bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Operation of Integrated Energy Systems Based on Multi-Energy Coupling With Power-to-Gas Technology
Authors: Zhou Jun , Li Shuaishuai , Meng Tian , Zhou Xuan , Liang Guangchuan , Zhao Yunxiang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Natural gas and renewable energy sources make up an increasingly large proportion of power generation due to their being environmentally friendly. Because of the intermittent and fluctuating output of renewable energy sources, the emerging technology of power-to-gas (P2G) units is of great significance to alleviate. This paper focuses on the coordinated optimization of the combined gas and electricity network (CGEN) system with bidirectional energy conversion. Gas-fired power generation (GPG) plants and P2G are considered as linkages between the two networks. A unified CGEN mathematical model is established with the minimum operation cost as the objective function. The injection and production process of underground natural gas storage (UNGS) is also taken into consideration that is not available in other literature. Variables such as the output of P2G and gas-fired power generation plants, the supply of UNGS, and the wind curtailment are optimized correspondingly. The improved 24-node power grid (PG) and Belgium 20-node natural gas pipeline network (NGPN) are adopted to test the validity and capability of the proposed model, and then we compare the results CGEN model with the single Belgium NGPN to analyze the impact on the NGPN. Moreover, we adopt a coupled operation system of a 6-node power system and a 7-node NGPN to further analyze the influence of P2G on the CGEN. The results show that compared with the system without P2G, the total operating cost of the system is reduced by 9.39%, the natural gas load shedding is reduced by 26.1%, and the wind curtailment is reduced from 326 MWh to zero.
Response of Separated Boundary Layers to Steady and Pulsated Flow Injection
Authors: Nowak Hunter D. , Lluesma-Rodriguez Federico , Rahbari Iman , Clark John P. , Paniagua Guillermo 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
A new class of power generation devices that experiences increased losses due to bulk flow separation in segments of their expected in-flight regime is emerging. As such, active flow control becomes increasingly relevant to mitigate these losses and reclaim the entire flight envelope. This study explores the effect of flow injection on transonic flows experiencing bulk separation. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations of a 3D wall-mounted hump at low Reynolds numbers are conducted to assess the response of transonic bulk separation to flow injection. Unsteady simulations are performed to understand the differences between slot and discrete port injection and determine optimum forcing frequencies. Discrete ports require higher pressures to overcome the momentum deficit associated with the smaller injection area relative to the width of the domain. Steady and unsteady injections are found viable strategies for mitigating the extent (or appearance) of bulk separation. Experiments are conducted with discrete injection for a range of Mach and Reynolds numbers. The response of the bulk separation to said injection is evaluated by analyzing both local pressure measurements and schlieren imaging. The study shows that the required pressure of injection is strongly correlated to the length scale of the uncontrolled separation. With large-eddy simulations, the flow separation and frequency content within the separated region can be reasonably predicted. This study aims to take further steps to establish guidelines for applying flow control to the emerging class of power generation devices experiencing losses from bulk separation.
Numerical Study on Method for Reducing Film Pressure and Its Fluctuation due to Surface Roughness in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Contact
Authors: Kaneta Motohiro , Matsuda Kenji 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
One of the methods to avoid rolling contact fatigue is to reduce the film pressure due to surface roughness and the magnitude of its fluctuation. The roughness on rolling/sliding concentrated contacting surfaces has generally different asperity heights. In this study, it has been clarified, using a fully flooded non-Newtonian thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis in contact between materials with different thermal conductivities and roughness asperity heights, which surface velocity should be increased and which roughness asperity height should be lowered to reduce the magnitudes of film pressure and its fluctuation. The results obtained will make a new contribution to the combination of roughness heights on the EHL contact surfaces.
An Improved Time-Domain Equivalent Source Method for Accurate Indoor Simulation of Pass-By Noise
Authors: Liu Ce , Zhang Xiaozheng , Zhang Yongbin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Time-domain equivalent source method (TDESM) has been employed for indoor simulation of pass-by noise (PBN). Despite removing the requirement of dedicated large semi-anechoic chambers for the microphone array technique, it is still difficult to obtain high simulation accuracy due to the existence of signal splicing error and ill consideration of Doppler effect induced by the vehicle motion. In this article, the TDESM is developed to improve the simulation accuracy of PBN. Unlike the previous TDESM, the improved TDESM (I-TDESM) models the PBN by superposing the contributions of an array of moving equivalent sources, which can take the influence of vehicle motion into account. The PBN at the receivers can be directly reconstructed via the sound field calculation of moving sources. Numerical studies and real vehicle experiments are implemented to demonstrate the feasibility of the I-TDESM. Simulation results show that the I-TDESM can naturally incorporate the Doppler effect and effectively eliminate the signal splicing error, thus improving the simulation accuracy. The experiment results of real vehicle further validate the I-TDESM.
Association of lipid-lowering drugs and antidiabetic drugs with age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis in Europeans
Authors: Mauschitz Matthias M , Verzijden Timo , Schuster Alexander K , Elbaz Hisham , Pfeiffer Norbert , Khawaja Anthony , Luben Robert N , Foster Paul J , Rauscher Franziska G , Wirkner Kerstin , Kirsten Toralf , Jonas Jost B , Bikbov Mukharram M , Hogg Ruth , Peto Tunde , Cougnard-Grégoire Audrey , Bertelsen Geir , Erke Maja Gran , Topouzis Fotis , Giannoulis Dimitrios A , Brandl Caroline , Heid Iris M , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine P , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Hense Hans-Werner , Pauleikhoff Daniel , Barreto Patricia , Coimbra Rita , Piermarocchi Stefano , Daien Vincent , Holz Frank G , Delcourt Cecile , Finger Robert P 
Published: November 2022

