bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Simulation of Steam Carnot Battery With Electric-Thermal Complementarity
Authors: Zhao Quan , Lin Xiaojie , Xu Jiahao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The energy consumption in China’s industrial terminals includes electricity, steam, and compressed air, with electricity and steam being the primary carriers. To achieve the peak carbon emission in the industrial sector, it is essential to address the challenges of energy storage and steam production in industrial parks. Utilizing a novel energy storage technology known as the Carnot battery, which operates on thermodynamic cycles, this method addresses the mismatch between production demands and traditional energy conversion equipment within industrial parks. When electricity generation exceeds demand, the surplus is converted into thermal energy for storage. In times of insufficient energy supply, stored thermal energy is utilized to drive a heat engine for power generation or directly supply heat to the surroundings. This paper introduces a steam Carnot battery based on sensible heat storage, capable of utilizing green electricity from industrial parks for charging and achieving the output of both electricity and steam during discharge. The EBSILON model of the steam Carnot battery is constructed to investigate steam output, round trip efficiency, and Coefficient of Performance (COP) under different configurations. The results indicate that reciprocating efficiency increases with the number of steam compression stages, reaching a maximum of 43.95%. At this state, the COP is 3.07, and the system can output steam at 150°C.
Formulating a Meteorological Year for Modeling Solar PV and Wind Turbine Electricity Harvest and Hydrogen Storage to Meet Electricity Demand in a Yearly Cycle
Authors: Alfulayyih Yasir , Li Peiwen , Gwesha Ammar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
One of the most promising solutions of increasing the reliability to accelerate the penetration of the renewable electricity in the power sector worldwide is to reduce the uncertainty due to weather variability. The present study aims at developing a weather year generation methodology (WYGM) for sizing a solar PV and WT power plant and hydrogen energy storage (SWHPP) for a year-round reliable electricity supply such that the uncertainty is efficiently identified so its effect can be minimized. The formulated WYGM named “SITY”, which stands for speed-irradiance-temperature year. SITY has four major steps: global-sensitivity-analysis-based selection of parameters (GHI, wind speed, and ambient temperature), true-variability-and-real-sequence-based selection of block-size (equals to the temporal resolution), typical-to-extreme scenarios considerations in the generated formats (i.e., average, most-frequent, worst, and best), and applying an all-parameters-at-once candidacy criterion (Euclidean distance of a 3D-space) for selecting the best representative data point. In particular, for generating SITY, of the most-frequent format, a new method has been developed, which matches the nature of the selected parameters, and it operates in a site-specific fashion. SITY has been applied for a selected site and was input to an adopted sizing algorithm. According to SITY, the uncertainty, due to weather, can reach up to ±3.01% and ±5.6% out of the required area and energy storage capacity, respectively, for a SWHPP. Also, the normalized-percentage MBE and RMSE and the index of agreement, for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of SITY to capture the true variability and real sequence of the most influenced parameters, were obtained, of the all four formats, as follows (range): (−4.24)–(1.48)/0.9–9.67/0.939–0.999, (−14.34)–(2.22)/2.67–28.94/0.59–0.99, (−14.25)–(10.25)/5.83–17.03/0.89–0.98; for GHI, wind speed and temperature, respectively. In future, SITY would be implemented in a software generator to avoid the site-specific limitation of applicability.
Investigating the Performance of Supercritical CO2 Heating: A Comparative Study of Variable and Uniform Pin Height Designs in Additive Manufactured Micro-Pin Receivers
Authors: Bahrami Leyli , Gutierrez Plascencia Jesus , Fronk Brian M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
There has been a recent investigation on connecting multiple micro-pin-based unit-cells (∼17 cm × ∼17 cm) fabricated via additive manufacturing in parallel to achieve Megawatt scale solar thermal heating of supercritical carbon dioxide. The use of additive manufacturing allows the geometry of each module to be tailored to the expected incident flux on that receiver location to maximize overall performance. In this paper, we extend our prior investigations by conducting simulations to explore a central receiver design consisting of multiple micro-pin modules with varying pin height for a given location, desired thermal duty, and maximum allowable surface temperature.
This receiver’s primary function is to heat supercritical carbon dioxide at a pressure of 20 MPa, elevating its temperature from 500°C to 720°C while ensuring its surface temperature remains below 800°C. The receiver’s structural composition consists of hundreds of micro-pin array unit cells operating in parallel, all produced through additive manufacturing techniques. In this research, we will choose the pin diameter and spacing to guarantee satisfactory mechanical performance, treating the pin height as a variable that can be adjusted. The resulting variable pin height design is then compared to a receiver with a uniform pin height.
