bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibration of Rectangular Plates by the Ritz Method
Authors: Young Dana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Ritz’s method is one of several possible procedures for obtaining approximate solutions for the frequencies and modes of vibration of thin elastic plates. The accuracy of the results and the practicability of the computations depend to a great extent upon the set of functions that is chosen to represent the plate deflection. In this investigation, use is made of the functions which define the normal modes of vibration of a uniform beam. Tables of values of these functions have been computed as well as values of different integrals of the functions and their derivatives. With the aid of these data, the necessary equations can be set up and solved with reasonable effort. Solutions are obtained for three specific plate problems, namely, (a) square plate clamped at all four edges, (b) square plate clamped along two adjacent edges and free along the other two edges, and (c) square plate clamped along one edge and free along the other three edges.
The Design and Validation of a Low-Cost Foot Measurement System
Authors: Dickerson Laura C. , Queen Robin M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
It is estimated that approximately 40% of the population suffers from abnormal foot posture, specifically high arched or low arched feet. While the evaluation of foot posture can involve many aspects, it commonly requires the measurement of basic dimensions of the foot. Clinicians and researchers often rely on the use of specialized devices or three-dimensional (3D) scanners to evaluate specific aspects of a patient's foot posture. However, current technologies are extremely expensive, therefore highlighting the need for a cost-effective device to be used in rural and clinical settings. As a result, the purpose of this study was to develop an inexpensive system to measure total foot length, truncated length, dorsum height, navicular height, and foot width. Bland–Altman plots showed significant differences between this measurement system and a 3D scanner for total foot length, truncated length, and navicular height (p &lt; 0.001) and significant differences when assessing the repeatability of dorsum height (p = 0.022). However, the magnitudes of these differences were minimal compared to the overall measurement. Additionally, interclass correlation coefficients revealed that this system had excellent validity when compared to a 3D scanner (interclass correlation coefficients = 0.908–0.994), and good to excellent repeatability when compared between days (interclass correlation coefficients = 0.867–0.996). These results demonstrate that it is possible to design an inexpensive, valid, and repeatable system that can be used in clinical, research, and rural settings to successfully evaluate basic dimensions of the foot that can be used for the determination of foot type.
Preliminary Evaluation of the LASSO Method for Prediction of the Relative Power Density Distribution in Mixed Oxide (Pu, DU)O2 Fuel Pellets
Authors: Anghel C. V. , Bromley B. P. , Prudil A. A. , Welland M. J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Predicting the power distribution within nuclear fuel is essential for predicting reactor fuel performance, since power distributions can impact pellet temperature distributions and fission product transport and migration. Analytical expressions for radial power distribution in fuel pellets were sought using lattice physics calculations to generate data and a machine learning technique to find representative expressions. Analytical approximations can be useful in nuclear fuel performance codes, such as element simulation and stresses (ELESTRES)/ element simulation code in a loss of coolant accident (ELOCA) for providing very rapid predictions of power distributions with reduced computational effort and memory requirements, relative to using an embedded or coupled neutron transport/burnup reactor physics code. Radial power distributions were calculated a priori using lattice physics codes to model mixed oxide (MOX) 37-element fuel bundles in pressure tube heavy water reactors. Such advanced fuels are of interest for future fuel cycles. Several datasets were generated with different amounts of PuO2 and variable neutron energy spectrum. Results of preliminary studies with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression machine learning method have obtained analytical fitting functions with a mean maximum relative error (MRE) of 0.056 and a maximum MRE of 0.152 on the test set. However, using LASSO to estimate the coefficients of a physically motivated modified Bessel plus an exponential function, results in a lower MRE (mean MRE 0.041 and maximum MRE 0.11) on the same test set. Further potential improvements in both the curve fit and the machine learning methods are discussed.
