bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effective Clinical Methods to Evaluate the Efficacy of Gait Training Devices: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: B. V. Clinton Wilson , D. S. Mohan Varma 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This systematic review was aimed at identifying cost-effective outcome assessment metrics to perform clinical trials for assessing the efficacy of novel, low-cost gait training devices. The search was conducted by the investigators through electronic databases, namely, SCOPUS (91), Web of Science (93), PubMed (141), and Cochrane Library (164), from origination to Mar. 31, 2024. The study design was a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) style systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of robotic gait training devices (RGTDs) that treated stroke patients. Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 randomized controlled trials were studied to identify suitable outcome assessment measures. This involved 705 patients at different stages of stroke, who were treated with different intervention durations, devices, randomization, and blinding methods. It was observed from the extensive clinical trials with the RGTDs that it was tested with a variety of assessment methods. Cost-effective outcome assessment measures that require commonly available materials are chosen and discussed in this review. It is identified that the most extensively used measures possess concurrent validity, sufficient inter-rater, intra-rater, and test-retest reliability. Clinical trials with a sophisticated setup cannot be afforded by clinics in low-income countries. It is vital to identify assessment methods that require commonly available materials that do not incur huge material costs. The methods discussed in this review can be administered without special training. This can facilitate quantifying and comparing the efficacy of these devices through clinical trials and multicentric investigations.
Robotic Hand Exoskeletons for Rehabilitation and Assistance: A State-of-the-Art
Authors: Chen Bing , Wu Yadong , Ni Xiang , Qin Laiyin , Li Eric 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The number of patients with hand dysfunction is increasing worldwide, and their activities of daily living (ADLs) are seriously affected. Robotic medical devices such as robotic hand exoskeletons have been investigated to help restore and improve the hand functions of these patients. In comparison with the traditional therapies, robotic hand exoskeletons have the advantages of providing a controllable assistive force/torque, recording the wearer's motion data, and improving the wearer's voluntary participation and motivation in the rehabilitation, which can improve the hand rehabilitation efficiency. Currently, there is a lack of systematic reviews of robotic hand exoskeletons. This paper presents a systematic review of robotic hand exoskeletons. Six electronic databases are searched using the same keywords, and a total of 86 papers that meet the inclusion criteria are selected for this review. The biomechanics of a human hand is introduced. The design concepts of robotic hand exoskeletons are also proposed, which include the actuator design and configuration, human-machine kinematic compatibility, and design of degrees-of-freedom (DOFs). Additionally, the control strategies of robotic hand exoskeletons are described. Finally, the limitations of the currently available robotic hand exoskeletons and their possible future research and development directions are discussed. The significance of this review is to provide useful information for the engineers and researchers to develop robotic hand exoskeletons with practical and plausible applications.
On the Efficacy of Sparse Representation Approaches for Determining Nonlinear Structural System Equations of Motion
Authors: Pasparakis George D. , Fragkoulis Vasileios C. , Kougioumtzoglou Ioannis A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A sparsity-based optimization approach is presented for determining the equations of motion of stochastically excited nonlinear structural systems. This is done by utilizing measured excitation-response realizations in the formulation of the related optimization problem, and by considering a library of candidate functions for representing the system governing dynamics. Note that a novel aspect of the approach relates to treating, also, systems endowed with fractional derivative elements. Clearly, this is of significant importance to a multitude of diverse applications in engineering mechanics taking into account the enhanced modeling capabilities of fractional calculus. Further, the fundamental theoretical and computational aspects of various representative, state-of-the-art, numerical schemes for solving the derived sparsity-based optimization problem are reviewed and discussed. A Bayesian compressive sampling approach that exhibits the additional advantage of quantifying the uncertainty of the estimates is considered as well. Furthermore, comparisons and a critical assessment of the employed numerical schemes are provided with respect to their efficacy in determining the nonlinear structural system equations of motion. In this regard, two illustrative numerical examples are considered pertaining to a nonlinear tuned mass-damper–inerter vibration control system and to a nonlinear electromechanical energy harvester, both endowed with fractional derivative elements.
