bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient and Compact Freeform Optics Design for Customized LED Lighting
Authors: Wei Shili , Zhu Zhengbo , Ma Donglin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Adoption of LED lighting products have many advantages such as energy conservation and environmental protection. But the luminescent characteristics of LEDs cannot provide satisfactory lighting solutions to meet the requirements of today’s sophisticated applications. Freeform optics constitutes a new technique for regulating the energy output of LEDs into a customized form. However, many freeform optical elements are designed to be bulky since the point-like sources assumption. The designs that consider the spatial extents of LEDs usually have poorly controlled light patterns or low efficiencies. Here, we propose a very robust design method based on spatially variant convolution for 4D light field tailoring, which enables high-performing freeform illumination optics with small sizes. The proposed method is holistic that is suitable for various kinds of design requirements with no limitations of far-field approximation and Lambertian luminescent property. Several design examples including fabricated lenses and experimental tests are presented. The results realize compact, low-cost, and highly efficient freeform optics with customized lighting solutions. We believe that the proposed work can promote the research on enhancing the emission quality of LEDs and generating artificial light for application-specific lighting systems.
Prevalence and risk factors of postoperative venous thromboembolism in Cushing’s disease and establishment of a risk assessment model
Authors: Liu Dan , Liu Wenjuan , He Min , Miao Qing , Ji Lijin , chen Lili , Yu Yifei , Ma Zengyi , Shou Xuefei , Zhang Shuo , Wang Yutao , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhaoyun , Zhao Yao , Li Yiming , Wang Yongfei , Ye Hongying 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Cushing’s disease (CD) is about ten times higher than that in general population, which tends to be underestimated due to the missed detection of asymptomatic VTE events. VTE can occur at any stage of CD, mainly during the postoperative period. We aim to investigate the incidence and prothrombotic risk factors of postoperative VTE in CD patients and to further develop an assessment model to identify those at high risk of postoperative VTE events. Methods: We performed a retrospective study in 82 CD patients by evaluating their clinical, hormonal, and coagulation parameters, as well as ultrasonography and pulmonary angio-CT when necessary. Results: Nineteen patients (23.2%) developed VTE events, of which 14 developed VTE after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS). The group of CD patients with postoperative VTE were elder (p<0.001), had more infection (p<0.05) and reduced mobility (p<0.05), higher HbA1c, and more severe impairment of glucose tolerance than those without. By using stepwise regression analysis, we obtained 4 independent risk factors for postoperative VTE: age, 2-h insulin in OGTT, current infection, and postoperative bedtime. Then a VTE risk assessment nomogram model was established to predict the patients at high risk of VTE. In this nomogram model, 70 patients (85.7%) were classified correctly, and area under the curve was 0.899 (95%CI, 0.787-0.999). Conclusion: Advanced perioperative assessment needs to be taken to screen those with high VTE risks in CD patients. Moreover, physical movement and antithrombotic prophylaxis seems to be warranted during perioperative period.
Effect of COVID-19 on treatment of paediatric febrile illnesses among registered private drug sellers in East-Central Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Bagonza Arthur , Etajak Samuel , Musoke David , Kabatangare Patience , Wamani Henry 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundPrivate drug sellers play a critical role in treating children with malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea which remain the leading causes of mortality in children less than five years in many low-and middle-income countries. The onset of COVID-19 led to intermittent lockdowns resulting in curtailed movement of people including for access of health services. This study qualitatively assessed the effect of COVID-19 on treatment of pediatric febrile illnesses among registered private drug sellers in East-Central Uganda.MethodsFour key informant interviews (KIIs) were held with drug inspectors and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with registered drug sellers at the end of the second lock down period following a nationwide reduction in COVID-19 cases. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were imported into Atlas.ti 7 software for management and thematic analysis.ResultsFour major themes arose from the study. These were; Treatment practices, Logistics, Living standards and collaboration between government and private sector. Accessing drugs used for treating children with febrile illnesses was difficult because of the lock down which restricted movement of people. As such, community members were not able to work resulting in poverty. This led to procuring incomplete doses for sick children from drug sellers hence inappropriate treatment. The curtailed movement also increased the cost of procuring drugs making them unaffordable by caregivers with febrile children. This in turn led to reduced income translating into reduced standards of living for drug sellers. Noteworthy, government and the private sector need to collaborate in order to make paediatric drugs easily accessible to the private drug sellers in future pandemics. This will lead to desired pediatric health outcomes.ConclusionCOVID-19 hampered the appropriate treatment of children because the instituted lock downs caused restricted movement hence a shortage of drugs and rampant poverty among community members. The hiked cost of procuring drugs for febrile children lowered the living standards of many drug sellers. It is important that in future, synergy be created between government and private health providers in order to benefit from the economies of scale.
