bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIEs five years on
Authors: Cockersell Peter
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider evidence for the effectiveness of the psychologically informed environments (PIEs) approach to working with homeless people in the five years since the national guidance was published.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reviewed the intended outcomes of the original guidance and then looked at a range of data from evaluations of current PIE services in UK and Ireland.

Findings

The findings were that the PIE approach is effective in meeting the outcomes suggested by the original guidance; in reducing social exclusion and improving the mental health of homeless people; and in improving staff morale and interactions.

Research limitations/implications

This is a practice-based evidence. There needs to be more practice-based evidence gathered, and it would be useful if there were some standardised measures, as long as these did not limit the richness of the data which suggests that PIEs have a wide, not narrow, impact.

Practical implications

The implications are that homelessness services should use the PIE approach, and that they should be supported by clinically trained psychotherapists or psychologists; and that wider mental health services should look at the PIE approach in terms of working effectively with socially excluded people with complex needs/mental health problems.

Social implications

PIEs are an effective way of working with socially excluded people with mental health problems/complex needs, enabling the reduction of social exclusion among this very excluded client group.

Originality/value

This is the first review of evidence, much of it so far unpublished, for the effectiveness of PIEs, despite the fact that this approach has been increasingly adopted by both providers and commissioners in the homelessness sector.
Rethinking Urban Epidemiology: Natures, Networks and Materialities
Authors: Wolf Meike
Published: November 2016

How should we understand the relationship between urban environments and infectious diseases? This article addresses this question from three particular perspectives: that of the materialities of health, that of nature and that of networks. The first perspective analytically blends biological dynamics, environmental influence and social practice. The second perspective, mainly influenced by multispecies ethnographies, foregrounds the liveliness and unboundedness of cities. Finally, the third perspective analyses how health is drawn into the domain of security. The article argues that while globalization and urbanization are often discussed as having triggered the emergence and spread of pathogens, urban epidemics are not self‐evident and ‘natural' consequences of these pro‐cesses. They do not fall neatly into universal categories of space, modernity or risk; rather, they are produced and shaped by a range of social, political, biological and economic sites and scales. Accordingly, the emergence of pathogens depends on its articulation through specific analytical frameworks. This article suggests that a critical focus on how infectious diseases manifest themselves differently in different local contexts may not only provide insights into the manifold forms of urban life, but also into the multiple, complex and highly political constitution of health.
Antioxidative Effects of a Glucose‐Cysteine Maillard Reaction Product on the Oxidative Stability of a Structured Lipid in a Complex Food Emulsion
Authors: Sproston Molly J. , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: November 2016

A glucose‐cysteine Maillard reaction product (MRP) was produced and its antioxidant effects on lipid oxidation were determined for a structured‐lipid enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids in a complex emulsion. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities (TEAC) were determined for MRP heating intervals of 2, 4, and 6 h and were compared to α‐tocopherol (TOC), MRP with TOC (TOC‐MRP), and TOC with ascorbyl palmitate (TOC‐AP). Emulsions were produced with total antioxidant additions of 0.02% of the oil, and lipid oxidation was monitored by peroxide and p‐anisidine values over 56 d. Positive correlations between browning and heating time as well as TEAC were observed. Total TEAC values for the MRP at 6 h, TOC, TOC with the MRP at 6 h, and TOC‐AP were 2.51, 3.87, 2.68, and 2.76 mg trolox eq/g, respectively. Oxidation results indicated a possible antioxidant effect for the MRP at 6 h on secondary oxidation for days 14 to 28. These results suggest that the MRP at 6 h could be useful in inhibiting secondary oxidation in complex emulsions.
Interhospital transfer delays emergency abdominal surgery and prolongs stay
Authors: Limmer Alexandra M. , Edye Michael B.
Published: November 2016

Background

Interhospital transfer of patients requiring emergency surgery is common practice. It has the potential to delay surgical intervention, increase rate of complications and thus length of hospital stay.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of adult patients who underwent emergency surgery for abdominal pain at a large metropolitan hospital in New South Wales (Hospital A) in 2013. The impact of interhospital transfer on time to surgical intervention, post‐operative length of stay and overall length of stay was assessed.

Results

Of the 910 adult patients who underwent emergency surgery for abdominal pain at Hospital A in 2013, 31.9% (n = 290) were transferred by road ambulance from a local district hospital (Hospital B). The leading surgical procedures performed were appendicectomy (n = 299, 32.9%), cholecystectomy (n = 174, 19.1%), gastrointestinal endoscopy (n = 95, 10.4%), cystoscopy (n = 86, 9.5%), hernia repair (n = 45, 4.9%), salpingectomy (n = 19, 2.1%) and oversewing of perforated peptic ulcer (n = 13, 1.4%). Overall, interhospital transfer (n = 290, 31.9%) was associated with increases in mean time to surgical intervention (14.2 h, P < 0.001), post‐operative length of stay (1.1 days, P = 0.001) and overall length of stay (1.6 days, P < 0.001). Delayed surgical intervention was observed across all procedure types except surgery for perforated peptic ulcer, where transferred patients underwent surgery within a comparable timeframe to direct admissions.

