bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of Phononic Bandgap Metamaterials Based on Gaussian Mixture Beta Variational Autoencoder and Iterative Model Updating
Authors: Wang Zihan , Xian Weikang , Baccouche M. Ridha , Lanzerath Horst , Li Ying , Xu Hongyi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPhononic bandgap metamaterials, which consist of periodic cellular structures, are capable of absorbing energy within a certain frequency range. Designing metamaterials that trap waves across a wide wave frequency range is still a challenging task. In this paper, we present a deep feature learning-based design framework for both unsupervised generative design and supervised learning-based exploitative optimization. The Gaussian mixture beta variational autoencoder (GM-βVAE) is used to extract latent features as design variables. Gaussian process (GP) regression models are trained to predict the relationship between latent features and properties for property-driven optimization. The optimal structural designs are reconstructed by mapping the optimized latent feature values to the original image space. Compared with the regular variational autoencoder (VAE), we demonstrate that GM-βVAE has a better learning capability and is able to generate a more diversified design set in unsupervised generative design. Furthermore, we propose an iterative GM-βVAE model updating-based design framework. In each iteration, the optimal designs found property-driven optimization is used to update the training dataset. The GM-βVAE model is re-trained with the updated dataset for the optimization search in the next iteration. The effectiveness of the iterative design framework is demonstrated by comparing the proposed designs with the designs found by the traditional single-loop design method and the topologically optimized designs reported in literatures. The caveats to designing phonic bandgap metamaterials are summarized.
Artificial Intelligence Design for Ship Structures: A Variant Multiple-Input Neural Network-Based Ship Resistance Prediction
Authors: Ao Yu , Li Yunbo , Gong Jiaye , Li Shaofan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In this work, we have developed a data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) solution to assist the ship hull design process. Specifically, we have developed and implemented an AI-based multiple-input neural network model to realize the real-time prediction of the total resistance of the ship hull structure while avoiding the inconsistent estimates from different types of design input parameters. It is demonstrated that the developed AI-based machine learning algorithm as a prediction tool can assist the ship hull design process by accurately providing the total resistance of ship hulls in real time. Moreover, we have conducted design tasks to validate the proposed method, and the validation results show that a well-trained artificial neural network model can avoid the problem of different sensitivities due to the different degrees of influence of the input parameters on the output parameter. The proposed AI-based data-driven solution provides a real-time hydrodynamic performance calculation, which can predict the hyperdynamic performances of ship hulls based on their geometry modification parameters. This approach gives a consistent prediction in terms of accuracy when facing different geometry modification parameters, and it in turn provides a fast and accurate AI-based method to assist ship hull design to achieve an optimum forecast accuracy in the entire design space, making an advance to artificial intelligence assist design in naval architecture engineering.
A Compact Mirror-Symmetrical XY Compliant Parallel Manipulator for Minimizing Parasitic Rotations
Authors: Zhu Jiaxiang , Hao Guangbo , Li Shiyao , Kong Xianwen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The design of XY compliant parallel manipulators (CPMs) remains challenging considering the tradeoff between mirror-symmetry for better constrained undesired rotations and a small footprint, although a significant number of XY CPMs have been reported in extensive applications. This paper presents a new XY CPM using mirror-symmetry without increasing its footprint, mainly aiming to reduce the undesired parasitic rotations of input and output motion stages. The concept of mirror-symmetry is deployed to tackle the parasitic rotations, with the help of using a multilayer compact XY CPM design method. A nonlinear and analytical model of the proposed XY CPM is derived using free body diagrams and the beam constraint model (BCM) to accurately analyze its performance characteristics over a large range of motion. The designed XY CPM is then verified by the nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) method. Finally, the proposed multilayer design is fabricated using two pieces of aluminum plate and it is mounted in a measurement system to experimentally validate several performance characteristics. The analytical, FEA, and/or experimental results show that the proposed design can sufficiently constrain undesired motions including parasitic rotation of input and output stages, cross-axis coupling error, and actuator isolation index. Compared with exiting designs, the proposed design also shows its merits in large motion range and out-of-plane stiffness.
Compliance Realization With Planar Serial Mechanisms Having Fixed Link Lengths
Authors: Huang Shuguang , Schimmels Joseph M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In this article, the synthesis of any specified planar compliance with a serial elastic mechanism having previously determined link lengths is addressed. For a general n-joint serial mechanism, easily assessed necessary conditions on joint locations for the realization of a given compliance are identified. Geometric construction-based synthesis procedures for five-joint and six-joint serial mechanisms having kinematically redundant fixed link lengths are developed. By using these procedures, a given serial manipulator can achieve a large set of different compliant behaviors by using variable stiffness actuation and by adjusting the mechanism configuration.
