bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Robot Calibration Through Reliable High-Order Hermite Polynomials Model and SSA-BP Optimization
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Fang Qi , Xie Yu , Zhang Weijie , Yu Runxiang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Various sources of error can lead to the position accuracy of the robot being orders of magnitude worse than its repeatability. For the accuracy of drilling in the aviation field, high-precision assembly, and other areas depending on the industrial robot’s absolute positioning accuracy, it is essential to improve the accuracy of absolute positioning through calibration. In this paper, an error model of the robot considering both constant and high-order joint-dependent kinematic errors is established, and the model is modified by the Hermite polynomial, thereby mitigating the occurrence of the Runge phenomenon. To identify high-order joint-dependent kinematic errors, a robot calibration method based on the back-propagation neural network (BP) optimized by the sparrow search algorithm (SSA-BP) is proposed, which optimizes the uncertainty of weights and thresholds in the BP algorithm. Experiments on an EFORT ECR5 robot were implemented to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. The positioning error is reduced from 3.1704 mm to 0.2798 mm, and the error decrease rate reaches 42.92% (compared with BP calibration) and 21.09% (compared with particle swarm optimization back-propagation calibration). With the new calibration method using SSA-BP, robot positioning errors can be effectively compensated for, and the robot positioning accuracy can be improved significantly.
Complete genome sequences of nine
Burkholderia pseudomallei
strains
Authors: Nishida Takashi , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Shinzawa Naoaki , Horino Atsuko , Mori Shigetarou , Horiguchi Yasuhiko 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequences of nine
Burkholderia pseudomallei
strains preserved in research facilities in Japan; GTC3P0019, GTC3P0050, GTC3P0054, GTC3P0254T (type strain), Kanagawa, Tokushima, KM376, KM390, and KM391. The genomic information of these strains may provide references for comparative studies of
B. pseudomallei
pathogenicity.
Bayesian sequential approach to monitor COVID-19 variants through test positivity rate from wastewater
Authors: Montesinos-López J. Cricelio , Daza-Torres Maria L. , García Yury E. , Herrera César , Bess C. Winston , Bischel Heather N. , Nuño Miriam 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
Deployment of clinical testing on a massive scale was an essential control measure for curtailing the burden of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and the magnitude of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic during its waves. As the pandemic progressed, new preventive and surveillance mechanisms emerged. Implementation of vaccine programs, wastewater (WW) surveillance, and at-home COVID-19 antigen tests reduced the demand for mass SARS-CoV-2 testing. Unfortunately, reductions in testing and test reporting rates also reduced the availability of public health data to support decision-making. This paper proposes a sequential Bayesian approach to estimate the COVID-19 test positivity rate (TPR) using SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations measured in WW through an adaptive scheme incorporating changes in virus dynamics. The proposed modeling framework was applied to WW surveillance data from two WW treatment plants in California; the City of Davis and the University of California, Davis campus. TPR estimates are used to compute thresholds for WW data using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention thresholds for low (<5% TPR), moderate (5%–8% TPR), substantial (8%–10% TPR), and high (>10% TPR) transmission. The effective reproductive number estimates are calculated using TPR estimates from the WW data. This approach provides insights into the dynamics of the virus evolution and an analytical framework that combines different data sources to continue monitoring COVID-19 trends. These results can provide public health guidance to reduce the burden of future outbreaks as new variants continue to emerge.

IMPORTANCE
We propose a statistical model to correlate WW with TPR to monitor COVID-19 trends and to help overcome the limitations of relying only on clinical case detection. We pose an adaptive scheme to model the nonautonomous nature of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The TPR is modeled through a Bayesian sequential approach with a beta regression model using SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations measured in WW as a covariable. The resulting model allows us to compute TPR based on WW measurements and incorporates changes in viral transmission dynamics through an adaptive scheme.
Tunnelled external versus implanted port central venous catheters in paediatric oncology: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Neville Jonathan J , Aye Hinn Moe , Hall Nigel J 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the complications associated with tunnelled external and implanted port (PORT) central venous catheters (CVCs) in children with cancer.DesignA systematic review in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines was performed (pre-registered on PROSPERO: CRD42022300869). MEDLINE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched.PatientsPatients ≤18 years of age with haematological or solid malignancies.InterventionsStudies comparing tunnelled external and PORT CVCs.Main outcomes measuresInfection, mechanical failure, thrombosis, bleeding, acceptability, quality of life (QoL), cost, premature removal, and days from insertion to removal for any reason.ResultsTwenty-three observational studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 6644 devices and 6032 patients. Tunnelled external CVCs were associated with an increased risk for systemic infection (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.77, p<0.001, 16 studies, 3425 devices). There was no significant difference in the risk of localised infection (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.01, p=0.62, 5 studies, 979 devices). Tunnelled external CVCs were also associated with a significantly increased risk of mechanical complications (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.21 to 5.05, p=0.01, 11 studies, 2187 devices) and premature device removal (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.28 to 8.22, p=0.01, 6 studies, 1514 devices).ConclusionThis study shows that PORTs associate with a reduced risk of infectious and mechanical complications, and a lower overall risk of removal, compared with tunnelled external CVCs in children with cancer. Further work is required to confirm these findings in a prospective randomised trial and to compare cost implications and acceptability to patients and caregivers.