Relationship Between Group Activities and Social Anxiety Among College Students and the Intervention Effect of Group Activities
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Ye Chunhan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Due to environmental changes, personal pressure, and other reasons, college students' social anxiety is severe, which is not conducive to the healthy development of individuals. Therefore, intervention is needed. This paper aims to understand the relationship between group activities combined with mindfulness technology and college students' social anxiety and the intervention of group activities to explore whether mindfulness group activities can alleviate college students' social anxiety. Using social avoidance and distress scale (SAD), interaction anxiousness scale (IAS), and five facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ) as tools, 110 college students with social anxiety from Enshi Polytechnic were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The former group underwent mindfulness activity intervention for 8 weeks, and the pre- and post-test levels of social anxiety and mindfulness of the two groups were compared. Significant differences were not observed in pretest IAS, SAD, and FFMQ scores between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). In the post-test, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower IAS scores (43.28 ± 8.36) and SAD scores (11.45 ± 2.07) compared to both their pretest scores and those of the control group (p &lt; 0.05). The experimental group showed a significantly higher FFMQ score of 118.78 ± 12.87 points compared to both the pretest and control group (p &lt; 0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the IAS, SAD, and FFMQ scores of the experimental group during the follow-up period (p &gt; 0.05).
Thermal Protection Analysis of Hypersonic Reentry Nose Cone With Multirow Disk Spike Using Lateral Single/Multijets: A Computational Investigation
Authors: Gao Huiliang , Zhu Dan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This research examines the efficacy of employing lateral multijets to decrease thermal effects on the blunt body featuring a multirow disk (MRD) spike, which holds significant importance in the design of high-speed vehicles. The main novelty of the model is the combination of the spike with multiple row disk along with the injection of the coolant jet. The study thoroughly analyzes the cooling mechanism of lateral jets and assesses the influence of coolant jet positioning on heat reduction of the nose and mechanical spike. This study employed Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with shear stress transport turbulence model for the simulation of the high-speed flow around the nose cone with multirow disk spike. A comparison is made between the effectiveness of CO2 and helium jets, both as single and multiple injectors. The results display that a single CO2 jet released near the tip of the spike is the most effective, and placing the lateral coolant injector away from the main body effectively manages aerodynamic heating. Additionally, the research compares the heat load reduction achieved by triple lateral jets and concludes that the CO2 jet is the most efficient option for thermal protection of the main body. The role of the spike in reduction of the heat load is reduced 20% when CO2 jet is released from all lateral injectors.
The Influence of Vortex Flow in the Dispersed Phase on Droplet Formation Dynamics
Authors: Maurya Tara Chand Kumar , Dutta Sushanta 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This work explores the characteristics of a two-phase system's dispersed phase flow that interacts inside the microfluidic channel at the junction. Direct visualization and μ-particle image velocimetry measurements are performed on the interaction of two immiscible fluids in different stepped flow-focusing (SFF) channels for droplet formation. The capillary instabilities produce the counter-rotating vortex flow in dispersed phase fluid at the interface, which plays a significant role in droplet formation. The vortex flow has been analyzed using various data processing techniques. The effect of flowrate and step channel dimensions on the evolution of the vortices generated during droplet thread propagation is studied. The strength of the vortex and momentum flux led to the development of more bulging shapes in the droplet thread. Also, this study exhibits transient flow characteristics during the detachment stage and contributes to understanding its influences on mass transfer at the microlevel dimensions.
Performance Analysis of a Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger During Condensation of R1233zd(E)
Authors: Khalid R. , McMullen M. , Amalfi R. L. , Ortega A. , Wemhoff A. P. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper focuses on the validation of a brazed plate heat exchanger (BPHE) model that acts as the condenser of a novel in-rack cooling loop. In the proposed system, the primary fluid enters as a saturated vapor, while the secondary fluid enters as a subcooled liquid flowing in a counterflow configuration. The model augments an existing general technique for simplicity and computational efficiency and is applied to the condensation of a low-pressure, environmentally friendly refrigerant, i.e., R1233zd(E). The model analyzes the heat transfer and pressure drop values of both fluids in the heat exchanger and uses these results to predict the heat exchanger duty and exit temperature and pressure of both fluids. The model predicts the values of fluid output properties along with heat exchanger duty to within 20% of experimental measurements. The validated model is then used to assess the magnitude of the heat transfer coefficient and friction factor attained on both fluid sides of the heat exchanger, including relatively uniform water-side heat transfer coefficient, a substantial (30%–80% of overall flow length) region of two-phase condensation, and a minimum refrigerant-side friction factor in the subcooled regime.
