bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economics of Using Concentrate of Membrane Processes As a Low-Cost Thermal Energy Storage Medium
Authors: Camey Brian C. , Kiriakos Joseph , Mhamunkar Gauri , Delagah Saied , Sharbat Ali , Mandell Aaron , Baghaei Lakeh Reza 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Membrane processes are used for water treatment techniques to desalinate seawater and surface water into potable water. The undesired byproduct of these processes is a high concentrate salt. In this project, the repurposed concentrate salt was studied as a storage medium for grid-scale Thermal Energy Storage (TES). The Department of Energy’s (DOE) goal is to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy of TES for concentrated solar power to be under 15 $/kWh by 2030. In this work, a techno-economic assessment was performed to estimate the cost of TES using concentrate salt. The total cost of TES was estimated by considering costs associated with transportation of brine, evaporation of remaining water, grinding the salt content, additives added, and containment costs while considering a positive financial gain from obtaining the concentrate from water treatment facilities. It was observed that the concentrate salt that went through solid to liquid phase change provides an increase in energy density and a reduction in TES cost. The results show a financial benefit using concentrate salt as a storage medium for heat making it a feasible material to meet the Sunshot Initiative goals for TES. Depending on the source of the brine, zero liquid discharge method, and operating temperature we can observe costs as low as (−$11.10), i.e., positive revenue. The occurrence of phase change within the operating temperature of the application significantly increases the energy storage density and reduces the cost of the TES which is seen in the results for the melting scenarios.
Effect of Weather on the Performance of Autonomous Vehicle LiDAR Sensors
Authors: Abdo Jamil , Hamblin Spencer , Chen Genshe 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Given the significant technological advances over the past few years, autonomous vehicles are gradually entering the industrialization stage. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors are seeing increased use in autonomous vehicles. However, the final implementation of the technology remains undetermined because major automotive manufacturers have just started selecting providers for data-collection units that can be introduced in commercial vehicles. Autonomous driving tests are, up to now, handled mostly in sunny environments, such as California or Texas. However, the quality of the detection under fog, rain and snow, especially if they are extreme, becomes severely degraded, especially regarding range. In this work the performance of LiDAR sensors under adverse weather conditions and the effects of LiDAR channels on object detection were investigated. Results showed that fog severely affected LiDAR performance. Rain also had a slight effect on performance, but snow did not affect LiDAR performance. Results also showed that both dense fog and heavy rain affected object and operating range detection by LiDAR sensors.
Design of Air-Jet Flow Frame to Control Bug’s Flight Path to Prevent Collision on LIDAR Covers
Authors: Sadeghizadeh Zahra , Romero Edwar , Carbajal Gerardo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Environmental factors such as vibration, high air temperature, rain, haze conditions, or insects’ debris on the sensor may negatively impact the performance of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor. For instance, at high velocity, especially on summer nights, the bugs strike on the LIDAR cover surface and accumulate over time, blocking the sensor visibility. As a result, the sensor measurement becomes obscured by insects splashing on the LIDAR cover, resulting in a critical loss of performance in LIDAR sensor readings. One approach to resolve this problem is to keep insects away from hitting the sensor cover. To change the insects’ flight path, it is possible to implement a non-invasive method such as applying high momentum air-jet adjacent to the LIDAR cover to deflect the bugs away from the surface. This non-invasive mechanism can control the airflow near the front surface of the sensor to prevent insect collision on the surface. This study designed and fabricated a custom-made air-jet to modify the airflow trajectory on the sensor’s front surface and used nylon pellets as insects. With this design, it is possible to control the resultant upstream airflow before impacting the LIDAR surface, consequently preventing insects or other particles from colliding the sensor cover. The resulting upstream flow depends on the air-jet flow and free stream velocity ahead of the sensor. Highspeed imaging studies have been applied to determine the effectiveness of the air-jet design in altering the nylon pellets’ flight. High-speed imaging shows how different operating conditions affect the nylon pellets path on LIDAR cover. The controlling parameters in this experimental study are free stream air velocity and orientation of air-jet velocity.
