Panel Selection Research Articles

Plasma untargeted metabolomics with proteinase K discloses phospholipid signature associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare but life-threatening and clinically heterogeneous disease. The diagnostic schedule of this disorder is complex, and no specific indicator of the arterial etiology has been explored. In this study, untargeted plasma metabolomics was applied to evaluate the metabolic fingerprints of pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. Plasma samples were prepared using a new approach, which applies proteinase K during the sample preparation procedure to increase the metabolite coverage. The metabolic fingerprints were determined via LC–MS and subsequently analyzed with the use of both uni- and multivariate statistics. A total of 21 metabolites were discovered to be significantly altered in pulmonary arterial hypertensive patients. The metabolites were mainly related to the phospholipid metabolic pathways. In this study, decreases were found in the phosphatidylcholines (PCs) [PC(32:0), PC(40:7), PC(42:7)], phosphatidylethanolamine PE(18:0/18:2), lysophosphatidylethanolamines (LPEs) [LPE(22:6), LPE(18:2), LPE(18:0), LPE(20:4), LPE(20:1), LPE(20:0)], lysophosphatidylcholine LPC(20:4) and lysophosphatidylserine LPS(19:0), as well as increase of sphingomyelin SM(36:2), in the plasma samples of pulmonary arterial hypertensive patients in comparison to the control group. Besides their function as components of the biological membranes, these metabolites are also involved in the intracellular signaling pathways that are related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. The results obtained during this study confirm the potential of (untargeted) metabolomics to identify the molecular characteristics of the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The clinical relevance of this study constitutes the selection of a metabolic panel that can potentially detect and properly diagnose the disease.

A Study on China's Digital Trade Dispute Settlement Mechanism in the Perspective of CPTPP

In the rapid development of digital trade, the digital trade dispute settlement mechanism also needs to be updated and adapted accordingly, thus promoting China's discursive and equal participation in world digital trade. The volume of digital trade in China is growing rapidly, yet the corresponding digital trade dispute settlement mechanism has not yet formed a sound system. This contradiction has become an urgent problem to be improved and solved in the field of digital trade in China. By comparing the digital trade dispute settlement provisions between China's FTA and CPTPP, this paper analyzes the deficiencies of China's relevant provisions in terms of openness, procedure, and efficiency. Most of these deficiencies originate from the lagging nature of China's digital trade provisions and the imperfection of procedures. Based on this, this paper provides suggestions respectively on the problems above. This includes making special provisions for dispute settlement in the field of digital trade, improving the provisions on suspension of concessions, and establishing rules ensuring transparency. Specifically, this put a high bar on the selection of panelists, the public enclosure of hearings and documents, and the application of the Third-Party participation principle.

Selection of Photovoltaic Panels Based on Ranges of Criteria Weights and Balanced Assessment Criteria

In recent years, the share of PV (photovoltaic) panels in the generation of renewable energy has been dynamically growing. During this time, the Polish government introduced numerous programs to assist households in switching to PV panels as the primary source of energy. Therefore, the aim of the article is to indicate the PV panels that are best suited to work for individual users in households in Poland. PV panels were assessed using the PROSA multi-criteria decision analysis method, supported by a stochastic approach, based on the Monte Carlo method. This approach made it possible to choose the most balanced solutions, in terms of individual criteria, and to take into account the uncertainty and imprecision of the weights of the assessment criteria. In particular, the use of reliable weight ranges in the Monte Carlo simulations allowed the construction of a whole spectrum of evaluation and ranking models. These models indicate the PV panels that best meet the requirements and have the best balance between the individual assessment criteria. As a result of the research, it was found that the requirements of PV installations in households in Poland are best met by panels produced in China and in the Chinese–Polish cooperation. Panels of Polish production ranked further down, which means that Polish producers do not offer products that are tailored to the needs of PV installations for households in Poland.

