bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transforming Spherical Robots
Authors: Ong Jun Hua , Hayat Abdullah Aamir , KaliMuthu Manivannan , Elara Mohan Rajesh , Wood Kristin Lee 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Transforming spherical robots (TSR) has the potential to significantly advance the field of robotics by offering new possibilities for locomotion, kinematics, dynamics, and control. These robots have the ability to transform their shape to suit different environments, which makes them ideal for tasks not feasible with conventional fixed morphology spherical robots, such as those in uneven terrain where vertical mobility is required. This paper seeks to integrate and advance transformation design theory with the design of reconfigurable or TSR. The paper utilises an inductive research methodology to propose an approach to design TSR, by a) identifying the operators for spherical robots and associating relative movement between the parts using kinematic joints, and b) using the existing transformation design theory for mapping the concepts facilitators with the transforming reconfigurable spherical robots. Moreover, design evaluations based on the cost of transformation is proposed based on the mechanical cost of implementation, which consists of additional mechanical complexity and the amount of energy required for transformation. The integrated guidelines provided are demonstrated with the ideation of a spherical robot for monitoring the interior of a duct. The limitation of the proposed design approach for TSR are also highlighted. A proof of concept of TSR for pipe inspection are shown with its experiment.
Accounting for Model Uncertainty in Machine Learning Assisted Mechanical Design
Authors: Du Xiaoping 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Machine learning is becoming increasingly prevalent in mechanical design as it allows for surrogate models to replace expensive computational models. However, the accuracy of these models is of particular concern when safety-critical products are involved. In order to address this issue, we examine how to estimate model error by taking into account epistemic uncertainty in surrogate models when the design is also subject to randomness (aleatory uncertainty) in data. The paper clarifies important questions about modeling coupled epistemic and aleatory uncertainty when using surrogate models built from noise-free training points without aleatory uncertainty. Specifically, the study focuses on quantifying the effects of uncertainty in mechanical design by developing a most-probable-point based method. This method can be especially applicable for mechanical component design, where failure prevention is a critical concern, and the probability of failure is low. The proposed method is demonstrated using a shaft design as an example. The results show that the method can effectively estimate the model error and quantify the uncertainty in the design process. This approach can help designers to make more informed decisions by providing them with a better understanding of the limitations of surrogate models. By doing so, designers can ensure that their designs are safe and meet the required specifications.
Process Control-Based Embedding and Computer Vision-Based Retrieval of 2D Codes in Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: ElSayed Karim A. , Panchal Jitesh H. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Information lithography in manufactured parts is a broad set of techniques for encoding sequences of bits as physical or behavioral features in physical parts. It is gaining increasing attention within the secure manufacturing community. In our prior work, we have shown that information can be embedded on the surface of additively manufactured parts by controlling the manufacturing process parameters. In this paper, we extend that work to show that the information embedded by controlling the speed of the printer head in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process can be read using optical cameras. Specifically, we present a method for embedding and retrieving 2D codes, such as watermarks, on the surface of parts printed via the Fused Deposition Modeling process. Our approach is to embed information by locally varying printing speed to represent different bits, and retrieving the bits using simple optical cameras. We demonstrate it using QR codes printed using a low-cost commercial FDM printer and retrieve it using a consumer-grade DSLR camera and 2D paper scanner. The color image captured by the camera/scanner is converted into a QR code through two approaches: (a) morphological segmentation, and (b) training binary classifiers on experimental data. We observe that morphological segmentation is easy to implement, and results in fast classification, but is demanding in terms of having consistent imaging conditions (e.g., lighting) and tuning for each specific instance. On the other hand, the binary classification approach requires training data, but results in higher overall accuracy (∼92%). The results show that the proposed approach is an effective and inexpensive method for information lithography in AM parts, and it can be utilized to embed information such as serial numbers, watermarks, and any other meta-data on the physical parts.
Efficient assays to quantify the life history traits of algal viruses
Authors: Lievens Eva J. P. , Agarkova Irina V. , Dunigan David D. , Van Etten James L. , Becks Lutz 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Although viral life history traits—the traits that determine reproductive and survival success—are critical to understanding the population dynamics and impact of viruses, they are understudied compared to molecular traits. This discrepancy is partly due to the challenge of phenotyping viral life histories. We developed improved methods to quantify the life cycles of chloroviruses, which are lytic double-stranded DNA viruses that infect unicellular “chlorella-like” algae. We modified classical one-step growth and survival assays by including flow cytometry and kinetic modeling, and applied these to four chlorovirus strains. Together, the modified assays quantified the full life cycle, including adsorption rate, probability of depolarizing the host cell, probability of releasing progeny virions, time until lysis, burst size, specific infectivity, and mortality rate of infectious virions. We also discovered that biphasic or “tailing” decay can occur in chloroviruses, and measured the fraction of infectious virions that resisted decay. The modified assays are more efficient than existing techniques, quantify more traits, and are applicable to other lytic viruses with quantifiable virions. The modified one-step growth assay is suitable for viruses with mutual exclusion, superinfection exclusion, or superinfection immunity; the modified survival assay can be applied to any lytic virus with quantifiable virions.

