bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Modeling Methodology to Estimate the Magnitude of Unwanted Liquid Flows in High Temperature Boiler Components
Authors: de Klerk Gary , Rousseau Pieter , Jestin Louis 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Due to the penetration of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources into electricity supply grids, conventional coal fired power plants need to operate with greater flexibility while remaining reliable and conserving the lifetime of components. Thick-sectioned components are prone to thermal fatigue cracking as a result of through-wall temperature gradients. These temperature gradients can be significantly amplified during quenching when components at high temperature are unintentionally exposed to colder liquid or steam. Such quench events are known to occur during two-shift operation of a large once-through coal fired tower type boiler. The purpose of this study is to develop and demonstrate a model that can be used to determine the root cause and magnitude of quenching. The model is developed using the least level of detail to make it readily usable by power plant engineers. Two different approaches are used. A liquid tracking model (LTM) was developed from first principles that approximates the liquid level in the superheater as a function of time. The model is presented and verified by comparison with real-plant data. The second approach was to configure a model in flownex, which is a commercially available software package. The LTM model with eight control volumes provided better steam temperature results and was able to simulate the correct superheater pressure behavior without solving the momentum equation. The models proved that a separator overflow was the cause of quenching for this particular case study.
Mild Whole-Body Hyperthermia-Induced Interstitial Fluid Pressure Reduction and Enhanced Nanoparticle Delivery to PC3 Tumors: In Vivo Studies and Micro-Computed Tomography Analyses
Authors: Gu Qimei , Liu Shuaishuai , Saha Ray Arunendra , Florinas Stelios , Christie Ronald James , Daniel Marie-Christine , Bieberich Charles , Ma Ronghui , Zhu Liang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this study, we performed in vivo experiments on mice to evaluate whether whole-body hyperthermia enhances nanoparticle delivery to PC3 (prostatic cancer) tumors. PC3 xenograft tumors in immunodeficient mice were used in this study. The mice in the experimental group were subjected to whole-body hyperthermia by maintaining their body temperatures at 39–40 °C for 1 h. Interstitial fluid pressures (IFPs) in tumors were measured before heating, immediately after, and at 2 and 24 h postheating in both the experimental group and in a control group (without heating). A total of 0.2 ml of a newly developed nanofluid containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was delivered via the tail vein in both groups. The micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanned images of the resected tumors were analyzed to visualize the nanoparticle distribution in the tumors and to quantify the total amount of nanoparticles delivered to the tumors. Statistically significant IFP reductions of 45% right after heating, 47% 2 h after heating, and 52% 24 h after heating were observed in the experimental group. Analyses of microCT scans of the resected tumors illustrated that nanoparticles were more concentrated near the tumor periphery rather than at the tumor center. The 1-h whole-body hyperthermia treatment resulted in more nanoparticles present in the tumor central region than that in the control group. The mass index calculated from the microCT scans suggested overall 42% more nanoparticle delivery in the experimental group than that in the control group. We conclude that 1-h mild whole-body hyperthermia leads to sustained reduction in tumoral IFPs and significantly increases the total amount of targeted gold nanoparticle deposition in PC3 tumors. The present study suggests that mild whole-body hyperthermia is a promising approach for enhancing targeted drug delivery to tumors.
Energy Usage Intensity of Bank Building Stock: A Case Study in Pakistan
Authors: Amber Khuram Pervez , Aslam Muhammad Waqar , Kousar Anila , Khan Muhammad Sajid , Chaudhary Ghulam Qadir , Amar Muhammad 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Energy usage intensity (EUI, kWh/m2/year) of a building category helps energy managers and building owners in evaluating the energy performance of their buildings. Banks are energy-intensive buildings, but there is limited research published in this highly energy-intensive building category. In this paper, the energy consumption of 98 bank buildings located in different cities of the AJK region of Pakistan has been critically analyzed and their EUI value has been established. Data were collected through site visits, interviews, and questionnaires. Electricity consumption of each bank branch was normalized using the cooling degree days method and respective annual normalized EUIs were calculated. It was found through analysis that three major factors that drive electricity consumption in bank buildings in Pakistan are building's area, the number of workstations, and the number of automatic teller machines. The EUI of banks in Pakistan has been found to be 222 kWh/m2/yr, which is comparable with the same of eight other countries.
