bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Laminar Flame Speed of Iso-Octane/Air/Ozone Lean Mixtures under Engine-Like Thermo-chemical Conditions
Authors: D’Amato Marco , Cantiani Antonio , Magi Vinicio , Viggiano Annarita 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
A numerical study has been carried out to evaluate the suitability of using ozone to achieve stable combustion of a very lean iso-octane/air mixture in a spark-ignition engine. A CFD model has been developed to simulate the compression stroke of the engine and the model has been validated against experimental data. Such a model is able to simulate the chemical kinetics of iso-octane/air/ozone mixtures during the compression stroke, thus predicting the composition and the thermodynamic conditions of the mixture in the chamber at the spark ignition time. These conditions have been used to compute the laminar flame speed of such a mixture by employing a 1-D solver. The accuracy of the solver has been assessed by comparing the numerical results with experimental data. As regards ozonized air, no measured laminar flame speeds for iso-octane/air/ozone mixtures are available. Hence, the model has been validated against experimental data for methane/air/ozone mixtures. The model has been used to investigate iso-octane/air/ozone mixtures, with 0, 200 and 500 ppm of ozone at IVC. The stoichiometric and a lean case with ϕ = 0.5 have been compared. The results show that, during the engine compression stroke, ozone decomposition produces oxygen atoms, which attack fuel molecules producing OH-radicals. These radicals favor the low-temperature oxidation until ignition time is reached. At the ignition time, the thermodynamic conditions of the mixture, in terms of pressure and temperature, are similar for cases with and without ozone. However, with ozone, a partially oxidized mixture is obtained, which promotes an increase of the laminar flame speed to a value comparable to the case without ozone under stoichiometric conditions.
Towards large-scale simulation of indoor thermal conditions in buildings supplied with district heating: model evaluation based on experimental data
Authors: Grassi Benedetta , Lezzi Adriano Maria , Pilotelli Mariagrazia 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Utility companies are studying ways to improve the energy efficiency of district heating networks and promote flexible solutions. However, the impact of any modification must be verified, especially when dealing with existing buildings whose heating systems were originally sized based on different design conditions. Predictive simulations are carried out for this scope. Several building energy simulation options are available, computational effort and availability of input data being the strictest constraints for their adoption. In this preliminary work, real temperature measurements from a multi-family house in a demo site supplied by an experimental district heating branch have been used to assess the performances of dynamic energy models of different complexity. Images, local registries and literature studies have been used as sources of input information. Despite the high degree of approximation of the available data, encouraging results are found, with a root mean squared error below 1.5 °C over the heating season for a single dwelling, while inertial effects need to be better modelled when the whole building is simulated. The opportunity of improving the consistency and coordination between public databases is also discussed as a way to increase energy mapping possibilities.
Development of sustainable ORC applications in the tertiary sector: a case study in the Mediterranean climate
Authors: Cirrincione L , Morale M , Peri G , Scaccianoce G 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In recent decades, climate change strong advancement has led many countries, especially the most developed ones, to a greater sense of environmental responsibility. On a global, European and national level, adaptation/mitigation strategies and actions aimed at improving energy-environmental sustainability and resilience in the tertiary sectors have been increasingly intensified. In this sector, therefore, plays a fundamental role the integration/introduction of technologies able to operate an efficient conversion of energy, such as indeed Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant, other than renewable energy sources, in order to reduce both energy consumption and pollutant emissions. Within this scenario, the aim of this work is to investigate the potential application of a cogeneration ORC system powered by solar collector and geothermal sources, by evaluating its energy, environmental and economic advantages and limitations. To this purpose a case study involving the coverage of the energy needs of a hotel located in Catania (Southern Italy) has been simulated and analyzed. The outcomes put in evidence the importance of the operative conditions in optimizing the productivity of an ORC plant, especially when associated with renewable energy sources, although at the moment investment and supply costs are still quite high.
Tribological properties of Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites with a gradient composite structure prepared by laser melt deposition
Authors: Huang Yuchun , Ma Tao , Meng Yubo , Ma Haishu , Liu Xiyao 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
As the contact part of metal-matrix self-lubricating composites during sliding friction, the friction interface layer directly affects the tribological performance of the material. However, the formation of the friction interface layer with outstanding tribological performance is limited by the friction conditions during sliding friction. To address this problem, based on the antifriction and wear resistance mechanisms of the in situ formed friction interface layer of Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites (NMSCs) with homogeneous solid lubricant, Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites with a gradient composite structure (Ni3Al-GCS) were prepared via laser melt deposition, in which each component layer contained different contents of Sn-Ag-Cu and Ti3SiC2. Dry sliding friction tests of Ni3Al-GCS against GCr15 steel balls were performed under different loading conditions. The results showed that the tribological performances of Ni3Al-GCS in the range of 4–16 N were less affected by the variation of the loading conditions than those of NMSCs. The gradient composite structure of Ni3Al-GCS could reduce the dependence of the tribological behavior on the friction conditions, resulting in excellent antifriction and wear resistance of Ni3Al-GCS in a wide load range. In addition, the gradient composite structure could reduce the sliding contact damage of the friction contact surface of Ni3Al-GCS, and contribute to the formation of friction interface layer rich in the lubrication phase and oxides, thus improving the tribological performance of Ni3Al-GCS during sliding friction. This study provides new approaches for the tribological design of metal-matrix self-lubricating composites in a wide load range.
