bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-Dimensional Modeling of Nonlinear Dynamics of Forcespinning Jet Formation
Authors: Caruntu Dumitru I. , Padron Simon , Lozano Karen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Forcespinning is a novel method that makes use of centrifugal forces to produce nanofibers rapidly and at high yields. To improve and enhance the forcespinning production method, a 2D computational forcespinning inviscid fluid dynamics model is developed. Two models, namely, time-independent and time-dependent, are obtained in order to investigate the effects of various parameters on fiber forcespinning formation (trajectory, jet diameter, tangential velocity). The fluid dynamics equations are solved using the method of multiple scales along with the finite difference method and including slender-jet theory assumptions. It is important to produce jets with small diameters in the micro- and nanorange. Both the Weber (We) and Rossby (Rb) numbers were found to expand the jet trajectory as they increased. Increasing We and/or decreasing Rb was found to decrease the jet diameter. Also, by varying forcespinning parameters, it has been found that the jet radius can be decreased by increasing the jet exit angle in the direction of rotation, reducing the spinneret fluid level, increasing the angular velocity of the spinneret, reducing spinneret length, and/or reducing the orifice diameter. Knowing that jet trajectories are important for designing and positioning of the fiber collector, it has been found that the trajectories expand out with the increase in the jet exit angle in the direction of rotation, increase in the fluid level, increase in the angular velocity, and/or increase in the spinneret length. Production rates and jet radii for any predetermined radial collector distance were also determined.
Predictive Trajectory Tracking Algorithm of Underactuated Systems Based on the Calculus of Variations
Authors: Bodor Bálint , Zelei Ambrus , Bencsik László 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The tracking control of underactuated systems is a challenging problem due to the structural differences compared to fully actuated systems. Contrarily to fully actuated systems, resolving the inverse kinematics problem of underactuated systems is not possible independently from the dynamic equations. Instead, the inverse dynamics must be addressed. It is common to extend the computed torque control (CTC) technique with servoconstraints. Besides the CTC's clearness, the stability of the system cannot be always guaranteed. A novel predictive controller (PC) is presented in this paper. Our PC applies the variational principle to design the motion of the system in order to achieve a stable motion with the lowest possible tracking error. To demonstrate the applicability and the performance of the PC method, a numerical study is presented for a planar manipulator resulting in about 20% RMS error compared to the CTC method from the literature.
Accelerometry and Self-Report Are Congruent for Children’s Moderate-to-Vigorous and Higher Intensity Physical Activity
Authors: Nigg Claudio R. , Burg Xanna , Lohse Barbara , Cunningham-Sabo Leslie 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study used different analytic approaches to compare physical activity (PA) metrics from accelerometers (ACC) and a self-report questionnaire in upper elementary youth participating in the Fuel for Fun intervention.Methods: The PA questionnaire and ACC were assessed at baseline/preintervention (fall fourth grade), Follow-up 1/postintervention (spring fourth grade), and Follow-up 2 (fall fifth grade) of 564 fourth grade students from three elementary schools (50% females, 78% White, and 28% overweight or obese). Different analytic approaches identified similarities and differences between the two methods.Results: On average, self-report was higher than ACC for vigorous PA (range = 9–15 min/day), but lower than ACC for moderate PA (range = 24–30 min/day), light PA (range = 30–36 min/day), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; range = 9–21 min/day). Spearman’s correlations for vigorous PA (.30, .26, and .32); moderate PA (.12, .13, and .14); and MVPA (.25, .25, and .24) were significant at each time point (allps ≤ .01), whereas correlations for light PA were not significant (.06, .04, and .07; allps > .05). In repeated-measures analyses, ACC and questionnaire measures were significantly different from each other across the three time points; however, change difference of the two measures over time was only 5.5 MVPA min/day.Conclusions: The PA questionnaire and ACC validated each other and can be used to assess MVPA in upper elementary school children in a similar population to the current study. However, each assessment method captures unique information, especially for light-intensity PA. Multiple PA measurement methods are recommended to be used in research and application to provide a more comprehensive understanding of children’s activity.
