bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participatory Noise Mapping: Harnessing the Potential of Smartphones Through the Development of a Dedicated Citizen-Science Platform
Authors: King Eoin A. , Tatoglu Akin , Celmer Robert D. 
Published: January 2018

This paper presents results of an ongoing project which aims to develop a purpose-built platform for using smart phones as alternative to sound level meters for citizen-science based environment noise assessment.
In order to manage and control environmental noise effectively, the extent of the problem must first be quantified. Across the world, strategic noise maps are used to assess the impact of environmental noise in cities. Traditionally, these maps are developed using predictive techniques, but some authors have advocated the use of noise measurements to develop more reliable and robust noise maps.
If adopted correctly, smartphones have the capability to revolutionize the manner in which environmental noise assessments are performed. The development of smartphone technology, and its impact on environmental noise studies, has recently begun to receive attention in the academic literature. Recent research has assessed the capability of existing smartphone applications (apps) to be utilized as an alternative low-cost solution to traditional noise monitoring. Results show that the accuracy of current noise measurement apps varies widely relative to pre-specified reference levels. The high degree of measurement variability associated with such apps renders their robustness questionable in their current state. Further work is required to assess how smartphones with mobile apps may be used in the field and what limitations may be associated with their use.
To over come the above issues, this project is developing a platform specifically for citizen science noise assessment. The platform consists of a smartphone app that acquires a sound signal and transfers the data to a server via a web based API for post processing purposes. This then returns key information to the user, as well as logging the data for use in a massive noise mapping study. The structure of the proposed platform maintains a clear separation between client (phone) and server. This approach will allow implementation of future open source client side apps for both Android and iOS operating systems.
Assessing Near-Wall Hemodynamics of Blood Flow in the Left Anterior Descending Segment of the Left Coronary Artery Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Asiruwa John J. , Propst Aaron M. , Gent Stephen P. 
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study was to computationally investigate the flow mechanics and the near-wall hemodynamics associated with the different take-off angles in the left coronary artery of the human heart. It is hypothesized that increasing the take-off angles of the left coronary artery will significantly increase or decrease the likelihood of plaque (atherosclerosis) buildup in the left coronary artery bifurcations. Specifically, this study quantified the effects of the varying take-off angles on the branches along the left anterior descending (LAD) of the left coronary artery using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The study compared five test cases of the different take off-angles of the left coronary artery (LCA) and four different branch angles between the LAD and the left circumflex (LCx). It also considered the branch angles of the coronary artery downstream the LAD. The LCA inlet boundary conditions was set as a pulsatile mass flow inlet and flow split ratios were set for the outlets boundary conditions. The nature of blood pulsatile flow characteristic was accounted for and the properties of blood which include the density (1,050 kg/m3) and dynamic viscosity (0.0046 Pa-s) were obtained from previous research.
The results from the simulations are compared using established scales for the parameters evaluated. The parameters evaluated were: (i) Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI); which quantifies the extent in which the blood flow changes direction during a cardiac cycle (ii) Time Average Wall Shear Stress (TAWSS); which quantifies the average shear stress experienced by the wall of the artery and (iii) Relative Residence Time (RRT); which quantifies how long blood spends in a location along the artery during blood flow. These parameters are used to predict the likelihood of blood clots, atherosclerosis, endothelial damage, plaque formation, and aneurysm in the blood vessels. The data from the simulations were analyzed using functional macros to quantify and generate threshold values for the parameters.
Numerical Study of Turbulent Rotating Flow in a Tesla Disc Pump
Authors: Naz Saima , Lockhart Doug , Harwood Peter , Komrakova Alexandra E. 
Published: January 2018

The advantages of Tesla’s bladeless turbine over the conventional bladed turbine — such as an easier manufacturing process; low cost; low noise; the ability to operate with different working fluids, including Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids; and single phase or multi-phase systems [1] — keep the design development of this device a subject of ongoing research. The first design of the Tesla turbine was presented by N. Tesla in 1913 [2]. In the 60s and 70s, a number of research groups built the Tesla device to investigate its performance (power, torque, efficiency) [3]–[6]. At the present time, the efficient design of the Tesla device is still a focus of experimental and numerical research studies [7]–[13].
