bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological and Bacteriological Studies of Hydrosalpinx in Buffaloes
Authors: Azawi OI , Al‐Abidy HF , Ali AJ
Published: October 2008

Contents

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the bacteria accompanying hydrosalpinx of the buffalo cow and investigate the correlation between bacterial infection of the uterus and hydrosalpinx. Buffalo cows’ reproductive tracts were collected from Mosul abattoir. A total 385 uterine samples were examined of which 25 were having hydrosalpinx. Swabs for bacteriology, fluid for cytology and biopsies for histopathology were collected from the hydrosalpinx and the uterus from each samples included in this study. Results of this study indicated high prevalence of hydrosalpinx (6.5%) including unilateral (n = 19; 76%) and bilateral (n = 6; 24%) hydrosalpinx. Although 16 samples (64%) of the hydrosalpinx samples had no bacterial growth, the most prevalent bacteria recovered from hydrosalpinx wereCorynebacterium hemolyticumandActinomyces bovis, 42.8% and 28.6%, respectively. The most prevalent bacteria in the uterus wereArchanobacterium pyogenes(18.5%),Staphylococcus aureus(14.8%), andListeria monocytogenes(11.0%). Higher rates of leukocytes infiltration (p < 0.01) were observed in the uterine discharge than hydrosalpinx. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in lymphocytes was found in uterine discharge. Microscopic examination of the hydrosalpinx showed mucosal atrophy and dilatation of oviductal lumen without any signs of inflammation. It could be concluded that there is no correlation between bacteria isolated from uterus and hydrosalpinx. No association was found between bacteriological cultures and hydrosalpinx. Inflammation of the uterine tissue could be extended to utero‐tubal junction producing local inflammation resulting in fibrosis and tubal obstruction. The obstruction in the lumen of the oviducts resulted in accumulation of fluid.
Immediate blood pressure‐lowering effects of aerobic exercise among patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: HEADLEY SAMUEL A , GERMAIN MICHAEL J , MILCH CHARLES M , BUCHHOLZ MATTHEW P , COUGHLIN MARY ANN , PESCATELLO LINDA S
Published: October 2008

Aim:  The current study was designed to determine the effect of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise on blood pressure responses within the laboratory for 60 min post exercise and in the subsequent 24 h period in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods:  Twenty‐four subjects with stages 2–4 chronic kidney disease (age = 54.5 ± 15.2 years, body mass index = 32.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2) on antihypertensive medication completed this study. In random counterbalanced order, subjects were asked to either walk for 40 min at 50–60% VO2peak (oxygen consumption) or, on a separate day, to sit quietly in the laboratory for the same length of time. Following exercise or the non‐exercise period, blood pressure was taken at 10 min intervals for 60 min. Subjects then wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for the next 24 h.

Results:  Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) was reduced by 6.5 ± 10.8 compared with the pre‐exercise baseline value (130.3 ± 21.1) in the laboratory after exercise and this was greater than after the control period (0.73 ± 10.3, P < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) was reduced following exercise (2.5 ± 6.4) compared with the control period (2.1 ± 4.9, P < 0.05). The mean 24 h readings did not differ between exercise or non‐exercise days.

Conclusion:  Acute aerobic exercise leads to reduced blood pressure for at least 60 min within the laboratory in chronic kidney disease patients.
Change in live donor characteristics over the last 25 years: A single centre experience
Authors: KAISAR MOHD O , NICOL DAVID L , HAWLEY CARMEL M , MUDGE DAVID W , JOHNSON DAVID W , PRESTON JOHN M , WALL DARYL R , GRIFFIN ANTHONY D , CAMPBELL SCOTT B , ISBEL NICOLE M
Published: October 2008

Aim:  While deceased donor kidney transplantation rates have remained stagnant, live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) rates have increased significantly over the last decade, and are now a major component of renal transplantation programmes worldwide. Additionally, there has been an increased utilization of more marginal donors, including donors who are obese, older and subjects with well‐controlled hypertension.

Method:  A retrospective audit of all live donors at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Renal Transplantation unit was performed from 24 August 1982 to 29 May 2007 to assess any change in donor characteristics over time.

Results:  There were 373 live donor operations. Over the last 25 years there has been a significant increase in the number of donors who are either older or obese. Furthermore, there is a greater proportion of spousal and emotionally related LDKT.

Conclusion:  It is imperative that donors, in particular marginal donors, are followed up long‐term to determine their risk of kidney and cardiovascular disease and initiation of appropriate treatment if required.
Cervical phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding proteın‐1 for the prediction of preterm delivery in symptomatic cases with intact membranes
Authors: Tanir H. Mete , Sener Turgay , Yildiz Zafer
Published: October 2008

Aim:  This prospective, observational study was an attempt to evaluate whether a positive cervical phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding proteın‐1 admission test in women with signs and symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) may be useful in the prediction of women who will deliver prematurely.

