bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in sickle cell trait and disease screening in the Republic of Uganda, 2014–2019
Authors: Hernandez Arielle G. , Kiyaga Charles , Howard Thad A. , Ssewanyana Isaac , Ndeezi Grace , Aceng Jane R. , Ware Russell E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveSickle cell disease is an important public health issue that is increasingly recognised as a substantial contributor to morbidity and early childhood mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa. We aimed to provide information from large‐scale, long‐term sickle cell screening efforts in Africa.MethodsWe used nationally representative data from the centralised public health laboratory database in Uganda to examine epidemiological trends in sickle cell screening over a five‐year period, comparing age and geographic adjustments to prevalence among different testing cohorts of children aged 0–24 months, and calculating screening coverage within high‐burden districts.ResultsA total of 324 356 children aged 0–24 months were screened for sickle cell trait and disease from February 2014 to March 2019. A high national burden of sickle cell disease (0.9%) was confirmed among a cohort of samples co‐tested with HIV. In the cohort of samples referred specifically for sickle cell testing, the overall prevalence of sickle cell disease was 9.7% and particularly elevated in high‐burden districts where focused screening occurred. The majority of children were screened before age 4 months, but the sickle‐specific cohort had a larger proportion of affected children tested between age 5–9 months, coincident with onset of disease signs and symptoms. Successful screening coverage of sickle cell disease births was achieved in several high‐burden districts.ConclusionsExamination and analysis of national sickle cell screening trends in Uganda documents the successes of focused screening strategies as an important step towards universal screening. With this evidence and increased healthcare provider knowledge, Uganda can optimise sickle cell diagnosis and management across the country.
3D Printing of Flexible Sensing Actuators
Authors: Gonzalez Rodriguez David , Garcia Jose , Ducharne Benjamin , Voyles Richard , Nawrocki Robert A. , Newell Brittany 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
3D printed flexible sensors have demonstrated great potential for utilization in a variety of different applications including healthcare, environmental sensing, and industrial applications. In recent years, research on this topic has increased to meet low-cost sensing needs due to the development of innovative materials and printing techniques that reduce cost, production time, and enhance the electrical and mechanical properties of the sensors. This paper presents computational simulations of 3D printed flexible sensors, capable of producing an output signal based on the deformation caused by external forces. Two different sensors were designed and tested, working based on a capacitance and resistance change produced by structural deformation. The capacitance sensor was designed maximizing the area of the electrodes and distributing the electrodes over a flexible membrane taking advantage of the produced deformation to reduce the distance between the electrodes. The reduction in the distance between the electrodes increases the capacitance value of the structure. The capacitance sensor was able to almost triple its baseline capacitance when 30 kPa of pressure was applied. The resistance sensor was designed with one continuous flexible conductive element attached to a flexible membrane, taking advantage of the distortion induced in the conductive element. The deformation in the conductive element increases the length of the resistor and causes the resistance value of the structure to increase. The resistance sensor was able to increase its resistance by 1200 ω with 30 kPa of applied pressure. Finally, preliminary results of 3D printed sensors were demonstrated.
Non-Linear Vibration of Thick Dielectric Membrane Disks With Radial Loads
Authors: Cooley Christopher G. , Lowe Robert L. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study analyzes the large-amplitude, non-linear vibration of dielectric elastomer membrane disks with applied voltages through their thickness and mechanical loads applied radially around their outer circumferential surface. The material is modeled as an isotropic ideal dielectric, with the large-stretch mechanical stiffening captured using the Gent hyperelastic constitutive model. The fully non-linear equation of motion for the coupled electromechanical system is derived using Hamilton’s principle. The disk comes to a steady equilibrium where the compressive stresses due to the applied voltage balance the tensile stresses from the applied radial loads. The equilibria are calculated numerically for a wide range of radial loads, applied voltages, and limiting stretches. It is possible for the disk to have two stable steady equilibria at given radial load and applied voltage, which gives rise to an instability where extreme stretches occur for infinitesimal changes in applied voltage. The equation of motion is determined for small vibrations of the system about equilibrium. Unlike for thin membrane disks, the vibrating mass of thick membrane disks depends on the steady equilibrium stretch. The natural frequency for membrane disks meaningfully decreases with increasing thickness due to the inertia associated with dynamic changes in the membrane thickness. The amount of axial inertia depends on the ratio of the nominal disk thickness to its radius and the steady equilibrium stretch. Large amplitude vibrations are numerically investigated for a wide range of system parameters. The frequency response characteristics of circular membranes due to sinusoidal voltage fluctuations are analyzed about small and large equilibrium stretches. Whereas axial inertia meaningfully alters the frequency response about small equilibrium stretches, it has negligible effects on the frequency response about large equilibrium stretches.