IMPORTANCE

Viruses play a crucial role in microbial ecosystems by liberating nutrients and regulating the growth of their hosts. These effects are governed by viral life history traits, i.e., by the traits determining viral reproduction and survival. Understanding these traits is essential to predicting viral effects, but measuring them is generally labor intensive. In this study, we present efficient methods to quantify the full life cycle of lytic viruses. We developed these methods for viruses infecting unicellular
Chlorella
algae but expect them to be applicable to other lytic viruses that can be quantified by flow cytometry. By making viral phenotypes accessible, our methods will support research into the diversity and ecological effects of microbial viruses.
Puzzles, challenges, and information reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 quasispecies
Authors: Domingo Esteban , Martínez-González Brenda , García-Crespo Carlos , Somovilla Pilar , de Ávila Ana Isabel , Soria María Eugenia , Durán-Pastor Antoni , Perales Celia 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Upon the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population, it was conjectured that for this coronavirus the dynamic intra-host heterogeneity typical of RNA viruses would be toned down. Nothing of this sort is observed. Here we review the main observations on the complexity and diverse composition of SARS-CoV-2 mutant spectra sampled from infected patients, within the framework of quasispecies dynamics. The analyses suggest that the information provided by myriads of genomic sequences within infected individuals may have a predictive value of the genomic sequences that acquire epidemiological relevance. Possibilities to reconcile the presence of broad mutant spectra in the large RNA coronavirus genome with its encoding a 3’ to 5’ exonuclease proofreading-repair activity are considered. Indeterminations in the behavior of individual viral genomes provide a benefit for the survival of the ensemble. We propose that this concept falls in the domain of “stochastic thinking,” a notion that applies also to cellular processes, as a means for biological systems to face unexpected needs.
Influence of depression on racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes control
Authors: Breland Jessica Y , Tseng Chi-Hong , Toyama Joy , Washington Donna L 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionWe tested the hypotheses that depression diagnoses influence racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes control and that mental health treatment moderates that relationship.Research design and methodsWe created a national cohort of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with diabetes using administrative data (n=815 067). Cross-sectional linear mixed effects regression models tested the hypothesized indirect effect of depression on poor diabetes control (glycosylated hemoglobin >9%) and tested whether mental health treatment (visits or antidepressant prescriptions) moderated the effect of depression (α=0.05). Results represent the percentage point difference in probability of poor diabetes control. Covariates included primary care visits, sex, age, and VHA facility.ResultsOverall, 20% of the cohort had poor diabetes control and 22% had depression. Depression was more common among racial and ethnic minoritized groups. The probability of poor diabetes control was higher for most minoritized groups compared with White patients (largest difference: American Indian or Alaska Native patients, 5.2% (95% CI 4.3%, 6.0%)). The absolute value of the proportion of racial and ethnic disparities accounted for by depression ranged from 0.2% (for Hispanic patients) to 2.0% (for Asian patients), with similar effects when accounting for the moderating effect of mental health treatment. Patients with depression and 5+ mental health visits had a lower probability of poor diabetes control compared with those with fewer visits, regardless of antidepressant prescription status.ConclusionsThe influence of depression on disparities in diabetes control was small. High rates of depression among people with diabetes, especially among those from racial and ethnic minoritized groups, highlight a need to ensure equitable and coordinated care for both conditions, as the effects of mental health treatment may extend to the control of physical health conditions.
