bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance investigation of ground source heat exchanger with desiccant-based hybrid cooling system in humid climate
Authors: Heidarinejad Ghassem , Berardi Umberto , Rayegan Saeed
Published: October 2019

A desiccant-based hybrid cooling is among the most cost-effective air conditioning systems. The main purpose of this paper is the assessment of the potential of ground-assisted direct evaporative cooler together with a desiccant evaporative cooling cycle integrated with a ground source renewable energy for the pre-cooler process. Simulation results obtained using the TRNSYS software are compared with experimental data. The simulation of the mentioned systems are conducted in Bari (south of Italy), Palermo (south of Italy) and Ramsar (north of Iran) for the humid-mild climate of July. Assuming the low regeneration temperature (Treg) for the desiccant wheel is one of the highlights of this paper. Utilizing ground source heat exchanger (GSHE) will result in increase of the system potential in providing thermal comfort. The average thermal comfort achieves in Bari, Palermo and Ramsar in 95.72%, 93.94% and 93.15% of the time from 6 AM to 6 PM in July with utilizing the combination of GSHE and desiccant cooling system. The COP of this cycle is highly dependent on the Treg, and varies in the range of 0.35-0.53, 0.34-0.6 and 0.34-0.52 for the maximum Treg of 50 °C in Bari, Palermo and Ramsar, respectively.
Pipe sizing based on domestic hot water consumption in Norwegian hotels, nursing homes, and apartment buildings
Authors: Stråby Karolina , Taxt Walnum Harald , Lekang Sørensen Åse
Published: October 2019

Sizing of domestic hot water pipes are to a large extent based on calculations of peak flow rate according to current guidelines. This article compares detailed field measurements of peak flow rates in Norwegian hotels, nursing homes and apartment buildings with calculated values according to Norwegian NS 3055, German DIN 1988-300 and European EN 806-3 code of practice. Results indicate that existing guidelines overestimate the peak flow rate by a factor of 1.2– 2.6, depending on type of building and which standard the calculations are based on. In most cases, this also resulted in oversizing the pipes. Calculations according to NS 3055 are closest to the field measurements, on average overestimating the peak flow rate by a factor of 1.6. To analyze the effect of different measurement intervals, the measured peak flow rate is also calculated as a moving average for different time steps (t). Compared to using an interval of 2 s, averaging the data over 10 s would underestimate the peak flow rate by a factor of 0.80– 1.0. Using a 30 s interval would underestimate the peak flow rate by 0.67– 0.94.
Method identifying oversizing of mechanical ventilation systems in office buildings using airflow and electrical power measurements
Authors: Khan D S , Kolarik J , Hviid C A , Weitzmann P
Published: October 2019

Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning engineers face high demands from their clients to deliver reliable, optimized solutions that perform acceptably in terms of energy use and provided comfort. However, time and resources are scarce to deliver an optimized solution. To ensure that the solution works under most operation scenarios, the design is typically based on a combination of conservative rules-of-thumb, general guidelines and a large safety factor. The consequences are building service systems designed for operating conditions that never or very rarely occur leading to oversized systems. The objective of this paper was to propose a method for identifying oversized air-handling units with variable speed drives. It was demonstrated on a case study including six air-handling units in an office building. The method was able to determine that the air-handling units were not grossly oversized or undersized by comparing the measured airflow and SFP from the part- and full-load operation to the design airflow and SFP. However, the method should be extended to include additional performance criterion such as indoor climate and thermal efficiency to be able to conclusively confirm the size of the units.
Analysis of the energy and thermal performance of a radiant cooling panel system with integrated phase change materials in very hot and humid conditions
Authors: Gallardo Andres , Berardi Umberto
Published: October 2019

This study evaluates the energy and thermal performance of a radiant cooling panel system with integrated phase change materials (PCMs) for application in building retrofit projects. The focus is on the energy saving potential of using two different strategies to avoid condensation in very hot and humid climate conditions. The cooling energy consumption of a DOE medium office prototype building model with a conventional all-air system is used as a baseline for comparing the proposed configurations. The results show that the radiant system yielded energy savings of around 48% compared to the all-air system for existing office buildings. Results also show that the proposed system is able to operate only during the night-time, which improves the plant efficiency. Thus, the energy savings are mainly due to a reduction in the energy consumption of the cold generation system and lower energy use for ventilation compared with conventional air systems.
Smart use of mechanical ventilation for energy retrofit of residential dwellings
Authors: Pedrazzi S , Ferrari C , Allesina G , Muscio A
Published: October 2019

