bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvements in Imaging of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Hutchings Martin
Published: October 2018

18-Fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) is currently the criterion standard of lymphoma imaging and recommended through all stages of Hodgkin lymphoma management. Accurate staging is important for risk stratification and initial choice of therapy and also for the planning of postchemoradiotherapy. 18-Fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET/CT frequently leads to upstaging and potentially a more intensive treatment. Visual-only assessment of staging and interim scans is being accompanied by quantitative and semiquantitative methods to measure metabolic tumor volume, total lesion glycolysis, and so on. It is still unclear if these methods significantly improve the value of FDG PET/CT by visual assessment only. Because of the good prognostic value of FDG PET/CT, a large number of studies have used interim FDG PET to tailor treatment to the individual patients, according to their early metabolic response rather than according to their pretreatment prognostic features. 18-Fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET/CT is standard of care for posttreatment response assessment but has no place in routine follow-up of Hodgkin lymphoma patients in remission.
Comparing Spontaneous Closure and Paper Patching in Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Authors: Hanege Fatih Mehmet , Karaca Servet , Kalcioglu Mahmut Tayyar , Tekin Muhammet
Published: October 2018

The authors aim to analyze the effects of oral antibiotic treatment for traumatic tympanic membrane perforations and to compare the outcomes of patients with traumatic tympanic membrane perforation after paper-patching procedure and spontaneous healing.

In this study, 80 patients with traumatic tympanic membrane perforation diagnosed in the otorhinolaryngology emergency department and outpatient clinic from March 2010 to January 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. If the patient is diagnosed at first week and the edge of perforation is moist with blood, our routine procedure is paper-patching (group 1). However, if the patients reject treatment or delay in admission, the authors follow up patients for spontaneous closure (group 2). Some of the patients got oral antibiotics for 7 days (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 1000 mg 2 times/d) while some others did not. Closure rates and effectivity of oral antibiotics were evaluated and compared between 2 groups.

In total, 80 patients were analyzed. The closure rates of perforations were 95.2% for group 1 (n = 42) and 81.6% for group 2 (n = 38). Although the paper-patched patients (group 1) perforation closure rate (95.2%) is higher than the nontreated patients (group 2) closure rate (81.6%), it is not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Antibiotic administered 55 patients had a significantly higher closure rate (94.5%) than the 25 patients who are not treated with antibiotics (76%) (P = 0.023; P < 0.05).

In patients with traumatic tympanic membrane perforations, spontaneous closure rate is quite high. This study showed us that antibiotherapy and paper-patch treatments increase the healing rates.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced NLRP1 Inflammasome Activation Contributes to Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Cao Lei , Chen Yuguo , Zhang Zhe , Li Yong , Zhao Peiyong
Published: October 2018

Studies have shown that Nod-like receptor protein (NLRP) 3 inflammasome activation contributes to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the role and mechanism of NLRP1 inflammasome in myocardial I/R injury remain unknown. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the development of myocardial I/R injury. The relationship between ER stress and NLRP1 inflammasome in myocardial I/R injury needs further study. NLRP1 inflammasome activation and ER stress were investigated in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated primary mouse cardiomyocytes and left anterior descending coronary artery ligation and reperfusion mouse models. Downregulation of NLRP1 expression with NLRP1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to evaluate the role of NLRP1 inflammasome in H/R-stimulated cardiomyocyte injury. 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), an ER stress inhibitor, was used to pretreat cardiomyocytes before H/R treatment, the cardiomyocyte injury and NLRP1 inflammasome activation were determined. Also, nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling activity was measured. Additionally, pyrrolidine dithiocar bamate (PDTC), an NF-κB inhibitor, was used to treat cardiomyocytes before H/R stimulation and NLRP1 inflammasome activation was examined. We found the levels of ER stress markers GRP78, p-PERK, p-eIF2α and CHOP as well as NLRP1 inflammasome activation were significantly elevated both in vivo and in vitro. NLRP1 siRNA notably increased cell viability inhibited by H/R, suppressed H/R-induced cell apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase release, and creatine kinase activity. 4-PBA reduced H/R-stimulated cardiomyocyte injury via NLRP1 inflammasome inactivation, and it also suppressed NF-κB signaling activity. NLRP1 inflammasome activation induced by H/R was also suppressed by PDTC. In conclusion, NLRP1 inflammasome activation promotes myocardial I/R injury. ER stress can activate NLRP1 inflammasome via activating the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Evaluation of a Low-Cost, High-Fidelity Animal Model to Train Graduate Advanced Practice Nursing Students in the Performance of Ultrasound-Guided Central Line Catheter Insertion
Authors: Hauglum Shayne D. , Crenshaw Nichole A. , Gattamorta Karina A. , Mitzova-Vladinov Greta
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion (UGCVC) is a commonly performed procedure taught through simulation. The aims of the study were to examine the utilization of an animal model and compare it with two currently used Blue Phantom central line models to determine whether an animal model provides good or better simulated conditions for the performance of UGCVC insertion.