Methods:  Pregnant women with confirmed gestational age between 24 and 37 weeks' gestation with <3 cm cervical dilatation and intact membranes were included in the study. Prior to digital examination, a sterile speculum examination was performed using a dacron swab rotated in the external cervical os for 15 s. The test was based on immunochromatographic qualitative analysis of cervical phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding proteın‐1. Test (+) and (–) cases were evaluated in terms of maternal demographic characteristics and neonatal outcomes.

Results:  A total of 68 cases were enrolled in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between test (+) and (−) groups, in terms of maternal characteristics or adverse neonatal outcomes. However, cases with + test had high Bishop scores on admission (P = 0.01) and gestational age at delivery (P = 0.003). For deliveries within 7 days of admission, the strongest predictors were test positivity (RR:24,%95CI:2.8–204, P < 0.0001) and Bishop score (RR:1.3, %95CI: 1.0–1.6, P = 0.03). For deliveries <34 weeks' gestation, the test had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, +likelihood ratios and –likelihood ratios of 70%, 74%, 48%, 88, 2.8 and 0.39, respectively.

Conclusion:  Among women with signs and symptoms of PTL, the high negative predictive value of this test to predict the PTL <34 weeks' gestation as well as within 7 days of delivery may be of value in the reassurance of patients, avoiding unnecessary medical interventions.
Spatial scene representations formed by self‐organizing learning in a hippocampal extension of the ventral visual system
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , Tromans James M. , Stringer Simon M.
Published: October 2008

We show in a unifying computational approach that representations of spatial scenes can be formed by adding an additional self‐organizing layer of processing beyond the inferior temporal visual cortex in the ventral visual stream without the introduction of new computational principles. The invariant representations of objects by neurons in the inferior temporal visual cortex can be modelled by a multilayer feature hierarchy network with feedforward convergence from stage to stage, and an associative learning rule with a short‐term memory trace to capture the invariant statistical properties of objects as they transform over short time periods in the world. If an additional layer is added to this architecture, training now with whole scenes that consist of a set of objects in a given fixed spatial relation to each other results in neurons in the added layer that respond to one of the trained whole scenes but do not respond if the objects in the scene are rearranged to make a new scene from the same objects. The formation of these scene‐specific representations in the added layer is related to the fact that in the inferior temporal cortex and, we show, in the VisNet model, the receptive fields of inferior temporal cortex neurons shrink and become asymmetric when multiple objects are present simultaneously in a natural scene. This reduced size and asymmetry of the receptive fields of inferior temporal cortex neurons also provides a solution to the representation of multiple objects, and their relative spatial positions, in complex natural scenes.
Arab‐Israeli Negotiations and U.S. Interests in the Middle East: Second‐term Imperatives
Authors: Miller Aaron David , Mack David L. , Zogby James , Ben‐Meir Alon
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited transcript of the twelfth in a series of Capitol Hill conferences convened by the Middle East Policy Council over the past four years. The meeting was held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on November 21,1996. Council president George McGovern was the moderator.
Policy Entrepreneurs: The Third Dimension in American Foreign‐policy Culture
Authors: Khan M. A. Muqtedar
Published: October 2008

“The Great oil boom was an event so profoundly and broadly influential that it provides the key to understanding the surge of Islam.” — Daniel Pipes, 1983.

“Yet it is naive to attribute the Islamic revival mainly to oil.” — John Esposito, 1985.

“Yes, I did publish a book in 1983, In the Path of God, suggesting that the resurgence of Islam in the 1970s resulted from the boom in oil wealth. At this point I don't know what causes fundamentalism‥[It] may be too complicated for us to figure out.” — Daniel Pipes, 1994.

“In the long run, many academics were proved right.” — David D. Newsom, 1995‐96.
Symposium: U.S. Gulf Policy
Authors: Marty Joseph , Eland Ivan , Telhami Shibley , Zakheim Dov
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited transcript of the fifteenth in a series of Capitol Hill conferences convened by the Middle East Policy Council. The meeting was held on April 22, 1998, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The moderator/discussant was Chas. W. Freeman, Jr., president of the Middle East Policy Council.
Tunisia's First Contested Presidential Elections
Authors: Fandy Mamoun , Cheikhrouhou Moncef , Pelletreau Robert H.
Published: October 2008

The following is the edited text of a forum convened by the Middle East Policy Council on October 12, 1999, at the National Press Club in Washington, D. C.
The Future Israeli‐Palestinian Relationship
Authors: Ma'oz Moshe , Khatib Ghassan , Dakkak Ibrahim , Yossi Katz MK , Sayigh Yezid , Schiff Ze ‘ev , Shamir Shimon , Shikaki Khalil
Published: October 2008

In this concept paper, the Joint Working Group on Israeli‐Palestinian Relations‐a group of influential Palestinians and Israelis that has been meeting periodically since 1994 to discuss final‐status issues in the Israeli‐Palestinian negotiations‐explores the future relationship between the two societies after the signing of a peace agreement. The paper considers a relationship based on total separation between the two societies and states as neither realistic nor desirable. Instead, it envisages a future relationship based on mutually beneficial cooperation in many spheres, conducive to stable peace, sustainable development, and ultimate reconciliation. The basis for such a relationship must be laid in the process and outcome of the final‐status negotiations and in the patterns of cooperation established on the ground.