Solar Panel Cooling System Evaluation: Visual PROMETHEE Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach

The energy sector is interested in sustainable solar power plants. It is obvious that the working temperature of solar panels, which is significantly higher than the specified working cell temperature in hot climes, has a significant impact on efficiency and longevity. The selection of solar panel cooling systems, on the other hand, is worrisome since the choice process incorporates ergonomic, technical, economic, and environmental issues. The goal of this research is to (1) present a multi-criteria decision-making approach that is both quantitative and qualitative in nature for selecting solar panel cooling systems; (2) outrank nine alternative solar panel cooling systems with eleven performance measures for each alternative to assist decision makers in determining the best viable choice; and (3) visualize the relationship between the different solar panel cooling systems and performance measures under consideration. The proposed approach is to compare and rank solar panel cooling systems, as well as their validation and evaluation through sensitivity analysis. When operating efficiency is prioritized, finned air cooling is shown to be the best solar panel cooling technique, whereas thermosiphon cooling is the best alternative when emission reduction criteria are prioritized. A comparison of the findings shows that phase change material cooling and forced convection cooling performed worst in almost all cases.

A Modern Strategy for the Selection of Efficacious Solar Panels at Industrial Level under an Interval-Valued Picture Fuzzy Set Hybrid Environment

Solar panels hold a significant amount of importance at an industrial level because they contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions, contribute to cost savings through reduced electricity bills, provide energy independence and reliability, and serve as a long-term investment with attractive returns. One of the objectives of this research article is to address the limitations of the current score function utilized in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems within an interval-valued picture fuzzy (IVPF) environment and to present an enhanced score function. Moreover, IVPF hybrid arithmetic operators and IVPF hybrid geometric operators are introduced in this article. These operators are further thoroughly examined to identify their key characteristics. By conducting a case study, an algorithm is formulated to select the most suitable solar panel to maximize energy availability at the industrial level in the framework of the newly proposed IVPF hybrid operators. In addition, a comprehensive comparative study is conducted to demonstrate the significance and validity of recently proposed novel techniques compared with existing methods.

Numerical analysis of Plastic Perforated Panel for Acoustic Protection

Acoustic protection is an important aspect in various industrial, commercial and residential applications. In order to reduce the transmission of noise, perforated panels are frequently used as a barrier. The present study aims to conduct a numerical analysis of plastic perforated panels for acoustic protection. The study employed a finite element method (FEM) approach and focused on the propagation of acoustic waves through perforations of varying diameters (30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm and 90 mm) and at different frequencies (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 1500 Hz). The numerical analysis was conducted using the finite element software ANSYS. This work offers numerical analysis models of acoustic wave propagation, which can be used by those interested in similar problems, for different environments, in closed or open spaces. The results showed that the perforation diameter and frequency play a crucial role in the performance of the plastic perforated panels as an acoustic barrier. The results of the author�s research pointed out that the plastic materials can be used successfully in the construction of acoustic barriers. Next to it, the findings of this study can provide valuable insights for engineers and designers in the selection and optimization of plastic perforated panels for acoustic protection applications.

Technical and environmental aspects of solar photo-voltaic water pumping systems: a comprehensive survey

Abstract Several sectors including agriculture and farming rely on renewable source-based water pumping due to recurrent hikes in fossil fuel prices and contaminant environment. In recent decades, a solar photovoltaic-based water pumping system (SPVWPS) has been a more popularly chosen technique for its feasibility and economic solution to the end-users. The initial cost, efficiency, orientation, auxiliary storage, head, and payback period are the technical issues, whereas transportation, lack of skilled people, theft, vandalism community, and politics are the social challenges that may prevent the solar pumps from being widely adopted. However, more subsidies, training, tax breaks, and remote monitoring can make this technology more accessible. Also, this article emphasizes various parameters affecting system performance, such as the suitable selection of panels, power conditioning units, motors, pumps, the payback period of the energy, and cost. Moreover, this article covers the technical and environmental facets of the SPVWPS, which helps researchers, policymakers, manufacturers, and end-users to design and choose a suitable pumping system. Major findings are stand-alone SPVWPS is highly recommended in areas with a maximum of 50 m dynamic head and a minimum of 2,000 m from local grid power. Moreover, along with the 25-year life span of the 25-kW SPVWPS could generate 150 MWh/year and reduce about 86,500 kg of CO2 emissions.