Research Ready Grant Program (RRGP) Protocol: A model for collaborative multidisciplinary practice-research partnerships
Authors: Flenady Tracy , Dwyer Trudy , Kahl Julie , Sobolewska Agnieszka , Reid-Searl Kerry , Signal Tania 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Little attention has been given to the process of implementing or evaluating a structured academic–clinician (University-Health Service) research capacity building model within healthcare settings. We have developed a model for collaborative multidisciplinary practice-research partnerships called Research Ready Grant Program (RRGP). The RRGP is informed by Cooke (1)’s Research Capacity Building (RCB) framework and principles. The aim of the study outlined in this protocol is to conduct a process and outcome evaluation of the program. We will explore how the RRGP structured mentor model contributes to research capacity building (RCB) of clinician-led multidisciplinary research teams. We will identify key factors at the organization, team, and individual levels that affect research capacity of health professionals working in one regional health service district. This protocol describes the RRGP design and outlines the methods we will employ to evaluate a research capacity building program called Research Ready Grant Program (RRGP), delivered in a regional health service in AustraliaMethods: The study will adopt an exploratory concurrent mixed-methods approach designed to evaluate the process of implementing a RCB model across one regional hospital and health service. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods over a 12-month period will be implemented. Data triangulation will be applied to capture the complex issues associated with implementing collaborative multidisciplinary practice-research partnerships.Discussion: The RRGP is an innovative research capacity building model for clinicians in their workplace. It is expected that the program will facilitate a culture of collaborative multidisciplinary research and strengthen hospital-university partnerships.
Evaluating Feasibility and Acceptance of a Mobile Clinical Decision Support System in Botswana
Authors: Ndlovu Kagiso , Stein Nate , Gaopelo Ruth , Annechino Mike , Molwantwa Mmoloki , Monkge Mosadikhumo , Forrestel Amy , Williams Victoria L 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The health workforce in Botswana consists mainly of medical officers and primary care nurses working in remote areas with limited training and insufficient reference materials to support diagnosis and management of diseases in dermatology and other subspecialties. This suggests a need for clinical decision support tools for these healthcare providers. VisualDx, a well-established mobile clinical decision support system, offers a promising solution with documented benefits. However, implementation of eHealth systems is commonly associated with challenges. To inform sustainable implementation of VisualDx in Botswana, it is important to evaluate intended users’ perceptions of the technology. This study aims to determine healthcare workers acceptance of VisualDx to gauge feasibility of future adoption in Botswana and other similar healthcare systems.
Methods
The study's design was informed by constructs of the technology acceptance model. A convergent mixed methods feasibility study involving surveys and semi-structured interviews was conducted. The Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform supported online data capture from March 2021 through August 2021. Twenty eight healthcare workers across Botswana participated in the study and their usage data was tracked over time. Descriptive statistics were generated and analyzed using Excel and REDCap. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was performed using Delve.
Results
All initial survey participants (n = 28) expressed interest in using mHealth technology to support their daily work. Prior to VisualDx access, participants referenced textbooks, journal articles, and Google search engines among others. Overall, participants' survey responses showed their confidence in the VisualDx platform (94.7%); however, some barriers were noted. Frequently used features included generating a differential diagnosis through manual entry of patient symptoms (48.5%) or using the artificial intelligence feature (22.0%). Seventeen (60.7%) participated in virtual interview sessions at different times and ultimately 4 themes (governance, infrastructure, human resource capacity development and usability) were derived.
Conclusions
Participants' responses indicated acceptance of the VisualDx platform. The ability to access information quickly without internet connection is crucial in resource constrained environments. Select enhancements to VisualDx may further increase the feasibility of a national roll-out in Botswana, improving acceptance and successful adoption of the platform by general practitioners needing decision support for dermatology and other subspecialties.