A regionally specific drinking custom ‘Otōri’ and its association with alcohol consumption/alcohol use disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sugiyama Yoshifumi , Yoshimoto Hisashi , Iwabuchi Keisuke , Matsushima Masato 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to describe the characteristics of Otōri, a regionally specific drinking custom in the Miyakojima region of Okinawa, Japan, and its participants. The secondary objective was to clarify the distribution of alcohol consumption/alcohol use disorders as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its association with the frequency of engagement in Otōri per month.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTarama Island, a remote island in Okinawa, Japan.ParticipantsIndividuals who lived on Tarama Island, participated in a mass general health check or mass influenza vaccination programme, were aged ≥20 years and had decision-making capacity were eligible to participate.Primary outcome measuresAlcohol consumption/alcohol use disorders as measured by the AUDIT, frequency of engagement in Otōri per month, settings in which people engage in Otōri and attitudes toward Otōri.ResultsAmong 478 eligible participants, 401 answered the questionnaire. Approximately 15% reported attitudes toward Otōri of ‘like’ or ‘somewhat like’; around 80% of these participants were middle-aged to older adult men. Compared with the national average, a higher percentage of people (9.2% and 40.9% of women and men, respectively) had AUDIT scores indicating ‘hazardous drinking or more’, which was associated with ‘low or intermediate frequency’ and ‘high frequency’ of engagement in Otōri per month (ORs of 7.626 and 20.321, respectively).ConclusionsSocial obligation generated by some community members could pressure most of the population into participating in Otōri, possibly leading to a higher percentage of people engaging in hazardous/harmful alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence. However, healthcare professionals should carefully consider the beneficial and detrimental effects of the custom on biomedical and social conditions and avoid advocating to promote or abolish the custom by only highlighting one aspect.
Impact of structural ageism on greater violence against older persons: a cross-national study of 56 countries
Authors: Chang E-Shien , Monin Joan K , Zelterman Daniel , Levy Becca R 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the association between country-level structural ageism and prevalence of violence against older persons.DesignCountry-level ecological study.SettingStructural ageism data were drawn from the nationally representative World Values Survey 2010–2014 (WVS), global databases from the WHO, United Nations and the World Bank. Violence data were based on the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study 2017.ParticipantsAnalysis of 56 countries that represented 63.1% of the world’s ageing population aged 60 and over across all six of WHO regions.ExposureStructural ageism, following established structural stigma measures, consisted of two components: (1) discriminatory national policies related to older persons’ economic, social, civil and political rights, based on the four core components of human rights protection in Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging and (2) prejudicial social norms against older persons, measured by negative attitudes toward older persons in 56 national polls in WVS aggregated to country-level. These components were z scored and combined such that higher score indicated greater structural ageism.Main outcomes and measuresPrevalence rates of violence per 100 000 persons aged 70 and over in each country was based on extensive epidemiological surveillance data, survey, clinical data and insurance claims in GBD and compiled by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington.ResultsThere was a wide variation in levels of structural ageism across countries. As predicted, structural ageism was significantly associated with the prevalence rates of violence in multivariate models (β=205.7, SE=96.3, p=0.03), after adjusting for relevant covariates. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of our findings. That is, structural ageism did not predict other types of violence and other types of prejudice did not predict violence against older persons.ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence of the association between higher structural ageism and greater violence against older persons across countries.
Effects of thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kwak Donghee , Ha Jane , Won Yousun , Kwon Yeongkeun , Park Sungsoo 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesWe assessed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression effects on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women who underwent thyroidectomy.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched from inception to 24 February 2021.Study selectionCase-control studies were included.Data extraction and synthesisTwo authors independently reviewed the studies, extracted the data and performed meta-analysis of eligible studies.Research design and methodsStudies evaluating BMD in postmenopausal women with thyroid cancer who had thyroidectomy and levothyroxine therapy were included. Differences in BMD were presented as standardised mean differences (SMDs). Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model.ResultsAnalysis of 16 case-control studies (426 patients and 701 controls without thyroid cancer) showed that stringent TSH suppression (TSH <0.10 mIU/L) after thyroidectomy had deleterious effects on the BMD of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women compared with controls (SMD −0.55; 95% CI −0.99 to −0.10; I2=75.8%). There was no significant difference in patients with moderate TSH suppression (TSH 0.10–0.49 mIU/L). TSH suppression in postmenopausal women was not significantly associated with lower femoral neck BMD. Subgroup analysis of the lumbar spine showed that the association between stringent TSH suppression and lower BMD was consistent among studies with >10 years of follow-up (SMD −0.32; 95% CI −0.50 to −0.14). Subgroup analysis of the femoral neck showed that total thyroidectomy was related to detrimental effects on the BMD of the femoral neck (SMD −0.60; 95% CI −0.89 to −0.31; I2=90.4%), but near-total thyroidectomy was not (SMD 0.00; 95% CI −0.30 to 0.30; I2=55.6%).ConclusionsStringent TSH suppression had deleterious effects on the BMD of the lumbar spine after thyroidectomy in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to determine whether stringent TSH suppression after thyroidectomy increases the fracture risk.
