bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANÁLISIS EXPERIMENTAL DE LAS MEZCLAS DE REFRIGERANTES NATURALES CO2/R290 y CO2/R1270 EN UNA INSTALACIÓN DE CO2 TRANSCRÍTICA EMPLEANDO DIFERENTES CONFIGURACIONES
Authors: Larrondo Sancho Rafael , Vidan Falomir Francisco , Sánchez García-Vacas Daniel , Cabello López Ramón
Published: September 2024

Debido a las limitaciones en el uso de refrigerantes con alto Potencial de Calentamiento Atmosférico, los fluidos naturales han cobrado especial importancia en el sector de la refrigeración comercial, siendo el CO2 el fluido que más se ha extendido en sistemas centralizados gracias a sus características de alta seguridad. Sin embargo, su baja temperatura crítica unida al clima cálido en España, ha hecho que los ciclos transcríticos sean un estándar en este tipo de instalaciones, donde se requiere el uso de nuevos componentes o configuraciones de ciclo para poder mejorar su eficiencia energética (COP).
Como solución a este problema, se propone el uso de mezclas de refrigerantes naturales para aumentar la temperatura crítica del fluido, y mejorar así, las prestaciones del ciclo. En el presente trabajo, se analizan cuatro mezclas de CO2 con los hidrocarburos propano (R290) y propileno (R1270), en una planta de refrigeración transcrítica como alternativa al CO2. Empleando dos fracciones másicas del 4 y 6 %, las mezclas de CO2/R290 y CO2/R1270 se han ensayado a dos temperaturas de disipación (20 y 34°C), empleando las configuraciones de Intercambiador Interno (IHX) y subenfriamiento mecánico integrado (IMS). Atendiendo a unas mismas condiciones de demanda frigorífica, los resultados obtenidos han demostrado la conveniencia de dichas mezclas con mejoras hasta un 9.2 % en el COP.
INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION OF DAILY RADIATIVE COOLING AND SOLAR HEATING: PRESENTING THE AD-RCE FOR COMBINED RENEWABLE HEATING AND COOLING
Authors: Vilà Roger , Monterrubio Jes´ús , Cofré-Toledo Jonathan , Solé Cristian , Castell Albert , Martorell Ingrid , Rincón Lídia , Medrano Marc
Published: September 2024

This research introduces the Adaptive Radiative Collector and Emitter (ad-RCE) device, an evolution of the Radiative Collector and Emitter (RCE). The RCE has demonstrated the dual capability of producing hot water using solar collection during the day and cold water below ambient temperature using radiative cooling at night. With the development of new materials, it is now possible to achieve radiative cooling even during daytime. To increase cold production, the ad-RCE integrates daytime radiative cooling (DRC) with nocturnal radiative cooling (NRC) and solar heating (SH) in an active system. The ad-RCE improves the previous RCE as it is designed to dynamically adjust its heat and cold production in response to daily demand. By incorporating a rotating mechanism and novel DRC materials, the ad-RCE allows the transition between radiative cooling and solar heating functions while extending the cooling operation period, representing an innovative approach to harness renewable energy sources for both heating and cooling purposes. This evolution from the RCE to the ad-RCE expands upon the capabilities of the device by increasing the cooling production while reducing the surface requirements of the ad-RCE. This makes the ad-RCE more suitable for energy production in buildings and industrial applications. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the ad-RCE, highlighting its benefits and improvements compared to its predecessor, the RCE.
SIMULACIÓN DINÁMICA DE DIFERENTES ESTRATEGIAS DE CONTROL EN SISTEMA DE CALEFACCIÓN TODO AGUA CON BOMBA DE CALOR
Authors: Gutiérrez Daniel , Ortega Ignacio , Sieres Atienza Jaime
Published: September 2024

Este trabajo analiza distintas configuraciones de control y regulación para una instalación de calefacción todo agua, a escala unifamiliar, con bomba de calor geotérmica. Las simulaciones se han realizado con el software OpenModelica. Para la selección y parametrización de algunos componentes se ha recurrido también a la librería Buildings.
Se analizan 3 estrategias de control diferentes, contemplando la posibilidad de utilizar en el circuito hidráulico de calefacción una circuladora de velocidad constante o variable, así como un control sobre la bomba de calor basado en una temperatura de retorno constante o una temperatura de salida variable. Una vez seleccionados los componentes y las estrategias de control diferentes, se evalúa su grado de eficiencia energética durante un periodo anual en base al cálculo del SCOP. Además, se observó que la estrategia de control considerada afectaba también a la frecuencia y duración de los ciclos de arranque y parada de la bomba de calor.
Bombas de calor de alta temperatura, hidrocarburos como refrigerantes, y una elección adecuada del lubricante para una mayor eficiencia
Authors: Muñoz Alonso Manuel , Karnaz Joe , Dixon Liz , Liu Jun
Published: September 2024