Impact of Including Electronics Design on Design of Intelligent Structures: Applications to Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC)
Authors: Vedant  , Allison James T. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) is a new spacecraft attitude control system that utilizes deployable panels as multifunctional intelligent structures to provide both fine pointing and large slew attitude control. Previous studies introduced MSAC design and operation concepts, simulation-based design studies, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation of a simplified prototype. In this article, we expand the scope of design studies to include individual compliant piezo-electric actuators and associated power electronics. This advance is a step toward high-fidelity MSAC system operation, and reveals new design insights for further performance enhancement. Actuators are designed using pseudo rigid body dynamic models (PRBDMs), and are validated for steady-state and step responses against Finite Element Analysis. The drive electronics model consists of a few distinct topologies that will be used to evaluate system performance for given mechanical and control system designs. Subsequently, a high-fidelity multiphysics multibody MSAC system model, based on the validated compliant actuators and drive electronics, is developed to support implementation of MSAC Control Co-design optimization studies. This model will be used to demonstrate the impact of including the power electronics design in the Optimal Control Co-Design domain. The different control trajectories are compared for slew rates and the vibrational jitter introduced to the satellite. The results from this work will be used to realize closed-loop control trajectories that have minimal jitter introduction while providing high slew rates.
Fabrication and Testing of a Soft Shape Memory Alloy Actuator With an Integrated Liquid Metal Sensor
Authors: Zarepoor Masoud , Ren Zhijian , Majidi Carmel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This paper introduces the fabrication and calibration of a soft shape memory alloy actuator with an integrated liquid metal sensor. The actuator is capable of transforming from an unactuated soft curled shape to an actuated rigid straight shape when it is electrically activated. The surface-bonded sensor is a capacitive strain gauge capable of tracking actuator curvature, which is composed of microfluidic channels of liquid metal alloy embedded in a soft silicone elastomer. The sensor has limited impact on the mechanical properties of the actuator due to being soft and lightweight. The fabrication procedure of the actuator is demonstrated in detail, and it is explained how the actuator can be easily fabricated using rapid prototyping techniques, such as laser cutting and stencil lithography. Then, the calibration procedure shows how the capacitance of the bonded strain gauge can be related to the actuator curvature by aligning capacitance data from the sensor with the actuator’s curvature captured by a fast camera. Finally, we implemented a closed-loop control strategy to show the effectiveness of the integrated sensor in improving the actuator performance. The used control scheme provides a method for optimizing actuation in a way that maximizes actuation amplitude. For optimal control, we use a learning-based approach with a covariant matrix adaptive evolutionary strategy (CMA-ES). It is shown that small change in either applied voltage or actuation time will lead to a large difference on the actuation performance.
