bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in hospitalized young infants and risk factors for disease severity
Authors: Ng David Chun‐Ern , Tan Kah Kee , Liew Chuin Hen , Low Yik Wan , Chin Ling , Jamil Munzir Bin , Chandirasekharan Debashini a/p , Baharuddin Suhaila Binti , Cheah Yee Keat 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and severity of young infants hospitalized with COVID‐19 and study the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal COVID‐19 vaccination on the severity of COVID‐19.MethodsA retrospective, observational study was performed among infants aged 6 months and below hospitalized for COVID‐19 in a tertiary state hospital in Malaysia between February 1 and April 30, 2022. The primary outcome was “serious disease,” defined as pneumonia requiring respiratory support or dehydration with warning signs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors for serious disease.ResultsA total of 102 infants were included in the study; 53.9% were males with a median age of 11 weeks (interquartile range: 5–20 weeks). Sixteen patients (15.7%) had pre‐existing comorbidities, including preterm birth. Fever was the most common presenting symptom (82.4%), followed by cough (53.9%), and rhinorrhea (31.4%). Forty‐one infants (40.2%) presented with serious disease, warranting either respiratory support or intravenous fluid therapy for dehydration. Recent maternal COVID‐19 vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of serious disease on univariate analysis but was not significant after multivariate adjustment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.39; 95% CI: 0.14–1.11; p = 0.08). Exclusive breastfeeding was protective against serious COVID‐19 in young infants, independent of other confounding factors (aOR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.71; p = 0.01).ConclusionCOVID‐19 is a serious disease with non‐specific clinical manifestations in young infants. Exclusive breastfeeding could play an important protective role.
Predictors of longitudinal changes in body weight, muscle and fat in patients with and ever‐smokers at risk of COPD
Authors: Yamazaki Akio , Kinose Daisuke , Kawashima Satoru , Tsunoda Yoko , Matsuo Yumiko , Uchida Yasuki , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Ogawa Emiko , Nakano Yasutaka 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveWeight and muscle loss are predictors of poor outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the predictors of longitudinal weight loss or its composition from functional and morphological perspectives.MethodsThis longitudinal observational study with a median follow‐up period of 5 years (range: 3.0–5.8 years) included patients with COPD and ever‐smokers at risk of COPD. Using chest computed tomography (CT) images, airway and emphysematous lesions were assessed as the square root of the wall area of a hypothetical airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm (√Aaw at Pi10) and the percentage of low attenuation volume (LAV%). Muscle mass was estimated using cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of the pectoralis and erector spinae muscles, and fat mass was estimated using the subcutaneous fat thickness at the level of the 8th rib measured using chest CT images. Statistical analyses were performed using the linear mixed‐effects models.ResultsIn total, 114 patients were enrolled. Their body mass index remained stable during the study period while body weight and muscle CSA decreased over time and the subcutaneous fat thickness increased. Reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak expiratory flow (PEF) at baseline predicted the future decline in muscle CSA.ConclusionSevere airflow limitation predicted future muscle wasting in patients with COPD and ever‐smokers at risk of COPD. Airflow limitation with a PEF slightly below 90% of the predicted value may require intervention to prevent future muscle loss.
Do governments account for gender when designing their social protection systems? Findings from an analysis of national social protection strategies
Authors: Cookson Tara Patricia , Sandoval Rita , Staab Silke , Tabbush Constanza , Bitterly Jennifer , Mathew Maria 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe negative impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on women's employment, care responsibilities, and access to services have motivated an unprecedented level of advocacy around strengthening national social protection systems from a gender perspective. Yet very little empirical evidence exists about what a gender‐responsive social protection system entails in practice. This paper addresses this gap through a comparative analysis of 52 national social protection strategies from primarily low‐and middle‐income countries. To analyse the gender responsiveness of these strategies, we developed an analytical framework based on international human rights standards and social policy, gender and development literature. Through presentation of the framework and our findings, this paper makes several contributions to scholarship and practice. First, our framework―the first of its kind―offers a novel conceptual and methodological contribution by enabling a systematic, comparative assessment of national approaches to social protection from a gender perspective. Second, the framework enables the systematisation of empirical evidence on the degree to which gender is integrated into social protection systems. By applying it to national social protection strategies, we identify which gendered risks and vulnerabilities are most commonly acknowledged and addressed in countries' efforts to create gender‐responsive social protection systems. We also highlight a concerning gap between rhetoric and response when it comes to gender equality in the strategic plans that governments lay out for these systems. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic cross‐country assessment of such documents. We conclude with future directions for research and practice, including the gap between recognition and action.