Residential buildings of Italy built during the last century usually show very poor energy performance. The only retrofit action widely implemented on their envelope is substitution of windows. These are very seldom coupled with mechanical ventilation, however, so their high air tightness induces serious problems of moisture condensation and mold formation – unless they are left open and their usefulness nullified. In this work, a smart combination is simulated of single flow mechanical ventilation, in itself essential to control indoor air quality and ventilation heat loss, with a relatively inexpensive sunspace built on an existing balcony, aimed to behave as a preheating chamber of the inlet cold air in winter. Moreover, mechanical ventilation is combined with an electric heat pump for hot water production, in which the outlet air flow of warm exhaust air is introduced to improve the coefficient of performance of the heat pump in the cold seasons. Energy savings allowed by such smart yet simple combination of existing technologies are discussed.
A new air handling unit system for residential buildings: experiment and simulation-based analysis
Authors: Lazzarini Emanuele , Zarrella Angelo , Emmi Giuseppe , Biasin Enrico
Published: October 2019

Energy saving in buildings is one of the main priorities of the last years. To reach this goal, the optimization of the building envelope and plant-systems with high energy performance are necessary. This work looks at the use of the air-handling unit based systems for heating and cooling of residential dwellings characterized by high thermal insulation level. A plant system based on a new concept of air-handling unit is analyzed by means of experimental analysis carried out in a real common apartment, named DemoLab and realised near Padova (Italy). This system provides both the heating and cooling thermal loads. The research outlines the analysis of the test measurements carried out in the laboratory, focusing on the profiles of air temperature, humidity and CO2 rate in several points and different rooms. As result, the analysis verified the control strategy implemented in the investigated plant system to improve the indoor environmental quality inside the building. Finally, the new system was also analysed in different climatic conditions by means of transient computer simulations implementing the current control strategies.
Investigation on the thermal performance of the diaphragm wall in deep buried engineering: a simulation study
Authors: Zeng Chao , Yuan Yanping , haghighat Fariborz , Cao Xiaoling , Xiang Bo
Published: October 2019

Ground source heat pump technology is widely used in buildings’ to meet the cooling and heating demand. As a special form of the buried pipe, diaphragm wall has received increasing interests due to high energy-efficiency and relatively low costs. Previous studies investigated the thermal behavior of diaphragm wall in underground tunnels or underground parking while very few studies were carried out on deep-buried engineering with the air-conditioned adjacent indoor environment. In this study, the effects of buried pipes on the heat transfer regulation of the diaphragm wall and the indoor load are analyzed. Simulation results indicated that average energy exchange through the pipe in the diaphragm wall is 78.1% compared with that of the conventional buried pipe for the ground heat pump. The heat exchange capacity of the buried pipe in the diaphragm wall in intermittent mode is 1.2 times of that in the non-intermittent mode in 14h. For the underground engineering boundary with pipes buried in the concrete layer, heat transfer through the inner surface reduced 3.8W/m2, which would consequently add to the indoor cooling load. In order to reduce the heat transfer back to the indoor environment through the inner surface, insulation of the diaphragm wall are analyzed. This study can provide a reference for the analysis of the feasibility and application of diaphragm wall in deep-buried engineering.
Simulation and control of radiant floor cooling systems: intermittent operation and weather-forecast-based predictive controls
Authors: Zhang Linfang , Li Hao , Liu Jiying , Kim Moon Keun , Zhang Linhua
Published: October 2019

There has been great interest in the radiant floor cooling system over the past decades due to its great potential for energy conservation and load shifting, and the improvement of indoor thermal comfort. However, as a thermally activated building system, its performance is highly related to the building enclosure thermal mass through heat exchange with the outdoor environment, and therefore, its operation is challenged by control strategies. Because of the shift characteristic of the cooling load during the day and variable weather conditions, realistic operation will increase the park load if neglecting the predictive scheme. This study proposes two control strategies, intermittent operation and weather-forecast-based predictive controls, which were applied and simulated in a real demonstration office building located in Jinan, China. Displacement ventilation (DV) was used to maintain the requirement of fresh air and shifting of peak load. The TRNSYS program was utilized for the analysis of energy saving potential and optimization of the control settings. The results show that weather-forecast-based predictive control can improve indoor comfort. Intermittent operation during the day had no significant effect on the indoor temperature fluctuation due to the response period, while it decreased energy use by 3.3% to 7.5% when the system was turned off in advance. In summary, the combination of intermittent operation and weather-forecast-based predictive controls can better guide the operation of radiant floor cooling systems and will reduce energy use in the building sector.
Reinforcement learning control for indoor comfort: a survey
Authors: May Ross , Zhang Xingxing , Wu Jinshun , Han Mengjie
Published: October 2019

Building control systems are prone to fail in complex and dynamic environments. The reinforcement learning (RL) method is becoming more and more attractive in automatic control. The success of the reinforcement learning method in many artificial intelligence applications has resulted in an open question on how to implement the method in building control systems. This paper therefore conducts a comprehensive review of the RL methods applied in control systems for indoor comfort and environment. The empirical applications of RL-based control systems are then presented, depending on optimisation objectives and the measurement of energy use. This paper illustrates the class of algorithms and implementation details regarding how the value functions have been represented and how the policies are improved. This paper is expected to clarify the feasible theory and functions of RL for building control systems, which would promote their wider-spread application and thus contribute to the social economic benefits in the energy and built environments.
Dynamic heat transfer analysis on hwangtoh with PCM/eco-material for improving thermal inertia
Authors: Wi Seunghwan , Yang Sungwoong , Lee Jongki , Yun Beom Yeol , Park Ji Hun , Kim Sumin
Published: October 2019