Conclusion

Interhospital transfer delays surgical intervention and increases length of hospital stay. This mandates attention due to the implications for patient outcomes and added burden to the healthcare system. The system did, however, show capability to appropriately expedite surgery for acutely life‐threatening cases.
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY: EAST VS. WEST GERMANY
Authors: Peichl Andreas , Ungerer Martin
Published: November 2016

The case of German reunification has been subject to extensive research on earnings inequality and labour market integration. However, little is known about the development of equality of opportunity (EOp) in East and West Germany after 1990. Using German micro data, we empirically analyse how circumstances beyond the sphere of individual control relate to inequality in East and West Germany. Our results show that EOp is larger in East than in West Germany. However, despite increasing income inequality, EOp remained surprisingly constant.
Trade costs, quality and the skill premium
Authors: Bekkers Eddy , Francois Joseph , Manchin Miriam
Published: November 2016

We develop a monopolistic competition model with non‐homothetic factor input bundles where increasing quality requires increasing use of skilled workers. As a result more skill abundant countries export higher quality, higher priced goods. Using a multi‐country dataset, we test and confirm the findings in Schott of a positive effect of skill abundance on unit values identified with US data. We extend the core model with per unit trade costs leading to the Washington apples effect that goods shipped over larger distance are of higher quality. The combination of high‐quality goods being relatively skill intensive with the Washington apples effect implies that countries at a larger distance from their trading partners display a higher skill premium. Simulating our model, we find that a doubling of distance of a country relative to all its trading partners raises the skill premium in a country by about 1.6%.
Vagal Regulation in Breastfeeding Infants and Their Mothers
Authors: Quigley Kelsey M. , Moore Ginger A. , Propper Cathi B. , Goldman Barbara D. , Cox Martha J.
Published: November 2016

Consistent with the gustatory–vagal hypothesis, vagal stimulation during breastfeeding may contribute to infants' physiological regulatory development independent of caregiving effects. This study examined whether breastfeeding predicted 6‐month‐old infants' (N = 151) and their mothers' vagal regulation during the face‐to‐face still‐face (FFSF). Although breastfed and nonbreastfed infants showed expected vagal withdrawal during the Still‐Face episode, only breastfed infants showed continued withdrawal during the reunion episode, suggesting greater physiological mobilization to repair the interaction. Breastfeeding mothers showed higher vagal tone than nonbreastfeeding mothers at baseline, suggesting greater capacity for regulation, and throughout the FFSF, suggesting calmer states. Breastfeeding effects were independent of maternal sensitivity. Findings suggest that infants' and mothers' physiological regulation may be shaped by breastfeeding independently of associated social factors.
DO INSTITUTIONS MITIGATE THE RISK OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONFLICTS?
Authors: O'Reilly Colin , Murphy Ryan H.
Published: November 2016

The resource curse, as manifested by an increased likelihood of conflict over rents, can be mitigated by institutions. Lei and Michaels find that discoveries of “giant” oil fields increase the likelihood of violent conflict, but they find no evidence that democratic institutions mitigate this risk. We test whether institutions mitigate the resource curse by reducing the risk of natural resource conflicts. Our results indicate that high quality economic institutions reduce the likelihood of territorial (separatist) conflicts following natural resource rent windfalls. Highly autocratic and highly democratic institutions also reduce the likelihood of territorial conflict after natural resource rent windfalls. (JEL Q34, O13, P48, D74)
DOES ATHLETIC SUCCESS INFLUENCE PERSISTENCE AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS? NEW EVIDENCE USING PANEL DATA
Authors: Hickman Daniel C. , Meyer Andrew G.
Published: November 2016

This study examines the relationship between athletic success and student persistence toward a degree. We build an updated panel of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institutions and utilize within‐institution variation to identify the effects of athletic success. Using a ranking of all institutions, we find that having more successful men's basketball and football teams has a significant positive effect on first‐year retention rates. We also find some evidence that improved basketball rankings increase graduation rates, and that success in the NCAA tournament may have a sizable impact on retention. Although the estimated effects are generally modest in scale, we find rather limited evidence of other institutional factors affecting persistence, suggesting that athletics can be one avenue for institutions of higher education to engage and retain students. (JEL I23, Z20, L83)
Vertical Integration and Firm Productivity
Authors: Li Hongyi , Lu Yi , Tao Zhigang
Published: November 2016

