bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinematics of a Cable-Driven Robotic Platform for Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chesser Phillip C. , Wang Peter L. , Vaughan Joshua E. , Lind Randall F. , Post Brian K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractConcrete additive manufacturing (AM) is a growing field of research. However, on-site, large-scale concrete additive manufacturing requires motion platforms that are difficult to implement with conventional rigid-link robotic systems. This article presents a new kinematic arrangement for a deployable cable-driven robot intended for on-site AM. The kinematics of this robot are examined to determine if they meet the requirements for this application, the wrench feasible workspace (WFW) is examined, and the physical implementation of a prototype is also presented. Data collected from the physical implementation of the proposed system are analyzed, and the results support its suitability for the intended application. The success of this system demonstrates that this kinematic arrangement is promising for future deployable AM systems.
Improving the Film Cooling Performance of a Turbine Endwall With Multi-Fidelity Modeling Considering Conjugate Heat Transfer
Authors: Bu Hongyan , Yang Yufeng , Song Liming , Li Jun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The gas turbine endwall is bearing extreme thermal loads with the rapid increase of turbine inlet temperature. Therefore, the effective cooling of turbine endwalls is of vital importance for the safe operation of turbines. In the design of endwall cooling layouts, numerical simulations based on conjugate heat transfer (CHT) are drawing more attention as the component temperature can be predicted directly. However, the computation cost of high-fidelity (HF) CHT analysis can be high and even prohibitive especially when there are many cases to evaluate such as in the design optimization of cooling layout. In this study, we established a multi-fidelity (MF) framework in which the data of low-fidelity (LF) CHT analysis were incorporated to help the building of a model that predicts the result of HF simulation. Based upon this framework, MF design optimization of a validated numerical turbine endwall model was carried out. The high- and LF data were obtained from the computation of fine mesh and coarse mesh, respectively. In the optimization, the positions of the film cooling holes were parameterized and controlled by a shape function. With the help of MF modeling and sequentially evaluated designs, the cooling performance of the model endwall was improved efficiently.
Experimental Investigation on Nonlinear Response of a Low-Swirl Flame to Acoustic Excitation With Large Amplitude
Authors: Liu Weijie , Zhang Liang , Xue Ranran , Yang Qian , Wang Huiru 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Thermoacoustic instability is a major issue in developing high-efficiency low emission gas turbine combustors. In order to predict the amplitude of limit cycle oscillation, an understanding of the amplitude-dependent response of the flame, i.e., the nonlinear response, to large acoustic excitation is needed. In the present study, the nonlinear response of a low-swirl CH4/air premixed flame to acoustic excitation is experimentally studied. Amplitude dependences of flame dynamic at 75 Hz and 195 Hz are discussed in detail over a wide range of excitation levels. Experimental results show the gain of flame describing function of the low-swirl flame has a peak value at 65 Hz and a local minimum at 105 Hz which is caused by the destructive (out of phase) and constructive (in-phase) of the axial and azimuthal velocity fluctuation. At low perturbation level, flame heat release fluctuation is in linear relationship with the normalized velocity driving level. Heat release fluctuation begins to saturate at a certain level which depends on the driving frequency. The low-swirl flame oscillates mainly in the axial direction at 75 Hz while it is in the radial direction at 195 Hz. The nonlinear flame heat release response is a result of combination effect of flame rollup process and harmonic responses.
Terminal decline in objective and self-reported measures of motor function before death: 10 year follow-up of Whitehall II cohort study
Authors: Landré Benjamin , Fayosse Aurore , Ben Hassen Céline , Machado-Fragua Marcos D , Dumurgier Julien , Kivimaki Mika , Sabia Séverine , Singh-Manoux Archana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To examine multiple objective and self-reported measures of motor function for their associations with mortality.

Design
Prospective cohort study.

Setting
UK based Whitehall II cohort study, which recruited participants aged 35-55 years in 1985-88; motor function component was added at the 2007-09 wave.

Participants
6194 participants with motor function measures in 2007-09 (mean age 65.6, SD 5.9), 2012-13, and 2015-16.

Main outcome measures
All cause mortality between 2007 and 2019 in relation to objective measures (walking speed, grip strength, and timed chair rises) and self-reported measures (physical component summary score of the SF-36 and limitations in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL)) of motor function.