The use of a latent-heat storage composite system for which phase-change materials (PCMs) are used is an effective way of storing thermal energy, and it has the advantages of a high energy-storage density and the isothermal nature of the storage process. Therefore, latent heat storage is considered to be the most effective way to use PCM to charge or discharge thermal energy as latent heat during the phase change period. However, the application of PCMs is difficult in a variety of fields due to their phase instability in the liquid state, and PCMs therefore need shape stabilization. To solve this problem, some investigators have studied the possibility of using a container that can prevent the leaking of liquid from PCMs by using a shape-stabilized PCM (SSPCM), a microencapsulated PCM (MPCM), or incorporated PCM techniques. The SSPCM was prepared by eco-material which are perlite and vermiculite. The selected PCM was n-octadecane, belongs to organic PCM. The thermal properties of the PCM, such as their melting and freezing temperatures and latent heat capacities, were measured using differential scanning calorimetry. The melting and freezing temperatures were measured by drawing a line at the point of maximum slope of the leading edge of the peak, and extrapolating to the base line. The latent heat capacities of the PCM were determined by numerical integration of the area under the peaks that represent the solid–solid and solid–liquid phase transitions. The thermal conductivities of the PCM and hwangtoh composite panels were measured by TCi thermal conductivity analyzer. The TCi developed by C-Therm Technologies Ltd. is a device for conveniently measuring the thermal conductivity of a small sample, by using the Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS) method.
Cementitious plasters for façade finishing with phase change materials and thermochromic pigments
Authors: Shahrzad Soudian , Umberto Berardi
Published: October 2019

Exterior building surfaces are exposed to considerable thermal stresses and UV radiations that significantly reduce their durability. Additionally, solar and thermal energy affect energy transfer through the building envelope that impacts indoor comfort and energy demands. Thus, improving the performance of exterior finish materials in regulating exterior surface temperatures would impact the overall performance of buildings. The aim of this research is to develop a responsive cementitious finish plaster for building façade applications to act as a filter for variable solar and thermal loads. The proposed cement plaster is combined with phase change materials (PCMs) and thermochromic (TC) pigments to control solar radiation and surface temperatures dynamically on the exterior façade. This paper presents the prototype development and optical characterization of the prototypes. The objective is to investigate the interaction between different PCM and TC pigments in regulating surface temperatures. Three different melting temperatures for the PCMs were tested in consideration of two different colours of the TC paint. Twelve samples were produced with 2.5% mass fraction of PCM and TC pigment each. The emissivity of the samples was measured using infrared thermography. The results showed that a high emissivity in high temperatures and a low emissivity in colder temperatures could be achieved.
Investigating the impact of electrochromic glazing on energy performance in hot arid climate using parametric design
Authors: Lahmar Imene , Zemmouri Noureddine , Cannavale Alessandro , Martellotta Francesco
Published: October 2019

One of the most important functions for windows is to connect the interior space to the outside, as well as having a role in ventilation and natural lighting. However, as it is considered the weakest link in the building envelope, in terms of thermal insulation, designers in the areas with severe climatic factors, tend to minimize the window ratio, without taking into account the importance of the other functions, in providing the user’s comfort. This research aims to investigate the ability of electrochromic glazing to solve limited ratio problem and give designers more flexibility. A case study located in a hot and dry area was compared with several scenarios where electrochromic glazing was used in various ratios. Simulations were made using parametric design tools based on Rhinoceros and Grasshopper, which are among the most used software by designers. The study concluded that electrochromic glazing was useful in increasing the window-to-wall ratio and improving the building opening on the outside without having a negative impact on building energy performance.
Measurement data analysis for heat balance of air-conditioning system in actual office space
Authors: Tamaki Shogo , Horie Hayato , Ito Shinichi , Hamada Mamoru , Koyano Takehiro
Published: October 2019

Research on net-zero energy buildings (nZEB), is currently increasing. To realize a ZEB, it is important to develop a control system for air conditioners and ventilators. This research aims to construct a simulator for office air conditioning to evaluate system control technology.

Generally, more than two air conditioning systems are installed in offices, and the cooling operations of each are influenced by the other system’s operation status. To realize a simulator that can capture this effect, we take into account the building envelope, fluid dynamics, and actual system controls. The cooling load and capacity from every source should be balanced in a steady state; thus, obtaining experimental data within a certain error is critical to simulate the power consumption of office cooling precisely.

The purpose of this experiment is to analyze the heat balance between the measured cooling load and cooling capacity evaluated from the change in a) inlet and outlet air enthalpy of the air conditioners, and b) enthalpy of the refrigerant.