This paper uses three cross‐industry datasets from China and other developing countries to study the effect of vertical integration on firm productivity. Our findings suggest that vertical integration has a negative impact on productivity, in contrast to recent studies based on U.S. firms. We argue that in settings with poor corporate governance, vertical integration reduces firm productivity because it enables inefficient rent‐seeking by insiders.
Comparison of Frailty Measures as Predictors of Outcomes After Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Cooper Zara , Rogers Selwyn O. , Ngo Long , Guess Jamey , Schmitt Eva , Jones Richard N. , Ayres Douglas K. , Walston Jeremy D. , Gill Thomas M. , Gleason Lauren J. , Inouye Sharon K. , Marcantonio Edward R.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To apply the Frailty Phenotype (FP) and Frailty Index (FI) before major elective orthopedic surgery to categorize frailty status and assess associations with postoperative outcomes.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Two tertiary hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts.

Participants

Individuals aged 70 and older undergoing scheduled orthopedic surgery enrolled in the Successful Aging after Elective Surgery (SAGES) Study (N = 415).

Measurements

Preoperative evaluation included assessment of frailty using the FP and FI. The weighted kappa statistic was used to determine concordance between the two frailty measures and multivariable modeling to determine associations between each measure and postoperative complications, postoperative length of stay (LOS) of longer than 5 days, discharge to postacute institutional care (PAC), and 300 day readmission.

Results

Frailty was highly prevalent (FP, 35%; FI, 41%). There was moderate concordance between the FP and FI (κ = 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.49). When using the FP, being prefrail predicted greater risk of complications (relative risk (RR) = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.1) and discharge to PAC (RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2–2.9) than being robust, and being frail predicted more complications (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1–2.1), LOS longer than 5 days (RR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.1–8.8), and discharge to PAC (RR = 2.3 95% CI = 1.4–3.7). When using FI, being prefrail predicted LOS longer than 5 days (RR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.0–4.8) and discharge to PAC (RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.4–2.1), as did being frail (RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5; RR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4–6.8, respectively). The other outcomes were not significantly associated with frailty status.

Conclusion

FP and FI predict postoperative outcomes after major elective orthopedic surgery and should be considered for preoperative risk stratification.
Preserving Self: Medication‐Taking Practices and Preferences of Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Vandermause Roxanne , Neumiller Joshua J. , Gates Brian J. , David Prabu , Altman Molly , Healey Daniel J. , Benson Patricia , Sunwold Duane , Burton Gail , Tuttle Katherine R. , Corbett Cynthia F.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To examine the experiences of older adults with multiple chronic medical conditions when a new medication was added to their existing multiple medication regimen.

Design

A multimethod qualitative design was used. Thirty adults 60 years of age with (a) at least three chronic medical diagnoses, (b) at least five medications at baseline, and (c) a new medication prescription were enrolled in a prospective study of 30 days duration, participating from their homes.

Methods

In‐depth hermeneutic interviews (2 per 15 participants) and self‐assessment diaries recorded on electronic tablets (daily per 30 participants) were completed. Transcribed interviews and self‐recorded survey data were analyzed using hermeneutical analysis and ecological momentary assessment and content analysis, respectively.

Findings

Common reasons participants did not take medications as prescribed included tolerability, transportation, access to medications, and forgetting. The overarching pattern, “preserving self,” was supported by two patterns that subsumed several themes: (a) engaging the powerful hold of my illness, and (b) engaging providers in visioning health.

Conclusions

A deeper understanding of the impact of receiving a new prescription and of managing medication reveals the challenges patients experience in preserving a sense of self. Healthcare providers of all disciplines should understand the meaning of medication prescribing and medication taking to ameliorate medication‐taking difficulties.

Clinical Relevance

The provider–patient relationship is often cited as an area that needs to be addressed in healthcare practice. Our study emphasized the patients’ voices and their profound needs around medication management. The emphasis on preservation of self is an important finding that focalizes the concern.
Acceptance and Impact of Point‐of‐Use Water Filtration Systems in Rural Guatemala
Authors: Larson Kim L. , Hansen Corrie , Ritz Michala , Carreño Diego
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Infants and children in developing countries bear the burden of diarrheal disease. Diarrheal disease is linked to unsafe drinking water and can result in serious long‐term consequences, such as impaired immune function and brain growth. There is evidence that point‐of‐use water filtration systems reduce the prevalence of diarrhea in developing countries. In the summer of 2014, following community forums and interactive workshops, water filters were distributed to 71 households in a rural Maya community in Guatemala. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the uptake of tabletop water filtration systems to reduce diarrheal diseases.