Results
One sex specific standard deviation poorer motor function in 2007-09 (cases/total, 610/5645) was associated with an increased mortality risk of 22% (95% confidence interval 12% to 33%) for walking speed, 15% (6% to 25%) for grip strength, 14% (7% to 23%) for timed chair rises, and 17% (8% to 26%) for physical component summary score over a mean 10.6 year follow-up. Having basic/instrumental ADL limitations was associated with a 30% (7% to 58%) increased mortality risk. These associations were progressively stronger when measures were drawn from 2012-13 (mean follow-up 6.8 years) and 2015-16 (mean follow-up 3.7 years). Analysis of trajectories showed poorer motor function in decedents (n=484) than survivors (n=6194) up to 10 years before death for timed chair rises (standardised difference 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.59; equivalent to a 1.2 (men) and 1.3 (women) second difference), nine years for walking speed (0.21, 0.05 to 0.36; 5.5 (men) and 5.3 (women) cm/s difference), six years for grip strength (0.10, 0.01 to 0.20; 0.9 (men) and 0.6 (women) kg difference), seven years for physical component summary score (0.15, 0.05 to 0.25; 1.2 (men) and 1.6 (women) score difference), and four years for basic/instrumental ADL limitations (prevalence difference 2%, 0% to 4%). These differences increased in the period leading to death for timed chair rises, physical component summary score, and ADL limitations.

