bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of four strategies of ram management in a semen collection centre
Authors: Arrebola Francisco , Castillejo‐Lacalle Esteban , Borjas‐Muñoz Francisco , Querino‐Santiago Francisco J. , Redondo‐Cardador Francisca C. , Abecia José‑Alfonso 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThirty Merino rams were used to determine the effect of four management systems of rams on semen quality during the anoestrous season. Animals were divided into four groups: Artificial‐Photoperiod group (AP; n = 8), which were isolated from females and exposed to artificial long days (16 hr/d) from 1 Feb to 15 Mar; Natural‐Photoperiod (NP; n = 8), isolated from females and exposed to the natural photoperiod throughout the experiment; Oestrous‐Ewe group (EE; n = 7), housed in a pen adjacent to another pen that housed three ewes in oestrus, and Anestric‐Ewe group (AE; n = 7), housed adjacent to another pen that housed three ovariectomized ewes. From 20 Mar to the end of May (10 weeks), semen samples were collected weekly, and blood samples were collected to determine plasma testosterone concentrations. Mean plasma testosterone concentrations, ejaculate volume and reaction time were not affected either by treatment or week. There was a significant effect (p < .01) of ram treatment on sperm concentration, and both TM y PM, and their interaction, were significantly affected by group and week (p < .001). Rams exposed to ewes in oestrus presented the largest sperm concentration (p < .05) compared with the other three groups, although they had the lowest total and progressive motilities (p < .01). In conclusion, management strategy in spring affects semen quality of rams, with the presence of ewes in oestrus being the best plan to increase sperm concentration.
A Computer-Aided Design-Based Tolerance Analysis of Assemblies With Form Defects and Deformations of Nonrigid Parts
Authors: Tlija M. , Korbi A. , Louhichi B. , Tahan A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Product assemblability and functional behavior are affected by geometric deviations. These deviations consist of manufacturing errors and part deformation defects caused by external loads. Taking the sources of deviations into account in tolerance analysis yields not only to more precise and reliable results but also to more complex tasks. In this context, the modeling of assembly parts with defects in a Digital MockUp (DMU) is quite promising. In this article, an integrated decision support tool is proposed to consider the causes of multiple defects, such as tolerances and external mechanical loads, in the tolerancing process. The worst-case concept and the small displacement torsor (SDT) are used to model rigid parts with orientation and positional defects. To model the part with form defects, random positions of each toleranced face points are determined using the Gaussian perturbation method (GPM) and considering the tolerance zone limits. A computer-aided design (CAD) method based on the B-spline interpolation allows the reconstruction of realistic surfaces of parts with form defects. Realistic configurations of nonrigid components subjected to external mechanical loads are determined using the finite element analysis (FEA). The realistic assembly configurations are performed by updating the mating constraints between planar and cylindrical parts. The proposed method considers all tolerance types on CAD models (positional, orientation, and form defects) and part deformations. The tolerance analysis is performed to check the compliance with the functional requirement (FR) and to correct the initial tolerance values. An industrial case study is used to validate the steps of the proposed tolerancing method.
A Reconfigurable Modular Fixture With Redundant Actuation
Authors: Lyu Shengnan , Xu Tianye , Ding Xilun , Xiao Hang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The rapid development of the automotive industry calls for large demands for fixtures with high modularity and full flexibility. A novel reconfigurable modular fixture is proposed in this article. The fixture, which provides high loading capacity, is designed based on the kinematic characteristics of dead point of linkage. The redundant actuation is introduced to increase the reliability of the mechanism. Kinematics of the loading mechanism is modeled and analyzed. The stiffness model of the mechanism is established through assembling the stiffness matrix of different links. Both kinematic parameters and structural parameters are optimized synchronously for obtaining the minimum deformations of the mechanism subject to constraints on volume and mass. The prototype of the developed fixture is designed and its comprehensive performance is analyzed. The modular design allows easier maintenance and replacement of the mechanism. The proposed design can also be utilized to other industrial applications.