Design

A descriptive correlational study was used that employed community partnership and empowerment strategies. One year postintervention, in the summer of 2015, a bilingual, interdisciplinary research team conducted a house‐to‐house survey with families who received water filters.

Methods

Survey data were gathered from the head of household on family demographics, current family health, water filter usage, and type of flooring in the home. Interviews were conducted in Spanish and in partnership with a village leader. Each family received a food package of household staples for their participation. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all responses. Fisher's exact test and odds ratios were used to determine relationships between variables.

Findings

Seventy‐nine percent (n = 56) of the 71 households that received a water filter in 2014 participated in the study. The majority of families (71.4%; n = 40) were using the water filters and 16 families (28.6%) had broken water filters. Of the families with working water filters, 15% reported diarrhea, while 31% of families with a broken water filter reported diarrhea. Only 55.4% of the homes had concrete flooring. More households with dirt flooring and broken water filters reported a current case of diarrhea. A record review of attendees at an outreach clinic in this village noted a decrease in intestinal infections from 2014 (53%) to 2015 (32%).

Conclusions

A trend suggests that water filter usage was both practically and clinically significant in reducing the incidence of diarrheal disease in this sample. Some homes did not have flat surfaces for water filter storage. Housing conditions should be taken into consideration for future diarrheal disease prevention initiatives.

Clinical Relevance

Point‐of‐use water filters using a community–university partnership can reduce diarrheal disease in rural regions of Guatemala.
R&D INTENSITY AND THE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE: A META‐REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Authors: Belz Thomas , von Hagen Dominik , Steffens Christian
Published: November 2016

We apply meta‐regression techniques to provide a quantitative review of the empirical literature on how research and development (R&D) expenses affect the effective tax rate (ETR). R&D expenses relate to a well‐accepted profit shifting channel, strategic placement of intellectual property within a multinational entity. Using a unique hand‐collected data set, we add a new perspective to the current base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) state of research and debate, in three ways: First, observing that primary studies report mixed evidence on how R&D expenses affect ETR, we provide a consensus estimate for this effect. Second, we consider this effect in more detail by separating a tax accounting effect and a profit shifting effect, which to our knowledge has not yet been investigated. We detect that one‐third of the R&D effect on the ETR is due to the tax accounting effect and could be mitigated via book‐tax conformity. We further find that 10% of the profit shifting effect can be traced back to R&D tax credits. Third, our meta‐regression reveals factors that are possible sources of variation and bias in previous empirical studies.
Executive function and neural activation in adults with β‐thalassemia major: an event‐related potentials study
Authors: Raz Sivan , Koren Ariel , Dan Orrie , Levin Carina
Published: November 2016

In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the involvement of the nervous system and neurological complications in β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM). Several reports have demonstrated β‐TM–related neurological abnormalities, and these have been postulated to be responsible for impaired cognitive and neuropsychological functioning. We investigated neural correlates of cognitive function in adults with β‐TM and healthy controls using scalp‐recorded event‐related potentials (ERPs). To date, there have been no ERP studies in β‐TM adult patients. We identified ERP correlates of executive function by using a complex task‐switching paradigm in which participants have to quickly and effectively switch between two different task sets. The results indicated poorer cognitive performance of β‐TM patients, resulting in overall higher error rates, longer response times, and increased switch costs compared with controls. Hemoglobin levels were negatively correlated with error rates and response times. Electrophysiological results indicated significant alterations in peak amplitudes of the ERP components P1, N1, and P2 in β‐TM patients relative to controls. P2 amplitude correlated with hemoglobin levels. This novel investigation of executive function and related brain mechanisms and dynamics in adults with β‐TM underscores the usefulness of ERP methodology as a sensitive measure for the study of neurocognitive processes in β‐TM.
Short‐Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Mentalization‐Based Techniques in Major Depressive Disorder patients: Relationship among alexithymia, reflective functioning, and outcome variables – A Pilot study
Authors: Bressi Cinzia , Fronza Silvia , Minacapelli Eleonora , Nocito Emanuela Paola , Dipasquale Elisabetta , Magri Lorenzo , Lionetti Francesca , Barone Lavinia
Published: November 2016

Objectives

In depressed patients, recent advances have highlighted impairment in mentalizing: identifying and interpreting one's own or other's mental states. Short‐Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) has proven to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving relational/functional abilities in these subjects. Therefore, the first aim of our study was to evaluate effectiveness of STPP with Mentalization‐Based Techniques (STMBP) on their clinical outcomes and the second, to investigate Reflective Functioning and alexithymia concerning treatment outcomes in depressed subjects.