Methods

Using a randomized cross-over study, 46 advanced practice nursing students were assessed using a task-specific performance tool in their performance of UGCVC insertion on both the animal model and the Blue Phantom models. The number of insertion attempts and time to performance was recorded. A preprocedure survey was used to ascertain their presimulation workshop experience, followed by a postprocedure survey. A cost comparison was completed as a secondary outcome.

Results

A comparison was conducted on the performance scores and the postsurvey results between the animal model and the Blue Phantom models. The number of venous access attempts was not significantly different when comparing the three models. A cost comparison showed the total cost of each animal model was US $15.66 as compared with the approximate cost for the Blue Phantom IJ model of US $1500.00 and the Gen I model of US $2700.00.

Conclusions

Current Blue Phantom models lack the ability to fully perform all the necessary steps critical to the performance of UGCVC insertion. At a total cost of US $15.66 per model, this study showed that training with an alternative economical model was comparable with more expensive mannequin simulators. The results of this study may serve to guide clinicians and educators who are seeking alternative simulation models to provide skill acquisition.
The p.R47H Variant of TREM2 Gene is Associated With Late-onset Alzheimer Disease in Colombian Population
Authors: Arboleda-Bustos Carlos E. , Ortega-Rojas Jenny , Mahecha María F. , Arboleda Gonzalo , Vásquez Rafael , Pardo Rodrigo , Arboleda Humberto
Published: October 2018

Objective:

We evaluated the association of several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) gene in a Colombian sample of late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD).

Methods:

The p.Q33* (rs104894002), p.R47H (rs75932628), p.R62H (rs143332484), and p.D87N (rs142232675) variants of TREM2 gene were directly genotyped using KASPar technology in 358 cases and 329 healthy controls. Sanger sequencing was used to validate >10% of KASPar’s results. The Fisher exact test was used to compare the distribution of allelic and genotype frequency between cases and controls, and the Bonferroni correction was set at P<0.05.

Results:

The minor allele frequency of rs75932628-T was 0.009 in cases and was not found in any healthy controls which suggests a significant association between rs75932628-T and LOAD risk in our sample (P=0.010). The rs143332484-T variant did not exhibit a significant association (P=0.160), whereas rs104894002 and rs142232675 were not found.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the rs75932628-T variant of TREM2 is an important risk factor for LOAD in the Colombian population.
Diagnostic Overshadowing of Anxiety in Parkinson Disease: Psychosocial Factors and a Cognitive-Behavioral Model
Authors: Stephens Emma-Jane , Dysch Leon , Gregory James
Published: October 2018

Anxiety in Parkinson disease (PD) is highly prevalent yet frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated, and historically overshadowed in research by a focus on depression. Recently, interest in anxiety has been building with the recognition of its significant impact on quality of life in PD. Anxiety is typically conceptualized as one of many “nonmotor” manifestations of neurologic change, with minimal consideration of potentially important psychosocial factors. This narrative review used a systematic search strategy to identify and synthesize the available evidence for psychosocial risk factors for anxiety. Thirty relevant articles were located and reviewed, and demographic, disease/pharmacologic, and psychosocial risk factors for anxiety in PD were identified. A prominent finding was that individuals with motor fluctuation appeared to be more vulnerable to anxiety. A cognitive-behavioral model of anxiety in PD is proposed and illustrated with a clinical example.
Aggregates dramatically alter fibrin ultrastructure
Authors: García X. , Seyve L. , Tellier Z. , Chevreux G. , Bihoreau N. , Polack B. , Caton F.
Published: October 2018

Among the many factors influencing fibrin formation and structure (concentration, temperature, composition, pH,…), it has been suggested that the polydispersity of fibrinogen may play an important role. We propose here a detailed investigation of the influence of this parameter on fibrin multiscale structure.

Two commercial fibrinogen preparations were used, a monodisperse and a polydisperse one. First, the respective compositions of both fibrinogen preparations were thoroughly determined by measuring the FXIII, fibronectin, α,β and γ intact-chains contents, theγ/γ’ chains ratio, the N-glycosylation and the post-translational modifications. Slight variations between the composition of the two fibrinogen preparations were found which are much smaller than the compositional variations necessary to alter significantly fibrin multiscale structure as observed in the literature. Conversely, MALLS coupled SEC and DLS measurements showed that the polydisperse preparation contains significant amounts of aggregates while the other preparation is essentially monodisperse.

