bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling and performance analysis on an integrated system combining sCO2 Brayton cycle with leakage feedback utilizing a heat pump or direct compression
Authors: Qi Yinke , Ma Xiaofeng , Jiang Dr. Peixue , Zhu Yinhai 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
CO2 leakage due to the coexistence of pressure differentials and clearances within the integrated turbine-alternator-compressor (TAC) of the kW-level sCO2 Brayton cycle is a key issue affecting cycle efficiency and long-term stable operation. To analyze the impact of leakage and feedback, this study examined the integrated system of the sCO2 Brayton cycle with leakage feedback and compared the system performance differences between heat pump feedback and direct compression feedback. Thermodynamic models for the Brayton cycle and feedback unit were established, and the effects of varying parameters were analyzed. A genetic algorithm was employed to further optimize the system. The selection suggestion charts for the feedback unit were obtained. It is recommended to choose a direct compression feedback unit for conditions with a cavity pressure higher than 6.41 MPa, whereas a heat pump feedback unit is recommended for other conditions. The heat pump feedback has advantages particularly at high rotational speeds, low leakage factors, and low cavity pressures. The efficiency of the optimized integrated system is improved by up to 12.53%. The net power accounted for only 53.6% of the turbine output power, the main cycle compression power accounted for 32.1%, the TAC losses accounted for 10.7%, and the total compression power of the feedback unit accounted for 3.7%. Ignoring the internal leakage and losses of TAC can overestimate the power generation capacity of the Brayton cycle, which is only 79% of the ideal case after considering losses and power consumption.
IMPROVING THE PREDICTIVE CAPABILITY OF EMPIRICAL HEAT TRANSFER CORRELATIONS FOR HYDROGEN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
Authors: Parsons Dominic , Yuan Hao , Akehurst Sam , Esposito Stefania 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Hydrogen internal combustion is widely considered a viable technology to achieve near-zero tailpipe CO2 and NOx emissions for difficult-to-electrify applications due to the maturity of ICE technology and production facilities.
1D/0D modelling is a valuable tool for engine development due to its relatively low computational requirements, but hydrogen combustion models still require further development. A large factor is gas-to-wall heat transfer, which is higher for hydrogen combustion due to higher flame temperatures and shorter quenching distance. For accurate prediction of in-cylinder temperatures, and therefore combustion rates and knock propensity, a well calibrated heat transfer model is essential.
This paper evaluates existing heat transfer models against previously published experimental cylinder pressure and heat flux data from a Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine with hydrogen Port Fuel Injection (PFI). A new heat transfer correlation is developed, utilising a new fluid properties correlation to better represent the change in viscosity and conductivity with changing hydrogen concentration. Recent developments in 0D turbulence models improve the characteristic velocity calculation, which is augmented with a combustion term.
This model is tested against a second dataset from the CFR engine with lambda from 1.0 - 4.0 and compression ratios of 9 - 13, showing improved performance versus previously published models. Whilst the new model provides more consistent results during combustion for variations in lambda and compression ratio, it requires improvement in its prediction of heat loss during expansion, and further validation at higher engine speeds and different engine configurations.
Comparative Study On The Effect Of Premixed Equivalence Ratio On Engine Characteristics Of Ammonia Fuelled Engine Under Diesel Pilot Ignition Vs Spark Igition Combustion Mode
Authors: Kurien Caneon , Rousselle Christine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The adoption of zero-carbon fuel like ammonia will play a key role in the achievement of carbon neutrality targets. This work reports a comparative study on the effect of premixed equivalence ratio (varied from 0.8 to 1.25) on combustion and emission characteristics of ammonia fueled engine operating initially under (a) compression ignition (CI) mode (ignited by dodecane pilot injection), and then converted to (b) spark ignition (SI) mode (by replacing fuel injector with spark plug). The experiments were performed in a single-cylinder engine (compression ratio = 16.4:1) and the ammonia energy fraction was maintained at 95% during the CI mode and 100% ammonia in the SI mode. The results indicated that neat ammonia operation could be achieved satisfactorily by converting the existing CI engine configuration to operate in spark ignition mode with a stable engine operation with lower COVIMEP (less than 3%) at near stoichiometric to rich conditions. The power output and indicated thermal efficiency are lower in SI mode than in CI mode, certainly due to the occurrence of multiple auto-ignition sites. Moreover, the unburned ammonia emissions were observed to be higher in SI mode as compared to CI mode, especially in rich conditions. As expected, the carbon-based emissions reduced significantly in the SI operating mode as it is only due to lubricant oil leakages. N2O emissions were higher at near stoichiometric-rich conditions but remain below 100 ppm.