Analytical framework for quantum alternating operator ansätze
Authors: Hadfield Stuart , Hogg Tad , Rieffel Eleanor G 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
We develop a framework for analyzing layered quantum algorithms such as quantum alternating operator ansätze (QAOA). In the context of combinatorial optimization, our framework relates quantum cost gradient operators, derived from the cost and mixing Hamiltonians, to classical cost difference functions that reflect cost function neighborhood structure. By considering QAOA circuits from the Heisenberg picture, we derive exact general expressions for expectation values as series expansions in the algorithm parameters, cost gradient operators, and cost difference functions. This enables novel interpretability and insight into QAOA behavior in various parameter regimes. For single-level QAOA1 we show the leading-order changes in the output probabilities and cost expectation value explicitly in terms of classical cost differences, for arbitrary cost functions. This demonstrates that, for sufficiently small positive parameters, probability flows from lower to higher cost states on average. By selecting signs of the parameters, we can control the direction of flow. We use these results to derive a classical random algorithm emulating QAOA1 in the small-parameter regime, i.e. that produces bitstring samples with the same probabilities as QAOA1 up to small error. For deeper QAOA
p
circuits we apply our framework to derive analogous and additional results in several settings. In particular we show QAOA always beats random guessing. We describe how our framework incorporates cost Hamiltonian locality for specific problem classes, including causal cone approaches, and applies to QAOA performance analysis with arbitrary parameters. We illuminate our results with a number of examples including applications to QUBO problems, MaxCut, and variants of MaxSAT. We illustrate the generalization of our framework to QAOA circuits using mixing unitaries beyond the transverse-field mixer through two examples of constrained optimization problems, Max Independent Set and Graph Coloring. We conclude by outlining some of the further applications we envision for the framework.
Minimal action control method in quantum critical models
Authors: Kazhybekova Ainur , Campbell Steve , Kiely Anthony 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
We present a general protocol to control closed quantum systems that is based on minimising the adiabatic action. Using tools based on the geometry of quantum evolutions through the quantum adiabatic brachistochrone, we show that high fidelity control of the ground state of critical quantum systems can be achieved and requires only a reasonable approximation for the ground state spectral gap. We demonstrate our results for three widely applicable systems: the Landau-Zener, Ising, and fully connected spin models.
Fiber-coupled quantum light sources based on solid-state quantum emitters
Authors: Bremer Lucas , Rodt Sven , Reitzenstein Stephan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Photonic quantum technology is essentially based on the exchange of individual photons as information carriers. Therefore, the development of practical single-photon sources that emit single photons on-demand is a crucial contribution to advance this emerging technology and to promote its first real-world applications. In the last two decades, a large number of quantum light sources based on solid-state emitters have been developed on a laboratory scale. Corresponding structures today have almost ideal optical and quantum-optical properties. For practical applications, however, one crucial factor is usually missing, namely direct on-chip fiber coupling, which is essential, for example, for the direct integration of such quantum devices into fiber-based quantum networks. In fact, the development of fiber-coupled quantum light sources is still in its infancy, with very promising advances having been made in recent years. Against this background, this review article presents the current status of the development of fiber-coupled quantum light sources based on solid-state quantum emitters and discusses challenges, technological solutions and future prospects. Among other things, the numerical optimization of the fiber coupling efficiency, coupling methods, and important realizations of such quantum devices are presented and compared. Overall, this article provides an important overview of the state-of-the-art and the performance parameters of fiber-coupled quantum light sources that have been achieved so far. It is aimed equally at experts in the scientific field and at students and newcomers who want to get an overview of the current developments.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Capsular Contracture Following Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective, Multicenter Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Berger Lauren E , Spoer Daisy L , Bovill John D , Huffman Samuel S , Bell Alice C , Truong Brian N , Singh Anusha , Fan Kenneth L , Tom Laura K 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Capsular contracture (CC) is a common long-term complication following prosthetic-based breast reconstruction (PBBR). Seven cases of CC following mRNA vaccination for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are reported in the literature.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine whether receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with CC development following PBBR.

