bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Experimental Study for An Improved Cycloid Drive Model
Authors: Dion Jean-Luc , Pawelski Zbigniew , Chianca Vittorio , Zdziennicki Zbigniew , Peyret Nicolas , Uszpolewicz Grzegorz , Ormezowski Janusz , Mitukiewicz Grzegorz , Lelasseux Xavier 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis paper describes an experimental and theoretical approach to evaluate cycloid drive reducer efficiency. The tests are carried out on 7.5 kW two-disc cycloid drive with a gear ratio of 19. The torque and speed are measured on the input and output shaft. The efficiency is calculated based on the obtained results. The main goal of the second part of the study is to deduce equations of cycloid reducer in order to predict and analyze experimental results. In this way, the following points are set for the simulation: a working condition in which the input speed and the output load are imposed; then, the output speed is determined by the gear ratio, and finally, the input torque is obtained by solving the dynamic problem. A new model for cycloidal reducers is proposed. This model is based on kinematics and dynamics of rigid bodies and a non-linear stiffness based on contact dynamics. The overall elasticity effects are all condensed between the input shaft and the cycloidal disk. The proposed model allows to predict the efficiency for several operational conditions and offer a drastic reduction of computational costs suitable for the optimization process.
Stiffness and Strength of Hexachiral Honeycomb-Like Metamaterials
Authors: Tancogne-Dejean Thomas , Karathanasopoulos Nikolaos , Mohr Dirk 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Two-dimensional hexachiral lattices belong to the family of honeycomb-like mechanical metamaterials such as triangular, hexagonal, and kagome lattices. The common feature of this family of beam-based metamaterials is their six-fold rotational symmetry which guarantees their (transversely-) isotropic elastic response. In the case of hexachiral lattices, a single geometric parameter may be introduced to control the degree of chirality such that the elastic Poisson's ratio can be adjusted between 0.33 and −0.8. Detailed finite element simulations are performed to establish the structure–property relationships for hexachiral lattices for relative densities ranging from 1% to 45%. It is shown that both the Young's and shear moduli are always lower for hexachiral structures than for optimal lattices (triangular and kagome). This result is in line with the general understanding that stretching-dominated architectures outperform bending-dominated architectures. The same conclusions may be drawn from the comparison of the tensile yield strength. However, hexachiral structures provide a lower degree of plastic anisotropy than stretching-dominated lattices. Furthermore, special hexachiral configurations have been identified that exhibit a slightly higher shear yield strength than triangular and kagome lattices, thereby presenting an example of bending-dominated architectures outperforming stretching-dominated architectures of equal mass. Tensile specimens have been additively manufactured from a tough PLA polymer and tested to partially validate the simulation results.
Soft Magnetoactive Laminates: Large Deformations, Transverse Elastic Waves and Band Gaps Tunability by a Magnetic Field
Authors: Karami Mohammadi Neda , Galich Pavel I. , Krushynska Anastasia O. , Rudykh Stephan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We investigate the behavior of soft magnetoactive periodic laminates under remotely applied magnetic field. We derive explicit formulae for the induced deformation due to magnetic excitation of the laminates with hyperelastic magnetoactive phases. Next, we obtain the closed-form formulae for the velocities of long transverse waves. We show the dependence of the wave velocity on the applied magnetic intensity and induced strains, as well as on the wave propagation direction. Based on the long wave analysis, we derive closed-form formulae for the critical magnetic field corresponding to the loss of macroscopic stability. Finally, we analyze the transverse wave band gaps appearing in magnetoactive laminates in the direction normal to the layers. We illustrate the band gap tunability—width and position—by magnetically induced deformation.
A Portable Elbow Exoskeleton for Three Stages of Rehabilitation
Authors: Manna Soumya K. , Dubey Venketesh N. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Patients suffering from stroke need to undergo a standard and intensive rehabilitation therapy. The rehabilitation training consists of three sequential stages: the first stage is controlled joint movement under external actuator, the second stage deals with supporting the movements by providing assistive force, and the last stage provides variety and difficulty to exercises. Most of the exoskeletons developed so far for rehabilitation are restricted to a particular type of activity. Although a few exoskeletons incorporate different modes of rehabilitation, those are software controlled requiring sensory data acquisition and complex control architecture. To bridge this gap, a portable elbow exoskeleton has been developed for delivering three stages of rehabilitation in a single structure without affecting the range of motion and safety features. Use of electric motor and springs have been arranged in the actuation mechanism to minimize the energy consumption. The developed exoskeleton enhances torque to weight ratio compared to existing models, and all the three modes of rehabilitation have been controlled using a single motor.