The multiscale structure of the fibrins produced from those two fibrinogen preparations was determined by using X-ray scattering, spectrophotometry, and confocal microscopy. Results show that fibers from the monodisperse fibrinogen present a crystalline longitudinal and lateral structure and form a needle-like network. The internal structure of fibers produced from the polydisperse fibrinogen looks amorphous with star-like branching nodes. The multiscale structure of mixtures between the two preparations shows a smooth evolution, demonstrating that the quantity of aggregates is a major determining factor for fibrin multiscale structure. Indeed, the effect of a few percent in mass of aggregates is larger than any other effect due to compositional differences under the same reaction conditions. Finally we propose a mechanistic interpretation of our results which points at a direct role of the aggregates during polymerization which disrupt the ideal ordering of monomers inside fibrin protofibrils and fibers.
Spring mineral water-borne bacteria reshape gut microbiota profiles and confer health benefits
Authors: Chen YP , Tan LL , Chen DM , Xu Q , Song JP , Zeng QP
Published: October 2018

Background

Although dietary patterns are recognized to affect health by interfering with gut microbiota homeostasis, whether live or dead bacteria-bearing spring mineral water (MW) would also exert beneficial effects on health upon curing gut dysbiosis remains unknown.

Results

Due to harboring live bacteria, the heated but unboiled MW from Bama, where centenarians are ubiquitously inhabited, reshapes the gut microbiota from a traveler-type to a local resident-type except for Prevotella. While chondroitin sulfate, a component occurring in livestock and poultry meats, increases the richness of sulfatase-secreting bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria, Bama MW dampens the overgrowth of those colon-thinning bacteria and hampers the overexpression of multiple genes responsible for anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-hypoxia, anti-mutagenesis, and anti-tumorigenesis.

Conclusions

Bama spring MW prevents the early-phase onset of breast cancer by curating gut dysbiosis. MW also compromises chromosomal DNA damage and ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunctions, implying it may extend lifespan.
A pressure sensing protein kinase
Authors: Akella Radha , Sekulski Kamil , Pleinis John M. , Liwocha Joanna , Jiou Jenny , He Haixia , Humphreys John M. , Schellinger Jeffrey N. , Hu Jianrui , Cobb Melanie H. , Joachimiak Lukasz , Rodan Aylin R. , Goldsmith Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2018

Cells respond to hydrostatic pressure to maintain cellular, organ, and organism level functions, yet the direct pressure sensors are largely unknown. Here we show that hydrostatic pressure directly activatesWithNo Lysine(K) kinase-3 (WNK3)1, a soluble intracellular protein kinase. Using gel filtration we demonstrate that pressure induces a dimer to monomer transition in a construct of theunphosphorylated kinase domain of WNK3 (uWNK3-KDm or uWNK3). The uWNK3 has not been crystallized, but crosslinking data suggest that the uWNK3 dimer corresponds to crystallographically observed dimer of WNK1 (uWNK1-KDm, or uWNK1)2,3. Sequence alignments with WNKs from species living in different pressure environments and mutational analysis lend further support for this idea. Unique features of the uWNK1 structure suggest a mechanism involving bound water. We further show that hydrostatic pressure activates full-length WNK3 inD. melanogastertubules.
Expanded Surface Area Fibers: A Means for Medical Product Enhancement
Authors: Vaughn Edward A. , Carman Brent G.
Published: October 2018

Expanded surface area fibers in the 4DG geometry provide about three times the amount of specific surface per denier compared to circular fibers. Fabrics made from these fibers provide greater loft, fluid movement, and particle capture than traditional woven, knitted, or nonwoven structures. This paper includes a description of these fibers and a listing of medical product applications that might benefit from their incorporation.
Biaxial Test Method for Characterization of Fabric-Film Laminates Used in Scientific Balloons
Authors: Said Magdi A.
Published: October 2018

