bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancements in the Control Strategy for Digital Hydraulically Driven Knee Exoskeleton
Authors: Rituraj Rituraj , Scheidl Rudolf 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Compared to electromechanical drives, hydraulic drives can be a good actuation alternative for exoskeleton devices due to their advantages in terms of high force density and capabilities of energy recuperation, motion damping and locking. However, to promote a wider adoption of hydraulically driven exoskeleton devices, key challenges related to the compact lightweight design and energy efficient operation and control are needed to be addressed.
To tackle these challenges, the authors have recently developed a novel design of digital hydraulically driven knee exoskeleton. In this work, the authors address the control challenges during the operation of the knee exoskeleton over multiple gait cycles. Proper control methods for different phases of the gait cycle are adopted. Furthermore, these methods are augmented with strategies to accomplish knee motion repeatability across gait cycles. These strategies involve steps to ensure that at the beginning of every gait cycle: (a) the knee angle returns to the same position, and (b) the pressure in the hydraulic chambers return to the same levels.
These control strategies are investigated via a numerical model of the knee exoskeleton. The simulation results indicate that the device is able to repetitively track the motion of the knee over multiple gait cycles while delivering the required torque.
Improving Wheel Loader Energy Efficiency With a Series Electric Hybrid Powertrain
Authors: Lin Zichang , Wang Feng , Xu Bing 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Engine-powered wheel loaders are widely used in the construction field. However, it suffers from poor engine operation and low efficiency, showing great potential in energy saving and emission reduction. To improve the overall energy efficiency, a series electric hybrid wheel loader powertrain with decoupled main functions is proposed. The system includes a downsized engine, an electric generator, battery pack and three electric motor for drivetrain and lift/tilt hydraulic circuits. The drivetrain is electric motor driven and the lift/tilt functions are powered by electric load sensing system based on variable-speed control. Simulation study are carried out to provide an efficiency comparison between conventional and the proposed powertrain. A battery power-based energy strategy is developed for the hybrid wheel loader to check its potential on fuel saving. Results show that the electric hybrid system saves 43.6% of fuel consumption compared to conventional wheel loader. Energy efficiency comparison of subsystems and components between conventional and proposed powertrain is also presented.
In-Situ Lubrication Film Thickness Measurements in a Radial Piston Motor Using Adaptive Ultrasound Reflectometry
Authors: Hansen Elias Vagn , Rendbæk Jens , Almind Jensen Lasse , Johansen Per 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Lubrication film thickness monitoring between moving contact surfaces within industrial machinery is of great research interest because it is linked to the efficiency and rate of maintenance of the machine. Ultrasound reflectometry shows potential within this field of research, primarily because the ultrasound transducers can be conveniently implemented in operation-ready machinery. In this article, the lubrication film thickness inside an operational radial piston motor is estimated using two adaptive ultrasound reflectometry methods. A new Gaussian random walk based adaptive ultrasound reflectometry method is compared against the existing layer phase-lag method with adaptive Extended Kalman filter based calibration. It is found that the new method proposed gives less noisy and more accurate lubrication film thickness estimates, but it is more difficult to tune. It is found that both methods can detect the significant lubrication film thickness dynamics present in a radial piston motor, but they need further investigation regarding their robustness and reliability.