In this work, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to study three-dimensional turbulent compressible flow between the two corotating discs. The wide gap between the discs results in a Reynolds number of 1656, which is calculated based on the disc gap and the rotational speed of the discs. The CO2 gas is used as a working fluid. The simulations are performed using the commercial CFD software (STAR-CCM+, SIEMENS PLM). In this study, we determined the inlet and outlet boundary conditions together with the rotational speed of the discs that make the device work as a pump. The realizable k–ε turbulence model was used. The performance parameters of the pump were assessed by considering the dimensionless flow coefficient and efficiency.
Combination of Elementary Processes to Form a General Energy System Configuration
Authors: Toffolo A. , Rech S. , Lazzaretto A. 
Published: January 2018

The fundamental challenge in the synthesis/design optimization of energy conversion systems is the definition of the system configuration and design parameters. The traditional way to operate in system engineering practice is to follow the previous experience, starting from design solutions that already exist. A more advanced strategy consists in the preliminary identification of a superstructure that should include all the possible solutions to the synthesis/design optimization problem, and in the selection of the system configuration starting from this superstructure through a design parameter optimization. This top-down approach cannot guarantee that all possible configurations could be predicted in advance and that all the configurations derived from the superstructure are really feasible.
To solve the general problem of the synthesis/design of complex energy systems a new bottom-up methodology is proposed, based on the original idea that the fundamental nucleus in the construction of any energy system configuration is the elementary thermodynamic cycle (compression, heat transfer with the hot source, expansion, heat transfer with the cold source). So, any configuration can be built by generating, according to a rigorous set of rules, all the combinations of the elementary thermodynamic cycles operated by different working fluids that can be identified within the system, and selecting the best resulting configuration through an optimization procedure.
In this paper a deep analysis of the major features of the methodology is presented to show, through different examples of applications, how an artificial intelligence is able to generate system configurations of various complexity using preset logical rules without any “ad hoc” expertise.
Computer Assisted Design and Structural Topology Optimization of Customized Craniofacial Implants
Authors: Gómez Pérez Carlos A. , Medellín-Castillo Hugo I. , Espinosa-Castañeda Raquel 
Published: January 2018

Modern design and manufacturing engineering technologies have greatly improved the way in which modern craniofacial implants are designed and fabricated. However, few efforts have been made in order to optimize their design. While the weight of polymer-based implants (e.g. PMMA implants) may not affect the patient’s comfort, the higher weight of metal-based implants (e.g. titanium implants), could greatly affect the patient’s comfort, causing in some cases nuisances and imbalance problems. Thus, the optimization of the implant becomes relevant in order to guarantee its structural stiffness but with a reduced weight.
In this paper, the design and structural optimization of customized craniofacial implants based on the use of modern engineering technologies is presented. The aim is to introduce an engineering methodology for the design and optimization of customized craniofacial implants. The methodology starts from the patient’s medical images, obtained from a computerized tomography (CT), which are processed to reconstruct the digital 3D model. Next, the geometrical design of the implant is carried out in a computer aided design (CAD) system using the patient’s 3D model. Then, the structural analysis of the implant is performed using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and considering a quasi-static load. The topology optimization of the implant is made using the Solid Isotropic Material Penalization (SIMP) method. Finally, the optimized customized implant is fabricated in an additive manufacturing (AM) system. A case study of a craniofacial implant is presented and the results reveal that the proposed methodology is an effective approach to design and optimize craniofacial implants.
Energy and GHG Emissions Assessment in a Plastic Injection Process at Machine Component Level: A Case Study of ABS Plastic Part Produced in a Hybrid Injection Molding Machine
Authors: Ávila Javier , Borja Vicente , López-Parra Marcelo , Ramírez-Reivich Alejandro C. 
Published: January 2018

In this article a GHG and energy analysis for the plastic injection process of an ABS medium sized injected part carried out in a hybrid injection molding machine is reported. A power consumption process pattern for an ABS medium-size part is defined as well as the energy usage of components, the energy used for the injection process is calculated for the injection cycle and for the process setup. The reported study includes a hybrid machine analysis working under an electric network that relies mainly on thermoelectric energy generation. The GHG emissions assessment was estimated using the 2015 emission factor applied for Mexico. The results provide new experimental data for ABS plastic injected parts in hybrid injection machines.
This paper describes the outcomes of a GHG emissions and energy assessment for an ABS medium-sized injected part carried out in a HIMM at UNAM. The approach followed by the authors in this assessment was aimed at providing information about the energy usage and GHG emissions for the process and the part.
