bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Lightweight Mobile Robot for Climbing Steel Structures With an Extending and Bending Tape Spring Limb
Authors: Quan Justin , Zhu Mingzhang , Hong Dennis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper details the design and preliminary demonstrations for a compact climbing robot named EEWOC (Extended-reach Enhanced Wheeled Orb for Climbing). This novel platform utilizes the EEMMMa limb (Elastic Extending Mechanism for Mobility and Manipulation), detailed in previous work. This highly extendable and bendable robotic limb utilizes a unique tape spring structure for long reach in a small, lightweight package. EEWOC combines this limb with additional degrees of freedom and two magnetic grippers to allow it to ascend vertical metal surfaces by consecutively extending and gripping. It is also equipped with wheels for horizontal mobility. A key advantage of this system is EEWOC’s ability to bend to place its grippers around obstacles or corners and above ledges. The prototype is small and lightweight, with a profile of 25 × 30 × 30 cm and weight of 1.8 kg, while able to extend its limb up to 1.2 m away. With versatile movement options, EEWOC has the potential to fully traverse large metal structures such as ships or buildings for use in inspection tasks. This paper presents a detailed view of the overall system and mechanism design, and successful climbing demonstrations are shown on steel structures. The paper concludes by detailing EEWOC’s future capabilities and additional tests and theories needed to refine its maneuvers and control.
Formation-Keeping and Cooperative Control of AUVs Based on the Udwadia-Kalaba Equation
Authors: Lins De Oliveira Éverton , Maia Matarazzo Orsino Renato , Crisol Donha Décio 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) represent an efficient alternative for performing complex tasks such as ocean monitoring, inspection of underwater structures, pipelines and vessels, and transportation of objects. The use of multiple AUVs acting cooperatively can increase the performance in these tasks, at the cost of making the overall operation more challenging. In this paper, a novel reference filter for the Formation Keeping (FK) of multiple AUVs is proposed. Basically, the FK objectives are treated as servo-constraints. Thus, the reference values for the motion control can be directly computed using Udwadia-Kalaba equation, which was originally proposed for finding explicit expressions for constraint forces in multibody systems. After obtaining these reference inputs, in order to test the proposed strategy, the formation control algorithm is designed individually for each agent (AUV) based on its own mathematical model. The proposed coordination framework is tested in numerical simulations considering external disturbances due to ocean currents and realistic models for the sensors. A low-level Model Predictive Control (MPC) is assumed to be embedded to each agent. The existing limitations in their communication are also considered. Results highlight the good performance of the proposed scheme in terms of trajectory tracking and disturbance rejection, with low constraint violations.
The Potential for Incentive Structures to Prevent Significant Engineering Failures
Authors: Li Wanru , Hazelrigg George 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
All complex designs emerge as the result of the decisions made by the design engineers. It can be shown that the designs are best when the preferences guiding the engineering decisions align with the overall system or corporate preference. But we know that all people make decisions based on their own personal preferences, which are unlikely to align well with the corporate preference. This research addresses the question, what mechanisms can be used to better align engineers’ decisions to the system or corporate preference, but particularly such that major catastrophes might be prevented? Inspiration for this work comes from a number of very substantial losses that likely would have been prevented by the systems engineers had they the incentive to come forth with knowledge they certainly had. Examples include Boeing’s experience with the 737MAX, which appears to be costing Boeing more than $100 billion, and Volkswagen’s experience with the falsified emission testing of their diesel-engine vehicles, which resulted in over 31 billion euros in fines, penalties and other direct costs. We believe that incentive mechanisms could have been in place that would have prevented these very significant losses. Thus, we believe that there exist potential mechanisms that would benefit both the corporation and the engineers. We further believe that these mechanisms would not only improve corporate profitability but they have the potential to save many lives as well.
Towards a Theoretical Framework for Using “Context” in Engineering Design Processes for Global Health Applications
Authors: Burleson Grace , Toyama Kentaro , Sienko Kathleen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Many scholars and practitioners claim that engineered solutions must be contextually appropriate, particularly when designing for global health applications. Although neglecting to understand context has been cited as a common cause of project failure in global health work, engineering designers and researchers have a limited number of available tools, methods, and frameworks to support the collection and application of contextual information to design decisions. This paper presents findings from multiple studies and proposes an advancement to the definition of context and a preliminary framework for using contextual factors in engineering design. The framework includes definitions for two primary concepts: (1) classifications, i.e., defined categories of context called “contextual factors”, and (2) applications, i.e., specific strategies and methods for incorporating contextual factors into various design stages. We provide examples of the framework’s potential use in design practice and research, such as improving reporting in design literature and assessing the transferability of solutions from one context to another. Ultimately this work advances our understanding and definition of “context” in engineering design processes for global health applications. We aim for these findings to advance the fields of mechanical engineering and design science and seed subsequent scholarship aimed at evolving the theoretical constructs associated with gathering, synthesizing, and applying contextual information within engineering design work.