Lo que encontramos dentro de un circuito frigorífico es una mezcla de lubricante con algún refrigerante disuelto, que cambia las propiedades originales del lubricante. En refrigeración y aire acondicionado los parámetros de funcionamiento son bien conocidos, pero para bombas de calor (HP), y aún más para bombas de calor de alta temperatura (HTHP, por sus siglas en inglés), es necesario una nueva evaluación de las condiciones de lubricación en el compresor. Describiremos los parámetros que influyen para poder cubrir las necesidades de lubricación del compresor, proporcionando una viscosidad de trabajo suficiente para proteger las partes móviles de rozamientos y fricción, manteniendo así mismo una separación efectiva entre los lados de alta y baja presión del circuito. La química del refrigerante y el lubricante, su influencia en la mutua solubilidad y miscibilidad, determinan la viscosidad de trabajo. El papel de los hidrocarburos y el comportamiento del par lubricante-refrigerante se describirán en compresores alternativos y de tornillo. Se analizará la solubilidad mutua y la viscosidad de trabajo para entornos HFO-lubricante, donde la dilución de este último es importante. Todas las explicaciones se ilustrarán con ejemplos prácticos de productos y condiciones de trabajo reales.
EVALUACIÓN DE RENDIMIENTO ESTACIONAL DE BOMBAS DE CALOR SALMUERA – AGUA DE REFRIGERANTES CON BAJO GWP COMO ALTERNATIVA DE R410A
Authors: SANTOS NAVARRO JOSÉ MANUEL , Sieres Atienza Jaime , Ortega Ignacio , Cerdeira Pérez Fernando
Published: September 2024

Actualmente, el uso de energías renovables se considera primordial para disminuir la contaminación ambiental y reducir el calentamiento global, y centrado en la reducción progresiva de sustancias que lo provocan. En concreto, en bombas de calor y equipos de aire acondicionado pequeños, con potencias inferiores a 12 kW, en la prohibición del uso de gases fluorados cuyo potencial de calentamiento atmosférico (GWP) no sea de al menos 150 a partir de 2027.El empleo de refrigerantes alternativos con valores inferiores de GWP se ha convertido en tema de interés generalizado de investigación para el desarrollo continuo de bombas de calor de compresión de vapor, utilizadas cada vez más ampliamente como opción prometedora para reemplazar el equipo basado en combustibles fósiles utilizados para aplicaciones de calefacción, y clave para reemplazar el uso extenso de refrigerantes con valores de GWP altos que se encuentran actualmente en el mercado, como el R410A. En este trabajo, se analiza el comportamiento de algunos de estos refrigerantes alternativos con un menor GWP que el R410A a sustituir en una bomba de calor salmuera-agua. Sus rendimientos relativos en términos de coeficiente estacional de rendimiento (SCOP), capacidad de calefacción y otras son similares, caso del R454B y R452B. Minusvalorando aquéllos determinados en caso de R454C.
IMPACT OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ENERGY CERTIFICATION OF A MULTI-FAMILIY BUILDING IN VALENCIA
Authors: Soto Francés Victor Manuel , Sarabia Escrivà Emilio José , Pinazo Ojer José Manuel
Published: September 2024

: The European EPBD directive initially emerged as a way to label buildings to inform the consumer. At that time, it sought to compare its performance with other products, such as a washing machine. However, the climatic, economic-social, and energy context is forcing the evaluation of the actual energy performance with pecuniary links.
This article compares the actual Valencia weather in 1992, 2002, 2012, 2022, and 2023 with the official one used by the Spanish certification scheme. An old, existing multi-family building is rehabilitated to get a label A. Additionally, it meets the restrictions of the current CTE-HE. The paper assesses the impact of considering the actual weather on their energy performance in both states, before and after rehabilitation, as well as on their energy rating, and discusses the outcomes. All computations have been performed with the recognized software tool CERMA.
ANÁLISIS DEL COMPORTAMIENTO Y OPTIMIZACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE AIRE ACONDICIONADO SOLAR CON PRE-ENFRIAMIENTO DEL AIRE DE ENTRADA AL CONDENSADOR MEDIANTE ATOMIZACIÓN POR ULTRASONIDOS.
Authors: Fabregat Calixto Jorge , Lucas Miralles Manuel , Ruiz Ramirez Javier , Martínez Martínez Pedro , Aguilar Valero Francisco Javier , Rodríguez Martínez Alberto
Published: September 2024

The most directly applicable strategies for improving the performance of air conditioning systems are the use of renewable energy sources and improving their efficiency by lowering their condensing temperature. An emerging area of study is the use of ultrasonic equipment to improve the efficiency of a wide variety of processes, with interesting results in the field of evaporative pre-cooling. The present study aims to analyse and optimise a conventional split-type solar cooling system driven by photovoltaic energy, which has a hybridisation of the condenser using ultrasonic atomisers to improve its efficiency. An experimental study has been carried out for different configurations of active atomisers, with the aim of modelling the behaviour of this system under different operating conditions. The annual energy results for different locations will be analysed and the control criteria of the ultrasonic pre-cooling system will be optimised according to the operating conditions.
Characterisation of a plate heat exchanger working as condenser. Comparative analysis
Authors: García Cascales José Ramón , Villalba Reguera Jenifer , Illán Gómez Fernando , Sánchez Velasco Francisco Javier , Otón Martínez Ramón Antonio
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a method to evaluate the heating capacity of a plate heat exchanger working as condenser. As in previous works with phe evaporators and single phase heat exchangers, the proposed methodology relays on a discretisation of the heat exchanger in cells, in such a way that the outlet temperature is assumed and the heat transferred is calculated by integrating along the heat exchanger by means of a 1D approach which allows us to determine the outlet variables iteratively based on a heat transfer area calculation.The input variables of the model are pressure, enthalpy, and flow rate of both fluids at the inlet of the heat exchanger .The study presents the method, pays attention the heat transfer coefficient correlations utilised, and is used to comparatively determine the heat transferred by the refrigerant to the secondary fluid. Experimental results are used for validation and to analyse the goodness of the different correlations tested. Some conclusions are finally drawn.
EL ENVASADO ACTIVO DE RPET, CON ACEITES ESENCIALES ENCAPSULADOS, MEJORA LA CALIDAD DE LAS FRESAS FRESCAS REFRIGERADAS
Authors: López Gómez Antonio , Navarro Martínez Alejandra , López Avilés Francisco José , Martínez Hernández Ginés Benito
Published: September 2024

