bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does foreign investment liberalisation enhance women's economic status? Micro‐evidence from urban China
Authors: Yu Linhui , Zhang Junsen , Wen Yanbing 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper analyses the effects of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on female earnings and women's economic status in households using Chinese Urban Household Survey data from 1997 to 2008. The identification exploits the substantial relaxation of foreign investment regulations immediately after China's accession to the WTO in 2002. The difference‐in‐differences estimation results show that FDI liberalisation has improved women's economic status significantly by increasing female earnings in sectors more exposed to FDI. Further analyses indicate that foreign investment liberalisation facilitates the promotion of female employees in their career ladders and increases their skill premium, which are two important channels through which women enhance their economic independence.
Tensile properties of synthetic, absorbable monofilament suture materials before and after incubation in phosphate‐buffered saline
Authors: Tobias Karen M. , Kidd Calvin E. , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Zhu Xiaojuan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo compare tensile properties of synthetic, absorbable, monofilament suture material before and after incubation in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS).Study designTwo sizes (2‐0 and 3‐0) of Biosyn, Maxon, Monocryl, PDS II, Securocryl, and Securodox were tested.Sample populationTen suture loops per group.MethodsTensile strength, elongation, and modulus of suture loops were measured at baseline and after 7, 14, 21, or 28 days of incubation in PBS.ResultsSize, suture material, and size × suture material interaction influenced maximum breaking load, maximum elongation, and modulus of elasticity. At baseline, 2‐0 and 3‐0 Maxon had the highest breaking loads (111.67 N and 79.71 N, respectively) for their size, and 2‐0 PDSII and 3‐0 Securodox had the lowest (68.71 N and 48.73 N, respectively). Maxon 2‐0 and 3‐0 had the greatest elongations (9.68 mm and 8.45 mm, respectively) for their size, and 2‐0 Biosyn and 3‐0 Securocryl had the least (7.21 mm and 6.58 mm, respectively). Biosyn 2‐0 and 3‐0 had the highest modulus. With incubation, Maxon (2‐0), PDS II (2‐0, 3‐0), and Securodox (2‐0, 3‐0) maintained or gained strength over 4 weeks. Strengths of 2‐0 and 3‐0 Biosyn and 3‐0 Maxon were maintained for 2 weeks, while Monocryl and Securocryl lost 20% to 44% of baseline strength within 1 week and 60% to 72% within 2 weeks. Day 7 strengths of 2‐0 Biosyn and 2‐0 Monocryl were greater than baseline strength of 2‐0 PDS II. Strength of 3‐0 Biosyn at day 14 was greater than strength of Monocryl at days 7 and 14 and greater than strength of 3‐0 PDS II, 3‐0 Securodox, and 3‐0 Securocryl at baseline and days 7 and 14.ConclusionSuture tensile properties varied with suture size, composition, and brand. At baseline, Maxon suture had the greatest strength and elongation, and Biosyn had the greatest stiffness.Clinical significanceTensile strength retention, when reported as a percentage of original strength, provides insufficient information for comparison of suture tensile properties.
Machine-Tool Error Observer Design With Application to Thermal Error Tracking
Authors: Ko Hua-Wei , Bazzoli Patrick , Nisbett J. Adam , Bristow Douglas , Chen Yujie , Ferreira Placid M. , Kapoor Shiv G. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA parameter identification procedure for identifying the parameters of a volumetric error model of a large machine tool requires hundreds of random volumetric error components in its workspace and thus takes hours of measurement time. It causes thermal errors of a large machine difficult to be tracked and compensated periodically. This paper demonstrates the application of the optimal observation design theories to volumetric error model parameter identification of a large five-axis machine. Optimal designs maximize the amount of information carried in the observations. In this paper, K-optimal designs are applied for the construction of machine-tool error observers by determining locations in the workspace at which 80 components of volumetric errors to be measured so that the model parameters can be identified in 5% of an 8-h shift. Many of optimal designs tend to localize observations at the boundary of the workspace. This leaves large volumes of the workspace inadequately represented, making the identified model inadequate. Therefore, the constrained optimization algorithms that force the distribution of observation points in the machine’s workspace are developed. Optimal designs reduce the number of observations in the identification procedure. This opens up the possibility of tracking thermal variations of the volumetric error model with periodic measurements. The design, implementation, and performance of a constrained K-optimal in tracking the thermal variations of the volumetric error over a 400-min period of operation are also reported. About 70–80% of machine-tool error can be explained using the proposed thermal error modeling methodology.