Launching of the Anaemia Research Peruvian Cohort (ARPEC): a multicentre birth cohort project to explore the iron adaptive homeostasis, infant growth and development in three Peruvian regions
Authors: Montag Doreen , Delgado Carlos A , Quispe Consuelo , Wareham David , Gallo Valentina , Sanchez-Choy Jose , Sánchez Víctor , Anaya Ruth , Flores Elaine , Roca Lorena , Mamani Víctor , Rivera Medina Juan , Velasquez Pablo , Del Aguila Carlos , Prendergast Andrew , Palomino Julio 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPreventing infantile anaemia and ensuring optimal growth and development during early childhood, particularly in resource-constrained settings, represent an ongoing public health challenge. Current responses are aligned to treatment-based solutions, instead of determining the roles of its inter-related causes. This project aims to assess and understand the complex interplay of eco-bio-social-political factors that determine infantile anaemia to inform policy, research design and prevention practices.MethodsThis is a longitudinal birth cohort study including four components: (1) biological, will assess known blood markers of iron homeostasis and anaemia and stool microbiota to identify and genetically analyse the participants’ flora; (2) ecological, will assess and map pollutants in air, water and soil and evaluate features of nutrition and perceived food security; (3) social, which will use different qualitative research methodologies to explore key stakeholders and informants’ perceptions related to nutritional, environmental and anaemia topics, participant observations and a participatory approach and (4) a political analysis, to identify and assess the impact of policies, guidelines and programmes at all levels for infantile anaemia in the three regions. Finally, we will also explore the role of social determinants and demographic variables longitudinally for all study participants. This project aims to contribute to the evidence of the inter-related causal factors of infantile anaemia, addressing the complexity of influencing factors from diverse methodological angles. We will assess infantile anaemia in three regions of Peru, including newborns and their mothers as participants, from childbirth until their first year of age.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (Lima, Peru), CIEI-043-2019. An additional opinion has been granted by the Ethical Committee of Queen Mary University of London (London, UK). Dissemination across stakeholders is taking part as a continues part of the research process.
Parent values and preferences underpinning treatment decision making in poor prognosis childhood cancer: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Pearson Helen , Gibson Faith , Darlington Anne-Sophie Emma 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionParents of a child with cancer want to be involved in making treatment decisions for their child. Underpinning and informing these decisions are parents’ individual values and preferences. Parents of a child who has a poor prognosis cancer and who subsequently dies can experience decisional regret. To support parents, and potentially reduce decisional regret, identifying the values and preferences of parents who are making these treatment decisions may enhance the support that can be provided by healthcare professionals. An increased understanding will support future work in this area and identify research gaps that could strengthen support strategies in clinical practice. The aim of this scoping review is to explore parent values and preferences underpinning treatment decision making when their child is receiving cancer-directed therapy for a poor prognosis cancer.Methods and analysisThe Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology will be followed. An initial database search of CINHAL and MEDLINE will be conducted to analyse the keywords using subject headings and Medical Subject Headings terms. Articles will be initially screened on title and abstract. The reference and citation lists of the full-text articles to be included will be searched using Web of Science. Articles will be independently reviewed by two reviewers and any discrepancies discussed with a third reviewer. Data extracted will be presented in tabular, diagrams and descriptive summaries.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this scoping review. This review will inform further research with parents to understand their values and preferences when making repeated treatment decisions when their child has a poor prognosis cancer. All outputs will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.This scoping review is registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/n7j9f).
