bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a New Smart-Lubricant Model Using Generalized Newtonian Approach in Soft Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Meghpara Nirav Kantilal , Kumar Punit , Bhushan Gian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This is an inceptive attempt to replace the classical Bingham fluid model with a continuous double Newtonian power law-based constitutive equation for smart lubricants like magneto-rheological, electro-rheological, and ferro-fluids. The implementation of Bingham model in hydrodynamic (HD) and elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication analyses is highly challenging and inconvenient due to its inherent discontinuity. Therefore, the present work demonstrates the use of an already existing rheological model with an appropriate set of parameters to describe the flow behavior of smart lubricants in a soft-EHD lubrication algorithm based on the generalized Newtonian approach. The formation of both floating and adherent cores validates the proposed model. An extensive parametric study is also performed to explore the effects of operating speed, load, and slide-to-roll ratio on the soft-EHL characteristics. The results are very promising, showing that it's possible to customize smart lubricants to match specific operating conditions. This is achieved by adjusting the yield stress value accordingly, allowing for the desired variation in lubrication characteristics.
Hydrodynamic Thrust Bearing Test Rig With Novel Bearing Alignment System
Authors: Fais Collier , Ali Muhammad , Yasko Isaiah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This study presents the design and development of a new hydrodynamic thrust bearing test rig with a novel hydrodynamic pressure feedback bearing alignment control system. The bearing alignment system maintains an even distribution of thrust load across the bearing thrust pads using active hydrodynamic pressure as input to manipulate bearing orientation with stepper motors. The test rig is used to conduct a performance evaluation of fixed geometry hydrodynamic thrust bearings with variable taper depths. The influence of helical taper angle, rotational speed, and applied load on key performance characteristics including minimum oil film thickness (MOFT), hydrodynamic pressure distribution, and bearing temperature is presented and analyzed. A numerical model based on the Reynolds equation is used to support the experimental results obtained. Trends in performance established by the numerical analysis show mutually agreeable results compared to experimental data. The average percent deviation of the experimentally gathered change in MOFT as load is increased with respect to the numerically predicted values is 24%. A comparison of experimental to numerical pressure distribution data shows an overall average percent deviation of 32%.
State Identification Via Symbolic Time Series Analysis for Reinforcement Learning Control
Authors: Bhattacharya Chandrachur , Ray Asok 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This technical brief makes use of the concept of symbolic time-series analysis (STSA) for identifying discrete states from the nonlinear time response of a chaotic dynamical system for model-free reinforcement learning (RL) control. Along this line, a projection-based method is adopted to construct probabilistic finite state automata (PFSA) for identification of the current state (i.e., operational regime) of the Lorenz system; and a simple Q-map-based (and model-free) RL control strategy is formulated to reach the target state from the (identified) current state. A synergistic combination of PFSA-based state identification and RL control is demonstrated by the simulation of a numeric model of the Lorenz system, which yields very satisfactory performance to reach the target states from the current states in real-time.
Experimental Study of the Cavitating Flow on an Independently Heated Venturi Nozzle
Authors: Yang Ning , Okajima Junnosuke , Iga Yuka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Despite the observation of change in the cavitation regime on a heated surface, the specific section of the wall surface that plays a more dominant role in this transition phenomenon remains unknown. This study experimentally investigated the effect of surface temperature of different regions on the cavitating flow in terms of the cavitation regime. The experiments were conducted using a convergent–divergent Venturi nozzle comprising two parts that could be heated independently. The Venturi nozzle could be fully or selectively heated at either the front, where the leading edge of the cavity sheet was located, or the rear, where the cavity sheet developed. The cavitation behavior under different heating conditions was investigated using high-speed visualization and fluctuating pressure measurements. Compared with the nonheated case, which exhibited sheet-cloud cavitation, the cavitation regime on the fully heated Venturi nozzle exhibited transient cavitation. The same transition phenomenon was also observed when only the front part of the Venturi nozzle was heated. In contrast, heating the rear part alone did not induce a change in the cavitation regime. Therefore, it appeared that the transition of the cavitation regime on a heated surface was mainly influenced by the temperature increase at the leading edge of the cavity sheet.
Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Contraceptive Symptom Severity and Frequency in Athletic Females
Authors: Kiemle-Gabbay Laura R. , Valentin Stephanie , Martin Daniel , Forrest (née Whyte) Laura J. 