Kinematics, Dynamics, and Experiments of n(3RRlS) Reconfigurable Series–Parallel Manipulators for Capturing Space Noncooperative Targets
Authors: Zhao Chong , Wang Ke , Zhao Haifeng , Guo Hongwei , Liu Rongqiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The kinematics and dynamics of n(3RRlS) reconfigurable series–parallel manipulators (RSPMs) are the theoretical foundations for capturing noncooperative targets in space. In this study, a unified kinematic and dynamic modeling method of n(3RRlS) RSPMs is proposed based on geometric constraints, the vector method, recursive and inductive methods, and the principle of recursive virtual power, and the kinematic and dynamic modeling progress has clear concepts, unified format, and fast calculation. Then, the theoretical and simulated results of the 3RRlS reconfigurable series–parallel manipulator (RPM) and 3(3RRlS) RSPM are compared verifying the correctness of the derived kinematic and dynamic models. Finally, the reconfiguration, position accuracy, and deformation measurement experiments of the two-driven-unit 3RRlS RPM and 3(3RRlS) RSPM are carried out, and the results show that the 3(3RRlS) RSPM has the advantages of high folding ratio, motion uncoupling, and stiffness improvement.
Persistent omphalomesenteric duct and urachus presenting as an umbilical hernia
Authors: Rege Sameer Ashok , Saraf Vineeth Bhargav , Jadhav Mahesh 
Published: April 2022

Vitellointestinal duct anomalies, although one of the most frequent malformations to be found (2%–3% in population), they are most unlikely to cause symptoms. A persistent Vitellointestinal duct can induce abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, intestinal haemorrhage and umbilical sinus, fistula or hernia which commonly occurs in children. Patent vitellointestinal duct or persistent omphalomesenteric duct is a very unusual congenital anomaly which occurs in 2% of the population related to the embryonic yolk stalk. Similarly, urachal anomalies remain a rare finding, with the most common being a cyst or sinus followed by patent urachus and rarely a urachal diverticulum. Presenting symptoms include periumbilical discharge, pain and a palpable mass.Here, we report a case of an adult patient with patent vitellointestinal duct and urachus identified intraoperatively on diagnostic laparoscopy when being operated for umbilical hernia repair.
Barriers to uptake of referral eye care services among the elderly in residential care: the Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES)
Authors: Marmamula Srinivas , Kumbham Thirupathi Reddy , Modepalli Satya Brahmanandam , Chakrabarti Subhabrata , Keeffe Jill Elizabeth 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundTo report on the barriers to uptake of eye care services after referral in the elderly in ‘homes for the aged’ in Hyderabad, India.MethodsIndividuals aged ≥60 years were recruited from 41 ‘homes for the aged’ and were examined in the ‘make-shift’ clinics in homes. All participants who had vision impairment or needed further eye examination other than spectacles were referred to the higher centres for ‘free services’. Three months after the referral, the participants were interviewed and asked about the uptake of services, and their reasons for not attending.ResultsIn all, 731/1182 (61.8%) participants were referred of which 375 (49.9%) attended. In multiple logistic regression, participants aged ≥80 years were less likely to utilise the services (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.03). Similarly, the participants living in free homes (OR 3.53; 95% CI 2.15 to 5.79) and subsidised homes (OR 2.24: 95% CI 1.55 to 3.23) and those independently mobile had higher odds for uptake of services (OR 5.74; 95% CI 3.31 to 10.51). The major reasons for not availing the referral services were ‘lack of felt need’ reported by 136 (45.4%) participants followed by other health issues in 100 (33.4%) participants and non-consenting family members in 49 (16.4%) participants. In all, 14 (4.7%) participants gave other reasons.ConclusionsThe uptake of eye care services in the elderly in residential care remains poor despite the provision of services for free. Lack of felt need for services is the main reason for non-compliance to the referral for care. Counselling on the benefit of interventions could potentially improve referral compliance in this population.
FAST-IT:FindA SimpleTest —InTIA (transient ischaemic attack): a prospective cohort study to develop a multivariable prediction model for diagnosis of TIA through proteomic discovery and candidate lipid mass spectrometry, neuroimaging and machine learning—study protocol
Authors: Milton Austin G , Lau Stephan , Kremer Karlea L , Rao Sushma R , Mas Emilie , Snel Marten F , Trim Paul J , Sharma Deeksha , Edwards Suzanne , Jenkinson Mark , Kleinig Timothy , Noschka Erik , Hamilton-Bruce Monica Anne , Koblar Simon A 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionTransient ischaemic attack (TIA) may be a warning sign of stroke and difficult to differentiate from minor stroke and TIA-mimics. Urgent evaluation and diagnosis is important as treating TIA early can prevent subsequent strokes. Recent improvements in mass spectrometer technology allow quantification of hundreds of plasma proteins and lipids, yielding large datasets that would benefit from different approaches including machine learning. Using plasma protein, lipid and radiological biomarkers, our study will develop predictive algorithms to distinguish TIA from minor stroke (positive control) and TIA-mimics (negative control). Analysis including machine learning employs more sophisticated modelling, allowing non-linear interactions, adapting to datasets and enabling development of multiple specialised test-panels for identification and differentiation.Methods and analysisPatients attending the Emergency Department, Stroke Ward or TIA Clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital with TIA, minor stroke or TIA-like symptoms will be recruited consecutively by staff-alert for this prospective cohort study. Advanced neuroimaging will be performed for each participant, with images assessed independently by up to three expert neurologists. Venous blood samples will be collected within 48 hours of symptom onset. Plasma proteomic and lipid analysis will use advanced mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis will be performed using MS software. Output files will be analysed for relative biomarker quantitative differences between the three groups. Differences will be assessed by linear regression, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, χ2test or Fisher’s exact test. Machine learning methods will also be applied including deep learning using neural networks.Ethics and disseminationPatients will provide written informed consent to participate in this grant-funded study. The Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee approved this study (HREC/18/CALHN/384; R20180618). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conferences; data will be managed according to our Data Management Plan (DMP2020-00062).