Background/aims
To investigate the association of commonly used systemic medications with prevalent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the general population.

Methods
We included 38 694 adults from 14 population-based and hospital-based studies from the European Eye Epidemiology consortium. We examined associations between the use of systemic medications and any prevalent AMD as well as any late AMD using multivariable logistic regression modelling per study and pooled results using random effects meta-analysis.

Results
Between studies, mean age ranged from 61.5±7.1 to 82.6±3.8 years and prevalence ranged from 12.1% to 64.5% and from 0.5% to 35.5% for any and late AMD, respectively. In the meta-analysis of fully adjusted multivariable models, lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) and antidiabetic drugs were associated with lower prevalent any AMD (OR 0.85, 95% CI=0.79 to 0.91 and OR 0.78, 95% CI=0.66 to 0.91). We found no association with late AMD or with any other medication.

Conclusion
Our study indicates a potential beneficial effect of LLD and antidiabetic drug use on prevalence of AMD across multiple European cohorts. Our findings support the importance of metabolic processes in the multifactorial aetiology of AMD.
Experience and perspectives on palliative or end-of-life care of Chinese people and their families as immigrants to high-income countries: a systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Kwok Harley H Y , Low Joesph , Devakumar Delan , Candy Bridget 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundA sizeable cohort of Chinese migrants in high-income non-Asian countries is reaching old age and many will develop life-limiting illnesses. They may benefit from palliative care, which is integrated into universal health coverage in many of these countries, but the uptake of this care among migrant communities remains low. Cultural differences between the Chinese and the host community, and poor language skills may be barriers to access, yet understanding the reasons hindering uptake are obscure.AimsTo understand the cultural perspective of how first generation Chinese migrants and their families perceive the provision of palliative care, to identify what exists which may limit their access in high-income non-Asian countries.DesignA systematic review and three-stage thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Citations and full texts were reviewed against predefined inclusion criteria. All included studies were appraised for quality.Data sourceMEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and PubMed were searched to July 2019.ResultsSeven qualitative studies were identified (from USA, UK, Canada and Australia). Across the studies analytical themes that impacted on the use of palliative care services were identified: (1) migrants’ intrinsic perceptions of cultural practices, (2) their expectations of and preparation for care at the end of life, (3) perspectives and influences of family and (4) knowledge and communication with palliative care providers in the host country. Key elements found that challenge access to palliative care services in the host countries were: Chinese culture is rooted in the core values of the family as opposed to the individual; migrants’ limited experience in their place of origin in accessing healthcare; and practical issues including a lack of language skills of their host country.ConclusionsPalliative care services do not always match the needs of Chinese migrants in non-Asian high-income countries. Engagement and education on multiethnic cultural awareness in both the host non-migrant and the migrant communities is needed.
Communication skills: simulated patient goals of care workshop for acute care clinicians
Authors: White David , Kilshaw Lucy , Eng Derek 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundAppropriate and timely goals of patient care (GoPC) discussions are associated with improved health outcomes near the end-of-life among patients with serious illness, however, acute care clinicians report a lack of training in conducting GoPC conversations.ObjectivesA half-day GoPC communication workshop for acute care clinicians was delivered and evaluated. Participants were instructed in the use of communication frameworks and practiced skills in clinical scenarios with a simulated patient.MethodExpert facilitators guided feedback towards learner identified goals during simulated GoPC discussions. Self-reported confidence in communication skills was measured with a pre-post questionnaire, which was repeated 2 months following the workshop.Results50 clinicians completed the workshop and questionnaire. A mean improvement in confidence in communication skills of 35% (p<0.001) was identified following participation, which remained elevated at 2 months (p<0.001). All participants responded that they would recommend the workshop to a colleague, and more than two-thirds went on to share their learnings with other clinicians.ConclusionThe use of a simulated patient, communication frameworks and an expert facilitator were associated with durable improvement in confidence in GoPC communication among acute care clinicians. A half-day workshop was feasible and acceptable to participants.
Posthumous Collection of Oocytes
Authors: BOOTHROYD Clare , KRUGER Peter 
Published: November 2022