An Impact-Based Experimental Setup for Evaluation of Rapid Electromechanical Impedance-Based Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Alshaikh Ali Mohammad , Nolan Eric C. , Anton Steven R. , Safaei Mohsen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This work investigates the application of structural health monitoring (SHM) in a dynamic environment with the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method. Classically, the EMI method monitors civil or mechanical structures for damage in static environments. Advances in data acquisition (DAQ) now allow the possibility of rapid damage detection in dynamic environments. An impact-based experimental setup is developed to create a repeatable dynamic event through a collision between a pneumatically actuated striker bar and a static incident bar instrumented with a piezoelectric transducer. The EMI method is employed to detect the change of state at the interface of the two colliding bars. Experimental results prove the pneumatic launching system is capable of repeatable dynamic events, but the duration of contact is only 0.03 ms and the current DAQ system is incapable of detecting the event. A 3D printed programming material interface is placed at the location of impact to increase the duration of contact to approximately 1 ms. An excitation signal is created to continuously sweep a 0.5 ms chirp signal with a frequency bandwidth from 60–70 kHz (previously identified damage sensitive frequency bandwidth from static testing) for 7.5 seconds. Results indicate that due to the sampling rate and sweep time of the excitation signal, the frequency resolution is not adequate to properly assess if the impact is detected. Improvements in the DAQ hardware must be considered for future work.
Serum neurofilament light chain predicts long-term prognosis in Guillain-Barré syndrome patients
Authors: Martín-Aguilar Lorena , Camps-Renom Pol , Lleixà Cinta , Pascual-Goñi Elba , Díaz-Manera Jordi , Rojas-García Ricardo , De Luna Noemi , Gallardo Eduard , Cortés-Vicente Elena , Muñoz Laia , Alcolea Daniel , Lleó Alberto , Casasnovas Carlos , Homedes Christian , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Gerardo , Jimeno-Montero María Concepción , Berciano José , Sedano-Tous María José , García-Sobrino Tania , Pardo-Fernández Julio , Márquez-Infante Celedonio , Rojas-Marcos Iñigo , Jericó-Pascual Ivonne , Martínez-Hernández Eugenia , Morís de la Tassa Germán , Domínguez-González Cristina , Illa Isabel , Querol Luis 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveTo study baseline serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels as a prognostic biomarker in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).MethodsWe measured NfL in serum (98 samples) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (24 samples) of patients with GBS prospectively included in the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) in Spain using single-molecule array (SiMoA) and compared them with 53 healthy controls (HCs). We performed multivariable regression to analyse the association between sNfL levels and functional outcome at 1 year.ResultsPatients with GBS had higher NfL levels than HC in serum (55.49 pg/mL vs 9.83 pg/mL, p<0.0001) and CSF (1308.5 pg/mL vs 440.24 pg/mL, p=0.034). Patients with preceding diarrhoea had higher sNfL than patients with respiratory symptoms or no preceding infection (134.90 pg/mL vs 47.86 pg/mL vs 38.02 pg/mL, p=0.016). sNfL levels correlated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Disability Score and Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS) at every timepoint. Patients with pure motor variant and Miller Fisher syndrome showed higher sNfL levels than patients with sensorimotor GBS (162.18 pg/mL vs 95.50 pg/mL vs 38.02 pg/mL, p=0.025). Patients with acute motor axonal neuropathy cute motor axonal neuropathy had higher sNfL levels than other variants (190.55 pg/mL vs 46.79 pg/mL, p=0.013). sNfL returned to normal levels at 1 year. High baseline sNfL levels were associated with inability to run (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.40, p=0.009) and lower I-RODS (β −2.60, 95% CI −4.66 to −0.54, p=0.014) at 1 year. Cut-off points predicting clinically relevant outcomes at 1 year with high specificity were calculated: inability to walk independently (>319 pg/mL), inability to run (>248 pg/mL) and ability to run (<34 pg/mL).ConclusionBaseline sNfL levels are increased in patients with GBS, are associated with disease severity and axonal variants and have an independent prognostic value in patients with GBS.
‘Learning from home’: role of e-learning methodologies and tools during novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak
Authors: Deepika Velusami , Soundariya Krishnamurthy , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal , Kalaiselvan Ganapathy 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

Background
During the crucial time of coronavirus pandemic, education is being remodelled: opening the doors of electronic learning (e-learning). The review emphasises on the various e-learning methods that can be used in the current scenario.

Methods
The review was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane. Out of 1524 identified articles, after the process of screening and based on the eligibility criteria, 45 full-text articles were reviewed.

