bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combustion of Heavier Fuels in Constant-Volume Engines and in Engines of the Super-Inductive Type
Authors: Cammen Leon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Well-recognized liquid-fuel conditions make it imperative to prepare for the demand for engines capable of running on fuel heavier than gasoline, such as paraffin gas oil and similar products. The cardinal element governing the design of such engines is the rate of combustion of the fuel-air mixture, and since oil-air mixtures have a much lower basic rate of combustion than gasoline, conditions have to be created in the cylinder which will accelerate the combustion. One method of doing this, suggested in the paper, is by the use of superinduction, and an installation is described showing its application and formulæ for power output are deduced. The design of kerosene engines and the carburation of kerosene and similar fuels are discussed in some detail.
Satisficing Strategy in Engineering Design
Authors: Guo Lin , Chen Suhao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In engineering-design problems, usually, there are multiple goals with different units, continuous and discrete variables, nonlinear equations, nonconvex equations, and coupled decisions. Ideally, all goals’ target are reached simultaneously within the feasible space. However, the optimal solution may not be available. To deal with all those complexities, a modeling strategy named “satisficing” was proposed in the 1980s. The satisficing strategy allows designers to find “good enough” but may not be optimal solutions. In this paper, we review the publications applying the satisficing strategy on engineering-design problems, and categorize the methods regarding the design stages they manage. We define the methods dealing with all four design stages—formulation, approximation, solution, and evaluation—as the whole process satisficing methods. We review the publications using the whole process satisficing strategy in great detail. In the past 30 years, the whole process satisficing strategy has been improved and applied to a wide variety of engineering-design problems, based on which derived methods, concepts, and platforms are developed. We generalize the specialties, advantages, and scope of applications of the methods in the whole process satisficing strategy. We expect this paper provides information on when and how designers may apply satisficing for their problems.
TiO2 Nanolayer–Coated Carbon as Pt Support for Enhanced Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Jin Yuan , Tan Meihui , Liu Huiyuan , Ma Qiang , Xu Qian , Su Huaneng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To facilitate the large-scale application of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), the issue of low Pt/C durability due to Pt degradation and carbon corrosion in harsh DMFC operating conditions must be addressed. A promising strategy is to hybridize metal oxides with carbon materials, resulting in a durable and conductive support that exhibits a strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) effect on platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). In this study, we introduced a TiO2 coating on carbon black, creating a TiO2 nanolayer between Pt and carbon black. The nanolayer not only protects the carbon black but also activates the SMSI effect on Pt. The resulting Pt/C@TiO2 electrocatalyst exhibits superior durability than commercial Pt/C. After the accelerated durability test, the mass activity loss of the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) of Pt/C@TiO2 (32%) is significantly lower than that of Pt/C (46.8%). Moreover, the MOR activity of Pt/C@TiO2 is higher than Pt/C as well. It suggests that Pt/C@TiO2 shows great potential as a highly durable and active electrocatalyst for DMFCs.
Investigation of the Enhancement of Heat Transfer in a Flat Plate Solar Collector With a Corrugated Tube Under Thermosiphon Effect
Authors: Lopes Ewerton Ferreira , Salviano Leandro Oliveira 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The development of new technologies for energy generation and use has been increasing significantly. In this projection, the use of flat solar collectors to convert solar energy into thermal energy through water heating for residential and commercial purposes has grown due to the potential reduction of up to 40% in electrical energy consumption promoted by these devices. A promising but underexplored area in engineering is the study of the intensification of heat transfer in these devices by changing the dimensional and constructive characteristics of the elevation tubes, especially through a numerical approach by passive systems that operate under the thermosiphon effect. Thus, this work aims to investigate, by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the heat transfer process in a flat plate solar collector with a concentric plate to the elevation tube, evaluating different diameters, angles of inclination, and slope corrugation profiles subjected to a constant heat flux. The numerical modeling considers a single-phase, incompressible, permanent, three-dimensional, and laminar flow, in addition to the Boussinesq approximation. The results showed that significant increases in the heat transfer rate can be achieved with absorber plates in comparison to those configurations without absorber plates. Moreover, the increase in the tube diameter allowed gains of up to 5.1% in the heat transfer rate, while the increase in the angle of inclination did not promote significant improvements. The triangular profile R10 P20 configuration increased the Nusselt number by 8%, while the R5 P20 configuration promoted a 25% gain in thermo-hydraulic performance.
Incineration Bottom Ash (IBA) Processing
Authors: Appleby James 
Published: December 2023