DESIGNING TECHNO-ECONOMIC OFF-GRID PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM USING AN IMPROVED DIFFERENTIAL EVOLUTION ALGORITHM

Conventional power generation is one of the main contributors to the phenomenon of the greenhouse effect. This has led to a diversification of electricity sources including environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar energy. Off-grid PV systems have gained some traction due to their cost-effectiveness for rural communities. However, the intermittent nature of solar is the main challenge to developing the off-grid PV system. Moreover, the high capital cost of PV systems as well as the storage batteries becomes the main concern for all PV users. Thus, this study aims to optimize the size of the PV system and battery simultaneously and design a cost-effective off-grid photovoltaic system considering various aspects such as battery power, solar irradiance, and PV panel selection while ensuring system reliability. The proposed system was optimized using improved Differential Evolution (DE) and its effectiveness was tested by comparing the results with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The Improved DE algorithm provides the highest average cost savings compared to other algorithms, which is $500 per year. It is recommended that this method is very useful in the optimization of off-grid PV systems, considering other uncertainties that affect PV system performance.

High-resolution and localized parametric embodied impact calculator of PV systems

Buildings are responsible for a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. In order to decarbonize the electricity grid and reduce the environmental impact of the building stock, photovoltaic panels can be installed. However, in order to assess the environmental impact of PVs, the whole life cycle has to be considered including embodied emissions. Several options for photovoltaics exist on the market or are under development including silicon-based panels, thin films, and third generation panels. Currently, many configurations of the panels exist making it difficult to estimate the embodied impact. The goal of this paper is to close this gap by providing a parametric PV carbon calculator for designers and decision-makers. In this study, the embodied impact of different PV types and configurations is assessed. First, the life cycle inventories data and bill of quantities for different generations’ panel types are gathered. Second, life cycle impact assessment is performed. The results of the analysis are presented in a form of a software application allowing users to select the panel’s composition, e.g., frame and glass type, cell type, encapsulant, etc. The developed application will assist in understanding the impact of choices made in regards to PV systems and will support engineers and architects in the selection of the photovoltaic panels from embodied impact perspective.

Outage probability of multiple-IRS-assisted SISO wireless communications over Rician fading

Outage probability (OP) performance of multiple-intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted is presented for a practically important single-input-single-output (SISO) wireless communication system over Rician fading channels where the IRS panel selection is considered. We investigate the SISO wireless communication scenario in which a single antenna transmitting node is sending its message to the receiving node with the aid of the best IRS panel selection. This wireless communication scenario model is a typical application of the uplink scenarios for future cellular wireless systems. We derive approximate OP expressions in the closed form using both the central limit theorem and the Laguerre series expansion. Further, we also derive a simple asymptotic OP to get diversity order and coding gain. The influence of each system parameter on OP performance is thoroughly investigated. In addition, the analytical OP results are corroborated with simulated OP results to confirm the accuracy of our presented analytical results.

Comparative evaluation of the MAPlex, Precision ID Ancestry Panel, and VISAGE Basic Tool for biogeographical ancestry inference