The main contribution of this paper is the insight related to energy usage indicators in the process, the energy usage and the GHG emissions within components. The product used as a case study and the results of its GHG emissions and energy assessment are presented.
Second Law Analysis of Passive Micro-Mixing in Rectangular Microchannels With Flow Obstacles
Authors: Ferguson Steven E. , Lemley Evan C. , Hossan Mohammad R. 
Published: January 2018

Passive micromixers have application in the biosciences area. In particular, passive micromixers that may be used as part of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing devices are becoming common-place and have application in developed, developing, and relatively undeveloped locales. Characterizing and improving mixing efficiency in these devices is an ongoing research effort. Different channel geometries and flow obstacles lead to varying degrees of mixing effectiveness and serve to increase chaotic advective mixing in contrast to the molecular diffusive mixing that occurs even in the absence of these obstacles. Entropy is generated due to these, and other, irreversible processes. Efficient micromixer design is of interest to biomedical and mechanical engineers working in the biosciences area. The entropy generation rate, we contend, can provide an aid in determining how thoroughly mixed fluids in the channel have become, as well as provide insight into improving channel design to maximize desired outcomes, such as mixing, and minimizing losses due to heat transfer and power consumption.
In this paper, we focus our analysis on numerical simulations conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on a supercomputer-cluster to do simulations with extended mesh refinement and very small residuals. This enabled us to test a wide range of flows with varying Reynolds numbers. The configuration of flow and species parameters within the simulations were compared to experimental results to confirm their validity.
We show that varying the geometry of the channel can lead to a measurable increase in entropy generation via the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Further, we show that this increase in entropy is linked to mixing from obstacle-induced chaotic advection and diffusion. We provide evidence of a positive correlation between the efficiency of the mixing process and entropy generation. These findings will aid in the design of more efficient portable health care-related devices, particular in remote or underdeveloped regions where power utilization is a critical concern.
Factors associated with neonatal pneumonia in India: protocol for a systematic review and planned meta-analysis
Authors: Nair Sreekumaran , Lewis Leslie Edward , Godinho Myron Anthony , Murthy Shruti , Lakiang Theophilus , Venkatesh Bhumika T 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionIndia accounts for more neonatal deaths than any other country. There is a lack of consolidated evidence from India regarding the determining factors of pneumonia in neonates. This systematic review is aimed to consolidate and appraise the evidence on risk factors and determinants of pneumonia among neonates in India.Methods and analysisThis protocol is part of a project consisting of three reviews (two systematic reviews and one scoping review) and a qualitative study on neonatal pneumonia in India. English language observational studies which report risk factors and determinants of neonatal pneumonia in India will be eligible for inclusion. Electronic searching of nine databases, and hand searching will be done. Two authors will independently conduct screening (title, abstract and full-text stages), extract data and assess risk of bias. A meta-analysis is planned to be performed with random-effects model. A narrative synthesis will be used to summarise the characteristics and findings of the review, if a meta-analysis cannot be performed. If there are more than 10 studies, publication bias will be assessed. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis will performed based on data availability. The quality of our review will be assessed by using ‘Assessing the Methodological quality of Systematic Reviews’ and ‘Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation’.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol of the entire project has been approved by the host institution’s ethics body (Institutional Ethics Committee, Manipal University, Manipal, India), and the ‘Health Ministry Screening Committee’ under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The study findings will be disseminated among relevant stakeholders using knowledge dissemination workshops, policy briefs, publications, etc.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016044019.
Pilot study protocol to inform a future longitudinal study of ageing using linked administrative data: Healthy AGeing in Scotland (HAGIS)
Authors: Douglas Elaine , Rutherford Alasdair , Bell David 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionPopulation ageing is a welcome testament to improvements in the social, economic and health circumstances over the life course. However, these successes necessitate that we understand more about the pathways of ageing to plan and cost our health and social care services, to support our ageing population to live healthier for longer and to make adequate provisions for retirement. Longitudinal studies of ageing facilitate such understanding in many countries around the world. Scotland presently does not have a longitudinal study of ageing, despite dramatic increases to its ageing population and its poor health record. Healthy AGeing in Scotland (HAGIS) constitutes the launch of Scotland’s first comprehensive longitudinal study of ageing.MethodsA sample of 1000 people aged 50+ years will be invited to take part in a household social survey. The innovative sampling procedure used administrative data to identify eligible households. Anonymised survey responses will be linked to administrative data.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the host institution for the study design and from the Public Benefits and Privacy Panel for administrative data linkage. Anonymised survey data will be deposited with the UK Data Service. A subset of survey data, harmonised with other global ageing studies, will be available via the Gateway to Global Aging platform. These data will enable powerful cross-country comparisons across the social, economic and health domains that will be relevant for national and international research.Research publications from the HAGIS team will be disseminated through journal articles and national and international conferences. The findings will support current and future research and policy debate on ageing populations.
