bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Based Methodology for Assessment of Doppler Reactivity of Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor
Authors: Petrović Đorđe , Mikityuk Konstantin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to close nuclear fuel cycle and address the problem of sustainability, advanced nuclear reactor systems of the fourth generation are in the focus of the research for many years. With a simple goal of supporting this research, machine learning-based methodology for the assessment of the Doppler reactivity has been developed and applied to the European Sodium Fast Reactor (ESFR) in the frame of the ESFR-Safety Measures Assessment and Research Tools (SMART) Horizon-2020 project. In the scope of this study, a database of the precise Monte Carlo (MC) calculations was prepared and used to train artificial neural network (ANN) as a surrogate model to assess the Doppler reactivity across the range of reactor conditions that could occur throughout the life of the reactor core, in fast, yet accurate manner. The database was generated for all the combinations of several core parameters carefully predefined in order to account for both operational and accidental states of the core. Subsequently, Doppler reactivity change as a function of the above-mentioned parameters was assessed by herein developed methodology, as well as by widely used logarithmic dependence of the Doppler reactivity on the fuel temperature and compared to the results of the precise MC simulations. This study proves that, if certain computational resources are allocated to the database generation and ANN training, newly developed methodology yields similar or even more accurate results compared to the classical methodology and at the same time provides a tool for parameterization and interpolation of Doppler reactivity not only on the fuel temperature but also on the other parameters characterizing core of the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR).
Fatigue Analysis of Spherical Contact Subjected to Cyclic Elastic-Plastic Normal Loading
Authors: Chen Zhou , Jiang Yibo , Tong Zheming , Tong Shuiguang , Tan Jianrong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Surface fatigue resulting from cyclic contact loading is a main reason for the rough surface wear. Since a rough surface consists of many asperities, the fatigue in one asperity is investigated. The multiaxial Fatemi–Socie fatigue criterion is adopted to study the contact fatigue in a spherical asperity subjected to cyclic elastic-plastic normal loading. The fatigue damage in the asperity is predicted. The maximum fatigue damage occurs at the edge of the maximum contact area. Two typical patterns are found for the fatigue damage distribution. Locations and orientations of fatigue microcrack initiation are also identified. Finally, future research directions are discussed.
Stiffness Optimization of Redundant Mechanism Based on Elastic Coupling and Inertial Coupling Characteristics
Authors: Wan Xiao-Jin , Jia Dengfeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aiming to redundant parallel mechanism, on the basis of the kinetic energy method, virtual work principle, and perturbation method, the generalized mass matrix and generalized stiffness matrix are obtained, respectively. Two indices on inertial coupling and elastic coupling are defined to measure the decoupling level of the redundant parallel mechanism in terms of two generalized matrices. Furthermore, an algebraic solution method for natural frequency equation of the mechanism is utilized to obtain the natural frequency by means of the Cholesky decomposition method. Then, in order to minimize inertial coupling and elastic coupling and maximize the natural frequency of the mechanism, two indices and natural frequency are taken as objective functions to optimize the structural parameters of the redundant mechanism so that optimal dynamic performance of the mechanism is acquired. Two optimal solutions are selected in the optimization of natural frequency. One is to consider inertial coupling and elastic coupling, the other is to ignore inertial coupling and elastic coupling. Finally, the dynamic performance of the solution considering two indexes is better by comparing the dexterity of the two solutions.
Development of a Hydraulic Driven Bionic Soft Gecko Toe
Authors: Lu Mingyue , Chen Guangming , He Qingsong , Zong Weijia , Yu Zhiwei , Dai Zhendong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Geckos can climb freely on various types of surfaces using their flexible and adhesive toes. Gecko-inspired robots are capable of climbing on different surface conditions and have shown many important applications. Nonetheless, due to poor flexibility of toes, the movements of gecko-inspired robots are restricted to flat surfaces. To improve the flexibility, by utilizing design technique of soft actuator and incorporating the characteristics of a real gecko's toe, the design of new bionic soft toes is proposed. The abilities of this bionic toe are verified using modeling and two soft toes are manufactured. One is Type A toe having varied semi-circle cross sections as the feature of real gecko toe and the other is Type B toe with a constant semi-circle cross section. The bending behaviors of the bionic toes subjected to a range of hydraulic pressure are also experimentally studied. It demonstrated that both toes can perform similarly large bending angles for the adduction (attachment) and abduction (detachment) motions. In comparisons, Type B toe exhibits larger output force, which is ascribed to the fact that at proximal section of Type B corresponds to larger volume for bearing fluid. Both toes can not only provide sufficient adhesion but can be quickly detached with low peeling forces. Finally, different curved surfaces are used to further justify the applicability of these bionic toes. In particular, the flexible toes developed also have the advantages of low cost, lightweight, and simple control, which is desirable for wall-climbing robots.