Space Structures that require lightweight materials with sufficiently high strength and environmental endurance have been in increasing demand since the early 1980’s. However, the biaxial behavior of these structural materials under pressurized loading is rarely found in the literature. An experimental investigation was conducted to develop a test method and hardware to characterize the biaxial behavior of a fabric-film laminate intended for use as a structural envelope for large balloons. The material tested is a composite laminate of three layers. The three layers are: polyester-based woven fabric, 6 microns film of polyester (Mylar type A) and 6 microns film of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The laminate structure provides high strength to weight ratio. In this study, a test technique has been developed to measure the biaxial response of the material to known stress ratios. The information gained from the test can be manipulated to estimate Poisson’s ratio and the development of a material structural model.
Evaluating Kupferstein’s claims of the relationship of behavioral intervention to PTSS for individuals with autism
Authors: Leaf Justin Barrett , Ross Robert K. , Cihon Joseph H. , Weiss Mary Jane
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Kupferstein (2018) surveyed 460 respondents and found that 46 percent of respondents met the diagnostic threshold for posttraumatic stress disorder after exposure to applied-behavior-analysis-based intervention. The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation a critical analysis of Kupferstein (2018) including the experimental methods and discussion of the results.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors evaluated the Kupferstein’s methodological rigor with respect to the use of hypothesis testing, use of indirect measures, selection of respondents, ambiguity in definitions, measurement system, and framing of the experimental question when conducting the correlational analysis in addition to Kupferstein’s analysis and discussion of the results.

Findings

Based upon the analysis, Kupferstein’s results should be viewed with extreme caution due to several methodological and conceptual flaws including, but not limited to, leading questions used within a non-validated survey, failure to confirm diagnosis, and incomplete description of interventions.

Originality/value

It is the authors’ hope that this analysis provides caregivers, clinicians, and service providers with a scientific lens which will useful in viewing the limitations and methodological flaws of Kupferstein.
Publishing research in the international context
Authors: Shehata Ahmed Maher khafaga , Eldakar Metwaly Ali Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study to explore the Egyptian social science scholars’ academic writing behaviour in local and international context. Understanding the challenges that scholars in social science and humanities face while publishing in the international outlets would help to suggest strategies to improve academic writing in non-Arabic journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study deployed mixed methods approach. The quantitative data were collected using an online questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with a group of scholars in the five faculties to elucidate the publishing behaviour of the sample.

Findings

The interviews and the questionnaire showed that social science scholars in Egypt prefer local publishing outlets. The number of scholars who publish internationally is very low compared to scholars who publish locally. Scholars who tried to publish internationally faced many challenges, such as language barriers, lack of academic writing skills and lack of appropriate training.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in one university in Egypt. While the results can be generalised to Egyptian and Middle East universities, it cannot be generalised to non-Arab communities because of the differences in culture and education system.

Originality/value

This study provides insight on publishing practices in the international context among social science scholars in Egypt using a mixed methods approach. This helped to capture the scholarly publishing practices and the attitude toward international publishing and the main challenges that scholars face who attempt to publish in international outlets.
MHD stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid over a stretching/shrinking sheet with melting, convective heat transfer and second-order slip
Authors: Pop Ioan , Roşca Natalia C. , Roşca Alin V.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of MHD, suction, second-order slip and melting on the stagnation-point and heat transfer of a nanofluid past a stretching/shrinking sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

Using appropriate variables, the governing partial differential equations were transformed into ordinary (similarity) differential equations, which are then solved numerically using the function bvp4c from Matlab.

Findings

It is found that dual (upper and lower branch) solutions exist for some values of the governing parameters. From the stability analysis, it is found that the upper branch solution is stable, while the lower branch solution is unstable. The sample velocity, temperature and concentration profiles along both solution branches are graphically presented.

Originality/value

The results of the paper are new and original with many practical applications of nanofluids in the modern industry.
Can the offence behaviours of stranger rapists discriminate between UK and non-UK nationals
Authors: Almond Louise , McManus Michelle , Curtis Gemma
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Currently, no research is available for behavioural investigative advisors’ to provide justifications to infer from the crime scene that an offender is a UK or non-UK national. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from National Crime Agency and consisted of 651 stranger rapes, 434 UK nationals and 217 non-UK nationals. All cases were coded for 70 offence behaviour variables. χ2 analyses were conducted to identify significant associations between offence behaviours and offender nationality. Significant associations were then entered into a logistic regression analysis to assess their combined predictive ability of offender nationality.

Findings

Analyses revealed 11 offence behaviours with significant associations to offender nationality: confidence, darkness, offender kisses victim, victim performs sex acts, requests sex acts, apologises, destroys forensics, block entry/exit, weapon – firearm, vaginal penetration – hands/fist/digital, and violence: minimal. From this, seven variables held predictive ability within the logistic regression, with five predicting the non-UK grouping and two the UK grouping.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should test the distinctions between UK and non-UK national stranger rapists and explore the impact of length of residency.