Background: We report a case of posthumous oocyte retrieval from a female of reproductive age diagnosed with brain death after a vascular injury. Aim: To report on posthumous collection of oocytes. Method and Results: Intensive care support was lengthened by thirteen (13) days to allow follicular stimulation of thirteen (13) oocytes from which three euploid blastocysts were obtained and cryostored. GnRH antagonist was not required. Consultation with two hospital ethics committees and legal advice were obtained prior to oocyte retrieval and fertilization of oocytes. Conclusion: The case highlights the need for multidisciplinary protocols and harmonization of (clinical) ethics committees and legislation. Significant gaps in funding exist which potentially preclude Australians from accessing what is now feasible and likely to be increasingly requested. There is a need for public consultation to guide political and medical leaders in the posthumous use of gametes.
Donors: To Pay, or Not to Pay
Authors: GOEDEKE S. , RODINO I. , SHEPHERD D. 
Published: November 2022

Attitudes towards and concerns about recognition and payment options for donation in New Zealand and Australia Commercial inducement for the provision of gametes is prohibited in New Zealand and Australia. This has been argued to limit access to donor gametes and contribute to the pursuit of potentially unregulated cross-border reproductive care by domestic patients. 434 participants, including those with infertility and treatment experience, donors, recipients and clinic professionals, completed an online questionnaire assessing their support for a range of recognition and payment options, and their concerns about payment constituting financial reward. Overall, participants supported the reimbursement of direct costs associated with donation, including medical expenses, travel time, and unpaid time away from work relating to treatment. Nonmaterial forms of recognition or tokens of thanks received less support. Lowest ratings of support were noted for the outright payment of donors for the supply of their gametes. Concerns about payment related to assumptions about the type of donor motivated by financial reward, and the possibility that if paid donors might be more likely to conceal relevant treatment information. Further concerns included the increased financial burden for recipients and concern for donor-offspring wellbeing. Support for payment over and above reimbursement of costs was related to a belief that payment was necessary to ensure gamete supply. Sonja Goedeke: Sonja’s research focuses on the psychosocial and ethical implications of assisted reproductive technologies. She has published, presented and supervised projects related to egg and embryo donation, the concept of gifting in donation, counselling, cross border reproductive care, mild stimulation protocols, social egg freezing, policy/legislation, parenting/remaining child ‘free’ after IVF, embryo disposal decisions and the recognition/compensation of donors.
Audit and Accreditation of ART Facilities in Japan; JISART’s Commitment Focusing on Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: KURAMOTO Takeshi 
Published: November 2022

In Japan in 2018, 247,402 cycles of oocyte retrieval were performed at 592 facilities and 56,979 ART babies were born. 1 in 16 new births were as a result of ART. There is presently no law regulating ART and each facility operates under a system of self-regulation based on the requirements of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In 2000, systems for staffing, quality and safety management were not clearly structured. JISART (The Japanese Institution for Standardizing Assisted Reproductive Technology) was set up in 2003 with a view to improving quality of treatment and patient satisfaction. It is comprised of 31 private clinics with over 500 annual oocyte retrievals and all members are ISO9001 certified. With the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee playing a central role, a Code of Practice, guidelines for quality and safety management in ART, and audit checklists have been created. Specialist physicians, embryologists, nurses, administration staff and a patient support group conduct audits triennially, covering some 245 points. With respect to physicians, the audits look at whether there are systems in place for patient examinations and professional development, and at treatment outcomes and risk management. For embryologists and nurses, they examine qualifications, knowledge and technique along with records of equipment inspections and consent forms. Further, patients are interviewed to ascertain their satisfaction with and suggested areas for improvement to facilities and personnel. In Japan, the situation regarding ART is undergoing great changes, with audits having changed from on-site to online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the government considering whether ART should be covered by national health insurance. In the conference, I will talk about the current situation regarding audits and suggest issues for further consideration.
Impact of Serum P Levels on Pregnancy Outcome in ART
Authors: LABARTA Elena 
Published: November 2022