Experimental Modal Analysis of Stators Analyzing the Effects of Lamination and Winding
Authors: Islam Manuel M. , Maeder Marcus , Lehmann Robert , Marburg Steffen 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This paper addresses the experimental analysis of different stator configurations of an electric motor typically used within the automotive sector. The ongoing electrification of the automotive sector, combined with a desire to increase virtual prototyping, means that engineers are increasingly facing new challenges. Against this background, the numerical models of electric motors, particularly stators, are simplified and homogenized. However, this procedure must be supplemented by experimental data to ensure the high quality and reliability of the simulations. Unfortunately, broad experimental investigations are time-consuming and expensive, underlined by the lack of corresponding literature. For this reason, four different stator configurations were investigated as part of the experimental modal analysis to highlight the influence of the stator lamination as well as the winding. The results provide the scientific community with a broad outline of how specific influences change modal parameters of each stator configuration. In particular, the results show that lamination significantly reduces axial stiffness. Highlights of the findings relate to the mode-dependent stiffness, mass, and damping influences due to the winding, with the influence of the stiffness deviating significantly from expectation. It was also found that the selected winding technology dominates the structural dynamic system characteristics. Therefore, it is advisable to include the manufacturing technology intended to be used for the lamination and the winding in the early simulative design phase to improve the model prediction quality.
Exercise Intensity Among Older Adults Participating From Home in Remotely Delivered EnhanceFitness
Authors: Gell Nancy M. , Bai Yang , Herbert Melanie , Hoffman Elise V. , Reynolds Rebecca , Bae Myeongjin , Dittus Kim , Phelan Elizabeth A. , Patel Kushang V. 
Published: June 2023

We aimed to examine exercise intensity among older adults participating from home in remotely delivered EnhanceFitness (Tele-EF). Exercise intensity was assessed through Fitbit-measured heart rate and the Borg 10-point rating of perceived exertion over 1 week of a 16-week exercise program. Outcomes included mean minutes spent at or above the heart rate reserve calculated threshold for moderate intensity and mean rating of perceived exertion. Pearson and Spearman rank correlations were used to examine associations between baseline characteristics with exercise intensity. During the 60-min classes, the 55 participants achieved moderate intensity for a mean of 21.0 min (SD = 13.5) and had a mean rating of perceived exertion of 4.9 (SD = 1.2). There were no significant associations between baseline characteristics and exercise intensity. Older adults can achieve sustained moderate-intensity exercise during Tele-EF supervised classes. Baseline physical function, physical activity, and other health characteristics did not limit ability to exercise at a moderate intensity, though further investigation is warranted.
Invasive acupuncture for gastroparesis after thoracic or abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Zhenjia , Qiu Yuqin , Qi Xuewei , Xu Jingnan , Wan Yuxiang , Hao Yingxu , Niu Wenquan , Huang Jinchang 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) after thoracic or abdominal surgery.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesTwelve databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline (Ovid) (from 1946), Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, Open Grey, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM)) and three registration websites (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR)) were searched from the inception to September 2022, and citations of the included literature were screened.Eligibility criteriaAll randomised controlled trials addressing invasive acupuncture for PGS.Data extraction and synthesisKey information on the included studies was extracted by two reviewers independently. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI was used for categorical data, and mean difference with 95% CI for continuous data. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Outcomes were conducted with trial sequential analysis (TSA).ResultsFifteen studies with 759 patients met the inclusion criteria. Subgroup analyses revealed that compared with the drug group, the drug and acupuncture group had a greater positive effect on the total effective rate (TER) (nine trials, n=427; RR=1.20; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.32; P-heterogeneity=0.20, I2=28%, p=0.0004) and the recovery rate (RCR) (six trials, n = 294; RR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.98; P-heterogeneity=0.29, I2=19%, p<0.0001) of PGS after abdominal surgery. However, acupuncture showed no significant advantages in terms of the TER after thoracic surgery (one trial, p=0.13) or thoracic/abdominal surgery-related PGS (two trials, n = 115; RR=1.18; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.57; P-heterogeneity=0.08, I2=67%, p=0.24) and the RCR after thoracic/abdominal surgery (two trials, n=115; RR=1.40; 95% CI 0.97 to 2.01; P-heterogeneity=0.96, I2=0%, p=0.07). The quality of evidence for TER and RCR was moderate certainty. Only one study reported an acupuncture-related adverse event, in the form of mild local subcutaneous haemorrhage and pain that recovered spontaneously. TSA indicated that outcomes reached a necessary effect size except for clinical symptom score.ConclusionBased on subgroup analysis, compared with the drug treatment, acupuncture combined drug has significant advantages in the treatment of PGS associated with abdominal surgery, but not with thoracic surgery.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022299189.
