Oakland University Research Articles

An innovative educational approach to teach high school students the physiological mechanisms and nutrition concepts associated with the development of obesity.

An interdisciplinary team-teaching session was introduced to high school students who participated in the Oakland University William Beaumont Future Physician Summer Enrichment Program. The rising prevalence of adolescent obesity necessitates innovative educational strategies that effectively engage high school students in understanding the complex physiologic mechanisms and nutrition concepts underlying its development. This submission presents a session that is designed to integrate the physiological concepts and nutrition that are associated with the development of obesity. Foundational information about the different food ingredients and physiology of the gastrointestinal organ system followed by concepts associated with the development of obesity and its complications were introduced. The session was delivered using combined educational approaches such as a dialogical-narrative approach and hands-on application activities by two discipline experts, physiology and nutrition. This innovative approach was well received, as evidenced by high satisfaction rates among participants. While direct measures of critical thinking and practical skills development were not captured, the positive feedback suggests that students appreciated the engaging, hands-on application of theoretical concepts. The sessions fostered an awareness of personal health responsibilities, with students actively participating and connecting learned material with practical scenarios. We believe that using combined educational approaches in interdisciplinary team-teaching sessions promotes inclusiveness and interactive engagement and enhances long-life learning.NEW & NOTEWORTHY An interdisciplinary team-teaching session was introduced to high school students who participated in the Oakland University William Beaumont Future Physician Summer Enrichment Program. The session aimed to integrate physiological concepts and nutrition that are associated with the development of obesity. The session was delivered using combined educational approaches including a dialogical-narrative approach and hands-on application activity that are guided by combined learning theories such as dialogism, narrative, theories of engagement, and multimedia active learning.

SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance at two university campuses: lessons learned and insights on intervention strategies for public health guidance.

Wastewater surveillance has been a tool for public health officials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Universities established pandemic response committees to facilitate safe learning for students, faculty, and staff. These committees met to analyze both wastewater and clinical data to propose mitigation strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19. This paper reviews the initial efforts of utilizing campus data inclusive of wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations, clinical case data from university response teams, and mitigation strategies from Grand Valley State University in West Michigan (population 21,648 students) and Oakland University in East Michigan (population 18,552 students) from November 2020 to April 2022. Wastewater positivity rates for both universities ranged from 32.8 to 46.8%. Peak viral signals for both universities directly corresponded to variant points of entry within the campus populations from 2021 to 2022. It was found that the organization of clinical case data and variability of wastewater testing data were large barriers for both universities to effectively understand disease dynamics within the university population. We review the initial efforts of onboarding wastewater surveillance and provide direction for structuring ongoing surveillance workflows and future epidemic response strategies based on those that led to reduced viral signals in campus wastewater.

Incorporating DRAGON12-light trainer board in an introductory microprocessors course

The HCS12 microcontroller and DRAGON12-Light Trainer boards are extensively utilized in microprocessor system design education. This paper details the rationale, approach, and outcomes from implementing the DRAGON12-Light Trainer board in teaching an upper-level undergraduate microprocessors course at Oakland University. The course’s primary goal is for students to acquire the skills necessary to design both hardware and software for microprocessor-based systems, with applications across various industries. The paper assesses the effectiveness of employing the Motorola HCS12 microcontroller for its real-world relevance and integrates the Freescale CodeWarrior IDE v5.1 environment for software development. This research uniquely contributes by measuring the improvement in students’ practical skills, specifically in hardware and software design using assembly and C programming, through hands-on lab assignments. It reports on the development of students’ abilities to engage in microprocessor-based system design and critically evaluates the applied aspects of pedagogy by incorporating the DRAGON12-Light Trainer in lab exercises, such as those involving ’Measuring Human Reaction Time’ and ’Servo motor interfacing.’ Quantitative results, derived from student surveys and assessments, indicate significant improvements in students’ programming competencies. The paper provides statistical results showcasing the increase in students’ self-rated confidence levels in assembly and C language programming before and after course completion. Additionally, qualitative insights are discussed, reflecting students’ experiences and the perceived applicability of the skills they acquired. These results underscore the pedagogical value of integrating practical training devices like the DRAGON12-Light Trainer board into microprocessors curricula.

