bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the Catalytic Ability of Alkaline Earth Metal Cations and Nitrite Anions on Low Temperature Molten Salt Torrefaction
Authors: Kohlin Lee , Pritchard Hayden , Heidari DehKordi Behrooz , Gladen Adam C. , Bajwa Dilpreet 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The present study investigates the catalytic ability of alkaline earth metal nitrates (calcium and magnesium nitrate), of nitrite (NO2) anions, and of low lithium nitrate-containing salt blends on low temperature molten salt torrefaction of ponderosa pine and cave-in-rock switchgrass. Severity of torrefaction is characterized by analyzing mass yields, higher heating values (HHV), chemical composition, and pH of the torrefied biomass. Results show that torrefaction with magnesium nitrate produces a solid, non-water-soluble byproduct and results in low torrefied biomass mass yields. However, Mg appears to be more catalytic than Ca, wherein Mg decomposes cellulose and hemicellulose to a greater degree than Ca from torrefaction at the same temperature. Based on mass yields and chemical composition at 240°C, Ca is slightly more catalytic than K. Additionally, at 240°C, blends containing Ca are shown to have simultaneously higher mass yields and HHV compared to inert gas torrefaction, effectively increasing energy yields. The reactivity of nitrite anions increases sensitivity to temperature and provides severe decomposition of pine. For example, the HHV of pine torrefied in nitrites at 190°C is 0.31MJ/kg higher than pine torrefied in inert gas at 240°C. For salts containing a small amount of lithium nitrate, changes in the lithium content impacts the torrefaction severity. Increasing lithium content from 3wt% to 5wt%, results in more than a 4% increase in HHV for both feedstocks and a large decrease in mass yield of pine (12%) and switchgrass (23%).
Machine Learning Based Assessment of the Air Quality Impacts From Natural Gas Production Facilities in Denton County, Texas
Authors: Kanayankottupoyil Jithin , John Kuruvilla 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive approach to predicting total non-methane organic compounds (TNMOC) concentrations in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, a region marked by significant oil and gas production. Leveraging 23 years of data, including production volumes from the Denton Airport South, along with pollution and meteorological parameters. The Machine Learning (ML) models were trained using the comprehensive dataset of TNMOCs, NO2 and ozone concentration data, along with natural gas production volumes and meteorological data from Denton Airport South site. By incorporating features such as production volume, meteorological data, and pollution concentration, the models provided robust forecasts of the concentration of TNMOCs. Special emphasis was placed on the years 2014 and 2018, which marked a peak and subsequent decline in both TNMOC concentrations and production volumes, respectively. The study employed Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) for a comparative analysis. The findings indicated that RF slightly surpassed XGBoost in the overall dataset, as reflected by an R2 of 0.77 and favorable error metrics. The predictive models, particularly for 2014 and 2018, were proficiently constructed, with RF demonstrating enhanced predictive accuracy (predictive R2 of 0.89) over its training R2 of 0.88. Conversely, XGBoost, despite its robust training performance (R2 of 0.95), exhibited a reduction in predictive effectiveness (predictive R2 of 0.83), suggesting challenges in accommodating specific years marked by notable TNMOC concentration fluctuations. Our findings provide insights into strategies for reducing TNMOC concentrations and it underscores the potential utilization of advanced machine learning techniques in air pollution prediction models. The methodology and results of this study can be adapted for similar environmental analyses elsewhere, particularly in regions were oil and gas activities impact air quality.
Design and Operation Optimization of an Integrated Solar-Powered Organic Rankine Cycle System With Energy Storage
Authors: Maharjan Krisha , Cho Heejin , Mago Pedro , Yaïci Wahiba , Cui Qinrong , Zhang Jian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Addressing the environmental and economic concerns related to energy use in buildings has prompted a global emphasis on energy sustainability by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner alternatives. One such alternative for utilizing renewable sources is the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system. In this paper, an integrated solar-powered organic Rankine cycle with battery energy storage (ORC-BES) system is proposed, and its performance is optimized with the objectives of reducing operational cost, capital cost, and carbon dioxide emission (CDE) for different building types and locations. The proposed system, which includes organic Rankine cycle, flat plate solar thermal collector (FPC), and battery energy storage, is configured in such a manner that the solar-powered ORC generates electricity for the building during daytime while the BES stores excess electricity for later use. A multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) is adopted to determine the optimal battery size and solar thermal collector size for the proposed ORC-BES system. Several different dry organic fluids are selected to evaluate the performance of the system. The building types under investigation in this paper include hospitals and large offices, which are the commercial reference building models developed by the Department of Energy (DOE). Several locations separated in different climate zones in the United States, including California, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and Georgia are chosen as case studies to present the optimization results. Results show that the proposed optimization method can be effectively applied to the ORC-BES system to obtain an optimal design and operation, which reaches a trade-off between the economic, energy, and environmental performance of different buildings and locations.