A measurement in an actual office is carried out to study space cooling considering the building environment, office layout (e.g., desks), electricity consumption by computers and lighting, and cooling operation status of the air-conditioning systems. Temperature/humidity sensors, electric-power meters, and several other types of sensors are installed. The office is located on the top floor of a four-story building completed in 1997. The air-conditioning system consists of two VRF outdoor units with a cooling capacity of 28 kW, with six indoor units for perimeter and interior, respectively, and a total of 1600m3/h ventilation flow with the ventilator units.

Good heat balance is observed with errors within 10% between the measured cooling load and a), and 15% between measured cooling load and b).
Hourly dynamic and monthly semi-stationary calculation methods applied to nZEBs: Impacts on energy and comfort
Authors: Di Giuseppe E , Ulpiani G , Summa S , Tarabelli L , Di Perna C , D’Orazio M
Published: October 2019

The EU Directive 2010/31 abstained from prescribing harmonized and strict requirements for nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs), to provide EU countries flexibility and room for maneuver in setting national targets, in view of the impact of local climatic conditions and specific territorial and socio-economical features on heating and cooling needs. Benchmarks are usually provided in terms of primary energy needs, however the definition of accurate calculation methodologies, notably as regards the cooling share, is a rather challenging task. Nonetheless, its accomplishment is cardinal to countries, like Mediterranean ones, were the building performance is mostly dictated by summertime sensitivities. This paper presents a cutting-edge approach to nZEB performance analysis: the monthly quasi steady-state (EN 13790 as implemented in Italian UNI/TS 11300) and hourly dynamic calculation methods (developed under the standard UNI EN ISO 52016-1:2018) are compared, with due attention to the cooling energy consumption, to spot pros and cons of a finer temporal discretization. Potential nZEB design alternatives in three different Italian climatic zones are contemplated and used to confront the effectiveness of the above procedures.
A data mining model for building occupancy estimation based on deep learning methods
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Yu Zhun (Jerry) , Li Jun , Huang Yuanjian , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: October 2019

Real-time occupancy estimation is of great importance to improve systems control and energy efficiency of buildings. This study proposed a novel real time occupancy estimation model based on CO2 concentration data. A non-neural-network deep learning method (i.e. gcForest) was used to estimate the number of occupants. The gcForest incorporates three classifiers in each level, enabling the estimation performance to be enhanced by exploiting the complementarity among different learning algorithms. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model, this study conducted an experiment in an office room and compared its results with the IHMM model that was widely used in previous studies. The experimental results indicate that the proposed model could achieve higher estimation accuracy and higher detection accuracy of occupant presence or absence.
Comparison of numerical and experimental performances of nZEB residential building in Putignano (Apulia Region)
Authors: Altobello A , Misceo M , Russo P , Stefanizzi P , Vignola I
Published: October 2019

The sustainability of the European Regions, in terms of society and economy and environment, is strongly based on renewable energy and resource efficiency. This implies the large scale deployment of nearly Zero – Energy Buildings (nZEBs). As well as the technology is already available and proven. However the diffusion of nZEB in Mediterranean areas is a challenge for the local market actors considering the short time. In this direction our research is oriented, proposing the case study of the first passive building in Putignano (Apulia). The goal is to observe the impact of the comfort setting on energy demand during the everyday life. This new approach aims at simultaneously considering both the energy performance and the comfort and health of the inhabitants. The case study includes the simulation model and the measuring campaign. It aims to verify if occupants of nZEB will be aware of the qualities of their home and learn to manage and monitor energy consumption independently. The concept is to observe the impact of comfort setting on energy demand during the everyday life in heating season of the passivhaus tenants.
Modelling of a net-zero energy condo in a cold climate using an interdisciplinary design framework
Authors: Nicholson Sarah R , Shohet Rony , Fung Alan S
Published: October 2019

Developing buildings which generate the amount of energy that they use (energy net-zero) in cold climates has the potential to significantly reduce overall energy consumption and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in these locations. This study introduces a design methodology which first iteratively reduces building loads from a synthesis of architectural, engineering, and building science strategies to achieve a minimized annual energy consumption. Then this optimized load is generated via on-site systems, and finally the overall design is validated within the goals of sustainability and high performance (as compared to benchmark designs). This strategy was applied to a detailed design-based analysis of a mid-rise, net-zero energy residential condo in Toronto, Canada. The building was developed within this iterative and computational process that draws on literature from passive house design, R2000, and ASHRAE 90.1 standards - as well as existing efficient building designs across various climates. Modelling using the eQuest building energy simulation software, relevant weather data, and hourly use profiles yielded energy consumption data which informed design modifications. Loads were systematically reduced by optimizing across building orientation, building layout and footprint, building materials, and architectural modifications. Furthermore, the use of Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC systems reduced heating and cooling demand and emissions in this mid-rise multi-unit residential building (MURB). Energy demand was further reduced by designing a high-performance building envelope with an improved window-to-wall ratio, triple glazed windows, airtight building enclosure, and high R-value insulation. On-site energy generation via the rooftop and facade solar array allowed for net-zero operation. The proposed methodology yielded a building design with annual energy consumption and GHG emissions reduced by 54.3% and 95.3% respectively.
A natural ventilation “calculator”: The challenge of defining a representative ‘performance sketch’ in practice and research
Authors: Donn M R , Bakshi N
Published: October 2019