Analysis of the Rigid Motion of a Conical Developable Mechanism
Authors: Woodland McKell , Hsiung Michelle , Matheson Erin L. , Safsten C. Alex , Greenwood Jacob , Halverson Denise M. , Howell Larry L. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We demonstrate analytically that it is possible to construct a developable mechanism on a cone that has rigid motion. We solve for the paths of rigid motion and analyze the properties of this motion. In particular, we provide an analytical method for predicting the behavior of the mechanism with respect to the conical surface. Moreover, we observe that the conical developable mechanisms specified in this article have motion paths that necessarily contain bifurcation points, which lead to an unbounded array of motion paths in the parameterization plane.
Association between splenectomy and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Yan Peijing , Yang Kehu , Wu Shanlian , Bai Yuping , Zhu Xinyu , Chen Xiaojie , Li Li , Cao Yunshan , Zhang Min 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveWhether splenectomy increases the risk of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the association between splenectomy and CTEPH.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases.MethodsTwo authors independently searched and extracted the data. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were used to assess the quality of the included studies, and each quality item was graded as low risk or high risk. A random-effects model was used to calculate different effective values.ResultsIn total, 8 trials involving 6183 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall pooled crude prevalence of splenectomy was 4.0% (95% CI 0.03 to 0.06, I2=71.5%, p<0.001) in patients with CTEPH. Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant high incidence of splenectomy in patients with CTEPH (OR=2.94, 95% CI 1.62 to 5.33, I2=0.0%, p<0.001) compared with patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. There was a significantly high incidence of splenectomy in patients with CTEPH (OR=5.59, 95% CI 2.12 to 14.74, I2=0.0%, p<0.001) compared with patients with thromboembolism disease (venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism).ConclusionThe prevalence of splenectomy in patients with CTEPH was 4.0% and CTEPH might be associated with splenectomy. However, high-quality prospective trials are needed.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020137591.
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for poor ovarian responders undergoing in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a protocol for systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Huisheng , Zheng Chensi , Zheng Qiyan , Xu Huanfang , Li Xiaotong , Hao Mingzhao , Fang Yigong 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionControlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is the routine regimen used to generate a sufficient number of follicles during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. Poor ovarian response is a challenge encountered by many clinicians during COH and poor ovarian responders (PORs) usually have higher follicle stimulating hormone levels, lower levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and few oocytes retrieved, which have been attributed mainly to advanced maternal age and poor follicle reserve or other reasons that could impair ovarian response during ovarian stimulation. Over the last few decades, researchers have proposed a series of strategies and ovarian stimulation protocols to improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with POR during their IVF/ICSI treatment. However, clinical decisions regarding COH protocols in PORs during IVF/ICSI treatment remain controversial. Traditional pairwise meta-analysis only allows the direct comparison of two protocols in COH for patients with POR. However, many of these COH protocols have not been compared directly in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Thus, we aim to use network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of COH protocols and to generate treatment rankings of these COH protocols for the most clinically important and commonly reported outcomes events.Methods and analysisThe PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang database and Chongqing VIP information databases will be searched for all RCTs of COH for POR women during IVF/ICSI from inception to 31 March 2020. Primary outcomes will include live birth rate and number of oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes will include ongoing pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome rate, multiple pregnancy rate and cycle cancellation rate. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian NMA will be conducted for each outcome. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis will be performed to assess the robustness of the findings. The generation of NMA plots and subsequent results will be performed by using R V.4.0.1. The assessment of confidence in network estimates will use the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis)web application (seehttps://cinema.ispm.unibe.ch/).Ethics and disseminationThis review does not require ethics approval and the results of the NMA will be submitted to a peer-review journal.