Exploring physician gender bias in the initiation of prescribing cascades for older men and women: a qualitative clinical vignette study protocol
Authors: Borhani Parya , Rochon Paula A , Carrieri Barbara , Dalton Kieran , Lawson Andrea , Li Joyce , Mason Robin , McCarthy Lisa M , Paoletti Luca , Santini Sara , Sivayoganathan Kawsika , Sternberg Shelley , Zwas Donna R , Savage Rachel D 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionA prescribing cascade occurs when a drug is prescribed to manage the often unrecognised side effect of another drug; these cascades are of particular concern for older adults who are at heightened risk for drug-related harm. It is unknown whether, and to what extent, gender bias influences physician decision-making in the context of prescribing cascades. The aim of this transnational study is to explore the potential impact of physician implicit gender biases on prescribing decisions that may lead to the initiation of prescribing cascades in older men and women in two countries, namely: Canada and Italy.Methods and analysisMale and female primary care physicians at each site will be randomised 1:1 to a case vignette that features either a male or female older patient who presents with concerns consistent with the side effect of a medication they are taking. During individual interviews, while masked to the true purpose of the study, participants will read the vignette and use the think-aloud method to describe their ongoing thought processes as they consider the patient’s concerns and determine a course of action. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis will be conducted to highlight differences in decisions in the interviews/transcripts, using a common analytical framework across the sites.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received ethics approval at each study site. Verbal informed consent will be received from participants prior to data collection and all data will be deidentified and stored on password-protected servers. Results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at relevant national and international conferences.
Impact of increased reimbursement for ambulance transportation on hospital acceptance in Japan: a difference-in-difference study
Authors: Sato Nobuhiro , Takaku Reo , Chiba Takuyo , Higashi Hidenori , Shiga Takashi 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveEmergency medical services (EMS) often face difficulties in finding accepting hospitals in Japan. The universal medical insurance system in Japan increased the reimbursement for ambulance transportation acceptance at night, and on Sundays and holidays from 1 April 2016. This study investigated the effect of the reimbursement increase on the number of EMS calls, and transportation time from arrival at the scene to arrival at the hospital.DesignA difference-in-difference study. The treatment group consisted of people who called an ambulance at night while the control group consisted of people who called an ambulance during the daytime.SettingThe national ambulance records of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency in Japan from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2016.Participants7 625 463 ambulance dispatches were eligible for inclusion.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe changes in EMS calls, transportation time and the number of ambulance transports per 1000 population in one month in a comparison of daytime and night-time transport.ResultsThe treatment effect (night-time vs daytime) on the number of EMS calls was −0.013 (95% CI, −0.023 to −0.004), which was significant. The transportation time decreased slightly by 0.080 min (95% CI, −0.157 to −0.004). No impact was observed on the number of ambulance transports per 1000 population per month (0.00; 95% CI, −0.008 to 0.002).ConclusionAn increase in reimbursement for ambulance transportation acceptance was associated with a decrease in the number of EMS calls. Further strategies for decreasing the number of EMS calls are needed to avoid delays in the treatment of emergency patients with critical illness.
Examining training and attitudes to basic life support in multi-ethnic communities residing in New South Wales, Australia: A mixed-methods investigation
Authors: Munot Sonali , Rugel Emily J , Bray Janet , Redfern Julie , Yang Guoyan , Ngo Linh , Bauman Adrian , Dang Quan Minh , Rock Zoe , Marschner Simone , Coggins Andrew , Semsarian Christopher , Middleton Paul M , Jennings Garry , Angell Blake , Kumar Saurabh , Kovoor Pramesh , Chow Clara K 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundBystander response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is critical to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival. Nearly 30% of Australian residents were born overseas, and little is known about their preparedness to perform CPR. In this mixed-methods study, we examined rates of training and willingness and barriers to performing CPR among immigrants in Australia.MethodsFirst, we surveyed residents in New South Wales, Australia, using purposeful sampling to enrich immigrant populations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between place of birth and willingness to perform CPR. Next, we conducted focus-group discussions with members of the region’s largest migrant groups to explore barriers and relevant societal or cultural factors.ResultsOf the 1267 survey participants (average age 49.6 years, 52% female), 60% were born outside Australia, most in Asia and 73% had lived in Australia for more than 10 years. Higher rates of previous CPR training were reported among Australian-born participants compared with South Asian-born and East Asian-born (77%, 35%, 48%, respectively,p<0.001). In adjusted models, the odds of willingness to perform CPR on a stranger were significantly lower among migrants than Australian-born (adjusted OR: 0.64; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.83); however, this association was mediated by history of training. Themes emerging from the focus-group discussions included concerns about causing harm, fear of liability, and birthplace-specific social and cultural barriers.ConclusionsTargeted awareness and training interventions, which address common and culture-specific barriers to response and improved access to training, may improve confidence and willingness to respond to OHCA in multi-ethnic communities.