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine symptom severity and frequency in female exercisers and athletes from a diverse range of sports who have a menstrual cycle (MC) or use hormonal contraceptives (HCs). An additional aim was to explore the perceived impact of MC/HC use upon exercise and sport performance. In total, 604 self-identifying female athletes and exercisers (M = 29.4 years, SD = 9.0) from 85 sports/activities completed a survey which included: sport/exercise participation, bleeding characteristics, HC use, symptom severity/frequency, symptom management strategies, menstrual product use, and perceived impact of MC/HC use on exercise performance. The data were subject to mixed-methods analysis. Over one third (n = 225; 37.25%) of participants reported current HC use. Ninety-five percent (95.36%) of participants experienced symptoms related to MC or HC use. Physiological, psychological, and affective symptoms were all among the most prevalent. The most frequently noted severe and very severe symptoms for all participants, MC and HC users, were abdominal cramps (36.92%, 39.32%, and 32.89%, respectively), mood changes (26.16%, 25.07%, and 28.00%, respectively), and tiredness (25.33%, 25.59%, and 24.89%, respectively). Symptom impact was self-managed through medical and/or other (cognitive/behavioral) strategies. Qualitative content analysis of the data produced four overarching themes: (a) the impact of symptoms, (b) menstrual stigma and taboos, (c) protective factors, and (d) coping strategies. In conclusion, menstruation is a multifaceted, unique experience that impacts upon sport/exercise performance. Practitioners should consider athletes’ distinct needs, including the frequency of occurrence and severity of their symptomatic experiences, when facilitating menstruation-supportive training, avoiding a “one-size fits-all” approach.
A correlative study of the genomic underpinning of virulence traits and drug tolerance of
Candida auris
Authors: Yang Bo , Vaisvil Benjamin , Schmitt Daniel , Collins Joseph , Young Eric , Kapatral Vinayak , Rao Reeta 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Candida auris
is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with high mortality rates which presents a clear threat to public health. The risk of
C. auris
infection is high because it can colonize the body, resist antifungal treatment, and evade the immune system. The genetic mechanisms for these traits are not well known. Identifying them could lead to new targets for new treatments. To this end, we present an analysis of the genetics and gene expression patterns of
C. auris
carbon metabolism, drug resistance, and macrophage interaction. We chose to study two
C. auris
isolates simultaneously, one drug sensitive (B11220 from Clade II) and one drug resistant (B11221 from Clade III). Comparing the genomes, we confirm the previously reported finding that B11220 was missing a 12.8 kb region on chromosome VI. This region contains a gene cluster encoding proteins related to alternative sugar utilization. We show that B11221, which has the gene cluster, readily assimilates and utilizes D-galactose and L-rhamnose as compared to B11220, which harbors the deletion. B11221 exhibits increased adherence and drug resistance compared to B11220 when grown in these sugars. Transcriptomic analysis of both isolates grown on glucose or galactose showed that the gene cluster was upregulated when grown on D-galactose. These findings reinforce growing evidence of a link between metabolism and drug tolerance. B11221 resists phagocytosis by macrophages and exhibits decreased β-1,3-glucan exposure, a key determinant that allows Candida to evade the host immune system, as compared to B11220. In a transcriptomic analysis of both isolates co-cultured with macrophages, we find upregulation of genes associated with transport and transcription factors in B11221. Our studies show a positive correlation between membrane composition and immune evasion, alternate sugar utilization, and drug tolerance in
C. auris
.
Diet influences community dynamics following vaginal group B streptococcus colonization
Authors: Megli Christina J. , DePuyt Allison E. , Goff Julie P. , Munyoki Sarah K. , Hooven Thomas A. , Jašarević Eldin 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The vaginal microbiota plays a pivotal role in reproductive, sexual, and perinatal health and disease. Unlike the well-established connections between diet, metabolism, and the intestinal microbiota, parallel mechanisms influencing the vaginal microbiota and pathogen colonization remain overlooked. In this study, we combine a mouse model of
Streptococcus agalactiae
strain COH1 [group B
Streptococcus
(GBS)] vaginal colonization with a mouse model of pubertal-onset obesity to assess diet as a determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its role in colonization resistance. We leveraged culture-dependent assessment of GBS clearance and culture-independent, sequencing-based reconstruction of the vaginal microbiota in relation to diet, obesity, glucose tolerance, and microbial dynamics across time scales. Our findings demonstrate that excessive body weight gain and glucose intolerance are not associated with vaginal GBS density or timing of clearance. Diets high in fat and low in soluble fiber are associated with vaginal GBS persistence, and changes in vaginal microbiota structure and composition due to diet contribute to GBS clearance patterns in nonpregnant mice. These findings underscore a critical need for studies on diet as a key determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its relevance to reproductive and perinatal outcomes.