Efforts at cooperation and reconciliation cannot be pursued apart from their political context. The paper argues that the only feasible political arrangement on which a cooperative relationship can be built is a two‐state solution, establishing a genuinely independent Palestinian state alongside of Israel. The resolution of final‐status issues must be consistent with the sovereignty, viability, and security of both states.

The paper then proceeds to describe several models for the relationship between the two states and societies. It advocates a model of close cooperation, but proposes that this relationship be built in stages. The scope and speed of expanding and institutionalizing cooperative activities must be determined by experience‐by the extent to which such activities meet the needs of both parties, enhance mutual trust, and reduce inequalities between the parties.

Finally, the paper discusses three avenues for promoting a cooperative relationship based on equality, reciprocal benefit, and mutual trust and respect: the development of functional ties and civil‐society institutions across national borders; programs directed toward attitude change and stereotype reduction; and efforts to close the economic and political gap between the two societies.
Brain Drain: A Management or a Property Problem?
Authors: Glăvan Bogdan
Published: October 2008

Abstract.  Brain drain occurs when skilled individuals leave their native countries. It is often argued that this phenomenon has strong negative effects on the countries of origin, preventing them from capitalizing on their investment in human capital formation and thus realizing a higher growth. This analysis shows that the negative consequences of brain drain have been overemphasized, mainly because of the confusion between capital and technology. It demonstrates that investments in human capital are possible and profitable in a free market. State intervention in education is responsible for the systematic misallocation of human capital in general, and for brain drain in particular.
My Family Memories of Marjorie Grice‐Hutchinson in Malaga, Southern Spain
Authors: Cervera Navas Leonardo
Published: October 2008

Abstract.  Marjorie Grice‐Hutchinson is well‐known for her contributions to economic science. However, very few people outside Malaga (the city in the south of Spain where she lived most of her life) are aware of the philanthropic activities that she and her father undertook in the years that preceded and followed the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939).

Thanks to the efforts of Marjorie and her father, many survived political murder during the Spanish Civil War, tuberculosis, or starvation. Besides, thanks to the charity school that Marjorie and her father opened, many girls of the area received some education, overcoming the secular analphabetism and misery lasting generations.

These lines are meant to honor the memory of a prestigious economist from a different perspective and with the purpose that future generations know the way she helped other human beings (including my own family) in a totally unselfish way.
Early Liberal Socialism in Latin America: Juan B. Justo and the Argentine Socialist Party
Authors: Rodríguez Braun Carlos
Published: October 2008

Abstract.  Socialism and liberalism had in the beginning, along with the defense of civil and political rights, other points in common, such as full support for the gold standard and for the free movement of people, commodities, and capital. This article studies an important protagonist in the origins of Argentine and Latin American socialism, Juan B. Justo, who was active in the International and was the author of the first Spanish translation of Capital. His thought is an interesting mixture of doctrines, where liberalism plays an outstanding role.
Labor Market Duality and Leisure Industries in Spain: Quality of Life Versus Standard of Living
Authors: Paramio Juan L. , Zofío José L.
Published: October 2008

Abstract.  We discuss the effects that the emergence of the new postindustrial form of flexible capitalist organization has on the Spanish labor market and, by extension, on the working life of two representative groups of employees characterized by their casual and stable working conditions. This brings a growing duality in the labor market, where individuals who cannot escape casual employment coexist with those enjoying long‐term contracts. This concern includes how these changes affect the nature and the ways in which these particular groups understand quality of life and standard of living, which in turn serves to call into question the “end of work” and the expected “leisure society.” In addition, we highlight several circumstances that illustrate a decay in job quality and working conditions, particularly the increase in working hours. Parallel to this process we identify a work‐and‐spend behavior, resulting in overspent families that exhibit financial fragility and give up quality of life, associated with more free time, for higher living standards, which demand an increasing job commitment. Free time from work has become a scarce resource in Spain, and for those individuals belonging to what is known as the “new leisure class,” it is associated with high‐spending leisure activities, which has increased the economic importance of leisure industries.
Can Good Apples Be Mixed with Bad Economics? A Mengerian Critique of the Alchian and Allen Theorem
Authors: Anderson William L. , Kjar Scott
Published: October 2008