Comparing Derivatives of Neural Networks for Regression
Authors: Najmon Joel C. , Tovar Andres 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the past decades, neural networks have rapidly grown in popularity as a way to model complex non-linear relationships. The computational efficiently and flexibility of neural networks has made them popular for machine learning-based optimization methods. As such the derivative of a neural network’s output is required for gradient-based optimization algorithms. Recently, there have been several works towards improving derivatives of neural network targets, however there is yet to be done a comparative study on the different derivation methods for the derivative of a neural network’s targets with respect to its input features. Consequently, this paper’s objective is to implement and compare common methods for obtaining or approximating the derivative of neural network targets with respect to their inputs. The methods studied include analytical derivatives, finite differences, complex step approximation, and automatic differentiation. The methods are tested by training deep multilayer perceptrons for regression with several analytical functions. The derivatives of the neural network-derived methods are evaluated against the exact derivative of the test functions. Results show that all of the derivation methods provide the same derivative approximation to near working precision of the computer. Implementation of the study is done using the TensorFlow library in a provided Python code.
Metal-Free Reductive C–C-Coupling between Arylboronic Acids and 2-(5-Iodo-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenols
Authors: Gevondian A. G. , Kotovshchikov Y. N. , Latyshev G. V. , Lukashev N. V. , Beletskaya I. P. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
A new method has been developed for the synthesis of 2-(1-arylalkyl)-1,3-benzoxazoles by coupling of arylboronic acids with 2-(5-iodo-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenols. The proposed cascade process involves intermediate formation of 2-(1-diazoalkyl)-1,3-benzoxazoles and their reductive C–C coupling with arylboronic acids. The procedure requires no transition metal catalysis and provides up to 67% yield of the target products.
Family functioning and patients’ depressive symptoms: comparison in perceived family function between patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke and their primary family caregivers – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Juan , Kong Xiangjing , Wang Jing , Zhu Huanzhi , Zhong Jiaqi , Cao Yanpei , Wu Bei 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThis study aims to compare perceived family functioning between Chinese patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and family caregivers, and explore the association between family functioning and patients’ depressive symptoms.DesignThis is a cross-sectional study design.SettingStroke centres of two tertiary hospitals in Nanjing, China.ParticipantsOne hundred and sixty-nine dyads of patients who had an AIS and family caregivers.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFamily functioning of patients who had an AIS and their primary family caregivers was assessed by the Family Assessment Device (FAD, Chinese version). Depressive symptoms of patients who had an AIS was assessed by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. We test the agreement and differences in family functioning. Multivariate linear regression models were used to test the association of differences of family functioning within dyads with patients’ depressive symptoms.ResultsAIS families demonstrated unhealthy family functioning. A total of 115 patients (76.9%) and 124 caregivers (73.4%) had a score of 2 or higher in FAD-general functioning (GF), indicating unhealthy family functioning. The intraclass correlation coefficient of FAD subdomain between patients who had an AIS and caregivers ranged from 0.15 to 0.55, which indicating the agreement of family functioning within dyads was poor to moderate. There was a significant difference between the FAD-GF scores of the patients and those of their caregivers (Z=−2.631, p=0.009), with caregivers reporting poorer general family functioning. Poor family functioning and greater difference of perceived family functioning within dyads were related to higher level of patients’ depressive symptoms (β=5.163, p<0.001, β=5.534, p<0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that healthcare professionals should assess family functioning in both patients who had a stroke and caregivers. Improvement of family function and decreasing discrepancies within dyads may be helpful for relieving patients’ depressive symptoms.
