bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical assessment of thermal conductivity models for Miscibility Gap Alloy-based composite Phase Change Materials for high temperature Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Molteni M. , Carraretto I. M. , Bassani P. , Gariboldi E. , Lucchini A. , Colombo L. P. M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Miscibility Gap Alloys (MGAs), such as Al-Sn-based systems, provide a viable solution for the development of composite Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for Thermal Energy Storage (TES) purposes. Their successful production depends on the cooling rate imposed to the melt. Finite Element Analyses (FEA), which relies also on thermal conductivity values, represent a powerful tool for the design of the production process. Thermal conductivity, which depends on the arrangement of the phases in the system, also affects the thermal response of the alloy. In the view of evaluating the impact of the phase morphology, the authors adapted some of the models developed for composites and solutions to Al-Sn and Al-Sn-Si-Mg alloys, characterized by broad solidification ranges in terms of composition and temperature and by significantly different phases thermal conductivity. In the fully-liquid range, Filippov and Novoselova model was selected for the description of both alloys. Models that consider sphere-like dispersions give values quite close to the theoretical upper Wiener bound when the high-melting phase is solid. The phase morphology impact is relevant when the solidification range is considered. The resulting arrangement-related thermal conductivity curves are compared to those supplied by CALPHAD-based software and to available literature data.
Evaluating the potential of persistent luminescence in counteracting urban overheating
Authors: Chiatti C , Fabiani C , Bou-Zeid E , Pisello AL 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In recent years, the use of numerical simulations to model real atmospheric conditions over cities has become increasingly popular. One of the primary objectives of these models is to assess the efficacy of various strategies for mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. At the same time, researchers have developed and studied new adaptive materials for building applications that aim to reduce buildings’ energy consumption and improve urban microclimate conditions, while performing radiative cooling. Among the new generation of passive cooling solutions, persistent luminescent (PL) materials have emerged as a cutting-edge option for energy-saving purposes, owing to their ability to reject the incident solar radiation through both reflection and light emission. Here, the Princeton Urban Canopy Model (PUCM) is used to evaluate the potential of an advanced PL roof coating to counteract urban overheating. The phenomenon of persistent luminescence is modeled for the first time, taking advantage of experimentally obtained parameters coming from previous studies. Results demonstrate how persistent luminescence can effectively mitigate surface overheating reducing the roof’s surface temperature and net shortwave radiation up to 1.15 °C and 35 W/m2 respectively, with consequent benefits to the overall energy balance of the envelope. Such results may be further increased with the optimization of PL materials for engineering solutions.
Experimental analysis of insulating materials using Guarded Hot Box - Preliminary results
Authors: de Rubeis T , Ciccozzi A , Paoletti D , Ambrosini D 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The containment of energy consumption in the construction sector strongly depends on the envelope, which is mainly responsible for heat loss in buildings. Thus, great attention should be paid to the selection of thermally-performing materials. In this work, preliminary results of three different configurations of walls in real size have been compared, conducting the analyses with the heat flow meter method inside the Guarded Hot Box apparatus, capable of guaranteeing repeatable and controlled conditions. The analyses were carried out with two types of heat flow meters, characterized by different sensitivity. The side of the wall facing the hot chamber has been insulated with rock wool for all the experiments, while the other side has been insulated first with expanded polystyrene (EPS) with graphite, then with hemp, and finally with cork. The results showed that the sample with the best thermal behaviour is the first one, i.e., the wall with EPS with graphite, characterized by a transmittance value between 0.148 W/m2K and 0.153 W/m2K. The other two configurations, characterized by the use of natural materials, showed worse performance with conductance values about 20% higher than EPS. The percentage differences between the two heat flux sensors for the experimental campaigns ranged from 2.8% to 4.4%.
Improving the energy performance of a 3D-printed wall using recycled material
Authors: Neri M , Licciardello L , Reggia A , Pilotelli M , Lezzi A M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we present the results of a preliminary experimental campaign conducted on a 3D-printed wall 40 cm thick made of three concrete walls, connected by metal pins and concrete curbs to form three types of cavity - one rectangular and two triangular. The tests were performed in a climatic chamber at the Pietro Pisa Laboratory of the University of Brescia. The wall thermal performance has been evaluated by examining four scenarios in which the cavities have been filled with insulating material made of cellulose-based recycled flakes characterized by a declared thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mK. The wall thermal transmittance U is measured based on the temperatures and heat fluxes measured through the structure. Based on the degree of filling, the wall thermal transmittance ranges between 1.58 W/m2K for the wall without insulation, and 0.28 W/m2K for the configuration with all cavities completely filled.
