bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Round Trip Efficiency of Thermal Energy Storage in Northern Arizona
Authors: Sepehri Amin , Nelson Brent 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Energy storage systems provide a variety of benefits, including taking better advantage of renewable electricity when available and smoothing demand by shifting demand peaks to times when electricity prices and demand are lower. When low electricity demand occurs during the nighttime, system wide advantages also occur. These lower nighttime ambient temperatures lead to efficiency improvements throughout the grid, including power generators, transmission and distribution systems, chillers, etc. An analysis of ice thermal energy storage carried out by T. Deetjen et al. in 2018 analyzed fuel consumption of the power generation fleet for meeting cooling demand in buildings as a function of ambient temperature, relative humidity, transmission and distribution current, and baseline power plant efficiency. Their results showed that the effective round trip efficiency for ice thermal energy storage could exceed 100% due to the efficiency gains of nighttime operation. However, their analysis was performed on a case study in Dallas, where relatively high humidities lead to a relatively small diurnal temperature variation during the cooling season. In order to expand on this limitation, our study extends this analysis to a mountain west climate, using northern Arizona as a case study. The climate of the mountain west has several key differences from that of the Dallas case study in the previous work, including lower relative humidity, higher diurnal temperature variation, and near- and below-freezing nighttime temperatures during shoulder seasons that also exhibit cooling demand in buildings. To address these differences, this paper updates the models of Deetjen et al. to consider generator fleet efficiency and chiller/icemaking COP for local weather characteristics relevant to the mountain west, as well as considering the differences between fuel mixes of the generator fleet in nighttime and daytime. Compared to Dallas, the larger temperature variation of northern Arizona leads to higher round trip efficiencies (RTE) over the course of the year in most days of the year (e.g. 313 days of the year in northern Arizona in comparison with 182 days in Dallas), demonstrating frequent achievement of over 100% effective round trip efficiency. The presence of a mature commercial market and the possibility of gaining over 100% effective round trip efficiency create a strong case for cooling thermal energy storage as an energy storage approach. Future work will investigate emissions impacts as well as extend the analysis to additional western climates, including the hot dry and marine climates.
Study on Heat Storage Change Characteristics of a Double Reheat Boiler During Load Cycling Processes
Authors: Wang Zhu , Liu Ming , Zhao Yongliang , Chong Daotong , Yan Junjie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The stability of the live and reheat steam temperatures is of great significance for the efficient, flexible and safe operation of coal-fired power plants. The double reheat boilers are large inertia, non-linearity and high coupling. Therefore, the temperature controls of live and reheat steams are very difficult during load cycling processes. The heat storage in the double reheat boiler changes during load cycling process, which will affect the performances of temperature control. In this study, dynamic simulation models of an ultra-supercritical double reheat tower boiler and its temperature control models are developed based on the GSE software. These models are validated. Then, changes of the boiler system heat storage during different load cycling processes are studied. Results reveal that the metal heat storage is more than working medium ones at steady state load. However, the changing quantities of working medium heat storage are more than the metal ones between different loads. During load cycling processes, the changing tendencies of reheat steam temperatures, the difference of heat storage between real-time and steady state values (DHSBRS) and the difference of coal feeding rate between real-time and steady values (DCBRS) are similar. The fluctuations of reheat steam temperatures have a delay compared with DHSBRS ones, and the fluctuations of DHSBRS fluctuation have a delay compared with DCBRS ones. The delay time increases with the load cycling rates. The results are aimed at providing some guidance for the control system design of the double-reheat boiler system and the safe and flexible operation of power plants.
A Look at Major Florida Utilities Future Generation Plans and Impact on Health and Environment
Authors: Smiarowski Lauren R. , Radebach Rebekah R. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Due to Florida’s unique location as a peninsula as well as it’s oblong shape, it is difficult as a state to be connected the grid of the rest of the United States. As a result, Florida has many utility companies providing power to the region. The integrated resource plans of these utility companies were reviewed looking at the projects and plans they expect to undertake in the next decade. In recent years, use of fossil-fuel fired power production has been declining as the cost of using renewable sources has become more affordable. This shift towards renewables was evident when reviewing the integrated resource plans. An unexpected consequence of using renewable energy is how it will affect the individuals living near the energy production. Issues this paper will examine include the expected change of Florida’s current and future energy mix as well as how this change will affect the health of those living in the vicinity. A review of various power providers in the state of Florida will be conducted through a review of their integrated resource plans and other research data. The co-authors are a mechanical engineering student and a graduate public health student.