Conclusion
Motor function in early old age has a robust association with mortality, with evidence of terminal decline emerging early in measures of overall motor function (timed chair rises and physical component summary score) and late in basic/instrumental ADL limitations.
Intersectional role of paternal gender-equitable attitudes and maternal empowerment in child undernutrition: a cross-sectional national study from India
Authors: Sharma Anupam Joya , Subramanyam Malavika Ambale 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the role of the intersection of maternal empowerment, paternal gender-equitable attitudes, and household wealth in stunting and severe stunting among underfives in India.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCommunity-based setting, nationally representative household survey from India.ParticipantsWe used a sample of 22 867 mother–father–child triads from the fourth round of India’s National Family Health Survey (2015–2016). Our inclusion criterion was children below the age of 5 years. The exclusion criterion was a lack of information on paternal gender-equitable attitudes and maternal empowerment. Observations with missing data on any of the covariates were also excluded.Primary outcomeStunting and severe stunting among underfives in India.ResultsOur survey-adjusted logistic regression models revealed that even among children from poorer households, those with either an empowered mother or a father with gender-equitable attitudes versus those with none such parents, had a lower odds of stunting (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.02) and severe stunting (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.98), independent of all covariates. We also found substantially lower odds of severe stunting in groups with parental concordance in a woman-friendly outlook, whether non-affluent (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.94) or affluent (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.67).ConclusionWe argue that while women’s autonomy could reduce the risk of child undernutrition, focusing on men’s attitudes towards gender equity also holds promise for reducing undernutrition. Our findings not only underscore how patriarchy is embodied in undernourished children, but also suggest programmatic interventions to address this deep-rooted scourge in India.
Qualitative evaluation of a mandatory health insurance ‘wait period’ in a publicly funded health system: understanding health inequities for newcomer im/migrant women
Authors: Hamel-Smith Grassby Maggie , Wiedmeyer Mei-ling , Lavergne M Ruth , Goldenberg Shira M 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate impacts of a residency-based waiting period for health insurance coverage on lived experiences of health and settlement for im/migrant women in British Columbia, Canada.DesignThe IRIS study is a mixed-methods, community-based, qualitative evaluation of recently arrived im/migrant women’s access to sexual and reproductive care. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted by trained multilingual and multicultural interviewers with lived migration experience in the participant’s preferred language.SettingMetro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from July 2018 to January 2020.ParticipantsData collected from community focus groups (four groups, n=29) of both service providers and im/migrant women was used. Following this, qualitative interviews with service providers (n=10) and im/migrant women (n=47) were conducted. Eligible participants self-identified as women; were aged 18–49 and had arrived in Canada from another country. Eligible providers were employed in the health, social or legal sectors working with im/migrant women.ResultsThe wait period resulted in mistrust and internalised stigma for racialised im/migrant women, for whom the policy resulted in feeling ‘undeserving’ of care. Resulting administrative burden produced delays and unmet need for care, particularly related to sexual and reproductive healthcare and children’s health. Unexpected costs meant difficult choices between survival and care. Negative health outcomes included the inability to family plan, difficulties during pregnancy, as well as hardships related not being able to seek help for sick children. Community-based organisations provided support in many areas but could not fill all gaps produced by this policy.ConclusionsFindings highlight severe, yet commonly overlooked, health inequities produced by a mandatory health coverage wait period within a purportedly ‘universal’ healthcare system. Health system policies such as mandatory ‘waiting periods’ produce discriminatory and inequitable outcomes for im/migrant women. Policy reforms towards full ‘healthcare for all’ are urgently needed to affirm the health and human rights of all im/migrants.
Instruments for assessing health professionals’ skills in breaking bad news: protocol for a systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Gutierrez-Sanchez Daniel , García-Gámez Marina , Leiva-Santos Juan Pablo , Lopez-Leiva Inmaculada 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionHealth professionals are often involved in the process of breaking bad news (BBN), which remains a difficult challenge, as it requires not only theoretical knowledge, but also the development of humanistic, emotional and communication skills. Therefore, optimal BBN assessment is essential. In this regard, sound measurement instruments are needed to evaluate BBN properly in research, teaching and clinical settings. Several instruments have been designed and validated to assess BBN. In this context, choosing the most appropriate instrument for assessing health professionals’ skills in BBN is essential. The aims of this systematic review are to: (1) identify all the instruments used for assessing health professionals’ skills in BBN; and (2) critically appraise their measurement properties.MethodsA systematic review will be undertaken according to the most up-to-date COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments’ (COSMIN) methodology. The protocol of this systematic review was developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search strategy will be performed following the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies. The search strategy will be conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, SciELO and Open Grey. Two review authors will independently appraise the full-text articles according to the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Quality ratings and evidence synthesis will be performed using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not necessary for systematic review protocols. The results will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant conference.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020207586.
Host blood transcriptomic biomarkers of tuberculosis disease in people living with HIV: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mendelsohn Simon C , Mulenga Humphrey , Mbandi Stanley Kimbung , Darboe Fatoumatta , Shelton Mary , Scriba Thomas J , Hatherill Mark 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionCurrent tuberculosis triage and predictive tools offer poor accuracy and are ineffective for detecting asymptomatic disease in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Host tuberculosis transcriptomic biomarkers hold promise for diagnosing prevalent and predicting progression to incident tuberculosis and guiding further investigation, preventive therapy and follow-up. We aim to conduct a systematic review of performance of transcriptomic signatures of tuberculosis in PLHIV.Methods and analysisWe will search MEDLINE (PubMed), WOS Core Collection, Biological Abstracts, and SciELO Citation Index (Web of Science), Africa-Wide Information and General Science Abstracts (EBSCOhost), Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for articles published in English between 1990 and 2020. Case–control, cross-sectional, cohort and randomised controlled studies evaluating performance of diagnostic and prognostic host-response transcriptomic signatures in PLHIV of all ages and settings will be included. Eligible studies will include PLHIV in signature test or validation cohorts, and use microbiological, clinical, or composite reference standards for pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. Study quality will be evaluated using the ‘Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2’ tool and cumulative review evidence assessed using the ‘Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation’ approach. Study selection, quality appraisal and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Study, cohort and signature characteristics of included studies will be tabulated, and a narrative synthesis of findings presented. Primary outcomes of interest, biomarker sensitivity and specificity with estimate precision, will be summarised in forest plots. Expected heterogeneity in signature characteristics, study settings, and study designs precludes meta-analysis and pooling of results. Review reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies guidelines.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethics approval is not required as primary human participant data will not be collected. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021224155.
Comparison of the validity, perceived usefulness and usability of I-MeDeSA and TEMAS, two tools to evaluate alert system usability: a study protocol
Authors: Marcilly Romaric , Zheng Wu Yi , Beuscart Regis , Baysari Melissa T 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionResearch has shown that improvements to the usability of medication alert systems are needed. For designers and decisions-makers to assess usability of their alert systems, two paper-based tools are currently available: the instrument for evaluating human-factors principles in medication-related decision support alerts (I-MeDeSA) and the tool for evaluating medication alerting systems (TEMAS). This study aims to compare the validity, usability and usefulness of both tools to identify their strengths and limitations and assist designers and decision-makers in making an informed decision about which tool is most suitable for assessing their current or prospective system.Methods and analysisFirst, TEMAS and I-MeDeSA will be translated into French. This translation will be validated by three experts in human factors. Then, in 12 French hospitals with a medication alert system in place, staff with expertise in the system will evaluate their alert system using the two tools successively. After the use of each tool, participants will be asked to fill in the System Usability Scale (SUS) and complete a survey on the understandability and perceived usefulness of each tool. Following the completion of both assessments, participants will be asked to nominate their preferred tool and relay their opinions on the tools. The design philosophy of TEMAS and I-MeDeSA differs on the calculation of a score, impacting the way the comparison between the tools can be performed. Convergent validity will be evaluated by matching the items of the two tools with respect to the usability dimensions they assess. SUS scores and answers to the survey will be statistically compared for I-MeDeSA and TEMAS to identify differences. Free-text responses in surveys will be analysed using an inductive approach.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required in France for a study of this nature. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Dignity therapy, psycho-spiritual well-being and quality of life in the terminally ill: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Ruishuang , Guo Qiaohong , Chen Zhiqian , Zeng Yingchun 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesDignity therapy (DT) is a brief, individualised psychotherapy that aims to alleviate psychosocial and spiritual distress in the final stages of life. It is unknown yet whether DT can enhance sense of dignity and improve psychological and spiritual well-being as well as quality of life of terminally ill patients.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL plus, ProQuest Health & Medical Complete, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library, as well as Chinese databases including Weipu Data, Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to 30 April 2021, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of DT on dignity, psycho-spiritual well-being and quality of life of terminally ill patients receiving palliative care.ResultsWe identified 507 unique records, and included 9 RCTs (871 participants). Comparator was standard palliative care. DT did not improve terminally ill patients’ sense of dignity (p=0.90), hope (p=0.15), spiritual well-being (p=0.99) and quality of life (p=0.23). However, DT reduced anxiety and depression after intervention (standardised mean difference, SMD=−1.13, 95% CI (−2.21 to –0.04), p=0.04; SMD=−1.22, 95% CI (−2.25 to –0.18), p=0.02, respectively) and at 4 weeks post-intervention (SMD=−0.89, 95% CI (−1.71 to –0.07), p=0.03; SMD=−1.26, 95% CI (−2.38 to –0.14), p=0.03, respectively).ConclusionDT can be offered as a psychological intervention for terminally ill patients to reduce their anxiety and depression. More studies are needed to further evaluate the effects of DT on terminally ill patients’ dignity, spiritual well-being and quality of life.
Proteomic characterisations of ulcerative colitis endoscopic biopsies associate with clinically relevant histological measurements of disease severity
Authors: Gruver Aaron M , Westfall Matt D , Ackermann Bradley L , Hill Salisha , Morrison Ryan D , Bodo Juraj , Lai Keith K , Gemperline David C , Hsi Eric D , Liebler Daniel C , Schmitz Jochen , Benschop Robert J 
Published: August 2021

