bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vibration Isolation Using Continuous Beams
Authors: Rai George , Rahn Christopher D. , Smith Edward , Marr Conor 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Vibration Isolation involves an inertially coupled system with a mass-lever combination where the inertial forces cancel spring induced forces, thus permitting a high degree of isolation at a relatively low frequency in discrete dynamic systems. This paper shows that the lever combination can be clamped at the root rather than pinned and modeled as a continuous dynamic system. It is theoretically proven that this model can be tuned to achieve isolation with zero displacement, force, and moment transmissibility. The frequency response is calculated based on Euler Bernoulli assumptions for a beam with a tip mass under point force loading. A tip mass equivalent to the mass of the beam can reduce the first isolation frequency by 71% for shear at the root, 72% for moment at the root, and 64% for tip displacement, relative to a cantilever without a tip mass.
IV Cutoff Mechanism for Low Resource Settings
Authors: Brehm Samuel , Adams Hunter , Damaraju Aneel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Intravenous (IV) fluid regulation is necessary in developing nations to prevent IV-overhydration in the pediatric patients of low-resource hospitals. Traditionally, regulation is achieved by calculating the total fluid outflow from an IV bag and restricting flow before the patient is injected with dangerous levels of fluid. However, standard fluid regulation devices include infusion pumps and burettes, which are costly and often ill-suited for low-resource environments. This research proposes a low-cost, easy to use device that regulates the volume of intravenous (IV) fluid delivered to a patient in a low-resource clinical setting. Laboratory accuracy tests (N = 32) over a range of clinically-relevant fluid volumes yielded a median and max error of 4 and 8mL respectively, falling within specific error thresholds (p &lt; le-5). Non-clinical usability tests (N = 25) showed median and max device setup times to be 40 and 55 seconds respectively (p &lt; le-5). Additionally, all participants found the device “easy to use” and were able to set up and use the device with less than 20 minutes of training.
An Optimized Statistical Model for Predicting Composite Modulus of Elasticity
Authors: Hage Ilige S. , Hage Re-Mi , Ghnatios Chady , Baydoun Ahmad M. R. , Hamade Ramsey F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Composites are the revolutionary materials that were developed for the ease of the technology. Similar to all families of materials, composites are being extensively studied nowadays. One of the composites ‘main studies is the homogenization study to determine composites modulus of elasticity function of multiple variables based on differentiating several inclusions’ geometries, or quantities or orientations. However, homogenization studies require extensive numerical and analytical work. This work uses a statistical optimized tool TSREG (tabu search combined with statistical regression proven to achieve models with the highest R-squared and lowest p-values for each variable in addition to the lowest MAPE (mean absolute percentage error)) to predict a model relating composite modulus of elasticity to inclusions shape (as aspect ratio), volume fraction, and orientation (0-30-60-90°). Experimental data of modulus of elasticity compressed 3D printed ABS plastics cubes of 16 × 16 × 16 mm3 size having one inclusion (as empty spheres or ellipsoids with zero Young’s modulus) were utilized. For the voids, their geometries were varied to cover spherical and elliptical shapes with several aspect ratios (0.2-0.4-0.65-0.75-0.9-1), volume fractions (0-0.1-0.2-0.3-0.35-0.4-0.5-1), and orientations (0-30-60-90°). This model helps researchers to determine the composite modulus of elasticity using one significant and accurate expression without using numerical analysis.
Design, Modelling and Simulation of a Rotational Robotic Arm
Authors: Wei Bin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a rotational robotic arm is designed, modelled and optimized. The 3D model design and optimization are conducted by using SolidWorks. Forward kinematics are derived so as to determine the position vector of the end effector with respect to the base, and subsequently being able to calculate the angular velocity and torque of each joint. For the goal positioning problem, the PD control law is typically used in industry. It is employed in this application by using virtual torsional springs and frictions to generate the torques and to keep the system stable.
Numerical Analysis of Depth and Sizing in Skin Cancer Lesions
Authors: Regla-Felix J. Eliseo B. , Hernandez-Guerrero Abel , Luviano-Ortiz J. Luis , Moreno-Torres Tomas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer that afflicts our society. Although melanoma accounts for 1% of the cases of skin cancer, due to its aggressiveness, it is responsible for most skin cancer-related deaths. Each year, approximately 132 000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and just in USA an approximate of 7 230 people will die because of it. Early detection can lead to a significant reduction in melanoma death rates.
Nowadays, there are various invasive and non-invasive detection methods of skin cancer. A type of non-invasive method uses an infrared thermal imaging camera, which can detect the difference in thermal behavior between healthy and malignant tissue during the thermal recovery process after a cooling stress applied to the skin. Such a thermal behavior can be simulated computationally, with a good approximation to reported case studies. This study proposes a numerical model that takes advantage of infrared thermal imaging to determine the effect of geometry and depth of the lesion with the cooling and recovery process using Design of Experiments (DoE). The results show that diameter and geometric shape of the lesion are the parameters that most influence the thermal response.
