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Hybrid electric-gas heat pump systems are a possible retrofit option in older residential buildings. Older buildings can be challenging to retrofit and in this context hybrid systems can offer an intermediate route to decarbonisation of building heating energy demand. This is especially the case, where deep retrofit measures coupled with monovalent electric heat pump systems may not be feasible from an economic perspective. The aim of the current paper is to examine the suitability of a hybrid electric-gas heat pump system in comparison to electric heat pump systems as a retrofit measure for Irish housing stock and to benchmark both options against existing fossil fuel baseline systems. A detailed building energy model of a residential dwelling was developed and calibrated to within acceptable ASHRAE standards. An energy assessment was carried out which investigates each retrofit scenario. Key findings include: (i) both the all-electric and hybrid heat pump systems deliver primary energy savings compared to the fossil fuel baseline systems, (ii) hybrid systems attain higher primary energy savings compared to all-electric heat pump, where the hybrid system incorporates flexible delivery temperatures compared to a fixed delivery temperature tor the all-electric heat pump system.

Utopia, utopia or utopia are among the concepts that have occupied the minds of thinkers for many years. Utopian thought is that part of thought throughout history that examines the way to achieve a way of life that is associated with well-being and success. In front of Dystopia, there is a dystopia where people will not achieve victory and salvation, societies have moral vices and arrogance that prevent the citizens of such societies from achieving salvation. In this research, the author intends to study and read Hafez Shirazi's sonnets and compare it with Lucien Goldman's sociological components and analysis of poems, to look at a comprehensive view of utopia and destruction in Hafez's sonnets. The present research method is descriptive-analytical. The data required for analysis has been collected through library-reference studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper authored by Amit et al. [Amit, R. K., Mehta, P., & Tripathi, R. R. "Optimal shelf-space stocking policy using stochastic dominance under supply-driven demand uncertainty", European Journal of Operational Research, 246(1), pp. 339-342 (2015)] proposes a newsvendor model in which demand depends on displayed inventory. Under stochastic dominance conditions, they claimed that the profit function is concave at its extremum points. In the present study, it is expressed that this statement is not generally precise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the fields of research in recent years that has been under focused is emotion recognition in electroencephalography (EEG) signals. This study provides a four-layer method to improve people's emotion recognition through these signals and deep belief neural networks. Methods: In this study, using DEAP dataset, a four-layer method is established, which includes (1) preprocessing, (2) extracting features, (3) dimension reduction, and (4) emotion identification and estimation. To find the optimal choice in some of the steps of these layers, three different tests have been conducted. The first is finding the perfect window in feature extraction section that resulted in superiority of Hamming window to the other windows. The second is choosing the most appropriate number of filter bank and the best result was 26. The third test was also emotion recognition that its accuracy was 92.93 for arousal dimension, 92.64 for valence dimension, 93.14 for dominance dimension in two-class experiment and 76.28 for the arousal, 74.83 for the valence, and 75.64 for dominance in three-class experiment. Results: The results of this method show an improvement of 12.34% and 7.74% in two- and three-class levels in the arousal dimension. This improvement in the valence is 12.77 and 8.52, respectively. Conclusion: The results show that the proposed method can be used to improve the accuracy of emotion recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many different conventional approaches such as the frontal and pterional approaches are used to access anterior circulation aneurysms. Recently, the supraorbital approach has been widely applied to the treatment of anterior circulation aneurysms. This study was done to evaluate which approach (pterional or supraorbital) has better outcomes in terms of residual neck post-clipping, cosmetic satisfaction, scar tenderness, complications and functional outcomes. Methodology: A total of 123 patients were recruited into this study, comprising 82 patients who underwent a pterional approach and 41 patients who underwent a supraorbital approach. Computed tomography angiograms, the modified Rankin Scale, and the visual analogue scale were administered at 6 months to look for residual aneurysm, functional outcomes, scar tenderness, and cosmetic satisfaction. Complication data were collected from patients' case notes. Results: The mean operating time for the pterional group was 226 min, compared to supraorbital group, which was 192 min (P = 0.07). Cosmetic satisfaction was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in the supraorbital group. There was no significant difference between the supraorbital and pterional groups' scar tenderness (P = 0.719), residual aneurysm (P = 0.719), or functional outcomes (P = 0.137), and there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of intra- operative and post-operative complications. Conclusions: The supraorbital group had better cosmetic outcomes and shorter operating times compared to the pterional group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to: investigate coating of polylactic acid by TiO2 using low-temperature plasma technique, which is a clean and environmentally benign process; study the characteristics of the obtained samples; and survey the antibacterial effect of nano-TiO2. This