Aims and methodsAccurate protein measurements using formalin-fixed biopsies are needed to improve disease characterisation. This feasibility study used targeted and global mass spectrometry (MS) to interrogate a spectrum of disease severities using 19 ulcerative colitis (UC) biopsies.ResultsTargeted assays for CD8, CD19, CD132 (interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma/common cytokine receptor gamma chain), FOXP3 (forkhead box P3) and IL17RA (interleukin 17 receptor A) were successful; however, assays for IL17A (interleukin 17A), IL23 (p19) (interleukin 23, alpha subunit p19) and IL23R (interleukin 23 receptor) did not permit target detection. Global proteome analysis (4200 total proteins) was performed to identify pathways associated with UC progression. Positive correlation was observed between histological scores indicating active colitis and neutrophil-related measurements (R2=0.42–0.72); inverse relationships were detected with cell junction targets (R2=0.49–0.71) and β-catenin (R2=0.51–0.55) attributed to crypt disruption. An exploratory accuracy assessment with Geboes Score and Robarts Histopathology Index cut-offs produced sensitivities/specificities of 72.7%/75.0% and 100.0%/81.8%, respectively.ConclusionsPathologist-guided MS assessments provide a complementary approach to histological scoring systems. Additional studies are indicated to verify the utility of this novel approach.
A generalized class of α-convex functions with respect to n-symmetric points
Authors: Lashin A. Y. , El-Emam F. Z. 
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we investigate certain subclass of analytic functions on the open unit disc. This class generalizes the well-known class of [Formula: see text]-convex functions with respect to n-symmetric points. Some interesting properties such as subordination results, containment relations, integral preserving properties, and the integral representation for functions in this class are obtained.