Bibliometric Analysis of Stem Cells in Ischemic Stroke (2001-2022): Trends, Hotspots and Prospects.

Background: Ischemic stroke is a common cerebrovascular accident with a high risk of neurological deficits. Stem cell therapy has progressively attracted the interest of scientists and clinicians due to the benefits of promoting neural regeneration and regulating the microenvironment surrounding the lesion after ischemic stroke. Our study aimed to evaluate the development trends and research hotspots in the field of stem cells and ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: Publications related to stem cells and ischemic stroke were retrieved from the Web of Science from 2001 to 2022. Data analysis and mapping were performed using VOSviewer, Citespace and ImageGP. Results: In total, 1932 papers were included in the analysis. Publications have steadily increased over the past 22 years. China has contributed the maximum number of publications, whereas the USA ranked first in the total number of citations and was considered the center of the international collaboration network. University of South Florida, Henry Ford Hospital, and Oakland University were the most influential institutions. Stroke, Brain Research, and Neural Regeneration Research were the most productive journals. The research in this field was primarily focused on the effects of stem cells on neurogenesis, inflammation, and angiogenesis following ischemic stroke, as well as their therapeutic potential for the disease. In addition, neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells are the most commonly utilized stem cells. The topics related to miRNA, extracellular vesicles, exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells, neuroinflammation, and autophagy are current research hotspots. Conclusion: Our bibliometric study provides a novel perspective on the research trends in the field of stem cells and ischemic stroke. The outcome of this study may benefit scientists to identify research hotspots and development directions, thereby advancing the application of stem cell-based therapy for ischemic stroke.

In-Person to Online Transition Increased Access and Geographical Diversity in Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine High School Outreach Programs

In-Person to Online Transition Increased Access and Geographical Diversity in Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine High School Outreach Programs

Optimal Design and Operation of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Oakland University

This research paper presents a comprehensive study on the optimal planning and design of hybrid renewable energy systems for microgrid (MG) applications at Oakland University. The HOMER Pro platform analyzes the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of integrating renewable energy technologies. The research also focuses on the importance of addressing unmet load in the MG system design to ensure the university’s electricity demand is always met. By optimizing the integration of various renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV), energy storage system (ESS), combined heat and power (CHP), and wind turbine energy (WT), the study aims to fulfill the energy requirements while reducing reliance on traditional grid sources and achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed MG configurations are designed to be scalable and flexible, accommodating future expansions, load demands changes, and technological advancements without costly modifications or disruptions. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of technical, economic, and environmental factors and addressing unmet load, this research contributes to advancing renewable energy integration within MG systems. It offers a complete guide for Oakland University and other institutions to effectively plan, design, and implement hybrid renewable energy solutions, fostering a greener and more resilient campus environment. The findings demonstrate the potential for cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions, providing valuable guidance for Oakland University’s search for energy resilience and environmental surveillance, which has a total peak load of 9.958 MW. The HOMER simulation results indicate that utilizing all renewable resources, the estimated net present cost (NPC) is a minimum of USD 30 M, with a levelized energy cost (LCOE) of 0.00274 USD/kWh. In addition, the minimum desired load will be unmetered on some days in September.