Simulation of Wave Propagation in Biomimetic Porous Scaffold Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Hodaei Mohammad , Maghoul Pooneh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The study of wave propagation in biomimetic porous scaffold requires the inclusion of some complex physics such as the interaction of the ultrasonic wave with pore fluid, solid phase, and porous material. Also, due to viscous interactions between the pore fluid and skeletal frame, the dynamic tortuosity as a fractional function of frequency in the clinically relevant ultrasound frequency range is considered. The bone scaffold here is simulated using a porous slab whose two dimensions are infinite. The Biot-JKD theory used for wave propagation in porous media is conditioned with many physical parameters. Solving such governing equations for complex multi-physics problems is computationally expensive. Therefore, developing efficient tools and numerical methods to address multi-physics problems is appealing. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) can efficiently solve convoluted-parametric problems. The purpose of this research is to propose a physics-aware ANN to simulate wave propagation in bone scaffold filled with a viscous fluid. A set of data including porosity, viscosity, tortuosity, viscous characteristics length, Poisson’s ratio, and elastic modulus which are sensitive to the transmission and reflection signals are applied to the ANN as inputs and the reflection and transmission signals are obtained as outputs. The reflected and transmitted waves for different porosities are considered and the results show an excellent agreement with the proposed analytical theory and experimental data found in the literature.
Tennis Service Performance in Beginners: The Effect of Instructional Self-Talk Combined With Motor Imagery
Authors: Robin Nicolas , Carien Robbin , Dominique Laurent 
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of motor imagery (MI) combined with instructional self-talk on service performance in young novice tennis players. The participants were assigned to one of three groups: control, MI, or MI + self-talk. They performed a pretest (10 serves), participated in 5 days of intervention sessions, and finally performed a posttest similar to the pretest. During the intervention sessions, the participants performed 20 serves. The control group was not given any instructions other than verbal instructions on the steps of the serve. Before each serve, the MI group was instructed to imagine performing a successful serve towards the “correct” service box. The MI + self-talk group had to repeat the instructions during MI before serving. The results of this original study revealed that only the participants in the MI and MI + self-talk groups increased their service percentage of success and technical quality scores from pre- to posttest. In addition, at posttest, the participants of the MI + self-talk group had higher serve speeds and technical quality scores than the participants of the control and MI groups. The beneficial effect of using MI and/or self-talk during short tennis interventions and the practical applications are discussed.
Strategies to reduce fractures in older people are not effective
Authors: Saul Helen , Gursul Deniz 
Published: January 2022

The studyThis NIHR Alert is based on: Lamb S, Bruce J, Hossain A. Screening and intervention to prevent falls and fractures in older people.N Engl J Med2020;383:19.To read the full Alert, go to:https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/strategies-to-reduce-fractures-are-not-effective/
Mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on HIV treatment and care in Lusaka, Zambia: a before–after cohort study using mixed effects regression
Authors: Pry Jake M , Sikombe Kombatende , Mody Aaloke , Iyer Shilpa , Mutale Jacob , Vlahakis Natalie , Savory Theodora , Wa Mwanza Mwanza , Mweebo Keith , Mwila Annie , Mwale Consity , Mukumbwa-Mwenechanya Mpande , Kerkhoff Andrew D , Sikazwe Izukanji , Bolton Moore Carolyn , Mwamba Daniel , Geng Elvin H , Herce Michael E 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionThe Zambian Ministry of Health (MoH) issued COVID-19 mitigation guidance for HIV care immediately after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Zambia on 18 March 2020. The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia implemented MoH guidance by: 1) extending antiretroviral therapy (ART) refill duration to 6 multi-month dispensation (6MMD) and 2) task-shifting communication and mobilisation of those in HIV care to collect their next ART refill early. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 mitigation guidance on HIV care 3 months before and after guidance implementation.MethodsWe reviewed all ART pharmacy visit data in the national HIV medical record for PLHIV in care having ≥1 visit between 1 January—30 June 2020 at 59 HIV care facilities in Lusaka Province, Zambia. We undertook a before–after evaluation using mixed-effects Poisson regression to examine predictors and marginal probability of early clinic return (pharmacy visit >7 days before next appointment), proportion of late visit (>7 days late for next appointment) and probability of receiving a 6MMD ART refill.ResultsA total of 101 371 individuals (64% female, median age 39) with 130 486 pharmacy visits were included in the analysis. We observed a significant increase in the adjusted prevalence ratio (4.63; 95% CI 4.45 to 4.82) of early return before compared with after guidance implementation. Receipt of 6MMD increased from a weekly mean of 47.9% (95% CI 46.6% to 49.2%) before to 73.4% (95% CI 72.0% to 74.9%) after guidance implementation. The proportion of late visits (8–89 days late) was significantly higher before (18.8%, 95% CI17.2%to20.2%) compared with after (15.1%, 95% CI13.8%to16.4%) guidance implementation .ConclusionsTimely issuance and implementation of COVID-19 mitigation guidance involving task-shifted patient communication and mobilisation alongside 6MMD significantly increased early return to ART clinic, potentially reducing interruptions in HIV care during a global public health emergency.
Preventive Antenatal Educational Program on Allergic Diseases (PAEPAD) versus standard antenatal care for prevention of atopic dermatitis: study protocol for a single-centre, investigator-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Mutong , Liang Yuan , Song Fengli , Ma Lili , Wang Ying , Gao Wanli , Tian Jing , Ying Xiangji , Shen Chunping , Wang Shan , Jiao Lei , Wang Yang , Sun Xiaoyan , Ma Lin , Ma Xiuhua 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionPatient education serves an essential purpose in the long-term management of allergic diseases as a secondary prevention approach. However, evidence on using education for primary prevention is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention, that is, the Preventive Antenatal Educational Program on Allergic Diseases (PAEPAD), on infantile allergic disease incidences compared with the standard care.Methods and analysisThis is a single-centre randomised controlled trial of expecting mother–children dyads in Daxing Teaching Hospital of Beijing, China. A total of 2266 expecting mothers will be recruited. Expecting mothers enlisted in the birth registry of Daxing Teaching Hospital of Capital Medical University and intend to give birth at this location will be screened for eligibility. Women aged≥18 years with less than 14+6 weeks of pregnancy who intends to remain resident in Daxing district for at least 2 years postpartum will be entered into the run-in phase. Randomisation will take place at 30 weeks of gestation. Women at high risk for miscarriage or intend to have abortions will be excluded. The participants will be allocated into two groups (ie, the PAEPAD and the standard care group) by random allocation (1:1). The PAEPAD group will receive a multidisciplinary education of neonatal care, including standard education as the control group and additional information on skincare of infants, sun protection, topical corticosteroids and an overview of atopic dermatitis (AD), whereas the standard care group will receive the standard neonatal care education carried out by obstetricians. Participants will be followed for 2 years. The primary outcome will be infantile AD cumulative incidence at 2 years postpartum. Secondary outcomes will include other AD outcomes, atopic march outcomes, knowledge outcomes and other maternal and neonatal outcomes. Data collection will be carried out using both electronic and paper questionnaires. Biological samples will also be collected longitudinally.Ethics and disseminationThe study design was approved by the ethical committee of Capital Medical University Daxing Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.Trial registration numberChiCTR registry (Trial ID: ChiCTR2000040463).