IMPORTANCE

This work sheds light on diet as a key determinant influencing the composition of vaginal microbiota and its involvement in group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) colonization in a mouse model. This study shows that mice fed diets with different nutritional composition display differences in GBS density and timing of clearance in the female reproductive tract. These findings are particularly significant given clear links between GBS and adverse reproductive and neonatal outcomes, advancing our understanding by identifying critical connections between dietary components, factors originating from the intestinal tract, vaginal microbiota, and reproductive outcomes.
Association between women’s empowerment and demand for family planning satisfied among Christians and Muslims in multireligious African countries
Authors: Hellwig Franciele , Wado Yohannes , Barros Aluisio J D 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundAlthough the levels of demand for family planning satisfied (DFPS) have increased in many countries, cultural norms remain a significant barrier in low- and middle-income countries. In the context of multireligious African countries, our objective was to investigate intersectional inequalities in DFPS by modern or traditional contraceptives according to religion and women’s empowerment.MethodsAnalyses were based on Demographic and Health Surveys carried out between 2010 and 2021 in African countries. Countries with at least 10% of Muslims and Christians were selected to analyse inequalities in family planning. The religious groups were characterised by wealth, area of residence, women’s age and women’s empowerment. The mean level of empowerment was estimated for each religious group, and multilevel Poisson regression was used to assess whether DFPS varied based on the level of women’s empowerment among Muslims and Christians.ResultsOur study sample of 14 countries comprised 35% of Muslim and 61% of Christian women. Christians had higher levels of empowerment across all three domains compared with Muslims and women with no/other religion. DFPS was also higher among Christians (57%) than among Muslims (36%). Pooled analysis indicated a consistent association between DFPS and women’s empowerment, with higher prevalence ratios among Muslims than Christians, especially in the decision-making domain.ConclusionsThe gap between Muslims and Christians in DFPS significantly reduced as the level of empowerment increased. It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing cultural factors sensibly and respectfully to satisfy the demand for family planning services.
Scaling hypertension treatment in 24 low-income and middle-income
countries: economic evaluation of treatment decisions at three blood
pressure cut-points
Authors: Hutchinson Brian , Walter Adam , Campbell Norm , Whelton Paul K , Varghese Cherian , Husain Muhammad Jami , Nugent Rachel , Kostova Deliana , Honeycutt Amanda 
Published: May 2024

Objective
Estimate the incremental costs and benefits of scaling up
hypertension care in adults in 24 select countries, using three
different systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment cut-off points—≥140,
≥150 and ≥160 mm Hg.

Intervention
Strengthening the hypertension care cascade compared with status quo
levels, with pharmacological treatment administered at different
cut-points depending on the scenario.

Target population
Adults aged 30+ in 24 low-income and middle-income countries
spanning all world regions.

Perspective
Societal.

Time horizon
30 years.

Discount rate
4%.

Costing year
2020 USD.

Study design

Data sources
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Epi Visualisations
database—country-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence,
prevalence and death rates. Mean SBP and prevalence—National surveys and
NCD-RisC. Treatment protocols—WHO HEARTS. Treatment impact—academic
literature. Costs—national and international databases.

Outcome measures
Health outcomes—averted stroke and myocardial infarction events,
deaths and disability-adjusted life-years; economic outcomes—averted
health expenditures, value of averted mortality and workplace
productivity losses.

Results of analysis
Across 24 countries, over 30 years, incremental scale-up of
hypertension care for adults with SBP≥140 mm Hg led to 2.6 million
averted CVD events and 1.2 million averted deaths (7% of expected CVD
deaths). 68% of benefits resulted from treating those with very high SBP
(≥160 mm Hg). 10 of the 12 highest-income countries projected positive
net benefits at one or more treatment cut-points, compared with 3 of the
12 lowest-income countries. Treating hypertension at SBP≥160 mm Hg
maximised the net economic benefit in the lowest-income
countries.

Limitations
The model only included a few hypertension-attributable diseases and
did not account for comorbid risk factors. Modelled scenarios assumed
ambitious progress on strengthening the care cascade.

