bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic Analysis of Co-Firing of Corn Stalk and Paper Sludge Using Model-Fitting and Model-Free Methods
Authors: Yin Yanshan , Yang Boming , Yin Jie , Tian Hong , Zhang Wei , Cheng Shan , Hu Zhangmao , Xu Huifang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The combustion kinetics of corn stalk (CS), paper sludge (PS), and their mixture were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using one model-fitting method (Coats–Redfern (CR)) and four model-free methods, namely, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Starink, and Friedman methods. TGA experiments were carried out at three different heating rates (10, 20, and 30 °C min−1) and with different weight percentages of PS in the mixture (0%, 20%, 50%, 80%, and 100%). The comprehensive combustion characteristic index decreases with an increase in the weight percentage of PS in the blends and increases with the increasing heating rate. Significant interactions occur in the co-firing of the blends containing 20% and 50% of PS. The co-firing kinetic parameters determined by the CR method show relatively high reliability due to the high correlation coefficient obtained from the linear fitting. The values of average activation energy determined by the model-fitting method are generally lower than those calculated from model-free methods. The co-firing of the blends containing 20% of PS shows the highest comprehensive combustion characteristic index and the lowest average activation energy based on the model-free methods.
Enhancement of Film Cooling Effectiveness Using Dean Vortices
Authors: Chen Pingting , Wang Lang , Li Xueying , Ren Jing , Jiang Hongde , Simon Terrence 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Film cooling technology is widely used in gas turbines. With the additive manufacturing anticipated in the future, there will be more freedom in film cooling hole design. Exploiting this freedom, the present authors tried using curved holes to generate Dean vortices within the delivery line. These vortices have opposite direction of rotation to the vorticity of the kidney vortices and, thus, there is interaction between these vortices in the mixing region. It is shown that as a result of the inclusion of Dean vortices, the curved hole delivery leads to enhanced film cooling effectiveness. Numerical results, including film cooling effectiveness values, tracking of vortices in the flow field, heat transfer coefficients, and net heat flux reduction (NHFR), are compared between the curved hole, round hole, and a laidback, fan-shaped hole with blowing ratios, M, of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5. The comparison shows that film cooling effectiveness values with the curved hole are higher than those with cylindrical film cooling holes at every blowing ratio studied. The curved hole has lower film cooling effectiveness values than the laidback, fan-shaped holes when M = 0.5 and 1.0, but shows advantages when the blowing ratio is higher than 1.0. There is heat transfer enhancement for the curved hole case due to a higher kinetic energy transferred to the near-wall region, however. Nevertheless, the curved hole still displays a higher NHFR when the blowing ratio is high.
The Thermal Stratification Evaluation of Phase-Change Materials in a Heat Storage Tank: Computational Fluid Dynamics and Experimental Study
Authors: Wang Zilong , Zhang Hua , Dou Binlin , Zhang Guanhua , Huang Huajie 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The heat storage technology can improve the performance of a solar thermal utilization system effectively. This work studied the effect of phase-change materials (PCMs) on thermal stratification in a heat storage tank. A 60 l sodium acetate trihydrate heat storage tank with 331.15 K phase-change temperature was designed and fabricated. A mathematical model was built to simulate the discharge process in the water tank, and the temperature distribution during the discharge process was obtained. The computational fluid dynamics model was verified by the experimental data. Furthermore, the Ri, the fill efficiency, and the MIX number were adopted to extensively analyze the performance of a heat storage tank with different positions of PCMs with the variation of flow rates. The results indicated that the distance between the isothermal surfaces of 303.15 K and 348.15 K in PCM1, PCM2, PCM3, and PCM4 were 11.75 cm, 11.13 cm, 10.52 cm, and 9.28 cm, respectively, with 9 l/min of flow velocity when t* = 0.7, showing that the thermal stratification was improved as the position of the PCMs got closer to the inlet. The PCMs’ half-life (the liquefaction rate reached 50%) was prolonged as the inlet flow rates increased. As the flow rate increased from 1 l/min to 5 l/min, the half-life of PCM4 delayed from a dimensionless time of 0.5 to a dimensionless time of 0.9. Moreover, when the flow velocity was 9 L/min, the liquefaction rate of PCM4 remained at 1. The calculated values of fill efficiency and Richardson number were higher than the experimental data slightly, while the MIX number was smaller than the experimental results. The experimental and calculated values of root mean square error (RMSE) increased with the increasing inlet flow velocity and the lowering of the positions of the PCMs.