Why did COVID-19 not further harm the mental health of poor mothers? A mixed-method study on low-income families in Singapore
Authors: Goh Esther Chor Leng , Wen Daniel John Rongwei , Ang Rachel Chai Yun 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThis paper examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on a disadvantaged group of financially poor mothers’ mental health conditions in Singapore during the phase of acute COVID-19 infection.DesignA mixed-method design is used. We conducted five focus group discussions with interviewers (n=39) who administered a third wave of survey questionnaire to 424 mothers from low-income families between June and September 2020. The focus group discussions gleaned observations by the interviewers on the risk and stress levels of the mothers during the period leading up to the height of COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, survey data from two time points—pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 pandemic height, measuring the relationship of mother’s job loss, income earner loss, marital status, number of children and, permanency of employment and mother’s hope levels with mother’s depression and anxiety were used to triangulate the observations from the focus group discussions.ResultsMajority of the interviewers did not observe any marked increase in stress levels. Correspondingly the quantitative data did not show any significant increase in depression and anxiety scores between wave 2 and 3 results. Qualitative data showed that numerous mothers were able to report different strategies in coping with the financial distress. The government COVID-19 support grants were cited by many as helpful in cushioning the financial stress. Comparing the quantitative measurements, the relationship between loss of income earner and mother’s depression and anxiety was moderated by marital status. In addition, the relationship between mother’s job loss and mother’s depression, as well as loss of income earner and mother’s anxiety, was moderated by mother’s hope.ConclusionWe speculate the relatively stable level of mental health state of financially poor mothers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to their internal (psychological traits) resilience which is facilitated by the availability of resources in the social milieu through the COVID-19 support grants.
Study protocol for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection and its determinants in Catalonia (Spain): an observational and participatory research approach in a Sentinel Network of Schools
Authors: Bordas Anna , Soriano-Arandes Antoni , Subirana Maria , Malagrida Rosina , Reyes-Urueña Juliana Maria , Folch Cinta , Soler-Palacin Pere , Gascón Mireia , Sunyer Jordi , Anton Andres , Blanco Ignacio , Fernández-Morales Jessica , Colom-Cadena Andreu , Sentís Alexis , Pumarola Tomas , Basora Josep , Casabona Jordi 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionSince the SARS-CoV-2 became of concern in January 2020, many preventive measures have been adopted in educational settings to ensure the control of COVID-19 pandemic among children and staff in schools. This study aims to set up a school sentinel surveillance network with the purpose of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection, seroprevalence as well as to analyse the impact of preventive interventions of SARS-CoV-2 in school settings. Additionally, we will assess diverse screening strategies in a cohort of students and school staff to monitor the screening acceptance and its potential impact. Altogether, we hope this study will enable the design of more effective strategies for the prevention of COVID-19 spread.Methods and analysisThe sentinel schools’ study is a cross-sectional, school-based project including 26 participating sentinel schools in Catalonia (Spain). Children, adolescents and staff at the schools will be invited to participate. This project will be carried out from January 2021 to June 2022 as follows: (1) twice yearly serological testing and molecular SARS-CoV-2 detection and questionnaires covering SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, tests, health, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours; (2) an environmental evaluation carried out in different classrooms; (3) SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and the impact of different variants among confirmed cases and classmates; (4) a participatory process by which the participants are invited to act as coinvestigators to evaluate prevention strategies and provide recommendations to improve COVID-19 prevention in schools. Descriptive analysis will be performed for the main variables collected. The incidence and seroprevalence will be calculated and the association with sociodemographic factors and school characteristics will be determined using multivariate logistic regression.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the IDIAPJGol and the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron ethics committees. A report will be generated quarterly. Findings will be disseminated at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Medical assistance in dying in hospice: A qualitative study
Authors: Mellett James , Macdonald Mary Ellen 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThe modern hospice movement has historically opposed assisted dying. The 2016 legalisation of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada has created a new reality for Canadian hospices. There have been few studies examining how the legalisation of MAID has affected Canadian hospices. Our objective was to identify the challenges and opportunities hospice workers think MAID brings to a hospice.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study included four focus groups and four semistructured interviews with Canadian hospice workers at two hospices, one which allowed MAID on site, and one which did not. Thematic analysis was used to understand and report these challenges and opportunities.ResultsWe constructed five themes. These themes detailed participants’ beliefs in the abilities of hospice care, and how they felt MAID challenged these abilities. Further, participants felt that MAID itself created challenging situations for patients and families, and that local policies and practices led to additional institutional challenges. Some participants also felt that allowing MAID in hospice provided opportunities for more extensive end-of-life options.ConclusionsThe legalisation of MAID in Canada has created both challenges and opportunities for Canadian hospices. A balancing of these challenges and opportunities may provide a path for Canadian hospices to navigate their new reality. Increasing demand for MAID means that hospices are likely to continue to encounter requests for MAID, and should enact supports to ensure staff are able to manage these challenges and make best use of the opportunities.