The results of our research reveal that the receiver with variable pin height delivers higher temperatures, on average, while also exhibiting lower pressure drops when subjected to the same incident flux conditions and with the same surface area. This finding suggests that tailored receiver designs, accommodating varying pin heights, have the potential to enhance overall efficiency and reduce the levelized cost of energy. In future work, this methodology will be extended to more complicated tailored geometries and for designing receivers for producing process heat.
Phosphorylation of VapB antitoxins affects intermolecular interactions to regulate VapC toxin activity in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Malakar Basanti , Barth Valdir C. , Puffal Julia , Woychik Nancy A. , Husson Robert N. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Toxin–antitoxin modules are present in many bacterial pathogens. The VapBC family is particularly abundant in members of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex, with 50 modules present in the
M. tuberculosis
genome. In type IIA modules, the VapB antitoxin protein binds to and inhibits the activity of the co-expressed cognate VapC toxin protein. VapB proteins may also bind to promoter region sequences and repress the expression of the
vapB-vapC
operon. Though VapB–VapC interactions can control the amount of free VapC toxin in the bacterial cell, the mechanisms that affect this interaction are poorly understood. Based on our recent finding of Ser/Thr phosphorylation of VapB proteins in
M. tuberculosis
, we substituted phosphomimetic or phosphoablative amino acids at the phosphorylation sites of two VapB proteins. We found that phosphomimetic substitution of VapB27 and VapB46 resulted in decreased interaction with their respective cognate VapC proteins, whereas phosphoablative substitution did not alter binding. Similarly, we determined that phosphomimetic substitution interfered with VapB binding to promoter region DNA sequences. Both decreased VapB–VapC interaction and decreased VapB repression of
vapB-vapC
operon transcription would result in increased free VapC in the
M. tuberculosis
cell. In growth inhibition experiments,
M. tuberculosis
strains expressing
vapB46-vapC46
constructs containing a phosphoablative
vapB
mutation resulted in lower toxicity compared to a strain expressing native
vapB46
, whereas similar or greater toxicity was observed in the strain expressing the phosphomimetic
vapB
mutation. These results identify a novel mechanism by which VapC toxicity activity can be regulated by VapB phosphorylation.

IMPORTANCE
Intracellular bacterial toxins are present in many bacterial pathogens and have been linked to bacterial survival in response to stresses encountered during infection. The activity of many toxins is regulated by a co-expressed antitoxin protein that binds to and sequesters the toxin protein. The mechanisms by which an antitoxin may respond to stresses to alter toxin activity are poorly understood. Here, we show that antitoxin interactions with its cognate toxin and with promoter DNA required for antitoxin and toxin expression can be altered by Ser/Thr phosphorylation of the antitoxin and, thus, affect toxin activity. This reversible modification may play an important role in regulating toxin activity within the bacterial cell in response to signals generated during infection.
Prevalence of spontaneous movement disorders (dyskinesia, parkinsonism, akathisia and dystonia) in never-treated patients with chronic and first-episode psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kalniunas Arturas , James Katie , Pappa Sofia 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate and compare the prevalence rates of spontaneous movement disorders (SMDs), including dyskinesia, parkinsonism, akathisia and dystonia, in antipsychotic-naïve individuals with chronic psychosis and first-episode psychosis (FEP) and gain a more nuanced understanding of factors influencing their presence.MethodsSeveral literature databases were systematically searched and screened based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Included articles underwent risk of bias assessment. The prevalence rates of SMDs were calculated using a random-effects model.ResultsOut of 711 articles screened, 27 were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of spontaneous dyskinesia was 7% (3% FEP and 17% chronic schizophrenia) across 24 studies (95% CI 3 to 11; I2=94%, p<0.01) and 15% for spontaneous parkinsonism (14% FEP and 19% chronic schizophrenia) in 21 studies (95% CI 12 to 20; I2=81%, p<0.01). A meta-regression analysis found a significant positive correlation between age (p<0.05) and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) (p<0.05) with dyskinesia but not parkinsonism prevalence. Akathisia and dystonia appear to be both less studied and less frequent in occurrence with a pooled prevalence of 4% (95% CI: 3 to 6; I2=0%, p=0.65) for akathisia in eight studies and a mean prevalence of 6% (range 0%–16%) for dystonia in five studies.ConclusionThe presence of varying degrees of neurodysfunction in antipsychotic-naïve patients with schizophrenia underscores the need for individualised treatment approaches that consider each patient’s unique predisposition and neuromotor profile. Further research is warranted into the role of specific SMDs and risk factors including sex, race and diagnostic variations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024501951.