Infection of the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii with the entomopathogenic bacteria Chromobacterium sp. Burkina (C.sp_B) highly reduces larval survival and adult reproductive potentials
Authors: Gnambani Edounou Jacques , Bilgo Etienne , Dabiré Roch K. , Gaston Adrien Marie , Diabaté Abdoulaye 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundAdditional vector control tools are urgently needed to control malaria transmission in Africa. A native strain of Chromobacterium sp. from Burkina Faso (C.sp_B) was recently characterized. In bioassays, this bacterium showed a promising virulence and against adult mosquitoes and reduces their blood feeding propensity and fecundity. The current study aimed to assess entomopathogenic effects of C.sp_B on larval stages of mosquitoes, its impacts on infected mosquitoes reproductive capacity and their offsprings.MethodsThree different types of bioassays were performed in laboratory. The first bioassay aimed to evaluate the impact of C.sp_B infection on mosquito larvae survival using different bacterial concentrations. The second bioassay wanted to access the effect of C.sp_B infection on female insemination rates. The third bioassay investigated the impact of a non-lethal exposure of C.sp_B to parent mosquitoes on the body size of its offsprings. During bioassays mosquitoes were infected through the well-established systems of larvicidal procedure and through cotton ball soaked with 6% glucose containing. ResultsBurkina Faso native strain of Chromobacterium sp (C.sp_B). killed larvae of the pyrethroid resistant Anopheles coluzzii with LT80 of ~0.60 ± 0.03 days at 108 CFU/ml at larval breeding trays. Interestingly, this bacterium had important effects on mosquito reproductive success by reducing the insemination rate of uninfected females from 95 ±1.99 % to 21 ±3.76 % for the infected females. Moreover, C.sp_B considerably reduced the wing size of offspring from infected parents compared to uninfected parents. Within females, the wing size was 2104.157 ± 20.89 mm and 2547.569 ± 17.08 mm for offspring from C.sp_B. infected females and uninfected females respectively. For males the size of wings were respectively, 1991.059 ± 14.98 mm and 2436.220 ± 13.52 mm for offspring from C.sp_B infected males and uninfected males respectivelyConclusionThis study showed that the Burkina Faso Chromobacterium sp strain (C.sp_B) was highly virulent against larvae of insecticide-resistant An. coluzzii, and reduced both mosquito reproduction capacity and offspring fitness. However, additional lab, field, safety and social acceptance studies are needed to withdraw more conclusions about the practical utility of this promising bacterial strain for malaria vector control.
Short-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament tibial insertion avulsion fractures treated with a single tunnel using a double-strand suture anchor under arthroscopy: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Guo Dan , Hu Hansheng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial insertion avulsion fractures cause instability of the knee joint, and minimally invasive techniques are the first choice for treating this type of intra-articular injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of a minimally invasive technique which treated ACL tibial insertion avulsion fractures under arthroscopy by a single tunnel with a double-strand suture anchor.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on 29 patients with ACL tibial insertion avulsion fractures treated with this minimally invasive technique from January 2014 to June 2018. All patients were followed up for 12 months. X-ray were taken intermittently to determine fracture reduction and healing. During the follow-up period, CT and MRI were performed to evaluate reduction and healing. The Lachman test and ADT were performed by the same doctor to determine knee joint stability. The IKDC subjective score were used to evaluate postoperative knee function recovery
Results
All patients healed well without infection、fracture nonunion and instability. The preoperative IKDC subjective score was 51.24 ± 3.16; the IKDC subjective score at the last follow-up was 92.93 ± 2.59 (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Within the limitations of this study, a single tunnel with a double-strand suture anchor under arthroscopy for the treatment of ACL tibial insertion avulsion fracture was a simple procedure. The procedure caused minimal trauma,had firm fixation, ensured quick recovery and provided satisfactory clinical results.
Mesophilic-thermophilic temperature-phased microbial aerobic biodegradation of food waste: feasibility study for rapid in-situ disposal strategy
Authors: Ke Xia , Ying Jiamin , Li Yixin , Yu Huan , Sun Jiacheng , Xue Yaping , Zheng Yuguo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Effective treatment of food waste (FW) is inherently difficult due to heterogeneous composition, high moisture content, and low heating value. Herein, a feasible FW disposal system via microbial biodegradation from vessel to pilot scale was developed. Facilitated by a novel microbial consortium of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, and Aspergillus niger, the total solid removal was improved by 3.4-folds (46.6%) compared with negative control. To couple with bacterial growth and biodegradation related enzyme activity and reduce the electrical energy consumption, a mesophilic-thermophilic temperature-phased aerobic digestion processing was performed in a 40 L self-designed biodegradation tank via daily fed-batch mode, and up to 62.88% of protein, 62.22% of starch and 37.75% of waste oil was respectively decomposed, achieving a total mass reduction of 82.15%. Characterization of the final by-product confirmed its potential to be recycled into resources as organic fertilizers or biosolid fuel. The proposed microbial consortium agent and decentralized mass reduction strategy presented in this study offers practical and environmental approaches for FW management in urban areas.