A Rigid Morphing Mechanism Enabled Earthworm-Like Crawling Robot
Authors: Luo Yudong , Zhao Na , Shen Yantao , Li Peng 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Inspired by natural earthworms’ locomotion mechanism, this paper investigates how the earthworm’s muscle works and presents the approach to mimic segmental muscle by employing rigid elements-based morphing structures. Specifically, the proposed earthworm-like robot employs a class of 2D rigid elements and their array to achieve programable bidirectional 3D deformation, making the formed mechanism precisely controllable and work effectively, thus facilitating the robot’s peristaltic locomotion more efficient. To comprehensively investigate the morphing structure and its formed earthworm-like robot, the kinematics, mechanics, deformation-dependent locomotion framework with its adapted model, as well as the factors that affect the optimal velocity are developed and presented. Extensive simulations and experiments on the proposed robot are performed. The results verify the effectiveness of the morphing mechanism and it enabled earthworm-like robot and the consistency between the proposed locomotion model and the practical tests. The results also prove that regardless of the condition of the contact surface, the optimal phase shift angle can be achieved when each segment approximately contracts and relaxes once in one wavelength period. Our developed prototype achieves a speed of multiple body lengths per minute, which is very competitive compared with most developed earthworm-like robots.
Numerical modeling of subduction: State of the art and future directions
Authors: Gerya Taras 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDuring the past five decades, numerical modeling of subduction, one of the most challenging and captivating geodynamic processes, remained in the core of geodynamic research. Remarkable progress has been made in terms of both in-depth understanding of different aspects of subduction dynamics and deciphering the diverse and ever-growing array of subduction zone observations. However, numerous key questions concerning subduction remain unanswered defining the frontier of modern Earth Science research. This review of the past decade comprises numerical modeling studies focused on 12 key open topics: Subduction initiationSubduction terminationSlab deformation, dynamics, and evolution in the mantle4D dynamics of subduction zonesThermal regimes and pressure-temperature (P-T) paths of subducted rocksFluid and melt processes in subduction zonesGeochemical transport, magmatism, and crustal growthTopography and landscape evolutionSubduction-induced seismicityPrecambrian subduction and plate tectonicsExtra-terrestrial subductionInfluence of plate tectonics for life evolution.Future progress will require conceptual and technical progress in subduction modeling as well as crucial inputs from other disciplines (rheology, phase petrology, seismic tomography, geochemistry, numerical theory, geomorphology, ecology, planetology, astronomy, etc.). As in the past, the multi-physics character of subduction-related processes ensures that numerical modeling will remain one of the key quantitative tools for integration of natural observations, developing and testing new hypotheses, and developing an in-depth understanding of subduction. The review concludes with summarizing key results and outlining 12 future directions in subduction and plate tectonics modeling that will target unresolved issues discussed in the review.
Data handling practices and commercial features of apps related to children: a scoping review of content analyses
Authors: Jibb Lindsay , Amoako Elsie , Heisey Melissa , Ren Lily , Grundy Quinn 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundChild interaction (including via parent proxy) with mobile apps is common, generating concern about children’s privacy and vulnerability to advertising and other commercial interests. Researchers have conducted numerous app content evaluations, but there is less attention to data sharing or commercial practices.ObjectiveThis scoping review of commercial app evaluation studies describes the nature of such evaluations, including assessments of data privacy, data security and app-based advertising.MethodsWe searched Scopus, PubMed, Embase and ACM Digital Library (2005–2020). We included studies that evaluated the properties of apps available through commercial app stores and targeted children, parents of a child (0–18 years) or expectant parents. Data extracted and synthesised were study and app user characteristics, and app privacy, data sharing, security, advertisement and in-app purchase elements.ResultsWe included 34 studies; less than half (n=15; 44.1%) evaluated data privacy and security elements and half (n=17; 50.0%) assessed app commercial features. Common issues included frequent data sharing or lax security measures, including permission requests and third-party data transmissions. In-app purchase options and advertisements were common and involved manipulative delivery methods and content that is potentially harmful to child health.ConclusionsResearch related to the data handling and the commercial features of apps that may transmit children’s data is preliminary and has not kept pace with the rapid expansion and evolution of mobile app development. Critical examinations of these app aspects are needed to elucidate risks and inform regulations aimed at protecting children’s privacy and well-being.