Balancing Concentrating Solar Power and Thermal Storage With Photovoltaics and Battery Storage to Meet Carbon-Free Electricity and Resilience Goals
Authors: Braid Jennifer L. , McLaughlin Luke , Schroeder Nathan , Laubscher Henk , Sment Jeremy , Stein Joshua S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants with integrated thermal energy storage (TES) have successfully been coupled with photovoltaics (PV) + chemical battery energy storage (BES) in recent commercial-scale projects to balance system cost and diurnal power availability. Sandia National Laboratories has been tasked with designing an advanced solar energy system to power Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) where Sandia is co-located in Albuquerque, NM, USA. This design process requires optimization of individual components and capacities of the hybrid system. Preliminary modeling efforts have shown that a hybrid CSP+TES/PV+BES in Albuquerque, NM is sufficient for net-zero power generation for Sandia/KAFB for the next decade. However, the ability to meet the load in real-time (and minimize energy export) requires balance of generation and storage assets. Our results also show that excess PV used to charge TES improves resilience and overall renewables-to-load for the system. Here we will present the results of a parametric study varying the land use proportions of CSP and PV, and TES and BES capacities. We evaluate the effects of these variables on energy generation, real-time load satisfaction, site resilience to grid outages, and LCOE, to determine viable hybrid solar energy designs and their cost implications.
An Energy-Sustainable Approach of Ginger Rhizomes Hydrosol Extraction Using a Solar Thermal Hydrodistillation System
Authors: Katekar Vikrant P. , Rao Anand B. , Sardeshpande Vishal R. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ginger hydrosol spray may be used for various purposes, including renewing skin, relieving coughs and congestion, calming skin rashes, reducing stress, and providing pain relief. India is the world’s leading producer of ginger. However, smaller-sized ginger rhizomes are difficult to sell on the market. In this circumstance, creating a hydrosol and selling it to the market is a viable business opportunity for farmers. However, typical steam distillation systems are out of reach for most farmers; hence, the present work shows how to extract ginger hydrosol using a solar thermal hydrodistillation approach. On a typical day, the average basin water temperature was 55°C, while the absorber plate temperature was 58°C. In the evening, the vapour temperature was much higher (42.8%) than the glass cover temperature. As a result, condensation stayed far after the sun had set. The average ginger hydrosol production rate was 3.7 kg/day. According to estimations, energy efficiency averages 26.3%. The chemical analysis indicates that it has antibacterial activity and is safe to drink. With 270 working days per year and a selling price of ₹100 per kg ($ 1.2 per kg), the payback period was 41 sunny days, and the total carbon credits earned was ₹3956.13 ($47.4).
Micronutrient availability alters
Candida albicans
growth and farnesol accumulation: implications for studies using RPMI-1640
Authors: Boone Cory H. T. , Gutzmann Daniel J. , Kramer Jaxon J. , Urbin Shyanne D. , Navarathna Dhammika H. , Atkin Audrey L. , Nickerson Kenneth W. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Science is challenging because we do not know what we do not know. Commercial chemicals are often marketed with >99% purity, but 0.5–1% impurity can impact results and cloud data interpretation. We recently developed an assay for farnesol and aromatic fusel alcohols from
Candida albicans
. During proof-of-concept experiments using RPMI-1640 growth media, the buffering compound was switched from MOPS obtained from Acros Organics to MOPS obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, both labeled 99% + purity. We observed a twofold decrease in growth, along with a three- to fivefold increase in farnesol production per cell upon the switch. ICP-MS showed that trace Mn(II) was present in Acros MOPS but absent in Sigma MOPS. Optimal growth was achieved by the addition of Mn(II), Zn(II), and Fe(II). We established upper and lower limits for Fe(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Mn(II) that allowed similar growth and then assessed 16 different mineral combinations in RPMI-1640 base media. The results show an increased production of farnesol and the aromatic fusel alcohols when Zn(II) is abundant, and a further increase in the aromatic fusel alcohols when both Fe(II) and Zn(II) are abundant. Finally, antifungal susceptibility testing displayed no significant difference between RPMI/MOPS with and without mineral supplementation. Supplemental Mn(II) was most needed for cell growth, while supplemental Zn(II) was most needed for the production of farnesol and the aromatic fusel alcohols. To avoid these artifacts due to metal contamination, we now use a modified RPMI supplemented with 1 mg/ L of Cu(II), Zn(II), Mn(II), and Fe(II).

