bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Method for Fracture Toughness Testing Using Compliance Method for High Toughness Materials
Authors: Kim Kuk-Cheol , Jeong Jae-Suk , Lee Choo-Won , Suk Jhin-Ik , Kwak Joo-Hwan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In order to ensure the integrity of structures such as gas turbines and nuclear power plants, the materials used should have excellent toughness. Especially in the case of nuclear piping materials applied to leak before break (LBB) design, high toughness materials are used to meet the stringent fracture toughness criteria and integrity must be verified through static J–R curve testing using the compliance method, one of the measurement techniques for fracture toughness. The measured and estimated values for the crack extension length during the test should also match, within a certain tolerance. However, in the case of materials with high toughness, rotation of the specimen becomes significant, because the test is performed until the crack open displacement (COD) is relatively large to ensure sufficient crack extension. In this case, it is not easy to satisfy these conditions due to the rotational effect on the specimen. Even though ASTM E1820 suggests a method for correcting the crack length for the rotational effect on these specimens, it has been found that there are substantial differences for high toughness materials. To resolve this problem, a new crack length correction formula considering a large rotation effect is proposed. Through analysis of the data from J–R curve testing with this proposed method, it is confirmed that the accuracy of crack extension length estimation is improved compared to the existing method. The proposed method can well explain the variation of crack extension length due to rotation and is suitable as a correction equation for rotation of compact tension specimens.
Experimental Evaluation of Two-Phase Heat Transfer Coefficient Under Oscillatory Flow Conditions and Correlation Development
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Chandraker Dinesh K. , Dasgupta Arnab , Nayak Arun K. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Natural circulation boiling water reactors (NCBWRs) are prone to flow instabilities. Due to instabilities, heat transfer deteriorates. However, the extent to which the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) deteriorates is not well established. In this work, experiments are conducted under controlled flow oscillations to evaluate the impact of the time period, mean mass flux, and amplitude ratio on HTC. Existing correlations for HTC are compared with experimental results and are found to be not satisfactory. To improve the predictions of HTC, correction factors (CFs) are proposed for existing correlations. Further, an improved HTC correlation has been developed, incorporating new nondimensional numbers.
Stratified Flames in Dual Annular Counter-Rotating Swirl Burner for Wider Operability Gas Turbines
Authors: Nemitallah Medhat A. , Elzayed Mohamed S. , Alshadidi Abdulrahim , Abualkhair Mohanad , Abdelhafez Ahmed , Alzahrani F. M. , Abdul Jameel Abdul Gani 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This study investigates numerically the effects of equivalence ratio (Φ) on flow/flame interactions and emissions of stratified oxy-methane (CH4/O2/CO2) flames in a dual annular counter-rotating swirl (DACRS) burner for wider operability and environmental-friendly gas turbines. The flow mixture entering the combustor is split into two coaxial streams of different equivalence ratios. The central stream is characterized by higher Φ to continuously ignite the flame for enhanced flame stability, whereas the annular stream is a highly lean mixture to sustain the environmental performance of the combustor. The partially premixed combustion model is adopted in the ansys-fluent 2021-r1 software to model the reaction kinetics of the generated stratified flames in the two-dimensional axisymmetric domain. Nine cases of the same inlet velocity ratio (primary stream to secondary stream) of 3.0 are examined at a fixed oxygen fraction (OF: volumetric percentage of oxygen in the O2/CO2 mixture) of both streams of 30%. Flame stratification is achieved by varying the equivalence ratios of the primary (Φp = 0.9, 0.8, and 0.7) and secondary (Φs = 0.7, 0.55, and 0.4) streams. The results indicate effective flame/flow interactions, complete combustion, and reduced emissions for the DACRS stratified flames.
A Robust Control Approach for Frequency Support Capability of Grid-Tie Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Ardjoun Sid Ahmed El Mehdi , Denaï Mouloud , Chafouk Houcine 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation is growing rapidly around the world. However, unlike conventional synchronous generators, PV systems do not have any rotating masses to deliver inertia to support the grid frequency. The paper presents a detailed modeling of a new converter configuration and control scheme to enable PV systems to adjust the real power output and contribute to the grid frequency regulation. The proposed topology consists of a two-stage converter without an energy storage system. A DC–DC buck converter is used instead of a DC–DC boost converter, and this simplifies the control scheme which aims to keep the PV generator power in the right side of the P–V characteristic and can be varied in the range from near-zero to the maximum power. The proposed control scheme combines robust and nonlinear sliding mode theory with fuzzy logic. The PV system is connected to a low inertia microgrid and its ability to contribute to frequency regulation is assessed for different controls. The proposed converter and its control are validated experimentally on a 3-kW PV system using OPAL-RT real-time simulator and tested under varying temperature, solar irradiance, and partial shading conditions. The results show that with the proposed circuit, the operating point is always on the right side of the P–V characteristic irrespective of the operating mode. Furthermore, the proposed control scheme provides PV generators with a fast and effective inertial response to support the grid and enhance its stability during contingencies.