Perfusion Index Predicts the Effectiveness of Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Children Under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chu Tiantian , Zhou Siqi , Peng Ting , Tao Hong , Chen Han , Yan Xu , Xin Yueyang , Tian Zhang , Wang Jinxu , Deng Lingli , Xu Aijun 
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the predictive value of perfusion index (PI) in determining the effectiveness of supraclavicular block (SCB) in children under sevoflurane or propofol general anesthesia.Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 104 children who underwent elective upper extremity surgery under sevoflurane or propofol anesthesia were scheduled to be enrolled. The primary outcome was the effects of PI in predicting the effectiveness of SCB under general anesthesia. The PI value was obtained through pulse oximetries. Secondary outcomes include hemodynamic data, supplementary opioid doses, agitation score, pain score, and postoperative complications.Results: A total of 103 pediatric patients were analyzed. PI increased rapidly after anesthesia induction, and there was no significant difference in PI in the blocked side between the propofol group (PRO group) and sevoflurane group (SEV group). At 10 min after the block, PI in the blocked side was higher than that in the unblocked side in both groups (p < 0.05). However, PI showed low sensitivity and specificity in predicting the effect of SCB at 10 min in both groups. At PACU, PI exhibited a high sensitivity (0.837 vs. 0.796) and specificity (0.721 vs. 0.898) for SCB at cutoff values of 5.91 and 6.67 in both PRO and SEV groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values were 0.834 (95% CI 0.750–0.918) and 0.895 (95% CI 0.832–0.959).Conclusion: PI demonstrates limited sensitivity and specificity in predicting the effect of SCB at 10 min after block under general anesthesia. However, PI may serve as a more appropriate indicator to guide the necessity for supplemental analgesia in PACU.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04216823
The Acute Effects of Motor Imagery Combined With Action Observation Breathing Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Responses, Brain Activity, and Cognition: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Atak Ebrar , Ataç Amine 
Published: February 2025

Breath and brain activity have been integral to daily life since time immemorial. Cognition and cardiorespiratory responses are closely interlinked, necessitating further investigation into their dynamics. The potential benefits of combining motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) based breathing exercises in rehabilitation have not been fully explored. This study was aimed at assessing the acute effects of MI combined with AO on cognitive function and cardiorespiratory responses. Thirty‐three healthy adults were randomized into MI combined with AO breathing (MI+AO), active respiratory exercise (ARE), and control groups, with equal distribution across groups. Electroencephalography (EEG) data were collected using a Muse EEG headband, and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) while imagining activities were measured via the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ). Significant improvements in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and systolic blood pressure were observed in the ARE group (p < 0.05), alongside improvements in MoCA and KVIQ scores (p < 0.05). EEG data revealed significant decreases in delta and theta power at the temporoparietal (TP) location in the ARE group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that MI and AO, when combined with respiratory exercises, may serve as effective passive strategies to support cognition and cardiorespiratory function, particularly in individuals who struggle to actively participate in pulmonary rehabilitation.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06099483
Comparison of Left Ventricular Functional Recovery and Remodeling After Total Thoracoscopic Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement in Patients With Mitral Regurgitation and Mildly to Moderately Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Xu Zheng , Lin Feng , Chen Liang-Wan , Dai Xiao-Fu , Lin Zhi-Qin 
Published: February 2025

Background: Total thoracoscopic mitral valve surgery (TT‐MVS) is a minimally invasive technique for mitral regurgitation (MR), but its impact on left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling in patients with reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) is unclear.Methods: We retrospectively compared 94 patients who underwent total thoracoscopic mitral valve repair (TT‐MVr) or total thoracoscopic mitral valve replacement (TT‐MVR) for MR and reduced LVEF at our center from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022. We assessed LV functional recovery and remodeling by echocardiography at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.Results: A total of 43 patients underwent TT‐MVr and 51 patients underwent TT‐MVR. Both groups had similar early outcomes, hospital mortality, and postoperative complications. The TT‐MVr group had higher LVEF and lower left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end‐systolic diameter (LVESD) than the TT‐MVR group at 3 and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Both groups improved in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class from baseline to 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05 for all comparisons).Conclusion: TT‐MVr and TT‐MVR are feasible and safe for patients with MR and reduced LVEF, but TT‐MVr is associated with better LV functional recovery and remodeling within 6 months after surgery. TT‐MVr should be preferred over TT‐MVR whenever possible in this high‐risk population. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of TT‐MVS in this population.