Influence of genetic variants for birth weight on fetal growth and placental haemodynamics
Authors: Vermeulen Marijn J , Gaillard Romy , Miliku Kozeta , Reiss Irwin , Steegers Eric A P , Jaddoe Vincent , Felix Janine 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo determine the combined effect of 60 genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs), previously identified as being associated with birth weight, on fetal growth and placental haemodynamics throughout pregnancy.DesignProspective birth cohort (Generation R Study).SettingGeneral multiethnic population.Participants5374 singleton liveborn children with genome-wide association arrays and fetal growth data.MethodsLongitudinal and cross-sectional analyses of a genetic score of the total number of birth weight–increasing alleles across the 59 available SNPs and repeated fetal growth and haemodynamic measures.Main outcome measuresSD scores (SDS) of fetal weight, (femur) length, head circumference, umbilical artery pulsatility index, uterine artery mean resistance index and placental weight, in different periods of pregnancy until birth.ResultsIn longitudinal analyses, the effect of the genetic score on the fetal growth measures increased throughout pregnancy (p<0.001). At 20 weeks of gestation, the genetic score was not associated with any of the fetal growth measures, whereas at 30 weeks it was associated with all. The strongest effects were observed at birth: per SD increase in genetic score, birth weight increased by 0.15 SDS (95% confidence interval: 0.13 to 0.18), birth length by 0.12 SDS (0.08 to 0.19) and head circumference by 0.08 SDS (0.05 to 0.12). The genetic score was not associated with placental haemodynamics, but was associated with a 14 g (10 to 18) increase in placental weight per SDS increase in genetic score.ConclusionsOur results suggest that genetic variants related to birth weight exert their combined effect on fetal growth from second half of pregnancy onwards and have no effect on placental haemodynamics.
Study protocol to develop a patient-reported outcome measuring disability associated with unilateral vocal fold paralysis: a mixed-methods approach with the CoPE collaborative
Authors: Fernandes-Taylor Sara , Damico Smith Cara , Arroyo Natalia , Bonnet Kemberlee , Schlundt David , Wichmann Margarete , Feurer Irene , Francis David O 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionPatient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are increasingly developed with multisite, representative patient populations so that they can serve as a primary endpoint in clinical trials and longitudinal studies. Creating multisite infrastructure during PRO measure development can facilitate future comparative effectiveness trials. We describe our protocol to simultaneously develop a PRO measure and create a collaborative of tertiary care centres to address the needs of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). We describe the stakeholder engagement, information technology and regulatory foundations for PRO measure development and how the process enables plans for multisite trials comparing treatments for this largely iatrogenic condition.Methods and analysisThe study has three phases: systematic review, measure development and measure validation. Systematic reviews and qualitative interviews (n=75) will inform the development of a conceptual framework. Qualitative interviews with patients with UVFP will characterise the lived experience of the condition. Candidate PRO measure items will be derivedverbatimfrom patient interviews and refined using cognitive interviews and expert input. The PRO measure will be administered to a large, multisite cohort of adult patients with UVFP via the CoPE (vocalCordParalysisExperience) Collaborative. We will establish CoPE to facilitate measure development and to create preliminary infrastructure for future trials, including online data capture, stakeholder engagement, and the identification of barriers and facilitators to participation. Classical test theory psychometrics and grounded theory characterise our approach, and validation includes assessment of latent structure, reliability and validity.Ethics and disseminationOur study is approved by the University of Wisconsin Health Sciences Institutional Review Board. Findings from this project will be published in open-access journals and presented at international conferences. Subsequent use of the PRO measure will include comparative effectiveness trials of treatments for UVFP at CoPE Collaborative sites.
