bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of the efficiency of the joint operation of a cogeneration steam turbine with a heat pump installation
Authors: Hristov Kaloyan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In the source of heat energy for centralized heat supply systems, the joint production (cogeneration) of heat and electricity in one energy conversion unit is most often implemented. In most cases, the cogeneration technologies are based on steam turbine installations. Combined heat and power (CHP) generation is undoubtedly a method where the energy of the fuel input for both products is used more efficiently, in contrast to the production of the same amounts of energy by the split production method. To increase the efficiency of cogeneration plants a low potential heat source can be used. For this purpose, in this paper, based on simulation modelling, a comparative analysis of the operation of a combined heat and power steam turbine plant with a heat pump plant with a low-potential heat source will be carried out. In the study, the mains water that is fed for preheating is used as the low-potential heat source.
Implementing microfluidic flow device model in utilizing dural substitutes as pulp capping materials for vital pulp therapy
Authors: Lee Min-Yong , Yoon Hi-Won , Kim Sun-Il , Kwon Jae-Sung , Shin Su-Jung 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVital pulp therapy (VPT) has gained prominence with the increasing trends towards conservative dental treatment with specific indications for preserving tooth vitality by selectively removing the inflamed tissue instead of the entire dental pulp. Although VPT has shown high success rates in long-term follow-up, adverse effects have been reported due to the calcification of tooth canals by mineral trioxide aggregates (MTAs), which are commonly used in VPT. Canal calcification poses challenges for accessing instruments during retreatment procedures. To address this issue, this study evaluated the mechanical properties of dural substitute intended to alleviate intra-pulp pressure caused by inflammation, along with assessing the biological responses of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), both of which play crucial roles in dental pulp. The study examined the application of dural substitutes as pulp capping materials, replacing MTA. This assessment was conducted using a microfluidic flow device model that replicated the blood flow environment within the dental pulp. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were employed to ensure that the fluid flow velocity within the microfluidic flow device matched the actual blood flow velocity within the dental pulp. Furthermore, the dural substitutes (Biodesign; BD and Neuro-Patch; NP) exhibited resistance to penetration by 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HEMA) released from the upper restorative materials and bonding agents. Finally, while MTA increased the expression of angiogenesis-related and hard tissue-related genes in HUVEC and hDPSCS, respectively, BD and NP did not alter gene expression and preserved the original characteristics of both cell types. Hence, dural substitutes have emerged as promising alternatives for VPT owing to their resistance to HEMA penetration and the maintenance of stemness. Moreover, the microfluidic flow device model closely replicated the cellular responses observed in live pulp chambers, thereby indicating its potential use as anin vivotesting platform.
Computational modeling and statistical analysis of buckling characteristics of polysilicon reinforced fiber
Authors: Laftah Waham Ashaier , Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Aizan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of volume fraction of continuous carbon fiber and sample length on buckling characteristics of polysilicon. A statistical design of 12 samples were formulated with constant cross-section area of 2500 mm2 using Design of Experiment software (DOE). The samples were sketched using ABAQUS 2019 software, and the total buckling force each sample was estimated. The estimated buckling forces were statically evaluated as a response using DOE. The estimated forces of 3.48776e07, 4.00652e07 and 5.78142e07 newton for the simulated samples of 100 mm in length and 0,15, and 25% volume fraction respectively, is an indication of positive effect of fiber volume fraction on the necessary force for buckling. In addition, similar tendency was found in other samples (the higher fiber volume fractions the higher buckling force). However, the estimated buckling force for each sample was negatively affected with length of the sample. The result indicated a value of 4.00652E+07, 5.00447E+06 and 1.80390E+06 newton at a constant fiber volume fraction and different length of 100, 300 and 500 mm respectively. The statistical analysis of the simulated buckling force showed a signification design, and the date of one factor effect is highly supported by the simulated buckling forces. The equation of a significant design can be used to estimate the buckling force at any fiber volume fraction and sample length.
Demethylation strategies for spiro-OMeTAD to enhance the thermo-opto-electronic properties as potential hole transport materials in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Syed Mahadzir Puteri Intan Zulaikha , Mottakin M , Abdah Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd , Fahsyar Puteri Nor Aznie , Jumbri Khairulazhar , Mahyuddin Muhammad Haris , Sepeai Suhaila , Mat Teridi Mohd Asri , Ludin Norasikin Ahmad , Su’ait Mohd Sukor , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Spiro-OMeTAD is a widely used hole-transporting material (HTM) that plays a crucial role in achieving highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a series of demethylated functionalized spiro-OMeTAD-based derivatives with different numbers of hydroxyl substituted groups (named as SOH2, SOH4, and SOH6) were synthesized, and their thermal, optical, electrical, and electrochemical properties have been investigated as potential HTMs for PSCs. It has been found that the molecule with six hydroxyl substituted groups on the spiro-OMeTAD-based structure SOH6 exhibited the highest glass transition temperature (T
g) and melting point (T
m) as compared to SOH2 and SOH4 molecules. The UV–vis absorption spectra portrayed a distinct pattern with the increase in hydroxyl substituted groups as it was slightly blue-shifted for the SOH6 molecule compared to red-shifted for SOH2 and SOH4 molecules. Carrier mobility shows a notable improvement with the hydroxyl substitution. The density functional theory (DFT) has provided useful insight into identifying the chemical stability of spiro-OMeTAD derivatives. In the device simulation, hydroxyl-substituted spiro SOH2 was found to outperform its pristine counterpart, achieving a peak PCE of 17.61% with a V
