bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Machine Learning Model for Elastohydrodynamic Pressure Prediction in Journal Bearings
Authors: Hess Nathan , Shang Lizhi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This paper presents a machine learning neural network capable of approximating pressure as the distributive result of elastohydrodynamic (EHD) effects for a journal bearing at steady state. Design of efficient, reliable fluid power pumps and motors requires accurate models of lubricating interfaces; however, many state-of-the-art simulation models are structured around numerical solutions to the Reynolds equation which involve nested iterative loops, leading to long simulation durations and limiting the ability to use such models in optimization studies. This study presents a machine learning model capable of approximating the pressure solution of the Reynolds equation for a journal bearing with given distributive geometric boundary conditions and considering cavitation and elastic deformation at steady-state operating conditions. A 1024-sample training set was generated using an in-house multiphysics simulator. A hyperparameter optimization study was conducted, leading to the six-layer U-Net convolutional neural network architecture proposed. After training, the neural network accurately predicted pressure distributions for test samples with different geometric inputs from the training data, and accurately estimated resultant journal bearing loads, showing the feasibility of post-processing the machine learning output for integration into other fluid power models. Additionally, the neural network showed promise in analyzing geometric inputs outside the space of the training data, approximating the pressure in a grooved journal bearing with reasonable accuracy. These results demonstrate the potential of a machine learning model to be integrated into fluid power pump and motor simulations for faster performance evaluation and optimization.
Denavit-Hartenberg Notation-Based Kinematic Constraint Equations for Forward Kinematics of the 3–6 Stewart Platform
Authors: Shim Seongbo , Lee Seongpung , Joo Subin , Seo Joonho 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This paper presents a new forward kinematic approach for the 3–6 Stewart platform. In the 3–6 Stewart platform, the position and orientation of the moving platform can be determined through kinematic constraint equations that indicate the possible trajectories of the three joints on the platform from the base coordinates. In most previous studies, the constraint equations were obtained through vector equations, which involve many complicated steps and multiple variables. Based on Denavit–Hartenberg (D-H) notation, the proposed approach allows a constraint equation representation with only four parameters. In addition, to implement the forward kinematics with the fewest possible D-H parameters, the 3–6 Stewart platform is reconfigured into three virtual revolute joints sharing base coordinates. Consequently, the constraint equations can be intuitively derived, and the computation process becomes more concise. The feasibility of the proposed approach is verified through an iterative numerical analysis and a simulation comparison with the general inverse kinematics.
Effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and waning of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe covid-19 during predominant circulation of the delta variant in Italy: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fabiani Massimo , Puopolo Maria , Morciano Cristina , Spuri Matteo , Spila Alegiani Stefania , Filia Antonietta , D’Ancona Fortunato , Del Manso Martina , Riccardo Flavia , Tallon Marco , Proietti Valeria , Sacco Chiara , Massari Marco , Da Cas Roberto , Mateo-Urdiales Alberto , Siddu Andrea , Battilomo Serena , Bella Antonino , Palamara Anna Teresa , Popoli Patrizia , Brusaferro Silvio , Rezza Giovanni , Menniti Ippolito Francesca , Pezzotti Patrizio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe covid-19 at different time after vaccination.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingItaly, 27 December 2020 to 7 November 2021.Participants33 250 344 people aged ≥16 years who received a first dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) or mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine and did not have a previous diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Main outcome measuresSARS-CoV-2 infection and severe covid-19 (admission to hospital or death). Data were divided by weekly time intervals after vaccination. Incidence rate ratios at different time intervals were estimated by multilevel negative binomial models with robust variance estimator. Sex, age group, brand of vaccine, priority risk category, and regional weekly incidence in the general population were included as covariates. Geographic region was included as a random effect. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness was calculated as (1−IRR)×100, where IRR=incidence rate ratio, with the time interval 0-14 days after the first dose of vaccine as the reference.ResultsDuring the epidemic phase when the delta variant was the predominant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly decreased (P<0.001) from 82% (95% confidence interval 80% to 84%) at 3-4 weeks after the second dose of vaccine to 33% (27% to 39%) at 27-30 weeks after the second dose. In the same time intervals, vaccine effectiveness against severe covid-19 also decreased (P<0.001), although to a lesser extent, from 96% (95% to 97%) to 80% (76% to 83%). High risk people (vaccine effectiveness −6%, −28% to 12%), those aged ≥80 years (11%, −15% to 31%), and those aged 60-79 years (2%, −11% to 14%) did not seem to be protected against infection at 27-30 weeks after the second dose of vaccine.ConclusionsThe results support the vaccination campaigns targeting high risk people, those aged ≥60 years, and healthcare workers to receive a booster dose of vaccine six months after the primary vaccination cycle. The results also suggest that timing the booster dose earlier than six months after the primary vaccination cycle and extending the offer of the booster dose to the wider eligible population might be warranted.