Phase-out of smallpox vaccination and the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio: an ecological study from Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Rieckmann Andreas , Villumsen Marie , Hønge Bo Langhoff , Sørup Signe , Rodrigues Amabelia , da Silva Zacarias Jose , Whittle Hilton , Benn Christine , Aaby Peter 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveIn Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, we observed that having a smallpox vaccination scar was associated with lower HIV-1 prevalence, more strongly for women than men. If this represents a causal effect, the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio would increase for birth cohorts no longer receiving smallpox vaccination due to the phase-out of this vaccine.DesignAn ecological design using HIV surveys and information about smallpox vaccination coverage.SettingUrban and rural Guinea-Bissau.ParticipantsParticipants in HIV surveys were grouped into an age group with decreasing smallpox vaccination coverage (15–34 years) and an age group with steady smallpox vaccination coverage (≥35 years).InterventionsThe exposure of interest was the phase-out of the smallpox vaccine in Guinea-Bissau.Primary and secondary outcome measuresHIV-1 prevalence.ResultsAt both sites, the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio increased by calendar time for the age group with decreasing smallpox vaccination coverage; the combined female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio among people aged 15–34 years was 1.00 (95% CI 0.17 to 5.99) in 1987–1990, 1.16 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.93) in 1996–1997, 2.32 (95% CI 1.51 to 3.56) in 2006–2007 (p value for no trend=0.04). There was no increase in the female-to-male HIV-1 prevalence ratio for the age group >35 years with steady smallpox vaccination coverage; 1.93 (95% CI 0.40 to 9.25) in 1987–1990, 1.32 (95% CI 0.83 to 2.10) in 1996–1997, 0.81 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.16) in 2006–2007 (p value for no trend=0.07).ConclusionsThus, data was compatible with the deduction that the phase-out of smallpox vaccination may have increased the susceptibility to HIV-1 relatively more for women than men. Hence, phasing out smallpox vaccination may have contributed to the global increase in the female/male HIV-1 prevalence ratio among young individuals. Due to the potential fallacies of ecological studies, the results should be interpreted carefully, and this hypothesis needs further assessment. If the hypothesis is true, studies of smallpox vaccination could inform HIV-1 vaccine research.
An investigation into the impact and implications of published papers from retracted research: systematic search of affected literature
Authors: Avenell Alison , Stewart Fiona , Grey Andrew , Gamble Greg , Bolland Mark 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveAnalyses of the impact of a body of clinical trial reports subject to research misconduct have been few. Our objective was to examine the impact on clinically relevant research of a group of researchers’ trial reports (‘affected trial reports’) affected by research misconduct, and whether identification of misconduct invoked a reappraisal.DesignIn 2016, we used five databases and search engines to identify ‘citing publications’, that is, guidelines, systematic and other reviews, and clinical trials citing any of 12 affected trial reports, published 1998–2011, eventually retracted for research misconduct. The affected trial reports were assessed more likely to have had impact because they had hip fracture outcomes and were in journals with impact factor >4. Two authors assessed whether findings of the citing publications would change if the affected trial reports were removed. In 2018, we searched for evidence that the citing publications had undertaken a reassessment as a result of the potential influence of the affected trial reports.ResultsBy 2016 the affected trial reports were cited in 1158 publications, including 68 systematic reviews, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, guidelines and clinical trials. We judged that 13 guidelines, systematic or other reviews would likely change their findings if the affected trial reports were removed, and in another eight it was unclear if findings would change. By 2018, only one of the 68 citing publications, a systematic review, appeared to have undertaken a reassessment, which led to a correction.ConclusionsWe found evidence that this group of affected trial reports distorted the evidence base. Correction of these distortions is slow, uncoordinated and inconsistent. Unless there is a rapid, systematic, coordinated approach by bibliographic databases, authors, journals and publishers to mitigate the impact of known cases of research misconduct, patients, other researchers and their funders may continue to be adversely affected.
