bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term efficacy of conditioning training program combined with feedback on kinetics and kinematics in male runners
Authors: Letafatkar Amir , Rabiei Pouya , Farivar Niloufar , Alamouti Gelareh 
Published: October 2019

This study was aimed to compare the effects of 8‐week conditioning training (CT) programs with and without feedback on lower limbs' biomechanics and injury incidence in free‐injury male runners and assess their effectiveness across a 1‐year observation. A total of 49 healthy male runners were randomly assigned to one of three groups of CT (n = 16), CT with feedback (n = 17), and placebo (n = 16) group. Kinematic and kinetic measurements were conducted at pre‐intervention, 8 weeks post‐intervention, and 1‐year follow‐up stage. Injury incidence was also measured at pre‐intervention and follow‐up stage. As a result, significant improvement was found in within‐group differences in CT and CT with feedback groups. Moreover, significant difference in CT with feedback group was observed in the kinetic outcome improvement after 8 weeks as compared to CT group. On the other side, there were no significant differences between the CT and CT with feedback groups in kinematic outcomes. However, the percentage of changes in kinematic outcomes were higher in CT with feedback group than those in the CT group. No significant change was observed in the placebo group in all the variables. There was comparative between‐group difference between CT with feedback group and the placebo one, favoring the former group. At 1‐year follow‐up, the injury incidence was reduced by 32% for CT group, 64.6% for CT with feedback group, and 15.5% for placebo. Thus, the CT with feedback was effective in improving biomechanics and reducing injury incidence. Improvements were generally maintained through 1 year, indicating potential for long‐term changes. This study demonstrates the applicability of using feedback with CT to enhance safer movement patterns in runners and may subsequently help prevent or reduce injury risks.
Predicting blood donation intention: the importance of fear
Authors: Gilchrist Philippe T. , Masser Barbara M. , Horsley Kristin , Ditto Blaine 
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUNDBlood donor recruitment remains an important worldwide challenge due to changes in population demographics and shifts in the demand for blood. Various cognitive models help predict donation intention, although the importance of affective deterrents has become increasingly evident. This study aimed to identify fears that predict donation intention, to explore their relative importance, and to determine if self‐efficacy and attitude mediate this relationship, thus providing possible targets for intervention.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA total of 347 individuals (269 nondonors and 78 donors) living in Québec responded to questionnaires assessing medical fears, psychosocial factors related to donation intention including the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs, anticipated regret, and facilitating factors (i.e., time commitment and rewards). To examine the relative importance of these factors in the context of blood donation, the same questions were also asked about other medical activities that involve salient needle stimuli: flu vaccinations and dental examinations.RESULTSMedical fears, especially blood‐related fears, were significantly associated with donation intention. Bootstrapping tests confirmed that this relation was mediated by attitude and self‐efficacy. Underlining the importance of medical fears in the blood donation context, these fears were not associated with attitudes and intentions for dental examinations or flu vaccinations.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that medical fears, especially blood‐related fears, play a key role in predicting donation attitudes and intentions. Mediational pathways provide support for interventions to improve donation intentions by addressing specific fears while also improving a donor's belief in his or her ability to manage donation‐related fears.