Methods
A retrospective, multicenter nested case-control study was performed from January 2014 to July 2022 of adult female patients who underwent PBBR with acellular dermal matrix placement. Cases of CC were selected if no adjuvant radiation was received and they presented for follow-up between December 2020 and July 2022. Controls included patients who met inclusion criteria but who did not experience CC in either breast. Patient demographics, breast cancer characteristics, reconstructive surgery details, postoperative complications, and COVID-19 exposure details were analyzed and correlated with CC development.

Results
Of a total of 230 patients (393 breasts) who received PBBR, 85 patients (135 breasts) met inclusion criteria, of whom 12 patients (19 breasts) developed CC and 73 patients (116 breasts) did not. At the time of median follow-up of 18.1 months (n = 85; interquartile range, 12.2-33.6 months), no statistically significant differences were observed between the short- or long-term complications in cases or controls. There were no significant differences in COVID-19 vaccination status, number of vaccine doses, or vaccination type between cases and controls. Vaccination status was not associated with greater odds of CC development (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.42-5.37; P &gt; .05).

Conclusions
Direct association between CC and COVID-19 vaccination is difficult to prove. Given the known risk of severe COVID-19 infection among immunocompromised patients, those with breast cancer who undergo PBBR should be properly counseled on the benefits and risks of vaccination.

Level of Evidence: 4
‘We Call it Getting Your Eye In’: Policing Sexual Harassment on the London Underground Through the Lens of Haraway’s Situated Knowledges and Cyborgs
Authors: Lewis Sian 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This article explores police perspectives of sexual harassment on the London Underground. Drawing on 15 semi-structured interviews with the British Transport Police this article demonstrates how the police a) use their ‘situated knowledges’ to make sense of the dynamics of the London Underground and seek out offenders within the network, often without a report of harassment; and b) engage with technologies in order to (re)construct incidents of sexual harassment so that they can be investigated. The article argues that the BTP occupy a ‘soft cyborg ontology’, and claims the implications this has on epistemologies and methods of policing as significant. As well as permitting new insights into the procedures of policing sexual harassment on public transport, it contributes a critical perspective to the role of technology in police culture, practice and methods.
The Protective Role of Perceived Social Support between Ethnic Identity and Adverse Mental Health Outcomes: The Case of Indigenous Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Angel H Y , Teyra Ciwang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Ethnic identity is considered a psychocultural asset of indigenous. Yet, the search for own ethnic identity can induce unpleasant feelings, especially for indigenous peoples who have encountered colonisation and oppression. Using indigenous peoples in Taiwan, this study examined the protective effect of perceived social support on the associations between ethnic identity and the adverse mental health of anxiety and depression. Participants were self-identified indigenous peoples in Taiwan (n = 200; mean age = 29). A cross-sectional quantitative survey was adopted. Hypotheses were tested with structural equation modelling. Findings were: (1) low ethnic identity commitment was associated with high levels of depression and anxiety. (2) High ethnic identity exploration was associated with high levels of depression and anxiety. (3) Perceived social support was negatively associated with depression and anxiety. (4) Perceived social support protected participants with low ethnic identity commitment from developing depressive and anxiety. (5) Perceived social support protected participants with high ethnic identity of exploration from experiencing depressive symptoms, but not anxiety. Results highlighted the protective role of perceived social support in indigenous peoples with low levels of ethnic identity commitment and high ethnic identity exploration. Implications on using social support interventions to mobilise ethnic identity as a psychocultural asset were discussed.
Towards a community-based ethical contract
Authors: Beck Dave , Purcell Rod 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis article argues that to be effective, community development ethics need to be embedded in community development practice. In the professional experience of the authors, ethics are often said by community development practitioners to be important in theory but may seem abstract or have little impact on day-to-day work. We therefore argue that to bridge that gap between theory and practice the establishment of an ethical contract between community workers and the groups that they work with should be seen as an indispensable element of good practice. We suggest that for an ethical contract to be effective it should be established by workers and community groups working in inclusive and participative ways. This will increase the degree to which ethical practice is understood and owned by all participants and opens up opportunities for practice to be accountable to everyone involved in the community development process and not just professional workers. Drawing on human rights literature and insights from popular education, the article highlights the ways in which using a static ethics framework (such as a statement of ethical principles or code of ethics) may reinforce existing power imbalances and inadvertently disempower communities. It explores how establishing a dynamic ethical contract between practitioners and the groups they work with offers greater potential for embedding ethical practice in community development work.
Pathophysiology and pharmacology of G protein-coupled receptors in the heart
Authors: Grogan Alyssa , Lucero Emilio Y , Jiang Haoran , Rockman Howard A 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), comprising the largest superfamily of cell surface receptors, serve as fundamental modulators of cardiac health and disease owing to their key roles in the regulation of heart rate, contractile dynamics, and cardiac function. Accordingly, GPCRs are heavily pursued as drug targets for a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases ranging from heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia to hypertension and coronary artery disease. Recent advancements in understanding the signalling mechanisms, regulation, and pharmacological properties of GPCRs have provided valuable insights that will guide the development of novel therapeutics. Herein, we review the cellular signalling mechanisms, pathophysiological roles, and pharmacological developments of the major GPCRs in the heart, highlighting the β-adrenergic, muscarinic, and angiotensin receptors as exemplar subfamilies.
Which frailty tool best predicts morbidity and mortality in ambulatory patients with heart failure? A prospective study
Authors: Sze Shirley , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Zhang Jufen , Weston Joan , Clark Andrew L 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Frailty is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with adverse outcome, but it is uncertain how frailty should best be measured.