With this document, Blue Phoenix summarizes its expertise in Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) Processing. Blue Phoenix wishes to stress the importance of responsible residue ash management and the need for high end processing to maximize metals recovery and being able to reuse the mineral aggregates as construction aggregates to prevent them from the need to be landfilled due to environmental concerns.
At Blue Phoenix Group, we do not see landfills as the final destination for residue ash. No, we see new beginnings. We see materials to construct buildings, highways and pavements. We see metals for new cars, computers and mobile phones. And we see a future in which waste-to-energy plants are fully circular.
Upper-level inter-disciplinary microbiology CUREs increase student’s scientific self-efficacy, scientific identity, and self-assessed skills
Authors: Borlee Grace I. , Kinkel Traci , Broeckling Bettina , Borlee Bradley R. , Mayo Christie , Mehaffy Carolina 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in authentic research and generally increase the participation rate of students in research. Students’ participation in research has a positive impact on their science identity and self-efficacy, both of which can predict integration of students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), especially for underrepresented students. The main goal of this study was to investigate instructor-initiated CUREs implemented as upper-level elective courses in the Biomedical Sciences major. We hypothesized that these CUREs would (i) have a positive impact on students’ scientific identity and self-efficacy and (ii) result in gains in students’ self-assessed skills in laboratory science, research, and science communication. We used Likert-type surveys developed by Estrada et al. (14) under the Tripartite Integration Model of Social Influence to measure scientific identity, self-efficacy, and scientific value orientation. When data from all CUREs were combined, our results indicate that students’ self-efficacy and science identity significantly increased after completion. Students’ self-assessment of research and lab-related skills was significantly higher after completion of the CUREs. We also observed that prior to participation in the CUREs, students’ self-assessment of molecular and bioinformatic skills was low, when compared with microbiological skills. This may indicate strengths and gaps in our curriculum that could be explored further.
Draft genome sequences of
Listeria monocytogenes
strains of sequence type 1733 which constituted a pseudo-outbreak due to contaminated blood agar media
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Sadat Asmaa , Kucerova Zuzana , Kathariou Sophia 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

We report genome sequences of
Listeria monocytogenes
sequence type (ST) 1733 from a 2013 pseudo-outbreak, where
L. monocytogenes
isolation from non-sterile sites (urine, wound, or abscess) was an artifact from contaminated sheep blood in the isolation media. Two ST1733 strains from wound and urine in 2005 are also reported.
Whole-genome sequencing and characterization of
Escherichia coli
human isolate DP033
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Kanrar Siddhartha , Elder Jacob , Ream Amy , Huang Lihan , Gehring Andrew , Uhlich Gaylen , Clabots Connie , Johnson James R. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

The whole-genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
strain DP033 is reported here. DP033 was isolated from a human rectal specimen in Tilburg, the Netherlands.
In silico
analysis showed that DP033 possessed 36 virulence-related genes and is a presumptive extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
and uropathogenic
E. coli
strain.
mSphere of Influence: The complex world of bacterial biogeography
Authors: Bridges Andrew A. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Drew Bridges works in the field of bacterial signal transduction and studies the formation and disassembly of bacterial biofilms. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the paper “Biogeography of a human oral microbiome at the micron scale” by Mark Welch et al. (J. L. Mark Welch, B. J. Rossetti, C. W. Rieken, F. E. Dewhirst, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 113:E791–E800, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1522149113
) inspired him to change his research trajectory.
Effect of chair placement on physicians’ behavior and patients’ satisfaction: randomized deception trial
Authors: Iyer Ruchita , Park Do , Kim Jenny , Newman Courtney , Young Avery , Sumarsono Andrew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the effect of chair placement on length of time physicians sit during a bedside consultation and patients’ satisfaction.

Design
Single center, double blind, randomized controlled deception trial.

Setting
County hospital in Texas, USA.

Participants
51 hospitalist physicians providing direct care services, and 125 observed encounters of patients who could answer four orientation questions correctly before study entry, April 2022 to February 2023.