Incidence, diagnostic criteria and outcome following ventriculoperitoneal shunting of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus in a memory clinic population: a prospective observational cross-sectional and cohort study
Authors: Razay George , Wimmer Melissa , Robertson Iain 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate diagnostic criteria for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) among patients with memory impairment, and to estimate the incidence of INPH.DesignProspective observational cross-section and cohort study of diagnostic accuracy.SettingMemory Disorders Clinic following referral by the medical practitioners.Participants408 consecutive patients enrolled 2010–2014.Outcome measuresReference diagnostic test was the clinical judgement of an experienced specialist based on the presence of cognitive impairment and/or balance and gait disorders in the presence of dilated ventricles. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Tinetti balance and gait tests were performed before and 12 months after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. The association between reference diagnosis, clinical and brain CT scan measurements was estimated by multivariate Poisson regression. Triage index diagnostic test scores were calculated from the regression coefficients, with diagnostic thresholds selected using receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsThe presence of balance and/or gait disorders, especially fear of falling, difficulty standing on toes/heals, urinary disturbances, ventriculomegaly with Evans ratio greater than Combined Diagnostic Threshold (0.377-{Maximum width of posterior horns*0.0054}), strongly predict the diagnosis of INPH; while hallucinations and/or delusions and forgetfulness reduce the likelihood of the diagnosis. This triage index test had high sensitivity (95.2%) and specificity (91.7%). 62 of 408 (15%) participants with cognitive impairment had INPH, an incidence of 11.9/100 000/year and 120/100 000/year over 75 years. 96% of participants following shunting, compared with 45% of the non-shunted, improved by over 25% of available measurable improvement in either MMSE or balance/gait scores (51% difference; 95% CI 28% to 74%; p<0.001), and 56% vs 5% improved by over 50% of maximum in both (51% difference; 95% CI 30% to 73%; p<0.001).ConclusionThe triage index test score is a simple tool that may be useful for physicians to identify INPH diagnoses and need for referral for shunt surgery, which may improve cognitive, balance and gait functioning.
Factors perceived to facilitate or hinder handwashing among primary students: a qualitative assessment of the Mikono Safi intervention schools in NW Tanzania
Authors: Okello Elialilia , Kapiga Saidi , Grosskurth Heiner , Makata Kenneth , Mcharo Onike , Kinungh'i Safari , Dreibelbis Robert 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo qualitatively assess the effects of a multi-modal school-based water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) intervention on handwashing behaviour among primary students in North Western (NW) Tanzania.DesignThe study was a qualitative assessment of barriers and facilitators to handwashing among students attending primary schools participating in the Mikono Safi Trial (Kiswahili for ‘Clean Hands), a cluster-randomised trial assessing the impact of a school-based WASH intervention on selected soil transmitted helminth infections. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews with teachers, focus group discussions and friendship pair interviews with students collected between April and October 2018. The Capability-Opportunity-Motivation and Behaviour model was used to inform data collection and analysis.SettingThe study was conducted in four purposively selected intervention schools in three districts of Kagera region, NW Tanzania (Bukoba urban, Bukoba rural and Muleba districts).ParticipantsParticipants comprised 16 purposively selected teachers aged between 23 and 52 years and 100 students aged 7–15 yearsResultsThe Mikono Safi intervention increased students’ reported capability and motivation to wash their hands with soap at key times, particularly after visiting the toilet. Improvements in students’ handwashing knowledge and skills were reported by both teachers and students, and motivation for handwashing was enhanced by emotional drivers such as disgust, fear and nurture. Newly established handwashing stations improved the physical opportunity to wash hands, although the availability of water and the provision of soap was not always consistent (eg, due to internal organisational shortcomings or during the dry season). Students and teachers were actively engaged in intervention implementation which created a school community that valued and supported improved hand hygiene.ConclusionThe intervention was successful in improving capability and motivation for handwashing. Handwashing opportunity was also greatly improved, although the supply with water and soap was sometimes interrupted, calling for much stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to improve access to water at schools.Trial registration numberISRCTN45013173; Pre-results.
Is neighbourhood walkability related to body mass index among different age groups? A cross-sectional study of Canadian urban areas
Authors: Thielman Justin , Copes Ray , Rosella Laura C , Chiu Maria , Manson Heather 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundStudies of neighbourhood walkability and body mass index (BMI) have shown mixed results, possibly due to biases from self-reported outcomes or differential effects across age groups. Our objective was to examine relationships between walkability and objectively measured BMI in various age groups, in a nationally representative population.MethodsThe study population came from the 2007–2011 Canadian Health Measures Survey, a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative Canadian population. In our covariate-adjusted analyses, we included survey respondents aged 6–79 who were not pregnant, did not live in rural areas, were not missing data and were not thin/underweight. We used objectively measured height and weight to calculate BMI among adults aged 18–79 and zBMI among children aged 6–17. We categorised respondents into walkability quintiles based on their residential Street Smart Walk Score values. We performed linear regression to estimate differences between walkability quintiles in BMI and zBMI. We analysed adults and children overall; age subgroups 6–11, 12–17, 18–29, 30–44, 45–64 and 65–79; and sex subgroups.ResultsThe covariate-adjusted models included 9265 respondents overall. After adjustment, differences between walkability quintiles in BMI and zBMI were small and not statistically significant, except for males aged 6–17 in the second-highest walkability quintile who had significantly lower zBMIs than those in the lowest quintile.ConclusionAfter accounting for confounding factors, we did not find evidence of a relationship between walkability and BMI in children or adults overall, or in any age subgroup with sexes combined. However, post hoc analysis by sex suggested males aged 6–17 in more walkable areas may have lower zBMIs.