Effects of Lattice Orientation Angle on TPMS-Based Transpiration Cooling
Authors: Son Juchan , Brouman Mohsen , Pyo Yeongmin , Richer Patrick , Jodoin Bertrand , Hong Zekai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Establishing a continuous cooling film is an effective way to thermally protect hot-gas path components of gas turbines. For aero-engines, effusion cooling is the state-of-the-art method for developing cooling films. However, the cooling film generated by this method is far from ideal, as discrete miniature cooling air jets exiting from effusion cooling holes leave large gaps between cooling holes without adequate cooling film protection. Furthermore, effusion cooling jets can experience strong liftoff from component surfaces and are subsequently diluted due to mixing with the main flow. Recent advances in additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have enabled the fabrication of porous materials with precisely engineered lattice structures, significantly enhancing the film cooling effectiveness of hot-gas path components through transpiration cooling. A prior study has demonstrated highly promising transpiration cooling results by using a family of lattice geometries referred to as triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices. The present study experimentally investigates the influence of various TPMS lattice orientations on the film cooling effectiveness. Three types of TPMS structures, namely, diamond, Koch, and gyroid, are compared to demonstrate that the TPMS lattice orientation angle affects transpiration cooling performance, with different levels of sensitivity according to the TPMS structure. The TPMS lattice structures studied in this investigation are fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) three-dimensional printing. The adiabatic cooling film effectiveness (AFE) is measured using pressure sensitive paint (PSP).
Use of Results-Oriented Monitoring tools to enhance global health accountability: lessons from the European Commission/WHO ‘Health Systems Strengthening for Universal Health Coverage’ programme
Authors: Roura Maria , Capa Eva , Appelt Bernd , Lecomte Michel , Fernandez Maria , Schmets Gerard , Porignon Denis 
Published: December 2024

Governments and organisations must demonstrate accountability and delivery of results. Results-Oriented Monitoring (ROM) is a European Commission mechanism aiming at enhancing internal control and management. The Health System Strengthening (HSS) for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme provides support towards achieving UHC through policy dialogue in 115 countries.Drawing from the ROM review of the HSS for UHC programme, we examine the value of the Commission’s ROM system as a tool to enhance accountability of large Global Health (GH) programmes. We present the lessons learnt and provide specific recommendations about how ROM tools can be employed to strengthen GH accountability.ROM reviews can provide critical data to inform the design, implementation and evaluation of large-scale GH programmes through a well-integrated mixed-methods approach in which quantitative and qualitative components reinforce each other. Recognising the tremendous power of measures of performance, they track available quantitative indicators from baseline to target along the results chain. Firmly grounded on qualitative tools, they also capture the complex nature of health systems, and the critical influence of contextual factors and stakeholder dynamics.Poor data quality and insufficient multistakeholder engagement are persisting but not unsurmountable challenges. As increasing support is provided to strengthen health information and management systems, the process of codeveloping Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks at country level could serve as a tool to enhance mutistakeholder engagement in policy dialogue. The political nature of both results-oriented systems and GH programmes suggests that mechanisms to assess power dynamics should be incorporated into policy dialogues and ROM review processes.
Effectiveness of chatbot-based interventions on mental well-being of the general population in Asia: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Leung Wilson , Lam Simon Ching , Ng Fowie , Yip Calvin Chi Kong , Chan Chi-Keung 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIn Asian countries, stigma against psychiatric disorders and shortage of manpower are the two major challenges that hinder people from receiving treatments. Chatbots can surely help people surpass the stigmatising and manpower shortage challenges. Since a comprehensive review in the Asian context is lacking, this systematic review will evaluate the effects of chatbot interventions on the mental well-being of the general population in Asia.Methods and analysisFour electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and MEDLINE) will be searched until December 2024. Randomised controlled trials with English/Chinese full text available will be included. Random-effect models will be used for meta-analyses. The risk of bias (RoB) and certainty of evidence across studies will be assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 and Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation tools, respectively.Ethics and disseminationThis study will not require ethical approval. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.FundingSchool Research Grant of the Tung Wah College (2023-04-52-SRG230401)PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024546316.