Conclusions
In areas where economic considerations might play an outsized role,
such as very low-income countries, prioritising treatment to populations
with severe hypertension can maximise benefits net of economic
costs.
‘It’s just my knee’: a qualitative study investigating the process of reframing and young athletes’ perceived quality of life between anterior cruciate ligament injury and surgery
Authors: Marmura Hana , Bryant Dianne , Getgood Alan , Webster Fiona 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesTo understand the factors influencing young athletes’ perceptions of quality of life (QOL) following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, prior to reconstructive surgery.DesignQualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of data.SettingTertiary sports medicine clinic with patients recruited from the practices of three specialist orthopaedic surgeons.ParticipantsTwenty athletes aged 14–25 provided consent to participate in the study and completed interviews prior to their ACL reconstruction surgery. Participants were eligible to participate if they were scheduled to undergo ACL reconstruction, were 25 years of age or younger, identified as athletes (participated in any level of organised sport), could communicate in English and agreed to be audio recorded. Participants were not eligible if they had experienced a multiligament injury or fracture.ResultsYoung athletes shared common factors that made up their QOL; social connections and support, sport, health, and independence. However, participants’ perceptions of their current QOL were quite variable (13–95/100 on a Visual Analogue Scale). Participants who were able to reframe their injury experience by shifting focus to the positive or unaffected aspects of their lives tended to have more favourable perceptions of their QOL than participants who shifted focus to the losses associated with injury.ConclusionsYoung athletes who have experienced an ACL injury define their QOL based on social support, sport, health and independence. Individual processes of adaptation and cognitive reframing in response to an ACL injury may exert a greater influence on postinjury QOL than the physical ramifications of the injury itself. Understanding individual perceptions may help target potential interventions or supports to enhance athletes’ adaptation to injury.
Understanding associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: findings from a mixed-methods longitudinal study
Authors: Murphy Maureen , Dutton Rebecca , Gezahegne Kiya , Jones Nicola , Seager Jennifer , Baird Sarah 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo understand the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among adolescent girls in Ethiopia and to explore which girls were most affected by pandemic disruptions.DesignTwo rounds of data from surveys and interviews were collected with adolescent girls immediately prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary analysis is cross-sectional, controlling for pre-COVID-19 covariates.SettingThe setting was three zones in two regions of Ethiopia: East Hararghe and East Shewa Zones in Oromia and South Gondar Zone in Amhara. Data were collected in December 2019–March 2020 and September 2020–February 2021.Participants742 adolescent girls, ages 11–25 years.Outcome measuresFour primary outcomes were explored (1) the number of challenges girls experienced; (2) adolescent-identified challenges managing menstrual hygiene; (3) adolescent-identified difficulties accessing MHM products and (4) adolescent-identified difficulties accessing soap or water.ResultsGirls who were more vulnerable to COVID-19 were more likely to have worse MHM outcomes. An SD increase in household vulnerability to COVID-19 was associated with an 8.7 percentage point increase in the likelihood that the respondent had difficulty getting MHM products (p<0.001), a 6 percentage point increase in the likelihood that she reported facing a challenge managing her menstruation (p=0.003) and a 5.2 percentage point increase in the likelihood she lacked soap or water (p=0.001). Qualitative themes, used to triangulate the quantitative findings, suggest that mobility restrictions, shutdowns of the local market, disruptions in supply chains, poverty, stigma and fear about contracting COVID-19 affected girls’ access to MHM supplies.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that MHM was left behind in the COVID-19 response. New programming and policy interventions need to address financial hardship and disruptions to supplies to manage menstruation as well as tackle the inequitable gender norms that stigmatise menstruation during emergencies.
Interventions to promote medical student well-being: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Bennett-Weston Amber , Keshtkar Leila , Jones Max , Sanders Christopher , Lewis Cara , Nockels Keith , Solomon Josie , Howick Jeremy 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo conduct an overview of systematic reviews that explore the effectiveness of interventions to enhance medical student well-being.DesignOverview of systematic reviews.Data sourcesThe Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, APA PsychInfo, CINAHL and Scopus were searched from database inception until 31 May 2023 to identify systematic reviews of interventions to enhance medical student well-being. Ancestry searching and citation chasing were also conducted.Data extraction and synthesisThe Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews V.2 tool was used to appraise the quality of the included reviews. A narrative synthesis was conducted, and the evidence of effectiveness for each intervention was rated.Results13 reviews (with 94 independent studies and 17 616 students) were included. The reviews covered individual-level and curriculum-level interventions. Individual interventions included mindfulness (n=12), hypnosis (n=6), mental health programmes (n=7), yoga (n=4), cognitive and behavioural interventions (n=1), mind-sound technology (n=1), music-based interventions (n=1), omega-3 supplementation (n=1), electroacupuncture (n=1) and osteopathic manipulative treatment (n=1). The curriculum-level interventions included pass/fail grading (n=4), problem-based curriculum (n=2) and multicomponent curriculum reform (n=2). Most interventions were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish effectiveness. Eleven reviews were rated as having ‘critically low’ quality, and two reviews were rated as having ‘low’ quality.ConclusionsIndividual-level interventions (mindfulness and mental health programmes) and curriculum-level interventions (pass/fail grading) can improve medical student well-being. These conclusions should be tempered by the low quality of the evidence. Further high-quality research is required to explore additional effective interventions to enhance medical student well-being and the most efficient ways to implement and combine these for maximum benefit.