method, as an eco-friendly technology used on the biodegradable polymer, would be benefited by industries which want to set feet on the greener path and reduce the social costs resulting from the harmful effects of pollutants.Design/methodology/approach TiO2 was coated on a textile by DC magnetron sputtering. In this study titanium as a pure Ti anode is coated on the sample surface in the plasma reactor by entering argon gas (Ar). Then titanium oxide appears through entering oxygen (O2) into the reactor.Findings Scanning electron microscopy analysis is applied to show the morphology of the coated surface. The quantitative value of TiO2 was evaluated as weight percentage using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and washing stability of the samples is measured using the XRF machine. The highest degree of antibacterial effects and washing stability are all observed in 10 min.Originality/value In this process, contrary to common methods, pure Ti is used for coating. Finishing of textiles via this method has been useful to be used as disposable hospital clothing due to its biodegradable and antibacterial properties. So it will be helpful in reducing negative environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of adding one of the species of Iranian gum tragacanth, Astragalus compactus, to maltodextrin solutions used for microencapsulation of 2-methylbutyl acetate (water-soluble flavoring compound of strawberry) were studied. Initial emulsions were evaluated regarding rheological behavior and particle size distribution. The resulted microcapsules were also analyzed for particle size distributions, glass transition temperature Tg, the morphology of the capsules and the rate of release from them. The results showed that addition of 0.5% w/w A. compactus gum to maltodextrin solutions (14.5% w/w) can increase the viscosity and Tg to an optimum level and can prevent stickiness. Also this species of gum tragacanth had an interesting effect in reducing physical defects of microcapsules and eliminated ruptures significantly. It was also showed that the rate of release of 2-methylbutyl acetate decreased by incorporating gum tragacanth in the wall material. Practical Applications Microencapsulation is of great interest in preservation of flavoring compounds. One of the most important wall materials is maltodextrin, which has several defects to protect flavorings. This study proposes the use of a new material, Iranian gum tragacanth from Astragalus compactus, to overcome these defects. It was found that new microcapsules did not undergo rupture and could retain the flavoring well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PCM passive system was coupled with natural ventilation. • PCM melting temperature was optimized in different climate zones. • Airflow rates were numerically calculated based on the wind and buoyancy effects. • Two control strategies were implemented to maximize the utilization of ventilation. In recent years, the building sector has been responsible for continuous increase in energy consumption in the world. Space heating and cooling accounts for 34% of this energy consumption in buildings. In this context, using thermal energy storage (TES) can reduce energy consumption for space air conditioning. The use of phase change materials (PCM) as latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system in the building envelope has been of great interest for passive cooling applications due to the high energy storage capacity of this technology. However, in order to utilize the full potential of a PCM, it needs to be fully charged at each cycle. Ventilation during the night is an effective method which can be used in PCM-enhanced office buildings with the aim of charging the PCM every required cycle. In the present study, PCM melting temperature of office building in various climate conditions was optimized using a simulation-based optimization and coupled with free cooling operation. Ventilation control strategies were used to improve the cooling energy performance of the PCM enhanced building integrated into envelopes. It was found that charging PCM with night ventilation, especially when using some specific control strategies of natural ventilation operated by external windows opening results in considerable cooling energy savings. The study was conducted for 15 different cities around the world. It was found that, in hot arid conditions, PCM passive cooling system was ineffective. Although, the energy savings were improved by coupling PCM and natural ventilation in these climate conditions. But the benefits were more or less similar to using natural ventilation only. On the other hand, in temperate condition, the effectiveness of PCM was increased from 3.32% to 25.62% by coupling a PCM passive system with night ventilation. It was further improved to 40% when using PCM with temperature-controlled ventilation. Moreover, it can be said that smart control of ventilation can lead to considerable energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cool roof effectiveness in improving building thermal-energy performance is affected by different variables. In particular, roof insulation level and climate conditions are key parameters influencing cool roofs benefits and whole building energy performance. This work aims at assessing the role of cool roof in the optimum roof configuration, i.e., combination of solar reflectance capability and thermal insulation level, in terms of building energy performance in different climate conditions worldwide. To this aim, coupled dynamic thermal-energy simulation and optimization analysis is carried out. In detail, multi-dimensional optimization of combined building roof thermal insulation and solar reflectance is developed to minimize building annual energy consumption for heating–cooling. Results highlight how a high reflectance roof minimizes annual energy need for a small standard office building in the majority of considered climates. Moreover, building energy performance is more sensitive to roof solar reflectance than thermal insulation level, except