Right ventricular functional recovery assessment with stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing after pulmonary embolism: a pilot prospective multicentre study
Authors: Samaranayake Chinthaka Bhagya , Upham John , Tran Khoa , Howard Luke S , Nguyen Sean , Lwin Myo , Anderson James , Wahi Sudhir , Price Laura C , Wort Stephen , Li Wei , McCabe Colm , Keir Gregory J 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundData on right ventricular (RV) exercise adaptation following acute intermediate and high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the symptom burden, RV functional recovery during exercise and cardiopulmonary exercise parameters in survivors of intermediate and high-risk acute PE.MethodsWe prospectively recruited patients following acute intermediate and high-risk PE at four sites in Australia and UK. Study assessments included stress echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and ventilation–perfusion (VQ) scan at 3 months follow-up.ResultsThirty patients were recruited and 24 (median age: 55 years, IQR: 22) completed follow-up. Reduced peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and workload was seen in 75.0% (n=18), with a persistent high symptom burden (mean PEmb-QoL Questionnaire 48.4±21.5 and emPHasis-10 score 22.4±8.8) reported at follow-up. All had improvement in RV-focused resting echocardiographic parameters. RV systolic dysfunction and RV to pulmonary artery (PA) uncoupling assessed by stress echocardiography was seen in 29.2% (n=7) patients and associated with increased ventilatory inefficiency (V̇E/V̇CO2slope 47.6 vs 32.4, p=0.03), peak exercise oxygen desaturation (93.2% vs 98.4%, p=0.01) and reduced peak oxygen pulse (p=0.036) compared with controls. Five out of seven patients with RV–PA uncoupling demonstrated persistent bilateral perfusion defects on VQ scintigraphy consistent with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary vascular disease.ConclusionIn our cohort, impaired RV adaptation on exercise was seen in almost one-third of patients. Combined stress echocardiography and CPET may enable more accurate phenotyping of patients with persistent symptoms following acute PE to allow timely detection of long-term complications.
Global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: En Li Cho Elina , Ang Chong Zhe , Quek Jingxuan , Fu Clarissa Elysia , Lim Lincoln Kai En , Heng Zane En Qi , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Lim Wen Hui , Yong Jie Ning , Zeng Rebecca , Chee Douglas , Nah Benjamin , Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi Adithya , Bwa Aung Hlaing , Win Khin Maung , Faulkner Claire , Aboona Majd B , Lim Mei Chin , Syn Nicholas , Kulkarni Anand V. , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Takahashi Hirokazu , Tamaki Nobuharu , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Huang Daniel Q. , Muthiah Mark , Ng Cheng Han , Loomba Rohit 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a major predictor. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are key pathways in the pathogenesis of T2DM leading to NAFLD and vice versa, with the synergistic effect of NAFLD and T2DM increasing morbidity and mortality risks. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the prevalence of NAFLD and the prevalence of clinically significant and advanced fibrosis in people with T2DM.MethodsMEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from inception until 13 February 2023. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis in people with T2DM. A generalised linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals was used for the analysis of proportions with sensitivity analysis conducted to explore heterogeneity between studies.Results156 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a pooled analysis of 1 832 125 patients determined that the prevalence rates of NAFLD and NASH in T2DM were 65.04% (95% CI 61.79% to 68.15%, I2=99.90%) and 31.55% (95% CI 17.12% to 50.70%, I2=97.70%), respectively. 35.54% (95% CI 19.56% to 55.56%, I2=100.00%) of individuals with T2DM with NAFLD had clinically significant fibrosis (F2–F4), while 14.95% (95% CI 11.03% to 19.95%, I2=99.00%) had advanced fibrosis (F3–F4).ConclusionThis study determined a high prevalence of NAFLD, NASH and fibrosis in people with T2DM. Increased efforts are required to prevent T2DM to combat the rising burden of NAFLD.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022360251.