Design

A baseline evaluation of reflective functioning, alexithymia and depression was conducted before an STMBP treatment. Patients were re‐tested successively after 40 weeks (T1) and in a follow‐up after 1 year at the end of the treatment (T2).

Methods

A total of 24 patients principally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) underwent a STMBP conducted by two expert therapists. Global Assessment Functioning (GAF), Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 (TAS‐20) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) data were collected at the baseline (T0) by two clinical therapists, along with RF scores rated by two trained raters. HAM‐D, TAS‐20 and GAF follow‐ups were conducted at the end of the treatment after 40 weeks (T1) and after 1‐year follow‐up (T2).

Results

Results highlighted an improvement of both HAM‐D and TAS‐20 scores in our sample. Moreover, a negative correlation between RF and TAS‐20 was found. Both HAM‐D and RF at T0 influenced depressive outcomes at the end of the treatment.

Conclusions

Results confirmed the effectiveness of STMBP in MDD, suggesting also an inverse association between RF and alexithymia.

Practitioner points

Our study demonstrates how STMBP could be effective in MDD even after 40 sessions, maintaining its effect in a 1‐year follow‐up.

STMBP improves subjective capability of reflecting on the mental states of oneself and others.

Our intervention allows patients to orientate thoughts from inside to outside, reducing negative beliefs also in absence of a pharmacological therapy (during the follow‐up).
Prevalence and outcomes of heart transplantation in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Wightman Aaron , Bartlett Heather L. , Zhao Qianqian , Smith Jodi M.
Published: November 2016

Heart transplantation in children with intellectual disability is a controversial issue. We sought to describe the prevalence and outcomes of heart transplantation in children with intellectual disability and hypothesized that recipients with intellectual disability have comparable short‐term outcomes compared to recipients without intellectual disability. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of children receiving a first heart‐alone transplant in the UNOS STAR database from 2008 to 2013. Recipients with intellectual disability were compared to those without using chi‐square tests. Kaplan‐Meier curves were constructed for patient and graft survival. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between intellectual disability and graft failure and patient survival. Over the study period, 107 children with intellectual disability underwent initial heart transplantation, accounting for 8.9% of first pediatric heart transplants (total=1204). There was no difference in the incidence of acute rejection between groups in the first year after transplant. Mean functional status scores at follow‐up improved in both groups after transplantation, but tended to be lower among children with intellectual disability than children without. Log‐rank tests did not suggest significant differences in graft survival between those with and without intellectual disability during the first 4 years following transplantation. Children with intellectual disability constitute a significant portion of total heart transplants with short‐term outcomes comparable to children without intellectual disability.
The DNP/MPH Dual Degree: An Innovative Graduate Education Program for Advanced Public Health Nursing
Authors: Shaw Kathy , Harpin Scott , Steinke Geraldine , Stember Marilyn , Krajicek Marilyn
Published: November 2016

Strong professional priorities, evolving Affordable Care Act requirements, and a significantly limited public health nursing workforce prompted the University of Colorado College of Nursing to collaborate with the School of Public Health to implement one of the first Doctor of Nursing Practice/Master of Public Health dual degree programs in the nation. Federal grant funding supported the development, implementation, and evaluation of this unique post‐baccalaureate dual degree program, for which there were no roadmaps, models, or best practices to follow. Several key issues emerged that serve as lessons learned in creating a new, novel higher education pathway for Advanced Public Health Nursing. This paper highlights two of those: (1) marketing, admission, and matriculation across two programs, and (2) enhancing curricula through distance coursework and interprofessional education. When collaboration with a school of public health is possible, the Doctor of Nursing Practice/Master of Public Health dual degree is an efficient way to prepare public health nurses' with the highest level of public health knowledge, practice, and leadership expertise.
Automatic facial pore analysis system using multi‐scale pore detection
Authors: Sun J. Y. , Kim S. W. , Lee S. H. , Choi J. E. , Ko S. J.
Published: November 2016

Background/purpose

As facial pore widening and its treatments have become common concerns in the beauty care field, the necessity for an objective pore‐analyzing system has been increased. Conventional apparatuses lack in usability requiring strong light sources and a cumbersome photographing process, and they often yield unsatisfactory analysis results. This study was conducted to develop an image processing technique for automatic facial pore analysis.

Methods

The proposed method detects facial pores using multi‐scale detection and optimal scale selection scheme and then extracts pore‐related features such as total area, average size, depth, and the number of pores. Facial photographs of 50 subjects were graded by two expert dermatologists, and correlation analyses between the features and clinical grading were conducted. We also compared our analysis result with those of conventional pore‐analyzing devices.