Child health-friendly neighbourhood: a qualitative study to explore the perspectives and experiences of experts and mothers of children under 6 years of age in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Akhbari Parisa , Keshavarz-Mohammadi Nastaran , Ramezankhani Ali 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesCreating health-supportive environments is one of the key strategies for health promotion. The WHO launched the Healthy Cities Initiative which has inspired other international organisations to develop settings-based health initiatives, such as the Child Friendly Cities by UNICEF. Our study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of experts, city council staff and mothers of children under 6 years of age in the city of Tehran, Iran regarding child health-friendly neighbourhoods for children of this age group.DesignThe purpose of this qualitative research was to investigate the viewpoints and experiences of mothers of children under 6 years old as well as professionals. Data were collected from January to July 2022 through semistructured, indepth interviews using an interview guide. Data were analysed using the directed content analysis method with MAXQDA V.2020 software.SettingThe study was conducted in Tehran, Iran.ParticipantsParticipants were selected from three main groups: experts, mothers and city council staff. Participants were invited to take part using variation purposive sampling techniques.ResultsData analysis led to a definition of the concept of child health-friendly neighbourhoods for children under 6 years old, with 6 dimensions, 21 subdimensions and 80 characteristics. The six dimensions included the provision of neighbourhood green space, cultural centres, health centres, access to services, transport and security. The characteristics we identified had similarities and differences with UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities.ConclusionThe concept of a child health-friendly neighbourhood for children under 6 years old is the result of a health-centred approach to a child-friendly city that provides a deeper understanding of the needs and services required to start a healthy life. This could contribute to further dialogue, research and actions to make all neighbourhoods a health-supportive environment as recommended by the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion.
Alternative payment models in Dutch hospital care: what works, how, why and under what circumstances? Protocol for a realist evaluation study
Authors: Hendriks Celine Maria Rosanne , Vugts Miel Antonius Petrus , Eijkenaar Frank , Struijs Jeroen Nathan , Cattel Daniëlle 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe predominant provider payment models in healthcare, particularly fee-for-service, hinder the delivery of high-value care and can encourage healthcare providers to prioritise the volume of care over the value of care. To address these issues, healthcare providers, payers and policymakers are increasingly experimenting with alternative payment models (APMs), such as shared savings (SS) and bundled payment (BP). Despite a growing body of literature on APMs, there is still limited insight into what works in developing and implementing successful APMs, as well as how, why and under what circumstances. This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to (1) identify these circumstances and reveal the underlying mechanisms through which outcomes are achieved and (2) identify transferrable lessons for successful APMs in practice.Methods and analysisDrawing on realist evaluation principles, this study will employ an iterative three-step approach to elicit a programme theory that describes the relationship between context, mechanisms and outcomes of APMs. The first step involves a literature review to identify the initial programme theory. The second step entails empirical testing of this theory via a multiple case study design including seven SS and BP initiatives in Dutch hospital care. We will use various qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews with involved stakeholders, document analysis and difference-in-differences analyses. In the final step, these data and the applicable formal theories will be combined to test and refine the (I)PT and address the research objectives.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Review Committee of Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management (Project ID ETH2122-0170). Where necessary, informed consent will be obtained from study participants. Among other means, study results will be disseminated through a publicly available manual for stakeholders (eg, healthcare providers and payers), publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and (inter)national conference presentations.