Supplemental Material: Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs
Authors: Schwartz T.M. , al. et 
Published: November 2022

<p>Table S1: New zircon U-Pb data for tuffs of the Amargosa Valley and Bat Mountain formations exposed on Bat Mountain in the southern Funeral Mountains, California. Table S2: New detrital zircon U-Pb data for sandstones of the Amargosa Valley and Bat Mountain formations exposed on Bat Mountain in the southern Funeral Mountains, California. </p>
Rates of choroidal loss and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thinning in type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy individuals: a 2-year prospective study
Authors: Hui Ziwen , Guo Xiao , Bulloch Gabriella , Yuan Meng , Xiong Kun , Zhang Shiran , Chen Yifan , Li Yuting , Liao Huan , Huang Wenyong , Zhu Zhuoting , Wang Wei 
Published: November 2022

AimsTo investigate longitudinal choroid and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and healthy populations across 2 years.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included T2DM patients and healthy controls. T2DM patients were divided into mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or non-DR (NDR) groups. Macular choroidal and GCIPL thickness was measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography at baseline and follow-up after 2 years. A linear-mixed effect model compared rates of change in choroidal and GCIPL thicknesses between the three groups.Results895 T2DM patients (770 in the NDR group and 125 in the NPDR group) and 847 healthy controls were included. Following 2 years, choroidal thinning occurred at a rate of −7.7±9.2 µm/year, −8.1±8.7 µm/year and −5.2±8.1 µm/year in NDR, NPDR and control groups, respectively (p<0.001). GCIPL loss occurred quickest in NPDR patients (−0.97±0.97 µm/year), followed by NDR (−0.91±0.89 µm/year) and the control group (−0.04±0.55 µm/year) (p<0.001). Following multivariate adjustment, choroidal thinning was −2.04 µm/year (95% CI: −4.05 to –0.03; p=0.047) and −1.95 µm/year (95% CI: −3.14 to –0.75; p=0.001) faster in NPDR and NDR groups than in the control group, respectively, and GCIPL thinning was −1.02 µm/year (95% CI: −1.19 to –0.84; p<0.001) and −0.88 µm/year (95% CI: −0.98 to –0.78; p<0.001) faster in the NPDR and NDR groups than in the control group, respectively.ConclusionProgressive choroidal and GCIPL thinning occurs in healthy individuals and T2DM patients; however, T2DM undergoes accelerated choroidal and GCIPL loss in NPDR patients.
The impact of informal patient navigation initiatives on patient empowerment and National Health Insurance responsiveness in Indonesia
Authors: Raharja Dinna Prapto , Hanani Retna , Joyoadisumarta Fransiscus S , Jessani Nasreen S , Mathauer Inke 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundIndonesia introduced a universal National Health Insurance (NHI) programmeJaminan Kesehatan Nasional(JKN) in 2014. However, challenges in timely consultation and access to health services resulted in the introduction of formal and informal patient navigation initiatives which facilitates access for patients. Informal patient navigation may emerge from the gaps in the services of the formal patient navigation. This study assesses how threeinformalnon-government patient navigation initiatives emerged, are organised, operate and interact with JKN authorities to enhance patient empowerment and JKN responsiveness.MethodsThis was a qualitative study comprising of document review, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and direct observations at JKN-contracted health facilities. Data was analysed deductively and inductively using Molyneuxet al’s accountability assessment framework to assess context, content, and process of the informal patient navigation initiatives.ResultsOur study found that informal patient navigation initiatives bridge a gap left by formal navigation initiatives. The navigators help spread awareness among patients of their benefits and entitlements and assist patients to communicate with health providers and authorities. However, we find limited effects on people’s ability to navigate the system themselves, on systemic change, or on JKN responsiveness.ConclusionWe may know that when access to health services is challenged then formal or informal patient navigation initiatives to facilitate access for patients may emerge. What this study adds is how informal patient navigation bridge a gap left by formal navigation initiatives, from how they are organized, operate and interact with the NHI authorities. We demonstrate that in the absence of well-functioning formal navigation initiatives, the informal initiatives may fill a critical gap. However, their efforts are time intensive and do not translate across the population. What is implied here is that more is required from JKN authorities to enhance interaction with informal patient navigation to advance systemic change toward equitable access to NHI.
Protocol for scoping review study to map out the existing research in relation to post-traumatic stress symptoms among caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Lim Jan Mei , Barlas Joanna , Kaur Divjyot 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionThe challenges of providing caregiving that impacts the caregiver have been attributed to high levels of intensity and physical strain, burden and distress. This is likely to include emotional and psychological distress as manifested in post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). As this is a new area of investigation among caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental, neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders, the extent of the literature for PTSS in these groups of caregivers is limited and unclear. This scoping review aims to map the existing research focusing on key concepts and identifying gaps in relation to PTSS among these caregivers.Methods and analysisThe scoping review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s proposed 5-stage framework. A search for published and unpublished grey literature between years 2005 to 2020 in the electronic databases of CINAHL, SCOPUS, PsychInfo, OVID PubMed and ProQuest Dissertation, and Thesis Global electronic databases was conducted using keywords to identify relevant studies. Articles will be limited to the English language. Endnote 20 software will be used to eliminate duplicates, and results will be exported into Abstrackr for the review screening process consisting of two stages: title and abstract reviews and full-text reviews. Selection process of eligible studies will follow the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A data chart will be used to capture relevant information from all included studies, and results will be presented in tabular form and in a narrative report.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review consists of reviewing and collecting data from publicly available materials and hence does not require ethics approval. The scoping review results will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. The results will also guide the design of a mixed method research study to examine the extent of trauma symptomatology and potentially traumatising experiences, and how they relate to the mental health of caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disability from different cultural backgrounds.