Results

The number of large pores and the average pore size were highly correlated with the severity of pore enlargement. In comparison with the conventional devices, the proposed analysis system achieved better performance showing stronger correlation with the clinical grading.

Conclusion

The proposed system is highly accurate and reliable for measuring the severity of skin pore enlargement. It can be suitably used for objective assessment of the pore tightening treatments.
Duporcq Pentapods
Authors: Nawratil Georg , Schicho Josef
Published: November 2016

In a foregoing publication, the authors studied pentapods with mobility 2, where neither all the platform anchor points nor all the base anchor points are located on a line. It turned out that the given classification is incomplete. This article is devoted to the discussion of the missing cases resulting in additional solutions already known to Duporcq.
A Novel Shoulder Exoskeleton Robot Using Parallel Actuation and a Passive Slip Interface
Authors: Hunt Justin , Lee Hyunglae , Artemiadis Panagiotis
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a five degrees-of-freedom (DoF) low inertia shoulder exoskeleton. This device is comprised of two novel technologies. The first is 3DoF spherical parallel manipulator (SPM), which was developed using a new method of parallel manipulator design. This method involves mechanically coupling certain DoF of each independently actuated linkage of the parallel manipulator in order to constrain the kinematics of the entire system. The second is a 2DoF passive slip interface used to couple the user upper arm to the SPM. This slip interface increases system mobility and prevents joint misalignment caused by the translational motion of the user's glenohumeral joint from introducing mechanical interference. An experiment to validate the kinematics of the SPM was performed using motion capture. The results of this experiment validated the SPM's forward and inverse kinematic solutions through an Euler angle comparison of the actual and command orientations. A computational slip model was created to quantify the passive slip interface response for different conditions of joint misalignment. In addition to offering a low inertia solution for the rehabilitation or augmentation of the human shoulder, this device demonstrates a new method of motion coupling, which can be used to impose kinematic constraints on a wide variety of parallel architectures. Furthermore, the presented device demonstrates a passive slip interface that can be used with either parallel or serial robotic systems.
Modeling the Elastic Properties of Reticulated Porous Ceramics
Authors: Sedler Stephen J. , Chase Thomas R. , Davidson Jane H.
Published: November 2016

A model to predict the elastic material properties of reticulated porous ceramics (RPCs) based on the microstructural geometry is presented. The RPC is represented by a repeating unit structure of truncated octahedrons (tetrakaidecahedrons) with the ligaments represented by the cell edges. The deformations of the ligaments in the cellular structure under applied loads are used to determine the effective moduli and Poisson's ratio of the bulk material. The ligament cross section is represented as having a Plateau border exterior surface with a cusp half-angle that is varied between 0 and 90 deg, and a Plateau border interior void with a cusp half-angle of zero, representative of the ranges seen in RPCs. The ligament cross-sectional area is permitted to vary along its length and the distance between internal and external cusps is assumed constant. The relative density of the foam, corresponding to the length, cusp distances, and external-cusp half-angle of the ligaments, is determined using solid geometry. The relative density has the dominant effect on the moduli, while normalized ligament length varies the moduli by 11–49% at a specified relative density. The impact of the external shape of a ligament on the relative moduli is insignificant. The model is validated through comparisons with the measured elastic properties of RPCs in the literature and new data. The model is the first to consider the effect of the microstructural features of ligaments of RPCs on the elastic moduli of the bulk material.
Performance of a Thermally Coupled Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell System Under Different Operation Conditions
Authors: Andreasen Gustavo A. , Ramos Silvina G. , Peretti Hernán A. , Triaca Walter E.
Published: November 2016

The performance of a hydrogen storage prototype loaded with AB5H6 hydride, whose equilibrium pressure makes it suitable for both feeding a H2/air proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and being charged directly from a low-pressure water electrolyzer, interacting thermally with the fuel cell exhaust air, is reported. The nominal 70 L hydrogen storage capacity of the prototype suffices for hydrogen delivery at 0.5 L min−1, which allows a power supply of 50 W for 140 min from the H2/air fuel cell in the absence of thermal interaction. The storage prototype was characterized by monitoring the internal pressure and the temperatures of the external wall and at the center inside the container at different hydrogen discharge conditions. The responses of the integrated system after either immersing the metal hydride container in air or exposing it to the fuel cell hot exhaust air stream under forced convection were compared. The system shows the best performance when the heat generated at the fuel cell is used to increase the metal hydride container temperature, allowing the operation of the fuel cell at 280 W for 16 min at a high hydrogen flow rate of 4 L min−1.
Estimation of Thermal Barrier Coating Surface Temperature and Heat Flux Profiles in a Low Temperature Combustion Engine Using a Modified Sequential Function Specification Approach
Authors: O'Donnell Ryan N. , Powell Thomas R. , Filipi Zoran S. , Hoffman Mark A.
Published: November 2016