Deposition of ITER Vacuum Vessel Dust Inside the Pressure Suppression System During a Loss of Coolant Accident: Experimental and Numerical Analyses
Authors: Ibba Miriam , Pesetti Alessio , Raucci Michele , Parozzi Flavio , Lazzeri Roberta , Aquaro Donato 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper deals with an experimental and numerical analysis of the deposition of International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) dust simulant inside a reduced scale vacuum vessel pressure suppression system (VVPSS) of ITER. This research, funded by the ITER organization, aims to analyze the dust deposition in a water container in a relevant configuration for the ITER VVPSS, the dust removal by means of robotized apparatuses and their decontamination efficiency. The experimental rig, built at the department of civil and industrial engineering (DICI) of the University of Pisa (Italy), is described and the results of a preliminary experimental test are illustrated. It was measured that two and 82% of the overall injected dust mass was strongly and lightly bound to the water container surfaces, respectively, and 16% were not deposited in the water tank. Furthermore, three numerical analyses were carried out implementing a model of the experimental rig in the Enel code for analysis of radionuclide transport (ECART) to determine the relevance of different parameters on the deposition, resuspension and removal of dust. The numerical simulations allowed to specify dust mass deposition on the different rig components, revealing a strong dust retention (about 66%) in the first part of the injection piping in case of coarse granulometry. Finest lognormal dust distribution was instead able to reach the water container (about 90%). Moreover, the numerical simulations permitted to define more precisely the test matrix and to analyze the experimental results.
A Review of Fatigue Crack Growth Thresholds for Metals in Fitness-for-Service Codes: On the Uncertainty of Using the Thresholds at Negative Stress Ratios
Authors: Hasegawa Kunio , Strnadel Bohumir , Mareš Vratislav , Dvořák David , Usami Saburo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Fatigue crack growth thresholds ΔKth for metals are provided in many fitness-for-service codes. However, fatigue crack growth thresholds at negative stress ratios are not consistently defined. There are two forms of thresholds at negative stress ratios: constant thresholds irrespective of stress ratios, or increasing thresholds with decreasing stress ratios. The definitions of the thresholds at negative stress ratios also take two forms: either ΔKth = Kmax−Kmin, or ΔKth = Kmax. ASME Section VIII, Section XI (ferritic steel) and International Institute of Welding (IIW) give constant thresholds expressed by ΔKth = Kmax. American Petroleum Institute (API) 579 and ASME Section XI (stainless steel) give increases in thresholds with decreasing stress ratios and the thresholds are expressed by ΔKth = Kmax−Kmin. British Standard (BS) 7910 gives constant thresholds expressed by ΔKth = Kmax−Kmin. The fatigue crack growth thresholds differ significantly among different fitness-for-service (FFS) codes. Appropriate thresholds for ferritic steels, stainless steels, and aluminum alloys are demonstrated in the literature survey.
The Lived Experience Of Participants in an African RandomiseD trial (LEOPARD): protocol for an in-depth qualitative study within a multisite randomised controlled trial for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Lawrence David S , Tsholo Katlego , Ssali Agnes , Mupambireyi Zivai , Hoddinott Graeme , Nyirenda Deborah , Meya David B , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo , Harrison Thomas S , Jarvis Joseph N , Seeley Janet 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionIndividuals recruited into clinical trials for life-threatening illnesses are particularly vulnerable. This is especially true in low-income settings. The decision to enrol may be influenced by existing inequalities, poor healthcare infrastructure and fear of death. Where patients are confused or unconscious the responsibility for this decision falls to relatives. This qualitative study is nested in the ongoing AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION) Trial. AMBITION is recruiting participants from five countries in sub-Saharan Africa and is trialling a novel treatment approach for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis, an infection known to affect brain function. We aim to learn from the experiences of participants, relatives and researchers involved in AMBITION.Methods and analysisWe will collect data through in-depth interviews with trial participants and the next of kin of participants who were confused at enrolment and therefore provided surrogate consent. Data will be collected in Gaborone, Botswana; Kampala, Uganda and Harare, Zimbabwe. Interviews will follow a narrative approach including participatory drawing of participation timelines. This will be supplemented by direct observation of the research process at each of the three recruiting hospitals. Interviews will also take place with researchers from the African and European institutions that form the partnership through which the trial is administered. Interviews will be transcribed verbatim, translated (if necessary) and organised thematically for narrative analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Health Research Development Committee, Gaborone (Reference: HPDME:13/18/1); Makerere School of Health Sciences Institutional Review Board, Kampala (Reference: 2019–061); University of Zimbabwe Joint Research Ethics Committee, Harare (Reference: 219/19), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Reference: 17957). Study findings will be shared with research participants from the sites, key stakeholders at each research institution and ministries of health to help inform the development and implementation of future trials. The findings of this study will be published in journals and presented at academic meetings.Trial registrationRegistered atwww.clinicaltrials.gov:NCT04296292.