Geographic and socioeconomic differences in heat-related mortality among the Dutch population: a time series analysis
Authors: de Visser Mara , Kunst Anton E , Fleischmann Maria 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to examine modification in heat-related mortality in the Netherlands by sociodemographic and geographical factors including socioeconomic position and population density (PD).DesignThis observational study applied time series analysis on daily mortality counts according to mean daily temperature (°C).SettingStatistics Netherlands.ParticipantsDeath registrations in 2006, 2018 and 2019 from residents registered at the Dutch Personal Records Database, restricted to deaths in the period between April and October.Main outcome measuresAssuming a V-like relation between temperature and mortality, a segmented linear model was used to estimate the temperature effects on mortality. In order to estimate the effects of severe heat, a second model including a heat threshold of 22°C was included in the model. We stratified by sociodemographic groups, calendar year and the five main causes of death (cardiovascular, respiratory, neoplasm, psychological and nervous system, and other) and controlled for time trend and seasonality.ResultsThe effect of 1°C increase in temperature whereby the mean daily temperature exceeded 16°C was a 1.57% (95% CI 1.51% to 1.63%) increase in mortality among the total population. In temperature segments whereby the mean daily temperature exceeded 22°C, this effect was 2.84% (95% CI 2.73% to 2.93%). Low-income groups were at higher risk of heat-related mortality, compared with high-income groups. Areas with a high PD show relatively weak effects within both the warm and heat segments.ConclusionResults of this study highlight the variation in terms of heat vulnerability among the Dutch population, whereby poor living conditions specifically may increase the effect on high temperature on mortality.
Vaccination practices, knowledge and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccines among Chinese university students: a cross-sectional study from a comprehensive university in Wuhan
Authors: Hu Xinyi , Yan Dan , Liao Mengfan , Wei Songyi , Wang Jun 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveIn China, a free national COVID-19 vaccination programme has been launched in spring 2021 and is ongoing across the country. This study aimed to preliminarily understand the current COVID-19 vaccination practices and the associated knowledge/attitude factors among Chinese university students.Design and settingA single-centre cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between 1 and 20 May 2021 among a convenience sample of Chinese university students recruited from a comprehensive university in Wuhan. A total of 359 valid questionnaires were obtained.ResultsJust 1 month after the commencement of the university vaccination process, 75% of responding students had received the COVID-19 vaccination. Students without experience of COVID-19 infection were more likely to get vaccinated than those who had been infected. Most (57%) received information about COVID-19 vaccination through official announcements released by the university, and 67% were vaccinated at vaccination place arranged by the university. An interesting finding is that, although the overall vaccine uptake rate was 75%, nearly one-third of vaccinees did not know or incorrectly stated the type of COVID-19 vaccines that they had received. Mean knowledge test score was 3.05 out of 6, suggesting poor knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccinated showed more positive attitudes towards the importance of establishing herd immunity through the COVID-19 vaccination programme for pandemic control than the non-vaccinated did. ‘Effectiveness in preventing COVID-19’ was perceived by 76% respondents as the most important factor contributing to COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 76% were worried about safety-related issues, including ‘unknown long-term safety’, ‘vaccine allergy’ and ‘vaccine-caused COVID-19 infection’.ConclusionsData suggested a rapid and effective progress of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme in China among university students. Taking effective official actions, as well as enhancing the belief in vaccines’ effectiveness, might be necessary for the good implementation of COVID-19 vaccination programmes.