Too often in architecture and engineering, the simplicity in early design of the apparent guarantees of HVAC equipment manufacturers wins out over the complexity of estimating the effectiveness of natural ventilation even in Net Zero Buildings. The reality is many people in offices and schools find themselves sitting at a fixed desk, in full direct sun, with the cold draft from the HVAC equipment guaranteeing that on average they are comfortable. The drawing of blinds ‘solves’ the immediate sun problem, but not the quality of the air. Experience with 200+ students designing low energy, high performance naturally ventilated spaces each year over the past decade has demonstrated that the formulae that exist in the literature for early estimation of window opening size have potential if presented in an appropriate format to facilitate sound design decisions. This paper reports the evolution of that format to a calculation dashboard that facilitates accounting for: outdoor and indoor CO2 levels; wind speeds and frequencies of occurrence; coincidence of periods of calm with high outdoor temperatures; window effectiveness coefficients; single-sided vs cross-ventilation options; building shape and orientation; code minimum ventilation rates; and even infiltration. The paper focuses on the limitations of the approach and its potential complementary role in the future as a Quality Assurance tool for critiquing the output of CFD studies of natural ventilation.
End-users’ opinion on living in multi-family nearly zero-energy buildings
Authors: Zavrl Marjana Šijanec , Jaćimović Marko , Erhorn-Kluttig Heike , Erhorn Hans , Illner Micha , Thomsen Kirsten Engelund , Wittchen Kim , Mørck Ove , Gutierrez Miriam Sanchez Mayoral , Zinzi Michele , Mattoni Benedetta , Fasano Gaetano
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the findings on end-users’ experiences and expectations about living in multi-family Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs). The survey in four European countries (Slovenia, Italy, Denmark and Germany) was part of EU Horizon 2020 project CoNZEBs (2017-2019) and addressed end-users living or thinking about living in multi-family NZEBs. Targeted end-users were living (as tenants or owners) in either ordinary buildings or in high performance buildings such as NZEBs (mandatory after 2020 according to Directive 2010/31/EU). In the survey, the following topics were addressed: the level of end-user’s understanding of the NZEB concept, the source and quality of information on NZEB from the end-users’ perspective, the importance of various apartment features for the end-users, perception of NZEB characterizing technologies, and decision triggers for living in NZEB. Concerns, doubts and eventual fears about living in NZEBs were studied to enable a tailored information for future end-users, to increase the demand for NZEB and beyond NZEB buildings and to improve their acceptability. To facilitate the living in NZEBs a guide for end-users was developed, explaining the “Myths” about NZEBs as well as presenting testimonials of current NZEB users in four participating countries.
Effects of energy efficiency measures on building performance: an analysis in seven European cities
Authors: Rubeis Tullio de , Muttillo Mirco , Stornelli Vincenzo , Ambrosini Dario
Published: October 2019

This work presents the energy performance analysis of an autarkic residential building, located in the suburb of L’Aquila, in central Italy. The analysis is performed via a calibrated dynamic thermal model, carried out with EnergyPlusTM engine coupled with DesignBuilder. The aim of this study is the further understanding of the optimization margins of the energy self-sufficient building by considering different Energy Efficiency Measures and the effects obtainable in different climatic conditions. Four Italian cities and three European capitals are considered, in addition to different scenarios, characterized by various technological plants. In fact, a significant difference between the high efficiency of the envelope, and the poor performance of the heating system was observed. The results highlighted the remarkable energy performance optimization of the analyzed building, although the effects of the Energy Efficiency Measures showed notable differences between colder and warmer climates.
Explicit upper bounds on the least primitive root
Authors: McGown Kevin , Trudgian Tim
Published: October 2019

We give a method for producing explicit bounds on

g
(
p
)

g(p)

, the least primitive root modulo 

p
p

. Using our method we show that
\[

g
(
p
)
>
2
r

2

r
ω
(
p
−
1
)

p

1
4

+

1

4
r

g(p)>2r\,2^{r\omega (p-1)}\,p^{\frac {1}{4}+\frac {1}{4r}}

\]
for

p
>

10

56

p>10^{56}

where

r
≥
2

r\geq 2

is an integer parameter. This result beats existing bounds that rely on explicit versions of the Burgess inequality. Our main result allows one to derive bounds of differing shapes for various ranges of

p
p

. For example, our method also allows us to show that

g
(
p
)
>

p

5

/

8

g(p)>p^{5/8}

for all

p
≥

10

22

p\geq 10^{22}

and

g
(
p
)
>

p

1

/

2

g(p)>p^{1/2}

for

p
≥

10

56

p\geq 10^{56}

.
Tendon healing in presence of chronic low-level inflammation: a systematic review
Authors: Chisari Emanuele , Rehak Laura , Khan Wasim S , Maffulli Nicola
Published: October 2019

Background

Tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition affecting subjects regardless of their activity level. Multiple inflammatory molecules found in ex vivo samples of human tendons are related to the initiation or progression of tendinopathy. Their role in tendon healing is the subject of this review.