Education Research: Changes in Medical Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Clinical Death After Teaching the Philosophy of Death

Background and Objectives Varied meanings of death within medicine, bioethics, and society at large often produce disagreement and frustration between physicians and surrogate decision makers. We investigated whether teaching medical students about the philosophical aspects of death would change their attitude toward surrogate decision makers who assert nonstandard views of death. Methods An 80-minute lecture covering philosophical debates surrounding medico-legal standards of death was given to second-year medical students at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine during a neuroscience course. Participants completed a questionnaire containing Likert scale and open-ended questions before and after the intervention assessing their acceptance of, frustration toward, and likelihood of accommodating a request for surrogate decision makers who posited either a whole-brain, high-brain, or circulatory view of death. Change in knowledge was analyzed using the McNemar test, whereas attitudinal scores were compared with paired t tests. Open-ended responses were narratively analyzed to identify themes that elaborate quantitative findings. Results A total of 43 paired responses were analyzed from second-year medical students. Following the intervention, students expressed less frustration ( = −0.64, 95% CI −0.15 to −1.15), greater likelihood of accommodating ventilator removal ( = 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.85), and greater acceptance ( = 0.63, 95% CI 0.28–0.91) of surrogates who endorsed a whole-brain view of death. Although students rated the high-brain view as more acceptable after the lecture ( = 0.63, 95% CI 0.28–0.91), they were not more likely to remove a ventilator from a patient who had experienced high-brain death ( = 0.19, 95% CI −0.30 to 0.67). Students were less likely to continue artificial ventilation for a brain-dead patient ( = −0.61, 95% CI −0.91 to −0.30) despite no change in frustration toward the surrogate ( = −0.26, 95% CI 0.20 to −0.70). Discussion Changes in attitudes across the 3 views of death suggest that increased awareness of the philosophical debate facilitates reflection of students' understanding and opinion of death. These findings support implementation of educational interventions to prepare students for future work with surrogate decision makers holding diverse sets of views on death.

Measuring Balance in Older Adults: Sensitivity versus Accessibility.

Brian Hernandez, PT, DPT, is a Graduate Student, Human Movement Science, School of Health Science, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. The author declares no conflicts of interest. Address for correspondence: Sara Arena, PT, MS, DScPT, Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Human Health Bldg - Room 3170, 433 Meadowbrook Road, Rochester, MI 48309-4401.

Mammals, Late November

Research Article| May 01 2023 Mammals, Late November John Hazard John Hazard John Hazard grew up in the southeastern Ohio village of Caldwell and now lives in Birmingham, Michigan. He has taught at the University of Memphis and, more recently, at the Cranbrook Schools and Oakland University in suburban Detroit. His poetry has been nominated for a Pushcart and Best of the Net and has appeared widely in magazines, including Ploughshares, Poetry, Shenandoah, Slate, the Gettysburg Review, Arts and Letters, Ascent, Atticus Review, Carolina Quarterly, DIAGRAM, Gulf Stream, New Ohio Review, Harpur Palate, Terrain.org, and Valparaiso Poetry Review. His 2015 book of poetry is Naming a Stranger, and his new collection, Interrupt the Sky, will appear in 2023. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google the minnesota review (2023) 2023 (100): 46. https://doi.org/10.1215/00265667-10320884 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation John Hazard; Mammals, Late November. the minnesota review 1 May 2023; 2023 (100): 46. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/00265667-10320884 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search Books & JournalsAll Journalsthe minnesota review Search Advanced Search The text of this article is only available as a PDF. © 2023 John Hazard2023 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Research hotspots and frotiers of stem cells in stroke: A bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2022.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and permanent disability worldwide. However, the current stroke treatment has a limited effect. Therefore, a new treatment is urgently needed. Stem cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for stroke patients. This study aimed to gain better understanding of global stem cell trends in stroke via a bibliometric analysis. Methods: We used the Web of Science Core Collection to search pertinent articles about stem cells in stroke published between 2004 and 2022. Analysis was conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the R package "bibliometrix" to identify publication outputs, countries/regions, institutions, authors/co-cited authors, journals/co-cited journals, co-cited references, and keywords. Results: A total of 6,703 publications were included in the bibliometric analysis. The total number of citations significantly and rapidly increased between 2004 and 2022, with the most pronounced growth pattern observed in the period of 2008-2009. In terms of authoritarian countries, the USA had the most publications among the countries. As for institutions and authors, the most prolific institution was the University of South Florida, followed by Oakland University and then Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Chopp, M. and Borlongan, Cesario V, had the most output among the authors. Regarding the journals, Cell Transplantation had the highest publication, followed by Brain Research. As for references, "Mesenchymal stem cells as trophic mediators" was the most frequently cited (2,082), and the article entitled Neuronal replacement from endogenous precursors in the adult brain after stroke had the strongest burstiness (strength = 81.35). Emerging hot words in the past decade included "adhesion molecule," "mesenchymal stromal cell," "extracellular vesicle," "pluripotent stem cells," "signaling pathway," "plasticity," and "exosomes." Conclusion: Between 2004 and 2022, the terms "neurogenesis," "angiogenesis," "mesenchymal stem cells," "extracellular vesicle," "exosomes," "inflammation," and "oxidative stress" have emerged as the hot research areas for research on stem cells in stroke. Although stem cells exert a number of positive effects, the main mechanisms for mitigating the damage caused by stroke are still unknown. Clinical challenges may include complicating factors that can affect the efficacy of stem cell therapy, which are worth a deep exploration.