Clinical value of carcinoembryonic antigen in mammary neoplasms of bitches
Authors: Senhorello Igor L. S. , Terra Erika M. , Sueiro Felipe A. R. , Firmo Bruna F. , Anai Leticia A. , Goloni Camila , Canavari Isabela C. , Ampuero Roberto A. N. , Pereira Rodrigo S. , Tinucci‐Costa Mirela 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aimed at evaluating the behaviour and understanding the diagnostic value of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in bitches with mammary carcinoma as a tool for monitoring and prognosis of canine cancer patients. Serum samples from 77 bitches were divided into four groups, G1 (n = 21), control group (healthy/neoplasia free bitches); G2 (n = 31), bitches with non‐metastatic mammary carcinoma less than 3 cm; G3 (n = 12), bitches with non‐metastatic mammary carcinoma greater than 3 cm; and, G4 (n = 13) bitches with mammary carcinoma and lymph node metastasis. The marker was dosed once in G1, whereas in G2, G3 and G4, CEA levels were determined before (M0) and 15 days after (M1) mastectomy, using the ELISA kit for humans while reading used ELISYS ONE human. A group of 11 bitches was followed up 45 days after mastectomy (M2). The results for the concentration of markers in blood serum samples at the evaluated times and their relationship with neoplasia biological behaviour and observed clinicopathological changes were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% significance. The ROC curve was established to find the cut‐off value and calculate the test sensitivity and specificity, the multivariate matching analysis was performed to confirm the association between CEA values and clinicopathological variables. CEA values increased significantly in bitches with mammary carcinoma, metastatic tumours with a diameter larger than 3.0 cm and high grade, compared with healthy ones. In addition, mastectomy reduced the CEA concentration in the blood (P < .05) whereas high CEA levels were associated with unfavourable prognostic factors (P < .05). The biomarker presented good diagnostic value, especially for more aggressive tumours. In conclusion, CEA serum concentrations allowed to follow efficiently the evolution of mammary tumours in bitches, since CEA values increased in bitches with mammary gland tumour and decreased after mastectomy while correlating with prognostic factors such as tumour size, nodal metastasis and histological grade. Further studies are still needed to confirm its diagnostic value for follow‐up of relapse and early metastasis.
Cryotherapy to treat benign skin tumours in conscious dogs
Authors: Angileri Martina , Furlanello Tommaso , De Lucia Michela 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundCryotherapy can be used to treat benign skin lesions without general anaesthesia. This technique has only been described in anaesthetized dogs.ObjectiveTo describe the feasibility, safety and efficacy of cryotherapy to treat benign skin tumours in conscious dogs.AnimalsTwenty‐five client‐owned dogs with 52 skin tumours diagnosed as benign sebaceous neoplasia (46) or follicular cysts (six).Methods and materialsCryotherapy was performed in conscious dogs using a liquid nitrogen spray technique with a handheld spray‐release system. If needed, cryotherapy was repeated every three to four weeks until complete cure was achieved or for a maximum of eight treatments. Effectiveness and adverse effects were recorded.ResultsResolution was obtained for 29 of 52 lesions (57%) with a median number of one to two cryotherapy sessions. Eighteen of 52 (35%) lesions shrank to <0.1 cm. In one case, the tumour enlarged after cryotherapy, and histopathological examination of the excisional biopsy revealed an apocrine gland carcinoma. Pain and discomfort during the treatment were the most common adverse effects (33%).Conclusions and clinical importanceIn the present study, cryotherapy was possible in conscious dogs and proved to be effective to cure or reduce the size of benign sebaceous tumours and follicular cysts. The procedure is safe but the degree of pain during the treatment needs to be further investigated. Worsening of the lesion after cryotherapy suggests the need for surgical removal and histopathological examination.
COMBUSTION PERFORMANCE OF SYNGAS FROM PALM KERNEL SHELL IN A GAS BURNER
Authors: Yusoff @ Adnan Asmadib , Rahim Muhammad Roslan , Mohd. Jaafar Mohammad Nazri , Othman Norazila , Mohd Ismail Mohd Shuisma , Arifin Kamal , Hasan Mohd Faizal 
Published: October 2019

Insufficient and various environmental issues of fossil fuels as the current world dominated energy is now becoming a serious global issue. The rapidly increasing demand for alternative energy sources has contributed to the steady growth of renewable energy. Owing to the fact of the abundant presence of palm kernel shell (PKS) as one of palm biomass wastes in South East Asia region, this paper investigates syngas produced from gasified PKS. The investigation is regarding its composition and combustion performance in a gas burner system. It covers emissions analysis, temperature profile and flame length. The produced syngas from downdraft gasifier was burned in the combustion chamber in air-rich and fuel-rich combustion conditions. From the experiment, the results showed that the oxidation zone temperature of above 750°C for the downdraft gasifier is suitable for producing syngas. Produced syngas can be classified as pure-carbon monoxide (CO) syngas due to 94.9% CO content with no hydrogen (H2) content and low heating value (LHV) of 10.7 MJ/kg. The wall temperature profiles for burnt syngas produced via downdraft gasification was higher with longer pattern at fuel-rich condition, which signified higher energy of syngas produced from downdraft gasifier compared to fluidised bed gasifier. The associated flame length was also longer at fuel-rich condition. Produced emission of 56 ppm NOX, 37 ppm CO and 1 ppm SO2 can still be considered as acceptable to human. It can be concluded that syngas produced from PKS shown a high potential to serve as an alternative source of energy due to its high energy content.