Sources of data

An extensive review of current literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library using the term ‘tendon’, as well as some common terms of tendon conditions such as ‘tendon injury OR (tendon damage) OR tendonitis OR tendinopathy OR (chronic tendonitis) OR tendinosis OR (chronic tendinopathy) OR enthesitis’ AND ‘healing’ AND ‘(inflammation OR immune response)’ as either key words or MeSH terms.

Areas of agreement

An environment characterized by a low level of chronic inflammation, together with increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, may influence the physiological tendon healing response after treatment.

Areas of controversy

Most studies on this topic exhibited limited scientific translational value because of their heterogeneity. The evidence associated with preclinical studies is limited.

Growing points

The role of inflammation in tendon healing is still unclear, though it seems to affect the overall outcome. A thorough understanding of the biochemical mediators of healing and their pathway of pain could be used to target tendinopathy and possibly guide its management.

Areas timely for developing research

We require further studies with improved designs to effectively evaluate the pathogenesis and progression of tendinopathy to identify cellular and molecular targets to improve outcomes.
Cortical developmental abnormalities in logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia with dyslexia
Authors: Miller Zachary A , Spina Salvatore , Pakvasa Mikhail , Rosenberg Lynne , Watson Christa , Mandelli Maria Luisa , Paredes Mercedes F , Joie Renaud La , Rabinovici Gil D , Rosen Howard J , Grinberg Lea T , Huang Eric J , Miller Bruce L , Seeley William W , Gorno-Tempini Maria Luisa
Published: October 2019

An increased prevalence of dyslexia has been observed in individuals diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, most notably the logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia. The underlying pathology most commonly associated with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia is Alzheimer’s disease. In this clinical case report series, we describe the neuropathological findings of three patients with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia and developmental dyslexia, each demonstrating a pattern of cerebrocortical microdysgenesis, reminiscent of findings first reported in dyslexic individuals, alongside expected Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Neurodevelopmental and most severe Alzheimer’s disease pathological changes overlapped within perisylvian brain regions, areas associated with phonological deficits in both logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia and dyslexia. These three cases with pathological findings support the hypothesis that early-life neurodevelopmental changes might influence later-life susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease and could contribute to non-amnestic, early age-of-onset presentations of Alzheimer’s disease. Larger studies investigating neurobiological vulnerability across the lifespan are needed.
Invocation of National Security Exceptions under GATT Article XXI: Jurisdiction to Review and Standard of Review
Authors: Wang Chao
Published: October 2019

The invocation of national security exceptions under Article XXI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 has long been viewed as “self-judging”. In the landmark case of Russia—Measures Concerning Traffic in Transit, the panel of the WTO’s dispute settlement body (DSB) addressed two important but previously considered ambiguous issues. First, the Panel confirmed its jurisdiction to review its members’ invocation of Article XXI of GATT 1994. Second, offering a detailed interpretation of Article XXI, especially paragraph (b) and its subparagraph (iii), the panel distinguished the objective requirements from the self-judging features, and held that it has the jurisdiction to determine whether the objective requirements of Article XXI have been satisfied when a member invokes the national security exception, and the member’s discretion is also expected to be limited by its good faith obligation, which, as an established principle of international law, shall apply to both the member’s definition of the essential security interests and its connection to the measures being taken.
International Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacter coli in Men Who Have Sex With Men in Washington State and Québec, 2015–2018
Authors: Greninger Alexander L , Addetia Amin , Starr Kimberly , Cybulski Robert J , Stewart Mary K , Salipante Stephen J , Bryan Andrew B , Cookson Brad , Gaudreau Christiane , Bekal Sadjia , Fang Ferric C
Published: October 2019

Background

Campylobacter species are among the most common causes of enteric bacterial infections worldwide. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for sexually transmitted enteric infections, including globally distributed strains of multidrug-resistant Shigella species.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of MSM-associated Campylobacter in Seattle, Washington and Montréal, Québec with phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles and whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

We report the isolation of 2 clonal lineages of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter coli from MSM in Seattle and Montréal. WGS revealed nearly identical strains obtained from the 2 regions over a 4-year period. Comparison with the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s Pathogen Detection database revealed extensive Campylobacter species clusters carrying multiple drug resistance genes that segregated with these isolates. Examination of the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance revealed multiple macrolide resistance determinants including a novel ribosomal RNA methyltransferase situated in a CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) array locus in a C. coli isolate.