El envasado activo se considera una técnica poscosecha con un gran potencial para preservar mejor la calidad de frutas y verduras durante el almacenamiento refrigerado. En particular, los aceites esenciales (AE) liberados por el envasado activo pueden prolongar la vida útil del producto debido a las elevadas propiedades antimicrobianas y antioxidantes de los AE. Por lo tanto, se estudiaron los efectos del envasado activo de AE (que contiene una mezcla encapsulada de AE de carvacrol:AE de orégano:AE de canela en proporción 70:10:20) sobre los principales parámetros de calidad (firmeza, incidencia de podredumbre, crecimiento microbiano y puntuación sensorial) de las fresas almacenadas a 4 ºC hasta 7 días. La firmeza de las fresas se conservó un 23% mejor con el envase activo en comparación con el envase de control después de 7 días. No se observó ninguna incidencia de podredumbre en las fresas después de 7 días con el envase activo, mientras que la incidencia de podredumbre alcanzó el 20% con el envase de control. En particular, las cargas de levaduras de moho en las fresas de los envases activos fueron entre 0,8 y 1 unidades logarítmicas inferiores a las del envase de control. Además, las fresas de los envases activos obtuvieron mejores puntuaciones que las de los envases de control, debido principalmente a la textura de mayor puntuación. En conclusión, el envase activo con AE estudiado tiene un alto potencial para preservar la calidad poscosecha de las fresas durante el almacenamiento refrigerado.
USO DE LOS REFRIGERANTES NATURALES (CO2, NH3) EN SISTEMAS DE REFRIGERACIÓN INDUSTRIAL DE MEDIANO TAMAÑO
Authors: Fernández Benítez José Antonio , Alonso Raúl
Published: September 2024

En la última década el CO2 ha recibido un gran impulso en el ámbito de la refrigeración comercial centralizada donde se muestra como alternativa a largo plazo de los sistemas basados en R404A, condensado a desparecer con la Directiva F-Gas. Junto a los primeros sistemas en cascada (CO2 en baja presión) se han propuesto más recientemente sistemas Booster CO2 con configuraciones simples, válidas para emplazamientos fríos, y alternativas más complejas, para emplazamientos cálidos.
Si bien la Directiva F-Gas focaliza sobre los refrigerantes de alto GWP empleados, sobre todo, en el ámbito comercial, cabe el debate sobre si el CO2 puede extenderse al ámbito industrial, donde la presencia del amoniaco es todavía notable.
En esta ponencia se analizan, sobre la base de una instalación tipo de procesado alimentario de pequeño/mediano tamaño (500-1000 kW), distintas configuraciones posibles que utilizan NH3 (sólo), CO2 (sólo) y NH3/CO2 conjuntamente. La instalación dispone típicamente de servicios a 3 niveles de temperatura diferentes: salas de preparación, cámaras de congelado y túneles de congelación. Se comparan las prestaciones de las diferentes alternativas propuestas para distintas condiciones ambientales y se analizan soluciones de ahorro energético.
METODO DE UNA SOLUCIÓN NUMÉRICA DE UN PROBLEMA DE TRANSFERENCIA DE CALOR A TRAVÉS DE SERIES FINITAS, CON CONDICIONES PARA UN SISTEMA NO CONCENTRADO.
Authors: Rojas Cañas Mariana Zeltzin , Castillo Castro Fernando , Arroyo Cabañas Fernando Gabriel
Published: September 2024

La solución a los problemas de transferencia de calor se puede llevar a cabo de diferentes formas, pero a lo largo del tiempo, la tecnología ha buscado la manera de facilitar el poder encontrar dicha solución. Una de estas herramientas son los métodos numéricos, los cuales ayudan a aproximar de la mejor manera la solución de diversos problemas, aunque de igual manera se requiere tener un buen entendimiento de esto para poder generar una respuesta exacta. Las series finitas es un método matemático que se puede implementar en métodos numéricos para poder llegar a una solución, donde se busca dar un resultado más exacto, hallando la solución al problema.
En el presente trabajo de investigación se realizó un modelo que pueda adaptarse a distintos problemas propuestos con geometrías distintas, utilizando métodos numéricos, los cuales se emplean para analizar problemas que no se pueden solucionar analíticamente. El método de resolución del problema se basa en diferencias finitas, donde se obtiene una formulación numérica (para este caso de conducción de calor en una esfera), considerando los elementos finitos, tanto en la frontera, como a nivel de cada partícula que componen la geometría.
Para poder formular y resolver numéricamente este problema de transferencia de calor se plantearon ecuaciones de series finitas, y se realizó un balance de energía, para obtener las diferencias generales de todos los nodos interiores, donde el elemento descrito por el nodo m y los dos nodos vecinos m-1 y m+1, representan la forma de la conducción de calor que se lleva a cabo en las superficies del elemento analizado.
DESIGN OF PUMPING INSTALLATIONS: DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXCEL WORKBOOK FOR HYDRAULIC MACHINES LECTURES
Authors: Fernandes Monteiro de Oliveira Avelino Virgílio , Ruiz Ramírez Javier , Antunes Ferreira Mendes João Carlos
Published: September 2024