Battery Thermal Management System Design: Role of Influence of Nanofluids, Flow Directions, and Channels
Authors: Srinivaas Sanjay , Li Wei , Garg Akhil , Peng Xiongbin , Gao Liang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries are currently being produced and used in large quantities in the automobile sector as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. The thermal behavior of the battery pack is a very important criterion, which is not only essential for safety but also has an equally important role in the capacity and life cycle of the batteries. The liquid battery thermal management system is a very efficient type of thermal management system, and mini-channel-based liquid cooling systems are one of the most popular type of the battery thermal management system and have been researched extensively. This paper mainly intends to study the effects of tapering, the addition of grooves to the channel, the use of different nanofluids, and the flow direction of coolant on the thermal performance of the battery pack using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model. The results suggest that converging channels can be used to control the temperature rise, while diverging channels can be used to control the temperature deviation. The addition of grooves and the use of nanofluids were beneficial in reducing the temperature rise. The final setups were able to reduce the maximum temperature rise by 2.267 K with a substantial pressure drop increase and by 1.513 K with an increase in pressure drop of only 19.92%.
Expanding Cavity Model Combined With Johnson–Cook Constitutive Equation for the Dynamic Indentation Problem
Authors: Ito Kiyohiro , Arai Masayuki 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The indentation formed on a metallic component by the high-velocity impingement of a small object can fracture the component, and this is known as foreign object damage. In this type of dynamic indentation, it is necessary to consider the effects of work hardening, strain rate hardening, and thermal softening in the impinged material. In this study, in order to consider these effects, the expanding cavity model based on a spherical formulation is modified via the Johnson–Cook constitutive equation for the dynamic indentation problem. Additionally, an equation is developed based on energy conservation and the modified expanding cavity model to predict the size of the indentation formed by an impingement of a solid sphere (EPIS). The distributions of equivalent plastic strain, equivalent plastic strain rate, temperature, and equivalent von Mises stress obtained via the expanding cavity model were in good agreement with the data obtained from the finite element analysis (FEA). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that EPIS accurately predicted the indentation size formed on various metallic materials at several impingement velocities in the range of 50–300 m/s. Consequently, EPIS can be effectively applied to an impingement problem of a hard sphere onto a sufficiently thick ductile material within 300 m/s without any help of FEA.
Influence of Diesel Fuel Injection Characteristics on Dual-Fuel Combustion Modes in a Large-Bore, Medium-Speed Engine
Authors: Klingbeil Adam , Hong Seunghyuck , Primus Roy J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Experiments were conducted on a large bore, medium speed, single cylinder, diesel engine to investigate operation with substitution ratio of natural gas (NG) varying from 0% to 93% by energy. In a previous study by the same group, these data were used to validate an analytical methodology for predicting performance and emissions under a broad spectrum of energy substitution ratios. For this paper, these experimental data are further analyzed to better understand the performance and combustion behavior under NG substitution ratios of 0%, 60%, and 93%. These results show that by transitioning from diesel-only to 60% dual-fuel (DF) (60% NG substitution ratio), an improvement in the NOx-efficiency trade-off was observed that represented a ∼3% improvement in indicated efficiency at constant NOx. Further, the transition from 60% DF to 93% DF (93% NG substitution ratio) resulted in additional efficiency improvement with a simultaneous reduction in NOx emissions. The data suggest that this improvement can be attributed to the premixed nature of the high substitution ratio case. Furthermore, the results show that high cycle-to-cycle variation was observed for some 93% DF combustion tests. Further analysis, along with diesel injection rate measurements, shows that the observed extreme sensitivity of the combustion event can be attributed to critical parameters such as diesel fuel quantity and injection timing. These results suggest a better understanding of the relative importance of combustion system components and operating conditions in controlling cycle-to-cycle variation of combustion process.