Experimental study on a Dual-Source Heat Pump in ground mode to assess the soil thermal response by means of a Distributed Temperature Sensing system
Authors: Natale C , Dongellini M , Naldi C , Morini G L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, a Dual-Source Heat Pump (DSHP), able to exploit both aerothermal and geothermal energy sources, has been tested in ground mode to evaluate experimentally the soil thermal response in presence of an undersized Borehole Heat Exchanger (BHE) field. The field is instrumented with a Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system, by which the geothermal fluid temperature can be measured over the entire length of the boreholes during the heat pump operation. The DSHP has been tested to reproduce the working profile of a heat generator coupled to a reference building, which has been numerically simulated by means of ALMABuild, a Matlab-Simulink tool. Three operating profiles have been identified within the simulation results to define three typical days of the heating season, characterized by different required loads. The results show that a DSHP operated in ground-mode and coupled to a borefield 50% undersized can meet completely the heating needs of a typical winter day, whilst higher building loads must be satisfied exploiting both air and ground sources. In this case, 80% of the undisturbed temperature of the soil can be recovered in an hour when aerothermal energy is extracted, thus the unit efficiency remains high and the investment cost is strongly reduced.
Development and validation of a model for an air-to-air air conditioner
Authors: Ferretto W , Molinaroli L , Inzoli F , De Antonellis S 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Air conditioning units are responsible for a significant amount of global warming, with demand predicted to triple by 2050. Mathematical models aid in designing energy efficient air conditioners that can contribute to climate change mitigation. This study presents a steady-state model for a air-to-air air conditioner. The proposed model can assist in reducing the number of experiments and optimizing the efficiency of air conditioning systems. It utilizes a bottom-up approach to solve for compressor, condenser, capillary tube, and evaporator sub-models. The compressor is modelled using polynomial equations to determine refrigerant mass flow rate and power consumption based on operating temperatures. Heat exchanger models are solved using finite volume approach and reliable correlations are used for void fraction, friction factor, and heat transfer coefficient calculations. The closing equations are the mass conservation, i.e. constant refrigerant charge, and the equivalence between the mass flow rate sucked by the compressor and the one that flows through the capillary tube, while the evaporating and condensing pressures are the independent variables. The capillary tube is modelled using semiempirical correlations. The model is validated against experimental data at various operating conditions and shows a ±7% agreement for predicted cooling capacity.
Local heat-transfer coefficient estimation in cross-helix corrugated tubes under turbulent regime
Authors: Azam Muhammad Waheed , Malavasi M , Cattani L , Bozzoli F , Rainieri S 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In a wide variety of engineering applications, convection heat transfer enhancement plays a major role in reducing the heat exchanger’s size and costs and increasing their efficiency. The passive methods for increasing convective heat transfer are the most interesting since they don’t require any external power to achieve the desired enhancement. For this reason, this approach is preferred in the industrial sector of heat exchangers. For the enhancement of the performances of these apparatuses, in particular, the tubular ones used in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical, the most adopted passive solution is the corrugation of their tube walls. Two pipes characterized by cross-helix corrugation have been experimentally analyzed both investigating the global heat transfer performance and studying the local heat transfer coefficient distribution to profoundly examine the thermal performance enhancement mechanisms of this passive technique. It has been observed that at Re = 16,000, the heat transfer rate in the smaller pitch tube is 18.18% higher than that in the larger pitch tube. The inverse heat conduction problem in the tube wall is addressed to achieve the local coefficient distribution method by using temperature readings collected from an infrared camera on the outer surface of the tube as the initial data.
The role of SRF in achieving the EU landfill targets in the Umbria Region, Italy
Authors: Pazzaglia Aron , Castellani Beatrice 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In December 2015, the European Commission published the circular economy package “Closing the loop - An European action plan for the Circular Economy” with four quantitative objectives: long-term recycling targets for municipal waste (55% in 2025, 60% in 2030 and 65% in 2035) and landfill target of 10% by 2030. In Umbria (Italy) 43% of waste are landfilled in 2020, so the region is far from the European target. Hence, it is significant to analyse different strategies to improve the waste management in the region. In particular, the main issue is how to reduce waste landfill in the most efficient way. The SRF and waste-to-energy approaches are the most interesting to study as a substitute for landfilling. In the communication “The role of waste-to-energy in the circular economy”, the European Commission clarifies the position covered by the different energy processes in the waste hierarchy and identifying the technologies with the highest potential in terms of efficient management of resources and environmental impact. Among the most efficient waste-to-energy technologies, the document mentions the gasification of recovered solid fuel (SRF) and co-incineration of the resulting synthesis gases in the combustion plant to replace fossil fuels in the production of electricity and heat and co-incineration in the cement production. The European Commission recognizes the important role of energy recovery in the transition to the circular economy, if this does not stop the improvement in recycling rates. In this paper, MSW management policy in Umbria (Italy) and possible solutions are discussed. The paper considers three scenarios in the management of MSW: i) direct combustion of residual waste in waste-to-energy plants; ii) combustion of SRF in waste-to-energy plants; iii) combustion of F-SRF in dedicated plants (cement plant). All three scenarios may be able to match the 10% landfill EU target.