Nowadays, pumps are used worldwide in a very wide range of facilities and for countless purposes, including HVAC, domestic and commercial buildings, district energy, industrial processes and water treatment, municipal wastewater and water supply, agriculture and irrigation, among others. Accordingly, the number of applications is also very diverse. The purpose of present contribution is to introduce an Excel Workbook that represents a friendly easy to use tool that enables the design of pumping systems. It was first thought for Hydraulic Machines Master lectures, but its use might be looked at in a wider perspective. The Workbook includes 17 worksheets (Figure 1), all linked to each other, addressing different aspects of the design. Special attention is paid to the major and minor head losses calculation, the cavitation phenomenon, the use of dimensionless coefficients to determine the rotation speed to obtain a specific operating point and to the calculation of the system curve. Energy efficiency represents today an important goal in every pumping facility; therefore, one of the objectives of this tool is to enable the user to quantify both the shaft power and the efficiency of different operating points thus allowing a sustained definition of the best solution.
ESTUDIO EXPERIMENTAL Y MODELIZACIÓN DE UNA BOMBA DE CALOR DE ACS
Authors: Amorós Gonzálvez María , Aguilar Valero Francisco Javier , Vera Alves Ícaro Cesar , Martínez Belt´ran Pedro Juan , Vicente Quiles Pedro Gines
Published: September 2024

Se aborda una instalación de generación de agua caliente sanitaria mediante bomba de calor, bajo diferentes condiciones de funcionamiento. El trabajo presenta, en primer, los resultados de un estudio experimental, que se llevan a cabo bajo condiciones controladas de funcionamiento en laboratorio. Los ensayos se realizan sobre una bomba de calor aire/agua de ACS con un depósito integrado de 215 litros con una potencia nominal de 1,75 kW. Se realizan ensayos de consumo de agua con perfiles similares a los indicados a la Norma UNE-EN1614:2017. Posteriormente, se lleva a cabo la modelización del sistema propuesto, para lo cual se emplea el software TRNSYS. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una excelente concordancia entre los datos experimentales y los resultados de la simulación, con una desviación media inferior al 2% entre la energía térmica aportado por la bomba de calor en el ensayo experimental y su correspondiente simulación. El modelo de simulación propuesto ha sido validado con éxito, demostrando su capacidad para simular con precisión el comportamiento real de las bombas de calor
THEORETICAL EVALUATION OF DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING NETWORKS CONNECTED TO HEAT PUMPS
Authors: Alarnaot Ghad , Navarro Esbrí Joaquín , Mota Babiloni Adrián
Published: September 2024

This article conducts a comprehensive theoretical analysis containing operational, carbon footprint, and economic aspects of a medium-high temperature heat pump (HP) employing R-1234ze(E). The study contains a total of three scenarios, where the first (single stage/two stage (SS/TSC)) scenario uses waste heat for district heating. The second (SS/TSC) scenario produces heating and cooling for district heating and cooling. The third (TSC) scenario uses heat from the district heating network (DHN) for conventional boiler applications. Regarding the energy analysis, the internal heat exchanger (IHX) presents a positive impact across all scenarios. Moreover, the TSC configuration exhibits a lower coefficient of performance (COP) than SS for scenario 1, and higher for scenario 2. The first scenario (SS) results in the highest COP (4.1), due to presenting the lowest compression ratio among the three scenarios. From a carbon footprint perspective, compared to a natural gas boiler, the first scenario achieves the highest reduction in emissions. Regarding the economic analysis, TSC configurations exhibit higher costs than SS ones. The first (SS) and second (SS) scenarios present the lowest capital expenditure (CAPEX), 35134 € and 44371 €, respectively. Economic viability analysis reveals that only the first and second scenarios with SS configuration are feasible.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS ON HEAT EXCHANGERS SELECTION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE EFFICIENCY OF A TRANSCRITICAL CO2 CYCLE WITH INDIRECT DEDICATED MECHANICAL SUBCOOLING
Authors: Biyogo Obono Rufino-Esono , Illán-Gómez Fernando , García Cascales José-Ramón , Sánchez-Velasco Francisco Javier
Published: September 2024