Practical implications

Results indicated that on the whole UK and non-UK stranger rapists display similar behaviours, but there were some distinct behaviours within stranger rape crime scenes, particularly the use of firearms. The ability to use crime scene behaviours to narrow suspect pools by criminal conviction is only useful when police have access to full criminal histories. Unfortunately, the ability to access and search non-UK databases is not always possible. Therefore, this study may be the first step for BIAs to utilise in identifying the likely offender nationality, before using further models that narrow down to criminal history.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine whether it is possible to differentiate stranger rapists nationality using their offence behaviours.
Teachers’ intergenerational advice and information seeking: content matters!
Authors: Geeraerts Kendra , Vanhoof Jan , Van den Bossche Piet
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of generation in teachers’ advice and information-seeking interactions in Flemish secondary school teams, and moreover how the content of advice shapes these interactions. Four content-related advice and information-seeking networks are investigated in this study: subject-matter knowledge, classroom management, innovative teaching methods and ICT.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 660 teachers in ten secondary education schools in Flanders (Belgium) by using an online socio-metric survey. Social network analysis was conducted, more specifically quadratic assignment procedure and multilevel P2 modeling.

Findings

The findings underline the importance of investigating content-related advice networks. Generation affects the formation of interactions. First, the results revealed that older teachers are less likely to ask advice on subject-matter knowledge, classroom management and innovative teaching methods. Second, the data showed that older teachers are more likely to be asked for advice on subject-matter knowledge. Third, young teachers are more likely to be asked for advice on innovative teaching methods and ICT. Fourth, homophily effects occurred for the youngest teachers when advice is about subject-matter knowledge, and for the oldest teachers for advice about classroom management.

Originality/value

This study is innovative due to its application of social network analysis to investigate intergenerational knowledge flows, and due to its clear focus on content-related advice-seeking interactions that go beyond the approach of general advice and information-seeking interactions.
A method to improve the cured bonding strength at the weak juncture of the porous hydrogel scaffold
Authors: Liu Wangyu , Sun Dong , Tang Aimin , Li Mingke
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Hydrogel is an excellent material for the fabrication of porous scaffold by mask-prototyping method. Different from the common commercial resin, hydrogel is hydrophilic and hyperelastic, so that it cannot bear the conventional post-curing process to improve its mechanical properties. The purpose of this paper is to put forward a method to improve the curing bonding strength at the weak juncture of the porous hydrogel scaffold.

Design/methodology/approach

The working curve of the resin was obtained through the single layer cure experiment, and the energy accumulation model has been set up by MATLAB. Aimed at the specificity of material, a new method of partial curing on different kind of structure has been proposed. Under the same condition, only the tn2 needs to be changed to fabricate different test specimens with different accumulated energy between two layers. The tensile test is carried out with the authors’ preferred equipment.

Findings

The analysis reveals that accumulated energy can be changed by adjusting the key parameters, and the tensile test shows that when the accumulated energy is bigger, the ultimate tensile strength is higher.

Research limitations/implications

Subject to the equipment accuracy and specificity of material, some errors coming from the experiment and test might exist, but the authors believe they will not change their findings and conclusions in this paper.

Practical implications

The research provides a method which is different from the common methods but friendlier to improve the bonding strength of the hydrogel scaffold.

Social implications

This work can help to adjust the mechanical property of the scaffold used in tissue engineering.

Originality/value

This method can improve the bonding strength at weak juncture and give a direction for the design of porous scaffold.
A novel one-variable first-order shear deformation theory for biaxial buckling of a size-dependent plate based on Eringen’s nonlocal differential law
Authors: Malikan Mohammad , Nguyen Van Bac
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new one-variable first-order shear deformation theory (OVFSDT) using nonlocal elasticity concepts for buckling of graphene sheets.

Design/methodology/approach

The FSDT had errors in its assumptions owing to the assumption of constant shear stress distribution along the thickness of the plate, even though by using the shear correction factor (SCF), it has been slightly corrected, the errors have been remained owing to the fact that the exact value of SCF has not already been accurately identified. By using two-variable first-order shear deformation theories, these errors decreased further by removing the SCF. To consider nanoscale effects on the plate, Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory was adopted. The critical buckling loads were computed by Navier’s approach. The obtained numerical results were then compared with previous studies’ results using molecular dynamics simulations and other plate theories for validation which also showed the accuracy and simplicity of the proposed theory.

Findings

In comparing the biaxial buckling results of the proposed theory with the two-variable shear deformation theories and exact results, it revealed that the two-variable plate theories were not appropriate for the investigation of asymmetrical analyses.