Abstract.  The Alchian and Allen Theorem has been a popular staple of many economics classes since Armen Alchian and William Allen first introduced it in their well‐known text University Economics. The Theorem says that the addition of the same fixed cost to two similar goods will result in an increase of demand for the higher‐priced, “higher‐quality” good relative to the lower‐quality item. Response to the Theorem ranges from an informal comment that it is a “parlor trick” to it being called the “Third Law of Demand.” We review some of the literature, and use Carl Menger's economic analysis to challenge the Theorem's validity. Based on Menger's analysis, we conclude that the Theorem is not, in fact, a theorem because it is does not describe a general case, but instead only applies in some cases, thereby becoming, at best, a special case of Menger's more general analysis. Further, we find evidence that Alchian and Allen themselves unwittingly contradict their own argument elsewhere in one of their texts.
Osteogenesis distraction and platelet‐rich plasma: combined use in restoration of severe atrophic mandible. Long‐term results
Authors: Robiony M. , Zorzan E. , Polini F. , Sembronio S. , Toro C. , Politi M.
Published: October 2008

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to report long‐term results on the use of autologous bone graft and platelet‐rich plasma in alveolar distraction osteogenesis (DO) for restoration of severe atrophic mandible. We tested the efficacy as to reabsorption of bone volume, peri‐implant reabsorption, implant survival and success rate.

Materials and methods: Twelve patients were treated. The surgical procedure consisted in mixing autologous bone, harvested from the iliac crest, with autologous platelet concentrate (APC) and in filling the distraction gap with this graft. After a latency of 15 days, a distraction rate of 0.5 mm/day was followed. After a 60‐day period of consolidation, the distraction device was removed and implants were placed simultaneously. The abutment connection was accomplished after 6 months. In addition, every patient was evaluated clinically and radiographically annually for 5 years.

Results: Planned alveolar height was reached in 11 out of 12 patients. The total number of implants positioned was 47. At the time of implant positioning, the mean decrease of total bone volume was 2.3%. The mean peri‐implant resorption was 0.40 mm at the time of abutment connection, 0.61 mm 1 year after implant loading and 1.51 mm after 5 years. After 5 years of follow‐up, the mean rate of vertical bone loss was 18.7%. Instead, the implant survival and success rates were 97.9% and 91.5%, respectively.

Conclusions: Long‐term results allow us to confirm the combination of autologous bone‐platelet gel with alveolar DO as an effective and predictable procedure in restoration of severe atrophic mandible.
Deciphering the melanoma interactome
Authors: Reed Jon A.
Published: October 2008

Late‐stage malignant melanoma continues to pose a significant therapeutic challenge, despite numerous recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and genetic pathways leading to tumor development and progression. Dr Scott McNutt was among the first researchers to employ the cutting edge technology, electron microscopy, to the study of cutaneous neoplasms. This work provided the foundation for more recent studies using molecular pathology to examine disease in the context of aberrant interactions between cellular signaling pathways in the so‐called ‘interactome’. Understanding the functional interrelationships of aberrant signaling networks in melanoma may lead to the development of novel therapies for advanced disease. This mini review will focus on few of the proteins that likely significantly contribute to the melanoma disease interactome.
Clinical management of HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection
Authors: Pozza Renee
Published: October 2008

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to review the current management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in persons coinfected with HIV.

Data sources:Comprehensive review of current scientific literature derived from electronic databases, article bibliographies, and conference abstracts.

Conclusions:HCV treatment is feasible in the individual coinfected with HIV; however, therapy is complex and requires intensive monitoring and support to achieve the outcome of viral eradication. New strategies to improve HCV treatment rates, adherence to therapy, and virological response rates are needed in this patient population.

Implications for practice:Nurse practitioners are crucial to the management of the HIV/HCV–coinfected patient. This patient population requires detailed clinical monitoring, education, side effect management, and strategies to improve adherence to therapy.
Diastolic heart failure: State of the science on best treatment practices
Authors: Redderson Lindsey Austin , Keen Crystal , Nasir Laura , Berry Diane
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to increase awareness among nurse practitioners (NPs) of the current state of the science on diastolic heart failure (DHF), the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for DHF, and pathophysiology, diagnosis, and nonpharmacological and pharmacological management of DHF.

Data sources: The articles included in the review of the state of the science were retrieved by a search of PUBMED literature using the following key search terms: heart failure, diastolic heart failure, preserved systolic function, heart failure management, treatment of diastolic heart failure, treatment of diastolic dysfunction, and treatment of preserved systolic function. Current published guidelines from the ACC and AHA were reviewed to establish clinical recommendations for patients with DHF.

Conclusions: The state of the science and clinical recommendations for DHF are in the early stages compared to those for systolic heart failure (SHF). The need for more randomized clinical trials on nonpharmacological and pharmacological management and the development of standardized guidelines for DHF patients are clearly apparent.