Patient–caregiver dyads advance care plan value discussions: randomised controlled cancer trial of video decision support tool
Authors: Michael Natasha G , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , Hepworth Graham , Melia Adelaide , Tuohy Roisin , Sulistio Merlina , Kissane David 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveUptake of advance care planning (ACP) in cancer remains low. An emphasis on personal value discussions and adoption of novel interventions may serve as the catalyst to increase engagement. This study examined the effectiveness of a video decision support tool (VDST) modelling values conversations in cancer ACP.MethodsThis single site, open-label, randomised controlled trial allocated patient–caregiver dyads on a 1:1 ratio to VDST or usual care (UC). Previously used written vignettes were converted to video vignettes using standard methodology. We evaluated ACP document completion rates, understanding and perspectives on ACP, congruence in communication and preparation for decision-making.ResultsParticipants numbered 113 (60.4% response rate). The VDST did not improve overall ACP document completion (37.7% VDST; 36.7% UC). However, the VDST improved ACP document completion in older patients (≥70) compared with younger counterparts (<70) (OR=0.308, 95% CI 0.096 to 0.982, p=0.047), elicited greater distress in patients (p=0.015) and improved patients and caregivers ratings for opportunities to discuss ACP with health professionals. ACP improved concordance in communication (VDST p=0.006; UC p=0.045), more so with the VDST (effect size: VDST 0.7; UC 0.54). Concordance in communication also improved in both arms with age.ConclusionThe VDST failed to improve ACP document completion rates but highlighted that exploring core patient values may improve concordance in patient–caregiver communication. Striving towards a more rigorous design of the VDST intervention, incorporating clinical outcome scenarios with values conversations may be the catalyst needed to progress ACP towards a more fulfilling process for those who partake in it.Trial registration numberACTRN12620001035910.
Long-term effect of elevated air humidity on seasonal variability in diurnal leaf conductance and gas exchange in silver birch
Authors: Kupper Priit , Rohula-Okunev Gristin , Tullus Arvo , Tulva Ingmar , Merilo Ebe , Sellin Arne 
Published: January 2022

Environmental conditions and photoperiod length drive the seasonal variability of gas exchange in plants. Still, little is known about trees’ adaptation to climate change, expressed as a delay in decreasing photosynthetic capacity at the end of the growing season. We investigated the effect of elevated air humidity (RH) and sampling period (from July to September) on the variability of net photosynthesis (An), dark respiration (R), daytime (gl_day) and night-time (gl_night) leaf conductance, an index of leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), and An:SPAD ratio in cut shoots of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). Measurements of cut shoots were conducted in a climate chamber to eliminate the direct effect of field conditions. The An, An:SPAD ratio, and gl_day were higher in the humidification treatment (H) than in the control (C) (P < 0.05) in autumn. The R was higher in the control than in the humidification treatment across the study period. The gl_night increased considerably in September in both treatments (P < 0.05) and was significantly correlated with R. Our findings suggest that autumnal leaf conductance and gas exchange in silver birch are considerably influenced by long-term exposure to elevated RH and are probably related to a complex of leaf senescence processes, including nitrogen retranslocation.