Biogeographical ancestry (BGA) inference from ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) has strong potential to support forensic investigations. Over the past two decades, several forensic panels composed of AIMs have been developed to predict ancestry at a continental scale. These panels typically comprise fewer than 200 AIMs and have been designed and tested with a limited set of populations. How well these panels recover patterns of genetic diversity relative to larger sets of markers, and how accurately they infer ancestry of individuals and populations not included in their design remains poorly understood. The lack of comparative studies addressing these aspects makes the selection of appropriate panels for forensic laboratories difficult. In this study, the model-based genetic clustering tool STRUCTURE was used to compare three popular forensic BGA panels: MAPlex, Precision ID Ancestry Panel (PIDAP), and VISAGE Basic Tool (VISAGE BT) relative to a genome-wide reference set of 10k SNPs. The genotypes for all these markers were obtained for a comprehensive set of 3957 individuals from 228 worldwide human populations. Our results indicate that at the broad continental scale (K=6) typically examined in forensic studies, all forensic panels produced similar genetic structure patterns compared to the reference set (G'≈90%) and had high classification performance across all regions (average AUC-PR > 97%). However, at K=7 and K=8, the forensic panels displayed some region-specific clustering deviations from the reference set, particularly in Europe and the region of East and South-East Asia, which may be attributed to differences in the design of the respective panels. Overall, the panel with the most consistent performance in all regions was VISAGE BT with an average weighted AUC̅W score of 96.26% across the three scales of geographical resolution investigated.

Clinical validation of methylation biomarkers for optimal detection of high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.

The precursor lesions of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) include human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated and HPV-independent squamous neoplasia with a varying cancer risk. Our study aimed to validate the accuracy of previously identified DNA methylation markers for detection of such high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). A large clinical series of 751 vulvar lesions, originally diagnosed as high-grade VIN, were reassessed and categorized into HPV-associated or HPV-independent vulvar disease categories. Together with 113 healthy vulvar controls, all samples were tested for 12 methylation markers with quantitative multiplex methylation-specific PCR (qMSP). Performance of individual markers and selection of an optimal marker panel for detection of high-grade VIN was determined by logistic regression analysis. SST was the best-performing individual marker (AUC 0.90), detecting 80% of high-grade VIN cases, with excellent detection of HPV-independent VIN (95%), known to have the highest cancer risk. Merely 2% of controls tested methylation positive for SST. Selection of a marker panel, including ZNF582, SST and miR124-2, resulted in a comparably high accuracy for detection of high-grade VIN (AUC 0.89). In conclusion, we clinically validated the accuracy of 12 DNA methylation markers for detection of high-grade VIN. SST, as a sole marker or in a panel, provides an optimal diagnostic tool to distinguish high-grade VIN in need of treatment, particularly HPV-independent VIN, from low-grade or reactive vulvar lesions. These findings warrant further prognostic validation of methylation biomarkers for cancer risk stratification of patients with VIN.

Genetic profile of patients with stage I–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer

Background. The article presents data on somatic mutations found in the Russian population of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), their frequency, distribution depending on the histological type of tumor.Aim. To study the molecular genetic profile of Russian patients with stage I–IIIA localized NSCLC, the frequency of occurrence of various somatic mutations, variants of the switching status.Materials and methods. Genetic testing for a panel of 78 genes using the Next Generation Sequencing method of tumor material obtained after surgical treatment of 65 patients with localized stage I–IIIA NSCLC. Processing of the received data was carried out by methods of descriptive statistics.43Results. Mutations in the EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF, KRAS, MET, HER2 genes were found only in adenocarcinoma. Among non-targeted mutations in adenocarcinoma, TP53, STK11, FGFR3, EML4, NF1, RB1, and KMTC2 mutations were the most common. In squamous cell lung cancer, TP53, KMT2C, TSC1, EML4, PTEN, NF1, COL22A1, CDKN2A, RB1, BRCA1 were the most common. Mutations in the EGFR gene were most often associated with mutations in TP53 (30 % of cases), RB1 (15 % of cases), COL22A1 (15 % of cases); ALK was combined with TP53, NF1, WT1 – in 33 % of cases, ROS1 with DDR2 (33 % of cases), ERBB2 was combined with NTRK1, GPC3, HIP1, KIF5B, TP53, XPC, COL22A1 – in 14 % of cases, BRAF was most often associated with mutations in the TP53 gene (14 %) and COL22A1 (13.8 %); a mutation in the RET gene was associated with a TP53 mutation; ROS1 translocation in 50 % of cases was associated with mutations in the TRIM33 and TP53 genes.Conclusion. The data obtained give an idea of the frequency of occurrence of somatic mutations among Russian patients with NSCLC, which is important for the selection of diagnostic panels, interpretation of their results, and also potentially for the development of original custom Next Generation Sequencing testing panels.