Conclusions

As previously reported for Shigella, specific multidrug-resistant strains of Campylobacter are circulating by sexual transmission in MSM populations across diverse geographic locations, suggesting a need to incorporate sexual behavior in the investigation of clusters of foodborne pathogens revealed by WGS data.
Combinations of cardiac and non-cardiac predictors for prognoses in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Hakuno Daihiko , Fukae Tomoaki , Takahashi Masashi , Takiguchi Shunichi , Li Hui-Chong , Nishizawa Kenya , Nozaki Hiroyuki , Sueyoshi Koichiro
Published: October 2019

Aims

In contemporary heart failure (HF) practice, prognostic value for combinations of cardiac and non-cardiac predictors remains poorly understood. We analysed the combinatorial predictors of outcomes in acute HF patients.

Methods and results

This longitudinal cohort study included consecutive patients admitted for acute decompensated HF between April 2015 and March 2018 in an urban hospital. The main outcomes are HF readmission within 6 months after discharge or all-cause death. A total of 451 patients with 662 admissions were enrolled and the data including frailty and echocardiographic parameters were analysed by multivariate and matched cohort analyses. The mean age of the patients was 76.8 years. We constructed a multi-frailty index (MFI) ranging from 0 to 3 points as a composite of non-cardiac comorbidities and biopsychosocial frailty. In matched cohort of patients with ejection fraction ≧50% (HFpEF), MFI ≧1, pulmonary hypertension (PH; peak flow velocity of tricuspid regurgitation ≧2.9 m/s by echocardiography), and pancytopenia at discharge were strong predictors of HF readmission [odds ratios (ORs), 4.33, 2.5, and 2.86; P = 0.02, 0.05, and 0.02, respectively], and MFI ≧2 was the only predictor for all-cause death. For ejection fraction <40%, age, BNP ≧800 pg/mL, increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate during hospitalization, and lymphocytopenia plus anaemia predicted HF readmission (ORs, 1.77, 2.72, 0.73, and 2.89; P = 0.001, 0.05, 0.04, and 0.03, respectively). In contrast, diabetes mellitus was the only specific predictor found in patients over 80 years old.

Conclusion

These data identified multi-frailty and PH or mild pancytopenia as synergistic predictors of HF readmission in HFpEF patients.
Using Reading to Learn for EFL students’ reading of explanations
Authors: Becerra Tatiana , Herazo José , García Paula , Sagre Anamaría , Díaz Luisa
Published: October 2019

Reading to Learn (R2L) is an instructional approach that leads students from aided to independent creation of meaning in reading and writing. The approach uses whole texts as the point of departure for instruction. This case study explored how R2L promoted ninth graders’ comprehension of explanation texts in EFL during six lessons and students’ perceptions about R2L. The study involved a group of ninth graders from a secondary state school in Colombia whose results in national standardized tests had been traditionally low, particularly in EFL reading. Results revealed that students became better readers of explanation texts and perceived R2L as a useful approach to develop their ability to understand written texts in EFL. The study highlights the benefits of R2L for enhancing L2 students’ meaning-making potential.
L. A. Hill’s ‘neutral English’—a historical counterpoint to ELF
Authors: Lowe Robert J , Smith Richard
Published: October 2019

The concept of English as a lingua franca (ELF) is the subject of much theoretical discussion and debate within ELT. However, little has been written concerning the history of ideas preceding it. This article discusses the concept of ‘neutral English’ proposed in 1967 by the writer L. A. Hill. After summarizing Hill’s life and work, the article explores his idea for neutral English, noting its apparent similarities to modern ELF theory as well as the historical and contextual factors that distinguish it. Using Hill’s work and stated motivations as a lens through which to view modern theory, the article highlights the possibility that apparently radical ideas can be co-opted to ‘centre’ interests in modern global ELT. Finally, it is proposed that more work into the history of conceptualizations of international English use would shed further light on the academic and political forces which intersect with this area of research.
Is Occupational Licensing More Beneficial for Women than for Men? The Case of Germany, 1993/2015
Authors: Witte Nils , Haupt Andreas
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes the relation of gender wage inequality to occupational licensing in Germany in 1993 and 2015. We show that the very particular German licensing system and strong gender segregation lead to an overrepresentation of women in licensed occupations. We further investigate, whether both genders benefit equally from licensing in terms of wages. Finally, we study whether both women’s overrepresentation and potential gender gaps within licensed occupations help to explain patterns in the overall gender wage gap. To this end, we distinguish licensed occupations in professions and semi-professions. We use 1993 and 2015 waves of the German Socio-Economic Panel Study to apply repeated cross-sectional regressions and decompositions. Our findings suggest that women benefited more from licensing in 1993 than in 2015. Men’s wage premiums seem to increase over time, but women’s premiums do not. We also show that semi-professions are less rewarding and women are overrepresented in these occupations. Finally, increased demand for licensed occupations is an important contribution to narrowing the gender wage gap. Women’s increased employment in licensed occupations alone would have reduced the overall gender wage gap by roughly 8 per cent.
Litter traits and rainfall reduction alter microbial litter decomposers: the evidence from three Mediterranean forests
Authors: Pereira S , Burešová A , Kopecky J , Mádrová P , Aupic-Samain A , Fernandez C , Baldy V , Sagova-Mareckova M
Published: October 2019