Experiences of ‘traditional’ and ‘one-stop’ MRI-based prostate cancer diagnostic pathways in England: a qualitative study with patients and GPs
Authors: Merriel Samuel William David , Archer Stephanie , Forster Alice S , Eldred-Evans David , McGrath John , Ahmed Hashim Uddin , Hamilton Willie , Walter Fiona M 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to understand and explore patient and general practitioner (GP) experiences of ‘traditional’ and ‘one-stop’ prostate cancer diagnostic pathways in England.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews, analysed using inductive thematic analysisSettingPatients were recruited from National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in London and in Devon; GPs were recruited via National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Networks. Interviews were conducted in person or via telephone.ParticipantsPatients who had undergone a MRI scan of the prostate as part of their diagnostic work-up for possible prostate cancer, and GPs who had referred at least one patient for possible prostate cancer in the preceding 12 months.Results22 patients (aged 47–80 years) and 10 GPs (6 female, aged 38–58 years) were interviewed. Patients described three key themes: cancer beliefs in relation to patient’s attitudes towards prostate cancer;communication with their GP and specialist having a significant impact on experience of the pathway and pathway experience being influenced by appointment and test burden. GP interview themes included: the challenges of dealing with imperfect information in the current pathway; managing uncertainty in identifying patients with possible prostate cancer and sharing this uncertainty with them, and other social, cultural and personal contextual influences.ConclusionsPatients and GPs reported a range of experiences and views of the current prostate cancer diagnostic pathways in England. Patients valued ‘one-stop’ pathways integrating prostate MRI and diagnostic consultations with specialists over the more traditional approach of several hospital appointments. GPs remain uncertain how best to identify patients needing referral for urgent prostate cancer testing due to the lack of accurate triage and risk assessment strategies.
Exploring the physical, psychological and social well-being of people with rheumatoid arthritis during the coronavirus pandemic: a single-centre, longitudinal, qualitative interview study in the UK
Authors: Ryan Sarah , Campbell Paul , Paskins Zoe , Hider Samantha , Manning Fay , Rule Katrina , Brooks Michael , Hassell Andrew 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, systemic condition that requires specific drug treatment to suppress disease activity and prevent joint deformity. To manage the ongoing symptoms of joint pain and fatigue patients are encouraged to engage in self-management activities. People with RA have an increased incidence of serious illness and mortality, with the potential to impact on quality of life. This study explored patients’ experiences of living with RA on physical, psychological and social well-being as well as their ability to employ self-management skills during the coronavirus pandemic.DesignQualitative, longitudinal (baseline, 16 September to 23 November 2020 and after 2–4 months, 11 January to the 17 January 2021), semistructured telephone interviews.SettingA rheumatology service based in a community hospital.Participants15 adults with RA.Main outcomesData were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsFive themes were identified that related to impact on (1) fear: the dominant emotion, (2) social connections and work practices, (3) physical health, (4) identity and (5) self-management as a coping mechanism. The overriding emotion was one of fear, which remained high throughout both interviews. The negative impact on social well-being increased as the pandemic progressed. Conversely, physical health was not affected at either time point, although participants reported difficulty in interpreting whether physical symptoms were attributable to their RA or COVID-19. Recognition of increased vulnerability led to a reassessment of self-identity; however, respondents reported using previously learnt self-management techniques to cope in the context of the pandemic.ConclusionsThe main impact was on emotional and social well-being. Levels of fear and vulnerability which affected self-identity remained high throughout the pandemic and the impact on social well-being increased over time. Physical health remained largely unaffected. Self-management skills were used to maintain a sense of well-being.