Background: The role of mid luteal progesterone (P) levels has gained interest in the last years. Low serum P levels significantly decrease the chances of ongoing pregnancy, mainly in artificial cycles for embryo transfer. Our prospective studies have found that patients with low serum P levels on the day of ET had a significantly lower live birth rate, either when using own or donated oocytes. Aim: To summarize the current evidence about the impact of serum P levels on pregnancy outcome in ART; and the proposed strategies to overcome this situation. To differentiate the PK and PD of the different routes of exogenous P and how this influence on the interpretation of results. Method: Review of the literature. The research leaded by the lecturer will be presented. Results: In artificial cycles, there is a minimum threshold of serum P levels that needs to be reached. Approximately 30% of women show inadequate levels of serum P after receiving the standard dose of vaginal P. Individualization of luteal phase support by routinely measuring P levels, allows to detect which patients need raised P in order to optimise their outcome. Addition of extra doses of P seems to overcome this detrimental effect, ideally associating other routes of P. Conclusion: Low P levels on the day of ET decrease live birth rates. If outcomes are to be optimised, a minimal threshold of serum P values on the day of ET must be reached. Personalization of luteal phase support is advisable to optimize the results.
Pushing the Limits: Day 7 Embryo Culture
Authors: LEE Lisa Y. S. 
Published: November 2022

Improvements in embryo culture systems, based on the dynamic metabolic requirements of the embryo have facilitated the extension of embryo culture to the blastocyst stage. In the last 20 years, there has been a shift to blastocyst culture and single blastocyst transfer around the world, especially in Australia and New Zealand. Notably, this practice has led to significantly increased implantation and pregnancy rates, by improving embryo selection and embryo-uterine environment synchrony. Interestingly, the time taken for a human embryo to develop into a blastocyst can vary. Blastocysts are typically selected for transfer, biopsy or vitrification on days 5 and 6 of embryo development, and embryos which do not reach a suitable developmental stage and/or quality are typically discarded. Over the last decade, multiple groups have challenged this ‘norm’. It has been determined that slow-growing embryos that only reach the blastocyst stage on day 7 have the ability to attain a good morphological grade, successively undergo biopsy and vitrification, and most importantly, can result in healthy live births following transfer. With the advent of time-lapse microscopy, we can now closely examine the timings of embryo development. Here, the development and incidence of day 7 blastocysts, metabolic requirements, rate of euploidy, reproductive potential and laboratory experience of extending embryo culture to day 7 are considered.
Debate: Are We Limiting the Potential of Oocytes by Not Using ICSI for All? - ICSI for Some
Authors: NORMAN Robert 
Published: November 2022

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was invented nearly thirty years ago and the first pregnancies in Australia were obtained at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the University of Adelaide’s Reproductive Medicine Program. Since then, ICSI has become the predominant method of fertilisation for IVF in cycles in Australia and in many parts of the world used for 100% of all cycles. While its value for male factor infertility, IVM egg fertilisation and injection into previously frozen eggs have been validated, the use of ICSI for non-male-factor infertility remains controversial and unproven. Given the significant concerns about the potential effects of ICSI on the health of children conceived by this method, a debate about its use in an excessive number of IVF cycles is warranted. The first randomised control trial of ICSI versus standard IVF fertilisation for unexplained infertility occurred more than twenty years ago and showed a lower ongoing pregnancy rate for those who received the ICSI form of fertilisation. Despite this evidence, ICSI continued to grow in prevalence across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia for non-male factor infertility. Significant cohort studies started to emerge from the US and from Europe that showed either no benefit from ICSI for unexplained infertility, or indeed harm, in terms of ongoing pregnancy rates. This year we published in The Lancet, a randomised control trial where couples with unexplained infertility and a normal total sperm count and motility were randomised to receive either ICSI or standard IVF as a fertilisation method. No significant benefit of using ICSI was found with respect to ongoing pregnancy or live birth. The potential health benefits to the child and the cost effectiveness of the treatment weigh against the routine use of ICSI in the presence of normal sperm. Other cohort studies show that there is no benefit of ICSI for low egg numbers, advanced maternal age, or preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Examination of the use of ICSI across Australia, shows enormous variations between states and within the same state. It is clear, that members of the Society have very heterogeneous view of the use of ICSI and my intention in this talk is to encourage everyone to be more critical of its use when there is no sperm abnormality. I would encourage clinicians to use the normal natural processes of sperm selection which occur in routine IVF without sperm injection.
The Patient Perspective: Why Patients Need These Tools and How Can We Maximize the Benefit to Them
Authors: PICKENS Maree 
Published: November 2022

ACCESS, Australia’s National Infertility Network is a consumer-controlled, not-for-profit charity that for nearly 30 years has been the voice of patients needing medical assistance to have a child. Years ago, ACCESS met patients’ demand for information by producing a detailed Fact Sheet “How to choose an IVF Clinic and understand success rates”. It lists the many questions patients should ask when choosing an IVF clinic. The YourIVFSuccess website is now another tool that empowers patients with Australian fertility clinics’ success information as well as an estimator tool based on Australian data. It’s a site that patients have contributed to developing, and will continue to influence through consultation, research and representation on the YourIVFSuccess Advisory Group. This presentation will provide patient insights from focus groups and surveys conducted during the websites’ development and 6 months post launch - what they wanted to see, what they value most and what they want to see improved with future developments.