The objective of the study was to evaluate changes in microbial communities with the predicted arrival of new species to Mediterranean forests under projected intensification of water stress conditions. For that, litter from three Mediterranean forests dominated respectively by Quercus pubescens Willd., Quercus ilex L. and Pinus halepensis Mill. was collected, and placed to their ‘home’ forest but also to the two other forests under natural and amplified drought conditions (i.e. rainfall reduction of 30%). Quantitative PCR showed that overall, actinobacteria and total bacteria were more abundant in Q. pubescens and Q. ilex than in P. halepensis litter. However, the abundance of both groups was dependent on the forest sites: placement of allochthonous litter to Q. pubescens and P. halepensis forests (i.e. P. halepensis and Q. pubescens, respectively) increased bacterial and fungal abundances, while no effect was observed in Q. ilex forest. P. halepensis litter in Q. pubescens and Q. ilex forests significantly reduced actinobacteria (A/F) and total bacteria (B/F) to fungi ratios. The reduction of rainfall did not influence actinobacteria and bacteria but caused an increase of fungi. As a result, a reduction of A/F ratio is expected with the plant community change towards the dominance of spreading P. halepensis under amplified drought conditions.
Allostery in oligomeric receptor models
Authors: Conradi Smith Gregory Douglas
Published: October 2019

We show how equilibrium binding curves of receptor homodimers can be expressed as rational polynomial functions of the equilibrium binding curves of the constituent monomers, without approximation and without assuming independence of receptor monomers. Using a distinguished spanning tree construction for reduced graph powers, the method properly accounts for thermodynamic constraints and allosteric interactions between receptor monomers (i.e. conformational coupling). The method is completely general; it begins with an arbitrary undirected graph representing the topology of a monomer state-transition diagram and ends with an algebraic expression for the equilibrium binding curve of a receptor oligomer composed of two or more identical and indistinguishable monomers. Several specific examples are analysed, including guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptor dimers and tetramers composed of multiple ‘ternary complex’ monomers.
Responses of dipole-source reflected shear waves in acoustically slow formations
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Ning , Wang Caizhi , Wu Hongliang , Liu Peng , Li Yusheng , Liu Yingming
Published: October 2019

In the process of dipole-source acoustic far-detection logging, the azimuth of the fracture outside the borehole can be determined with the assumption that the SH–SH wave is stronger than the SV–SV wave. However, in slow formations, the considerable borehole modulation highly complicates the dipole-source radiation of SH and SV waves. A 3D finite-difference time-domain method is used to investigate the responses of the dipole-source reflected shear wave (S–S) in slow formations and explain the relationships between the azimuth characteristics of the S–S wave and the source–receiver offset and the dip angle of the fracture outside the borehole. Results indicate that the SH–SH and SV–SV waves cannot be effectively distinguished by amplitude at some offset ranges under low- and high-fracture dip angle conditions, and the offset ranges are related to formation properties and fracture dip angle. In these cases, the fracture azimuth determined by the amplitude of the S–S wave not only has a $180^\circ $ uncertainty but may also have a $90^\circ $ difference from the actual value. Under these situations, the P–P, S–P and S–S waves can be combined to solve the problem of the $90^\circ $ difference in the azimuth determination of fractures outside the borehole, especially for a low-dip-angle fracture.
CJEU rules that repeal of provisional measure does not automatically create liability for wrongful enforcement
Authors: Dijkman Léon
Published: October 2019

Court of Justice of the European Union, Case C-688/17 Bayer Pharma AG v Richter Gedeon Vegyészeti Gyár Nyrt. and Exeltis Magyarország Gyógyszerkereskedelmi Kft. (2019) EU:C:2019:722

In its ruling in Bayer, the Court of Justice of the European Union found that denial of compensation to a provisionally enjoined party in case of later revocation of a patent may be allowable under Article 9(7) of Directive 2004/48/EC (the Enforcement Directive).
Markets and Market Values of Nontimber Forest Products in the United States: A Review, Synthesis, and Identification of Future Research Needs
Authors: Frey Gregory E , Alexander Susan J , Chamberlain James L , Blatner Keith A , Coffin Alisa W , Barlow Rebecca J
Published: October 2019

Although numerous and varied users harvest, trade, and consume nontimber forest products (NTFPs), relatively little is known about the organization of the markets for these products and the market value or contribution to local and regional economies. In this article, we review and synthesize economic research and information on the markets and market values of NTFPs in the United States. We describe formal and informal markets for NTFPs, and the extent to which and reasons why many of the details of these markets remain unknown to researchers and decisionmakers. We provide examples of the market values of various species and identify information gaps and research needs to improve resource management and increase economic development.