Search Results (443)

The energy and resource efficient operation of continuously operated large-scale chemical plants is an important factor in the transition towards a sustainable and green process industry. In this work, the operation of the heat exchangers in the diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) process is optimized to reduce fouling and thereby increase their energy efficiency. Real-time optimization (RTO) using Modifier Adaptation With Quadratic Approximation (MAWQA) is applied to cope with plant–model mismatch. It is combined with distributed estimation of the modifiers while retaining a centralized optimization to ensure rapid convergence. It reduces the data points needed for their computation and enables application to large-scale processes. The plant model that is used in the optimization is a surrogate of an available detailed flow-sheet simulator model. The algorithm is demonstrated first for a small problem and then applied to the operator training simulator (OTS) of the MDI process in several operation scenarios. Compared to previous work, the algorithm converges to the optimal operating conditions in fewer iterations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Correct inhalation technique (IT) is crucial in the management of airway obstructive diseases. However, inhaler misuse among patients is frequent. The aim of the study was to assess IT and analyze factors influencing inhalation errors in adults with asthma and COPD. Methods: This single-center case–control study involved 180 adults with asthma or COPD. IT was evaluated using a checklist of common errors, a four-grade dedicated scale, and peak inspiratory flow. Patients with correct and incorrect IT were compared across multiple factors, including demographics, disease duration and severity, motivation for treatment, spirometry results, cognitive function, visual or hearing disorders and prior training in inhaler use. Results: A total of 115 patients with asthma and 65 patients with COPD were analyzed. Among them, only 59 patients (32.8%) were treated with 1 inhaler. Sixty-eight patients (37.8%) used all their inhalers properly. Correct IT was observed more frequently among DPI compared to MDI users (p < 0.001). Only 76 patients (42.2%) reported previous training in IT. No differences were found between correct and incorrect inhaler users (MDI or DPI) regarding age, gender, education, treatment motivation, visual or hearing impairments or cognitive disorders. Among MDI users, those with correct IT more often read the drug leaflet (p = 0.015). Among DPI users, proper technique was associated with better self-assessment (p = 0.046) and a higher rate of prior inhalation training (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Most adults with asthma or COPD do not use their inhalers properly, particularly patients using MDI. Insufficient education in the field of proper IT is still a burning issue. Full article

In this study, a green lubricating grease was prepared based on cellulose and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO). The cellulose extracted from the corn stover was functionalized using diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), which enhances its compatibility and thickening ability in non-polar oil, and subsequently dispersed in ESO to form a stable gel-like bio-based grease. The functionalized surface of cellulose was characterized by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. And the rheological and tribological characteristics of the prepared bio-based grease were discussed. The superior lubricity and anti-wear properties of our bio-based grease are demonstrated by its lower friction and diminished wear relative to commercial lithium-based formulations. This work provides practical guidance for designing environmentally friendly grease for sustainable lubrication. Full article

In recent years, quantum network technology has been rapidly developing, with new theories, solutions, and protocols constantly emerging. The breakthrough experiments and achievements are impressive, such as the construction and operation of ultra-long-distance and multi-user quantum key distribution (QKD) networks, the proposal, verification, and experimental demonstration of new network nonlocality characteristics, etc. The results of recent research on QKD and network nonlocality are summarized and analyzed in this paper, including CV-MDI-QKD (continuous-variable measurement-device-independent QKD), TF-QKD (twin-field QKD), AMDI-QKD (asynchronous MDI-QKD), the generalization, sharing, and certification of network nonlocality, as well as the main achievements and related research tools of full network nonlocality and genuine network nonlocality, aiming to identify the current status and future development paths of the QKD and network nonlocality. Full article