Review: Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm, by Dan Charnas

Book Review| March 01 2023 Review: Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm, by Dan Charnas Dan Charnas. Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2022. 458 pages. Kellie Hay Kellie Hay Oakland University Kellie Hay is a professor of cultural studies. She examines the ways in which under-resourced communities use cultural forms such as music, dance, and poetry to forge social change. She is particularly interested in the role that affect and aesthetics play in shaping community hip hop. She published Women Rapping Revolution: Hip Hop and Community Building in Detroit (UC Press) with Rebekah Farrugia. She has also published in the Music and Politics, Popular Music and Society, Popular Music Studies, and the Journal of American Culture. Email: hay@oakland.edu Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Email: hay@oakland.edu Journal of Popular Music Studies (2023) 35 (1): 136–138. https://doi.org/10.1525/jpms.2023.35.1.136 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Kellie Hay; Review: Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm, by Dan Charnas. Journal of Popular Music Studies 1 March 2023; 35 (1): 136–138. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/jpms.2023.35.1.136 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentJournal of Popular Music Studies Search Dan Charnas has written other important, evocative books about the business of music industries. However, Dilla Time is his magnum opus. Documenting Detroit hip-hop producer James Dewitt Yancy’s (aka Jay Dee and J. Dilla) story, Charnas creates a cyclone of corporal relational tension that is indelibly linked to Dilla’s formation of sonic deconstruction, time feel, and sound sequencing. As whimsical with prose as an emcee is with bars, Charnas wields words in ways that transform readers into visual imagineers. Reading Dilla Time is like watching a documentary in a planetarium-sized space and being late for unexpected sounding beats. The book is organized into 16 chapters that thematize Dilla’s tumultuous musical life. Charnas assigns chapter names, such as “Wrong,” “Straight Time”/“Swing Time,” “Machine Time,” “Sample time,” “Dilla Time,” “Pay Jay,” “Partners,” and “Fragments.” The biographical side of Charnas' prose reads like a page-turning novel, while his richly historicized and highly technical... You do not currently have access to this content.

Michael Chopp, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Physics at Oakland University, Michigan, United States: Adapted Interview from the 12th World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation (WCNR), Vienna, 2022

Michael Chopp, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Physics at Oakland University, Michigan, United States: Adapted Interview from the 12^th World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation (WCNR), Vienna, 2022

Exosome-Based Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: A Bibliometric Analysis of Current Trends and Future Directions