Originality/value

A formulation for FSDT was innovated by reconsidering its errors to improve the FSDT for investigation of mechanical behavior of nanoplates.
Beyond Red Tape and Fools: Institutional Theory in Entrepreneurship Research, 1992–2014
Authors: Su Jing , Zhai Qinghua , Karlsson Tomas
Published: October 2018

Institutional theory has become an increasingly common lens in entrepreneurship research. Over the past years, the number of entrepreneurship studies that adopt institutional perspective (EIn research) has grown dramatically. This review systematically examines extant EIn research, analyzing 194 articles published in 11 leading journals from 1992 to 2014. In this review, we focus on three characteristics of the articles: institutional logic, level of analysis, and methodology. Further, we identify three distinct periods of EIn research: the conceptual phase, 1992–2000, the exploration phase 2001–2007, and the acceptance phase 2008–2014. This allows us to provide detailed discussion on main characteristics of the articles and identify evolutionary trends of this research area. The overall surge of articles with institutional perspective in entrepreneurship research is promising. We can see an increasing variation of methods being applied and a growing mutual interest between entrepreneurship and institutional theory researchers. Yet, we find substantial biases and omissions in the application of institutional theory. There is a focus on national level analysis with assuming state and market logics. For EIn to move forward it has to move closer to field/industry level analysis and add new insights into entrepreneurship and alternative logics. Based on our framework and additional insights gained from the review, we outline directions for future EIn research.
Effects of Extreme Climate Variability on Energy Demands for Indoor Human Comfort Levels in Tropical Urban Environments
Authors: Pokhrel Rabindra , Ortiz Luis , Ramírez-Beltran Nazario D. , González Jorge E.
Published: October 2018

The main objective of this study is to identify how climate variability influences human comfort levels in tropical-coastal urban environments. San Juan Metro Metropolitan Area (SJMA) of the island of Puerto Rico was chosen as a reference point. Temperature and relative humidity are identified as key environmental variables to maintain human comfort level. A new Human Discomfort Index (HDI) using the key environmental variables based on environmental enthalpy is defined. This index is expanded to determine the energy required to maintain indoor human comfort levels and is compared to total electric energy consumption for the island of Puerto Rico. Regression analysis shows that both temperature and HDI are good indicators to predict total electrical energy consumption. Results showed that over the past 35 years the average environmental enthalpy have increased, resulting in the increase of average HDI for SJMA. Surface weather station data further shows clear indication of urbanization biases ramping up the HDI. Long-term local scale (weather station; 30-years record) data shows a decreasing rate of maximum cooling per capita at −11.41 kW-h/years, and increasing of minimum cooling per capita of 10.64 kW-h/years. This contrasts with regional scale data for the whole Caribbean where increasing trends are observed for both minimum and maximum energy per capita. To estimate human comfort levels under extreme heat wave events conditions, an event of 2014 in the San Juan area was identified. The analysis is complemented by data from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at 250km spatial resolution, North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) at 32 km spatial resolution, and simulations of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) at a resolution of 1 km, and by weather station data for San Juan. Model results were evaluated against observations showing good agreement for both temperature and relative humidity and improvements from the NCEP input. It also shows that Energy Per Capita (EPC), required to maintain indoor space at human comfort level, in urban areas during a heat wave event can increase to 21% as compared to normal day.
An Application of MRI to Measure Flow Distribution in Fuel Cell Channels
Authors: Thandi Rajan , Beedie David , Glover Paul , Kannangara Chathura Kasun , Versteeg Henk
Published: October 2018

This paper presents an application of MRI to measure flow distribution in fuel cell channels. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are able to efficiently produce electricity directly from the oxidation of the natural gas by electrochemical conversion. The distribution of fuel gas between the high numbers of parallel flow paths within the fuel cell assembly is critically important to ensure high efficiency and uniform conditions within the fuel cell assembly. Practical approaches in conjunction with numerical models are needed to understand and control the physical processes taking place within fuel cells in order to design them to be efficient and reliable. The paper outlines a non-invasive experiment using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the distribution of flow within an SOFC subassembly.

The method quantifies the flow distribution by modelling the gas using water at Reynolds similar conditions. Water has a magnetic moment that can be imaged using an MRI scanner. Two-dimensional cross-section scans were taken perpendicular to the direction of flow in the fuel cell channel to measure area and velocity. The study evaluated a range of image resolutions and outlined how the data was processed to provide mass flow rates in each channel using the known fluid properties.