The Transport Mechanisms and Dynamics of Shale via Multiscale Multiphysics Pore Network Modeling
Authors: Alafnan Saad , Yucel Akkutlu I. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Source rocks such as shale are highly heterogeneous, consisting of organic matter and various inorganic minerals. Microscopic images suggest that microcracks serve as conduits for the gas released from organic nanopores. The permeability of the shale matrix is primarily attributed to stress-sensitive microcracks that are highly influenced by changes in fluid pressure. As the microcracks are depleted, more gas molecules desorb from the organic nanopores; this, in turn, affects the fluid pressure in the microcracks. Linking the local properties of the organic nanopores to the microcracks allows for a better understanding of the coupling between them, which is necessary for improved modeling. In this research, a multiscale pore network modeling approach is presented to describe the organic material and microcrack system and investigate the large-scale features of gas transport in shale. A multiscale pore network model consisting of clusters of organic pore networks and microcracks was built to examine shale gas transport on a microscopic scale. The organic part of the network model consisted of nano-capillaries interconnected at nanopores. The network accounted for the adsorptive–convective–diffusive transport mechanisms recently derived for a single capillary. This organic nanopore network was hydraulically connected to a single microcrack. Then, the mass balance at each node in the new domain was solved, along with the assumed boundary conditions. Using the information at the nodes, the total flowrate and pressure distribution in the system were obtained as a function of time. The results show that the fluid pressure in the microcrack was primarily sensitive to the content of the organic material and its permeability. Then, the microcracks–organic materials interactions are studied and empirically quantified at larger macroscopic scale of gridblocks. This relationship can be investigated in the laboratory and used in theoretical models to predict shale gas production.
Design and Analysis of Energy-Efficient Low-Flow Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Xu Cheng , Chen Lei , Amano Ryoichi S. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
With the increasing demands of energy-saving from industries, the low-flow coefficient and low specific speed centrifugal compressors have gained more attention. The design of this type of compressor faced many challenges, for example, high secondary flow losses, high tip leakage losses, and low exit width based on a Reynolds number. The design also lacks a reliable database for preliminary studies. The impeller design studies were limited. Most designs for low-flow coefficient and low specific speed compressor follow the traditional methods. This paper presents design studies and discusses some unique design features to improve performance of this type of compressor. The detail computational fluids dynamics (CFD) results are presented to demonstrate the success of the design strategies. A prototype compressor for fuel cell applications was built, and performance tests were performed. The test results are compared with those of the computational analysis, and the agreement is reasonably satisfactory. The compressor meets the customer's performance goals. The design features can be used for future low-flow coefficient and low specific speed centrifugal compressor design.
Study of the Constraint Selection Through ASVDADD Method for Rate-Controlled Constrained-Equilibrium Modeling on Ethanol Oxidation Without PLOG Reactions
Authors: Roy Shrabanti , Askari Omid 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Reduction of the detail chemical kinetic mechanism is important in solving complex combustion simulation. In this work, a model reduction scheme rate-controlled constrained-equilibrium (RCCE) is considered in predicting the oxidation of ethanol. A detail kinetic mechanism by Merinov from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is used in modeling this reduction technique. The RCCE method considers constrained equilibrium states which subjected to a lower number of constraints compared to the number of species. It then has to solve a smaller number of differential equations compared to the number of equations required in solving the detailed kinetic model (DKM). The accuracy of this solution depends on the selection of the constraint. A systematic procedure which will help in identifying the constraint at an optimal level of accuracy is an essential for RCCE modeling. A fully automated Approximate Singular Value Decomposition of the Actual Degrees of Disequilibrium (ASVDADD) method is used in this study to derive the constraint for RCCE simulation. ASVDADD uses an algorithm which follows the simple algebraic analysis on results of underlying DKM to find the degree of disequilibrium (DoD) of the individual chemical reactions. The number of constraints which will be used in RCCE simulation can be selected to reduce the number of equations required to solve. In the current work, this ASVDADD method is applied on ethanol oxidation to select the constraint for RCCE simulation. Both DKM and RCCE calculations on ethanol fuel are demonstrated to compare the result of temperature distribution and an ignition delay time for validating the method.
Accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid ferritin for purulent meningitis
Authors: Garcia Pedro Celiny Ramos , Barcelos Andrea Lucia Machado , Tonial Cristian Tedesco , Fiori Humberto Holmer , Einloft Paulo Roberto , Costa Caroline Abud Drumond , Portela Janete L , Bruno Francisco , Branco Ricardo Garcia 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ferritin levels in the diagnosis of purulent meningitis (PM).MethodWe studied 81 children between 28 days and 12 years of age who presented with clinical suspicion of meningitis to the emergency department. CSF ferritin levels were measured and compared between diagnostic groups (PM, aseptic meningitis (AM) and no meningitis).ResultsThe median age was 24 (IQR 8–69) months. There were 32 patients with AM (39%), 23 with PM (28%) and 26 with no meningitis (32%). Median CSF ferritin was 4.2 ng/mL (IQR 3.0–6.5), 52.9 ng/mL (IQR 30.7–103 ng/mL) and 2.4 ng/mL (IQR 2–4), respectively. CSF ferritin was higher in children with PM compared with AM (p<0.001) or no meningitis (p<0.001). There was no difference between AM and no meningitis.ConclusionCSF ferritin may be a useful biomarker to discriminate PM in children with clinical symptoms of this disease.
Disparity of microaneurysm count between ultrawide field colour imaging and ultrawide field fluorescein angiography in eyes with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Ashraf Mohamed , Sampani Konstantina , AbdelAl Omar , Fleming Alan , Cavallerano Jerry , Souka Ahmed , El Baha Samir Mohamed , Silva Paolo S , Sun Jennifer , Aiello Lloyd Paul 
Published: February 2020

AimsTo compare microaneurysm (MA) counts using ultrawide field colour images (UWF-CI) and ultrawide field fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA).MethodsRetrospective study including patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus receiving UWF-FA and UWF-CI within 2 weeks. MAs were manually counted in individual Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) and extended UWF zones. Fields with MAs ≥20 determined diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity (0 fields=mild, 1–3=moderate, ≥4=severe). UWF-FA and UWF-CI agreement was determined and UWF-CI DR severity sensitivity analysis adjusting for UWF-FA MA counts performed.ResultsIn 193 patients (288 eyes), 2.4% had no DR, 29.9% mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 32.6% moderate (NPDR), 22.9% severe NPDR and 12.2% proliferative DR. UWF-FA MA counts were 3.5-fold higher (p<0.001) than UWF-CI counts overall, 3.2x-fold higher in ETDRS fields (p<0.001) and 5.3-fold higher in extended ETDRS fields (p<0.001) and higher in type 1 versus type 2 diabetes (p<0.001). In eyes with NPDR on UWF-CI (n=246), UWF-FA images had 1.6x–3.5x more fields with ≥20 MAs (p<0.001). Fair agreement existed between imaging modalities (k=0.221–0.416). In ETDRS fields, DR severity agreement increased from k=0.346 to 0.600 when dividing UWF-FA counts by a factor of 3, followed by rapid decline in agreement thereafter. Total UWF area agreement increased from k=0.317 to 0.565 with an adjustment factor of either 4 or 5.ConclusionsUWF-FA detects threefold to fivefold more MAs than UWF-CI and identifies 1.6–3.5-fold more fields affecting DR severity. Differences exist at all DR severity levels, thus limiting direct comparison between the modalities. However, correcting UWF-FA MA counts substantially improves DR severity agreement between the modalities.
Impact of point-of-care panel tests in ambulatory care: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goyder Clare , Tan Pui San , Verbakel Jan , Ananthakumar Thanusha , Lee Joseph J , Hayward Gail , Turner Philip J , Van Den Bruel Ann 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesThis article summarises all the available evidence on the impact of introducing blood-based point-of-care panel testing (POCT) in ambulatory care on patient outcomes and healthcare processes.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials and before-after studies.Data sourcesOvid Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane CENTRAL, Database of Abstracts of Reviews and Effects, Science Citation Index from inception to 22 October 2019.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesIncluded studies were based in ambulatory care and compared POCT with laboratory testing. The primary outcome was the time to decision regarding disposition that is, admission/referral termed disposition decision (DD) time. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) at the ambulatory care unit/practice and mortality.Results19 562 patients from nine studies were included in the review, eight of these were randomised-controlled trials, and one was a before-after study. All the studies were based in either emergency departments or the ambulance service; no studies were from primary care settings. General panel tests performed at the POCT resulted in DDs being made 40 min faster (95% CI −42.2 to −36.6, I2=0%) compared with the group receiving usual care, including central laboratory testing. This in turn resulted in a reduction in LOS for patients who were subsequently discharged by 34 min (95% CI −63.7 to −5.16). No significant difference in mortality was reported.DiscussionAlthough statistical and clinical heterogeneity is evident and only a small number of studies were included in the meta-analysis, our results suggest that POCTs might lead to faster discharge decisions. Future research should be performed in primary care and identify how POCTs can contribute meaningful changes to patient care rather than focusing on healthcare processes.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016035426.