This study aims to develop high-performance biocomposites for structural applications using kenaf, bagasse, hemp, and softwood fibers bonded with phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and phenol-urea-formaldehyde (PUF) adhesives, commonly used in particleboard manufacturing. A simple, low-cost fiber treatment was applied by adjusting the fiber pH to 11 and 13 using a 33% NaOH solution, following standard protocols to enhance fiber–adhesive interaction. The effects of alkaline treatment on the chemical structure of bagasse, kenaf, and hemp fibers were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and correlated with composite mechanical performance. PF and PUF were applied at 13% (w/w), while polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) at 5% (w/w) served as a control for untreated fibers. The fabricated panels were evaluated for mechanical properties; modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and internal bond strength (IB), and physical properties such as thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA) after 24 h of immersion. FTIR analysis revealed that treatment at pH 11 increased the intensity of O–H, C–O–C, and C–O bands and led to the disappearance of the C=O band (~1700 cm⁻¹) in all fibers. Bagasse treated at pH 11 showed the most significant spectral changes and the highest IB values with both PF and PUF adhesives, followed by kenaf at pH 13, exceeding EN 312:6 (2010) standards for heavy-duty load-bearing panels in dry conditions. The highest MOE and MOR values were achieved with kenaf at pH 11, meeting EN 312:4 (2010) requirements, followed by bagasse, while softwood and hemp performed less favorably. In terms of thickness swelling, bagasse consistently outperformed all other fibers across pH levels and adhesives, followed by Kenaf and Hemp, surpassing even pMDI-based composites. These results suggest that high-pH treatment enhances the reactivity of PF and PUF adhesives by increasing the nucleophilic character of phenolic rings during polymerization. The performance differences among fibers are also attributed to variations in the aspect ratio and intrinsic structural properties influencing fiber–adhesive interactions under alkaline conditions. Overall, kenaf and bagasse fibers emerge as promising, sustainable alternatives to industrial softwood particles for structural particleboard production. PF and PUF adhesives offer cost-effective and less toxic options compared to pMDI, supporting their use in eco-friendly panel manufacturing. FTIR spectroscopy proved to be a powerful method for identifying structural changes caused by alkaline treatment and provided valuable insights into the resulting mechanical and physical performance of the biocomposites. Full article

Background and Objectives: Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems represent a major advancement in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management, particularly in pediatric populations. However, real-world evidence comparing their effectiveness to conventional multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy in youth remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of transitioning from MDI therapy to AID systems on glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D, and to explore potential differences based on baseline HbA1c levels and device type. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, retrospective observational study, 76 children and adolescents with T1D were evaluated before and after switching from MDI to either the Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G or Tandem t:slim X2™ Control-IQ system. Glycemic control was assessed using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics at three time points: the last 15 days of MDI therapy (T0), 15 days after (T1), and 6 months after (T2) AID initiation. Statistical comparisons were conducted across time points and between subgroups stratified by baseline HbA1c and AID system. Results: Significant improvements in glycemic control were observed as early as 15 days after AID initiation, with sustained benefits at 6 months. Time in range (TIR) increased from 62.0% at baseline to 76.7% at 15 days and 75.8% at 6 months, and time in tight range (TITR) from 39.8% to 53.9% at T1 and 52.1% at T2 (both p < 0.001). Improvements were more pronounced in participants with higher baseline HbA1c (+16.9% for TITR and +22.3% for TIR). No significant differences in glycemic outcomes were observed between device groups, although algorithm-driven differences in insulin delivery patterns were noted. Total daily insulin dose and BMI increased significantly over time (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: AID therapy leads to rapid and sustained improvements in glycemic control among youth with T1D, particularly in those with suboptimal baseline control. These benefits highlight the clinical value of AID systems, while also emphasizing the need for monitoring potential metabolic impacts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is the most common metabolic disorder in children, with significant physical and emotional impacts. Achieving optimal glucometric control is challenging due to the complex management and limitations of insulin therapy. Advances in pharmacology and technology, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, offer new options for diabetes management. We developed Andiacare, an open-source platform for macro/micro-management of diabetes and analyzed its application in a pediatric T1D cohort to evaluate glucometric control patterns. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a pediatric population (<18 years old) in Andalusia, Spain. Patients treated with Multiple Daily Injections of Insulin (MDI) and FreeStyle Libre 2 System (Abbott, Spain) were included. The patient data were analyzed using the Andiacare platform, which categorizes patients based on the Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) panel’s targets for glucometric control. Results: The study included 2215 patients from 18 pediatric hospitals. The Andiacare platform categorized patients into four groups based on glucometric control parameters, enabling patient stratification based on their glucometric control. Only 25.8% of the cohort achieved the recommended Time in Range (TIR), and 9.5% of the patients achieved all target parameters of glucometric control. Age is a determinant factor in adherence and achievement of set goals. Conclusions: This study offers insights into glucometric control in a large pediatric population with T1D in Andalusia. Few patients achieved the recommended glucometric control targets, highlighting the need for improved management strategies. The use of digital platforms such as Andiacare might contribute to facilitating the management of large pediatric cohorts. New algorithms integrating glucometric and non-glucometric parameters are required for improved individual and cohort categorization to optimize therapeutic interventions. Full article