Reactive Online Motion Re-Planning for Crash Mitigation in Autonomous Vehicles Using Bezier Curve Optimization
Authors: Khattar Vanshaj , Eskandarian Azim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Crash avoidance and mitigation is still one of the major challenges faced by the autonomous vehicles industry. Path planning in autonomous vehicles is a crucial phase during crash avoidance with other vehicles. It is important for the path planning algorithm to be reactive in uncertain situations which usually arise in urban road scenarios. This study proposes a reactive online path planning strategy for obstacle avoidance and crash mitigation for an imminent collision with another vehicle. A cubic Bezier curve trajectory generation method is used for creating a maneuver around the obstacle vehicle. Relative hitting heading angle is considered to account for the crash severity between two vehicles. Two cases are considered where one is an imminent crash scenario and the other is where an obstacle can be avoided with a minimum safety distance. This obstacle avoidance problem is then converted to an optimization problem where potential crash severity, vehicle kinematic constraints and path smoothness are considered as constraints. The resulting cost function consists of a quadratic convex function and a piecewise defined function. This is further solved using a novel methodology where the piecewise function is included in the inequality constraints, so that the problem can be solved using quadratic programming method. This will also lead to a quick real time implementation. It is shown that the proposed method is able to avoid collisions and also minimizes the crash severity in case of an imminent collision.
Deep 3D Convolution Neural Network Methods for Brain White Matter Hybrid Computational Simulations
Authors: Wu Xuehai , Pelegri Assimina A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Material properties of brain white matter (BWM) show high anisotropy due to the complicated internal three-dimensional microstructure and variant interaction between heterogeneous brain-tissue (axon, myelin, and glia). From our previous study, finite element methods were used to merge micro-scale Representative Volume Elements (RVE) with orthotropic frequency domain viscoelasticity to an integral macro-scale BWM. Quantification of the micro-scale RVE with anisotropic frequency domain viscoelasticity is the core challenge in this study.
The RVE behavior is expressed by a viscoelastic constitutive material model, in which the frequency-related viscoelastic properties are imparted as storage modulus and loss modulus for the composite comprised of axonal fibers and extracellular glia. Using finite elements to build RVEs with anisotropic frequency domain viscoelastic material properties is computationally very consuming and resource-draining. Additionally, it is very challenging to build every single RVE using finite elements since the architecture of each RVE is arbitrary in an infinite data set. The architecture information encoded in the voxelized location is employed as input data and is consequently incorporated into a deep 3D convolution neural network (CNN) model that cross-references the RVEs’ material properties (output data). The output data (RVEs’ material properties) is calculated in parallel using an in-house developed finite element method, which models RVE samples of axon-myelin-glia composites. This novel combination of the CNN-RVE method achieved a dramatic reduction in the computation time compared with directly using finite element methods currently present in the literature.
Agreement of Sedentary Behavior Metrics Derived From Hip- and Thigh-Worn Accelerometers Among Older Adults: With Implications for Studying Physical and Cognitive Health
Authors: Bellettiere John , Tuz-Zahra Fatima , Carlson Jordan A. , Ridgers Nicola D. , Liles Sandy , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Walker Rod L. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Jankowska Marta M. , Rosenberg Dori E. , Natarajan Loki 
Published: February 2021

Little is known about how sedentary behavior (SB) metrics derived from hip- and thigh-worn accelerometers agree for older adults. Thigh-worn activPAL (AP) micro monitors were concurrently worn with hip-worn ActiGraph (AG) GT3X+ accelerometers (with SB measured using the 100 counts per minute [cpm] cut point; AG100cpm) by 953 older adults (age 77 ± 6.6, 54% women) for 4–7 days. Device agreement for sedentary time and five SB pattern metrics was assessed using mean error and correlations. Logistic regression tested associations with four health outcomes using standardized (i.e., z scores) and unstandardized SB metrics. Mean errors (AP − AG100cpm) and 95% limits of agreement were: sedentary time −54.7 [−223.4, 113.9] min/day; time in 30+ min bouts 77.6 [−74.8, 230.1] min/day; mean bout duration 5.9 [0.5, 11.4] min; usual bout duration 15.2 [0.4, 30] min; breaks in sedentary time −35.4 [−63.1, −7.6] breaks/day; and alpha −.5 [−.6, −.4]. Respective Pearson correlations were: .66, .78, .73, .79, .51, and .40. Concordance correlations were: .57, .67, .40, .50, .14, and .02. The statistical significance and direction of associations were identical for AG100cpm and AP metrics in 46 of 48 tests, though significant differences in the magnitude of odds ratios were observed among 13 of 24 tests for unstandardized and five of 24 for standardized SB metrics. Caution is needed when interpreting SB metrics and associations with health from AG100cpm due to the tendency for it to overestimate breaks in sedentary time relative to AP. However, high correlations between AP and AG100cpm measures and similar standardized associations with health outcomes suggest that studies using AG100cpm are useful, though not ideal, for studying SB in older adults.