for the coldest conditions. Therefore, for the selected building, the optimum roof typology presents high solar reflectance capability (0.8) and no/low insulation level (0.00–0.03 m), except for extremely hot or cold climate zones. Accordingly, this research shows how the classic approach of super-insulated buildings should be reframed for the office case toward truly environmentally friendly buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TABULA home archetypes are white-box modelled with realistic occupant variables. • Model parameters narrow the gap between calculated and measured energy use to 5–10%. • In temperate climates, measured heat energy is 22–32% below steady-state simulation. • Deep retrofit of an old home with modern boiler achieves up to 60% energy savings. • Shallow retrofit of a modern home achieves climate action target with heat pump only. Recent climate action plans set ambitious targets for large-scale home energy retrofit. These retrofit targets also recommend switching from oil boilers to electrical heat pumps. One area-based approach to retrofit is neighbourhood scale. Ideally with local community participation, neighbourhood retrofit improves a group of structurally similar homes, of the same archetype. Defined home archetypes already exist for 20 European countries thanks to previous research. That same research attempted steady-state calculations of space heating energy using the ISO 13790 Seasonal Method. Those calculations diverged from measured energy use by a large gap. Taking example home archetypes from Ireland, this study narrowed this energy-use gap by incorporating realistic parameters and schedules. Physical white-box models were constructed in DesignBuilder, and simulated by EnergyPlus with local weather data. The simulations combined realistic heating schedules, internal gains, infiltration and ventilation; converging simulation energy use with typical measurements and mostly achieved model calibration indices. Therefore, the resultant energy-use data was capable of tuning future grey-box models to investigate home energy use across ranges of heating patterns and heating setpoints. The aims of this study are threefold. First, devise a repeatable method to produce heat energy-use values by simulating white-box models of home archetypes, that enable tuning of future grey-box models. Second, specify the heating variables that result in acceptable energy-use gaps between simulation of home archetype models and their typical measurements. Third, test if the retrofits of three Irish home archetypes under a typical occupant schedule, achieve national climate action targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the key metrics to monitor energy sector improvements from the International Energy Agency (IEA), transport emissions must decrease 43% by 2030. Freight logistics operations in Europe are struggling with ways to reduce their carbon footprints in order to adhere to regulations on governing logistics, while providing the increasing demand for sustainable products from the customers. This study investigates the anonymised microdata from the European Road Freight Transport Survey (2011–2014) to acquire patterns in logistic operations based on over 11 million journeys within 27 EU and EFTA countries involved. Different algorithms were implemented (Horizontal Cooperation, Pooling and Physical Internet) to analyse efficiency, in terms of vehicle utilisation, degree of vehicles' loading during each journey and sustainability in terms of the amount of C O 2 emissions per journey. This study shows that existing data can provide invaluable information on the efficiency of logistics operations and the positive effects data analytics can provide. Physical Internet algorithm has performed better in terms of reducing emissions and improving the logistics' efficiency, especially when the sample sizes are large, but this would require a shift to an open global supply web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) causes blockage of ventricular conduits leading to hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and a reduced level of consciousness. The current standard management of IVH is insertion of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter. However, this procedure addresses only the problems of acute hydrocephalus and raised ICP. Endoscopic washout allows for a more complete removal of the intraventricular clot. This study compared these two types of treatment in terms of shunt dependency and relevant clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients who were 10-80 years old and presented with a Graeb score of more than six were randomised into endoscopic washout and EVD treatment groups. A CT brain was repeated on each patient within 24 hours after surgery, and if a patient's Graeb score was still more than six, a repeat endoscopic washout was performed to clear the remaining clots. All patients were monitored for shunt dependency at two weeks and three months, and clinical outcomes were measured at six months after the procedure. Results: A total of 39 patients were recruited; 19 patients were randomised into the endoscopic washout group, and 20 were randomised into the EVD group. However, three patients in the endoscopic group refused that treatment and opted for EVD insertion. Patients treated with endoscopic washout had significantly less drainage dependency at two weeks (P < 0.005) and at three months (P < 0.004) as compared to patients in the external ventricular drainage group. The reduction in Graeb scores was also significantly greater in the endoscopic washout group (P < 0.001). However, the functional outcome at six months measured via a modified Rankin scale score was no different in the two groups of patients. The difference in the functional outcome of the patients was mainly dependent on the initial pathology, with those presenting with a thalamic bleed with IVH showing a poor functional outcome. This parameter was also influenced by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, with those patients with a score of 12 