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Exosomes, or small extracellular vesicles with signaling properties, have recently been identified as novel mechanisms for stroke treatment. This study aims to use bibliometric techniques to identify current research trends and future directions of exosome-based stroke therapy. The Web of Science Core Collection was searched using terms that included "exosome" and all stroke types. Bibliometric data, including authors, publication years, citations, countries/regions, institutions, journals, and Keywords Plus, were extracted directly from the Web of Science Core Collection. Keywords were mapped using VOSviewer. From 2010 to 2021, 424 documents were identified with a total of 12,708 citations. The number of publications increased yearly from 2012 to 2021, the majority of which were research and review articles. China and the United States produced the most publications with Henry Ford Hospital and Oakland University serving as the 2 most highly published research institutions. Documents were published most frequently in the journal Stroke. Keywords Plus analyses revealed 3 main research areas: exosomes as pathogenic mediators, biomarkers, and treatments of stroke. Ischemic stroke was the most prevalent type of stroke included in these studies. Using bibliometric techniques, this study identified a current and growing interest in the research of exosomes in stroke, particularly in their pathogenic, biomarker, and potential minimally invasive therapeutic properties. Given the high prevalence of ischemic stroke in the current literature, further characterization of exosomes in other stroke types, such as intracerebral hemorrhage, emerges as a future direction for this field of research.

Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection

Hannah Wickersham, SPT, is a Physical Therapy Student, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. Lori Boright, PT, DPT, DScPT, is an Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Address for correspondence: Lori Boright, PT, DPT, DScPT, Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, 433 Meadowbrook Road, Rochester, MI 48309-4401 ([email protected]).

Perceptions of Physical Therapists of Online Introduction and Training in the Home-based Older Persons Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy (HOP-UP-PT) Program: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction Traditionally, physical therapy has adopted a tertiary approach to preventative care. However, recent trends in fall-related injuries and deaths among older individuals suggest a dire need for earlier intervention. The Home-based Older Persons Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy (HOP-UP-PT) program has been developed to improve the health and overall function of community-dwelling older adults at risk of functional decline. As demand continually rises for HOP-UP-PT services, online training modules have been developedto safely and efficiently provide HOP-UP-PT competency to physical therapists. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported experiences and perceptions of physical therapists after completing an asynchronous training program to deliver HOP-UP-PT. Methods After securing Oakland University IRB approval, a qualitative study using a sample of convenience used two structured focus group interviews. Inclusion criteria required participants to be licensed physical therapists (PTs) in the state of Michigan providing at least 20 hours of direct patient care per week.Participants completed eight 30-minute training modules, each with a corresponding quiz. Upon completion, PTs attended one of two video conference focus groups. Data was analyzed using the constant comparative method to develop themes and concepts based on responses about the training modules and the overall HOP-UP-PT program. Results Twelve PTs with a median age of 31-40 years participated. Analysis of two focus group sessions identified three concepts (Novel Approach to Physical Therapy Care, Integration of a Preventative Approach into Clinical Practice, and Knowledge Translation) and ten themes (Addressing an Unmet Need, Establishing a Working Relationship with Community Centers, Applicability to Various Settings, Shifting the Mindset to a Prevention-focused Paradigm, Applicability to Physical Therapists that Care for Older Adults, Patient Engagement and Prevention, Value for the Professional, Importance of Availability of Options in a Learning Platform, Ongoing Availability of Program Resources and Tools, and Clinical Application Practice). Conclusion PTs identified the HOP-UP-PT program as a novel, clinically applicable, and adding value to the profession. Furthermore, its upstream focus aligns with the growing role of preventative care by PTs; however, as HOP-UP-PT is not a traditional approach, additional training and clinical support materials may facilitate adoption and clinical application. HOP-UP-PT uses a preventative approach to clinical practice, but efforts to translate knowledge to PT are an important consideration. Additionally, the study identified a need for refinement and modifications to the existing HOP-UP-PT training modules.

Mapping the research trends of astrocytes in stroke: A bibliometric analysis.