Objectives
To compare the prognostic value of commonly-used frailty tools in ambulatory patients with HF.

Methods and results
We assessed, simultaneously, three screening tools [clinical frailty scale (CFS); Derby frailty index (DFI); acute frailty network (AFN) frailty criteria), three assessment tools (Fried criteria; Edmonton frailty score (EFS); deficit index (DI)) and three physical tests (handgrip strength, timed get-up-and-go test (TUGT), 5-metre walk test (5MWT)] in consecutive patients with HF attending a routine follow-up visit. 467 patients (67% male, median age = 76 years, median NT-proBNP = 1156 ng/L) were enrolled. During a median follow-up of 554 days, 82 (18%) patients died and 201 (43%) patients were either hospitalised or died. In models corrected for age, Charlson score, haemoglobin, renal function, sodium, NYHA, atrial fibrillation (AF), and body mass index, only log[NT-proBNP] and frailty were independently associated with all-cause death. A base model for predicting mortality at 1 year including NYHA, log[NT-proBNP], sodium and AF, had a C-statistic = 0.75. Amongst screening tools: CFS (C-statistic = 0.84); amongst assessment tools: DI (C-statistic = 0.83) and amongst physical test: 5MWT (C-statistic = 0.80), increased model performance most compared with base model (P &lt;0.05 for all).

Conclusion
Frailty is strongly associated with adverse outcomes in ambulatory patients with HF. When added to a base model for predicting mortality at 1 year including NYHA, NT-proBNP, sodium, and AF, CFS provides comparable prognostic information with assessment tools taking longer to perform.
Nurse-led multi-component behavioural activation programme to improve health outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: a mixed-methods study and feasibility analysis
Authors: Li Polly W C , Yu Doris S F , Yan Bryan P 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Aims
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) play passive roles in disease management. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of an empowerment-based care model, titled ‘the nurse-led multi-component behavioural activation (N-MBA) programme’, on health-related quality of life, AF knowledge, psychological outcomes, medication adherence, and treatment decision-making in patients with AF.

Methods and results
This mixed-methods study comprised a pilot randomized controlled trial and a qualitative study. Patients with AF who had a moderate-to-high risk of stroke but were not prescribed oral anticoagulants were recruited. Forty participants were recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the N-MBA programme or standard care. The 13-week programme comprised care components that prepared patients for shared decision-making, an empowerment-based educational module on AF self-care, and continuous support through telephone calls. The programme was feasible, and the overall attendance rate was 82.5%. The participants gave excellent ratings in the satisfaction survey. The N-MBA group showed greater improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and AF knowledge than the standard care group at the immediate post intervention and 6-month follow-up time points. No significant between-group changes in medication adherence, anxiety, and depression were detected. Participants in the N-MBA group actively raised concerns about AF and its treatment with their attending doctors. The qualitative data were consistent with the quantitative data, indicating that the programme built a comprehensive knowledge base of AF and self-care behaviours.

Conclusion
The N-MBA programme is feasible and acceptable to patients with AF. It improved patients’ AF knowledge, treatment-related decision-making, and HRQoL.

Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03924739