This work evaluates through numerical modeling, the efficiency of an air-to-water heat pump that operates using a transcritical CO2 cycle assisted by an indirect dedicated mechanical subcooling (IDMS) cycle, with R1234ze(E) as the refrigerant. The research aims to analyze how the size of the heat exchangers used as the evaporator and the condenser for the IDMS cycle affects the overall efficiency of the system. A numerical model previously developed in Matlab® is used to modify the refrigerant and compressor of the IDMS cycle and to determine the optimal number of evaporator and condenser plates that maximize the efficiency of the whole system. The compressor model is derived from manufacturer correlations, whereas the models for the heat exchangers are obtained through a parametric study developed using IMST-ART® to characterize their operating parameters based on their number of plates and the inlet conditions of water and refrigerant. Once the models are developed, they are integrated into the model of the overall system to find the heat exchanger sizes that maximize the efficiency of the system.
SFA-UNet: More Attention to Multi-Scale Contrast and Contextual Information in Infrared Small Object Segmentation
Authors: Shah Imad Ali , Malik Fahad Mumtaz , Ashraf Muhammad Waqas
Published: September 2024

Computer vision researchers have extensively worked on fundamental infrared visual recognition for the past few decades. Among various approaches, deep learning has emerged as the most promising candidate. However, Infrared Small Object Segmentation (ISOS) remains a major focus due to several challenges including: 1) the lack of effective utilization of local contrast and global contextual information; 2) the potential loss of small objects in deep models; and 3) the struggling to capture fine-grained details and ignore noise. To address these challenges, we propose a modified U-Net architecture, named SFA-UNet, by combining Scharr Convolution (SC) and Fast Fourier Convolution (FFC) in addition to vertical and horizontal Attention gates (AG) into UNet. SFA-UNet utilizes double convolution layers with the addition of SC and FFC in its encoder and decoder layers. SC helps to learn the foreground-to-background contrast information whereas FFC provide multi-scale contextual information while mitigating the small objects vanishing problem. Additionally, the introduction of vertical AGs in encoder layers enhances the model's focus on the targeted object by ignoring irrelevant regions. We evaluated the proposed approach on publicly available, SIRST and IRSTD datasets, and achieved superior performance by an average 0.75±0.25% of all combined metrics in multiple runs as compared to the existing state-of-the-art methods. The code can be accessed at https://github.com/imadalishah/SFA_UNet
Comparison of trainee versus consultant outcomes in immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery in the UK: A two-armed cohort study.
Authors: Deshmukh Rajesh , Myers Sam , Kanda Mumta , Malik Mohsan , Warwick Alasdair , Ionides Alexander
Published: September 2024

Purpose:
To compare the outcomes of Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgeries (ISBCS) performed by trainees versus consultant ophthalmologists at Moorfields Eye Hospital and its satellite centres.
Methods:
Reviewed ISBCS surgeries by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implant performed by trainee ophthalmologists (Gr1) and consultant ophthalmologists (Gr2). Studied complications, refraction outcome (spherical equivalent SE > 0.5D and > 1.0D), and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA logMAR) at 3 months post-ISBCS.
Results
553 eyes in Gr1 and 687 in Gr2. Intra and postoperative complications were similar between trainees and consultants [RR = 1.88 (95% CI 0.8; 4.2) P = 0.13]. Median SE in Gr1 [-0.12 D (IQR − 0.5; -0.25)] and Gr2 [-0.25D (IQR − 0.63; -0.13)] showed no significant difference (MW P = 0.08). Predicted median PCR risk was higher in Gr1 [1.54 (IQR 1.04; 2.16)] than in Gr2 [1.16 (IQR − 0.84; 1.7)] (MW P < 0.001). Postoperative SE > 0.5D occurred in 19.2% of Gr1 and 15.7% of Gr2 (P = 0.123). Postoperative SE > 1.0D occurred in 6% of Gr1 and 3.9% of Gr2 (P = 0.142). UDVA post-surgery was similar in both groups (MW P = 0.26). Surgeon type, PCR risk, and predicted refraction were not significant predictors of postoperative SE > 0.5D.
Conclusions
ISBCS outcomes by trainee ophthalmologists were similar to those by consultants. Higher PCR risk in eyes operated by trainees suggests the need for more supervised training.
Assessment and Evaluation of Clinicians’ Perception on the Usage of SGLT-2 Inhibitors as Guideline Directed Medical Therapy For Heart Failure. A Study on the Reach of Evidence-Based Medicine in the Indian Clinical Scenario
Authors: Trivedi Nritya , Sharma Bhavya , Karatela Shifa , Patel Apurva , Sharma Mrigya M , Rajani Aayushi J , Sharma Mridul , Jivani Krish
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, remains a leading cause of mortality globally and in India. Despite advancements in therapy, challenges persist in adopting evidence-based medicine (EBM) practices, including the incorporation of novel treatments like Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors). This study examines Indian clinicians' perceptions of SGLT2 inhibitors' usage as guideline-directed therapy for heart failure, reflecting EBM's reach in India.
Aims and Objectives:
Evaluate the integration of SGLT2 inhibitors into clinical practice for heart failure management in India.
Investigate Indian clinicians' perceptions of EBM and its routine adoption in making point-of-care decisions.
Assess awareness and utilization of SGLT2 inhibitors among clinicians practicing in various settings.
Explore the correlation between proactive EBM adoption and the incorporation of new guidelines into clinical practice.
Materials and Methods:
A questionnaire-based study was conducted among 129 Indian physicians experienced in heart failure management. Data on EBM knowledge, attitudes, SGLT2 inhibitor utilization, and demographic details were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Results:
Physicians demonstrated high EBM awareness, but its routine adoption varied. SGLT2 inhibitor usage correlated significantly with positive EBM attitudes. Cardiologists prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors more frequently. Reasons for non-prescription included financial constraints and concerns over side effects.
Discussion:
Challenges in EBM adoption in India include physician inertia and patient factors. Despite high SGLT2 inhibitor awareness, utilization remains suboptimal due to various barriers. Enhancing research literacy and addressing system-level issues are vital to bridge this gap.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the importance of understanding clinicians' perceptions and practices regarding EBM and SGLT2 inhibitor utilization in heart failure management in India. Addressing barriers and fostering a change-oriented attitude among clinicians are essential steps toward improving guideline implementation and patient care.
Novel Machine Learning of DNA Methylation Patterns to Diagnose Complex Disease: Identification of Cerebral Palsy with Concurrent Epilepsy
Authors: Hicks Jonathan , Robinson Karyn , Lee Stephanie , Marsh Adam , Akins Robert
Published: September 2024