Nurses’ clinical practices reducing the impact of HIV-related stigmatisation in non-HIV-specialised healthcare settings: a protocol for a realist synthesis
Authors: Pelletier Jérôme , Bergeron Dave , Rouleau Geneviève , Guillaumie Laurence 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionDespite tremendous progress in care, people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to experience HIV-related stigmatisation by nurses in non-HIV-specialised healthcare settings. This has consequences for the health of PLHIV and the spread of the virus. In the province of Quebec (Canada), only four interventions aimed at reducing the impact of HIV-related stigmatisation by nurses have been implemented since the beginning of the HIV pandemic. While mentoring and persuasion could be promising strategies, expression of fears of HIV could have deleterious effects on nurses’ attitudes towards PLHIV. In literature reviews on stigma reduction interventions, the contextual elements in which these interventions have been implemented is not considered. In order to develop new interventions, we need to understand how the mechanisms (M) by which interventions (I) interact with contexts (C) produce their outcomes (O).Methods and analysisRealist synthesis (RS) was selected to formulate a programme theory that will rely on CIMO configuration to describe (1) nursing practices that may influence stigmatisation experiences by PLHIV in non-HIV-specialised healthcare settings, and (2) interventions that may promote the adoption of such practices by nurses. The RS will draw on the steps recommended by Pawson: clarify the scope of the review; search for evidence; appraise primary studies and extract data; synthesise evidence and draw conclusions. To allow an acute interpretation of the disparities between HIV-related stigmatisation experiences depending on people’s serological status, an initial version of the programme theory will be formulated from data gathered from scientific and grey literature, and then consolidated through realist interviews with various stakeholders (PLHIV, nurses, community workers and researchers).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for realist interviews will be sought following the initial programme theory design. We intend to share the final programme theory with intervention developers via scientific publications and recommendations to community organisations that counter HIV-related stigmatisation.
Level of physical activity and its associated factors among adults in southeast Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tekalegn Yohannes , Solomon Damtew , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Beressa Girma , Desta Fikreab , Tolcha Fekata , Rogers Heather L , Petrucka Pammla P , Mwanri Lillian 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveInsufficient levels of physical activity are a well-known modifiable risk factor for a number of chronic conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain malignancies. Little is known about the status of physical activity and its associated factors among adults in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of physical activity and its associated factors among adults in southeast Ethiopia.DesignAnalytical cross-sectional study.SettingCommunity setting in southeast Ethiopia.Participants641 adults aged 18–64 years.Primary outcomeLevel of physical activity assessed via the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).ResultsThe overall prevalence of insufficient physical activity in this study was 29.48% (95% CI: 25.78 to 33.18). Women were more likely to report insufficient physical activity compared with men (39.0% for women and 12.3% for men, p<0.001). Being: a women (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.99, 95% CI: 2.15 to 7.40)), overweight/obese (AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.09), ever-married (AOR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.01 to 4.47), a person with no formal education (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.56), a housewife (AOR=3.04, 95% CI: 1.75 to 5.29) and unemployed (AOR=3.30, 95% CI: 1.55 to 7.02) were significantly associated with insufficient physical activity.ConclusionThe study revealed that three in 10 adults did not achieve the recommended level of physical activity. For chronic disease prevention in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should pay special attention to strategies to improve the population’s physical activity especially among women, housewives, people with no formal education, and married, unemployed and overweight/obese adults.
New device multisegment Mechanical Thrombectomy System for endovascular treatment in acute ischaemic stroke: study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhong Hailong , Li Zhaoshuo , Zhou Tengfei , Li Tianxiao , He Yingkun 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionEndovascular treatment is the standard of care for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation. However, successful complete recanalisation is considerably difficult when the vessels are severely tortuous. At the bend, the stent retriever can distort, collapse and lose its ability to capture the clot due to structural change. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new thrombectomy device multisegment Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) System for endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).Methods and analysisThe present study is a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial conducted in 11 stroke centres in China. The safety and efficacy of vascular recanalisation in patients with AIS who will be treated with a new thrombectomy device-multi-segment MT System or with Solitare FR within 8 hours of symptom onset will be compared. A total of 238 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomised into either a treatment group or a control group by an internet-based Central Random System in a 1:1 manner, and 30 subjects will be recruited into the small sample study. SAS V.9.4 statistical software will be used for statistical analysis of the primary endpoint indicators and other indicators.Ethics and disseminationThe study involving human participants was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Drugs (devices) Clinical Experiment in Henan Provincial People’s Hospital (reference number: AF/SC-07/04.0) and other research centres participating in the clinical trial. The results yielded from this study will be presented at international conferences and sent to a peer-review journal to be considered for publication. The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials checklist was utilised when drafting the study protocol.Trial registration numberRegistry on 10 September 2021 with Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2100051048.