Acceptability of a home-based visual field test (Eyecatcher) for glaucoma home monitoring: a qualitative study of patients’ views and experiences
Authors: Jones Lee , Callaghan Tamsin , Campbell Peter , Jones Pete R , Taylor Deanna J , Asfaw Daniel S , Edgar David F , Crabb David P 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesTo explore the acceptability of home visual field (VF) testing using Eyecatcher among people with glaucoma participating in a 6-month home monitoring pilot study.DesignQualitative study using face-to-face semistructured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.SettingParticipants were recruited in the UK through an advertisement in the International Glaucoma Association (now Glaucoma UK) newsletter.ParticipantsTwenty adults (10 women; median age: 71 years) with a diagnosis of glaucoma were recruited (including open angle and normal tension glaucoma; mean deviation=2.5 to −29.9 dB).ResultsAll participants could successfully perform VF testing at home. Interview data were coded into four overarching themes regarding experiences of undertaking VF home monitoring and attitudes towards its wider implementation in healthcare: (1) comparisons between Eyecatcher and Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA); (2) capability using Eyecatcher; (3) practicalities for effective wider scale implementation; (4) motivations for home monitoring.ConclusionsParticipants identified a broad range of benefits to VF home monitoring and discussed areas for service improvement. Eyecatcher was compared positively with conventional VF testing using HFA. Home monitoring may be acceptable to at least a subset of people with glaucoma.
Risk factors associated with quad bike crashes: a protocol for systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Menon Preetha , EI-Sadig Mohamed , AB Khan Moien , Östlundh Linda , El-Deyarbi Marwan , Al-Rifai Rami H , Grivna Michal 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionQuad bikes are four-wheeled vehicles, driven off-road on uneven terrains by farmers for work or young adults for leisure. Quad bike accidental crashes result mostly due to the unique ecosystem of uneven terrain, where these unstable vehicles are commonly driven, in addition to numerous distinctive sociodemographic characteristics related to drivers. This is a protocol for a systematic review of observational studies from all geographical regions and demographic groups in the world to summarise the common risk factors relating to quad bike crashes.Methods and analysisA comprehensive search for the literature on quad bike crashes and related injuries will be conducted in six electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE and PsycINFO. Proquest Dissertation and Thesis, OpenGrey and BASE will be searched for grey literature. Five researchers will be involved in the screening, and the review of full text articles, using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements between reviewers will be resolved by discourse. Three researchers will help resolving conflicts that may arise during the screening process and will resolve eventual conflicts identified in the process with the help of the systematic review software ’Covidence’ for automatic deduplication and blinded screening. Information on crashes leading to injuries and death, target population characteristics and risk factors involved will be extracted from eligible articles in addition to the assessment of the quality of the researched articles.Ethics and disseminationSince this is a systematic review of published literature, a formal ethical approval is not needed. Results of the review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and reports to the concerned authorities.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020170245.
Understanding the impact of a residential housing programme for people living with HIV/AIDS: a realist evaluation protocol
Authors: Fletcher-Hildebrand Shaneice , Alimezelli Hubert , Carr Tracey , Lawson Karen , Ali Anum , Groot Gary 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionHousing instability and homelessness are significant barriers to medical treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. For these individuals, lack of stable housing and stigma is associated with insufficient access to care, poor adherence to medication and higher cost burdens to the healthcare system. This protocol reports on the efforts to evaluate Sanctum V.1.0, a hospice and transitional care home for adults with HIV/AIDS in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The current project was developed out of a need to identify how Sanctum V.1.0 produces varying programme outcomes to assist in endeavours to replicate the programme in other geographic locations.Methods and analysisA realist evaluation will be conducted to explore how and why Sanctum V.1.0 is successful or unsuccessful, in which circumstances and for whom. Rather than explore the degree to which a programme is effective, realist evaluations seek to uncover mechanisms that explain processual links between programme inputs and outcomes. The completed first phase of the project involved the development of an initial realist programme theory. Phases 2 and 3 will consist of methods to test, refine and validate the initial theory using various data sources.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the institutional review board at the University of Saskatchewan on 2 July 2020. Results will be disseminated according to stakeholders’ desires.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder resources for educators working within primary school settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lees Briana , Elliott Elizabeth J , Allsop Steve , Thomas Sue , Riches Julia , Nepal Smriti , Rice Lauren J , Newton Nicola , Mewton Louise , Teesson Maree , Stapinski Lexine A 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionMany children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) exhibit neurocognitive delays that contribute to secondary consequences, including a disrupted school experience. Educators often have limited knowledge or experience in the identification, referral, management and accommodation of students with FASD. Effective resources and tools for educators are crucial to ensure these students are supported in their ongoing learning, development and school participation. This scoping review aims to identify and evaluate resources for educators that aid in the identification, management, or accommodation of students with FASD.Methods and analysisA search will be conducted in 9 peer-reviewed and 11 grey literature databases, Google search engine, two app stores and two podcast streaming services (planned search dates: November 2020 to February 2021). Relevant experts, including researchers, health professionals and individuals with lived experience of FASD, will be contacted in February and March 2021 to identify additional (including unpublished) resources. Resources will be selected based on registered, prespecified inclusion–exclusion criteria, and the quality of included resources will be critically appraised using a composite tool based on adaptions of the National Health and Medical Research Council FORM Framework and the iCAHE Guideline Quality Checklist. Relevant experts will also be requested to provide feedback on included resources.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this scoping review was obtained from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2020/825). Results of the review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations, and seminars targeting audiences involved in the education sector.Trial registrationOpen Science Framework: osf.io/73pjh.