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a common pediatric-onset disability with an estimated prevalence of 0.2%. It is a complex condition characterized by muscle stiffness, contractures, and abnormal movement. Spastic CP is difficult to diagnose. Although nearly all affected children are born with it or acquire it immediately after birth, many are not identified until after 19 months of age with the diagnosis often not confirmed until 5 years of age. In addition, CP frequently co-occurs with other complex conditions that can complicate diagnosis and treatment. For example, an estimated 42% of spastic CP cases have co-occurring epilepsy. Recent studies indicate that altered DNA methylation patterns in peripheral blood cells are associated with CP and may have diagnostic value. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of methylation in CP with more complex disease states. We evaluated machine learning classification for detecting CP based on DNA methylation pattern analysis in the context of co-occurrent epilepsy. Blood samples from 30 study participants diagnosed with epilepsy (n=4), spastic CP (n=10), both (n=8), or neither (n=8) were analyzed by Illumina MethylationEpic arrays. A novel machine learning algorithm using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) or Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) was developed to identify methylation loci that classified CP from controls and to measure the classification ability of identified methylation loci. The isolation of informative methylation loci was performed in a binary comparison between CP and controls, as well as in a 4-way comparison that included epilepsy. Median F1 scores for SVM-based analysis were 0.67 in 4- class comparison, and 1.0 in the binary classification. SVM outperformed LDA (median F1 0.57 and 0.86, respectively). Overall, the novel machine learning based algorithm was able to classify study participants with spastic CP and/or epilepsy from controls with significant performance.
Emotional Impact on Investment and Insurance Preferences in Unit-Linked Insurance Plans
Authors: Zeng Peng-Yu , Liu Hsuan-Yu , Chen Li-Yu , Yeh Su-Ling
Published: September 2024

A Unit-Link Insurance Plan (ULIP) is an emerging financial product that combines elements of both insurance and investment. Previous studies have found that positive and negative emotions predict investment and insurance products in opposite ways. This study aims to explore whether the influence of emotions on the willingness to purchase ULIPs is consistent with insurance products or aligns with investment products. This study invited policyholders to complete online questionnaires, using positive and negative emotional pictures and scenarios to manipulate emotions and observe their effects on the investment process of a ULIP product. The results revealed that both positive and negative emotions can impact the purchasing decisions of ULIP through distinct pathways. Positive and negative emotions directly contribute to increased cognitive assessment and purchasing intentions, with positive emotions demonstrating a stronger influence. Moreover, positive emotions indirectly enhance cognitive assessment and investment intentions by mediating an increase in the perceived performance and dividends. Our results support the affect infusion model and framing effect, suggesting that positive and negative emotions may lead participants to pay more attention to investment-oriented aspects and insurance-oriented aspects, respectively. These findings have implications for marketing strategies, product design, customer education, industry practices, and regulatory frameworks related to ULIPs.
The role of exogenous melatonin in modulating root morphology and physiological response to drought in soybean seedlings
Authors: xijun jin , Zhu Jiayu , Wu Tianyi , Shang Xiaohan , Jia Hongchang , Han Dezhi , Zhang Yuxian , Jin Xijun
Published: September 2024