Kinematics of the RRR, RRT (Passive) and RRRR, RRRT (Active) Linkage-Mechanism Building Blocks With Applications and Reporting of New Findings
Authors: Simionescu P. A. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Closed-form equations for the analyses of the RRR and RRT (passive) and of the RRRR and RRRT (active) kinematic building blocks are presented in the paper. Implementations of these equations in computer subroutine are then discussed. Applications chosen to illustrate the usefulness of these subroutines include optimum synthesis of a function-generating mechanism, deployable structures, radial engines, a tire-curing press, and the concomitant simulation of four-bar and crank-slider coupler cognates. For the latter, properties not yet reported have been revealed through numerical experimentations.
Prediction of Initial and Final Postures for Motion Planning in Human Manual Manipulation Tasks Based on Cognitive Decision Making
Authors: Yang James , Howard Brad 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHumans are daily presented with tasks that they complete with little effort or even consideration of the planning that goes into the movement. Movements such as manual manipulation tasks are completed with ease, even though the complexities and years of learned behavior are largely hidden from the person. Digital human modeling (DHM) and specifically optimization-based posture and motion prediction methodologies have employed numerical methods in order to simulate/predict/analyze human movements. However, these movements are heavily constrained such that the planning of the motion/posture is explicitly provided in the formulation of the problem. This paper presents the addition of cognitive principles into the optimization-based posture and motion prediction formulations. The simulation/prediction of manual manipulation tasks is considered such that a single formulation can accomplish multiple tasks. It adopts a theory from cognitive psychology referred to as the end-state comfort effect in order to derive general constraints for the prediction of the initial and final posture states that frame the movement related to the manual manipulation task. It considers multiple tasks from the literature that have been heavily studied through experimentation in order to evaluate the efficacy of the formulation. The results show strong correlation with observations reported in the literature.
Individual-level and area-level socioeconomic status (SES) and schizophrenia: cross-sectional analyses using the evidence from 1.9 million Chinese adults
Authors: Luo Yanan , Zhang Lei , He Ping , Pang Lihua , Guo Chao , Zheng Xiaoying 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesHealth disparities in schizophrenia are well established. However, it is less understood whether area-level socioeconomic status (SES) is differentially associated with schizophrenia depending on individual-level SES. Therefore, using a nationally large representative data, this study investigated the association between individual-level SES, area-level SES and their interaction with schizophrenia in Chinese adults from a multilevel perspective.SettingHousehold interviews in 734 counties (districts), 2980 towns (streets) and 5964 communities (villages) from 31 provinces, People's Republic of China, as part of the cross-sectional survey of Second China National Sample Survey on Disability.Participants1 909 205 men and women aged 18 years old and above.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA screen followed by clinical diagnosis was used to identify schizophrenia, and schizophrenia was ascertained according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (code F20).Results1-SD increase in individual SES was associated with decreased risk of schizophrenia (OR=0.45,95% CI0.43 to 0.46). 1-SD increase in area-level SES was associated with increased risk of schizophrenia (OR=1.30,95% CI1.24 to 1.37). The interaction of individual SES and area-level SES was statistically significant (OR=1.05,95% CI1.02 to 1.08); as the level of area SES increased, schizophrenia risk of lower SES people grew faster than the risk of higher SES people.ConclusionsArea-level SES is particularly important to mental health of low SES individuals, with low SES people in high SES counties having the highest risk of schizophrenia than other groups. Action to reduce SES disparities in schizophrenia will require attention to the area-level context of low SES adults.
Prevalence of common mental health disorders in adults who are high or costly users of healthcare services: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jadhakhan Ferozkhan , Lindner Oana C , Blakemore Amy , Guthrie Elspeth 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionIn all healthcare settings, a small proportion of patients account for a large level of healthcare use and associated high healthcare costs. Depression and anxiety are common co-morbidities in patients who are high users of care. The aims of this systematic review are to: (1) estimate the prevalence of anxiety/depression in adults who are high users of general physical healthcare services and/or who accrue high healthcare costs (2) estimate the magnitude of healthcare use associated with the presence of anxiety/depression.Methods and analysisThis review will include any studies where patients are high users of primary, secondary or emergency healthcare services and/or accrue high healthcare costs. This is the first systematic review to focus on patients who are over the age of 18, whose degree of anxiety/depression has been evaluated with a standardised questionnaire or by a clinical interview generating a diagnosis according to international diagnostic criteria. The review will include eligible studies indexed in Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Library from inception to 1 April 2019. We will estimate the prevalence of anxiety/depression in these populations and the magnitude of use associated with anxiety/depression across various general physical healthcare settings. We will provide a narrative description of findings and factors that may influence them. A meta-analysis may be pursued if the degree of heterogeneity across studies is acceptable.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review will use data from existing studies, hence no ethical approvals are required. Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed publication and at relevant academic meetings.PROSPERO registration numberPROSPERO CRD42018102628.
