bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Advancement of Biomass in Energy Exploration in Some African Countries
Authors: Olatunji Obafemi , Akinlabi Stephen , Madushele Nkosinathi , Adedeji Paul , Fatoba Samuel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Africa is so much endowed with a vast amount of renewable resources that can engender economic prosperity and provide adequate capacity to meet up with current and future energy demands. These vast resources made her to be at a vantage position in Renewable Energy (RE) exploration across the globe. One of such RE with enormous potential is biomass, however, the maximum potential has not been realized. This article provides an overview of the biomass resources in some selected African countries. The state-of-the-art in biomass application, availability, energy production in power plant, especially as related to electricity production were discussed. Overall, the authors identify the barrier to biomass energy exploration in these countries and proffer some solution to deal with these challenges.
Integration of Technology Capability for Performance Diagnostics of MS7001EA Using PYTHIA
Authors: Indarti Dieni , Osigwe Emmanuel O. , Li Yi-Guang , Widyantoro Dody 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Gas turbine components are susceptible to degradation during operations; hence, the identification of the engine condition is really important for the gas turbine users. To this end, a comprehensive adaptive diagnostic tool is an important step to monitoring the engine health condition and planning appropriate maintenance actions, thereby increasing the availability and reliability of the unit, and at the same time reducing the operation and maintenance expenses. In this paper, the capability of PYTHIA; a computer software technology for engine diagnostic purpose using a non-linear gas path analysis was explored on GE MS7001EA industrial heavy duty gas turbine during a plot period of 12,000 hours. The method used in this paper was to adapt an accurate engine performance model from the real engine historical data readings, and by implicating multiple component degradation parameters onto the diagnostic tool; which represents the possible phenomena in the real engine operation period. The adaptive gas path analysis was used to identify the level of degradation or health indices of the gas turbine at the module level and its degraded performance compared with the actual engine data trending. The results obtained indicated the capability of PYTHIA to successfully adapt real engine data and detect fault patterns in response to implanted faults of selected measurement set during engine operation period. The deviations between the predicted and measured values showed a satisfactory result with a root mean square error (RMS) ≤ 0.004 and Gas Path Analysis index value ≥ 0.996. The component parameter degradation during the 12000 hours engine operation was detected, indicating a decrease in flow capacity by 2.1% for compressor and turbine by 2.8%.
Integration of Flame-Assisted Fuel Cells With a Gas Turbine Running Jet-A As Fuel
Authors: Ghotkar Rhushikesh , Milcarek Ryan J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In recent years, the aircraft industry is heading towards the concept of the More Electric Airplane (MEA). Previous research has investigated the possibility of integrating Dual Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (DC-SOFC) with the auxiliary power unit (APU) of the aircraft. This paper evaluates the merits of integrating the recently proposed Flame-assisted Fuel Cells (FFCs) with the APU gas turbine system. The syngas composition for fuel-rich combustion is studied using chemical equilibrium analysis of Jet-A/air at 8 Bar and 1073 K. The results show the potential for reforming Jet-A fuel to 22% Carbon Monoxide and 18% Hydrogen in the exhaust at an equivalence ratio of 2.4. The paper also reports how the efficiency of power generation changes when FFCs are placed in the combustor of a turbine in the APU. The maximum theoretical electrical efficiency of the FFC/combustor and the area and weight of the fuel cell required to generate the design power is calculated. The FFC offers a viable substitute for the DC-SOFC to be integrated with the APU.
Effect of Zr Diffusion Barrier Properties on the Irradiation Performance of U-10Mo Monolithic Fuel Plate
Authors: Mohamed Walid , Ozaltun Hakan , Roh Hee Seok 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The most recent design of U-Mo monolithic fuel as adopted by the U.S. for the conversion of its High Performance Research Reactors (USHPRR) from high enrichment uranium (HEU) to low enrichment uranium fuel (LEU, &lt; 20% U235) consists of a high density (LEU) U-10Mo fuel sandwiched between Zirconium (Zr) diffusion barriers and encapsulated in aluminum (AA6061) cladding. In this work, finite element analysis (FEA) was used to evaluate effect of Zr diffusion barrier properties on the thermal and mechanical performance of a U-10Mo monolithic fuel plate by considering possible variation in thermal and mechanical properties of the Zr diffusion barrier. Possible variation in thermo-mechanical properties of the Zr diffusion barrier were determined and a simulation matrix was designed accordingly. Analyses of simulation results included determination of global peak stresses in the fuel, Zr diffusion barrier, and cladding sections as well as the plate thickness profile at a transverse section toward the top side of the plate. Results showed that variation in yield stress, elastic modulus and thermal conductivity of the Zr diffusion barrier has negligible effect on the thermal and mechanical performance of the monolithic fuel plate. The effect of variation in these properties was found to be limited to the barrier section itself, which may be attributed to the relatively smaller thickness of that section compared to the fuel and cladding sections of the fuel plate.