Control of CO2 evaporation in an integrated photovoltaic module: experiments and modelling
Authors: Azzolin M , Zanetti E , Conte R , Del Col D 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The use of environmentally friendly refrigerants and the improvement of the system performance are two main topics in the research on heat pump technology. Given the recent limitations imposed on the usage of high global warming potential refrigerants, there is a growing demand in the market for the adoption of natural refrigerants, like CO2. Nevertheless, CO2 heat pumps operate under transcritical conditions, which can adversely affect its efficiency. Therefore, incorporating a solar heat source into a CO2 heat pump can offer a solution to mitigate low system performance issues. In the present study, a photovoltaic module integrated with the evaporator of a CO2 heat pump is experimentally studied. The PV-T evaporator exploits solar radiation to both generate electricity in the PV cells and ensure the evaporation of CO2 in the collector’s tubes. Simultaneously, the PV conversion efficiency is improved by the cooling effect of the evaporation. The present evaporator works in dry expansion mode, thus the refrigerant flow after the expansion device is sent to the solar collectors, where it evaporates before returning to the compressor. When using a PV-T evaporator, it is necessary to prevent superheating in the evaporator to keep a uniform and efficient cooling of the PV cells. The current heat pump design prevents the occurrence of superheated vapor at the PV-T evaporator’s outlet. Beside the experimental activity a dynamic numerical model of the system has been developed and validated.
Design and thermal test of high-vacuum insulator for heat delivery pipes
Authors: Capolupo F. , D’Alessandro C. , Strazzullo P. , Russo R. , Musto M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Thermal piping insulation of implants is crucial for heat delivery, production, collection, or storage at high temperature values. It is currently obtained by enveloping low thermal conductivity materials such as rockwool, fiberglass, polyurethane, polystyrene, and aerogel. However, better performances can be reached by adopting vacuum technology. In this case, conductive losses are annihilated, and the radiative heat transfer mechanism represents the only loss mechanism. Here, we compare a high vacuum-based novel solution and the traditional insulation for heat delivery applications. We propose a high vacuum- based solution consisting of an evacuated gap that surrounds the hot pipe coated by a thin aluminium foil. Experimental results using this novel solution show a fivefold reduction of the thermal radiation losses compared to the traditional solutions when in the temperature range between 100 °C and 250 °C.
Fluid dynamic parameters of naturally derived hydroxyapatite scaffolds for in vitro studies of bone cells
Authors: Salerno E , d’Adamo A , Corda G , Ongaro C , Zardin B , Orlandi G , Ruffini A , Bertacchini J , Angeli D 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hydroxyapatite scaffolds obtained from the biomorphic transformation of wood are characterized from a fluid dynamic point of view. Such material of recent introduction offers great advantages for the in vitro study of bone cells, mostly in virtue of its peculiar porous structure. Determining the flow resistance and morphological parameters of these scaffolds is an essential step towards their practical use in bioreactors and microfluidic devices. To this aim, a series of tests involving a draining fluid are performed on a set of disc-shaped scaffolds, followed by the microscopy analysis of the pores visible on the sample faces. Contrarily to what expected, a temperature dependence is observed for the flow resistance, even after normalizing it by the fluid properties. The interpretation of the experimental results is assisted by numerical outcomes from Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling, which underline some limitations in the application of classical laws to the present problem. While the complex and variable internal structure of the scaffolds prevents the systematic use of simplified formulae, a correlation is found between the flow resistance and the pore geometry, which can facilitate the characterization of further samples.
Generative machine learning for detector response modeling with a conditional normalizing flow
Authors: Xu Allison , Han Shuo , Ju Xiangyang , Wang Haichen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we explore the potential of generative
machine learning models as an alternative to the computationally
expensive Monte Carlo (MC) simulations commonly used by the Large
Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments. Our objective is to develop a
generative model capable of efficiently simulating detector
responses for specific particle observables, focusing on the
correlations between detector responses of different particles in
the same event and accommodating asymmetric detector responses. We
present a conditional normalizing flow model (𝒞𝒩ℱ) based
on a chain of Masked Autoregressive Flows, which effectively
incorporates conditional variables and models high-dimensional
density distributions. We assess the performance of the
𝒞𝒩ℱ model using a simulated sample of Higgs boson
decaying to diphoton events at the LHC. We create
reconstruction-level observables using a smearing technique. We show
that conditional normalizing flows can accurately model complex
detector responses and their correlation. This method can
potentially reduce the computational burden associated with
generating large numbers of simulated events while ensuring that the
generated events meet the requirements for data analyses. We make
our code available at https://github.com/allixu/normalizing_flow_for_detector_response.