Return-to-play and performance after operative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture in elite male athletes: a scoping review
Authors: LaPrade Christopher M , Chona Deepak V , Cinque Mark E , Freehill Michael T , McAdams Timothy R , Abrams Geoffrey D , Sherman Seth L , Safran Marc R 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo examine the current evidence regarding return-to-play (RTP) and performance after Achilles tendon rupture in elite athletes treated with operative intervention.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPublished sources identified through a PubMed search of elite athletes, defined as professional or division one collegiate athletes in baseball, basketball, American football or soccer.MethodsOur search yielded a total of 2402 studies, with 13 studies fulfilling the study criteria of reporting elite athletes with objective measures of their athletic performance. A total of 709 elite athletes were included from the NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football and professional soccer.Results and discussionOverall, 61%–100% of elite male athletes RTP after Achilles tendon rupture and operative repair. NBA players had inferior performance compared with their preoperative status as well as controls of non-injured players. Studies did not show significantly different performance after Achilles injury for MLB players. Professional soccer, NFL and NCAA football studies reported varying performance after injury.ConclusionsEvidence suggests that sports with explosive plantarflexion demands, such as basketball, may be associated with a greater decrease in performance despite operative intervention after Achilles rupture.
Interventional treatment of biliodigestive anastomosis leaks with a modified percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage
Authors: Lopez Benitez Ruben , Breiding Philipe Sebastian , Roos Justus E , Zschokke Irin , Scheiwiller Andreas , Gass Jörn-Markus , Reyes del Castillo Tomas 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionBiliodigestive leaks are typically caused by an insufficiency at the surgical anastomosis. Biliodigestive anastomosis (BDA) insufficiencies can lead to bilomas, abscesses and vascular erosion in chronic conditions.Material and methodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of the medical and radiological records of all patients with biliodigestive insufficiency who received interventional treatment between July 2015 and February 2021. Nine patients (three with unilateral drainage and six with bilateral drainage) were treated with a modified percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD). Clinical success was considered after complete resolution of the peribiliary collections, absence of bile within the surgical drains, radiological patency of the BDA (contrast medium flowing properly through the BDA and no signs of leakage) and haemodynamic stability of the patient without signs of sepsis.ResultsClinical success was achieved in all nine patients. No patients required revision surgery to repair their BDA. The mean indwelling drainage time was 34.8±16.5 days. The mean number of interventional procedures performed per patient was 6.6±2.0.ConclusionPatients who present with BDA insufficiency may benefit from interventional radiological techniques. Our modified PTCD resolved the BDA leak in all nine cases and should be considered as a valuable option for the treatment of patients with this complication. Our technique demonstrated to be feasible and effective.
Alcohol consumption and associated risk factors in Burkina Faso: results of a population-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Samadoulougou Sékou , Cisse Kadari , Tassembedo Souleymane , Kouanda Seni , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesLifestyle modifiable risk factors are a leading preventable cause of non-communicable diseases, with alcohol consumption among the most important. Studies characterising the prevalence of alcohol consumption in low-income countries are lacking. This study describes the prevalence of different levels of alcohol consumption in Burkina Faso and its associated factors.DesignData from the 2013 Burkina Faso WHO STEPwise Approach to Surveillance survey were analysed. The prevalence of alcohol consumption over the last 30 days was recoded into categories according to WHO recommendations: low, mid or abusive alcohol consumption. Multinomial logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with the different levels of alcohol consumption.SettingPopulation-based cross-sectional survey in Burkina Faso.Participants4692 participants of both sexes aged 25–64 years were included in the study.ResultsIn the whole sample, 3559 participants (75.8% (72.5%–78.7%)) were not consuming any alcohol, 614 (12.9% (10.9%–15.3%)) had low alcohol consumption, 399 (8.5% (7.1%–10.1%)) had mid alcohol consumption and 120 (2.7% (2.0%–3.7%)) had abusive consumption. Age was associated with alcohol intake with a gradient effect and older people having a higher level of consumption (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.36, 95% CI (1.59 to 3.51) for low consumption, 2.50 (1.54 to 4.07) for mid consumption and 2.37 (1.01 to 5.92) for abusive consumption in comparison with no consumption). Tobacco consumption was also significantly associated with alcohol intake with a gradient effect, those with higher tobacco consumption being at higher risk of abusive alcohol intake (AOR: 6.08 (2.75 to 13.4) for moderate consumption and 6.58 (1.96 to 22.11) for abusive consumption).ConclusionOur data showed an important burden of alcohol consumption in Burkina Faso, which varied with age and tobacco use. To effectively reduce alcohol consumption in Burkina Faso, comprehensive control and prevention campaigns should consider these associated factors.
