long-term trends in historical climate variables using the data collected near the classical Breton Plots (Alberta, Canada) and to determine if the data show any evidence of local climate change. The climate data used for the study were obtained from the Alberta Climate Information Service for the years 1901–2020. Various parametric statistical analyses were conducted to determine if monotonic trends occurred in the climate variables over time, and the analyses were conducted on the annual data as well as the 30 year climate normals. Large fluctuations in annual climate variables occurred, but a positive linear trend was observed in the average annual and growing season minimum air temperatures over time. Between 1901 and 2020 the annual minimum air temperature average increased at a rate of 0.3 °C for every 10 years. During the winter periods (December, January, and February, inclusive) from 1901 to 2020, the minimum air temperature average increased at an even higher rate of 0.5 °C every 10 years. Overall, the 30 year climate normals for minimum and maximum air temperatures increased for most seasons. The rates of increase were largest over the winter period, at 0.5 °C every 10 years for minimum air temperature and at 0.3 °C every 10 years for maximum air temperature. Strong linear increases occurred over time for growing degree days, number of frost-free days, total annual precipitation, growing season precipitation, and off-season precipitation.