oc of 0.98 V, a J
sc of 22.69 mA cm−2, and an FF of 80.67% within the device structure FTO/TiO2/MAPbI3/HTMs/Au. This investigation provided insight into the development of novel spiro-OMeTAD-based derivatives with enhanced optoelectronic properties and showed promising potential for addressing the limitations of traditional HTMs in PSCs.
A systematic review of studies investigating the link between greenspaces and human health reveals a paucity of interest in the topic in Africa
Authors: Phogole Bopaki , Yessoufou Kowiyou 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Whilst the human population is declining in some parts of the world, the African population is growing tremendously despite recurrent epidemics and global pandemics. Since African population density is higher where plant diversity is high and 80% of the African population relies on herbal medicine, the resilience of the African population in the context of disease outbreaks may be linked to a strong tie of Africans with nature. However, is the potential effect of such a tie well established in the scientific discourse? To investigate this question, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We found that very few studies tested the relationships between greenspaces and human health conditions on the continent. Out of the 54 African countries, studies that investigate the link between greenspaces and health are from only six countries and the earliest study was published only in 2013, indicating the recency of research on this subject in Africa. These few studies, not only report mixed findings but are also heterogeneous in terms of their design (longitudinal versus cross-sectional), the choice of predictors and health outcomes as well as how these variables are measured. This review showed that there is a paucity of studies on the greenspace and human health nexus on the continent, making it difficult i) to establish or generalise the relationships between greenspaces and human health conditions in Africa, and ii) to investigate the mechanisms driving the effects of nature on human wellbeing in Africa. To fuel interests and guide future research on the continent, the rate of knowledge generation needs to be rapidly increased, and this requires first the identification of current barriers. Second, we need to update curricula at African universities to include statistical modelling which can fuel interest into more hypothesis-driven (rather than just descriptive) studies.
Field monitoring and numerical simulation for force characteristics of pipe jacking in deep buried moderately weathered slate
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Luo Zhimin , Wang Chuanqi , Zhang Yongjie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Understanding the force characteristics of pipe jacking in rock formations is crucial for ensuring the stability of the structure and construction safety during construction. Yet, very little is explored about its characteristics in rock formations of pipe jacking. This paper presents a case study of constructing a deeply buried moderately weathered slate sewage pipeline using pipe jacking method in Changsha, China. To this end, we propose a novel method to combine field monitoring and numerical simulation representation in an efficacious way. Field monitoring was conducted to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of jacking force, axial stress, and hoop stress in moderately weathered slate. Numerical simulation methods were employed to discuss the influences of several factors on pipe stress: the pipe-rock contact area, contact relationships at pipe joint interfaces, the height of the jacking force position, and the depth of pipe burial. The results show that hand shield is influenced by the excavation technology, and the distribution of jacking force exhibits a stepped or oscillating upward pattern in moderately weathered slate. The maximum axial stress occurs at the mid-span position of the arched roof of pipe at 30 MPa. Hoop stresses are dominated by compressive stresses with the maximum at-8 MPa. As the pipe burial depth increases, so does the axial stress on the pipe. Lower positioning of the jacking force heightens this stress effect. A larger pipe-rock contact area correlates with reduced axial stress levels. The weakening of the contact interface between pipe joints minimally affects axial stress, as stress primarily transmits through non-weakened areas. To ensure the reliability of the data, automatic monitoring and measuring instruments calibrated for on-site monitoring are used. The results of this study can provide beneficial guidance for the design and construction of pipe jacking.
Parametric modeling of resin-bonded sand mold systems using machine learning-based approaches
Authors: Samal Priyaranjan , Khadanga Kanhu Charan , Surekha B , Vundavilli Pandu R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study presents the experimental investigations on modeling of the compression strength and permeability of the resin-bonded sand mold system through Machine Learning approaches. The process of constructing the Fuzzy Logic system was automated by utilizing a data-base and rule-base optimized through genetic algorithms, and the recorded datasets. This research employed three AI models, namely Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Decision Tree (DT), and Random Forests (RF), using the datasets produced by the GA-tuned Fuzzy model. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the predictive capabilities of three different AI models (Artificial Neural Networks, Decision Tree, and Random Forests) in terms of predicting the values of Compression Strength and Permeability. The complete dataset was divided into two separate subsets, referred to as training data and testing data. Based on the findings, it appears that Random Forest (RF) model exhibits promising potential in accurately predicting the desired mold qualities. The model achieved a high R2 value of 0.9487, indicating a strong correlation with the target values. Additionally, the model demonstrated impressively low Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) values of 117 and 17.6 points, respectively. Expanding the dataset size may further enhance the efficacy of the models.
2211 Improving the proportion of patients &gt; 65 years presenting with delirium who have appropriate bloods checked within 12 hours
Authors: Marshall A , Saravanan P 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Early identification and management of all contributory factors is vital in the management of delirium. Delay in investigation can lead to morbidity, mortality, longer length of stay or inappropriate discharge from hospital. We carried out a Quality Improvement project looking to ensure all patients with delirium had appropriate blood tests taken in the Emergency Department (ED).