or less having a poor functional outcome (MRS 5-6) at three and six months after the surgery. Conclusions: The use of neuroendoscopy in patients with a massive IVH significantly reduced drainage dependency. However, it did not alter the final functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meningioma is the commonest primary intracranial tumour in adults. Excision is curative for low grade meningioma, whereas high-grade meningioma requires adjuvant therapy following surgery. Several studies have examined the association between peritumoural brain Edema - a common feature in meningioma - and histological grading with mixed results. The present study attempted to elucidate this association and if peritumoural brain Edema affects the intra-operative judgement of surgeons on the completeness of resection., Methods: An observational study was conducted among those who underwent surgery for meningioma. Eighteen subjects were recruited each for low- and high-grades, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgery was employed for interpreting the Edema index and MRI after surgery was used to determine residual tumour., Results: Median age was 50 years, male to female ratio was 1:3.5, 69.4% had peritumoural brain Edema and 75% had reported gross resection. Among the reported gross total resection cases, 40.7% had residual tumour. Analysis showed statistically significant association between peritumoural brain Edema ( P = 0.027) and tumour volume ( P = 0.001) with high-grade meningioma, however multivariate analysis did not present any association. No association was noted between judgement of tumour resection by surgeons and peritumoural brain Edema., Conclusion: Odds ratio for peritumoural brain Edema remained high and the tumour volume exhibited marginal P- value marginal significance for prediction of high grade meningioma. These two factors may still contribute to the tumour grade and should be included in further studies on the prognosis of meningioma.

Background: Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) causes blockage of ventricular conduits leading to hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and a reduced level of consciousness. The current standard management of IVH is insertion of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter. However, this procedure addresses only the problems of acute hydrocephalus and raised ICP. Endoscopic washout allows for a more complete removal of the intraventricular clot. This study compared these two types of treatment in terms of shunt dependency and relevant clinical outcomes., Methods: Patients who were 10-80 years old and presented with a Graeb score of more than six were randomised into endoscopic washout and EVD treatment groups. A CT brain was repeated on each patient within 24 hours after surgery, and if a patient's Graeb score was still more than six, a repeat endoscopic washout was performed to clear the remaining clots. All patients were monitored for shunt dependency at two weeks and three months, and clinical outcomes were measured at six months after the procedure., Results: A total of 39 patients were recruited; 19 patients were randomised into the endoscopic washout group, and 20 were randomised into the EVD group. However, three patients in the endoscopic group refused that treatment and opted for EVD insertion. Patients treated with endoscopic washout had significantly less drainage dependency at two weeks ( P < 0.005) and at three months ( P < 0.004) as compared to patients in the external ventricular drainage group. The reduction in Graeb scores was also significantly greater in the endoscopic washout group ( P < 0.001). However, the functional outcome at six months measured via a modified Rankin scale score was no different in the two groups of patients. The difference in the functional outcome of the patients was mainly dependent on the initial pathology, with those presenting with a thalamic bleed with IVH showing a poor functional outcome. This parameter was also influenced by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, with those patients with a score of 12 or less having a poor functional outcome (MRS 5-6) at three and six months after the surgery., Conclusions: The use of neuroendoscopy in patients with a massive IVH significantly reduced drainage dependency. However, it did not alter the final functional outcome.

Background: Malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction is a devastating clinical entity affecting about 10% of stroke patients. Decompressive craniectomy has been found to reduce mortality rates and improve outcome in patients., Methods: A retrospective case review study was conducted to compare patients treated with medical therapy and decompressive surgery for malignant MCA infarction in Hospital Kuala Lumpur over a period of 5 years (from January 2007 to December 2012). A total of 125 patients were included in this study; 90 (72%) patients were treated with surgery, while 35 (28%) patients were treated with medical therapy. Outcome was assessed in terms of mortality rate at 30 days, Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) on discharge, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 and 6 months., Results: Decompressive craniectomy resulted in a significant reduction in mortality rate at 30 days (P < 0.05) and favorable GOS outcome at discharge (P < 0.05). Good functional outcome based on mRS was seen in 48.9% of patients at 3 months and in 64.4% of patients at 6 months (P < 0.05). Factors associated with good outcome include infarct volume of less than 250 ml, midline shift of less than 10 mm, absence of additional vascular territory involvement, good preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and early surgical intervention (within 24 h) (P < 0.05). Age and dominant hemisphere infarction had no significant association with functional outcome., Conclusion: Decompressive craniectomy achieves good functional outcome in, young patients with good preoperative GCS score and favorable radiological findings treated with surgery within 24 h of ictus.