IMPORTANCE

The dimorphic fungus
Candida albicans
is a major opportunistic pathogen of humans. RPMI-1640 is a chemically defined growth medium commonly used with
C. albicans
. We identified over 32,000 publications with keywords RPMI and
C. albicans
. Additionally, Antifungal Susceptibility Testing (AFST) protocols in the United States (CLSI) and Europe (EUCAST) utilize RPMI as a base media to assess drug efficacy against clinical fungal isolates. RPMI contains many nutrients but no added trace metals. We found that the growth characteristics with RPMI were dependent on which MOPS buffer was chosen and the contamination of that buffer by trace levels of Mn(II) and Zn(II). Added Mn(II) was most needed for cell growth while added Zn(II) was most needed for secretion of farnesol and other signaling molecules.
Outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in advanced pigmentary glaucoma
Authors: Panigrahi Arnav , Kumar Anurag , Gupta Shikha , Grover Davinder S , Gupta Viney 
Published: September 2024

PurposeTo compare outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) over a 12-month period with trabeculectomy in patients with advanced pigmentary glaucoma (PG).MethodsThis was a pilot randomised controlled trial of patients with advanced PG (mean deviation worse than −12 dB), undergoing either GATT or a fornix-based trabeculectomy. Absolute success (criterion A) was defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 18 mm Hg, with a drop of at least 30% from the treated preoperative value without need of any IOP-lowering medication. Success (criterion B) was also defined as per the target IOP, with an upper limit of 15 mm Hg for eyes with mean deviation (MD) between −12 and −24 dB, and 12 mm Hg or lower for MD values worse than −24 dB. Qualified success was a similar IOP standard on the same or fewer antiglaucoma medications.ResultsFor GATT (n=10), mean preoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications were 28.2±11.2 mm Hg and 4±0.8 that reduced to 11.8±2.5 mm Hg and 0.7 at 12 months postoperatively, while in the trabeculectomy (n=12) group, they were 27.3±5.5 mm Hg and 3.6±0.7 that reduced to 11.5±2.2 mm Hg and 0.5±0.9, respectively. All eyes (100%) achieved qualified success. Absolute success was 60% and 67.7% by criterion A and 50% and 58.3% by criterion B for GATT and trabeculectomy, respectively. Two eyes in the trabeculectomy group developed hypotony while none of the GATT group had any sight-threatening complications (p=0.4).ConclusionsGATT alone demonstrated a significant reduction in IOP and number of glaucoma medications in patients with advanced PG.
Understanding the preferences of young women in self-sampling interventions for sexually transmitted infection diagnosis: a discrete choice experimental protocol
Authors: Jaya Ziningi Nobuhle , Mapanga Witness , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern globally, particularly affecting young women. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reducing or stopping the continuous spread of infections and the development of associated complications. Syndromic management, which is commonly used for STIs, presents several barriers, particularly for young women. This protocol is for a study that aims to understand young women’s preferences for a self-sampling intervention for STI diagnosis by using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The DCE will be conducted among young women residing in underserved urban communities in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods and analysisThe following attributes of a self-sampling intervention were identified through a Nominal Group Technique: accessibility, education, confidentiality, self-sampling method, youth-friendliness and cost. A pilot study involving 20 participants was conducted to refine the DCE questionnaire. A total of 196 young women from underserved communities will be recruited. The participants will be sampled from communities, stratified by settlement type and socioeconomic status. Data will be analysed using the multinomial logit model and mixed logit model to assess preferences and heterogeneity.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the University of Pretoria. The study findings have the potential to inform policies for STI treatment and management to align healthcare services with user preferences. This can improve STI healthcare access for young women in underserved communities. Ethical approval was obtained, and results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and health conferences.
Cost comparison analysis of continuous versus intermittent antimicrobial therapy infusions in inpatient and outpatient care: real-world data from Finland
Authors: Hakkarainen Tuukka , Lahelma Mari , Rahkonen Terhi , Lehtinen Ville , Shepelev Julian , Gram Trine , Heikkila Eija 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThis study compared the costs and nursing time associated with the delivery of continuous infusion of antibiotics via elastomeric infusion pumps (EIP) versus conventional intermittent infusion (CII) across different care pathways.DesignRetrospective real-world data informed a cost comparison analysis that compared costs and nursing hours between infusion of antibiotics via EIP versus CII across eight care pathways in inpatient or outpatient care during infection episodes. Real-world data were obtained from patients treated within a year with parenteral antimicrobial therapy in Päijät-Häme Region, Finland.SettingInpatient care with hospital admission and outpatient care at hospital at home in Päijät-Häme Region in Finland.Participants3778 patients with a total of 4214 infection episodes treated with intravenous antimicrobial therapy.InterventionsEight treatment strategies with various combinations of EIP and CII administered in inpatient or outpatient care.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDirect costs and nursing time.ResultsSkin and soft tissue infections accounted for the highest number of episodes treated with EIP overall (30.8%; 74 out of 240 episodes) and in outpatient care specifically (53.3%; 128 out of 240 episodes). Compared with inpatient care costs with CII (€4590 per episode), treating skin and soft tissue infections in outpatient care with EIP or CII incurred only 24% (€1104) and 35% (€1620) of the costs, respectively. Across all treatment strategies and infections studied, the use of EIP consistently required less nursing time. The highest nursing time in the outpatient care was observed in sepsis episodes treated with CII (37 hours with CII vs 7 hours with EIP per episode).ConclusionDelivery of antimicrobial therapy using continuous infusions with EIP instead of CII can significantly decrease the nursing time and cost in both inpatient and outpatient care. For skin and soft tissue infections and sepsis, the utilisation of EIP is a cost-saving option in outpatient care compared with the use of CII.
Feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of preoperative stereotactic radiotherapy on the future pancreatic neck transection margin to reduce the risk of pancreatic fistula after high-risk pancreatoduodenectomy (FIBROPANC): protocol for a multicentre, single-arm trial
Authors: Suurmeijer J. Annelie , Wismans Leonoor V. , Hendriks Tessa E. , Bruynzeel Anna M. , Nuyttens Joost J. , Intven Martijn P.W. , van Driel Lydi M.J.W. , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Busch Olivier R. , Stoker Jaap J. , Verheij Joanne , Farina Arantza , Doukas Michail , de Hingh Ignace H.J. , Lips Daan J. , van der Harst Erwin , van Tienhoven Geertjan , Besselink Marc G. , van Eijck Casper H.J. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurs in 25% of patients undergoing a high-risk pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and is a driving cause of major morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased costs after PD. There is a need for perioperative methods to decrease these risks. In recent studies, preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) reduced the rate of POPF seemingly due to radiation-induced pancreatic fibrosis. However, patients with a high risk of POPF mostly have a non-pancreatic periampullary tumour and do not receive radiotherapy. Prospective studies using radiotherapy specifically to reduce the risk of POPF have not been performed. We aim to assess the safety, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of preoperative stereotactic radiotherapy on the future pancreatic neck transection margin to reduce the rate of POPF.Methods and analysisIn this multicentre, single-arm, phase II trial, we aim to assess the feasibility and safety of a single fraction of preoperative stereotactic radiotherapy (12 Gy) to a 4 cm area around the future pancreatic neck transection margin in patients at high risk of developing POPF after PD aimed to reduce the risk of grade B/C POPF. Adult patients scheduled for PD for malignant and premalignant periampullary tumours, excluding PDAC, with a pancreatic duct diameter ≤3 mm will be included in centres participating in the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group. The primary outcome is the safety and feasibility of single-dose preoperative stereotactic radiotherapy before PD. The most relevant secondary outcomes are grade B/C POPF and the difference in the extent of fibrosis between the radiated and non-radiated (uncinate margin) pancreas. Evaluation of endpoints will be performed after inclusion of 33 eligible patients.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained by the Amsterdam UMC’s accredited Medical Research Ethics Committee (METC). All included patients are required to have provided written informed consent. The results of this trial will be used to determine the need for a randomised controlled phase III trial and submitted to a high-impact peer-reviewed medical journal regardless of the study outcome.Trial registration numberNL72913 (Central Committee on Research involving Human Subjects Registry) andNCT05641233(ClinicalTrials).
Investigation of the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding nutrition in older adults with tuberculosis and diabetes: a cross-sectional study in Eastern China
Authors: Huang Juanli , Gao Xuenong , Meng Xuyun , Yang Juan , Wang Lijun 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesOlder adults with tuberculosis and diabetes have special needs regarding dietary nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding dietary nutrition among older adults with those two conditions.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThree tertiary medical centres in China.ParticipantsAdults over 60 year old diagnosed with tuberculosis and diabetes.InterventionsBetween July 2023 and October 2023.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDemographic characteristics and KAP scores collected by self-designed questionnaire.ResultsA total of 456 valid questionnaires were analysed, with 261 (57.24%) participants being over 70 years old. The mean scores were 6.84±3.16 (possible range: 0–24) for knowledge, 23.23±2.23 (possible range: 8–40) for attitude and 22.73±3.14 (possible range: 8–40) for practice, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=0.287, p<0.001), knowledge and practice (r=0.189, p<0.001) and attitude and practice (r=0.176, p<0.001). Structural equation modelling demonstrated that knowledge significantly influenced attitude (β=0.343, 95% CI (0.257 to 0.422), p<0.001) and practice (β=0.245, 95% CI (0.101 to 0.405), p<0.001) and attitude significantly influenced practice (β=0.274, 95% CI (0.146 to 0.405), p<0.001).ConclusionsThe study highlights a need for improvements in dietary nutrition practices for older adults with tuberculosis and diabetes. Findings emphasise the urgency of enhancing dietary education among this population in China. Implementation of targeted educational programmes is warranted to improve knowledge, foster positive attitudes and encourage healthier dietary practices, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and well-being.