Results
Though there are many caveats on the path of successful implementation this is the right time that we step towards e-learning. The article discusses the methods and tools in e-learning that can modify the traditional ways of content delivery, record maintenance, assessment and feedback.

Conclusion
During the period of ‘planet arrest’, when the whole world is locked down with the motive of social distancing, let us stay connected with e-learning.
Efficacy of oral Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on toxicity of imidocarb dipropionate in horses
Authors: Jaramillo Fernando Mosquera , Piñeros Diego Darley Velasquez , Corrêa Rodrigo Romero , Pogliani Fabio Celidonio , Cogliati Bruno , Baccarin Raquel Yvonne Arantes 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundDespite hepatotoxic effects, imidocarb dipropionate is the drug of choice for treatment of equine piroplasmosis. It is important, therefore, to identify adjuvant therapies that may improve the safety of imidocarb dipropionate by reducing the risk of liver damage during its use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and hepatoregulatory effects of treatment with Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum during administration of imidocarb dipropionate.MethodsTen healthy horses, seroconverted to Theileria equi by C‐ELISA, were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of imidocarb dipropionate for three consecutive days. The study population was divided into two groups. The control group did not receive any complementary treatments. The treated group received a daily oral supplement containing C scolymus and S marianum for 30 days. Physical, haematological and histological examinations of hepatic fragments were performed.ResultsAll haematological values remained within normal range for the study population. Histological analysis revealed that treated group animals had 62 per cent less lobular inflammation, 55 per cent less pigment accumulation, 65 per cent less steatosis and 57 per cent less portal inflammation than control group animals, with an equivalent percentage of hydropic degeneration.ConclusionC scolymus and S marianum supplements resulted in beneficial hepatoprotective effects in horses treated with imidocarb dipropionate.
Efeito agudo da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) na lombalgia
Authors: Rosa Bruna de Lima , Borba Bruna Albani , Oliveira Taiana Boeira , Lumertz Milena , Santos Josué Nascente dos , Dohnert Marcelo Baptista , Daitx Rodrigo Boff 
Published: November 2020

A lombalgia é um problema extremamente comum, que afeta mais pessoas do que qualquer outra afecção. Acarreta em um quadro de dor, perda de função e redução da qualidade de vida. Isto posto, o tratamento conservador é de suma importância para a reabilitação de pacientes com lombalgia. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito agudo da estimulação elétrica transcutânea (TENS) em portadores de lombalgia. Métodos: Série de casos, no qual participaram 66 pacientes. Foi realizado uma única intervenção com TENS no modo acupuntural, frequência de 70 Hz, tempo de pulso de 150 us, com duração de 40 minutos. Foram avaliados o nível de dor, flexibilidade de isquiotibiais, força muscular e estabilização do complexo lombopélvico pré, imediatamente após e 24 horas após a intervenção. Resultados: O nível de dor, flexibilidade de isquiotibiais e força muscular dos extensores de tronco apresentaram melhora imediatamente após intervenção (p<0,05). Após 24 horas, houve aumento significativo da dor em comparação ao pós intervenção (p<0,05), porém ainda se verificou um efeito analgésico e de melhora da flexibilidade em comparação a avaliação pré. A força muscular melhorou de forma significativa pós intervenção e manteve-se 24 horas após (p<0,05). Os testes de estabilidade apresentaram maior tempo de manutenção da postura imediatamente após a aplicação da TENS, porém com redução deste feito pós 24 horas (p<0,05). Conclusão: A TENS demonstrou redução do quadro álgico, melhora da força de tronco, flexibilidade de isquiotibiais e da estabilização lombopélvica imediatamente após a intervenção. Estes efeitos se mantiveram 24 horas após, porém não com a mesma intensidade.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of populations of Longidorus longicaudatus Siddiqi, 1962 and L. americanus Handoo, Carta, Skantar, Ye, Robbins, Subbotin, Fraedrich & Cram, 2005 from Florida, USA
Authors: Inserra Renato N. , Troccoli Alberto , Vau Silvia , Subbotin Sergei A. 