Determinants of neonatal mortality among preterm births in Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a case–cohort study
Authors: Aynalem Yared Asmare , Mekonen Hussien , Getaneh Kenean , Yirga Tadesse , Chanie Ermias Sisay , Bayih Wubet Alebachew , Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundPreterm neonatal death is a global burden in both developed and developing countries. In Ethiopia, it is the first and fourth cause of newborn and under-5 deaths, respectively. From 2015 to present, the government of Ethiopia showed its effort to improve the survival of neonates, mainly preterm births, through the inclusion of high-impact life-saving neonatal interventions. Despite these efforts, the cause of preterm neonatal death is still not reduced as expected. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of preterm neonatal mortality.MethodsAn institution-based retrospective case–cohort study was conducted among a cohort of preterm neonates who were born between March 2013 and February 2018. A total of 170 cases were considered when the neonates died during the retrospective follow-up period, which was confirmed by reviewing a medical death certificate. Controls were 404 randomly selected charts of neonates who survived the neonatal period. Data were collected from patient charts using a data extraction tool, entered using EpiData V.3.1 and analysed using STATA V.14. Finally, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, and goodness of fit of the final model was tested using the likelihood ratio test. Statistical significance was declared at a p value of ≤0.05.ResultsIn this study, the overall incidence rate of mortality was 39.1 (95% CI: 33.6 to 45.4) per 1000 neonate-days. Maternal diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.3 (95% CI: 1.4 to 3.6)), neonatal sepsis (AOR: 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4)), respiratory distress (AOR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.3)), extreme prematurity (AOR: 2.9 (95% CI: 1.61 to 5.11)), low Apgar score (AOR: 3.1 (95% CI: 1.79 to 5.05)) and premature rupture of membranes (AOR: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.8 to 3.5)) were found to be predictors.ConclusionIn this study, the overall incidence was found to be high. Premature rupture of membranes, maternal diabetes mellitus, sepsis, respiratory distress, extreme prematurity and low Apgar score were found to be predictors of neonatal mortality. Therefore, it should be better to give special attention to patients with significantly associated factors.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of an energy management programme for adults on maintenance haemodialysis: the fatigue-HD study
Authors: Farragher Janine F , Ravani Pietro , Manns Braden , Elliott Meghan , Thomas Chandra , Donald Maoliosa , Verdin Nancy , Hemmelgarn Brenda R 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundIdentifying interventions to reduce fatigue and improve life participation are top research priorities of people on maintenance haemodialysis.ObjectiveOur primary objective was to explore the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of an energy management programme for people on maintenance haemodialysis.DesignParallel-arm, 1:1, blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial.ParticipantsParticipants were recruited from 6 dialysis units in Calgary, Canada. Eligible patients were on maintenance haemodialysis, clinically stable and reported disabling fatigue on the Fatigue Severity Scale items 5, 7, 8 and 9.RandomisationParticipants were randomised using a computer-generated random number sequence according to permuted blocked randomisation, stratified by dialysis unit.BlindingParticipants were blinded to treatment allocation.InterventionsParticipants received an attention control (general disease self-management education) or the Personal Energy Planning (PEP) programme, a tailored, web-supported 7–9 weeks energy management programme.OutcomesEligibility, recruitment and attrition rates were recorded, and standardised intervention effects (Hedge’s G) were calculated for fatigue and life participation questionnaires at one1-week postintervention and 12-week postintervention.Results159 of 253 screened patients were eligible to be approached. 42 (26%) had fatigue, were interested and consented to participate, of whom 30 met eligibility criteria and were randomised (mean age 62.4 years (±14.7), 60% male). 22 enrolled participants (73%) completed all study procedures. Medium-sized intervention effects were observed on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)-Performance Scale, Global Life Participation Scale and Global Life Participation Satisfaction Scale at 1-week postintervention follow-up, compared with control. At 12-week follow-up, large and very large intervention effects were observed on the COPM-Performance Scale and COPM-Satisfaction Scale, respectively.ConclusionIt is feasible to enrol and follow patients on haemodialysis in a randomised controlled trial of an energy management intervention. As the intervention was associated with improved life participation on some measures, a larger trial is justified.