Evidence for sample selection effect and Hawthorne effect in behavioural HIV prevention trial among young women in a rural South African community
Authors: Rosenberg Molly , Pettifor Audrey , Twine Rhian , Hughes James P , Gomez-Olive F Xavier , Wagner Ryan G , Sulaimon Afolabi , Tollman Stephen , Selin Amanda , MacPhail Catherine , Kahn Kathleen 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesWe examined the potential influence of both sample selection effects and Hawthorne effects in the behavioural HIV Prevention Trial Network 068 study, designed to examine whether cash transfers conditional on school attendance reduce HIV acquisition in young South African women. We explored whether school enrolment among study participants differed from the underlying population, and whether differences existed at baseline (sample selection effect) or arose during study participation (Hawthorne effect).MethodsWe constructed a cohort of 3889 young women aged 11–20 years using data from the Agincourt Health and socio-Demographic Surveillance System. We compared school enrolment in 2011 (trial start) and 2015 (trial end) between those who did (n=1720) and did not (n=2169) enrol in the trial. To isolate the Hawthorne effect, we restricted the cohort to those enrolled in school in 2011.ResultsIn 2011, trial participants were already more likely to be enrolled in school (99%) compared with non-participants (93%). However, this association was attenuated with covariate adjustment (adjusted risk difference (aRD) (95% CI): 2.9 (− 0.7 to 6.5)). Restricting to those enrolled in school in 2011, trial participants were also more likely to be enrolled in school in 2015 (aRD (95% CI): 4.9 (1.5 to 8.3)). The strength of associations increased with age.ConclusionsTrial participants across both study arms were more likely to be enrolled in school than non-participants. Our findings suggest that both sample selection and Hawthorne effects may have diminished the differences in school enrolment between study arms, a plausible explanation for the null trial findings. The Hawthorne-specific findings generate hypotheses for how to structure school retention interventions to prevent HIV.
Young adults’ perspectives on living with kidney failure: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Bailey Phillippa K , Hamilton Alexander J , Clissold Rhian L , Inward Carol D , Caskey Fergus J , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Owen-Smith Amanda 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionYoung adults fare worse than younger adolescents or older adults on a broad range of health indicators. Those with a chronic illness such as renal failure are a particularly vulnerable group, who experience poor outcomes compared with both children and older adults. Understanding how being in receipt of renal replacement therapy (RRT) affects the lives of young adults might help us to better prepare and support these individuals for and on RRT, and improve outcomes. This study aimed to synthesise research describing young adults’ experiences of the psychosocial impact of kidney failure and RRT.DesignA systematic literature review identified qualitative research reporting the perspectives of people aged 16–30 years receiving RRT on the psychosocial impact of renal failure. Electronic databases (including Medline/EMBASE/PsycINFO/ASSIA) were searched to November 2017 for full-text papers. The transparency of reporting of each study was assessed using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Health Research (COREQ) framework. Quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. An inductive thematic synthesis was undertaken.ParticipantsSeven studies from five different countries were included, comprising 123 young adults receiving RRT.ResultsComprehensiveness of reporting was variable: studies reported 9–22 of the 32 COREQ-checklist items.Three global themes about the impact of kidney failure on young adults were identified: (1) difference desiring normality, (2) thwarted or moderated dreams and ambitions, and (3) uncertainty and liminality. These reflected five organising themes: (1) physical appearance and body image, (2) activity and participation, (3) educational disruption and underachievement, (4) career ambitions and employment difficulties, and (5) social isolation and intimate relationships.ConclusionsAcross different countries and different healthcare settings, young adults on RRT experience difference and liminality, even after transplantation. Tailored social and psychological support is required to allow young adults to experience wellness while in receipt of RRT, and not have life on hold.