Modeling Pressurized Dense Phase Coal Fluidization and Transport
Authors: Adams Bradley R. , Schroedter Taylor L. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
A transient gas-solid model based on CPFD Software’s Barracuda Virtual Reactor was developed for a feed system to a pilot-scale pressurized oxy-coal (POC) reactor. A simplified geometry with a vertical coal hopper feeding into a 0.635-cm diameter horizontal pipe was used to represent key elements of the feed system. Coal particles were transported with 20-atm CO2 gas. The feed system was required to maintain a steady flow of gas and solids at a coal flow rate of approximately 3.8 g/s and a CO2 to coal mass ratio in the range 1–2. Sensitivity of model results to mesh size and particle interaction sub-model settings was assessed.
Two design concepts were evaluated. A gravity-fed concept was found to be infeasible due to inadequate coal flow rates even at very high CO2 to coal flow ratios. This was due to gravitational forces being insufficient to move the pressurized coal from the hopper into the CO2 stream at the desired rate. A fluidized bed concept was found to provide the desired coal flow rate and CO2 to coal flow ratio. CO2 injected at the hopper base first fluidized the vertical coal bed before transporting it through a horizontal exit pipe. A second CO2 inlet downstream of the hopper exit pipe was used to dilute the fluidized coal and increase pipe velocities to minimize coal drop out. The amount of coal transported from the hopper was dependent on the net CO2 hopper flow but independent of the CO2 dilution flow. This meant that the coal flow rate and CO2 to coal flow ratio could be controlled independently. Pipe exit coal flow rates were found to fluctuate at levels acceptable for steady burner operation.
Using Thermodynamics Principles to Optimize Performance of Capacitive Mixing Cycles for Salinity Gradient Energy Generation
Authors: Moreno Daniel , Hatzell Marta C. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Understanding the thermodynamics associated with ion mixing and separation processes is important in order to meet the rising demands for clean energy and water production. Several electrochemical-based technologies such as capacitive deionization and capacitive mixing (CapMix) are capable of achieving desalination and energy production through ion mixing and separation processes, yet experimental investigations suggest energy conversion occurs with low second law (thermodynamic) efficiency. Here, we explore the maximum attainable efficiency for different CapMix cycles to investigate the impact cycle operation has on energy extraction. All investigated cycles are analogous to well documented heat engine cycles. In order to analyze CapMix cycles, we develop a physics-based model of the electric double layer based on the Gouy-Chapman-Stern theory. Evaluating CapMix cycles for energy generation revealed that cycles where ion mixing occurs at constant concentration and switching occurs at constant charge (a cycle analogous to the Stirling engine) attained the highest overall first law (electrical energy) efficiency (39%). This first law efficiency is nearly 300% greater than the first law efficiency of the Otto, Diesel, Brayton, and Atkinson analog cycles where ion mixing occurs while maintaining a constant number of ions. Additionally, the maximum first law efficiency was 89% with a maximum work output of 0.5 kWh per m3 of solution mixed (V = 1.0V) using this same Stirling cycle. Here the salinity gradient was CH = 600 mM and CL = 1 mM (ΔGmix = 0.56 kWh/m3). The effect of voltage was also examined at CH = 600 mM (seawater) and CL = 20 mM (river water). CapMix cycles operated at lower voltage (V &lt; 1.0V), resulted in the Otto cycle yielding the highest first law efficiency of approximately 25% (compared to under 20% for the Stirling cycle); however, this was at the expense of a reduction (50x) in net electrical energy extracted from the same mixing process (0.01 kWh per m3).
Transient Response of Gradient-Based Optimization for Ground Source Heat Exchangers
Authors: DiCarlo Anthony A. , Caldwell Rickey A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The efficiency of ground source heating and cooling can be improved during installation by utilizing non-uniform properties of the soil. This paper presents a transient analysis of a computed optimal distribution of heterogeneous soils with varying thermal conductivities. This optimal configuration was computed via a gradient descent approach. The numerically simulated case studies demonstrate an improved performance when utilizing this approach to maximize the overall efficiency.