Prevalence of organ failure and mortality among patients in the emergency department: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Pedersen Peter Bank , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Brabrand Mikkel , Lassen Annmarie Touborg 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesThe aim was to describe population-based incidence and emergency department-based prevalence and 1-year all-cause mortality of patients with new organ failure present at arrival.DesignThis was a population-based cohort study of all citizens in four municipalities (population of 230 000 adults).SettingEmergency department at Odense University Hospital, Denmark.ParticipantsWe included all adult patients who arrived from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2015.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOrgan failure was defined as a modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score≥2 within six possible organ systems: cerebral, circulatory, renal, respiratory, hepatic and coagulation.The primary outcome was prevalence of organ failure, and secondary outcomes were 0–7 days, 8–30 days and 31–365 days all-cause mortality.ResultsWe identified in total 175 278 contacts, of which 70 399 contacts were further evaluated for organ failure. Fifty-two per cent of these were women, median age 62 (IQR 42–77) years. The incidence of new organ failure was 1342/100 000 person-years, corresponding to 5.2% of all emergency department contacts.The 0–7-day, 8–30-day and 31–365-day mortality was 11.0% (95% CI: 10.2% to 11.8%), 5.6% (95% CI: 5.1% to 6.2%) and 13.2% (95% CI: 12.3% to 14.1%), respectively, if the patient had one or more new organ failures at first contact in the observation period, compared with 1.4% (95% CI: 1.3% to 1.6%), 1.2% (95% CI: 1.1% to 1.3%) and 5.2% (95% CI: 5.0% to 5.4%) for patients without. Seven-day mortality ranged from hepatic failure, 6.5% (95% CI: 4.9% to 8.6%), to cerebral failure, 33.8% (95% CI: 31.0% to 36.8%), the 8–30-day mortality ranged from cerebral failure, 3.9% (95% CI: 2.8% to 5.3%), to hepatic failure, 8.6% (95% CI: 6.6% to 10.8%) and 31–365-day mortality ranged from cerebral failure, 9.3% (95% CI: 7.6% to 11.2%), to renal failure, 18.2% (95% CI: 15.5% to 21.1%).ConclusionsThe study revealed an incidence of new organ failure at 1342/100 000 person-years and a prevalence of 5.2% of all emergency department contacts. One-year all-cause mortality was 29.8% among organ failure patients.
Patient-reported reasons for delay in diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration: a national survey
Authors: Parfitt Alice , Boxell Emily , Amoaku Winfried M , Bradley Clare 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate whether people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are able to self-detect symptoms and, if so, what symptoms they experience, from whom they first seek help, whether help is sought within the 1 week recommended by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ guidelines and reasons for any delay.Methods and analysisA retrospective, cross-sectional survey design. Postal surveys were sent to 4000 members of the UK Macular Society. Inclusion criteria were participants aged >50 years at diagnosis of AMD with diagnosis after August 2008; criteria were met by 621 respondents. The main outcome was reasons for delays in diagnosis for wet AMD. Data were analysed using χ2and conventional content analysis.ResultsOnly one third (n=199; 32%) of respondents were able to self-detect symptoms. In line with national guidance, over half (n=131; 64%) of those self-detecting symptoms sought help promptly. For those whose initial diagnosis was delayed more than 1 week, 27% had potentially treatable wet AMD requiring urgent treatment to prevent vision loss. Reasons for delay reflected individual & service-related issues, including AMD not being detected in the initial consultation, and individuals not perceiving the urgency for symptom investigation.ConclusionIn practice most patients sought help within 1 week; however, potentially sight-damaging delays occurred from symptom onset to diagnosis. Suggestions for reducing delay include increasing population awareness of AMD symptoms, the need for urgent detection and close monitoring for AMD and signposting patients to appropriate support services to ensure prompt detection of any future signs of wet AMD.