Exploration of GP perspectives on deprescribing antidepressants: a qualitative study
Authors: Kelly Dervla , Graffi Justin , Noonan Maria , Green Philip , McFarland John , Hayes Peter , Glynn Liam 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveOur aim was to explore general practitioners’ (GPs) perceptions and experiences of discontinuing antidepressants.Study designA qualitative study using semistructured interviews was undertaken between July 2019 and March 2020. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis framework.SettingGPs affiliated with a university education and research network for general practice in Ireland.ParticipantsA purposive sample of GPs (n=10).ResultsFive themes emerged: shared decision-making; personalised therapy; medication-tapering toolkit; health service factors and concerns around tapering. GPs described being less likely to engage in deprescribing for patients with long-term and/or recurrent depression, older patients and those with comorbidities due to fear of relapse. Access to evidence-based psychological therapies, guidelines, information on rates of relapse, patient leaflets on discontinuing antidepressants and reminder prompts on GP-prescribing software were suggested to optimise appropriate antidepressant discontinuation. There was some suggestion that patients may use antidepressants for longer when talk therapy is not available or taken up.ConclusionsGPs are largely confident in their role of managing mild-to-moderate depression and deprescribing antidepressants. This study provides an insight into factors that influence GPs’ decisions to deprescribe antidepressants. More information on rates of relapse after discontinuation would be helpful to inform decision-making.
Near-vision impairment and effective near-vision spectacle coverage in two districts in Telangana, India: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Marmamula Srinivas , Keeffe Jill , Challa Rajesh , Mohd Javed , Khanna Rohit C 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of near-vision impairment (NVI) and effective spectacle coverage for near vision in those aged ≥40 years in Khammam and Warangal district in Telangana, India.DesignA population-based cross-sectional study.SettingKhammam and Warangal district in Telangana, India.ParticipantsOf 6000 people enumerated, 5357 were examined (89%). 4526 participants without distance vision impairment were included in the analysis.Main outcome measuresThe study teams visited selected households and conducted eye examinations. NVI was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than N6. ‘Unmet need’ was deemed to be present if the unaided near vision was worse than N6 and improved to N6 with near correction among the participants who did not have spectacles for near vision. ‘Met need’ was deemed to be present when unaided near vision was worse than N6 but improving to N6 with their spectacles. The ‘undermet need’ was deemed to be present when aided near vision was worse than N6 but improved to N6 with correction. Based on these definitions, e-near-vision coverage (%) is calculated as follows: e-NVC (%)=met need/(met need+undermet need+unmet need) × 100.ResultsThe mean age was 53.5 years (SD: 10.8 years), 2534/4526 (55.8%) were women, 1819/4526 (41.8%) had at least primary school education and 2368/4526 (52.3%) were from the Khammam district. The prevalence of NVI was 55.8% (95% CI 72.5 to 75.1; n=3343). Overall, the e-NVC (%) was 31.8%. It was 40.0% in Khammam and 23.2% in Warangal.ConclusionNVI is common in Khammam and Warangal districts in Telangana with inadequate effective near-vision coverage. Effective service delivery models are needed to reach out and provide services to address NVI to achieve universal eye health coverage in the region.