The focus of this study is optimization of the soil heterogeneity surrounding the ground heat exchanger composed of pipes buried 2 meters underground. Finite element mathematics is used for the optimization algorithm. The finite element cells are treated as isotropic material voxels. The variation of material thermal conductivity in individual cells is employed as the optimizing variable. The updated conductivities are verified to ensure they are within the design domain. This method computes the sensitivities for the search direction (i.e. the gradient descent direction) utilizing the equations employed in the finite element mathematics. The optimization solution commences with the finite element model and applied boundary conditions. An initial guess is made of the elements’ conductivity. Based on these conductivities, the initial temperature is computed and later implemented to estimate the gradient. The global geometric conductivity matrix is assembled once in this process from the element geometric conductivity matrices. The objective function presented in this work maximizes the temperature at the critical locations. For this study, the critical locations are the location of the pipes.
A three-dimensional, transient thermal simulation is developed based upon the optimized configuration for the soil. The monthly mean diurnal ambient air temperature variations for the months in the Northeast United States representing winter and summer are implemented in this study along with typical solar loading for each season. The results are presented for both a baseline homogeneous soil configuration and the optimized configuration. The results illustrate the benefits of an optimized soil configuration to maximize performance.
Fuel Swelling and Creep Analysis for a MURR LEU U-10Mo Monolithic Plate
Authors: Mohamed Walid , Roh Hee Seok , Stillman John , Wilson Erik 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
U-10Mo monolithic fuel is considered for the conversion of the US High Performance Research and Test Reactors (USHPRR) from high enriched uranium (HEU) to high density low enrichment uranium (LEU) fuel. The monolithic fuel plates are comprised of high density LEU-10Mo fuel core sandwiched between zirconium diffusion barrier interlayers and encapsulated in an aluminum alloy cladding. The conversion of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), one of the USHPRR fleet, from the use of HEU to LEU is currently in progress. Preliminary safety analysis for the conversion of MURR assumes maximum increase in plate thickness of about 0.1 mm due to irradiation effects. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to model the thermo-mechanical behavior of a MURR LEU-10Mo monolithic plate under typical irradiation conditions in the LEU core. The maximum increase of the plate thickness was determined considering various combinations of swelling correlations and coefficient of creep rate. Analysis of the displacement profiles showed that maximum displacement along the plate thickness direction occurs at the same location in all cases. For any of the swelling correlations considered in this work, the lowest creep rate coefficient, 5 (× 10−25 cm3/MPa-fission), was found to cause larger outboard displacement. The maximum increase in plate thickness was found not to exceed 0.083 mm with a combination of fuel creep coefficient in the range between 750 and 250 (× 10−25 cm3/MPa-fission) and the the 95% UCL of the most conservative U-10Mo correlation available to describe fuel swelling.
Cohort profile: The Observational cohort for the study of DOlutegravir in Antiretroviral Combination REgimens (ODOACRE)
Authors: Ciccullo Arturo , Baldin Gianmaria , Capetti Amedeo , Borghi Vanni , Sterrantino Gaetana , Latini Alessandra , Madeddu Giordano , Celani Luigi , Vignale Francesca , Rossetti Barbara , Dusina Alex , Cossu Maria Vittoria , Restelli Sibilla , Gennari William , Lagi Filippo , Giacomelli Andrea , Colafigli Manuela , Brescini Lucia , Borghetti Alberto , Mussini Cristina , Rusconi Stefano , Di Giambenedetto Simona 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe Observational cohort for the study of DOlutegravir in Antiretroviral Combination REgimens (ODOACRE) cohort was established in Italy in 2016 to evaluate the overall efficacy and tolerability of dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral (ARV) regimens in clinical practice.ParticipantsThe ODOACRE cohort enrols all adult HIV-1-infected patients, both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced, starting a DTG-based ARV regimen, in 11 clinical centres in Italy from 2014.Findings to dateIn recent years, various works by the ODOACRE cohort have been produced, demonstrating the high efficacy and tolerability of DTG-based ARV regimens in clinical practice, both in ART-naïve (in the setting of acute HIV-1 infection and late presenters patient) and experienced patients. We confirmed the virological efficacy of DTG-based regimens and we evaluated predictors of virological failure. We investigated cause of discontinuation and evaluated tolerability and metabolic profile of the regimens. Within these investigations, we explored particularly the use of DTG in simplification in two-drug regimen with either rilpivirine or lamivudine. We also compared DTG-based regimens with other integrase inhibitors in clinical practice.Future plansTo continue to study long-term efficacy and tolerability of DTG-based regimens is the purpose of the ODOACRE cohort.