Implications for practice: Both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management are effective and necessary to control the clinical signs and symptoms of DHF and improve overall quality of life. Successful tailoring of a treatment plan to suit each individual patient’s needs and including the family are important for the NP to consider.
Revealing Interaction Mode Between HIV‐1 Reverse Transcriptase and Diaryltriazine Analog Inhibitor
Authors: Li Zeng , Han Jin , Chen Hai‐Feng
Published: October 2008

HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase is a key enzyme playing an important role in the HIV‐1 life cycle for the replication of the RNA genome into DNA form. Lys103Asn (K103N) mutant frequently is observed in HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase. Therefore, a series of novel non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were designed and synthesized. In vitro experimental results show that diaryltriazine analogs have potent anti‐HIV activity with moderate to high selectivity. In order to design anti‐HIV drug, docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to investigate the binding mode between ligand and HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase. The results suggest that the analogs might have a similar interaction mechanism with HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase. Then comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis were used to construct quantitative structure–activity models. These models were evaluated by eight test set compounds. These models are helpful in making quantitative prediction of their activity for new lead compounds before resorting in vitro and in vivo experimentation.
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship and Pharmacophore Studies of Adenosine Receptor A2BInhibitors
Authors: Joseph Tej Bhalla , Suneel Kumar B.V.S. , Santhosh Bairy , Kriti Singh , Pramod A. B. , Ravikumar Muttineni , Kishore Madala
Published: October 2008

Adenosine receptor A2B (ADoR A2B) is an important G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) of the rhodopsin family, and plays a pivotal role in gastrointestinal, neurological and hypersensitive disorders. QSAR and pharmacophore studies were carried out using 63 ADoR A2B inhibitor molecules to characterize molecular features and structural requirements for biological interaction. QSAR modelling using genetic algorithm‐ partial least squares (G/PLS) method identified molecular shape, size electrophilicity and conformational flexibility as important descriptors for these compounds affinity to the receptor. Further analysis of pharmacophore model revealed hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), hydrogen bond donor (HBD), hydrophobic aliphatic (HY‐ala) and hydrophobic aromatic (HY‐aro) as the crucial molecular features that predict binding affinity of these compounds to ADoR A2B. These observations provide important insights to the rationale development of novel and potent compounds against ADoR A2B.
Polymeric Absorbers for Flat Plate Collectors: Can Venting Provide Adequate Overheat Protection?
Authors: Kearney Meghan , Davidson Jane H. , Mantell Susan
Published: October 2008

Venting and evaporative cooling are modeled as possible techniques for protecting polymer absorbers in single-glazed, flat-plate solar collectors from exceeding the material temperature limit during dry stagnation. Four venting options are considered: I) venting above the absorber plate, II) venting below, III) dual venting, and IV) venting with evaporative cooling. Results indicate that in hot, sunny conditions, venting may not provide adequate cooling to lower the absorber temperature to the relative thermal index of the polymeric materials currently in use or under consideration for this application. Venting combined with evaporative cooling from a wetted pad directly beneath the absorber plate is identified as a potential method of overheat protection in hot, dry climates.
Solar Carbothermic Production of Zinc From Zinc Oxide: Solzinc
Authors: Guillot E. , Epstein M. , Wieckert C. , Olalde G. , Steinfeld A. , Sante´n S. , Frommherz U. , Kra¨upl S. , Osinga T.
Published: October 2008

In late 2004, the pilot Solzinc solar reactor was commissioned. The European Union and the Swiss Federal Office of Science and Education are funding this project to demonstrate the technical feasibility and the economical potential of producing Zn by reducing zinc oxide with the aid of concentrated solar energy and a small amount of carbon at a close to industrial scale. The zinc can be used as a means to store solar energy in a chemical way, e.g. suited to release electricity in Zinc-air fuel cells. This allows on demand use, boosting the availability of solar energy. Furthermore, as the Zinc-air fuel cells’ waste is ZnO, we get a cyclic process by reducing this ZnO in the Solzinc solar reactor. Numerous lab tests and numerical studies of the chemical and thermal behavior of the solar carbothermic ZnO reduction process were conducted by the Swiss Paul Scherrer Institute, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, the Israeli Weizmann Institute and the French CNRS Processes, Materials and Solar Energy laboratory. An indirectly heated beam-down reactor concept was chosen and influencing parameters, such as the type of carbon, the stoichiometry of the ZnO-C mix and the process temperature were explored. Based on these findings the technology was scaled up for the pilot plant for about 0.25 MW solar input leading to a designed zinc production rate of 50kg/h. The Swedish company ScanArc Plasma Systems AB developed a special quench system to produce zinc dust directly from the gaseous zinc exhausted from the solar reactor. The dust’s characteristics were adapted to the requirements of the Zn-air fuel cells developed by the German company ZOXY Energy System AG. The resulting zinc can be easily stored and transported for generating electricity as needed. In 2004, the pilot reactor, the quench system and extensive instrumentation were installed at the Weizmann Institute’s solar facilities to process batches of up to 500 kg of ZnO-C mixture. After cold testing of the installation and fulfilling all safety requirements, the first batches were processed. This paper explores the results of the commissioning to show the technical feasibility of this process to produce zinc and to store solar energy.
Empirical Model Rating Method of Heat Removal Efficiency for Vertical Mantle Storage Tanks
Authors: Chang J. M.
Published: October 2008