Evaluation of Dynamic Insulation Systems for Residential Buildings in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Martínez Garriga S. , Dabbagh M. , Krarti M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This paper evaluates the potential energy cost savings when high R-value static insulation layers as well as dynamic insulation materials (DIMs) are applied to residential housing located in Barcelona Spain. The analysis considers three dwelling prototypes to characterize the existing housing stock in Barcelona including detached attached and apartments. In addition three vintages for each housing prototype are defined: before 1979 when building envelope insulation took effect in Spain between 1980 and 2006 and after 2006 when the building envelope insulation code became more restrictive. Using a modified 3R2C network model to determine thermal loads the performance of both static and dynamic insulation systems is evaluated when applied to exterior wall for various housing prototypes in Barcelona. The dynamic insulation R-value is selected based on a 2-step control strategy. The analysis results indicate that DIMs with the largest R-value step (i.e. difference between the high and the low R-values) achieve the highest savings in source energy reaching up to 19% reduction in source heating and cooling energy for the entire housing stock of Barcelona. The annual energy savings achieved by DIMs are valued to be 181 M€/year for the entire existing housing stock in Barcelona. In addition electrical peak demand reduction associated with retrofitting exterior walls for the existing Barcelona housing stock can result in future avoidance of building new power plants and can provide additional 144 M€ and 162 M€ for respectively static and dynamic insulation systems. Considering the current energy mix applying dynamic wall insulation systems for Barcelona existing housing stock could reduce annual CO2 emissions by more than 300 000 tons or 6.80% of the total carbon dioxide currently emitted to heat and cool homes.
Elevated-Temperature Thermal Expansion of PTFE/PEEK Matrix Composite With Random-Oriented Short Carbon Fibers and Graphite Flakes
Authors: Miyase A. , Qu S. , Lo K. H. , Wang S. S. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A combined experimental and micromechanics investigation is conducted on elevated-temperature thermal expansion of PTFE/PEEK polymer-matrix composite reinforced with randomly oriented short carbon fibers (CF) and graphite flakes (Gr). In the experimental phase of the study, PTFE/PEEK polymer blends with different amounts of PTFE and four-phase CF/Gr/PTFE/PEEK composites with different volume fractions of graphite flakes were made from compression molding. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to evaluate the microstructure of the PTFE/PEEK matrix and the composite, especially the interface, and the size and dispersion of the particles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted to provide morphological information on the semi-crystalline PTFE/PEEK matrix of the composite. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were carried out to determine transition temperatures and thermomechanical properties of the composite and its constituent phases at the elevated temperature. Thermal expansions of neat PTFE and neat PEEK, the PTFE/PEEK polymer matrix, and the CF/Gr/PTFE/PEEK composite were obtained with a thermal–mechanical analyzer (TMA) in a dilatometric mode. Coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the PTFE/PEEK matrix and its CF/Gr/PTFE/PEEK composite were then determined from 25 °C up to an elevated temperature 240 °C. To augment the experimental study, micromechanics analyses are also conducted to determine thermal expansion coefficients of the PTFE/PEEK matrix and the CF/GR/PTFE/PEEK composite. The micromechanics solutions elucidate individual roles of different composite constituents, contributions of individual constituent materials’ temperature-dependent thermal and mechanical properties, the importance of composite microstructure and morphology, and the issue of thermal–mechanical coupling on the thermal expansion behavior of the complex CF/Gr/PTFE/PEEK composite at high temperature.