PACT-UK (PAncreatic Cancer reporting Template–UK): a cross-specialty multi-institutional consensus panel development of a standardised radiological reporting proforma for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Moir John , Radhakrishna Ganesh , Valle Juan W , Al-Adhami Abdullah Saad , Albazaz Raneem 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveAppropriate staging of pancreatic cancer is essential to ensure patients are offered all treatment options. This multispecialty national collaborative consensus project aimed to develop a succinct radiological reporting template, using the concept of structured reporting, to allow a more standardised means of reporting pancreatic cancer and ultimately optimise both patient care and research protocol design.Methods and analysisIn stage one, a core group of stakeholders (oncologists, radiologists and surgeons) identified the current landscape of radiological reporting, including a blinded radiological validation study and a national survey of consultant HPB surgeons. Stage two used consensus panel development methodology to generate a provisional template draft. Stage three involved trialling the template across all UK HPB units, with feedback assisting the development of a final version of the template.ResultsStage one results identified a core dataset to develop a provisional template. Every UK Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) unit trialled this in clinical practice, leading to further refinements via consensus meetings. Ideal factors regarding tumour staging, extent of vascular involvement and response to systemic anticancer therapy were identified. This resulted in the generation of the PACT-UK (PAncreatic Cancer reporting Template–UK) template that is presented within the manuscript, as well as a user guide.ConclusionThis project has successfully produced the first consensus-driven radiological reporting template for pancreatic cancer, with the aim of its use becoming standard practice in the UK, while upcoming workshops facilitated by Royal College of Radiologists/British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology will establish buy-in from radiologists at all HPB units. Plans for the use of PACT-UK within national audit and clinical trials are underway.
Boosting and broadening recruitment to UK cancer trials: towards a blueprint for action
Authors: Nanton Veronica , Bryan Richard T , Pope Anne M , Hughes Ana , Jefferson Kieran , Catto James W F , Knight Allen , Gallagher Jean , Mintz Harriet Paige , Pirrie Sarah J , Liu Wenyu , Young Annie , Patel Prashant , James Nicholas D 
Published: November 2023

Recruitment and retention in cancer trials are long-standing issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK National Institute of Health Research and leading clinicians have emphasised the urgency to achieve and surpass prepandemic levels of participation.Data from a recent UK trial demonstrated the impact of COVID-19 and highlighted factors that limited recruitment. In response to this worldwide problem, studies have identified strategies for remediation at the levels of funding, the research environment, study design and trial team-related aspects, yet evidence of progress is lacking.Equality, diversity and inclusivity have become central to UK health and social policy during the 2000s. The need for greater inclusivity in trials has become a particular concern for cancer researchers and funders in the UK and in the USA, in recognition of potential bias in results. In the UK trials, the lack of standardised recording of ethnicity data renders interpretation difficult and caution is required in comparisons with the USA.Recently, the focus of concern has shifted away from the impact of deprivation and low socioeconomic status on trial participation. Barriers created by these factors and their frequent intersection with ethnicity should not be overlooked.The UK has adopted an advisory approach to broadening recruitment, publishing policy documents, guidance and toolkits. In the USA, by contrast, action on inclusion is increasingly mandated. Within the UK paradigm, the cancer research community is strongly encouraged to adopt a coordinated approach towards standardised digital data collection and embed and evaluate innovative, cocreated, locally relevant strategies.
Patients’ experience of accessing healthcare for obesity in Peninsular Malaysia: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Yunus Nor Akma , Russell Grant , Muhamad Rosediani , Sturgiss Elizabeth Ann 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo explore patients’ experiences accessing healthcare for obesity and their perceived behaviour changes following the care.DesignUsing a descriptive qualitative research approach informed by Levesque’s framework of access to healthcare, we conducted phone interviews in the Malaysian language, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.SettingPrimary care clinics in five states in Peninsular Malaysia.ParticipantsAdult patients with obesity receiving face-to-face care for obesity from healthcare providers in Peninsular Malaysia.ResultsWe interviewed 22 participants aged 24–62, with the majority being female (77%), Malay (95%), married (73%) and with tertiary education (82%). Most participants attended obesity management services at public primary care clinics. We identified five themes: (1) moving from perceiving the need to seeking obesity care is a non-linear process for patients, (2) providers’ words can inspire patients to change, (3) patients’ needs and preferences are not adequately addressed in current obesity care, (4) over-focusing on weight by patients and healthcare providers can lead to self-blame and loss of hope for patients and (5) obesity healthcare can have consequences beyond weight loss.ConclusionPatients lack the self-regulatory skills to continue their lifestyle changes and struggle with self-blame and hopelessness. Over-focusing on weight by patients and obesity healthcare increase patients’ self-stigmatisation. While provider-initiated weight discussions and engaging and personalised consultation provide the initial step towards weight management, obesity healthcare could be enhanced by behavioural support and patient education on the complexity of obesity. Further considerations could be given to shifting from a weight-centric to a more holistic health-centred approach in obesity healthcare.