Factors associated with inappropriate use of emergency departments: findings from a cross-sectional national study in France
Authors: Naouri Diane , Ranchon Guillaume , Vuagnat Albert , Schmidt Jeannot , El Khoury Carlos , Yordanov Youri 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundInappropriate visits to emergency departments (EDs) could represent from 20% to 40% of all visits. Inappropriate use is a burden on healthcare costs and increases the risk of ED overcrowding. The aim of this study was to explore socioeconomic and geographical determinants of inappropriate ED use in France.MethodThe French Emergency Survey was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted on June 11 2013, simultaneously in all EDs in France and covered characteristics of patients, EDs and counties. The survey included 48 711 patient questionnaires and 734 ED questionnaires. We focused on adult patients (≥15 years old). The appropriateness of the ED visit was assessed by three measures: caring physician appreciation of appropriateness (numeric scale), caring physician appreciation of whether or not the patient could have been managed by a general practitioner and ED resource utilisation. Descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression were used to examine determinants of inappropriate ED use, estimating adjusted ORs and 95% CIs.ResultsAmong the 29 407 patients in our sample, depending on the measuring method, 13.5% to 27.4% ED visits were considered inappropriate. Regardless of the measure method used, likelihood of inappropriate use decreased with older age and distance from home to the ED >10 km. Not having a private supplementary health insurance, having universal supplementary health coverage and symptoms being several days old increased the likelihood of inappropriate use. Likelihood of inappropriate use was not associated with county medical density.ConclusionInappropriate ED use appeared associated with socioeconomic vulnerability (such as not having supplementary health coverage or having universal coverage) but not with geographical characteristics. It makes us question the appropriateness of the concept of inappropriate ED use as it does not consider the distress experienced by the patient, and segments of society seem to have few other choices to access healthcare than the ED.
Effects of simulation for gynaecological ultrasound scan training: a systematic review
Authors: Woodhead Natalie Jane , Mahmud Ayesha , Clark Justin 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionSimulation is a potentially promising solution to some of the challenges in delivering ultrasound training, and in the last decade, research in simulation-based education has rapidly expanded. There have been no prior focused systematic reviews on the effects of simulation on gynaecological ultrasound scan training. The aim of this review was to summarise and critically appraise the available evidence.MethodsMedline, EMBASE, CINHAL, BNI, PubMed, ERIC, Cochrane Library and ISRCTN Register of Clinical Trials were searched using selected terminology. No language restrictions were applied. The selection criteria were studies of all types that investigated the use of a simulator to teach gynaecological ultrasound. Data evaluating study outcomes, along with methodological details, were extracted in duplicate. The outcomes were classified according to the Kirkpatrick hierarchy and included: patient-related outcomes, such as discomfort; organisational efficiency outcomes, such as examination times; and trainee-related outcomes, such as competence, skill and confidence.ResultsFourteen studies with 573 participants were included: seven randomised controlled trials, three controlled observational studies and four uncontrolled observational studies. The use of simulation practice in gynaecological ultrasound in addition to standard approaches for teaching is associated with significant improvements in competence, skill and confidence of trainees and reduced patient discomfort, increased perceived patient safety and enhanced confidence in the trainee.ConclusionOur findings suggest that simulation in the early stages of training in gynaecological ultrasound is beneficial for the trainee, patients and has organisational benefits through reduced examinations times and need for supervision. Future research needs to confirm these findings in the different settings.
Hair arsenic level in rice‐based diet‐fed Staffordshire bull terriers
Authors: Rosendahl Sarah , Anturaniemi Johanna , Hielm‐Björkman Anna 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundThere have been concerns related to inorganic arsenic (iAs) in rice and the risk of chronic toxicity in human beings, especially children. Rice is a common constituent of pet food, and dogs often eat the same food on a continual daily basis for long periods of time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the risk of chronic iAs exposure in rice‐based diet‐fed dogs.MethodsHair iAs level was measured in seven rice‐based diet‐fed dogs (mean age 3.8 years) and in nine dogs that did not consume any rice (mean age 4.4 years), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsThe hair iAs level was significantly higher (P=0.005) in dogs fed a rice‐based diet (mean 0.143 µg/g) than in dogs that did not consume any rice (mean 0.086 µg/g), while age and sex did not show associations with hair iAs level.ConclusionThe results suggest that eating a rice‐based diet for long periods of time represents a risk for chronic iAs exposure in dogs.