A qualitative evaluation of the impact of a medical student school outreach project on both medical students and school pupils
Authors: Brown Megan E L , Ahuja Neha , Sivam Vanessa , Khanna Alisha , Parekh Ravi 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo explore medical student and school pupil experiences of an outreach school teaching project.SettingCommunity engagement is increasingly commonplace within medical school. Secondary schools offer ample opportunities for community engagement as medical students teach and engage in service learning. There is a lack of research regarding the impact of school community engagement projects and the impact on pupils, as critical stakeholders in the service medical students provide. In this qualitative study, we explore the perspectives of medical students and school pupils involved in a school teaching project.ParticipantsTen medical students participated in individual interviews, and 17 school pupils across three schools participated in group interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the concept of service learning.ResultsFor medical students, the project fostered communication and teaching skills, but a lack of reflection hampered further benefit. For school pupils, experiences varied – learning about careers in medicine could be inspiring, but content pitched at the incorrect level disengaged some pupils. The conflict between session timing and medical students’ exams negatively influenced engagement.ConclusionsTo shift the focus of community engagement projects that promote service-learning towards mutual benefit, designing in partnership with relevant community stakeholders and integrating opportunities to reflect on these experiences are critical.
Organisation and delivery of supportive services for patients with prostate cancer in the National Health Service in England and Wales: a national cross-sectional hospital survey and latent class analysis
Authors: Dodkins Joanna , Cook Adrian , Morris Melanie , Nossiter Julie , Prust Steve , Waller Steve , van der Meulen Jan , Aggarwal Ajay , Clarke Noel , Payne Heather Ann 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesWe assessed how often National Health Service (NHS) hospitals reported that they had specific supportive services for patients with prostate cancer available onsite, including nursing support, sexual function and urinary continence services, psychological and genetic counselling, and oncogeriatric services. We identified groups of hospitals with similar patterns of supportive services.Design/settingWe conducted an organisational survey in 2021 of all NHS hospitals providing prostate cancer services in England and Wales. Latent class analysis grouped hospitals with similar patterns of supportive services.ResultsIn 138 hospitals, an advanced prostate cancer nurse was available in 125 hospitals (90.6%), 107 (77.5%) had a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) attending all clinics, 103 (75.7%) had sexual function services, 111 (81.6%) had continence services and 93 (69.4%) psychological counselling. The availability of genetic counselling (41 hospitals, 30.6%) and oncogeriatric services (15 hospitals, 11.0%) was lower. The hospitals could be divided into three groups. The first and largest group of 85 hospitals provided the most comprehensive supportive services onsite: all hospitals had a CNS attending all clinics, 84 (98.8%) sexual function services and 73 (85.9%) continence services. A key characteristic of the second group of 31 hospitals was that none had a CNS attending all clinics. A key characteristic of the third group of 22 hospitals was that none had sexual function services available. The hospitals in the largest group were more likely to run joint clinics (p<0.001) and host the regional specialist multidisciplinary team (p=0.002).ConclusionsThere is considerable variation in supportive services for prostate cancer available onsite in NHS hospitals in England and Wales. Availability of genetic counselling and oncogeriatric services is low. The different patterns of supportive services among hospitals demonstrate that initiatives to improve the availability of the entire range of supportive services to all patients should be carefully targeted.
Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related home confinement on the refractive error of school-aged children in Germany: a cross-sectional study based on data from 414 eye care professional centres
Authors: Sanz Diez Pablo , Ohlendorf Arne , Barraza-Bernal Maria Jose , Kratzer Timo , Wahl Siegfried 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed at evaluating refractive changes in German school-aged children before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting414 eye care professional centres from Germany.ParticipantsRefractive data from 59 926 German children aged 6–15 years were examined over a 7-year period (2015–2021).Primary and secondary outcome measuresSpherical equivalent refraction was assessed as a function of year, age and gender. The refractive values concerning 2020 and 2021 were compared with those assigned to prior years (2015–2019).ResultsThe refractive data associated with 2020 and 2021 showed a myopic refractive shift of approximately −0.20D compared with the 2015–2019 range. The refractive change was statistically considerable in the 6 to 11-year range (p<0.05), while from 12 to 15 years was negligible (p≥0.10). Percentage of myopes was also impacted in 2021 (p=0.002), but not in 2020 (p=0.25). From 6 to 11 years, the percentage of myopes in 2021 increased significantly by 6.02% compared with the 2015–2019 range (p≤0.04). The highest percentage increase occurred at 8 and 10 years of age, showing a rise of 7.42% (p=0.002) and 6.62% (p=0.005), respectively. From 12 to 15 years, there was no significant increase in the percentage of myopes in 2021 (p≥0.09). Percentage of myopes in 2020 was not influenced at any age (p≥0.06).ConclusionDisruption of normal lifestyle due to pandemic-related home confinement appears to lead to a myopic refractive shift in children aged 6–11 years in Germany. The greater effect observed at younger ages seems to emphasise the importance of refractive development in this age group.