Healthcare under siege: a qualitative study of health-worker responses to targeting and besiegement in Syria
Authors: Fardousi Nasser , Douedari Yazan , Howard Natasha 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesTo explore health-worker perspectives on security, improving safety, managing constrained resources and handling mass casualties during besiegement in Syria.DesignA qualitative study using semi-structured key informant interviews, conducted remotely over WhatsApp and Skype, and analysed thematically using inductive coding.SettingSecondary and tertiary health facilities affected by besiegement in Aleppo (from July to December 2016) and Rural Damascus (from August 2013 to February 2018).ParticipantsTwenty-one male Syrian health-workers and service-users who had experienced besiegement and targeting of their health facilities.ResultsParticipants described four related challenges of: (i) conflict-related responses, particularly responding to mass casualties; (ii) targeted attack responses, particularly preventing/surviving facility bombings; (iii) besiegement responses, particularly mitigating severe resource constraints; and (iv) chronic risk responses, particularly maintaining emotional resilience. Mass casualty response involved triage and training to prioritise mortality reduction and available resources, for example those with greatest need and likelihood of survival. Targeting response was largely physical, including fortification, working underground, reducing visibility and services dispersal. Besiegement response required resource conservation, for example, controlling consumption, reusing consumables, low-technology equipment, finding alternative supply routes, stockpiling and strengthening available human resources through online trainings and establishing a medical school in Ghouta. Risk responses included managing safety worries, finding value in work and maintaining hope.ConclusionBesieged health-workers were most affected by severe resource constraints and safety concerns while responding to overwhelming mass casualty events. Lessons for targeting/besiegement planning include training staff and preparing for: (i) mass casualties, through local/online health-worker training in triage, emergency response and resource conservation; allowing task-shifting; and providing access to low-technology equipment; (ii) attacks, through strengthened facility security, for example, protection and deterrence through fortification, working underground and reducing visibility; and (iii) besiegement, through ensuring access to internet, electricity and low-technology/reusable equipment; securely stockpiling fuel, medicines and supplies; and establishing alternative supply routes.
Integration of traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula: a survey among medical students in Makerere University, Uganda
Authors: Mwaka Amos Deogratius , Tusabe Gersave , Garimoi Christopher Orach , Vohra Sunita , Ibingira Charles 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveTo describe the disposition and sociodemographic characteristics of medical students associated with inclusion of traditional and complementary medicine in medical school curricula in Uganda.DesignA cross-sectional study conducted during May 2017. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Disposition to include principles of traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula was determined as proportion and associated factors determined through multivariate logistic regression.Participants and settingMedical students in their second to fifth years at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda. Makerere University is the oldest public university in the East African region.Results393 of 395 participants responded. About 60% (192/325) of participants recommended inclusion of traditional and complementary medicine principles into medical school curricula in Uganda. The disposition to include traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula was not associated with sex, age group or region of origin of the students. However, compared with the second year students, the third (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.66) and fifth (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.93) year students were significantly less likely to recommend inclusion of traditional and complementary medicine into the medical school curricula. Participants who hold positive attributes and believe in effectiveness of traditional and complementary medicine were statistically significantly more likely to recommend inclusion into the medical school curricula in Uganda.ConclusionsInclusion of principles of traditional and complementary medicine into medical school curricula to increase knowledge, inform practice and research, and moderate attitudes of physicians towards traditional medicine practice is acceptable by medical students at Makerere University. These findings can inform review of medical schools’ curricula in Uganda.
Declining blood lead levels among small-scale miners participating in a safer mining pilot programme in Nigeria
Authors: Gottesfeld Perry , Meltzer Gabriella , Costello Sadie , Greig Jane , Thurtle Natalie , Bil Karla , Mwangombe Benjamim Janeiro , Nota Manti Michael 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesOur objective was to monitor blood lead levels (BLLs) of miners and ore processors participating in a pilot programme to reduce lead poisoning and take-home exposures from artisanal small-scale gold mining. A medical surveillance programme was established to assess exposures as new methods aimed at reducing lead exposures from ore were introduced in a community in Nigeria where children experienced substantial lead-related morbidity and mortality.MethodsExtensive outreach and education were offered to miners, and investments were made to adopt wet methods to reduce exposures during mining and processing. We conducted medical surveillance, including a physical exam and repeated blood lead testing, for 61 miners selected from among several hundred who participated in the safer mining pilot programme and consented to testing. Venous blood lead concentrations were analysed using the LeadCare II device at approximately 3-month intervals over a period of 19 months.ResultsOverall geometric mean (GM) BLLs decreased by 32% from 31.6 to 21.5 µg/dL during the 19-month project. Women had a somewhat lower reduction in GM BLLs (23%) compared with men (36%). There was a statistically significant reduction in log BLLs from baseline to the final test taken by each participant (p<0.001).ConclusionsThe observed reductions in GM BLLs during the pilot intervention among this representative group of miners and ore processors demonstrated the effectiveness of the safer mining programme in this community. Such measures are feasible, cost-effective and can greatly improve health outcomes in mining communities.