A New Methodology to Assess Building Integrated Roof Top Photovoltaic Installations at City Scales: The Tropical Coastal City Case
Authors: Pokhrel Rabindra , Walker Andy , González Jorge E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAs a consequence of the warm and humid climate of tropical coastal regions, there is high energy demand year-round due to air conditioning to maintain indoor comfort levels. Past and current practices are focused on mitigating peak cooling demands by improving heat balances by using efficient building envelope technologies, passive systems, and demand side management strategies. In this study, we explore city-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) planning integrating information on climate, building parameters and energy models, and electrical system performance, with added benefits for the tropical coastal city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Energy balance on normal roof, flush-mounted PV roof, and tilted PV roof are used to determine PV power generation, air, and roof surface temperatures. To scale up the application to the whole city, we use the urbanized version of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model with the building effect parameterization (BEP) and the building energy model (BEM). The city topology is represented by the World Urban Database Access Portal Tool (WUDAPT), local climate zones (LCZs) for urban landscapes. The modeled peak roof temperature is maximum for normal roof conditions and minimum when inclined PV is installed on a roof. These trends are followed by the building air conditioning (AC) demand from urbanized WRF, maximum for normal roof and minimum for inclined roof-mounted PV. The net result is a reduced daytime Urban Heat Island (UHI) for horizontal and inclined PV roof and increased nighttime UHI for the horizontal PV roof as compared with the normal roof. The ratio between coincident AC demand and PV production for the entire metropolitan region is further analyzed reaching 20% for compact low rise and open low rise buildings due to adequate roof area but reaches almost 100% for compact high rise and compact midrise buildings class, respectively.
Spatial epidemiology of gestational age and birth weight in Switzerland: census-based linkage study
Authors: Skrivankova Veronika , Zwahlen Marcel , Adams Mark , Low Nicola , Kuehni Claudia , Egger Matthias 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundGestational age and birth weight are strong predictors of infant morbidity and mortality. Understanding spatial variation can inform policies to reduce health inequalities. We examined small-area variation in gestational age and birth weight in Switzerland.MethodsAll singleton live births recorded in the Swiss Live Birth Register 2011 to 2014 were eligible. We deterministically linked the Live Birth Register with census and survey data to create data sets including neonatal and pregnancy-related variables, parental characteristics and geographical variables. We produced maps of 705 areas and fitted linear mixed-effect models to assess to what extent spatial variation was explained by these variables.ResultsWe analysed all 315 177 eligible live births. Area-level averages of gestational age varied between 272 and 279 days, and between 3138 and 3467 g for birth weight. The fully adjusted models explained 31% and 87% of spatial variation of gestational age and birth weight, respectively. Language region accounted for most of the explained variation (23% in gestational age and 62% in birth weight), with shorter gestational age (−0.6 days and −0.9 days) and lower birth weight (−1.1% and −1.8%) in French-speaking and Italian-speaking areas, respectively, compared with German-speaking areas. Other variables explaining variation were, for gestational age, the level of urbanisation (10%) and parental nationality (3%). For birth weight, they were gestational age (27%), parental nationality (27%), civil status (10%) and altitude (10%). In a random sample of 81 968 live births with data on parental education, levels of education were only weakly associated with gestational age (−0.9 days for compulsory vs tertiary maternal education) or birth weight (−0.7% for compulsory vs tertiary maternal education).ConclusionsIn Switzerland, small area variation in birth weight is largely explained, and variation in gestational age partially explained, by geocultural, sociodemographic and pregnancy factors.