BackgroundStroke, including ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, possesses complex pathological mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and blood-brain barrier damage. Astrocyte functions have been reported during injury, neuroprotection and cell crosstalk. It plays a key role in exacerbating stroke injury, promoting neurological repair and enhancing neuroregeneration.AimThis holistic bibliometric analysis aimed to provide a general overview of the recent advancement and the hotspots in the field of stroke and astrocyte from 2001 to 2021.Materials and methodsPublications between 2001 and 2021, related to stroke and astrocyte were retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) and analyzed in Gephi and VOSviewer.ResultsIn total, 3789 documents were extracted from the WOS databases. The publications showed stable growth since 2001. The United States and China were the most prolific countries and University of California San Francisco and Oakland University were the most influential institutes. The top four most productive journals were Brain Research, Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, Glia and Journal of Neuroinflammation. Keywords frequency and co-occurrence analysis revealed that the topics related to “micro-RNA”, “toll like receptor”, “neuroinflammation”, “autophagy” and “interleukin” were research frontiers. The field of stroke and astrocyte focused on several aspects, such as the role of astrocytes in the treatment of stroke, metabolic changes in astrocytes, the protective role of apoptosis in astrocytes after oxidative stress injury and neurovascular units.ConclusionThis comprehensive bibliometric study provides an updated perspective on the trend of research associated with stroke and astrocyte. It will benefit scientific community to identify the important issues, future directions and provide a novel understanding of stroke pathophysiology, hotspots and frontiers to facilitate future research direction.

Assessment of Vision and Hearing in Older Adults.

Alicia Naccarato, BS, SPT, is a Student Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Program, Human Movement Science Program, School of Health Science, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. Christopher Wilson, PT, DPT, DScPT, is a Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, and Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Address for correspondence: Christopher Wilson, PT, DPT, DScPT, Physical Therapy Program, 433 Meadow Brook Dr., Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48301-4401 ([email protected]).

Reviewer Acknowledgements (Vol. 5, No. 1)

International Journal of Law and Public Administration (IJLPA) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this volume. Many authors, regardless of whether IJLPA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this volume.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 1Antonio Fortes Martín, Carlos III University of Madrid, SpainDiane M. Hartmus, Oakland University, USAJohn Mark R. Asio, Gordon College, PhilippinesJosé Sebastián Kurlat Aimar, University of Buenos Aires, ArgentinaTatiana Bachvarova, Special Tribunal for Lebanon, BulgariaTaylisi de Souza Corrêa Leite, Anhanguera University, BrazilYusra, University Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Control of Heat Transfer in a Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger for a Geothermal Heat Pump System

This paper presents a mathematical model of heat transfer behavior between the liquid inside vertical underground geothermal pipes and the surrounding ground for heating (in the winter) and cooling (in the summer) modes in a ground heat exchanger (GHE) that can optimize its output temperature. The GHE’s output temperature reaches the appropriate value when the water velocity is lowered enough. Subsequently, the proposed model was applied to a case study of a 400-ton geothermal heat pump system (GHPS) at Oakland University, in both the heating and cooling modes, to assess its validity and improve the GHE’s performance. The model was implemented in MATLAB using an ordinary differential equation (ODE) solver. Four different water velocities were used to demonstrate the significant effect of velocity on the loop exit temperature. Model predictive control (MPC) was designed to optimize the GHE’s output temperature by controlling the water velocity, which could reduce the energy consumption used for heat and water circulating pumps. The results reveal that the acceptable range of the water velocity for Oakland University’s GHE was between 0.35 and 0.45 m/s, which ensured that the heat pump system delivered the proper temperature to provide the Human Health Building (HHB) with a comfortable temperature regardless of the season. The suggested water velocity ranges in vertical single U-tube pipes with diameters of De 25 mm, De 32 mm, and De 40 mm are between 0.33 and 0.43 m/s, 0.35 to 0.45 m/s, and 0.38 to 0.48 m/s, respectively.

Empowering Physical Activity in Home Healthcare.

Ronald Benbow, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM3, NREMT, is Doctor of Philosophy Student, Human Movement Science Program, School of Health Science, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. Sara Arena, PT, MS, DScPT, is an Associate Professor, Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Address for correspondence: Ronald Benbow, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM3, NREMT, Human Movement Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Human Health Bldg., 433 Meadowbrook Road, Rochester, MI 48309-4401 ([email protected]).