Commercial Gene Panels for Congenital Anterior Segment Anomalies: Are They All the Same?

We compared next generation sequencing multigene panels (NGS-MGP) from 5 commercial laboratories to inform ophthalmologists' decision making in diagnostic genetic testing for congenital anterior segment anomalies (CASAs). Comparison of commercial genetic testing panels. This observational study gathered publicly available information on NGS-MGP from 5 commercial laboratories for the following: cataracts, glaucoma, anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), microphthalmia-anophthalmia-coloboma (MAC), corneal dystrophies, and Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS). We compared gene panel composition, consensus rate (genes covered by all the panels per condition, "concurrent"), dissensus rate (genes covered by only 1 panel per condition, "standalone"), and intronic variant coverage. For individual genes, we compared publication history and association with systemic conditions. Altogether, cataract, glaucoma, corneal dystrophies, MAC, ASD, and ARS panels tested 239, 60, 36, 292, and 10 discrete genes, respectively. The consensus rate varied between 16% and 50%, and the dissensus rate varied between 14% and 74%. After pooling concurrent genes from all conditions, 20% of these genes were concurrent in 2 or more conditions. For both cataract and glaucoma, concurrent genes had significantly stronger correlation with the condition than standalone genes. The genetic testing of CASAs using NGS-MGPs is complicated, owing to their number, variety, and phenotypic and genetic overlap. Although the inclusion of additional genes, such as the standalone ones, might increase diagnostic yield, these genes are also less well studied, indicating uncertainty over their role in CASA pathogenesis. Rigorous prospective diagnostic yield studies of NGS-MGPs will aid in making decisions of panel selection for the diagnosis of CASAs.

A new biomarker panel of ultraconserved long non-coding RNAs for bladder cancer prognosis by a machine learning based methodology

BackgroundRecent studies have indicated that a special class of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), namely Transcribed-Ultraconservative Regions are transcribed from specific DNA regions (T-UCRs), 100% conserved in human, mouse, and rat genomes. This is noticeable, as lncRNAs are usually poorly conserved. Despite their peculiarities, T-UCRs remain very understudied in many diseases, including cancer and, yet, it is known that dysregulation of T-UCRs is associated with cancer as well as with human neurological, cardiovascular, and developmental pathologies. We have recently reported the T-UCR uc.8+ as a potential prognostic biomarker in bladder cancer.ResultsThe aim of this work is to develop a methodology, based on machine learning techniques, for the selection of a predictive signature panel for bladder cancer onset. To this end, we analyzed the expression profiles of T-UCRs from surgically removed normal and bladder cancer tissues, by using custom expression microarray. Bladder tissue samples from 24 bladder cancer patients (12 Low Grade and 12 High Grade), with complete clinical data, and 17 control samples from normal bladder epithelium were analysed. After the selection of preferentially expressed and statistically significant T-UCRs, we adopted an ensemble of statistical and machine learning based approaches (i.e., logistic regression, Random Forest, XGBoost and LASSO) for ranking the most important diagnostic molecules. We identified a signature panel of 13 selected T-UCRs with altered expression profiles in cancer, able to efficiently discriminate between normal and bladder cancer patient samples. Also, using this signature panel, we classified bladder cancer patients in four groups, each characterized by a different survival extent. As expected, the group including only Low Grade bladder cancer patients had greater overall survival than patients with the majority of High Grade bladder cancer. However, a specific signature of deregulated T-UCRs identifies sub-types of bladder cancer patients with different prognosis regardless of the bladder cancer Grade.ConclusionsHere we present the results for the classification of bladder cancer (Low and High Grade) patient samples and normal bladder epithelium controls by using a machine learning application. The T-UCR’s panel can be used for learning an eXplainable Artificial Intelligent model and develop a robust decision support system for bladder cancer early diagnosis providing urinary T-UCRs data of new patients. The use of this system instead of the current methodology will result in a non-invasive approach, reducing uncomfortable procedures (such as cystoscopy) for the patients. Overall, these results raise the possibility of new automatic systems, which could help the RNA-based prognosis and/or the cancer therapy in bladder cancer patients, and demonstrate the successful application of Artificial Intelligence to the definition of an independent prognostic biomarker panel.