Evaluation of titanium mesh cranioplasty and polyetheretherketone cranioplasty: protocol for a multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yang Jingguo , Sun Tong , Yuan Yikai , Li Xuepei , Yu Hang , Guan Junwen 
Published: December 2019

IntroductionCranioplasty is a common surgery in neurosurgery department. However, restoring the integrity of skull brings many challenges to surgeons, and the selection of ideal implant materials is throughout the history of cranioplasty. Although titanium mesh was still preferred by many neurosurgeons in cranial reconstruction, the new polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, for example, is gaining popularity for craniofacial reconstruction today. There remain limited data that compare the outcome of PEEK cranioplasty and titanium mesh cranioplasty. It is necessary to conduct a study to compare outcome of different materials for cranioplasty.Methods/designIn this multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled study, we will randomise 140 patients in a 1:1 ratio to PEEK cranioplasty versus titanium cranioplasty. Eligible patients are adults who were diagnosed with cranial defect (due to severe traumatic brain injury, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, infiltrative tumour and so on), the defect size is over 25 cm2, and they need to agree to participate in this trial. Instead of standard examinations, the enrolled patients receive neurological, motor, cognitive function and cerebral hemodynamics examinations as well as cosmetic evaluation. The procedures are repeated 3, 6 months after cranioplasty. The primary outcome, defined as infection or implant exposure after surgery, is the implant failure rate within 6 months. Secondary outcomes include postoperative complication rates, neurological outcomes, motor function, cerebral hemodynamics, cosmetic outcome and the total cost over a 6-month period.Ethics and disseminationThis trial protocol has been approved by Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All patients will be fully informed the implant materials, potential complications after surgery, responsibilities during the trial, and they will sign the informed consent before joining in this trial. If the patient’s cognitive function is impaired, the patient’s next of kin would be carefully informed. The results will be disseminated through academic conferences, student theses and will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trail registration numberChiCTR1900024625; Pre-results.
Appropriate use of CT for patients presenting with suspected renal colic: a quality improvement study
Authors: Himelfarb Jonah , Lakhani Anand , Shelton Dominick 
Published: December 2019

IntroductionCT use for renal colic has increased costs, radiation exposure and frequently does not alter management. Consequently, choosing wisely (CW) recommends avoiding CT imaging of otherwise healthy patients younger than 50 years presenting with symptoms of recurrent, uncomplicated renal colic. We evaluated the utilisation of CT imaging for this subgroup of patients and subsequently implemented a quality improvement initiative with an aim to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for all patients younger than 50 years who visited Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre emergency department (ED) between December 2015 and May 2016 with a discharge diagnosis of renal colic. After the audit period, emergency physicians were engaged to perform a root cause analysis and a driver diagram was developed. In December 2016, a clinical decision tool was introduced to standardise the imaging for patients with presumed renal colic. In May 2017, a separate electronic order was created for low-dose CT for renal colic, including a prompt to remind clinicians of the CW recommendation. The impact of these changes was measured over 15 months.ResultsOver the initial audit period, 17/63 (27%) of our target population received a CT to rule out renal colic. Many patients received multiple CT scans for renal colic during past ED visits, while one received a total of 13 CTs. At the time of our interventions, the baseline rate of CT scans in our target population was 37%, which reduced to 29% after our project began.ConclusionCT is often used as an initial diagnostic modality for suspected recurrent renal colic despite current guidelines. While this initiative caused only a modest change in management, it led to the introduction of a new low-dose CT scan order specifically to reduce radiation exposure in patients at risk for repeat scans.