Development of a core outcome set for myocardial infarction in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: a study protocol
Authors: Qiu Ruijin , Zhong Changming , Han Songjie , He Tianmai , Huang Ya , Guan Manke , Hu Jiayuan , Li Min , Lin Yiyi , Chen Jing , Shang Hongcai 
Published: December 2019

IntroductionMyocardial infarction (MI) is the most dangerous complication in patients with coronary heart disease. In China, there is an increasing number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating MI. However, the inconsistency of outcome reporting means that a large number of clinical trials cannot be included in systematic reviews to provide the best evidence for clinical practice. The aim of this study is to develop a core outcome set (COS) for future TCM clinical trials of MI, which may improve the consistency of outcome reporting and facilitate the synthesis of data across studies in systematic reviews.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review of MI clinical trials with any intervention. Semistructured interviews will be conducted to obtain the perspectives of patients with MI. The outcomes from the systematic review and semistructured interviews will be grouped and used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaire will be developed as a supplement for the TCM syndromes of MI and will be constructed from the results of a systematic review, existing medical records and a cross-sectional study. Then two rounds of the Delphi survey will be conducted with different stakeholders (TCM experts and Western medicine experts in cardiovascular disease, methodologists, magazine editors and patients) to determine the importance of the outcomes. Only the TCM experts will need to response to the questionnaire for core TCM syndromes. A face-to-face consensus meeting will be conducted to create a final COS and recommend measurement time for each outcome.Ethics and disseminationThis project has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. The final COS will be published and freely available.Trial registration numberThis study is registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials database as study 1243 (available at:http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/1243).
Demonstrating the value of postgraduate fellowships for physicians in quality improvement and patient safety
Authors: Myers Jennifer S , Lane-Fall Meghan Brooks , Perfetti Ross H , Humphrey Kate , Sato Luke , Shaw Kathy N , Taylor April M , Tess Anjala 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundAcademic fellowships in quality improvement (QI) and patient safety (PS) have emerged as one strategy to fill a need for physicians who possess this expertise. The authors aimed to characterise the impact of two such programmes on the graduates and their value to the institutions in which they are housed.MethodsIn 2018, a qualitative study of two US QIPS postgraduate fellowship programmes was conducted. Graduates’ demographics and titles were collected from programme files,while perspectives of the graduates and their institutional mentors were collected through individual interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsTwenty-eight out of 31 graduates (90%) and 16 out of 17 (94%) mentors participated in the study across both institutions. At a median of 3 years (IQR 2–4) postgraduation, QIPS fellowship programme graduates’ effort distribution was: 50% clinical care (IQR 30–61.8), 48% QIPS administration (IQR 20–60), 28% QIPS research (IQR 17.5–50) and 15% education (7.1–30.4). 68% of graduates were hired in the health system where they trained. Graduates described learning the requisite hard and soft skills to succeed in QIPS roles. Mentors described the impact of the programme on patient outcomes and increasing the acceptability of the field within academic medicine culture.ConclusionGraduates from two QIPS fellowship programmes and their mentors perceive programmatic benefits related to individual career goal attainment and institutional impact. The results and conceptual framework presented here may be useful to other academic medical centres seeking to develop fellowships for advanced physician training programmes in QIPS.
Using end-user feedback to optimize the design of the Versius Surgical System, a new robot-assisted device for use in minimal access surgery
Authors: Hares Luke , Roberts Paul , Marshall Keith , Slack Mark 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundRobot-assisted minimal access surgery (MAS) reduces blood loss, recovery time, intraoperative and postoperative complications and pain. However, uptake of robotic MAS remains low, suggesting there are barriers to its use. To overcome these barriers, a new surgical robot system, Versius, was developed based on the needs and feedback of surgeons and surgical teams.MethodsThe surgical robot prototype was designed based on observations in the operating room (OR) and previous interviews with surgeons. Formative studies with surgeons and surgical teams were used to refine the prototype design, resulting in modifications to all components, including the arms, instruments, handgrips and surgeon console. Proof-of-concept cadaver studies were used to further optimize its design by assessing its usability during surgical procedures.ResultsFeedback led to the development of a novel, mobile design with independent arm carts and surgical console, linked by supported serial or parallel connections, providing maximum flexibility in the OR. Instrument tips were developed based on surgeons’ preferred designs and wristed at the tip providing seven degrees of freedom within the patient. Multiple handgrip designs were assessed by surgeons; of these, a ‘game controller’ design was rated most popular and usable. An open surgical console design allowing multiple working positions was rated highest by surgeons and the surgical teams.ConclusionsThis surgical robot system has been developed using feedback from end users throughout the design process and aims to minimize barriers to robotic MAS uptake. Additionally, these studies demonstrate system success in the surgical procedures it was designed for. The studies reported here, and further studies of the Versius Surgical System, are intended to align with IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study) Framework guidance.