Credit constraint and agricultural technology adoptions: evidence from Ethiopia

PurposeThis paper investigates constraints to yield enhancing technology adoptions, highlighting credit using data pooled from the first three waves of the Ethiopian socio-economic surveys.Design/methodology/approachDirect elicitation methodology is used to identify household's non-price credit rationing status. The panel selection model specified to examine causal effects of credit constraint on adoption variables allows us to tackle self-selection into adoptions and potential endogeneity of credit constraint while controlling for unobserved heterogeneity in both the selection and main equations.FindingsResults show that about 54% of sample households face credit rationing, predominantly demand-side risk rationing. There is a negative association between measures of credit constraint status and adoption variables. The effect is stronger when the demand-side credit rationing is accounted for and when within household variation in credit constraint status overtime is considered as opposed to across constrained and unconstrained households.Practical implicationsExpanding physical access to institutional credit alone may not necessarily spur increased uptake of credit and instant investment by farm households. For a majority of them to take advantage of available credit and improved technology, interventions should also aim at minimizing downside risks.Originality/valueThis paper incorporates the role of downside risk in influencing farmer's decisions to uptake credits and subsequently his/her adoption behaviors. The researcher approached the topic by state-of-the-art method which allows obtaining more reliable results and hence more specific contributions to research and practice.

European Delphi panel to build consensus on tapering and discontinuing thrombopoietin receptor agonists in immune thrombocytopenia

To establish pan-European consensus on tapering and discontinuing thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), we applied a three-step Delphi technique consisting of a one-to-one interview round and two online survey rounds. Three healthcare professionals (HCPs) from Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom formed the Steering Committee (SC), which advised on study design, panelist selection, and survey development. A literature review also informed the development of the consensus statements. Likert scales were used to collect quantitative data on panelists’ level of agreement. Twelve hematologists representing nine European countries assessed 121 statements spanning three categories: (1) patient selection; (2) tapering and discontinuation strategies; (3) post-discontinuation management. Consensus was reached on approximately half of the statements in each category (32.2%; 44.6%; 66%). Panelists agreed on patients’ main selection criteria, patients’ involvement in decision-making, tapering strategies, and follow-up criteria. Areas not reaching consensus were risk factors and predictors of successful discontinuation, monitoring intervals, and rates of successful discontinuation or relapse. This lack of consensus signals knowledge and practice gaps among European countries and suggests the need for the development of clinical practice guidelines that outline a pan-European, evidence-based approach to tapering and discontinuing TPO-RAs.

International consensus on the non-pharmacological and non-surgical management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

This international consensus process established multidisciplinary biopsychosocial recommendations on pain, nutrition, safe movement, and exercise for individuals with acute and chronic vertebral fractures. These recommendations will guide clinical practice and inform interventions for future research. To establish international consensus on recommendations for the non-pharmacological and non-surgical management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. We adopted a five-step modified Delphi consensus process: (1) literature search and content analysis, (2) creation of the survey, (3) selection of the expert panel, (4) first round of the rating process, and (5) second round of the rating process. The first round included 49 statements and eight open-ended questions; the second round included 30 statements. Panelists were asked to rate their agreement with each of the statements using a 9-point scale, with the option to provide further comments. Consensus for each statement was determined by counting the number of panelists whose rating was outside the 3-point region containing the median. We invited 76 people with degree in medicine, physiotherapy, kinesiology, and experience in the management of osteoporotic vertebral; 31 (41%) and 27 (36%) experts agreed to participate to the first and the second round, respectively. The mean percentage agreement after the first and second rounds was 76.6% ± 16.0% and 90.7% ± 6.5%, respectively. We established consensus on recommendations on pain, early satiety, weight loss, bracing, safe movement, and exercise for individuals with acute and chronic vertebral fractures. Our international consensus provides multidisciplinary biopsychosocial recommendations to guide the management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and inform interventions for future research.