Resuming professional football (soccer) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a country with high infection rates: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Schumacher Yorck Olaf , Tabben Montassar , Hassoun Khalid , Al Marwani Asmaa , Al Hussein Ibrahim , Coyle Peter , Abbassi Ahmed Khellil , Ballan Hani Taleb , Al-Kuwari Abdulaziz , Chamari Karim , Bahr Roald 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesThe risk of viral transmission associated with contact sports such as football (soccer) during the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the infective and immune status of professional football players, team staff and league officials over a truncated football season resumed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in a country with high infection rates and to investigate the clinical symptoms related to COVID-19 infection in professional football players.MethodsProspective cohort study of 1337 football players, staff and officials during a truncated football season (9 weeks) with a tailored infection control programme based on preventive measures and regular SARS-CoV-2 PCR swab testing (every 3–5 days) combined with serology testing for immunity (every 4 weeks). Clinical symptoms in positive participants were recorded using a 26-item, Likert-Scale-based scoring system.ResultsDuring the study period, 85 subjects returned positive (cycle threshold (cT) ≤30) or reactive (30<cT<40) PCR tests, of which 36 were players. The infection rate was consistent with that of the general population during the same time period. More than half of infected subjects were asymptomatic, and the remaining had only mild symptoms with no one requiring hospitalisation. Symptom severity was associated with lower cT values. Social contacts and family were the most common sources of infection, and no infection could be traced to training or matches. Of the 36 infected players, 15 presented positive serology during the study period.ConclusionFootball played outdoors involving close contact between athletes represents a limited risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe illness when preventive measures are in place.
The case for developing a cohesive systems approach to research across unhealthy commodity industries
Authors: Knai Cécile , Petticrew Mark , Capewell Simon , Cassidy Rebecca , Collin Jeff , Cummins Steven , Eastmure Elizabeth , Fafard Patrick , Fitzgerald Niamh , Gilmore Anna B , Hawkins Ben , Jensen Jørgen Dejgård , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Maani Nason , Mays Nicholas , Mwatsama Modi , Nakkash Rima , Orford Jim F , Rutter Harry , Savona Natalie , van Schalkwyk May C I , Weishaar Heide 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesMost non-communicable diseases are preventable and largely driven by the consumption of harmful products, such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling and ultra-processed food and drink products, collectively termed unhealthy commodities. This paper explores the links between unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs), analyses the extent of alignment across their corporate political strategies, and proposes a cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs.MethodsWe held an expert consultation on analysing the involvement of UCIs in public health policy, conducted an analysis of business links across UCIs, and employed taxonomies of corporate political activity to collate, compare and illustrate strategies employed by the alcohol, ultra-processed food and drink products, tobacco and gambling industries.ResultsThere are clear commonalities across UCIs’ strategies in shaping evidence, employing narratives and framing techniques, constituency building and policy substitution. There is also consistent evidence of business links between UCIs, as well as complex relationships with government agencies, often allowing UCIs to engage in policy-making forums. This knowledge indicates that the role of all UCIs in public health policy would benefit from a common approach to analysis. This enables the development of a theoretical framework for understanding how UCIs influence the policy process. It highlights the need for a deeper and broader understanding of conflicts of interests and how to avoid them; and a broader conception of what constitutes strong evidence generated by a wider range of research types.ConclusionUCIs employ shared strategies to shape public health policy, protecting business interests, and thereby contributing to the perpetuation of non-communicable diseases. A cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs is required to deepen shared understanding of this complex and interconnected area and also to inform a more effective and coherent response.