Association ofHLA-G3'UTR 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism with breast cancer among South Indian women
Authors: Kadiam Sony , Ramasamy Thirunavukkarasu , Ramakrishnan Revathi , Mariakuttikan Jayalakshmi 
Published: December 2019

AimHuman leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are potent immune mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) ofHLA-Gand promoter region ofTNF-αare well known to influence their expression levels and may consequently contribute to varied disease predisposition. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the effect ofHLA-G3'UTR (14-bp Ins/Del and +3142 C/G) andTNF-αpromoter (–238 G/A and –308 G/A) polymorphisms on breast cancer risk among South Indian women.MethodsA total of 342 women (100 patients with breast cancer, 142 patients with benign breast disorder and 100 healthy women volunteers) were enrolled for this study. Genotyping ofHLA-GandTNF-αpolymorphisms were performed by direct PCR DNA amplification and amplification refractory mutation system PCR methods, respectively.ResultsSignificantly higher frequencies ofHLA-G14-bp Ins allele and Ins/+3142G haplotype were observed in patients with breast cancer than healthy controls (OR=1.56, Pc=0.036) and patients with benign breast disorder (OR=1.47, Pc=0.046). Similarly, subgroup analysis based on age at diagnosis (age≤50 years and >50 years) of breast cancer revealed higher frequencies of 14-bp Ins allele and Ins/+3142G haplotype in the patients of age >50 years than healthy controls (OR=1.77, Pc=0.03). Additionally, the extended haplotypes and multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis of the studied polymorphisms revealed significant contribution ofHLA-G14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism towards breast cancer risk.ConclusionThe findings of the present study suggest that theHLA-G14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism could influence breast cancer pathogenesis among South Indian women.
An introduction of an easy-operating and economical technique for tissue microarray preparation
Authors: Chen Yi-Jing , Yang Chun-Mei , Huang Jiang-Sheng , Wang Ping , Lv Yan-Hua , Tang Cheng , Deng Wei 
Published: December 2019

AimTissue microarray (TMA) is a powerful and effective tool for in situ tissue analysis. However, manual TMA construction methods showed varied qualities. This study aimed to raise a standardised TMA preparation technique that can be easily operated and is economical.MethodsA sampling needle was used to punch the tissue rods from the donor block and holes in the recipient block. To indicate the dots’ positions and ensure vertical punching, a novel auxiliary device made using commercial three-dimensional printing technology was attached. The TMA block was made up of tissue rods and a recipient block.ResultsA 77-rod (7×11) TMA block was constructed. The rows and columns were fixed in straight lines. There was no specimen loss during the process of embedding.ConclusionsAn alternative method for the construction of TMA blocks that met the basic requirement of many laboratories and can be effortlessly performed was presented.
Variability and predictors of weekly pesticide exposure in applicators from organic, sustainable and conventional smallholder farms in Costa Rica
Authors: Fuhrimann Samuel , Staudacher Philipp , Lindh Christian , van Wendel de Joode Berna , Mora Ana M , Winkler Mirko S , Kromhout Hans 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveEstimates of pesticide exposure among applicators from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are scarce, and exposure assessment methods are sometimes costly or logistically unfeasible. We examined the variability in weeklong pesticide exposure among applicators in Costa Rica and its predictors.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among 221 pesticide applicators from organic, sustainable and conventional farms in 2016. We administered structured questionnaires to assess pesticide application practices at two time points (4–6 weeks apart). We adapted an existing algorithm to fit the context of smallholders and derive weekly pesticide exposure scores. We used linear mixed-effect models to examine within-worker and between-worker score variability. We then identified sociodemographic and occupational predictors of weekly pesticide exposure scores.ResultsWe observed high within-worker and between-worker variability in weekly pesticide exposures (eg, up to 180-fold and 70-fold differences in average weekly exposures within and between workers, respectively; intraclass correlation coefficient=0.4). Applicators working on conventional and sustainable farms had exposure scores twofold and 1.5-fold higher than those working in organic farms, respectively. Farm workers who received training on pesticide use had weekly pesticide exposure scores of 33% (95% CI 1% to 55%) lower than those who did not receive any training.ConclusionsIn this study of applicators from smallholder farms in Costa Rica, we determined the importance of collecting questionnaire data on self-reported pesticide use repeatedly due to its high variability within workers and absence of application records. Our questionnaire-based exposure algorithm could allow the calculation of semiquantitative estimates of average pesticide exposure for applicators from other LMICs.
Data filtering method for correlated X-ray scattering (CXS)
Authors: Liu Shengjun , Schenk Gundolf 
Published: December 2019

Correlated X-ray scattering (CXS) which was explored to study the conformations of biological macromolecules in solution was studied further in this paper. In our experiment, three kinds of solution sample such as the Peg solution, the linear DNA from salmon sperm and the plasmid DNA were scattered by X-ray Free Electron Laser in Spring8 in Japan. And the X-ray scattering patterns with low rate of signal and noise were obtained. In order to improve the correlated signal, a cluster data filtering method for billions of scattering patterns was put forward. Finally, some of the scattering patterns with high artifacts which were related with potential sources of experimental set-up had been characterized and removed. In addition, different clusters were clarified so as to compute and analyze the angular autocorrelation of different clusters more effectively.