Non-specialist palliative care - question prompt list preparation: patient, family and clinician experiences
Authors: Verhoef Mary-Joanne , de Nijs Ellen , Sweep Boudewijn , Warmerdam-Vergroesen Desirée , Horeweg Nanda , Pieterse Arwen , van der Steen Jenny , van der Linden Yvette 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesQuestion prompt lists (QPLs) support patients and family to ask questions they consider important during conversations with clinicians. We aimed to evaluate how a QPL developed for specialist palliative care is used during consultations and is perceived by patients and family, and how non-specialist clinicians would use the QPL. We further developed the QPL using these perspectives.MethodsThe QPL is part of a conversation guide on palliative care. Patients and family were asked to select topics and questions before consultation with a palliative care consultant. This qualitative study (2016–2018) included 18 interviews with patients and family who had used the QPL, 17 interviews with non-specialist clinicians and 32 audiotaped consultations with palliative care consultants. The data were analysed thematically and iteratively to adjust the QPL accordingly.ResultsAll participants considered the QPL elaborate, but recommended keeping all content. Patients and family found that it helps to structure thoughts, ask questions and regain a sense of control. They also felt the QPL could support them in gathering information. Although it could evoke strong emotions, their real challenge was being in the palliative phase. Clinicians considered the QPL especially helpful as an overview of possible discussion topics. During audiotaped consultations, topics other than those selected were also addressed.ConclusionBy using the QPL, patients and family felt empowered to express their information needs. Its use may not be as unsettling as clinicians assume. Nevertheless, clinicians who hand out the QPL should introduce the QPL properly to optimise its use.
EUS versus MRCP to perform ERCP in patients with intermediate likelihood of choledocholithiasis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jagtap Nitin , Kumar J Kiran , Chavan Radhika , Basha Jahangeer , Tandan Manu , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Kalapala Rakesh , Nabi Zaheer , Gupta Rajesh , Ramchandani Mohan , Talukdar Rupjyoti , Reddy Manohar , Yarlagadda Raghavendra , Singh Jagadish , Memon Sana Fatima , Venkat Rao G , Reddy D Nageshwar 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveIn patients with an intermediate likelihood of choledocholithiasis, European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines recommend endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to diagnose choledocholithiasis to make the indication for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) treatment; there is no randomised control trial to compare both in this setting.DesignPatients with suspected choledocholithiasis satisfying ESGE guideline’s intermediate likelihood were screened for this single-centre randomised controlled trial between November 2019 and May 2020. The enrolled patients were randomised to either EUS or MRCP. ERCP was performed in stone positive cases or if clinical suspicion persisted during follow-up. Negative cases underwent a further 6-month clinical follow-up. Main outcome was accuracy (sensitivity/specificity) of both tests to diagnose choledocholithiasis, with ERCP or follow-up as a gold standard.ResultsOf 266 patients, 224 patients (mean age: 46.77±14.57 years; 50.9 % female) were enrolled; overall prevalence of choledocholithiasis was 49.6%, with a higher frequency in the MRCP group (63/112 vs 46/112 for EUS). Both sensitivity of EUS and MRCP were similarly high (92%–98%), without significant differences between the two groups. The negative predictive value and likelihood ratio + were significantly higher in EUS arm (p<0.05). The percentage of ERCPs either incorrectly halted back (false negatives: EUS: 2 vs MRCP: 5) or performed unnecessarily (false positives: EUS: 1 vs MRCP: 2) was low in both groups.ConclusionThe performance parameters of both EUS and MRCP are comparable for detecting choledocholithiasis in the intermediate-risk group of choledocholithiasis and the choice of a test should be based on local expertise, availability of resources and patient preference.Trial registration numberNCT04173624.
COVID-19 vaccines: a look at the ethics of the clinical research involving children
Authors: Cabiedes-Miragaya Laura , Galende-Domínguez Inés 
Published: February 2022

Currently, millions of minors are being inoculated against SARS-CoV-2 in many countries in the world. Ethical concerns about clinical research involving children have barely been addressed in the literature, despite the fact that the paediatric population is particularly vulnerable within this context. Children should be included in the research plans for COVID-19 vaccines. Nevertheless, it is necessary to critically assess to what extent clinical trials are being conducted according to methodological and ethical criteria that allow us to conclude that the results are valid and, in consequence, how far the vaccination plans for children are scientifically justified.The principal aim of this article is to analyse critically the process of clinical research on COVID-19 vaccines involving children, highlighting the ethical concerns that arise, including the need to stratify the results from older adolescents separately for analysis before proceeding, if further research is warranted, in descending age order. The development of COVID-19 vaccines is examined, with a special look at the participation of children throughout their clinical development, including a review of the clinical trials registered in three international databases. We also offer some additional considerations about the inclusion of minors in vaccination plans. Finally, we conclude with some recommendations, with particular emphasis on the following ethical duties: research in children should be carried out only once the relevant research in adults has previously been conducted; issues that concern children’s needs and rights should be specifically addressed; and, therefore, the highest standards of ethical and scientific quality should be met.
A novel approach for directly incorporating disease into fish stock assessment: a case study with seroprevalence data
Authors: Trochta John T. , Groner Maya L. , Hershberger Paul K. , Branch Trevor A. 