At the highest image resolution the total mass flow rate was within 1% of the independent measurement from the experimental rig. The distribution of flow between the channels showed a similar trend to the computational model. The initial results demonstrate the feasibility for the method to measure flow in the SOFC channels.
Evaluating the Impact of Free-Stream Turbulence on Convective Cooling of Overhead Conductors Using Large Eddy Simulations (LES)
Authors: Abdelhady Mohamed , Wood David H.
Published: October 2018

This study uses Large Eddy Simulation in the ANSYS Fluent software to assess the accuracy of the forced cooling term for the overhead conductor codes, IEEE 738 [1] and CIGRÉ 207 [2], for Real Time Thermal Rating of a wind farm power line. The analysis is done for low wind speed, corresponding to Reynolds Number of 3,000. The primary goal is to calculate Nusselt Number for cylindrical conductors with free-stream turbulence. Calculations showed an increase in convective heat transfer from the low turbulence value by ∼ 30 % at turbulence intensity of 21% and length scale to diameter ratio of 0.4; and an increase of ∼ 19 % at turbulence intensity of 8% and length scale to diameter ratio of 0.4.
Demographical Energy Usage Analysis of Residential Buildings
Authors: Sokolova Alice , Aksanli Baris
Published: October 2018

Residential energy consumption constitutes a significant portion of the overall energy consumption. There are significant amount of studies that target to reduce this consumption, and these studies mainly create mathematical models to represent and regenerate the energy consumption of individual houses. Most of these models assume that the residential energy consumption can be classified and then predicted based on the household size. As a result, most of the previous studies suggest that household size can be treated as an independent variable which can be used to predict energy consumption. In this work, we test this hypothesis on a large residential energy consumption dataset that also includes demographic information. Our results show that other variables like income, geographic location, house type, and personal preferences strongly impact energy consumption and decrease the importance of household size because the household size can explain only 26.55% of the electricity consumption variation across the houses.
Numerical Study on Thermoelectric Performance of Cross-Flow Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Lu Haibin , Xie Changcheng , Hua Xiuwen , Iqbal Taosif , Zhang Xiongwen , Li Guojun , Zhang Di
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the thermoelectric characteristics of cross-flow planar type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with natural gas as fuel by using a three-dimensional numerical model. The results reveal that temperature and reactant concentration increase gradually along the direction of fuel gas flow, and the reactant concentration increases in the first and subsequently decreases. In addition, the lower the temperature, the higher ideal electromotive force is as well as the less actual output electromotive force. The hydrogen concentration is positively correlated with the current density and the ideal electromotive force. However, increasing the mass flow continuously beyond the reasonable range can decrease the current and electrochemical reaction intensity. Variation in wall thickness was also simulated and found that increasing the thickness would result in higher intensity of electrochemical reaction and increased current density but at the cost of low efficiency in SOFC. Thus an optimal design can make a balance between fuel utilization and output power of SOFC.
Deactivation Characteristics of SCR Catalyst at Different Stages in Coal-Fired Flue Gas
Authors: Xu Zhiwen , Li Yuxin , Wang Yungang , Wang Hao , Zhao Qinxin
Published: October 2018

Through analyzing the impact of the factors of catalyst deactivation, different factors are classified according to timeliness characteristics. In this research, experiments were made under the condition of coal combustion flue gas on a coal-fired boiler to study the characteristics of the early deactivation of the SCR catalyst. Analysis shows that the main cause of early deactivation of catalyst is chemical poisoning (mainly alkali metal) and pores clogging on the surface of the catalyst. While the main cause of long-term deactivation is deeper chemical poisoning, pores clogging and the chemical form changes of elements on the surface of the catalyst. Through analyzing the influence of the factors of catalyst deactivation, separate factors are classified according to timeliness characteristics. This research provides a strong fundamental support to clear the deactivation mechanism of the SCR catalyst.
A Novel Vibration Suppression Device for Floating Offshore Wind Generator
Authors: Xu Xun , Lai Fen , Li Guojun , Zhu Xiangyuan , Zhu Liping
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a new combined vibration suppressing device, which can be used to suppress the swaying vibration of off-shore floating wind generator under waves. The floating wind power station tower was modeled, the wave force and the torsion force of the tower were analyzed and the FSI numerical simulation was carried out. The calculation results demonstrate that the amplitudes of the tower torsion angle have been attenuated by 8%, 11% and 17% with different vibration suppression devices which are TMD, TLD and new combined device. In this case the new combined device has the best vibration suppression performance. It is validated that compared to the other two single vibration suppression devices, the new combined device has better vibration suppression capacity and a new way is provided to design the vibration suppression device for off shore floating wind power station.
FluxTracer: A 3D-Partitioning and Radiant Flux Computer Tool to Analyse the Optical Behaviour of Light Collection and Concentration Subsystems Using High Performance Computers
Authors: Blanco Manuel , Votyakov Evgeny , Christou Chariton , Papanicolas Costas N. , Corsi Clotilde , Pye John
Published: October 2018