Impact of multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity on mortality among older Australians aged 45 years and over: a large population-based record linkage study
Authors: Kabir Alamgir , Tran An , Ansari Sameera , Conway Damian P , Barr Margo 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesMultimorbidity (MM, co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions) and complex multimorbidity (CMM, three or more chronic conditions affecting three or more different body systems) are used in the assessment of complex healthcare needs and their impact on health outcomes. However, little is known about the impacts of MM and CMM on mortality in Australia.DesignCommunity-based prospective cohort study.SettingNew South Wales, Australia.ParticipantsPeople aged 45 years and over who completed the baseline survey of the 45 and Up Study.MeasuresBaseline survey data from the 45 and Up Study were linked with deaths registry data. Deaths that occurred within 8 years from the baseline survey date were the study outcome. Eleven self-reported chronic conditions (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, depression/anxiety, asthma, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, thrombosis and musculoskeletal conditions) from the baseline survey were included in the MM and CMM classifications. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted 8-year mortality hazard ratios (HRs).ResultsOf 251 689 people (53% female and 54% aged ≥60 years) in the cohort, 111 084 (44.1%) were classified as having MM and 39 478 (15.7%) as having CMM. During the 8-year follow-up, there were 25 891 deaths. Cancer (34.7%) was the most prevalent chronic condition and the cardiovascular system (50.9%) was the body system most affected by a chronic condition. MM and CMM were associated with a 37% (adjusted HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.40) and a 22% (adjusted HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.25) increased risk of death, respectively. The relative impact of MM and CMM on mortality decreased as age increased.ConclusionMM and CMM were common in older Australian adults; and MM was a better predictor of all-cause mortality risk than CMM. Higher mortality risk in those aged 45–59 years indicates tailored, person-centred integrated care interventions and better access to holistic healthcare are needed for this age group.
Smoking in social housing among adults in England, 2015–2020: a nationally representative survey
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Cheeseman Hazel , Arnott Deborah , Titmarsh Robbie , Brown Jamie 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesTo analyse associations between living in social housing and smoking in England and to evaluate progress towards reducing disparities in smoking prevalence among residents of social housing compared with other housing types.DesignCross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data collected between January 2015 and February 2020.SettingEngland.Participants105 562 adults (≥16 years).Primary and secondary outcome measuresLinear and logistic regression were used to analyse associations between living in social housing (vs other housing types) and smoking status, cigarettes per day, time to first cigarette, exposure to others’ smoking, motivation to stop smoking, quit attempts and use of cessation support. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age, social grade, region and year.ResultsAdults living in social housing had two times the odds of being a smoker (ORadj=2.17, 95% CI 2.08 to 2.27), and the decline in smoking prevalence between 2015 and 2020 was less pronounced in this high-risk group (−7%; ORadj=0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.01) than among adults living in other housing types (−24%; ORadj=0.95, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.96; housing tenure–survey year interaction p=0.020). Smokers living in social housing were more addicted than those in other housing types (smoking within 30 min of waking: ORadj=1.50, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.61), but were no less motivated to stop smoking (ORadj=1.06, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.17) and had higher odds of having made a serious attempt to quit in the past year (ORadj=1.16, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.25). Among smokers who had tried to quit, those living in social housing had higher odds of using evidence-based cessation support (ORadj=1.22, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.39) but lower odds of remaining abstinent (ORadj=0.63, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.76).ConclusionsThere remain stark inequalities in smoking and quitting behaviour by housing tenure in England, with declines in prevalence stalling between 2015 and 2020 despite progress in the rest of the population. In the absence of targeted interventions to boost quitting among social housing residents, inequalities in health are likely to worsen.
Self-efficacy instruments for individuals with coronary artery disease: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Almeida Jose Alexandre Barbosa , Florêncio Rêncio Bento , Lemos Darllane Azevedo , Leite Jéssica Costa , Monteiro Karolinne Souza , Peroni Gualdi Lucien 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionSelf-efficacy is associated with management of diseases, psychological well-being, improved quality of life and rehabilitation adherence. Several instruments related to behaviour or specific disease (eg, coronary artery disease (CAD)) assess self-efficacy. The evaluation of cardiac self-efficacy in individuals with CAD will support healthcare professionals to improve self-efficacy via interventions; therefore, a suitable instrument is crucial. This systematic review aims to assess measurement properties, methodological quality and content of outcome measures of cardiac self-efficacy instruments for individuals with CAD.Methods and analysisThe study has been developed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol and Consensus Norms for Selection of Health Measuring Instruments (COSMIN). The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Studies assessing measurement properties of cardiac self-efficacy instruments for individuals with CAD will be included. No date or language restrictions will be applied to the search. Two independent authors will be responsible for assessing the eligibility of studies. Methodological quality of studies will be assessed using the COSMIN RoB Checklist, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Assessment will be used to assess the quality of each study. Two authors will independently evaluate the content of instruments and link this to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require ethics committee approval since it is based on previously published data. Evidence from this systematic review will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at scientific conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021262613.