The heat removal efficiency of a storage tank is effective to evaluate the thermal energy that users can obtain during its heat removal phase. With different types and volumes Vt, from 174 L to 1093 L, of six vertical mantle storage tanks widely applied to heat pumps and solar heating systems, the analyses of heat removal patterns were carried out. In addition, using a new integrated variable (Ti − Tw)/ V˙d found from the heat removal patterns, an empirical model of heat removal efficiency has been developed. The study found that the empirical model is a logarithmic curve ηR = aLn((Ti − Tw)/V˙d)+b with a good data correlation coefficient from 0.93 to 0.97. Characteristic heat removal efficiency ηR* was set up with this empirical model based on the relation of ηR* = ηR|(Ti − Tw)/V˙d = 1.5. The characteristic heat removal efficiency ηR* presents the useful thermal energy in a storage tank and the testing method is characterized by fitting it for different types, volumes, charge modes, and discharge modes of storage tanks. It is a practical testing method for the heat removal efficiency testing of a vertical mantle storage tank. The testing method provides the manufacturers of the systems with the information that how many energy output rates of their commercial products can be more improved, and then they can be sure to supply consumers the high quality of products.
Experimental Studies on Solar Distillation Systems Under Indian Climatic Conditions
Authors: Shukla S. K.
Published: October 2008

In this paper performance studies of five types of solar still systems have been presented. The experiments were carried out in the year 2001 and 2002 at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India. On the basis of experimental results, it is observed that the double slope multiwick solar still operates at a higher temperature and gives monthly average improvement of 30% to 50% over conventional single slope solar still. This is a result of its very low heat capacity caused by the relatively small thermal mass per unit area in multiwick solar stills. However the annual performance obviously goes down due to the quite less distillate output during July, August and mid September. The reason for the low output is attributed to the cloudy weather and rainy season.
Energy Use and Performance of a New Variable Primary-Flow Chilled Water System
Authors: Song Li , Joo Ik-Seong , Liu Mingsheng
Published: October 2008

The traditional chilled water loop has been designed as a primary/secondary (P/S) system for several years. The primary loop maintains constant chilled water flow through the evaporator, and the secondary loop is designed as a variable flow system in response to variations in building cooling load. The primary/secondary design separates the chiller operation from the building load requirements. This design principle has been working adequately for old chillers that require constant chilled water flow to achieve stable chiller performance. However, these chillers operate inefficiently and consume unnecessary pump power. In recent years, the chiller industry has begun the use of variable water flow through evaporators. Significant energy savings can be achieved by using the variable flow principle. This paper compares the P/S system with variable chilled water system and also proposes an innovative solution: chilled water supply temperature reset to maintain the minimum chilled water flow and eliminate by-pass water flow. The energy consumption models including pump power and chiller compressor power improvement are presented to simulate the energy performance of two systems. ASHRAE detailed cooling coil models are also adopted to simulate the cooling coil discharge air humidity in order to verify the impacts of the chilled water supply temperature reset. Finally, a case study building demonstrates experimental results. Up to 10% pump and compressor power saving is demonstrated by simulations and the case study.
Solar Production of Hydrogen Using “Self-Assembled’’ Polyoxometalate Photocatalysts
Authors: Muradov Nazim Z. , T-Raissi Ali
Published: October 2008

Near-term and cost-effective production of solar hydrogen from inexpensive and readily available hydrogen containing compounds (HCCs) can boost the prospects of future hydrogen economy. In this paper, we assess the prospects of solar-assisted conversion of HCCs into hydrogen using polyoxometalate (POM) based photocatalysts, such as isopolytunstates (IPT) and silicotungstic acid (STA). Upon exposure to solar photons, IPT aqueous solutions containing various HCCs (e.g. alcohols, alkanes, organic acids, sugars, etc.) produce hydrogen gas and corresponding oxygenated compounds. The presence of small amounts of colloidal platinum increases the rate of hydrogen evolution by one order of magnitude. A solar photocatalytic flat-bed reactor, approximately 1.2 m × 1.2 m in size, was fabricated and tested for production of hydrogen from water-alcohol solutions containing IPT and STA and small amounts of colloidal Pt. The solar photoreactor tests demonstrated steady-state production of hydrogen gas for several days. IPT immobilized on granules of anion exchange resins with quaternary ammonium active groups show good photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water-alcohol solutions exposed to near-UV or solar radiation.
Analysis of Electrical Energy Savings From Daylighting Through Skylights
Authors: Nemri Abdelkarim , Krarti Moncef
Published: October 2008