The light collection and concentration subsystem (LCCS) of any concentrating solar thermal (CST) system is composed of the surfaces that collect and concentrate the sunlight and of the input surfaces of the receivers, or receivers’ envelopes, where the light is concentrated. For all commercial CST technologies the LCCS is, together with the power block, the subsystem that has more influence in the overall performance and cost. Thus, its optimization is critical to increase the cost-competitiveness of these systems. This optimization requires, in many cases, the optimization of the position, geometry and size of a very large number of solar collecting and concentrating surfaces as well as the optimization of the shape and size of the input surfaces of the receivers where the sunlight is concentrated. Because a full optimization requires the exploration of a configuration space with a very large number of dimensions, the traditional approach consist in making many initial assumptions to drastically reduce the number of dimensions of the configuration space to a handful, so that the optimization can be carried out using conventional high-end workstations in a matter of hours.

However, to achieve relevant breakthroughs and to substantially increase the cost-competitiveness of CST systems a bolder approach is needed, where sophisticated design and analysis tools, engineered from the start to be used in High Performance Computers (HPC), will be combined with sophisticated optimization strategies targeted to explore and find optimal solutions in very high dimensional configuration spaces.

This paper presents the first of a series of such design and analysis tools. The tool, call Flux Tracer, partitions the three-dimensional space in which the LCC subsystem under analysis is immersed into volumetric pixels (voxels) and computes the radiant energy flux that traverses each voxel as a function of time. It integrates the energy density in every voxel overtime, providing detailed information regarding how the radiant energy flows in space in a given LCC subsystem and in a given period of time. This information is the cornerstone of the highly sophisticated computational LCC subsystem optimization framework The Cyprus Institute (CYI) is developing, in collaboration with the Australian National University (ANU), targeted to be used in HPC’s.
Quasi-Solid Graphite Anode for Flexible Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Zakri Waleed , Alhadri Muapper , Mohammed AbdulHaq , Esmaeeli Roja , Hashemi Seyed Reza , Aliniagerdroudbari Haniph , Farhad Siamak
Published: October 2018

Flexible Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have a strong oncoming consumer market demand for use in wearable electronic devices, flexible smart electronics, roll-up displays, electronic shelf labels, active radio-frequency identification tags, and implantable medical devices. This market demand necessitates research and development of flexible LIBs in order to fulfill the power requirements of these next-generation devices. This study investigated the performance of quasi-solid anode — the active and conductive additive materials suspended in liquid electrolyte — for flexible lithium-ion batteries (LIB). A quasi-solid graphite anode was fabricated and tested using different material ratios and compositions, showing an acceptable performance. Furthermore, this study looked into the effect of graphite powder ratios in battery performance. A ratio of over 65% of the specific discharge capacity to the theoretical capacity was achieved maintaining the capacity retention of more than 74% after the second cycle.
Thermal Design and Analysis of a Solid-State Grid-Tied Thermal Energy Storage for Hybrid Compressed Air Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Hakamian Khashayar , Anderson Kevin R. , Shafahi Maryam , Baghaei Lakeh Reza
Published: October 2018

Power overgeneration by renewable sources combined with less dispatchabe conventional power plants introduce the power grid to a new challenge, i.e., instability. The stability of the power grid requires constant balance between generation and demand. A well-known solution to power overgeneration is grid-scale energy storage. Although different energy storage technologies have been tested and demonstrated, reducing the cost of energy storage remains as a challenging goal for researchers, industries, and governments. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) has been utilized for grid-scale energy storage for a few decades. However, conventional diabatic CAES systems are difficult and expensive to construct and maintain due to their high pressure operating condition. Hybrid Compressed Air Energy Storage (HCAES) systems are introduced as a new variant of old CAES technology to reduce the cost of energy storage using compressed air. The HCAES system split the received power from the grid into two subsystems. A portion of the power is used to compress air, as done in conventional CAES systems. The rest of the electric power is converted to heat in a high-temperature Thermal Energy Storage (TES) component using Joule heating. In this study, a solid-state grid-tied TES system is designed to operate with a HCAES system. The storage medium is considered to be high-temperature refractory concrete. The thermal energy is generated inside the concrete block using resistive heaters (wires) that are buried inside a concrete block. A computational approach was adopted to investigate the performance of the proposed TES system during a full charge/storage/discharge cycle. It was shown that the proposed design can be used to receive 200 kW of power from the grid for 6 hours without overheating the resistive heaters. The discharge computations show that the proposed geometry of the TES, along with a control strategy for the flow rate can provide a 74-kW micro-turbine of the HCAES with the minimum required temperature, i.e., 1144K at 0.6 kg/s of air flow rate for 6 hours. The computations were performed in ANSYS/FLUENT and the results were verified and validated using a grid independence study.