A modified form of the sequential function specification method (SFSM) is developed with specific consideration given to multiple time scales in an effort to avoid overregularization of the solution estimates. The authors extend their approach to solve the inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP) associated with the application of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) to in-cylinder surfaces of an internal combustion engine. Subsurface temperature measurements are used to calculate surface heat flux profiles. The modified inverse solver is validated ex situ using a custom fabricated radiation chamber. The solution methodology is extended in situ to evaluate temperature data collected from a single-cylinder research engine operating in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode. Crank angle resolved, thermal barrier coating surface temperature and heat flux profiles are produced—enabling correlation of thermal conditions at the gas-wall boundary with engine performance, emission, and efficiency metrics.
Comparative Analysis of a Locally Developed Biogas Digester Using Selected Substrates
Authors: Nwaigwe Kevin N. , Enweremadu Christopher C.
Published: November 2016

A work on the comparative analysis of selected substrates for biogas production using a developed digester is presented. The substrates utilized include cow dung and vegetable waste. The developed digester has 60 litres of substrate volume, incorporates ease of stirring the slurry and mobility of the digester within the farm. The digester was charged with cow dung and vegetable waste respectively with water in a ratio 1:2 at a mesophilic temperature range (20°C – 45 °C) for thirty days retention time and comparative yield within the same operating conditions was studied. The results obtained from the gas production showed that cow dung produced a cumulative biogas yield of 0.702 litres while vegetable waste produced a cumulative yield of 0.144 litres. This result showed that these wastes could be a source of renewable gas if operated on a large scale, while simultaneously reducing environmental pollution particularly within a farm. Also, the results highlight the selection options available to a rural farmer in terms of yield.
Performance Analysis of Innovative Top Cooling Thermal Photovoltaic (TPV) Modules Under Tropics
Authors: Dubey Swapnil , Soon C. S. , Chin Sin Lih , Lee Leon
Published: November 2016

The main focus area of this research paper to efficiently remove the heat generated during conversion of solar energy into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) module. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency of commercial available PV module varies in the range of 8%–20% depending on the type of solar cell materials used for the module construction, e.g. crystalline silicon, thin film, CIGS, organic, etc. During the conversion process, only a small fraction of the incident solar radiation is utilize by PV cells to produce electricity and the remaining is converted into waste heat in the module which causes the PV cell temperature to increase and its efficiency to drop. This thermal energy could be extract using air or water as a heat removal fluid to utilize in heating applications. The purpose of a solar photovoltaic module is to convert solar energy into electricity. The hybrid combination of photovoltaic module and thermal collector called Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module. Such PVT module combines a PV, which converts electromagnetic radiation (photons) into electricity, with a solar thermal module, which captures the remaining energy and removes waste heat from the PV module. Cooling of cells either by natural or forced circulation can reduce the PV cell temperature. The simultaneous cooling of the PV cells maintains their PV efficiency at a satisfactory level and offers a better way of utilizing solar energy by generating thermal energy as well. PVT system has higher overall efficiency as compared to separate PV and thermal collector. The heat output of a PVT module can be used for space heating or production of domestic hot water.

This paper presents an innovative design of top cooling Thermal Photovoltaic (T-PV) module and its performance under outdoor weather condition of Singapore. T-PV collector is designed to flow fluid over the top of PV panel through a very narrow gap between the solar lens. This process improves heat removal process from PV panel, and hence, improves the electrical output of PV panel as compared to other PVT collector available in the market. By flowing the water from top of the PV panel will also provide better thermal efficiency. A T-PV collector system with storage tank, sensors, pump, flow meters, data logger and controls, have been installed at test-site located in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore. Performance analysis of T-PV collector system has been evaluated under the tropical climatic conditions of Singapore. It was found that T-PV module could produce additional electrical power as compared to standard PV panel of same capacity by operating at lower temperature. In addition to electricity, T-PV panel also generate the hot water up to 60 deg C at an average thermal efficiency of 41% for usage in residential and commercial buildings. The average thermal energy output was 3.1 kWh/day on typical day’s basis.
HTR-PM Technology in Energy Supply of Petrol Chemical Industry in China: An Economic Feasibility View
Authors: Zhao Gang , Ye Ping , Wang Jie , Yang Xiaoyong
Published: November 2016

The massive use of fossil fuel has caused huge carbon emission and serious air pollution in China. Now all kinds of alternative energy technology are developing rapidly to solve such problem in China. Electricity produced by non-fossil fuel energy is continued to increase sharply in China. But it’s hard for regular alternative energy, such as wind power, solar power, hydroelectricity power, nuclear power and so on, to easily provide process heat for industry, especially high temperature steam.

High temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR, sometimes also called HTR) is a kind of nuclear reactor, which are demonstrated very high efficiencies, safety and availability features by American and German power plant. HTR differs from water nuclear reactors by offering a high thermal efficiency for electricity generation and a high level of passive safety features. Now HTR-PM project is built in Shidao Bay of China. Moreover, HTR is the only nuclear reactor, which can provide high temperature steam comparing with other water nuclear reactors. So HTR can provide a versatile cogeneration solution for industry.

In this paper, a case was studied, how to provide heat for a refinery and petro-chemical plant with HTR. Firstly, the energy need of a typical large chemical plant in china was investigated. Steam supply diagram of an oil refinery plant, which produced 10 million tons oil products and 1 million tons ethylene in China, was calculated. Secondly, technical feasibility of energy providing by HTR cogeneration plant was discussed. Extraction steam from HTR system was designed for the chemical plant. It would meet the requirement of steam supply for chemical plant and would replace the captive power plant, where coal was burning. The balance of steam, enthalpy and temperature was calculated. At last, economic evaluation for such cogeneration plants was carried out. The steam supply cost from captive coal power plant and HTR cogeneration plant was compared. Some economical conclusion was made from the discussion.
Thermodynamic Model of a Solar Receiver for Superheating of Sulfur Trioxide and Steam at Pilot Plant Scale
Authors: Guerra Niehoff Alejandro , Thomey Dennis , Romero Gonzales Moises A. , Streber Hans-Peter , Lapp Justin , Roeb Martin , Sattler Christian , Pitz-Paal Robert
Published: November 2016

Within the European research project SOL2HY2, key components for a solar hybrid sulfur cycle are being developed and demonstrated at pilot scale in a real environment. Regarding the thermal portion, a plant for solar sulfuric acid decomposition is set up and initially operated at the research platform of the DLR Solar Tower in Jüulich, Germany.

One major component is the directly irradiated volumetric receiver, superheating steam and SO3 coming from a tube-type evaporator to above 1000 °C. At the design flow rate of sulfuric acid (50%-wt.) of 1 l/min, a nominal solar power of 57 kW is required at the receiver. With a flat ceramic absorber made from SiC and a flat quartz glass window, the design is based on lab scale reactors successfully demonstrated at the solar furnace of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne, Germany.

A flexible lumped thermodynamic tool representing the receiver, compiled to assess different configurations, is presented in detail. An additional raytracing model has been established to provide the irradiation boundaries and support the design of a conical secondary concentrator with an aperture diameter of 0.6 m. A comparison with first experimental data (up to 65% nominal power), obtained during initial operation, indicates the models to be viable tools for design and operational forecast of such systems. With a provisional method to account for the efficiency of the secondary concentrator, measured fluid outlet temperatures (up to 1000 °C) are predicted with deviations of ±60 °C. Respective absorber front temperatures (up to 1200 °C) are under-predicted by 100–200 °C, with lower deviations at higher mass flows. The measured window temperature (up to 700 °C) mainly depends on the absorber front temperature level, which is well predicted by the model.
Experimental Analysis of Solar Driven Multi-Stage Stepped Bubbler Humidifier for Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) Water Desalination System
Authors: Abd-ur-Rehman Hafiz M. , Al-Sulaiman Fahad A. , Antar Mohamed A.
Published: November 2016

The fresh water is the essence of life and its scarcity is the most threatening concern for mankind. To alleviate the worries of the existing and approaching fresh water crisis, the answer for water sustainability may lie in developing the decentralized small-scale water desalination system. Solar humidification-dehumidification (HDH) is a carrier gas based thermal technique that is ideal for a small-scale decentralized water desalination system. An innovative design approach is to use the bubble column humidifier to enhance the performance of the HDH water desalination system. Therefore, a novel multi-stage stepped bubble column humidifier is proposed that is operated through solar thermal energy as the main source of energy input. The study addresses the relation between the pressure drop variations with varying water column height at different air superficial velocities. Findings revealed that the water column height and air superficial velocity should be optimized according to the geometric features of the perforated plate in order to achieve a higher humidifier performance with a lower pressure drop. The day round performance of the humidifier is investigated in single stage, two stage, and three stage configurations. Findings show that the average day round absolute humidity at the exit of the humidifier is increased by 9 % in two-stage and 23 % in three-stage configurations compared to the single stage humidifier. One major advantages of this proposed humidifier is its ability to have a direct solar thermal heating. Subsequently, it can be located in remote areas.