Seismic Analysis and Experimental Validation for the Column-supported Concrete Group Silos Structure
Authors: xu qikeng , Ding Yonggang , Chen Jia , Liu Qiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
At present, codes of practice rely on the single-silo seismic calculation to assess the seismic performance of the column-supported concrete group silos structure (CSCGSS). It is unreasonable proved by the work given in this paper. To more accurately calculate the earthquake action of a CSCGSS, the dynamic model of the overall structure considering the effect of dynamical coupling between different single silo in group silos is established for the first time. More in detail, based on linear elastic theory and multiple-degrees of freedom system motion, the model is used to analyze the base shear of CSCGSS with different storage mass conditions. Moreover, the computational model and the finite model are validated as reasonable through a shaking table test. Finally, the traditional vibration displacement superposition method for the single silo is updated to calculate the seismic action of the CSCGSS by defining the base shear force distribution coefficient to reflect the dynamical coupling effect in group silos. The results show that the frequency of CSCGSS decreases with the increasing quality of the stored material. Compared with the independent single silo, the base shear of group silos is uniformly distributed to different single silos under earthquake, but its value is not a simple superposition composed of the single silo. The base shear distribution coefficient acquired in the case of the empty, half, and full condition is tabulated and so a simplified calculation method is provided for engineers with a simple and accurate tool to estimate the seismic capacity of CSCGSS.
Effect of Pre-operative Carbohydrate Loading in Femur Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chaudhary Narendra Kumar , Sunuwar Dev Ram , Sharma Rachit , Karki Mandeep , Timilsena Mukti Nath , Gurung Anita , Badgami Sunil , Singh Devendra Raj , Karki Prabesh , Bhandari Kailash Kumar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundFemur fracture exhibits a major clinical burden among the elderly people, leading patients to be bedridden for a long time in the hospital. The body is more likely to be in a catabolic state as a result of the prolonged fasting period required for surgery, prominent to an increase in insulin resistance. Pre-operative carbohydrate loading has been shown to improve postoperative outcomes in several countries, however no studies on this topic have yet been reported in Nepal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pre-operative carbohydrate loading in femur fracture surgery.MethodsThis study was a hospital-based, open-label, two-armed, randomized controlled trial. A total of 66 participants were included in this study and assigned to control group (n = 33) and study group (n = 33). Participants aged 50 years and above were recruited randomly through computer-generated random number between August 2020 and November 2021. Those who underwent femur fracture surgery were enrolled in this study. The pre-operative nutritional status was identified and the post-operative outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Cumulative Ambulatory Score (CAS), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score system. Statistical analysis were performed using the Chi-square test and independent t-test to compare between the outcomes between two groups.ResultsAll the participants completed the study. The effect of carbohydrate loading showed a significant reduction in the post-operative pain in the study group than that of the control group (4.1 ± 1.8 versus 6.1 ± 2.1, p = 0.010) and higher functional mobility (8.1 ± 2.6 versus 6.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.033). The hospital stay in the study group was also shorter than in the control group (6.7 ± 2.4 versus 8.8 ± 4.5, p = 0.024).ConclusionsThe uptake of carbohydrate loading showed reduced post-operative pain, enhanced functional mobility, and decreased length of hospital stay. This study warrants a revision of current guidelines, which shed more light on the necessity of the provision of pre-operative carbohydrate loading in a clinical setting.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04838366. Registered 9 April, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04838366
How Has Urban Community Led Total Sanitation (U-CLTS) Affected Open Defecation in Urban Communities in the Tamale Metropolis
Authors: mumin alhassan abdul 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of Urban Community-Led Total Sanitation (U-CLTS) on open defecation in Tamale Metropolis. The objectives of the study were to assess frequency and reasons for open defecation and to assess the factors that influence the implementation of community-led total sanitation in the Tamale Metropolis. The study obtained data from 398 landlords and interviewed some officers of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), some Opinion Leaders and Landlords. The study used structural equation model to determine the factors that influence implementation of U-CLTS at each stage. T-test was also used to determine the effect of U-CLTS programme on open defecation. Interview responses were also transcribed to complement the inferential analysis. The findings indicated that reasons for frequent open defecation before CLTS include poor maintenance of public and private latrines, financial hardship and social norms problems. The study also found that CLTS has significantly reduced open defecation in the Tamale Metropolis. Policy environment, community participation and implementation quality significantly affected effective implementation of U-CLTS. The study recommends that CLTS should be scaled-up in other communities where open defection is rampant.