Methods
For the first cycle, 25 patients &gt;65 years admitted through ED in December 2022 and January 2023 with delirium were identified based on medical clerking and post take ward round diagnosis. Patients who had a cause for confusion which was clearly known, for example sepsis, were excluded. Data analysis revealed the percentage of patients who had their calcium and CRP bloods checked within 12 hours of admission was only 20% and 76%, respectively. We introduced a simple change: adding bone profile and CRP to the ‘confusion button’ on the ICE electronic requesting and reporting system. A second cycle of data collection was completed for a further 25 patients admitted with delirium between June and July 2023 to measure the effectiveness of the implemented change.

Results
From our initial analysis, only 20% of patients aged &gt;65 years presenting with delirium had their calcium and 76% of patients had their CRP checked within 12 hours of admission. Following our intervention, we found that 88% of patients had their calcium and 96% of patients had their CRP checked within 12 hours of admission.

Conclusion
The amendment of the ‘confusion screen’ button, on the ICE requesting system in the hospital, resulted in a significant increase in the number of patents having appropriate blood tests within 12 hours of admission.
2280 A QIP to improve pain Management in Elderly Patients presenting with falls to a&E and being referred to the OPAL team
Authors: Rahman M , Danby R , Al-Mahdi A , Gupta A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Falls account for one of the most common and serious issues contributing to a disability, especially among elderly individuals (1). Injuries resulting from a fall range from mild to severe, but they are all usually painful (2). According to RCEM ‘Recognition and alleviation of pain should be a priority when treating the ill and injured’(3). The aim of this project was to improve pain management in patients with falls being referred to the OPAL team. Studies have shown that patients whose primary pain is well managed and treated in the ED have a higher overall satisfaction with hospital services (4).

Method
Two PDSA cycles have been completed. Initial data was collected retrospectively from 3/9/23 to 9/9/23 to gather baseline information on current practice. Data was collected from hospital patient’s electronic records. This was followed by teaching sessions and poster distribution to improve staff education highlighting ways to address pain and its management. Post intervention data was collected from 11/12/23–17/12/23. Duplicate records and non-fallers were excluded.

Result
Initial data was collected on total 75 patients which showed nearly 50% of the patients were in pain when referred to OPAL team. Among the patients in pain, OPAL team advised for pain relief in only 1/3rd of them. Following intervention, data was collected on 57 patients following exclusion. It showed only 26.3% of the patients were in pain at the time of referral, a significant improvement from nearly half in the previous cycle. Also, OPAL team advised regarding pain relief in almost all patients in pain. As a result, 79% of the patient were pain free during OPAL assessment.

Conclusion
The QIP showed importance of staff education in improving pain management in elderly patients presenting with falls. Further PDSA cycles are planned to sustain the current improvement in practice.
2347 EXPEDITE: a sustainable initiative to improve average length of stay (ALOS) in an acute geriatric Ward in Singapore
Authors: Aroos R , Hong LY , Lai SF , Wong B , Ong LM , Seow A , Ng SL , Woon E , Seetharaman SK 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Prolonged hospitalisation is associated with increased mortality, increased risk of hospital acquired infections, functional decline and institutionalisation in older adults. Baseline data collected for patients admitted to the Acute Geriatric ward of Alexandra Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Singapore, from 28 Feb to 31 Aug 2022 (n = 299, age &gt; 65 years) revealed an average LOS of 12.3 days. Potential contributing factors identified • 98% did not have a documented medical clearance date • 3.54 days required to decide for medical social worker referral • 9 days before discharge plans are communicated to family. Aim: To reduce average length of stay (ALOS) from 12.3 days in Aug 2022 to 9.81 days by Aug 2023. This was a target set at the hospital level on our Geriatric service in the setting of a rising national pressure for inpatients beds.