Analysing space-time patterns of maternal mortality attributed to anaemia in Karnataka, India: a spatial epidemiological study
Authors: K S Sahana , G Bhuvanesh , Basavegowda Madhu , D Sunil Kumar , M C Manjunatha , D V S K Manasa Priya , M Chaithra , M Mounikasree , B C Sulochanadevi , C Suhasini 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundMaternal health is a globally important health challenge and is the key indicator of healthcare services in any given region. One of the main objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 1-lakh live births. Most data on maternal mortality are collected and analysed on global, national and subnational levels and regional levels are lacking. Anaemia is one of the major causes of maternal death in India and its data visualisation using geospatial mapping plays a significant role in addressing the emerging need for improved spatial investigation. Geospatial studies of maternal mortality can help policy-makers to prioritise resources by pinpointing geographical areas for implementation.MethodologySpatial data analysis is effectively used in assessing the spatial distribution of maternal deaths, which are attributed to anaemia as a risk factor for maternal deaths. The data on maternal deaths in Karnataka were acquired and analysed at district level for the years 2017–2022 and thematic maps were generated in geographical information system environment. Further, areal interpolation analysis was explored in deriving the layers that predict the underlying risk of maternal deaths attributed to anaemia in the present study using the available data.ResultsFive out of 30 districts showed more than 10% of maternal deaths attributed to anaemia during 2017–2020 while these numbers were increased to 10 during 2020–2021 and later reduced to 6 districts during 2021–2022. Areal interpolation revealed the highest risk areas of maternal deaths attributed to anaemia in Karnataka for the past 5 years (2017–2018 to 2021–2022).ConclusionStudy concluded that by providing a spatial perspective, geospatial analysis has the potential to transform maternal healthcare. Anaemia-related maternal deaths can be minimised by providing specific interventions among disadvantaged women in the Karnataka region.
Evolving Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine fellowship application process: a program director survey
Authors: Lim Michelle , Jeng Christina L , Burnett Garrett W , Park Chang H 
Published: September 2024

Background and objectivesMost Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine (RAAPM) fellowship programs transitioned to virtual interviews in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, the RAAPM fellowship match started in 2023 in order to make the application process more equitable. In this study, we surveyed RAAPM fellowship program directors (PDs) to determine how such major events of the early 2020s shaped the fellowship application process.MethodsA 16-question survey was distributed to US RAAPM program directors. The survey aimed to assess whether PDs prefer the fellowship match over the previous rolling application format and to gauge PDs’ confidence in using virtual interviews to evaluate applicants.Results56 (71%) RAAPM program directors completed the survey. 79% of respondents participated in the inaugural match. 59% of PDs preferred the fellowship match over the rolling application format. The interview was rated the most important selection criterion. Of the 93% of PDs who switched to virtual interviews during the pandemic, only 4 PDs (7%) resumed in-person interviews in some capacity. Majority of PDs believed that virtual interviews were not inferior to in-person interviews for assessing applicants; 48% of respondents preferred virtual interviews over in-person interviews.ConclusionsMost RAAPM programs continued to conduct virtual interviews exclusively. Majority of program directors preferred the fellowship match. PDs ranked the interview as the most important selection factor. Most PDs thought virtual interviews were not inferior to in-person interviews, but they remained divided on which format they prefer.
Categories of the Patient‐Specific Functional Scale Activities in Chronic Neck Pain and Their Relationship to the Neck Disability Index
Authors: Van Gorp Barbara , Lesnak Joseph , Fleagle Timothy , Hulshizer Kyle , Nielsen-Wise Ashley , Kestel Lisabeth , Vance Carol , Sluka Kathleen A. 
Published: September 2024

Intoduction: Common outcome measures for chronic neck pain are the Patient‐Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and the neck disability index (NDI). The primary aim was to categorize the top‐rated, patient‐selected functional activity limitations of the PSFS to determine if there were consistent limited functional activities for individuals with chronic neck pain and how these compared to the constructs of activities on the NDI. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between scores for individuals who completed both the NDI and PSFS.Design: A retrospective review of data extracted from the electronic medical record, EPIC, within two hospital‐based outpatient physical therapy clinics within a health care system.Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on individual’s characteristics, self‐selected functional activity limitations, and total scores of the PSFS and NDI. Most common categories of self‐selected functional activity limitations were developed by practicing physical therapists. These functional activity limitation categories of the PSFS were compared to the activities of the NDI. Mean PSFS total scores were correlated with the NDI total scores with Spearman’s test.Results: Participants were individuals with chronic neck pain from January 2013–September 2018 (n = 2283). Movement‐based activities accounted for 60.8% of the functional activity limitations of the PSFS with the top functional activity limitations being cervical motion and exercise (32%). The PSFS total score moderately correlated with NDI (r = −0.50, p = <0.01) which may relate to the differences in constructs of the NDI and the top patient‐selected PSFS functional activity limitations found in this analysis.Conclusion: The results suggest that individuals with chronic neck pain present with similar categories of self‐selected functional activity limitations that differ from activities of the NDI. Additional research is needed to improve outcome measures to capture patient‐selected functional activity limitations and an individual’s pain experience.