Published: February 2022

When estimating mortality from disease with fish population models, common disease surveillance data such as infection prevalence are not always informative, especially for fast-acting diseases that may go unobserved in infrequently sampled populations. In these cases, seroprevalence — the proportion of fish with measurable antibody levels in their blood — may be more informative. In cases of life-long immunity, seroprevalence data require less frequent sampling intervals than infection prevalence data and can reflect the cumulative exposure history of fish. We simulation tested the usefulness of seroprevalence data in an age-structured fish stock assessment model using viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) in Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) as a case study. We developed a novel epidemiological model to simulate population dynamics and seroprevalence data and fitted to these data in an integrated catch-at-age model with equations that estimate age- and time-varying mortality from disease. We found that simulated seroprevalence data can provide accurate estimates of infection history and disease-associated mortality. Importantly, even models that misspecified nonstationary processes in background or disease-associated mortality, but included seroprevalence data, accurately estimated annual infection and population abundance.
A CT-Derived Measurement of Sarcopenia Fails to Predict Falls
Authors: Dalal Setu , Tucker Scarlett , Zielonka Tania , Kinney JacqueLyn , Magdich Andrew , Parr David , Parulekar Manisha , Blatt Melissa , Hawkins Samuel , Kuo Yen-Hong , Cohn Stephen M. 
Published: February 2022

Sarcopenia and frailty have both emerged as risk factors for elderly falls. We investigated whether radiologic sarcopenia or frailty are associated with falls in a high-risk geriatric outpatient population. We reviewed 114 patients followed at the Center for Healthy Senior Living who had undergone a computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis for any reason from 2013 to 2019. Sarcopenia was determined by psoas muscle cross-sectional area at L3 on CT scan. Their individual frailty score was calculated. The primary outcome was admission to hospital for falls. There were no statistical differences in frailty score or sarcopenia between the 2 groups (left/right psoas muscle: no hospital admission = 6.8 ± 2.4/6.4 ± 2.5 vs falls requiring hospital admission 6.5 ± 2.3/6.5 ± 2.3 cm2). We concluded that neither frailty score nor sarcopenia predicted the occurrence of falls in our high-risk geriatric outpatient population.
The Use of an Incentive to Improve Breastfeeding Outcomes: The Effectiveness of Offering a Free Family YMCA Membership to Increase Support Group Participation
Authors: Miller Lisa Russell 
Published: February 2022

Background: Suboptimal breastfeeding can result in negative health consequences for mother and infant and economic consequences for families and communities. Breastfeeding outcomes improve when multifaceted interventions spanning the perinatal period are implemented. Incentives to increase participation in effective, existing community-based breastfeeding support programs have the potential to create behavioral change and improve breastfeeding outcomes but results to date are inconclusive. Research Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of offering a Young Men’s Christian Association membership as an incentive to increase attendance at an existing breastfeeding support program to improve breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. Method: This was a two-group, quasi-experimental study using demographic information and pre- and post-intervention participant surveys. Attendance at a breastfeeding support program was incentivized with an offer of a free family Young Men’s Christian Association membership. Surveys and demographic information were used to compare attendance, maternal interest, and perceived significant other and family support for attendance with a non-incentivized control group in an adjacent city. Results: The groups differed demographically and socioeconomically. Significantly more at-risk participants both attended the incentivized group and perceived support from their families to attend. There was a significant increase in the incentivized group’s attendance: 62% ( n = 26) of participants in the incentivized group attended three or more times compared to 36% ( n = 50) of participants in the control group ( p = .03). Both groups exceeded national breastfeeding averages for exclusive breastfeeding at six months. Conclusion: Offering an incentive increased breastfeeding support group attendance by participants at risk for suboptimal breastfeeding and improved their breastfeeding outcomes, thus closing the breastfeeding disparity gap in this population.
Measuring Demand and Supply Shocks From COVID-19: An Industry-Level Analysis for India
Authors: Patnaik Anuradha 
Published: February 2022

The present article attempts to decompose the COVID-19-induced shock to output and inflation of the Indian economy at the aggregate and disaggregate levels into demand and supply shocks for the period March 2020 to June 2020, using a structural Bayesian VAR model following Baumeister and Hamilton (2015, 2019). The results of the empirical analysis reveal that while the negative supply shocks dominate at the aggregate and disaggregate levels, their magnitude varies across industries. Demand shocks to output were positive in some industries like the manufacture of food products (10), textiles (13), chemicals and chemical products (20), and electrical equipment (27), but were outweighed by the negative supply shocks. In response to the COVID-19 shock the government announced the three pronged Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (ABA), which is a blend of demand management, supply management and structural policies. It not only promises to address the short-term distress caused to the industries due to the COVID-19 shock but also attempts to make them self-reliant and resilient to such shocks in future. JEL Classification: E10, C32, C40, E30