Antithrombotic treatment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Solo Karla , Lavi Shahar , Kabali Conrad , Levine Glenn N , Kulik Alexander , John-Baptiste Ava A , Fremes Stephen E , Martin Janet , Eikelboom John W , Ruel Marc , Huitema Ashlay A , Choudhury Tawfiq , Bhatt Deepak L , Tzemos Nikolaos , Mamas Mamas A , Bagur Rodrigo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effects of different oral antithrombotic drugs that prevent saphenous vein graft failure in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.DesignSystematic review and network meta-analysis.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 25 January 2019.Eligibility criteriafor selecting studiesRandomised controlled trials of participants (aged ≥18) who received oral antithrombotic drugs (antiplatelets or anticoagulants) to prevent saphenous vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Main outcome measuresThe primary efficacy endpoint was saphenous vein graft failure and the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction and death.ResultsThis review identified 3266 citations, and 21 articles that related to 20 randomised controlled trials were included in the network meta-analysis. These 20 trials comprised 4803 participants and investigated nine different interventions (eight active and one placebo). Moderate certainty evidence supports the use of dual antiplatelet therapy with either aspirin plus ticagrelor (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.31 to 0.79, number needed to treat 10) or aspirin plus clopidogrel (0.60, 0.42 to 0.86, 19) to reduce saphenous vein graft failure when compared with aspirin monotherapy. The study found no strong evidence of differences in major bleeding, myocardial infarction, and death among different antithrombotic therapies. The possibility of intransitivity could not be ruled out; however, between-trial heterogeneity and incoherence were low in all included analyses. Sensitivity analysis using per graft data did not change the effect estimates.ConclusionsThe results of this network meta-analysis suggest an important absolute benefit of adding ticagrelor or clopidogrel to aspirin to prevent saphenous vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Dual antiplatelet therapy after surgery should be tailored to the patient by balancing the safety and efficacy profile of the drug intervention against important patient outcomes.Study registrationPROSPERO registration number CRD42017065678.
Associations between maternal social capital and infant birth weight in three developing countries: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis of Young Lives data
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Oh Juhwan , Perkins Jessica M , Heo Jongho , Subramanian S V 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo explore how three indicators of social capital (ie, group membership, social support and cognitive social capital and specific types within each type) are associated with infant birth weight.Study design and settingsCross-sectional analyses of the first wave of Young Lives Survey data collected in 2002 from India (Andhra Pradesh state), Peru and Vietnam.Participants807 mothers in India, 1528 mothers in Peru and 1706 mothers in Vietnam.Outcomes measureInfant birth weight was measured in grams. Participation in specific groups, receipt of social support from specific groups or individuals and perceptions of their community were measured for social capital indicators. Two-level random intercept linear regression models were fit separately by country (first level: individual and second level: community).ResultsMaternal group membership displayed a consistent positive association with infant birth weight across the three countries. There was no relationship with maternal cognitive social capital. Membership in a women’s group was associated with infant birth weight consistently in all three countries (b=119.6, 95% CI 21.7 to 217.4 in India, b=133.4, 95% CI 40.9 to 225.9 in Peru, b=60.6, 95% CI 0.5 to 120.6 in Vietnam). However, membership in a political group in Peru was inversely associated with infant birth weight (b=−276.1, 95% CI −465.7 to −86.5).ConclusionAlthough a higher level of social capital is associated with higher infant birth weight, specific types of social capital may have different associations with infant birth weight depending on the social, political or cultural specificity of the country. These results pave the way for additional research on the mechanisms through which social capital influences birth weight outcomes in each country.
Transition in acquired brain injury youth (TrABI-Y): a systematic literature review protocol
Authors: Gauvin-Lepage Jérôme , Farthing Julie , Bissonnette Shana , Koclas Louise , Jaworski Magdalena , Larochelle Josée , St-Pierre-Clément Anne-Sophie 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionAcquired brain injury (ABI) in paediatrics refers to children born with a neurological deficit, which will lead to a chronic neurological disorder. As advances in medical paediatric health progress, we are seeing these ABI youth transitioning into adult healthcare services while also going through different life events. Despite the growing number of young adult patients, access to transition programmes to facilitate the transition process is still limited and evidence on the effectiveness of these programmes is inconclusive. The purpose of this paper is to provide the protocol for an upcoming systematic literature review on this important issue.Methods and analysisThe start of this systematic literature review is planned for 1 October 2019 and will end on 31 December 2021. According to the PICO framework developed, the Population and the Problem of interest (P) will include children, adolescents and young adults (0–18 years) diagnosed with ABI. The selected articles will have to involve an Intervention (I) relating to the healthcare of this population or life transitions from paediatric to adult-oriented care. Studies will be included if a Comparator (C) intervention was used. The expected Outcomes (O) will have to report quantitative or qualitative health-related outcomes post-transition. This comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature will include articles published between 2010 and 2020. The databases to be searched include Medline, All EBM Reviews, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. The selected articles will be appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A synthesis of the findings will be drafted to identify the effectiveness of available transition programmes as well as predictors, factors and determinants involved in the transition process.Ethics and disseminationThis project is not associated with direct individuals. The dissemination plan includes strategies such as using this systematic literature review to develop a research project on transition that will be published.