Method
The EXPEDITE Huddle was a regular 30 minute huddle introduced, in addition to the existing weekly multidisciplinary meeting. It was developed based on the QI methodology and streamlined from 3x/week frequency to 1x/week following PDSA cycles. A chat group on the secure hospital mobile phone messaging system was also created for ease of communication among stakeholders.

Results
• ALOS reduced from 12.3 days to 9.1 days (3.4 days) • 91.8% of patients (n = 154) now have a documented medical clearance date • Communication on discharge plans initiated within 3 days from admission • Sustainability: -In light of positive results, a discharge care navigator (DCN) to lead the discharge planning efforts was offered by the hospital to the Geriatric service. -The EXPEDITE huddle (now led by the DCN) continues and ALOS has remained within target.

Conclusion(s)
Early discharge planning with a focus on system level factors that contribute to delayed discharge can help reduce ALOS in hospitalised older adults.
2265 Patient experience and outcome measures in virtual wards at Swansea Bay university health board.
Authors: Burgess AJ , Mehta A , Davies EK , Hapgood N , Davies EA 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Swansea Bay Health Board is covered by eight community clusters (240 virtual beds), each with their own Virtual Ward (VW) MDT which provides community based Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and reablement. The VW governance structure includes the routine collection of person-centred metrics. There is no recognised PROM or PREM specifically designed for needs of frail older people and PROMsand PREMsare rarely used to inform quality and continuity in services at transitions of care (e.g. at discharge from hospital).

Methods
VW data from June 2023 to February 2024 was analysed. Patient-reported outcomes and experiences (PROMS and PREMS) were collected by the VW team at set timepoints in the patient journey. Data was collected using the PRO-MAPP digital interface ensuring inter-user consistency.

Results
1858 VW patients, 1094 (58.9%) female, median age 86 years. The majority, 1044 (56.2%) were referred from secondary care, primarily from acute frailty services, with the remainder identified by primary care. In total, 418 PROMS and 344 PREMS were collected. PROMS—Reported improvements in mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and anxiety & depression (p &lt; 0.001) after VW input. PREMS—The majority of patients found the VW had been explained well prior to referral (84.0%), were contacted promptly (95.6%), staff were professional and friendly (100%), provided patient-centred care (94.2%), staff were contactable (92.4%), were glad they avoided or reduced the length of hospital admission (95.3%). When speaking with 72 care-givers, they were happy the patients’ needs were met (100%) and the VW positively impacted their lives as carers (90.1%).

Discussion
There was high patient and care-giver satisfaction with the VW service. PROM data suggested a significant positive impact on patient outcomes. Not all the patients referred to the VW have been sampled which is a missed opportunity and there was a variability between data collection between clusters.
2143 Minimal ingredient wipes for geriatric care
Authors: Sommerville J , Taylor N , Gilligan E , Schols J 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Wipes are a practical solution for cleansing skin and widely used in children, neonates, and in geriatric care. Effective cleansing requires low liquid surface tension (&lt;40 mN/m), and many wipes contain surfactants to achieve this [1, 2]. However, these compounds may cause dryness, itching, irritation, and inflammation [1]. Age-related degeneration in skin suppleness decreases skin viability, often leading to irritation and incontinence-associated dermatitis, especially in frail nursing home residents [3]. By utilising purification technology, it is possible to lower liquid surface tension for cleansing and mitigate negative skin reactions caused by surfactants and additives. One minimal ingredient surfactant-free wipe (SF-wipe) achieves a solution surface tension of &lt;35 mN/m, facilitating effective cleansing without surfactants [2]. These SF-wipes demonstrated superior results in a prospective study where neonates experienced significantly fewer days of clinically significant irritant diaper dermatitis [4]. The aim of this exploratory study was to understand current behaviours around personal hygiene and attitude towards SF-wipes in nursing homes.

Method
Four nursing care homes (n = 71 residents) received SF-wipes to trial. Feedback on effects and usability was gathered through interviews and reported qualitatively.

Results
Nursing staff indicated that the SF-wipes were soft, non-drying, non-abrasive, and facilitated faster in-bed bathing versus previous methods. Using SF-wipes did not lead to skin irritation in most residents, though some experienced transient skin coldness after use.

Conclusions
The high prevalence of skin conditions like incontinence-associated dermatitis in nursing home residents [5] means SF-wipes may prove beneficial versus surfactant-containing wipes, mirroring findings in neonates. Further studies are needed to prove this.

References
[1] Liu L. J Cosmet Sci. 2020;71(2):91–109; [2] WaterWipes data on file; [3] Hurlow J and Bliss DZ. Geriatr Nurs. 2011;32(4):257–62; [4] Price A, et al. Pediatr Neonatol. 2021;62(2):138–45; [5] Völzer B, et al. Int J Nurs Stud. 2023;141:104472.