Advancements in Spray‐Drying for the Microencapsulation of Fat‐Soluble Vitamins: Stability, Bioavailability, and Applications
Authors: Askari Vaselabadi Samira , Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Greiner Ralf , Vale Jim M. , Ovenseri Airemwen Collins , Rashidinejad Ali , Roohinejad Shahin 
Published: February 2025

Background: Spray‐drying is a well‐established method for producing free‐flowing microencapsulated powders, especially for fat‐soluble vitamins (FSVs) like A, D, and E. This process enhances the stability and protection of FSVs against environmental degradation.Scope and Approach: This review highlights the application of spray‐drying to encapsulate FSVs, focusing on their role in maintaining stability, controlled release, and protection under various conditions. Current challenges and future directions in spray‐drying‐assisted encapsulation of single and multiple FSVs (like vitamin K) are also discussed.Key Findings and Conclusions: Optimizing the spray‐drying technique with efficient encapsulating agents can remarkably improve the release profiles and yields of vitamin A, emphasizing tailored formulations for stability and efficacy. For vitamin D, the choice of carrier oil and wall materials has a significant impact on bioavailability, particularly in food fortification. Although there are challenges due to heat sensitivity, spray‐drying is a versatile technique to encapsulate vitamin E with high efficiency rate, desirable particle characteristics, and effective release profiles. Comicroencapsulation with bioactive compounds further enhances the stability and bioavailability of vitamins, suggesting promising applications in food fortification and health supplementation. Comparative studies between microencapsulated FSVs and their free forms revealed improved physicochemical stability and extended‐release rates in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, as well as an enhancement in nutrient retention in food products.
Impact of multi-component protease and papain on broiler growth, gut microbiota, and utilisation of unconventional protein sources
Authors: Venkatasubramanian K. , Manohar K. , Mani R. , Kaliaperumal T. , Vyas S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigated the impact of multi-component protease and papain on broiler performance and protein digestion. A total of 360, one-day-old chicks were reared for 42 days and fed a diet that included maize, soybean meal and alternative protein sources, such as meat and bone meal and mustard de-oiled cake. The trial involved five groups: a positive control, a negative control (reduced soybean meal and crude protein levels), and three treatment groups that received a negative control diet supplemented with either multi-component protease, papain or a combination of both. The results showed that birds fed the combination group had significant performance improvements, with six points improvement in feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) compared to the negative control group. Additionally, there were improvements in faecal nitrogen retention and reduced dysbacteriosis scores. The addition of proteases to the reformulated diet increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreased harmful bacteria. The combination group had higher levels of Lactobacillus salivarius, which indicated improved gut health and performance. In conclusion, the combination of multi-component protease and papain improved protein digestibility and modified the intestinal microbiota, leading to better performance of broiler chickens fed unconventional protein sources.
The Cuban Hospital in Qatar: A Manifestation of the Spirit of Bandung in the 21st Century
Authors: Viramontes Erick 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article looks at a particular transnational project in the realm of health, the Cuban Hospital in Qatar, which connects, in the post-Cold War period, two processes of nation-building taking place in the Third World; namely, the agenda of Cuba’s post-revolutionary government since early-1990s and the development goals envisioned by the new leadership that came to power in Qatar by mid-1990s. The main objective of this article is to understand what the Cuban Hospital in Qatar is or, in other words, to conceptualize the hospital using the available language in the discipline of International Relations. To attain its objective, the article relies upon the concept of the Spirit of Bandung, which points towards a process of identification between political projects implemented by formerly colonized societies in the context of post-coloniality. Such an analysis is based on qualitative research from various Arabic, English, and Spanish sources. Finally, by showing the persistence of the Spirit of Bandung in the early decades of the 21st century, the article contributes to the advancement of postcolonial scholarship within the discipline of International Relations, as well as to the study of Latin America-Middle East relations and the field of Gulf studies.
Factors Predicting Incidentally Found Appendiceal Tumors Following Appendectomy: Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Er Sadettin , Göktaş (Goktas) Abidin , Özden (Ozden) Sabri , Akın (Akin) Merve , Akın (Akin) Tezcan , Martlı (Martli) Hüseyin Fahri , Aydın (Aydin) Arzu Hazal , Birben Birkan , Acehan Fatih 
Published: February 2025

Purpose The factors that predict coincidental appendiceal neoplasms in patients who underwent appendectomy due to appendicitis were investigated. Methods 5829 patients diagnosed with appendicitis and underwent appendectomy in the department of surgery were examined. Among these patients, patients with appendiceal neoplasia and benign pathology were selected by propensity score matching analysis in a ratio of 1:4. As a result of analysis, 74 and 274 patients were grouped as appendiceal neoplasia and benign pathology, respectively. Results The mean age of the 348 appendiceal neoplasia and benign pathology groups included in the study was 45.6 and 46.4, respectively. Appendiceal diameter, contrast enhancement in the appendix wall, and neutrophil count were independent parameters for appendiceal neoplasia pathology. The AUC value of the combination of appendix diameter, lack of enhancement in the appendix wall, and neutrophil count in distinguishing appendiceal neoplasia pathology was 0.787. Conclusion Appendix diameter, lack of wall enhancement, and neutrophil count are the three predictive indicators useful in helping clinicians suspect appendiceal neoplasms.