How the reduction of working hours could influence health outcomes: a systematic review of published studies
Authors: Voglino Gianluca , Savatteri Armando , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Catozzi Dario , Rousset Stefano , Boietti Edoardo , Bert Fabrizio , Siliquini Roberta 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesThe health effects of work-time arrangements have been largely studied for long working hours, whereas a lack of knowledge remains regarding the potential health impact of reduced work-time interventions. Therefore, we conducted this review in order to assess the relationships between work-time reduction and health outcomes.DesignSystematic review of published studies. Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched from January 2000 up to November 2019.OutcomesThe primary outcome was the impact of reduced working time with retained salary on health effects, interventional and observational studies providing a quantitative analysis of any health-related outcome were included. Studies with qualitative research methods were excluded.ResultsA total of 3876 published articles were identified and 7 studies were selected for the final analysis, all with a longitudinal interventional design. The sample size ranged from 63 participants to 580 workers, mostly from healthcare settings. Two studies assessed a work-time reduction to 6 hours per day; two studies evaluated a weekly work-time reduction of 25%; two studies evaluated simultaneously a reduced weekly work-time reduction proportionally to the amount of time worked and a 2.5 hours of physical activity programme per week instead of work time; one study assessed a reduced weekly work-time reduction from 39 to 30 hours per week. A positive relationship between reduced working hours and working life quality, sleep and stress was observed. It is unclear whether work time reduction determined an improvement in general health outcomes, such as self-perceived health and well-being.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the reduction of working hours with retained salary could be an effective workplace intervention for the improvement of employees’ well-being, especially regarding stress and sleep. Further studies in different contexts are needed to better evaluate the impact of work-time reduction on other health outcomes.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of surgery versus casting for elderly patients withDisplaced intra-Articular type C distalRadius fractures: protocol of a randomised controlledTrial with economic evaluation (the DART study)
Authors: ter Meulen D P , Mulders M A M , Kruiswijk A A , Kret E J , Slichter M E , van Dongen J M , Kerkhoffs G M M J , Goslings J C , Kleinlugtenbelt Y V , Willigenburg N W , Schep N W L , Poolman R W 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionCurrent literature is inconclusive about the optimal treatment of elderly patients with displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures. Cast treatment is less invasive and less expensive than surgical treatment. Nevertheless, surgery is often the preferred treatment for this common type of distal radius fracture. Patients with a non-acceptable position after closed reduction are more likely to benefit from surgery than patients with an acceptable position after closed reduction. Therefore, this study aims to assess non-inferiority of functional outcomes after casting versus surgery in elderly patients with a non-acceptable position following a distal radius fracture.Methods and analysisThis study is a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a non-inferiority design and an economic evaluation alongside. The population consists of patients aged 65 years and older with a displaced intra-articular distal radius fracture with non-acceptable radiological characteristics following either inadequate reduction or redisplacement after adequate reduction. Patients will be randomised between surgical treatment (open reduction and internal fixation) and non-operative treatment (closed reduction followed by cast treatment). We will use two age strata (65–75 and >75 years of age) and a web-based mixed block randomisation. A total of 154 patients will be enrolled and evaluated with the patient-rated wrist evaluation as the primary outcome at 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, quality of life (measured by the EQ-5D), wrist range of motion, grip strength and adverse events. In addition, we will perform a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from a societal and healthcare perspective. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves will be presented.Ethics and disseminationThe Research and Ethics Committee approved this RCT (NL56858.100.16). The results of this study will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal. We will present the results of this study at (inter)national conferences and disseminate the results through guideline committees.Trial registration numberClinicaltrials.gov (NCT03009890). Dutch Trial Registry (NTR6365).