Intervention
Each patient encounter was randomized to either chair placement (≤3 feet (0.9 m) of patient’s bedside and facing the bed) or usual chair location (control).

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was the binary decision of the physician to sit or not sit at any point during a patient encounter. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, as assessed with the Tool to Assess Inpatient Satisfaction with Care from Hospitalists (TAISCH) and the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys, time in the room, and both physicians’ and patients’ perception of time in the room.

Results

125 patient encounters were randomized (60 to chair placement and 65 to control). 38 of the 60 physicians in the chair placement group sat during the patient encounter compared with five of the 65 physicians in the control group (odds ratio 20.7, 95% confidence interval 7.2 to 59.4; P<0.001). The absolute risk difference between the intervention and control groups was 0.55 (95% confidence interval 0.42 to 0.69). Overall, 1.8 chairs needed to be placed for a physician to sit. Intervention was associated with 3.9% greater TAISCH scores (effect estimate 3.9, 95% confidence interval 0.9 to 7.0; P=0.01) and 5.1 greater odds of complete scores on HCAHPS (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 24.9, P=0.04). Chair placement was not associated with time spent in the room (10.6 minutes
v
control 10.6 minutes) nor perception of time in the room for physicians (9.4 minutes
v
9.8 minutes) or patients (13.1 minutes
v
13.5 minutes).