This paper provides a simplified analysis tool to assess the energy saving potential of daylighting for commercial buildings through skylights. Specifically, the impact of daylighting is investigated for various fenestration opening sizes, glazing types, control strategies, and geographic locations. A top floor of a prototypical office building has been considered in the analysis. The results obtained for the office building can be applied to other types of buildings such as retails stores, schools, and warehouses. Based on the simulation analysis results, it was determined that skylight to floor ratio more than 0.3 does not affect significantly the lighting energy savings. An optimum value of skylight to floor area ratio was found to be 0.2 to minimize the annual total building energy use.
Development Steps for Concentrating Solar Power Technologies With Maximum Impact on Cost Reduction: Results of the European ECOSTAR Study
Authors: Pitz-Paal Robert , Dersch Ju¨rgen , Milow Barbara , Te´llez Fe´lix , Ferriere Alain , Langnickel Ulrich , Steinfeld Aldo , Karni Jacob , Zarza Eduardo , Popel Oleg
Published: October 2008

Beside continuous implementation of concentrating solar power plants (CSP) in Europe, which stipulate cost reduction by mass production effects, further R&D activities are necessary to achieve the cost competitiveness to fossil power generation. Therefore the cost range of 15–20 cents€/kWh for the currently planned CSP systems in Europe has to be decreased by a factor of 2–4. The European Concentrated Solar Thermal Roadmap (ECOSTAR) study that is conducted by leading CSP research institutes in Europe intends to stipulate the direction for R&D activities in the context of cost reduction. It uses a common methodology approach, based on an annual performance model to identify the most essential technical innovations that will reduce the cost of seven different CSP system concepts, which are currently under promotion world wide. The potential of innovative concepts for solar light weight concentrators, low-cost thermal energy storage concepts, solar receivers/absorbers and power cycles are in the main focus of interest. The results of the study include a description of the value of CSP power, the sensitivity of the electricity cost information, a list of innovations that have been investigated and recommendations for the focus of further R&D work.
Optimal Supply Water Temperature Control of Water Source Heat Pump
Authors: Palahanska-Mavrov M. , Wang G. , Liu M.
Published: October 2008

The water loop supply water temperature is the most critical control parameter for operating energy cost in water source heat pump systems. In this paper, the impact of the water loop temperature on operating energy cost is investigated for different types of buildings under different loads using theoretical models. The theoretical models and approaches are also applied to an 80,000 square feet office building to determine the building heating and cooling load, optimal supply water temperature, and potential energy cost savings based on measured supply water temperature and loop heat gain. It is concluded that the optimal supply water temperature control can significantly reduce the annual energy costs associated with compressor power and boiler energy. The potential energy savings is determined to be 24% in the application building.
Study on a Multi-Layer Analytical Model of Natural Ventilation in Large Single-Cell Buildings
Authors: Gao Jun , Zhao Jia-Ning , Gao Fu-Sheng , Liu Jing , Wang Zhao-Jun
Published: October 2008

In large single-cell buildings, a multi-layer analytical model of natural ventilation is presented in this paper. The fluid mechanics of a plume developing in multi-layer environment is investigated based on the plume theory. Using the basic equations for a thermal plume, a mathematical model demonstrating this mechanics is established. Multi-layer thermal stratification of air density or temperature is considered driven by heat flux along wall surfaces. Airflow along vertical walls is modeled with two separate methods, one considering separate wall plumes for each layer and another modeling continuous airflow along the whole wall surface. A multi-layer model is established through balance equations for mass flow rate and heat in each layer. Two separate multi-layer models are presented and then are used to predict the ventilation flow rate and vertical temperature profiles. CFD simulation is also carried out using the RNG κ-ε model, together with an enhanced wall boundary treatment. Results of both present models are compared with those of CFD simulation. Comparisons of the results show that one model using turbulent boundary layer to calculate continuous airflow along vertical walls gives more reasonable and reliable predictions than the other one.
Numerical Study of Conjugate Heat Transfer in a BIPV-Thermal System
Authors: Liao Liang , Athienitis Andreas , Park Kwang-Wook , Collins Michael , Poissant Yves
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study of a building-integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPV/T) system, which generates both electricity and thermal energy. The conjugate heat transfer in the BIPV/T system cavity is studied with a 2-D CFD model. The k-ε model is used to simulate the turbulent flow and convective heat transfer in the cavity, in addition to buoyancy effect. Longwave radiation between boundary surfaces is also modeled. Experimental measurements taken in a full scale outdoor test facility at Concordia University are generally in good agreement with the CFD model. Average and local convective heat transfer coefficients are generated and PV panel average temperature and local cell temperatures are calculated and compared with the experimental data.
Impact of Shape on Residential Buildings Energy Performance
Authors: Pappas Alexandra , Loew Eric , Scotland-Stewart Tim , Krarti Moncef
Published: October 2008