Metabolomics-based treatment for chronic diseases: results from a multidisciplinary clinical study
Authors: Tsoukalas Dimitris , Sarandi Evangelia , Fragoulakis Vassilleios , Xenidis Symeon , Mhliopoulou Maria , Charta Maria , Paramera Efstathia , Papakonstantinou Evangelos , Tsatsakis Aristidis 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs), known as chronic diseases, significantly impact patients’ quality of life (QoL) and increase medical expenses. The majority of risk factors are modifiable, and metabolomics has been suggested as a promising strategy for their evaluation, though real-world data are scarce. This study evaluated the QoL improvement and cost-effectiveness of a metabolomics-based treatment for NCDs, aiming to restore metabolic dysfunctions and nutritional deficiencies.MethodsWe performed a pre–post intervention analysis using clinical, metabolomics, QoL and economic data obtained from the electronic health records of 765 patients visiting a private practice. The intervention consisted of personalised treatment to restore metabolic dysfunctions and nutritional deficiencies identified by metabolomics alongside the standard treatment for their condition. The mean intervention duration was 401 days.ResultsSignificant improvement was identified in energy levels, sleep quality, gastrointestinal function and physical activity (p<0.001). 67.9% of participants reported significant improvement in the overall QoL, and the average quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) increased by 0.064 (95% uncertainty interval 0.050 to 0.078) post-treatment. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated at €49.774/QALY (95% CI €40.110 to €61.433). Metabolic profiling demonstrated that 16/35 organic acids and 11/24 total fatty acids were significantly changed post-treatment (p<0.001), participating in key pathways such as energy metabolism, microbiome and neurotransmitter turnover. Vitamin D and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate insufficiency was significantly restored (p=0.036).ConclusionThis is the first study providing evidence that the integration of metabolomics in clinical practice can have a clinical benefit for patients’ QoL and may be a cost-effective method.
National cross-sectional survey of US adults to assess the reliability of current and lifetime cannabis smoking
Authors: Lum Emily , Tang Janet , Ryder Annie , Vali Marzieh , Cohen Beth E , Keyhani Salomeh 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe objective is to examine the test–retest reliability and internal reliability of six self-report questions assessing both current (past 30 days) and lifetime cannabis smoking in an internet survey in the adult US population.DesignCross-sectional national survey.ParticipantsOut of 957 US adults who completed a national 2020 survey administered through Ipsos KnowledgePanel, 557 completed a second survey (‘reliability survey’) aimed at assessing the test–retest and internal reliability of questions asking about current and lifetime cannabis smoking. The sample size used in the analysis for the six self-report questions varied and was dependent on respondents answering the questions in both the 2020 survey and the reliability survey.Primary outcome measureTest–retest and internal reliability of six self-report questions asking about current and lifetime cannabis smoking.ResultsAmong respondents who had smoked cannabis in the past 30 days, 33.8% were aged 18–34, 29.7% were 35–49, 27.7% were 50–64 and 8.8% were 65 or older. Current cannabis smokers were primarily men (59.5%) and white (63.0%). Almost half of current cannabis smokers had a high school diploma or less followed by some college and a bachelor’s degree or higher (45.7%, 30.6%, 23.8%, respectively). The question assessing number of days participants smoked cannabis in the past 30 days demonstrated good test–retest (r=0.87) and excellent internal reliability (α=0.94). The questions assessing the number of years, the most common form of use and the number of times participants smoked cannabis over their lifetime also demonstrated test–retest (r=0.77 (acceptable), r=0.75 (acceptable) and κ=0.65 (substantial), respectively) and excellent-to-good internal reliability (α=0.91, α=0.87 and α=0.88, respectively).ConclusionsWe found simple questions assessing current and lifetime cannabis use to demonstrate both test–retest reliability and internal reliability. These questions can serve as a simple framework for clinicians to evaluate the frequency of cannabis smoking in their patients. Future work should examine if these simple frequency measures of smoking cannabis are associated with adverse health outcomes.
Opportunities for nurses aspiring to or undertaking clinical academic development globally: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Jennings Claire , Norman Gill , Marshall Marie , Briggs Michelle 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionNurse researchers often lack awareness of how to start a clinical academic research career and often lack clear entry routes. This scoping review aims to identify the range and nature of clinical academic opportunities available for nurses. This will also identify the knowledge gaps and provide the basis for future research.Methods and analysisThe review will be conducted using scoping review methodology and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses with the Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. We will search CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE (Ovid), AMED (Ovid) and ProQuest using a search based on the facet’s ‘nurse’, ‘research’ and ‘clinical academic’. Grey literature and a hand search of the reference lists will be conducted for additional publications meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We will include articles published in English, with a focus on registered nurses interested in undertaking clinical academic development within any healthcare system, with no restrictions regarding the date of publication. Following initial screening of titles and abstracts, relevant full-text papers will be screened for inclusion. Two independent reviewers will participate in an iterative process of screening the literature, paper selection and data extraction. We will use a prespecified form to extract data which will be charted and presented in a tabular form. Samples of data extraction and charting will be checked by a second reviewer. This will support a narrative summary structured around key identified variables agreed on iteratively by the review team.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical or Health Research Authority approval is required to undertake this scoping review. The findings will inform future research exploring the opportunities supporting nurses aspiring to undertake clinical academic development and be disseminated via presentations at national conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.Study registrationOpen Science Framework, DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/WVDXH.