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on asthma control among children: a qualitative study from caregivers’ perspectives and experiences
Authors: Jia Yuanmin , Bao Jingxian , Yi Mo , Zhang Zeyi , Wang Jingjing , Wang Haixia , Li Yizhang , Chen Ou 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesTo understand the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on asthma control in children based on caregivers’ perspectives and experiences.DesignThis was a qualitative study deploying face-to-face, semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis was carried out to analyse the data.SettingPaediatric respiratory clinics in three tertiary hospitals.Participants16 caregivers providing unpaid asthma-related care and assistance to children under 14 years who had been diagnosed with asthma for more than 1 year and were not only treated with short-acting β2-agonists.ResultsSix main themes were identified: (1) improved asthma control; (2) decreased willingness to seek medical care driven by fear; (3) increased adherence due to enhanced awareness of asthma control; (4) coping strategies for changes caused by COVID-19; (5) a new opportunity and (6) managing new challenges in asthma control.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 outbreak and the measures in response to it have had significant impacts on asthma control among children. Children with asthma are advised to continue good asthma management, take their prescribed asthma medications as normal, wash their hands regularly and wear face masks. Regularly supported self-management and remote consultations should be provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, supporting people financially, providing continued medical support and alleviating any fear and anxiety should be considered. We anticipate that our findings will inform health promotion interventions.
Estimating vaccine confidence levels among healthcare students and staff of a tertiary institution in South Africa: protocol of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Oduwole Elizabeth O , Mahomed Hassan , Ayele Birhanu T , Wiysonge Charles Shey 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionThe outbreak of novel COVID-19 caught the world off guard in the first quarter of 2020. To stem the tide of this pandemic, there was acceleration of the development, testing and prelicensure approval for emergency use of some COVID-19 vaccine candidates. This led to raised public concern about their safety and efficacy, compounding the challenges of vaccine hesitancy. The onus of managing and administering these vaccines to a sceptical populace when they do become available rests mostly on the shoulders of healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, the vaccine confidence levels of HCWs become critical to the success of vaccination endeavours. This proposed study aims to estimate the level of vaccine confidence and the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine among future HCWs and their trainers at a specific university in Cape Town, South Africa, and to identify any vaccination concerns early for targeted intervention.Methods and analysisThis proposed study is a cross-sectional survey study. An online questionnaire will be distributed to all current staff and students of the Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. No sampling strategy will be employed. The survey questionnaire will consist of demographic questions (consisting of six items) and vaccine confidence questions (comprising six items in Likert scale format). Log binomial models will be employed to identify factors associated with vaccine confidence and intention. The strength of association will be assessed using the OR and its 95% CI. Statistical significance will be defined at a p value <0.05.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained for the study from Stellenbosch University (Human Research Ethics Committee reference number S19/01/014 (PhD)). The results will be shared with relevant health authorities, presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Reducing antibiotic treatment duration for ventilator-associated pneumonia (REGARD-VAP): a trial protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Mo Yin , West Timothy Eoin , MacLaren Graeme , Booraphun Suchart , Li Andrew Yunkai , Kayastha Gyan , Lau Yie Hui , Chew Yin Tze , Chetchotisakd Ploenchan , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Cooper Ben 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionVentilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICUs). Using short-course antibiotics to treat VAP caused by Gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria has been reported to be associated with excess pneumonia recurrences. The “REducinG Antibiotic tReatment Duration for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia” (REGARD-VAP) trial aims to provide evidence for using a set of reproducible clinical criteria to shorten antibiotic duration for individualised treatment duration of VAP.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised controlled hierarchical non-inferiority–superiority trial being conducted in ICUs across Nepal, Thailand and Singapore. The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of death and pneumonia recurrence at day 60. Secondary outcomes include ventilator-associated events, multidrug-resistant organism infection or colonisation, total duration of antibiotic exposure, mechanical ventilation and hospitalisation. Adult patients who satisfy the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network VAP diagnostic criteria are enrolled. Participants are assessed daily until fever subsides for >48 hours and have stable blood pressure, then randomised to a short duration treatment strategy or a standard-of-care duration arm. Antibiotics may be stopped as early as day 3 if respiratory cultures are negative, and day 5 if respiratory cultures are positive in the short-course arm. Participants receiving standard-of-care will receive antibiotics for at least 8 days. Study participants are followed for 60 days after enrolment. An estimated 460 patients will be required to achieve 80% power to determine non-inferiority with a margin of 12%. All outcomes are compared by absolute risk differences. The conclusion of non-inferiority, and subsequently superiority, will be based on unadjusted and adjusted analyses in both the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received approvals from the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee and the respective study sites. Results will be disseminated to patients, their caregivers, physicians, the funders, the critical care societies and other researchers.Trial registration numberNCT03382548.