Conclusion
Chair placement is a simple, no cost, low tech intervention that increases a physician’s likelihood of sitting during a bedside consultation and resulted in higher patients’ scores for both satisfaction and communication.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT05250778
.
Effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy on pain intensity in postpartum women with nipple or perineal trauma: protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gondim Edna Jéssica Lima , Nascimento Simony Lira , Gaitero Maria Victória Candida , Mira Ticiana Aparecida Alves de , Gonçalves Andrea de Vasconcelos , Surita Fernanda G 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPhotobiomodulation (PBM) using low-level laser can affect tissue repair mechanisms and seems promising in reducing pain intensity. However, few studies support the effectiveness of PBM on postpartum period complications, such as nipple and/or perineal trauma and pain, probably due to the low doses used. The primary objective of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of PBM on pain intensity in the nipple and perineal trauma in women in the immediate postpartum period. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the effect on tissue healing and the women’s satisfaction.Methods and analysisA double-blind, multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial will be performed in two public referral maternity hospitals in Brazil with 120 participants, divided into two arms: 60 participants in the nipple trauma arm and 60 participants in the perineal trauma arm. Participants will be women in the immediate postpartum period, who present with nipple trauma or perineal trauma and report pain intensity greater than or equal to 4 points on the Numerical Rating Scale for Pain. Block randomisation will be performed, followed by blinding allocation. In the experimental group, one application of PBM will be performed between 6 hours and 36 hours after birth. For the sham group, the simulation will be carried out without triggering energy. Both participants and the research evaluator will be blinded to the allocation group. Intention-to-treat method and the between-group and within-group outcome measures analysis will be performed.Ethics and disseminationThis research protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committees of the University of Campinas, Brazil, and of the School Maternity Assis Chateaubriand, Brazil (numbers CAAE: 59400922.1.1001.5404; 59400922.1.3001.5050). Participants will be required to sign the informed consent form to participate. Results will be disseminated to the health science community.Trial registration numberBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-2qm8jrp).
Assessment of the Global Fund-supported procurement and supply chain reforms at the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Lesego Abaleng , Tsegaye Tsion , Were Lawrence P.O. , Sakvarelidze George , Garg Sunil , Morrison Linden , Nigussie Solomon , Githendu Patrick , Achoki Tom 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) partnered with the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA) in 2018–2019 to reform procurement and supply chain management (PSCM) procedures within the Ethiopian healthcare system. This assessment sought to determine the impact of the reforms and document the lessons learnt.DesignMixed-methods study incorporating qualitative and quantitative analysis. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were applied for the qualitative methods, and the data collected was transcribed in full and subjected to thematic content analysis. Descriptive analysis was applied to quantitative data.SettingThe study was based in Ethiopia and focused on the EPSA operations nationally between 2017 and 2021.ParticipantsTwenty-five Ethiopian healthcare decision-makers and health workers.InterventionGlobal Fund training programme for health workers and infrastructural improvementsOutcomesOperational and financial measures for healthcare PSCM.ResultsThe availability of antiretrovirals, tuberculosis and malaria medicines, and other related commodities, remained consistently high. Line fill rate and forecast accuracy were average. Between 2018 and 2021, procurement lead times for HIV and malaria-related orders reduced by 43.0% relative to other commodities that reported an increase. Many interview respondents recognised the important role of the Global Fund support in improving the performance of EPSA and provided specific attributions to the observed successes. However, they were also clear that more needs to be done in specific critical areas such as financing, strategic reorganisation, data and information management systems.ConclusionThe Global Fund-supported initiatives led to improvements in the EPSA performance, despite several persistent challenges. To sustain and secure the gains achieved so far through Global Fund support and make progress, it is important that various stakeholders, including the government and the donor community, work together to support EPSA in delivering on its core mandate within the Ethiopian health system.
Impact of treatment of hyperkalaemia on quality of life: design of a prospective observational cohort study of long-term management of hyperkalaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or chronic heart failure in Japan
Authors: Shibagaki Yugo , Yamazaki Hajime , Wakita Takafumi , Ware John E , Wang Jui , Onishi Yoshihiro , Yajima Toshitaka , Sada Ken-Ei , Yamamoto Yosuke , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionHyperkalaemia (HK) is a frequent complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or chronic heart failure (CHF). HK must be managed, both to protect patients from its direct clinical adverse outcomes and to enable treatment with disease-modifying therapies including renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors. However, the experiences of patients undergoing treatment of HK are not clearly understood. Optimising treatment decisions and improving long-term patient management requires a better understanding of patients’ quality of life (QOL). Thus, the aims of this research are: (1) to describe treatment patterns and the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL, (2) to study the relationships between treatment patterns and the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL and (3) to study the relationships between the control of serum potassium (S-K) and the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL, in patients with HK.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective cohort study with 6 months of follow-up in 30–40 outpatient nephrology and cardiology clinics in Japan. The participants will be 350 patients with CKD or CHF who received their first potassium binders (PB) prescription to treat HK within the previous 6 months. Medical records will be used to obtain information on S-K, on treatment of HK with PBs and with diet, and on the patients’ characteristics. To assess the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL, questionnaires will be used to obtain generic health-related QOL, CKD-specific and CHF-specific QOL, and PB-specific QOL. Multivariable regression models will be used to quantify how treatment patterns and S-K control are related to the impact of treatment on a patient’s QOL.Ethics and disseminationInstitutional review boards at all participating facilities review the study protocol. Patient consent will be obtained. The results will be published in international journals.Trial registration numberNCT05297409.
Intervention of muscle-building and antifrailty exercise combined with Baduanjin for frailty of different functional levels: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xu Shuaixuan , Gong Zhuyun , Wang Fang , Cao Mengyu , Liu Jinwei , Chen Chao , Zhang Nihui , Kang Jingwen , Xu Chuang , Peng Nan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionFrailty has been currently considered as a multidimensional concept, including physical, cognitive and social frailty. Frailty has also been associated with a range of adverse events, which might increase the risks of disability, falls, fractures, delirium and death. Increasing evidence has shown that multicomponent exercise training can improve physical and cognitive function, delay or reverse frailty. However, there is still a lack of exercise intervention programmes for the frail older adults in China. This trial aims to investigate the effects of the muscle-building and antifrailty exercise combined with Baduanjin on the physical function of frail older adults, as well as the effectiveness and safety of the intervention.Methods and analysisThis study is a prospective randomised controlled trial. A total of 192 patients, aged 70 years or older, who are diagnosed as prefrailty or frailty based on the Fried criteria will be included. Prior written and informed consent will be obtained from every subject. These subjects will be randomly assigned to the exercise intervention group (n=96) and the control group (n=96). The exercise intervention group will undergo different exercise programmes for different levels of physical function. They will perform the muscle-building and antifrailty exercise three times per week for 30–60 min for 24 weeks. The control group will implement health education on frailty and maintain the old lifestyle without any intervention.The primary outcomes include the change in frailty and functional capacity, assessed according to the Fried Scale and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Secondary outcomes include the changes in body composition, Activities of daily living, Mini-Mental State Examination, The Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and the haematological indicators.Ethics statementThe study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the PLA General Hospital (approval no.: S2022-600-02).Trial registration numberChiCTR2300070535.