PCM-based ceiling panels for passive cooling in buildings: A CFD modelling

To relieve the upsurge of the energy demand associated to building indoor cooling, passive cooling employing phase change materials (PCMs) has been proposed as a promising technique to stabilise indoor air temperature fluctuation and reduce building energy demand. PCMs can exchange a large amount of latent heat during the melting and solidification processes, which can be utilised in line with the discharging and charging processes of a cooling system. The use of encapsulated PCM ceiling panels in buildings has immense application potential for passive cooling, which has attracted investigations in recent years. The geometry selection of the PCM ceiling panel is vital as it determines the exposed surface area to the surrounding air and the natural convection, and therefore the heat transfer rate to/from the PCM, which generally suffers from low thermal conductivity. This paper builds on the geometric optimisation of enclosed PCM capsules driven by natural convection, aiming to investigate the phase change behaviour and thermal performance of encapsulated PCM ceiling panels of different geometries. Here, the presented study focuses on the conjugate heat transfer phenomena through the surrounding air, panel shell, and PCM. A mixture of lauric, capric, and oleic acids was selected as PCM encapsulated in a thin-shell enclosure made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic, which forms the aesthetic panels attached to the ceiling. A computational fluid dynamics model was validated using full-scale experimental data and further employed to analyse the discharging process and design considerations of the PCM ceiling panels. The effects of various influencing factors were explored, such as panel volume, the initial temperature difference between PCMs and surrounding air, shell thickness, and geometrical features. The results indicate that the panel comprised of a pyramid array is more advantageous than the tetrahedral-based panel in terms of thermal performance, where the average melting rate is 20.8 % higher when the panel volume is 250 mL. In addition, tweaking the geometric features of the panel will largely impact its thermal performance as the effective heat transfer area and natural convection conditions are varied. Finally, it was found that hanging the panel to the ceiling will effectively enhance the heat transfer compared to directly attaching it to the ceiling. The results complement the knowledge body of macro-encapsulated PCM ceiling panels in terms of thermal performance and geometric optimisation. The effects of geometric features on the thermal performance of the PCM ceiling panels are studied in a more holistic manner.

A Timely Application-Temporal methods, past, present, and future.

Eating is a dynamic experience, and temporal sensory methods have been proposed to document how products change over the course of consumption or use (nonfood). A search of online databases yielded approximately 170 sources related to temporal evaluation of food products that were compiled and reviewed. This review summarizes the evolution of temporal methodologies (past), offers guidance in selecting appropriate methods (present), and provides insights into the future of temporal methodologies in the sensory space. Temporal methods have evolved to document a variety of characteristics in food products including how the intensity of a specific attribute changes over time (Time-Intensity), which specific attribute is dominant at each time during evaluation (Temporal Dominance of Sensations), which attributes are present at each time point during evaluation (Temporal Check-All-That-Apply), and many others (Temporal Order of Sensations, Attack-Evolution-Finish, and Temporal Ranking). In addition to documenting the evolution of temporal methods, this review considers the selection of an appropriate temporal method based on the objective and scope of research. When choosing a temporal method, researchers should also consider the selection of panelists to perform the temporal evaluation. Future temporal research should focus on validation of new temporal methods and explore how methods can be implemented and improved to add to the usefulness of temporal techniques for researchers.