Efficacy and neural mechanism of acupuncture treatment in older adults with subjective cognitive decline: study protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Yan Chao-Qun , Zhou Ping , Wang Xu , Tu Jian Feng , Hu Shang-Qing , Huo Jian-Wei , Wang Zhong-Yan , Shi Guang-Xia , Zhang Ya-Nan , Li Jun-Qiu , Wang Jun , Liu Cun-Zhi 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) refers to individuals’ perceived decline in memory and/or other cognitive abilities relative to their previous level of performance, while objective neuropsychological deficits are not observed. SCD may represent a preclinical phase of Alzheimer’s disease. At this very early stage of decline, intervention could slow the rate of incipient decline to prolong and preserve cognitive and functional abilities. However, there is no effective treatment recommended for individuals with SCD. Acupuncture, as a non-pharmacological intervention, has been widely employed for patients with cognitive disorders.Methods and analysisThe proposed study is a randomised, assessor-blinded and placebo-controlled study that investigates the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in SCD. Sixty patients with SCD will be randomly allocated either into an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group. They will receive 24 sessions of real acupuncture treatment or identical treatment sessions using a placebo needle. Global cognitive changes based on a multidomain neuropsychological test battery will be evaluated to detect the clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment at baseline and end of treatment. MRI scans will be used to explore acupuncture-related neuroplasticity changes. Correlation analyses will be performed to investigate the relationships between the changes in brain function and symptom improvement.Ethics and disseminationThe trial was approved by the research ethics committee. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed academic journal and will also be disseminated electronically through conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT03444896.
Ward-based Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT) in Acute Pancreatitis (GAP) trial: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Froghi Farid , Soggiu Fiammetta , Ricciardi Federico , Gurusamy Kurinchi , Martin Daniel S , Singh Jeshika , Siddique Sulman , Eastgate Christine , Ciaponi Maria , McNeil Margaret , Filipe Helder , Schwalowsky-Monks Otto , Asis Gretchelle , Varcada Massimo , Davidson Brian R 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionAcute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas with high risk of developing multiorgan failure and death. There are no effective pharmacological interventions used in current clinical practice. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is the mainstay of supportive management. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in surgical conditions with systemic inflammatory response. There is currently no randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating the role of GDFT based on cardiac output parameters in patients with acute pancreatitis in the ward setting. A feasibility trial was designed to determine patient and clinician support for recruitment into an RCT of ward-based GDFT in acute pancreatitis, adherence to a GDFT protocol, safety, participant withdrawal, and to determine appropriate endpoints for a subsequent larger trial to evaluate efficacy.Methods and analysisThe GDFT in Acute Pancreatitis trial is a prospective two-centre feasibility RCT. Eligible adults admitted with new onset of acute pancreatitis will be enrolled and randomised into ward-based GDFT (n=25) or standard fluid therapy (n=25) within 6 hours from the diagnosis and continuing for the following 48 hours. Cardiac output parameters will be monitored with a non-invasive device (Cheetah NICOM; Cheetah Medical). The intervention group will consist of a protocolised GDFT approach consisting of stroke volume optimisation with crystalloid fluid boluses, while the control group will receive standard care fluid therapy as advised by the clinical team. The primary endpoint is feasibility. Secondary endpoints will include safety of the intervention, complications, mortality, admission to intensive care unit, cost and quality of life.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was granted by the London Central Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/1235, project ID: 221872). The results of this trial will be presented to international conference with interest in general surgery and acute care and published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberISRCTN36077283.
Acupuncture methods for acute migraine attack: a Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Zhou Jing , Li Junlong , Yang Jiwei , Li Jianliang , Wang Chongxin 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionMigraine is a primary cause of disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and middle-aged women. Although multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews have suggested that acupuncture could be effective in treating acute migraine attacks, the methodologies in academic studies and commonly applied practices vary greatly. This study protocol outlines a plan to assess and rank the effectiveness of the different acupuncture methods in order to develop a prioritised acupuncture-based treatment regimen for acute migraine attacks.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of different acupuncture methods and conventional medicinal methods in the treatment of acute migraine attacks.Methods and analysisSix databases will be searched, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database and Wanfang Database from inception to 31 August 2019. The primary outcomes will be assessed using metrics for intensity and duration (in hours) of pain post-treatment. Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted using WinBUGS V.1.4.3. Finally, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation System to assess the quality of evidence.Ethics and disseminationThe results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication. Since no private and confidential patient data will be contained in the reporting, there are no ethical considerations associated with this protocol.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019126472.