Iterative delivery of an implementation support package to increase and sustain the routine provision of antenatal care addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy: study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster trial
Authors: Doherty Emma , Wiggers John , Nathan Nicole , Hall Alix , Wolfenden Luke , Tully Belinda , Elliott Elizabeth J , Attia John , Dunlop Adrian John , Symonds Ian , Tsang Tracey W , Reeves Penny , McFadyen Tameka , Wynne Olivia , Kingsland Melanie 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionAntenatal care addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not routinely delivered in maternity services. Although a number of implementation trials have reported significant increases in such care, the majority of women still did not receive all recommended care elements, and improvements dissipated over time. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an iteratively developed and delivered implementation support package in: (1) increasing the proportion of pregnant women who receive antenatal care addressing alcohol consumption and (2) sustaining the rate of care over time.Methods and analysisA stepped-wedge cluster trial will be conducted as a second phase of a previous trial. All public maternity services within three sectors of a local health district in Australia will receive an implementation support package that was developed based on an assessment of outcomes and learnings following the initial trial. The package will consist of evidence-based strategies to support increases in care provision (remind clinicians; facilitation; conduct educational meetings) and sustainment (develop a formal implementation blueprint; purposely re-examine the implementation; conduct ongoing training). Measurement of outcomes will occur via surveys with women who attend antenatal appointments each week. Primary outcomes will be the proportion of women who report being asked about alcohol consumption at subsequent antenatal appointments; and receiving complete care (advice and referral) relative to alcohol risk at initial and subsequent antenatal appointments. Economic and process evaluation measures will also be reported.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained through the Hunter New England (16/11/16/4.07, 16/10/19/5.15) and University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committees (H-2017-0032, H-2016-0422) and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (1236/16). Trial findings will be disseminated to health service decision makers to inform the feasibility of conducting additional cycles to further improve antenatal care addressing alcohol consumption as well as at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000295741).
How is COVID-19 changing the ways doctors make end-of-life decisions?
Authors: Chang Benjamin Kah Wai , Matthews Pia 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThis research explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways doctors make end-of-life decisions, particularly around Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR), treatment escalation and doctors’ views on the legalisation of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.MethodsThe research was conducted between May and August 2021, during which COVID-19 hospital cases were relatively low and pressures on NHS resources were near normal levels. Data were collected via online survey sent to doctors of all levels and specialties, who have worked in the NHS during the pandemic.Results231 participants completed the survey. The research found that over half of participants reported making more patients DNACPR than prepandemic, and this was due, at least in part, to an increased focus on factors including patient age, Clinical Frailty Scores and resource limitations. In addition, a sizeable minority of participants reported that they now had a higher threshold for escalating patients to ITU and a lower threshold for palliating patients, with many attributing these changes to formative experiences gained during the pandemic. Finally, our study found that there has not been a statistically significant change in the views of clinicians on the legalisation of euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide since the start of the pandemic.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic appears to have altered several aspects of end-of-life decision making, and many of these changes have remained even as COVID-19 hospital cases have declined.
Pharmacological evidence that GABA-induced relaxation of rat proximal duodenum longitudinal muscle depends on NKCC cotransporter activity and Ca2+ influx
Authors: Filho Francisco Chagas , Silva Janyerson Dannys Pereira , Petri Caio , Almendra João Santos Lima , de Sousa Ícaro Araújo , Cavalcanti Suzana Maria Galvão , Silva Bagnólia A. , Formiga Melo Margareth Fátima , Cavalcanti Paulo Marques da Silva 
Published: July 2022

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in adult central nervous system (CNS) synapses, but it excites immature CNS neurons as well as neurons in the myenteric plexus. The present work aimed to determine whether GABA-induced nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) neuronal-mediated relaxation of the rat duodenum is dependent on the activity of Na+ K+ Cl- cotransporters (NKCC) and requires calcium influx. In the presence of guanethidine (3 µmol/L), atropine (3 µmol/L), and indomethacin (1 µmol/L), relaxations induced by GABA (100 µmol/L), KCl (5–10 mmol/L) and electrical field stimulation (1–8 Hz, 2 ms, 60 V), but not those induced by bradykinin (10–100 nmol/L) were abolished by lidocaine (300 µmol/L). However, only GABA-induced relaxations were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by the NKCC1/2 inhibitors bumetanide (0.1–1 µmol/L) and furosemide (1–10 µmol/L). GABA-induced NANC neuronal relaxation was abolished by bicuculline (30 µmol/L) and inhibited by N-nitroarginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 300 µmol/L). The ω-conotoxin GVIA (1 µmol/L), which acts exclusively on neuronal CaV2 channels, but not on smooth muscle voltage-gated Ca2+ CaV1 channels, and nonselective blockers of these channels (verapamil 100 nmol/L and ruthenium red 10 µmol/L), reduced GABA-induced relaxations. These results showed that the activation of GABAA receptors induces NANC nitrergic neuronal relaxations in the rat duodenum, which depend on NKCC activity and CaV2 channel activation, suggesting that this phenomenon results from neuronal depolarization promoted by Cl− efflux through GABAA receptors, with subsequent Ca2+ influx and nitric oxide release.