Experiences of nicotine users motivated to quit during the COVID-19 pandemic: a secondary qualitative analysis
Authors: Sharma Ramona H , Rodberg Danielle , Struik Laura L 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light a variety of key factors that affect tobacco use, including behavioural patterns, social support and connection, and physical and mental health. What we do not know is how those motivated to quit were impacted by the pandemic. As such, understanding the unique experiences and needs of people motivated to quit smoking or vaping during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical. The aim of this study was to examine the cessation experiences of nicotine users during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignWe conducted a supplementary secondary analysis of primary qualitative data, i.e., semi-structured interviews with individuals engaged in cigarette use (smoking), e-cigarette use (vaping) and dual use.SettingBritish Columbia, Canada.ParticipantsRelevant data were drawn from 33 participants out of the primary study’s 80-participant sample pool.MeasuresInterview questions explored barriers and facilitators to quitting nicotine use. We then used conventional content analysis to identify relevant and additional emergent themes and subthemes surrounding pandemic-specific barriers and facilitators to quitting, and unique needs for cessation support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsPandemic-specific barriers included lifestyle limitations and poor mental health due to isolation. Facilitators to quitting during the pandemic included reduced access and opportunities to use nicotine products, as well as time for personal reflection on nicotine use behaviours. Suggestions for cessation programming included a primary focus on enhancing social support features (e.g., discussion forums, support groups), followed by increasing awareness of the benefits of quitting, and enhancing visibility of resources available to support quitting.ConclusionsThe findings provide directions for how cessation supports can be tailored to better meet the needs of users motivated to quit during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current practices in studies applying the target trial emulation framework: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Bigirumurame Theophile , Hiu Shaun Kuan Wei , Teare M Dawn , Wason James M S , Bryant Andrew , Breckons Matthew 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionObservational studies represent an alternative to estimate real-world causal effects in the absence of available randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Target trial emulation is a framework for the application of RCT design principles to emulate a hypothetical open-label RCT (the hypothetical target trial) using existing observational data as the primary data source as opposed to the prospective recruitment and measurement of randomised units. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the practices of studies applying the target trial emulation framework to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.Methods and analysisWe will systematically search in Medline (via Ovid), Embase (via Ovid, entries from medRxiv are included), PsycINFO (via Ovid), SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, the ISRCTN registry and ClinicalTrials.gov for all study reports and protocols which used the trial emulation framework (without time restriction). We will extract information concerning study design, data source, analysis, results, interpretation and dissemination. Two reviewers will perform study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Disagreements between reviewers will be resolved by a third reviewer. A narrative approach will be used to synthesise and report qualitative and quantitative data. Reporting of the review will be informed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidance (PRISMA).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required as it is a protocol for a systematic review. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Identifying and addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on school-based immunisation programmes in the Canadian Maritimes: a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Gallant Allyson J , Steenbeek Audrey , Halperin Scott A , Parsons Leigh Jeanna , Curran Janet A 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of keeping up to date on routine vaccinations. Throughout the pandemic, many routine vaccine programmes in Canada were paused or cancelled, including school-based immunisation programmes (SBIP). This resulted in decreased coverage for many vaccine-preventable diseases. While the effects of the pandemic on SBIP have been described in other provinces, its effects in the Maritime region (ie, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island) have yet to be understood. We aim to determine how these programmes were affected by COVID-19 and associated public health measures in the Canadian Maritimes by (1) identifying and describing usual and interim catch-up programmes; (2) exploring stakeholders’ perceptions of SBIP through interviews; and (3) designing recommendations with stakeholders to address gaps in SBIP and vaccine coverage.Methods and analysisA sequential, explanatory mixed methods study design will be used to address the objectives during the study period (September 2022–December 2023). First, an environmental scan will describe changes to SBIP and vaccine coverage over a period of five school years (2018/2019–2022/2023). Findings will inform semistructured interviews (n=65) with key stakeholders (eg, health officials, healthcare providers, school officials and parents and adolescents) to explore perceptions of SBIP and changes in parental vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic. These data will be integrated to design recommendations to support SBIP during two stakeholder engagement meetings. Analysis will be guided by the behaviour change wheel, a series of complementary tools and frameworks to simplify behaviour diagnosis and analysis in public health research.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval for this study has been obtained from Dalhousie University’s Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (Ref: 2022-6395). Informed consent will be obtained from participants prior to participating in an interview or stakeholder engagement meeting. Study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, publications and infographics.