The impact of the shape on energy performance for residential buildings has been investigated using a series of simulation analyses. The shape of a building is quantified by its compactness relative to a reference building. In this paper, the performance of a prototypical residential building with various shapes is investigated for selected locations in the US. Various window-to-wall ratios are considered in the analysis. The findings indicate that significant energy can be saved when the shape and the window-to-wall ratio of the building are optimized. A simplified evaluation method is provided to help designers assess the impact of basic building architectural features on the energy performance of residential buildings.
Pyrometric Temperature Measurements on Solar Thermal Receivers
Authors: Pfa¨nder Markus , Heller Peter , Lu¨pfert Eckhard
Published: October 2008

The knowledge of the absorber surface temperature distribution is essential for efficient operation and further development of solar thermal high temperature receivers. However, the concentrated solar radiation makes it difficult to determine the temperature on irradiated surfaces. Contact thermometry is not appropriate and pyrometric measurements are distorted by the reflected solar radiation. The measurement in solar-blind spectral ranges offers a possible solution by eliminating the reflected solar radiation from the measurement signal. The paper shows that besides the incoming solar radiation and the absorber emittance, the bi-directional reflection properties and the temperature of the object are determining for the required selectivity of the spectral filter. Atmospheric absorption affects the solar blind pyrometric measurements in absorption bands of CO2 and water vapor. The deviation of temperature measurement due to atmospheric absorption is quantified and the possibilities and limitations of accounting for the atmospheric absorption with models based on radiation transfer calculations are discussed.
A Method for Teaching an Integrated Sustainable Design Process for Post-Secondary Curricula and Programs
Authors: Wilson Ronald G.
Published: October 2008

“Sustainable” and “Green” are everywhere. How do you think it? How do you teach it? How do you incorporate it into your design environment? This presentation is intended for any one who is interested in a technique that illustrates a proven method to teach someone how to think about and design environmentally friendly housing and small buildings. The methods discussed may also be of interest to other professionals or anyone who is in the sustainable building business and wants to educate their client base in sustainable/green building principles and benefits.
Transient Analysis and Performance Prediction of a Solid Adsorption Solar Refrigerator
Authors: Anyanwu Emmanuel E. , Ogueke Nnamdi V.
Published: October 2008

The transient analysis and performance prediction of a solid adsorption solar refrigerator, using activated carbon/methanol adsorbent/adsorbate pair are presented. The mathematical model is based on the thermodynamics of the adsorption process, heat transfer in the collector plate/tube arrangement, and heat and mass transfers within the adsorbent/adsorbate pair. Its numerical model developed from finite element transformation of the resulting equations computes the collector plate and tube temperatures to within 5°C. The condensate yield and coefficient of performance, COP were predicted to within 5% and 9%, respectively. The resulting evaporator water temperature was also predicted to within 4%. Thus the model is considered a useful design tool for the refrigerator to avoid costly experimentation.
Interactions Between Building Integrated Photovoltaics and Microclimate in Urban Environments
Authors: Wang Yiping , Tian Wei , Zhu Li , Ren Jianbo , Liu Yonghui , Zhang Jinli , Yuan Bing
Published: October 2008

BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) has progressed in the past years and become an element to be considered in city planning. BIPV has influence on microclimate in urban environments and the performance of BIPV is also affected by urban climate. The effect of BIPV on urban microclimate can be summarized under the following four aspects. The change of absorptivity and emissivity from original building surface to PV will change urban radiation balance. After installation of PV, building cooling load will be reduced because of PV shading effect, so urban anthropogenic heat also decreases to some extent. Because PV can reduce carbon dioxide emissions which is one of the reasons for urban heat island, BIPV is useful to mitigate this phenomena. The anthropogenic heat will alter after using BIPV, because partial replacement of fossil fuel means to change sensible heat from fossil fuel to solar energy. Different urban microclimate may have various effects on BIPV performance that can be analyzed from two perspectives. Firstly, BIPV performance may decline with the increase of air temperature in densely built areas because many factors in urban areas cause higher temperature than that of the surrounding countryside. Secondly, the change of solar irradiance at the ground level under urban air pollution will lead to the variation of BIPV performance because total solar irradiance usually is reduced and each solar cell has a different spectral response characteristic. The thermal model and performance model of ventilated BIPV according to actual meteorologic data in Tianjin (China) are combined to predict PV temperature and power output in the city of Tianjin. Then, using dynamic building energy model, cooling load is calculated after BIPV installation. The calculation made based in Tianjin shows that it is necessary to pay attention to and further analyze interactions between them to decrease urban pollution, improve BIPV performance and reduce cooling load.
The Thermal Performance of Composite Trombe Wall
Authors: Yang Zhao , Xu Xiao Li
Published: October 2008

With the special configuration, composite trombe wall gained more attention for overcoming the defects of the traditional trombe wall. In the paper, the K-ε turbulent model is adopted to analyze the thermal performance of the composite trombe wall coupled with room by means of CFD simulation technology. The analyses are focus on the passive heating cooling functions and the effect of the position on the thermal performance of composite trombe wall. Further, the pre-heating function of the composite trombe wall in winter which can improve indoor air quality and save energy is discussed.