Evaluating the development, woman-centricity and psychometric properties of maternity patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs): A systematic review protocol
Authors: Bull Claudia , Teede Helena , Carrandi Lane , Rigney Azure , Cusack Sally , Callander Emily 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionWoman-centred care is the right of every woman receiving maternity care, irrespective of where care is being received and who is providing care. This protocol describes a planned systematic review that will identify, describe and critically appraise the psychometric properties of maternity patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). The woman-centricity of PROM and PREM development and content validation (ie, the extent to which women were involved in these processes) will also be assessed. This information will be used to develop a maternity PROMs and PREMs database to support service and system performance measurement, and value-based maternity care initiatives.Methods and analysisThis study will be guided by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guideline for systematic reviews of outcome measurement instruments. Studies identified via MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO and EMBASE describing the development, content validation and/or psychometric evaluation of PROMs and PREMs specifically designed for maternity populations throughout pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal periods will be considered if published from 2010 onward, in English, and available in full text. The COSMIN risk of bias checklist will be used to evaluate the quality of studies reporting on the development, content validation and/or psychometric evaluation of PROMs and PREMs. COSMIN criteria for good content validity will be used to assess the woman-centricity of PROM and PREM development and content validation studies. COSMIN standards of good psychometric properties will be used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the identified instruments.Ethics and disseminationEthical permission for this research is not required. The findings of this research will be submitted for publication in an international, peer-reviewed journal. Abstracts for national and international conference presentations will also be submitted. The proposed maternity PROMs and PREMs database will be freely accessible online, and developed with consumer input to ensure its usefulness to a range of maternity care stakeholders.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021288854.
Oral famotidine versus placebo in non-hospitalised patients with COVID-19: a randomised, double-blind, data-intense, phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Brennan Christina M , Nadella Sandeep , Zhao Xiang , Dima Richard J , Jordan-Martin Nicole , Demestichas Breanna R , Kleeman Sam O , Ferrer Miriam , von Gablenz Eva Carlotta , Mourikis Nicholas , Rubin Michael E , Adnani Harsha , Lee Hassal , Ha Taehoon , Prum Soma , Schleicher Cheryl B , Fox Sharon S , Ryan Michael G , Pili Christina , Goldberg Gary , Crawford James M , Goodwin Sara , Zhang Xiaoyue , Preall Jonathan B , Costa Ana S H , Conigliaro Joseph , Masci Joseph R , Yang Jie , Tuveson David A , Tracey Kevin J , Janowitz Tobias 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveWe assessed whether famotidine improved inflammation and symptomatic recovery in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19.DesignRandomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fully remote, phase 2 clinical trial (NCT04724720) enrolling symptomatic unvaccinated adult outpatients with confirmed COVID-19 between January 2021 and April 2021 from two US centres. Patients self-administered 80 mg famotidine (n=28) or placebo (n=27) orally three times a day for 14 consecutive days. Endpoints were time to (primary) or rate of (secondary) symptom resolution, and resolution of inflammation (exploratory).ResultsOf 55 patients in the intention-to-treat group (median age 35 years (IQR: 20); 35 women (64%); 18 African American (33%); 14 Hispanic (26%)), 52 (95%) completed the trial, submitting 1358 electronic symptom surveys. Time to symptom resolution was not statistically improved (p=0.4). Rate of symptom resolution was improved for patients taking famotidine (p<0.0001). Estimated 50% reduction of overall baseline symptom scores were achieved at 8.2 days (95% CI: 7 to 9.8 days) for famotidine and 11.4 days (95% CI: 10.3 to 12.6 days) for placebo treated patients. Differences were independent of patient sex, race or ethnicity. Five self-limiting adverse events occurred (famotidine, n=2 (40%); placebo, n=3 (60%)). On day 7, fewer patients on famotidine had detectable interferon alpha plasma levels (p=0.04). Plasma immunoglobulin type G levels to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid core protein were similar between both arms.ConclusionsFamotidine was safe and well tolerated in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Famotidine led to earlier resolution of symptoms and inflammation without reducing anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Additional randomised trials are required.
Effect of smoking on physical function in older adults: a Mendelian randomisation analysis
Authors: Gaggero Alessio 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSmoking is widely known to be damaging to health. It greatly increases the risk of various cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and remains the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK. The article tested the hypothesis that smoking behaviour (either smoking or non-smoking) is associated with physical function, and assessed inferred causality using genetic predisposition to smoking behaviour as an instrumental variable.Methods and findingsData were drawn from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, waves 1–9 (mean age 65.8 years). Physical function was assessed by means of the body mobility and the activity of daily living indices. Polygenic scores for smoking behaviour were used as instrumental variables in a Mendelian randomisation framework. Instrumental variable estimators were used to examine causal effects. Among UK older adults (n=29 139), impaired physical function was significantly higher in (current) smokers compared with non-smokers. Relatively to non-smokers, smokers reported a higher level of impairment both in the body mobility index (β=5.553; 95% CI 1.029 to 10.077) and in the activities of daily living index (β=1.908; 95% CI 0.196 to 3.619).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates smoking behaviour to be a potential causal risk factor for physical function during ageing in the UK population. Accordingly, the benefits of smoking cessations may extend to physical function.