This study investigated how melatonin helps soybean seedlings grow in drought conditions by studying root morphology and physiological characteristics in the 'Suinong 26' variety. The experiment started at the V2 stage with water control and melatonin spraying. Three treatments were established: drought stress (D), drought stress with melatonin spraying (D + M), and normal water supply as control. The study compared the effects of melatonin spraying on the growth of soybean seedling roots and shoots. Compared to control, D treatment inhibited soybean seedling growth significantly. D + M treatment increased root length, volume, and dry weight on days 10 and 20. Root activity and antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as sugar and protein contents, also increased on days 3, 6, and 9. Root morphological and physiological indicators were significantly improved, correlating positively with shoot photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation. Melatonin spraying enhances soybean seedling growth under drought stress by regulating root characteristics and key physiological factors, leading to improved photosynthesis, shoot development, and dry matter accumulation.
Classification of Alzheimer's disease using advanced deep learning and ensemble techniques
Authors: Desai Viraj Chetan , Shetty Sucharitha , T Sujithra , T Manoj
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a principal contributor to dementia, poses a critical challenge within the domain of neurology, particularly in achieving precise diagnoses and prognoses. Traditional techniques, including basic deep learning and machine learning methods, often fall short in terms of classification accuracy and robustness. This study capitalizes on the capabilities of advanced deep learning via the application of ensemble methodology to refine the accuracy of image-based AD classification. Focusing on Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) with the help of the Mish and ReLU activation functions, this research explores the implementation of models from the Visual Geometry Group (VGG) and experiments with sophisticated architectures such as ResNet 50V2 and ResNet 101V2 along with additional convolutional layers. The introduced ensemble model, which employs ResNet101V2, VGG19, and a customized CNN, uses soft voting with judiciously assigned weights to maximize classification efficacy and achieves an accuracy of 95.125%. The validation of our findings across various metrics, including precision, recall, and AUC, illustrates the significant impact of state-of-the-art deep learning architectures and ensemble methods in the accurate classification of AD stages. The implications of this research contribute markedly to the advancement of AD diagnostic and prognostic practices, signifying a considerable progression in the realms of medical imaging and neurology.
Oral Injuries Following Cerebellopontine Angle Surgery with or without Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring: three Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Pi Yuanli , Luo Linlin , Li Yu , Luo Limei , Xie Mingxiang , Luo Tianyuan
Published: September 2024

Background Oral injuries are occasional yet notable complications in neurosurgical procedures and are often associated with motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring; however, they are also influenced by factors such as prolonged neck flexion and inadequate oral protection.
Case presentation This paper discusses three cases of oral injuries following pontocerebellar lesion resection surgeries, illustrating varying outcomes with different monitoring and intubation techniques. In one patient, orotracheal intubation with unilateral MEP monitoring led to fractured alveolar bones and dislodged teeth. Another patient, who was intubated nasally with bilateral MEP monitoring, experienced severe tongue biting, facial swelling, and subsequent airway obstruction requiring tracheotomy. A third patient, also nasally intubated but without MEP monitoring, developed a swollen and bleeding tongue postoperatively.
Conclusion MEP monitoring is not the sole cause of oral injuries in neurosurgical procedures. Key factors contributing to these injuries, aside from the nonspecific stimulation of MEP, include prolonged surgical positioning, inappropriate anesthesia strategies, and patient-specific factors. The medical team should understand the underlying mechanisms of these complications, master systematic preventive strategies, and engage in effective collaboration to more efficiently reduce the incidence of these complications.
Enhancing Neural Machine Translation for Low-Resource Languages through Innovative Techniques and Approaches
Authors: Yu Qing , Liu Zhaojie , Xu Zhenwei , Zhou Yaoyong , Silamu Wushouer
Published: September 2024

Machine translation is a critical area in natural language processing, aiming to achieve automatic translation between different languages. Despite significant progress in multilingual translation tasks with neural machine translation models, many challenges remain in handling low-resource languages. These challenges mainly arise from the limited availability of parallel corpora for training and the differences in grammatical structures and expressions among languages. Based on this, this study proposes an iterative ensemble pruning data augmentation strategy, combined with a multimodal model that incorporates glyph and pinyin features. First, the iterative ensemble pruning method is used to enhance data quality and quantity. Second, a multimodal model utilizing glyph and pinyin features is constructed to achieve more accurate translation of low-resource languages. Finally, these two subtasks are collaboratively optimized to improve model performance. Experimental validation on the Uighur-Chinese medical bilingual dataset provided by Xinjiang University and the CCEval multilingual machine translation evaluation set demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms existing baseline models in terms of translation accuracy and robustness. The experimental results indicate that the iterative ensemble pruning strategy effectively improves data quality, and the multimodal model significantly enhances the translation performance of low-resource languages. In summary, the proposed method not only performs excellently in low-resource language machine translation but also provides new ideas and methods for data augmentation and multimodal modeling in other natural language processing tasks, having significant research significance and application value.
Patient Coaching for Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Decreases Set-up Duration and Left Anterior Descending Artery Dose for Left-sided Breast Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Kefeli Aysegul Ucuncu , Diremsizoglu Umut , Erdogan Sevda , Karabey Aysegul Unal , Konuk Aykut Oguz , Tırpancı Berna , Aksu Maksut Gorkem , Sarper Emine Binnaz
Published: September 2024