Executive function and brain development in adolescents with severe congenital heart disease (Teen Heart Study): protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ehrler Melanie , Naef Nadja , Tuura Ruth O'Gorman , Latal Beatrice 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionCongenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent congenital malformation. With recent advances in medical care, the majority of patients with CHD survive into adulthood. As a result, interest has shifted towards the neurodevelopmental outcome of these patients, and particularly towards the early detection and treatment of developmental problems. A variety of mild to moderate cognitive impairments as well as emotional and behavioural problems has been observed in this population. However, a more detailed assessment of the various domains of executive function and their association with structural and functional brain development is lacking. Therefore, the current study will examine all domains of executive function and brain development in detail in a large sample of children and adolescents with CHD and healthy control children.Methods and analysisA total of 192 children and adolescents with CHD aged 10–15 years, who participated in prospective cohort studies at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, will be eligible for this study. As a control group, approximately 100 healthy children will be enrolled. Primary outcome measures will include executive function abilities, while secondary outcomes will consist of other neurodevelopmental measures, including intelligence, processing speed, attention, fine motor abilities and brain development. An MRI will be performed to assess structural and functional brain development. Linear regression analyses will be applied to investigate group differences and associations between executive function performance and neurodevelopmental measures.Ethics and disseminationThis study is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF 32003B_172914) and approved by the ethical committee of the Canton Zurich (KEK 2019–00035). Written informed consent will be obtained from all the parents and from children aged 14 years or older. Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences for widespread dissemination of the results.
Diagnostic biomarkers for adult haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in critically ill patients (HEMICU): a prospective observational study protocol
Authors: Lachmann Gunnar , Knaak Cornelia , von Haefen Clarissa , Paeschke Nadine , Meisel Christian , Nyvlt Peter , Schuster Friederike S , Piper Sophie K , Kruppa Jochen , Vorderwülbecke Gerald , Balzer Felix , La Rosée Paul , Schenk Thomas , Unterwalder Nadine , Kölsch Uwe , Lachmann Nils , Akyüz Levent , Brunkhorst Frank M , Volk Hans-Dieter , Keh Didier , Spies Claudia 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionHaemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults is characterised by toxic immune activation and a sepsis-like syndrome, leading to high numbers of undiagnosed cases and mortality rates of up to 68%. Early diagnosis and specific immune suppressive treatment are mandatory to avoid fatal outcome, but the diagnostic criteria (HLH-2004) are adopted from paediatric HLH and have not been validated in adults. Experimental studies suggest biomarkers to sufficiently diagnose HLH. However, biomarkers for the diagnosis of adult HLH have not yet been investigated.Methods and analysisThe HEMICU (Diagnostic biomarkers for adult haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in critically ill patients) study aims to estimate the incidence rate of adult HLH among suspected adult patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Screening for HLH will be performed in 16 ICUs of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The inclusion criteria are bicytopaenia, hyperferritinaemia (≥500 µg/L), fever or when HLH is suspected by the clinician. Over a period of 2 years, we expect inclusion of about 100 patients with suspected HLH. HLH will be diagnosed if at least five of the HLH-2004 criteria are fulfilled, together with an expert review; all other included patients will serve as controls. Second, a panel of potential biomarker candidates will be explored. DNA, plasma and serum will be stored in a biobank. The primary endpoint of the study is the incidence rate of adult HLH among suspected adult patients during ICU stay. Out of a variety of measured biomarkers, this study furthermore aims to find highly potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of adult HLH in ICU. The results of this study will contribute to improved recognition and patient outcome of adult HLH in clinical routine.Ethics and disseminationThe institutional ethics committee approved this study on 1 August 2018 (Ethics Committee of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, EA4/006/18). The results of the study will be disseminated in an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03510650.