Clinical profile and treatment utilisation based on HLA-B*27 status in axial spondyloarthritis: results from ASAS-PerSpA study
Authors: Chaudhary Haseeb , López-Medina Clementina , Khan Muhammad Asim , Dougados Maxime , Magrey Marina 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveWe aimed to characterize differences of clinical features, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations and treatment utilizations based on the patients’ HLA-B*27 status in a global axSpA cohort and identify predictors of HLA-B*27 negativity in these patients.MethodologyIn post-hoc analysis of the ASAS-PerSpA study, patients fulfilling the 2009 ASAS classification criteria for axSpA and typed for HLA-B*27 were included. The patient characteristics cwere compared between the HLA-B*27(+) and HLA-B*27(-) subgroups. Multivariablete logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of HLA-B*27 negativity.ResultsOf 2910 patients with axSpA from 24 countries, 2269 were tested for HLA-B*27 [1753 HLA-B*27(+) and 516 HLA-B*27(-)]. The proportion of males was higher in the HLA-B*27 (+) compared to the HLA-B*27 (-) subgroup (72.1 vs 54.3%). Patient population with HLA-B*27 (+) more often had positive family history for axSpA (29.8 vs 15.3%), and younger age at diagnosis, 31.6 years (SD 10.9) vs 37.7 years (SD 12.1). HLA-B*27 (-) patients had significantly higher peripheral arthritis (47.5 vs 42.1%, p<0.05), psoriasis (19.4 vs 10.2), enthesitis (56.6 vs 49.8%) and IBD (12.8 vs 3.4) (p<0.001). The exposure to csDMARDS in HLA-B*27 (-) patients was higher (61.2 vs 55.0%, p< 0.05). On multivariable analysis, HLA-B*27 (-) status was positively associated with enthesitis, psoriasis and IBD with an OR 1.27 (1.02-1.57), 1.84 (1.36-2.48) and 4.84 (3.23-7.30) respectively, and inversely associated with uveitis, OR 0.37 (0.27-0.50).ConclusionHLA-B*27 (-) axSpA patients had a longer delay in diagnosis, more frequently had peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, IBD, psoriasis, and were more often treated with csDMARDs compared to HLA-B*27 (+) subgroup.
Digital health and inpatient palliative care: a cohort-controlled study
Authors: Singh Baldev Malkit , Kumari-Dewat Nisha , Ryder Adam , Parry Emma , Klaire Vijay , Matthews Dawn , Bennion Gemma , Jennens Hannah , Ritzenthaler Benoit M E , Rayner Sophie , Shears Jean , Ahmed Kamran , Sidhu Mona , Viswanath Ananth , Warren Kate 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesEnd of life has unacceptable levels of hospital admission and death. We aimed to determine the association of a novel digital specific system (Proactive Risk-Based and Data-Driven Assessment of Patients at the End of Life, PRADA) to modify such events.MethodsA cohort-controlled study of those discharged alive, who died within 90 days of discharge, comparing PRADA (n=114) with standard care (n=3730).ResultsAt 90 days, the PRADA group were more likely to die (78.9% vs 46.2%, p<0.001), had a shorter time to death (58±90 vs 178±186 days, p<0.001) but readmission (20.2% vs 37.9%, p<0.001) or death in hospital (4.4% vs 28.9%, p<0.001) was lower with reduced risk for a combined 90-day outcome of postdischarge non-elective admission or hospital death (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27–0.74, p<0.001). Tightening criteria with 1:1 matching (n=83 vs 83) showed persistent significant findings in PRADA contact with markedly reduced adverse events (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.02–0.96, p<0.05).ConclusionsBeing seen in hospital by a specialist palliative care team using the PRADA tool was associated with significantly improved postdischarge outcomes pertaining to those destined to die after discharge.
Longevity of multilayered textured HDPE geomembranes in low-level waste applications
Authors: Zafari M. , Rowe R.K. , Abdelaal F.B. 
Published: July 2023

The degradation behaviour of five multilayered textured white geomembranes (GMBs) is investigated when immersed in two synthetic low-level waste (LLW) leachates with pH 7 and 9 at a range of temperatures (40–85 °C) for 48–55 months. Results are compared to the performance of the GMBs in synthetic municipal solid waste (MSW) leachate. Increasing pH from 7 to 9 gives slightly faster antioxidant depletion in LLW leachate. The estimated time to nominal failure for the GMBs is at least 20% longer in LLW leachate than in MSW leachate containing surfactant that accelerates both antioxidant depletion and stress cracking. Thus, MSW leachate can be used as a conservative proxy to estimate the service life of a GMB in contact with LLW leachate. Two GMBs are considered very highly likely to meet the required 550 year design life of the near-surface disposal facilities even based on the most conservative prediction of the time to nominal failure for the GMBs.