Postlicensure herpes zoster vaccine effectiveness: systematic review protocol
Authors: Mbinta James F , Nguyen Binh P , Awuni Prosper Mandela A , Eme Paul E , Simpson Colin R 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionHerpes zoster (HZ) and associated complications inflict substantial morbidity and associated healthcare and socioeconomic burdens. Current treatments are not fully effective, especially among the most vulnerable populations. Two HZ vaccines are available and are part of the national immunisation programmes in many countries. This review will evaluate the effectiveness of zoster vaccines against incident HZ and postherpetic neuralgia in adults 50 years and older.Methods and analysisThe key information sources that will be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane libraries and CINAHL. This search will consider postlicensure observational studies published in all languages between 2006 and 2020 that assessed the effectiveness of HZ/zoster vaccines in adults 50 years and older. The identification of studies will be complemented with the search of reference lists and citations, and contact with authors of papers to request missing or additional data, where required. Following the search, all identified citations will be collated, and duplicates will be removed. Titles and abstracts will then be screened by two independent reviewers for assessment against the inclusion criteria for the review. Selected studies will follow the process of critical appraisal, data extraction and data synthesis. Statistical analyses will be performed using a random-effect model.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethical approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected. The review will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Healthcare system maturity for integrated care: results of a Swiss nationwide survey using the SCIROCCO tool
Authors: Peytremann-Bridevaux Isabelle , Schusselé Filliettaz Séverine , Berchtold Peter , Grossglauser Michelle , Pavlickova Andrea , Gilles Ingrid 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTo assess the maturity of the Swiss healthcare system for integrated care and to explore whether this maturity varied according to several variables.DesignA Swiss nationwide individual electronic survey in November 2019.Setting and populationStakeholders identified via lists of the Swiss Forum for Integrated Care and of the integrated care unit of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, and representatives of 26 cantonal public health departments, were invited to participate.Primary outcome measureThe outcome was the maturity of the Swiss healthcare system for integrated care, measured with the Scaling Integrated Care in Context maturity model tool (SCIROCCO tool), which comprises 12 dimensions and questions rated on a 6-point scale.AnalysisUnivariate analyses were first performed, followed by bivariate analyses, to find out whether maturity varied according to working linguistic region, healthcare profession, main domain of professional activity, implication in integrated care, attitude towards integrated care and attitude towards the Swiss healthcare system.ResultsThe 642 respondents were 53.7 years on average, 42.5% were women, 60.0% and 20.7% worked in the German and French-speaking parts of Switzerland, respectively. Overall, the maturity of the Swiss healthcare system for integrated care was evaluated as low, with dimension means ranging from 1.0 (±1.0) for the ‘Funding’ dimension to a maximum of 2.7 (±1.1) for ‘eHealth Services’. Results only varied according to the working linguistic region.ConclusionsResults highlight a limited maturity of the Swiss healthcare system for integrated care, as assessed at a national level by a large and varied number of healthcare stakeholders. They represent important information for the further development of integrated care in Switzerland, and should help identify areas requiring attention for a successful transformation of the Swiss healthcare system towards more integrated care.
Do medical students recognise the deteriorating patient by analysing their vital signs? A monocentric observational study based on the National Early Warning Score 2
Authors: Messerer David Alexander Christian , Fauler Michael , Horneffer Astrid , Schneider Achim , Keis Oliver , Mauder Lea-Marie , Radermacher Peter 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveAssessment of the expertise of medical students in evaluating vital signs and their implications for the current risk of a patient, an appropriate monitoring frequency, and a proper clinical response.Methods251 second-year and 267 fifth-year medical students in a curriculum consisting of 6 years of medical school at Ulm University, Germany, were interviewed in a paper-based questionnaire. The students were asked to rate their proficiency in interpreting vital signs and to give pathological thresholds of vital signs. Based on the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), nine vital signs of fictional patients were created and students were asked to comment on their clinical risk, to set an appropriate monitoring frequency as well as a clinical response.ResultsInterviewing medical students regarding each vital sign individually, the students indicated a pathological threshold in accordance with the NEWS2 for respiratory rate, temperature, and heart rate. By contrast, inappropriate pathological limits were given regarding oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure. Translating the vital signs into nine fictional patients, fifth-year medical students overall chose an appropriate response in 78% (67%−78%, median±IQR). In detail, fifth-year students successfully identified patients at very high or low risk and allocated them accordingly. However, cases on the edge were often stratified inappropriately. For example, a fictional case with vital signs indicating a surging sepsis was frequently underappreciated (48.5%) and allocated to an insufficient clinical response by fifth-year students.ConclusionsRecognising the healthy as well as the deteriorating patient is a key ability for future physicians. NEWS2-based education might be a valuable tool to assess and give feedback on student’s knowledge in this vital professional activity.