Safety and feasibility of a real-time electronic heart team decision-making approach in patients with complex coronary artery disease: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial (EHEART trial)
Authors: Su Xiaoting , Ma Hanping , Lin Shen , Dou Kefei , Zheng Zhe 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe implementation of a heart team still faces many challenges which may be facilitated with advanced communication technology. There is a knowledge gap to support the use of an electronic real-time heart team decision-making approach based on communication technology in the real clinical practice and evaluate its safety and feasibility in patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods and analysisThe EHEART (Electronic HEArt team with Real-Time decision-making) trial is a prospective, multicentre, two-arm, randomised controlled trial that will randomise 490 patients with complex CAD to either an electronic real-time heart team group or conventional heart team group. For patients allocated to the real-time electronic group, heart team meetings will be initiated during the coronary angiography and guided by a supporting system based on communication technology to help with information synchronisation, real-time communication between specialists, meeting process recording and assistance and joint decision-making with patients’ families. The primary and safety endpoint is a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularisation or re-angina hospital admission at 1 year. The primary secondary outcome is the time interval from the coronary angiography to the final treatment, which is the major indicator of feasibility. We will also compare the practical feasibility from the specialist’s and patient’s perspectives (for example, specialist’s workload and patient’s decision results) between the two groups.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Fuwai Hospital (no. 2022-1749). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results of this trial will be disseminated through manuscript publication and national/international conferences, and reported in the trial registry entry.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05514210).
Effectiveness of various treatment modalities in children with vesicoureteral reflux grades II–IV: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Chia-Lun , Yang Stephen Shei-Dei , Hsu Chun-Kai , Chen Chun-Hua , Chang Shang-Jen 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundVesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most common risk factors of urinary tract infection (UTI) among children. Various treatment modalities including antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical or endoscopic corrections and conservative treatment were used depending on the severity of VUR. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of these treatment modalities in children with VUR grades II–IV by conducting a systematic review and network meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic search from different databases was performed from their earliest records to December 2022 without any language restriction. Only randomised controlled trials were included in this study. Effectiveness of treatment modalities was mainly compared by UTI. Other outcomes for renal scarring and resolution by renal units were also measured between treatments.ResultsA total of 11 studies with 1447 children were included in this study. While comparing with antibiotic prophylaxis in network meta-analysis for UTI recurrence, surgical treatment probably lowers the rate of UTI recurrence (Log OR −0.26, 95% CI −0.54 to 0.02, high quality). However, endoscopic treatment (Log OR 0.2, 95% CI −1.41 to 1.81, high quality) and conservative treatment (Log OR 0.15, 95% CI −0.45 to 0.75, high quality) revealed probably inferior to antibiotic treatment.ConclusionBoth pairwise and network meta-analytic results probably showed no difference between the treatments in terms of their impact on UTI recurrence, progression of previous renal scars, or formation of new renal scars in children with VUR grades II–IV. These findings may offer a better understanding of each treatment and evidence-based suggestions for the choice of treatment, which should be individualised and based on the patient’s risk factors.
Staging of operative link on gastritis assessment and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia systems for risk assessment of early gastric cancer: a case–control study
Authors: Huang Yu , Chen Jinnan , Guo Yixian , Ding Zhaohui , Liang Xiao , Zhang Wei , Xue Hanbing , Zhao Yunjia , Li Xiaobo , Lu Hong 
Published: November 2023

AimsOperative link on gastritis assessment (OLGA) and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) systems are histological staging systems of gastritis for gastric cancer (GC) risk estimation. Intermediate OLGA/OLGIM stages are of concern in a region with high incidence of GC. This study aimed to validate OLGA and OLGIM staging systems for early GC (EGC) in Chinese population.MethodsThis single-centre, case–control study included 196 patients with EGC and 196 age-matched and sex-matched health screening control subjects. OLGA and OLGIM systems, and other clinical parameters were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOLGA and OLGIM stages II/III/IV were more prevalent in patients with EGC than in the control subjects. Multivariable analysis revealed family history of GC, previousHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection, OLGA stages II and III-IV, OLGIM stages II and III-IV as independent risk factors for EGC (ORs, 4.04, 1.87, 2.52, 6.79, 4.11 and 10.78, respectively). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve on EGC risk estimation was improved for OLGIM compared with OLGA (0.78 vs 0.71, p<0.001). Autoantibody seropositivity of gastric mucosa was not associated with EGC risk stratified byH. pyloristatus.ConclusionsSurveillance of intermediate-risk patients (OLGA/OLGIM II) should be emphasised in our region. The OLGIM may be preferred over the OLGA for EGC risk estimation.