Assessment of cervical softening and the prediction of preterm birth (STIPP): protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Breuking Sofie , Oudijk Martijn A , van Eekelen Rik , de Boer Marjon A , Pajkrt Eva , Hermans Frederik 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionPreterm birth (PTB) is among the leading causes of perinatal and childhood morbidity and mortality. Therefore, accurate identification of pregnant women at high risk of PTB is key to enable obstetric healthcare professionals to apply interventions that improve perinatal and childhood outcomes. Serial transvaginal cervical length measurement is used to screen asymptomatic pregnant women with a history of PTB and identify those at high risk for a recurrent PTB. Cervical length measurement, fetal fibronectin test or a combination of both can be used to identify women at high risk of PTB presenting with symptoms of threatened PTB. The predictive capacity of these methods can be improved. Cervical softening is a precursor of cervical shortening, effacement and dilatation and could be a new marker to identify women a high risk of PTB. However, the predictive value of cervical softening to predict spontaneous PTB still needs to be determined.Methods and analysisThis is a single-centre, prospective cohort study, conducted at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Cervical softening will be investigated with a non-invasive CE-marked device called the Pregnolia System. This device has been developed to evaluate consistency of the cervix based on tissue elasticity. Two different cohorts will be investigated. The first cohort includes women with a history of spontaneous PTB <34 weeks. These women undergo biweekly measurements between 14 and 24 weeks of gestation. The second cohort includes women with symptoms of threatened PTB. These women will receive the measurement once at presentation between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome is spontaneous PTB before 34 weeks for women with a history of PTB and delivery within 7 days for women with threatened PTB. The minimum sample size required to analyse the primary outcome is 227 women in the cohort of women with a history of PTB and 163 women in the cohort of women with symptoms of threatened PTB. Once this number is achieved, the study will be continued to investigate secondary objectives.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Amsterdam UMC (METC2022.0226). All patients will give oral and written informed consent prior to study entry. Results will be disseminated via a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT05477381.
Initial prescriptions and medication switches of biological products: an analysis of prescription pathways and determinants in the Swiss healthcare setting
Authors: Wirth Kevin , Boes Stefan , Näpflin Markus , Huber Carola , Blozik Eva 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesBiological products have contributed to extraordinary advances in disease treatments over the last decade. However, the cost-saving potential of imitator products, so-called biosimilars, is still under-researched in Switzerland. This study aims to assess biosimilars’ prescriptions at treatment initiation and their determinants, as well as biological therapy switches.DesignThe study included all patients who had at least one biosimilar available on the market at the time when they were prescribed a biological product. We analysed longitudinal data for biosimilar prescriptions in Switzerland using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to quantify the associations with individual, pharmaceutical and provider-related variables.SettingThe analysis is based on de-identified claims data of patients with mandatory health insurance at Helsana, one of the Swiss health insurance companies with a substantial enrollee base in mandatory health insurance.ParticipantsOverall, 18 953 patients receiving at least one biological product between 2016 and 2021 were identified.Outcome measuresWe differentiated between initial prescriptions and follow-up prescriptions. Our regression focused on initial prescriptions due to evidence indicating that patients tend to follow the medication prescribed at therapy initiation.ResultsAlthough biosimilars’ market share was low (28.6%), the number of prescriptions has increased (from 1016 in 2016 to 6976 in 2021). Few patients with medication switches (n=1492, 8.5%) were detected. Increased relative price difference (difference in the price of available biosimilars relative to price of corresponding reference product) was associated with decreased probability of biosimilar prescriptions, whereas male sex, an increase of available imitator drugs on the market, larger packaging sizes, and prescriptions from specialists or physicians in outpatient settings were associated with increased biosimilar use.ConclusionThe low number of biosimilar prescriptions, despite the proliferating biosimilar market, indicates a high potential for biosimilar diffusion. The findings indicate that patients typically adhere to the therapy options initially chosen and are less inclined to make changes following the initiation of treatment. Our research highlights the need for awareness initiatives to improve understanding among patients and physicians, enabling informed, shared decision-making about biosimilar prescriptions.
Exploring the challenges of public health nurses in the management of infertility in Northern Ghana: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Kuug Anthony Kolsabilik , Sindiwe James , Jardien-Baboo Sihaam 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the challenges public health nurses (PNHs) face in managing infertility in rural settings of the Talensi and Nabdam districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana.DesignThe study adopted a qualitative descriptive design approach where PHNs who worked in rural settings were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data.SettingPrimary healthcare setting in the Upper East Region of Ghana.ParticipantsThe study participants were 15 PHNs working in primary health centres with a mean age of 36.9 years (SD=6.40).ResultsThis study revealed that couples with infertility issues face challenges in seeking care for their condition. The challenges expressed by the participants that affect individual and couples’ access to infertility care were (1) lack of material and human resources, (2) lack of specialists and guides for infertility treatment and (3) inadequate and inconsiderate communication.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the challenges experienced by PHNs in managing infertility among couples. Adequate measures are therefore required to ameliorate these challenges to improve care provision for couples with infertility.