Developing the evidence and associated service models to support older adults living with frailty to manage their pain and to reduce its impact on their lives: protocol for a mixed-method, co-design study (The POPPY Study)
Authors: Brown Lesley , Mossabir Rahena , Harrison Nicola , Lam Natalie , Grice Anne , Clegg Andrew , Williams Amanda C de C , Antcliff Deborah , Schofield Patricia , Suleman Asim , Forster Anne 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe Pain in Older People with Frailty Study is a mixed-method, co-design study, which aims to develop the content, implementation strategies, service and professional guidance to support older adults with frailty to manage their pain.Methods and analysisThe study has four phases: Phase 1, research evidence and information synthesis from randomised controlled trials of multicomponent pain management programmes and psychological therapies for community-dwelling older adults. Phase 2, qualitative interviews with 30 community-dwelling older adults (≥75 years) living with frailty and persistent pain, including dyadic interviews with a spouse or unpaid carer. Phase 3, qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) working within various pain service types; 5–8 HCPs per service and up to 12 services including primary care, secondary care, tertiary centres and services with voluntary sector input. Phase 4, co-design workshops with older adults, HCPs and commissioners. Inclusion criteria (Phase 2): community-dwelling older adults (≥75 years) living with frailty and persistent pain. Exclusion criteria (Phase 2): care home residents, a dementia or cancer diagnosis. Cancer survivors, ≥5 years cancer free, and not undergoing active cancer treatment can participate. Analysis for Phase 1 will use narrative synthesis, Phase 2 will use grounded theory analysis and Phase 3 will use thematic analysis. Oversight is provided from a patient and public involvement group and an independent steering committee.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by Leeds-East Research Ethics Committee on 28 April 2022 (22/YH/0080). Consent is sought if an individual is willing to participate (Phases 2–4) and has capacity. Findings will be disseminated at conferences, in newsletters and journals and to local authorities and charities.
Quantum adversarial metric learning model based on triplet loss function
Authors: Hou Yan-Yan , Li Jian , Chen Xiu-Bo , Ye Chong-Qiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMetric learning plays an essential role in image analysis and classification, and it has attracted more and more attention. In this paper, we propose a quantum adversarial metric learning (QAML) model based on the triplet loss function, where samples are embedded into the high-dimensional Hilbert space and the optimal metric is obtained by minimizing the triplet loss function. The QAML model employs entanglement and interference to build superposition states for triplet samples so that only one parameterized quantum circuit is needed to calculate sample distances, which reduces the demand for quantum resources. Considering the QAML model is fragile to adversarial attacks, an adversarial sample generation strategy is designed based on the quantum gradient ascent method, effectively improving the robustness against the functional adversarial attack. Simulation results show that the QAML model can effectively distinguish samples of MNIST and Iris datasets and has higherϵ-robustness accuracy over the general quantum metric learning. The QAML model is a fundamental research problem of machine learning. As a subroutine of classification and clustering tasks, the QAML model opens an avenue for exploring quantum advantages in machine learning.
Bias and Refinement of Multiscale Mean Field Models
Authors: Allmeier Sebastian , Gast Nicolas 
Published: June 2023

We analyze the error of an ODE approximation of a generic two-timescale model (X, Y), where the slow component X describes a population of interacting particles which is fully coupled with a rapidly changing environment Y. The model is parametrized by a scaling factor N, which can be the number of particles. As N grows, the jump sizes of the slow component decrease in contrast to the unchanged dynamics of the fast component. A typical example is the random access CSMA model that we study.
By using an averaging principle, one can construct an ODE approximation of X, that we call the 'average' mean field approximation. We show that under relatively mild conditions, this approximation has a bias of order O(1/N) compared to \mathbbE [X]. This holds true under any continuous performance metric in the transient regime, as well as for the steady-state if the model is exponentially stable. To go one step further, we derive a bias correction term for the steady-state, from which we define a new approximation called the refined 'average' mean field approximation whose bias is of order O(1/N2). This refined 'average' mean field approximation allows computing an accurate approximation even for small scaling factors, i.e., N ≈ 10 - 50.