Development of a Decision Model to Estimate the Outcomes of Treatment Sequences in Advanced Melanoma
Authors: de Groot Saskia , Blommestein Hedwig M. , Leeneman Brenda , Uyl-de Groot Carin A. , Haanen John B. A. G. , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , Aarts Maureen J. B. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W. P. J. , Blokx Willeke A. M. , Boers-Sonderen Marye J. , van den Eertwegh Alfons J. M. , de Groot Jan Willem B. , Hospers Geke A. P. , Kapiteijn Ellen , van Not Olivier J. , van der Veldt Astrid A. M. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , van Baal Pieter H. M. 
Published: February 2025

Background A decision model for patients with advanced melanoma to estimate outcomes of a wide range of treatment sequences is lacking. Objectives To develop a decision model for advanced melanoma to estimate outcomes of treatment sequences in clinical practice with the aim of supporting decision making. The article focuses on methodology and long-term health benefits. Methods A semi-Markov model with a lifetime horizon was developed. Transitions describing disease progression, time to next treatment, and mortality were estimated from real-world data (RWD) as a function of time since starting treatment or disease progression and patient characteristics. Transitions were estimated separately for melanoma with and without a BRAF mutation and for patients with favorable and intermediate prognostic factors. All transitions can be adjusted using relative effectiveness of treatments derived from a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The duration of treatment effect can be adjusted to obtain outcomes under different assumptions. Results The model distinguishes 3 lines of systemic treatment for melanoma with a BRAF mutation and 2 lines of systemic treatment for melanoma without a BRAF mutation. Life expectancy ranged from 7.8 to 12.0 years in patients with favorable prognostic factors and from 5.1 to 8.7 years in patients with intermediate prognostic factors when treated with sequences consisting of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Scenario analyses illustrate how estimates of life expectancy depend on the duration of treatment effect. Conclusion The model is flexible because it can accommodate different treatments and treatment sequences, and the duration of treatment effects and the transitions influenced by treatment can be adjusted. We show how using RWD and data from RCTs can harness advantages of both data sources, guiding the development of future decision models. Highlights The model is flexible because it can accommodate different treatments and treatment sequences, and the duration of treatment effects as well as the transitions that are influenced by treatment can be adjusted. The long-term health benefits of treatment sequences depend on the place of different therapies within a treatment sequence. Assumptions about the duration of relative treatment effects influence the estimates of long-term health benefits. We show how the use of real-world data and data from randomized controlled trials harness the advantages of both data sources, guiding the development of future decision models.
Nitrofurantoin Versus Comparators in the Treatment of Cystitis due to Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacterales: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Thabit Abrar K. , Al Sulaiman Khalid , Alfaraj Lulwa , Radwan Sarah A. , Almadfaa Layan O. , Mokhtar Raneen H. , Alowais Shuroug A. , Bin Saleh Khalid , Eljaaly Khalid , Alzahrani Abdulmajeed A. , Alshehri Abdulaziz J. , Alofi Fadwa S. , Aljuhani Ohoud 
Published: February 2025

Background: The increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing bacteria has limited treatment options for cystitis. The recommendation of nitrofurantoin for treatment is based solely on in vitro studies. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin versus comparators in treating cystitis due to ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in the clinical setting. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of afebrile adults with symptomatic cystitis and a urine culture of ≥105 CFU/mL of ESBL-producing organism susceptible to nitrofurantoin and comparator antibiotics. Patients were categorized based on treatment (nitrofurantoin vs comparator). Clinical cure was the primary endpoint. Reinfection and relapse were secondary endpoints. Results: Of 225 patients, 66 received nitrofurantoin and 159 received a comparator. Carbapenems were the most used comparator (57.2%). Clinical cure rates were not significantly different between the groups in crude (77.3% vs 86.2%; P = 0.101) and regression analyses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.34-1.99). Of 35.4% of nitrofurantoin patients and 66.0% comparators group patients who had follow-up cultures, lower odds of relapse and reinfection were observed with nitrofurantoin, though not statistically significant (aOR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.07-1.18 and aOR, 0.43 with 95% CI of 0.13-1.43, respectively). However, the inpatient setting was significantly associated with higher odds of relapse (aOR, 8.83; 95% CI, 1.07-72.74; P = 0.043). Conclusion and relevance: Nitrofurantoin was as effective as comparators in treating cystitis due to ESBL-producing Enterobacterales. The inpatient setting was associated with higher odds of relapse. Further larger research trials are needed to validate these findings.