Protocol for a patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) survey of patients discharged during the COVID-19 pandemic and their family caregivers
Authors: Bonvin Eric , Tacchini-Jacquier Nadine , Monnay Sevrine , Verloo Henk 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionIn the Swiss canton of Valais, the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were detected on 28 February 2020. Discharged patients’ and their family caregivers’ experiences in relation to safety, quality of care, trust and communication during the COVID-19 hospitalisation period remain unexplored. The study aims to collect the patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) survey of patients discharged during the COVID-19 pandemic and their family caregivers.Methods and analysisPatients aged ≥18 years, hospitalised between 28 February and 11 May 2020 and then discharged home, plus their family caregivers will be invited to complete a self-administrated questionnaire made up of 14 closed questions and 1 open-ended question. The questionnaire will include items on the patient’s hospital trajectory and assess the interpersonal trust placed in nurses and physicians based on Krajewska-Kułaket al’sTrust in Nurse Scaleand Andersonet al’sTrust in Physician Scale. Participants’ perceived stress will be assessed using Cohenet al’sPerceived Stress Scale. Feelings of safety will be examined based on Dryhurstet al’s questionnaire onRisk Perception During Pandemics. After ethical clearance, data will be collected using a postal paper questionnaire and via an online web link. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be computed, and the open question will undergo a qualitative thematic analysis. We will analyse perceptions of the different hospital trajectories experienced by patients undergoing surgery with and without a SARS-CoV-2 infection.Ethics and disseminationThe Human Research Ethics Committee of Vaud (2020-02025) authorised this study. Gathering experiences and learning about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social determinants of health among discharged patients and families fit in well with the Triple Aim framework and the PREMs survey. The study will formulate recommendations to support interventions in the face of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and their effects on patients’ and their family caregivers’ experiences.
Do we need to improve the reporting of evidence in tendinopathy management? A critical appraisal of systematic reviews with recommendations on strength of evidence assessment
Authors: Challoumas Dimitris , Millar Neal L 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo critically appraise the quality of published systematic reviews (SRs) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in tendinopathy with regard to handling and reporting of results with special emphasis on strength of evidence assessment.Data sourcesMedline from inception to June 2020.Study eligibilityAll SRs of RCTs assessing the effectiveness of any intervention(s) on any location of tendinopathy.Data extraction and synthesisIncluded SRs were appraised with the use of a 12-item tool devised by the authors arising from the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and other relevant guidance. Subgroup analyses were performed based on impact factor (IF) of publishing journals and date of publication.ResultsA total of 57 SRs were included published in 38 journals between 2006 and 2020. The most commonly used risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment tool and strength of evidence assessment tool were the Cochrane Collaboration RoB tool and the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group tool, respectively. The mean score on the appraisal tool was 46.5% (range 0%–100%). SRs published in higher IF journals (>4.7) were associated with a higher mean score than those in lower IF journals (mean difference 26.4%±8.8%, p=0.004). The mean score of the 10 most recently published SRs was similar to that of the first 10 published SRs (mean difference 8.3%±13.7%, p=0.54). Only 23 SRs (40%) used the results of their RoB assessment in data synthesis and more than half (n=30; 50%) did not assess the strength of evidence of their results. Only 12 SRs (21%) assessed their strength of evidence appropriately.ConclusionsIn light of the poor presentation of evidence identified by our review, we provide recommendations to increase transparency and reproducibility in future SRs.
Evaluating the effects of arthroscopic Bankart repair and open Latarjet shoulder stabilisation procedures on shoulder joint neuromechanics and function: a single-centre, parallel-arm trial protocol
Authors: Fox Aaron , Bonacci Jason , Gill Stephen D , Page Richard S 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Shoulder instability injuries are common in sports involving collisions and overhead movements. Arthroscopic Bankart repair and the open Latarjet are two commonly used surgical stabilisation procedures. There is a lack of knowledge surrounding movement strategies, joint loading and muscle strength after each of these procedures. This study will compare: (1) shoulder joint neuromechanics during activities of daily living and an overhead sporting task; (2) shoulder range of motion; (3) shoulder strength; and (4) self-reported shoulder function and health status, between individuals who have undergone an arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Latarjet.

Methods and analysis
This is a prospective cohort, single-centre, non-randomised parallel arm study of surgical interventions for athletic shoulder instability injuries. Thirty participants will be recruited. Of these, 20 will have experienced one or more traumatic shoulder instability injuries requiring surgical stabilisation—and will undergo an arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Latarjet procedure. The remaining 10 participants will have no history of shoulder instability injury and act as controls. Participants will undergo baseline testing and be followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. A two-way (group×time) analysis of variance with repeated measures on one factor (ie, time) will compare each outcome measure between groups across time points.

Ethics and dissemination
This study was approved by the Barwon Health and Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committees. Outcomes will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant scientific conferences.

Trial registration number
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000016932).