Purpose:To show the impact of patient coaching and home practice using the deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique on radiation treatment set-up times and cardiac at-risk doses.
Methods:The study involved patients who received tangential field radiotherapy using the DIBH technique for treating left breast cancer. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of those who received coaching from an oncology nurse and were given an instruction sheet at least 1 week before the computed tomography (CT) simulation. The second group consisted of those who were only taught how to hold their breath by the radiation technician on the simulation day and without further education. During treatment, the patients were monitored using the Varian RPM™respiratory gating system, and 2D kV orthogonal imaging was performed daily. The setup duration of each patient was noted and compared between treatment groups. For each patient, the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of the heart, LAD (left anterior descending artery), were calculated and compared for both coached DIBH (cDIBH) and non-coached DIBH (ncDIBH).
Results:Thirty-six coached and 28 non-coached patients were identified. Compared with ncDIBH, coached patients were older (55.5 versus 46.5, p=0.003) and had a significantly higher BMI (body mass index) (29.95 versus 26.32 kg/m2, p=0.006). Nevertheless, in more than half of the treatment fractions, the set-up duration was detected to be statistically longer in the ncDIBH group than in the cDIBH group. Additionally, the LAD max dose was significantly lower in the cDIBH group (36.5 versus 29.5, P=0.02).
Conclusion: Coaching at least 1 week before the simulation with an instruction sheet decreased the simulation time, and the cardiac LAD max dose should be further decreased by this method.
Epic Fast Pass for echocardiogram and endoscopy: an implementation report
Authors: Yin Andrew L.L. , Feigelman Andrew M. , Delgado Yahaira , Min Robert J. , Cheriff Adam D. , Gossey J. Travis , Trepp Richard , Beecy Ashley
Published: September 2024

Background In healthcare, access to care and efficient resource utilization are critical challenges often resulting in long wait times, even when appointment slots remain unfilled. Epic Fast Pass (EFP), an innovative feature within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), has been effectively implemented to optimize outpatient office visit scheduling, ensuring a more streamlined process that significantly reduces wait times and improves access to care.Objective We introduce a novel application of EFP that includes imaging and procedural services, specifically targeting echocardiogram and endoscopy services within the outpatient care framework. Guided by the principles of a learning health system, our expansion aims to assess the feasibility, strengths, and weaknesses of EFP in these specialized domains. Our approach involves developing tailored workflows for these types of visits and close monitoring of user behavior and outcomes. This strategy allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and refine our processes to better meet the needs of our patients and healthcare providers.Methods We set to describe the process by which we developed the workflow and infrastructure of the implementation along with the challenges faced along the way. We collected user behavior of the implementation over the course of about 15 months for echocardiogram and 4 months for endoscopy. Using descriptive statistics and chi-square testing, we analyzed differences between patients who interacted with EFP and those who did not, providing insights into the tool's impact and effectiveness.Results EFP was successfully deployed in both echocardiogram and endoscopy outpatient service lines. 143 patients were enrolled in the echocardiogram implementation, with 1786 offers being made during the study period. 41.26% of patients accepted an offer with an average of 12.8 days acceleration in appointment date. 666 patients were enrolled in the endoscopy implementation, with 9338 appointment offers being made during the study period. 48.35% of patients accepted an offer with an average of 50.43 days improvement in appointment time. Patients who interacted with EFP did not differ by age.Conclusions The implementation of rescheduling tools for outpatient imaging and procedural appointments is both feasible and promising, with the potential to enhance patient access and optimize resource utilization in healthcare. Developing these interventions through a learning health system approach facilitates gradual advancements and broad improvements, while also supporting the individual success of each implementation. This method ensures that enhancements are continuously informed by real-world data and feedback, paving the way for more effective healthcare solutions.
Stochasticity in Dietary Restriction-Mediated Lifespan Outcomes in Drosophila
Authors: Lyu Yang , Mosley Olivia , Villa Joel , Kamalakkannan Advaitha , James Eliyashaib , Hoffman Jessica
Published: September 2024

Dietary restriction (DR) is widely considered to be one of the most potent approaches to extend healthy lifespan across various species, yet it has become increasingly apparent that DR-mediated longevity is influenced by biological and non-biological factors. We propose that current priorities in the field should include understanding the relative contributions of these factors to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of DR. Our work conducted in two laboratories, represents an attempt to unify DR protocols in Drosophila and to investigate the stochastic effects of DR. Across 64 pairs of survival data (DR/ad libitum, or AL), we find that DR does not universally extend lifespan. Specifically, we observed that DR conferred a significant lifespan extension in only 26.7% (17/64) of pairs. Our pooled data show that the overall lifespan difference between DR and AL groups is statistically significant, but the median lifespan increase under DR (7.1%) is small. The effects of DR were overshadowed by stochastic factors and genotype. Future research efforts directed toward gaining a comprehensive understanding of DR-dependent mechanisms should focus on unraveling the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. This is essential for developing personalized healthspan-extending interventions and optimizing dietary recommendations for individual genetic profiles.
Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Internet Addiction Among College Students in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhao Qiannan , Xiao Meiling , Peng Cong , He Qingxia
Published: September 2024

Introduction
Sensory processing sensitivity is a temperamental trait that reflects environmental sensitivity. This study investigated whether psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined whether left-behind experiences moderated the mediation model.
Method
The participants were 685 college students who completed an online survey. Data were acquired during the first COVID-19 lockdown in China. Participants completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, the Scale of Psychological and Behavioral Responses to Home Isolation, the Internet Addiction Test, and an item assessing left-behind experiences.
Results
Findings indicated that sensory processing sensitivity was positively related to psychological and behavioral responses to home isolation and Internet addiction and positively predicted Internet addiction. Psychological and behavioral responses during home isolation mediated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction. The left-behind experiences moderated the mediating effects of sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction.
Conclusion
This study contributes to the understanding of how college students experience sensory processing sensitivity and Internet addiction during an epidemic.