Role of religious beliefs on antiretroviral treatment adherence among Pentecostal Christians in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Azia Ivo , Mukumbang Ferdinand C , Shernaaz Carelse , Nyembezi Anam 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionSub-Saharan Africa continues to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. As such, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa are implementing the UNAIDS’ recommendation to test and treat people living with HIV (PLHIV) irrespective of their CD4 count. However, most of the antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes, in this region, continue to struggle with poor adherence to treatment stemming from patient-related factors including their religious beliefs. Unfortunately, the role of religious beliefs on ART adherence has been underexplored in the literature. In this study protocol, we propose the steps of a scoping review to explore, identify and map the literature on the impact of religious beliefs on adherence to ART among Pentecostals living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods and analysisWe will use Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology guidelines to conduct this scoping review. The following databases will be searched for relevant literature: Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Psych-ARTICLES, Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index of Nursing, Allied Health, Google Scholar and published articles from conference proceedings. Studies published between January 2010 and February 2022 will be eligible. The identified literature will be independently screened for eligibility by two reviewers based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. An Excel form will be designed to electronically capture data from studies that meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, we will use a narrative synthesis to summarise the data extracted to report on the nature of existing evidence and the impact of religious beliefs on ART adherence.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be required for the scoping review since it will entail synthesising information from already published articles and conference proceedings. The study findings will be disseminated through publication in a scientific journal and presented at conferences and workshops aimed at improving adherence to ART in PLHIV.
Patient and provider’s perspective on barriers and facilitators for medication adherence among adult patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus in India: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Rajaa Sathish , Rehman Tanveer , Thulasingam Mahalakshmi 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the various stakeholders’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators for medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM)in India.DesignSystematic review of qualitative studies.Data sourcesA comprehensive systematic search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Google Scholar from January 2010 to July 2020. We included all qualitative peer-reviewed studies, reporting barriers and facilitators of medication adherence, from India, for our current review.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction was performed by two independent authors who also assessed the quality of included studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria. This qualitative evidence synthesis adhered to the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research checklistResultsIn total, 18 studies were included. Major barriers reported were lack of understanding about the disease, complications related to non-adherence, followed by forgetfulness, lack of family support and risk communication. Health system-related barriers such as accessibility, affordability and acceptability were also reported by majority of the studies. Creation of peer support groups, digital reminder systems, integration of native Indian systems of India, physiotherapy and geriatric clinics at the primary healthcare level and innovations in patient care were suggested to counter these barriers in medication adherence.ConclusionSuch patient-specific targeted interventions need to be developed to achieve better control among patients with CVD and DM.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020199529.
Association of self-reported snoring and hyperuricaemia: a large cross-sectional study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Ting , Ding Xianbin , Tang Wenge , Chen Liling , Mao Deqiang , Song Lingling , Lian Xuemei 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between self-reported snoring and hyperuricaemia in a large-scale population in Chongqing, China.SettingFace-to-face electronic questionnaire survey, physical examination and biological sample testing were conducted in 13 districts of Chongqing. Chongqing is a municipality in southwest China.ParticipantsIn this study, 23 308 Han ethnicity permanent residents aged 30–79 years were recruited. Individuals missing data were excluded, 22 389 subjects were included in final analysis.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSerum uric acid (UA) was measured using an oxidase method. Hyperuricaemia was defined as serum UA >420 µmol/L in men and >360 µmol/L in women. Information about self-reported snoring was obtained by questionnaire survey. All participants were divided into ‘no snoring’ ‘snoring occasionally’ and ‘snoring frequently’. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between self-reported snoring and hyperuricaemia.ResultsThe prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 14.43%, and snorers were more likely to have hyperuricaemia than non-snorer in different age and gender groups. For the total population, those who snore occasionally or frequently were more likely to be hyperuricaemia (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.31; OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.47) compared with no snoring people. Stratification by age, gender and body mass index (BMI), we found that the positive association between snoring frequently and hyperuricaemia was insisted in different age, gender and high BMI groups, and the strength of association varied with different age, gender and BMI category.ConclusionSnoring frequency was positively associated with higher risk of hyperuricaemia. Snoring frequently may be a signal for hyperuricaemia, especially for women, those over 59 years of age, or those who are overweight or obese.