J-shaped association between serum uric acid and acute coronary syndrome in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Shen Geng , Huang Jia-Yi , Yu Yu-Ling , Liu Lin , Chen Chao-Lei , Zhang Bin , Huang Yu-Qing , Feng Ying Qing 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic value of serum uric acid (SUA) for incident acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in hypertensive subjects is uncertain. Therefore, the present study examined the association between SUA and incident ACS in a large cohort of Chinese hypertensive adults.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study, which enrolled 5473 Chinese community-dwelling hypertensive patients from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012. Study outcomes were ACS events, and patients were followed until 31 December 2016. Cox regression analyses were conducted to determine adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for baseline SUA tertiles (low, middle and high group) and for men and women separately.ResultsA total of 5473 participants were included in the analysis (median follow-up was 4.5 years). Participants were divided into tertiles based on SUA levels. During follow-up, 9 (0.49%), 14 (0.77%) and 25 (1.37%) patients developed ACS in the lowest, middle and highest tertiles, respectively. When compared with the lowest tertile of SUA, the highest tertile of SUA was associated with ACS risk in all subjects and in men and women separately (HR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.14 to 7.01, p=0.0233; 2.15, 95% CI 1.08 to 6.04, p=0.021, and 3.49, 95% CI 1.25 to 7.74, p=0.017, respectively).ConclusionsHigher SUA levels were independently associated with an elevated risk of ACS incidence. The relationship between SUA levels and ACS in hypertensive patients was J-shaped.
Responses of gut morphology, serum biochemistry, and quality of breast meat to water deprivation in broilers
Authors: Ndlela Sithembile Zenith , Moyo Mehluli , Mkwanazi Mbusiseni Vusumuzi , Chimonyo Michael 
Published: September 2019

Responses of growth performance, gut morphology, blood biochemistry, and quality of breast meat to varying lengths of water deprivation were assessed. Ninety broilers were randomly allocated to water deprivation treatments, where water was either supplied ad libitum (0 h) or for 30 min at intervals of 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain (ADG) were estimated weekly. Six birds from each treatment were randomly slaughtered. The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sectioned to determine gut morphology. Breast meat muscles (pectoralis major) were sampled to determine its physicochemical properties. There were linear decreases in ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.05), crypt depth (P < 0.01) and crypt width (P < 0.05) in the jejunum, villus height (VH) (P < 0.01) and total mucosa thickness (P < 0.05) in the ileum, crude fat (P < 0.05), b*0 (yellowness at 0 h), a*24 (redness at 24 h), and L*24 (lightness at 24 h) (P < 0.01), and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (P < 0.05) with increases in length of water deprivation. Positive quadratic responses of VH in the duodenum (P < 0.01) and jejunum (P < 0.05) were observed after 7.6 and 19.4 h of water deprivation, respectively. Severe water deprivation periods reduced growth performance, but induced positive growth of VH, suggesting that broilers may adapt to water stress. The appropriate length of water deprivation was 7.64 h.
Effect of Dehydrocostus Lactone Isolated from the Roots of Aucklandia lappa on the Apoptosis of Endometriotic Cells and the Alternative Activation of Endometriosis-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Woo Jeong-Hwa , Ahn Ji-Hye , Jang Dae Sik , Choi Jung-Hye 
Published: September 2019

The roots of Aucklandia lappa have been used in traditional medicine in Asia to treat inflammation and diseases associated with pain, including endometriosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-endometriotic effect of dehydrocostus lactone, an active compound in A. lappa roots, using human endometriotic cells and macrophages stimulated by these cells. Dehydrocostus lactone induced apoptotic cell death in 12Z human endometriotic cells. Dehydrocostus lactone stimulated the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9, while caspase inhibitors significantly reversed the dehydrocostus lactone-induced cell death in 12Z cells. In addition, dehydrocostus lactone decreased the production of PGE2 and neurotrophins (BDNF, NGF, NT3, and NT4/5), which are regarded as endometriosis-associated pain factors in human endometriotic cells. Moreover, dehydrocostus lactone inhibited the expression of M2 markers (CD206, and Trem-2), IL-10, VEGF, and MMP-2/-9 in endometriosis-associated macrophages (EAMs). Furthermore, dehydrocostus lactone inhibited the Akt and NF[Formula: see text]B pathways in both endometriotic cells and EAMs. Taken together, our findings suggest that dehydrocostus lactone, an active compound of A, lappa, has anti-endometriotic activities via induction of apoptosis and downregulation of pain factors in endometriotic cells and inhibition of the alternative activation of EAMs.