Published: November 2020

Summary
Two populations of needle nematode, Longidorus longicaudatus Siddiqi, 1962, are described from Quercus hemisphaerica, Q. nigra and Q. virginiana from north Florida, USA. These populations are characterised morphologically by females having a body shorter than 3800 μm, a rounded or slightly flattened lip region, an amphidial fovea pouch-like often with two symmetrical lobes, an odontostyle 99-110 μm long, a conoid tail ending in a bluntly pointed terminus, ranging values of ratio c′ greater than 2, and males very rare. The polytomous code for these populations is A34, B23, C2, D23, E2, F12, G12, H6, I12, J1, K6. Although the morphology and morphometrics of these two populations fit the original description of Longidorus longicaudatus, Florida specimens have greater diameters of lip region, mid and anal body than those of the five type specimens used for the description of this species. The Florida L. longicaudatus is similar to L. paralongicaudatus, but differs from the paratypes of this species in having smaller and greater values of ratios c (53.8 (43.8-64.5) vs 79.2 (61.9-103.5)) and c′ (2.4 (2.1-2.9) vs 1.8 (1.5-2.0)), respectively, and longer tail (60 (53-67) vs 46 (36-53) μm). Molecular characterisation of one of the two Florida L. longicaudatus populations was made based on the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, ITS1 rRNA and COI gene sequences. The results of the ITS1 rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that it is genetically different from L. paralongicaudatus. A few specimens of a needle nematode associated with L. longicaudatus were identified morphologically and molecularly as the pine needle nematode, L. americanus. This detection is a new record of the occurrence of the pine needle nematode in Florida.
Historical Rupture or Continuity?
Authors: Edres Nijmi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
From the point of view of the institutional legal history of shariʿa courts in Israel, the article focuses on the elements of rupture and/or continuity introduced by the appointment of Hanāʾ Manṣūr-Khaṭīb as the first female judge in Israeli religious courts against the background of three main elements, the subordination of shariʿa courts to the Israeli legal system, the reaction of shariʿa courts to the challenges posed by secular and conservative Muslim actors inside the Palestinian minority, and the definition of gender roles in the Muslim judiciary in Israel. Despite some elements of rupture with the past, the article argues that the appointment is part and continuation of an active strategy of the pragmatic use of “the past” of Islamic legal tradition already pursued by shariʿa courts since 1995, and that the appointment of Manṣūr-Khaṭīb can be inscribed in a framework of “patriarchal liberalism,” following the definition of Moussa Abou Ramadan, proving that, still, gender is anything but irrelevant.
An Analysis of Jordanian Jurisdiction as a Seat for International Arbitration
Authors: Aladwan Zaid M. , Aladwan Mutaz M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Arbitration is the best method to resolve a dispute, due to the flexibility in its mechanism and issuing of a final judgment, known as an ‘award’. The winning party usually seeks to apply that award in the state where the assets of the losing party exist. In this regard, the New York Convention 1958 guarantees that the award is enforceable in the state where the winning party sought to apply. Jordan is party to the Convention; it has regulated its own arbitration law and has adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law 1985. However, not all provisions were adopted where specific provisions in Jordanian law relating to certain matters differed from the Model Law provisions. These differences may positively or adversely affect the arbitration procedure in Jordan.
By Grace: Recognition of Religious Minority Associations in Denmark from the Reformation until 2018
Authors: Warburg Margit 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In Denmark, the recognition of religious minority associations dates back to absolutism in the late 1600s when it was exerted by royal grace. However, the legal basis was not established as foreseen in the constitution of 1849, and recognition continued to be an ad hoc administrative act, which was modelled over the acts of grace during absolutism. By tradition, the cases were handled by the bishop of Copenhagen. After a criticism of this practice, the government established an expert committee in 1998 to take over the work of the bishop. In the absence of a dedicated law, the committee developed rules for recognition. The considerations and experiences of the expert committee are discussed in light of theories of contemporary public governance and with a view to the ‘by grace’ principle of absolutism. The article also discusses the preparation of the first law on recognition of religious minority associations from 2018.