Shared decision-making in advanced kidney disease: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Engels Noel , de Graav Gretchen , van der Nat Paul , van den Dorpel Marinus , Bos Willem Jan , Stiggelbout Anne M 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionPatients with advanced kidney disease (AKD) have to make difficult treatment modality decisions as their disease progresses towards end-stage kidney disease. International guidelines in nephrology suggest shared decision-making (SDM) to help patients make timely treatment modality decisions that align with their values and preferences. However, systematic reviews or scoping reviews on these SDM interventions and on their reported use or outcomes are lacking. This limits the adoption of SDM in clinical practice and hampers further research and development on the subject. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of these SDM interventions by means of a scoping review of the literature. Scoping reviews can provide a broad overview of a topic, identify gaps in the research knowledge base and report on the types of evidence that address and inform practices. This paper presents our study protocol.Methods and analysisThe proposed scoping review will be performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. It will cover both qualitative and quantitative scientific literature, as well as the grey literature on SDM interventions for treatment modality decisions in AKD. Only literature written in English will be considered for inclusion. Two independent reviewers will participate in an iterative process of screening the literature, paper selection and data extraction. Disagreements between the reviewers will be resolved by discussion until consensus is reached or after consultation with the research team when needed. Results will be reported with descriptive statistics and diagrammatic or tabular displayed information, accompanied by narrative summaries as explained in the JBI guidelines.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for the conduct of this study is not required. We will analyse previously collected data for the proposed scoping review. Our results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through conferences and/or seminars.
Reduction of paediatric head CT utilisation at a rural general hospital emergency department
Authors: Louie Jeffrey Paul , Alfano Joseph , Nguyen-Tran Thuy , Nguyen-Tran Hai , Shanley Ryan , Holm Tara , Furnival Ronald A 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundBlunt head injury is a common pediatric injury and often evaluated in general emergency departments. It estimated that 50% of children will undergo a head computed tomography (CT), often unnecessarily exposing the child to ionizing radiation. Pediatric academic centers have shown quality improvement (QI) measures can reduce head CT rates within their emergency departments. We aimed to reduce head CT utilization at a rural community emergency department.MethodsChildren presenting with a complaint of blunt head injury and were evaluated with or without a head CT. Head CT rate was the primary outcome. We developed a series of interventions and presented these to the general emergency department over the duration of the study. The pre and intervention data was analysed with control charts.ResultsThe preintervention and intervention groups consisted of 576 children: 237 patients with a median age of 8.0 years and 339 patients with a median age of 9.00 years (p=0.54), respectively. The preintervention HCT rate was 41.8% (95% CI 35.6% to 48.1%) and the postintervention rate was 27.7% (95% CI 23.3% to 32.7%), a decrease of 14.1% (95% CI 6.2% to 21.9%, p=0.0004). During the intervention period, there was a decrease in HCT rate of one per month (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.00, p=0.07). The initial series of interventions demonstrated an incremental decrease in HCT rates corresponding with a special cause variation.ConclusionThe series of interventions dispersed over the intervention period was an effective methodology and successfully reduced HCT utilisation among children with blunt head injury at a rural community emergency department.
Could a massive open online course be part of the solution to sport-related concussion? Participation and impact among 8368 registrants
Authors: Fremont Pierre , Schneider Kathryn , Laroche Anne , Emery Carolyn , Yeates Keith 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesA massive open online course (MOOC) has the potential to help address the public health burden of concussion across all levels of sport and leisure activities. The main objectives of this study were to document the volume of participation and to estimate the impact of a MOOC on concussion protocol implementation.MethodsBetween April 2016 and October 2018, four editions of a French-language MOOC on concussion were presented. Each of the six modules contains a section presenting the main learning content and a section proposing a reflective process to support the implementation of a concussion protocol in the participant’s environment. The proportion of registrants who achieved successful completion of the course was the main outcome. Surveys were also used to document the types of participants and their intent to implement or update a protocol.ResultsThirty per cent of 8368 registrants successfully completed the course. Of the 3061 participants who completed a survey about their background, 58.8% were healthcare professionals, 16.3% were sport or school stakeholders, and 10.1% were parents or persons who sustained a concussion. Of the 1471 participants who completed a survey about their intent to implement or update a concussion protocol in their environment, 39.4% answered positively.ConclusionThis study describes the first use of a MOOC to address the issue of concussion. The experience of a French-language MOOC shows promising results supporting the use of this innovative educational strategy as part of the solution to the public health issue of concussion.