Protocol for a multicentre, prospective, cohort study to investigate patient satisfaction and quality of life after immediate breast reconstruction in Japan: the SAQLA study
Authors: Saiga Miho , Hosoya Yuko , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Kuramoto Yukiko , Watanabe Satoko , Tomita Koichi , Aihara Yukiko , Muto Mayu , Hikosaka Makoto , Kawaguchi Takashi , Miyaji Tempei , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Zenda Sadamoto , Goto Aya , Sakuraba Minoru , Kusano Taro , Miyabe Kenta , Kuroki Tomoaki , Yano Tomoyuki , Taminato Mifue , Sekido Mitsuru , Tsunoda Yui , Satake Toshihiko , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Kimata Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionThe aim of breast reconstruction (BR) is to improve patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Therefore, measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) would clarify the value and impact of BR on a patient’s life and thus would provide evidence-based information to help decision-making. The Satisfaction and Quality of Life After Immediate Breast Reconstruction study aimed to investigate satisfaction and HRQOL in Japanese patients with breast cancer who undergo immediate breast reconstruction (IBR).Methods and analysisThis ongoing prospective, observational multicentre study will assess 406 patients who had unilateral breast cancer and underwent mastectomy and IBR, and were recruited from April 2018 to July 2019. All participants were recruited from seven hospitals: Okayama University Hospital, Iwate Medical University Hospital, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Showa University Hospital, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Osaka University Hospital and Yokohama City University Medical Center. The patients will be followed up for 36 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint of this study will be the time-dependent changes in BREAST-Q satisfaction with breast subscale scores for 12 months after reconstructive surgery, which will be collected via an electronic PRO system.Ethics and disseminationThis study will be performed in accordance with the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects published by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the modified Act on the Protection of Personal Information and the Declaration of Helsinki. This study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee at the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, on 2 February 2018 (1801-039) and all other participating sites. The findings of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberUMIN000032177.
Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of facility-based screening and treatment of hepatitis C in Punjab state of India
Authors: Chugh Yashika , Premkumar Madhumita , Grover Gagandeep Singh , Dhiman Radha K , Teerawattananon Yot , Prinja Shankar 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveDespite treatment availability, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) public health burden is rising in India due to lack of timely diagnosis. Therefore, we aim to assess incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for one-time universal screening followed by treatment of people infected with HCV as compared with a no screening policy in Punjab, India.Study designDecision tree integrated with Markov model was developed to simulate disease progression. A societal perspective and a 3% annual discount rate were considered to assess incremental cost per QALY gained. In addition, budgetary impact was also assessed with a payer’s perspective and time horizon of 5 years.Study settingScreening services were assumed to be delivered as a facility-based intervention where active screening for HCV cases would be performed at 22 district hospitals in the state of Punjab, which will act as integrated testing as well as treatment sites for HCV.InterventionTwo intervention scenarios were compared with no universal screening and treatment (routine care). Scenario I—screening with ELISA followed by confirmatory HCV-RNA quantification and treatment. Scenario II—screening with rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit followed by confirmatory HCV-RNA quantification and treatment.Primary and secondary outcome measuresLifetime costs; life years and QALY gained; and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for each of the above-mentioned intervention scenario as compared with the routine care.ResultsScreening with ELISA and RDT, respectively, results in a gain of 0.028 (0.008 to 0.06) and 0.027 (0.008 to 0.061) QALY per person with costs decreased by −1810 Indian rupees (−3376 to –867) and −1812 Indian rupees (−3468 to −850) when compared with no screening. One-time universal screening of all those ≥18 years at a base coverage of 30%, with ELISA and RDT, would cost 8.5 and 8.3 times more, respectively, when compared with screening the age group of the cohort 40–45 years old.ConclusionOne-time universal screening followed by HCV treatment is a dominant strategy as compared with no screening. However, budget impact of screening of all ≥18-year-old people seems unsustainable. Thus, in view of findings from both cost-effectiveness and budget impact, we recommend beginning with screening the age cohort with RDT around mean age of disease presentation, that is, 40–45 years, instead of all ≥18-year-old people.
Prescribing patterns for medical treatment of suspected prostatic obstruction: a longitudinal register-based study of the Scottish Health and Social Care Open Data
Authors: Andreis Federico , Bryant Richard , Giorgi Emanuele , Williamson Andrea E , Ward Ashleigh 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms related to suspected bladder outflow obstruction from benign prostate hyperplasia/enlargement in men is increasing. This is leading to high demand on healthcare services; however, there is limited knowledge of differences in pharmacotherapy prescribing for this condition based on geography.ObjectiveTo investigate potential variation in drug prescribing for suspected bladder outflow obstruction in Scotland, based on analysis of publicly available data, to identify trends and inform future prescribing.Study designA longitudinal register-based data study of prescribing and patient data publicly available from Scottish registries. All information is available as monthly aggregates at the level of single general practices.Setting and participants903 (97%) general practices in Scotland, over a 50-month period (October 2015 to November 2019).Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe analysed numbers of daily doses of drugs for suspected bladder outflow obstruction prescribed per month using a Bayesian Poisson regression analysis, incorporating random effects to account for spatial and temporal elements.ResultsPrescriptions for suspected bladder outflow obstruction medications increased during the observation period (overall average rate of change 1.24±0.28, ranging from 0.893 in Orkney to 1.95 in Lanarkshire). While some determinants of health inequality regarding prescribing practices across health boards are consistent with those known from the literature, other inequalities remain unexplained after accounting for practice-specific and patient-specific characteristics such as deprivation and rurality.ConclusionsInequalities in prescribing for suspected bladder outflow obstruction medications exist in Scotland, partially ascribable to accepted sociodemographic and geographic factors.