Pharmacist perceptions of delivering patient care through telehealth
Authors: Lobkovich Alison , Javed Sameera , Hammoud Reem , Habhab Ayah , Lipari Melissa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate pharmacists’ perceptions of the benefits of and barriers to telehealth as experienced in actual telehealth visits with patients.

Methods
This qualitative study used virtual focus groups and a validated questionnaire (the Health Optimum Telemedicine Acceptance [HOTA] survey) to assess telehealth facilitators and barriers. Participants were included if they were licensed pharmacists utilizing telehealth in the outpatient setting. Pharmacist focus group responses were transcribed and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s qualitative data analysis model.

Results
Six pharmacists participated in this study. Their responses were placed into 2 categories: clinical effectiveness and patient experience. All participants had performed at least 20 virtual visits, and all agreed that telehealth improved patients’ health status. Respondents agreed that telehealth results in more frequent patient interactions and allows for provision of multiple types of care virtually. However, technological difficulties and the inability to provide physical examinations and obtain laboratory values were identified limitations. The surveyed pharmacists agreed that the main benefit that patients gained from telehealth was the elimination of transportation concerns, allowing increased access to care. However, pharmacists voiced their concern for patient privacy and barriers to educating patients on proper use of medical devices.

Conclusion
Pharmacists felt that telehealth was useful in several clinical scenarios. However, they also identified opportunities to improve its development in clinical practice. Further investigation must be done to better grasp impediments to telehealth in order to provide the most effective patient care.
labelSeg: segment annotation for tumor copy number alteration profiles
Authors: Zhao Hangjia , Baudis Michael 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) are a predominant type of oncogenomic alterations that affect a large proportion of the genome in the majority of cancer samples. Current technologies allow high-throughput measurement of such copy number aberrations, generating results consisting of frequently large sets of SCNA segments. However, the automated annotation and integration of such data are particularly challenging because the measured signals reflect biased, relative copy number ratios. In this study, we introduce labelSeg, an algorithm designed for rapid and accurate annotation of CNA segments, with the aim of enhancing the interpretation of tumor SCNA profiles. Leveraging density-based clustering and exploiting the length–amplitude relationships of SCNA, our algorithm proficiently identifies distinct relative copy number states from individual segment profiles. Its compatibility with most CNA measurement platforms makes it suitable for large-scale integrative data analysis. We confirmed its performance on both simulated and sample-derived data from The Cancer Genome Atlas reference dataset, and we demonstrated its utility in integrating heterogeneous segment profiles from different data sources and measurement platforms. Our comparative and integrative analysis revealed common SCNA patterns in cancer and protein-coding genes with a strong correlation between SCNA and messenger RNA expression, promoting the investigation into the role of SCNA in cancer development.
Cognitive function mediates the relationship between age and anaesthesia-induced oscillatory-specific alpha power
Authors: Boncompte Gonzalo , Freedman Isaac , Qu Jason , Turco Isabella , Khawaja Zain Q , Cortinez Ignacio , Pedemonte Juan C , Akeju Oluwaseun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cognitive decline is common among older individuals, and although the underlying brain mechanisms are not entirely understood, researchers have suggested using EEG frontal alpha activity during general anaesthesia as a potential biomarker for cognitive decline. This is because frontal alpha activity associated with GABAergic general anaesthetics has been linked to cognitive function. However, oscillatory-specific alpha power has also been linked with chronological age. We hypothesize that cognitive function mediates the association between chronological age and (oscillatory-specific) alpha power. We analysed data from 380 participants (aged over 60) with baseline screening assessments and intraoperative EEG. We utilized the telephonic Montreal Cognitive Assessment to assess cognitive function. We computed total band power, oscillatory-specific alpha power, and aperiodics to measure anaesthesia-induced alpha activity. To test our mediation hypotheses, we employed structural equation modelling. Pairwise correlations between age, cognitive function and alpha activity were significant. Cognitive function mediated the association between age and classical alpha power [age → cognitive function → classical alpha; β = −0.0168 (95% confidence interval: −0.0313 to −0.00521); P = 0.0016] as well as the association between age and oscillatory-specific alpha power [age → cognitive function → oscillatory-specific alpha power; β = −0.00711 (95% confidence interval: −0.0154 to −0.000842); P = 0.028]. However, cognitive function did not mediate the association between age and aperiodic activity (1/f slope, P = 0.43; offset, P = 0.0996). This study is expected to provide valuable insights for anaesthesiologists, enabling them to make informed inferences about a patient’s age and cognitive function from an analysis of anaesthetic-induced EEG signals in the operating room. To ensure generalizability, further studies across different populations are needed.