In the polyurethane industry, catalytically generated carbodiimides can modify the properties of isocyanate and, thus, the resulting foams. In this work, a kinetic reaction study was carried out to investigate the formation of a simple, bifunctional carbodiimide from a widely used polyurethane raw material: 4,4′-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). The experimental section outlines a catalytic process, using a 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-phospholene-1-oxide (MPPO) catalyst in ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) solvent, to model industrial circumstances. The reaction produces carbon dioxide, which was observed using gas volumetry at between 50 and 80 °C to obtain kinetic data. A detailed regression analysis with linear and novel nonlinear fits showed that the initial stage of the reaction is second-order, and the temperature dependence of the rate constant is $k(T)=(3.4\pm 3.8)\mathrm{‧}{10}^6\cdot e^{{\displaystyle \frac{-7192\pm 389}{T}}}$. However, the other isocyanate group of MDI reacts with new isocyanate groups and the reaction deviates from the second-order due to oligomer (polycarbodiimide) formation and other side reactions. A linearized Arrhenius equation was used to determine the activation energy of the reaction, which was E_a = 60.4 ± 3.0 kJ mol⁻¹ at the applied temperature range, differing by only 4.6 kJ mol⁻¹ from a monoisocyanate-based carbodiimide. In addition to experimental results, computationally derived thermochemical data (from simplified DFT and IRC calculations) were applied in transition state theory (TST) for a comprehensive prediction of rate constants and Arrhenius parameters. As a result, it was found that the activation energy of the carbodiimide bond formation reaction from theoretical and experimental results was independent of the number and position of isocyanate groups, which is consistent with the principle of equal reactivity of functional groups. Full article

Background: Arterial hypertension (HT) is one of the most prevalent diseases, causing increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of HT might be complicated by multiple drug intolerance syndrome (MDIS), defined as intolerance to three or more drug classes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of MDIS in patients with hypertension and investigate its impact on disease control. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were thoroughly searched in June 2024. The data concerning MDIS prevalence, MDIS risk factors, number of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and types of reactions was extracted. Quality assessment was done with the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of MDIS and ADRs. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: This review included four studies (2508 patients). The pooled prevalence of MDIS was 10% (95% CI: 4%–19%). Headache was the most frequent ADR reported in the studies (71.47%, 95% CI: 56.5%–84.44%), while pain in other body parts was present in 53.08% of patients. Female sex was found to increase the risk of MDIS in each included study. Other risk factors identified were older age, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and depression. Blood pressure was higher in the MDIS group, and in this group, more patients had uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusions: The prevalence of MDIS in the hypertensive population can be considered high. Furthermore, blood pressure control is worse in patients with MDIS. However, this phenomenon is still studied inadequately, and further research is necessary. Full article

Background and Objectives: Eating disorders are one of the most widespread health concerns, mainly among adolescents. Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have been reported to have a high prevalence of eating disorders. The aim of our study is to evaluate the risk of diabetes-specific eating disorders in children with T1DM using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), with real-time glycemic data from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Materials and Methods: Sixty-four patients (aged 7–18 years) completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R). The DEPS-R is a diabetes-specific self-report questionnaire to assess diabetes-specific compensatory behaviors. Auxological findings, sex, age, age at diagnosis, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and all CGM data were obtained from their medical records. Results: Although the median DEPS-R score was higher in children and adolescents using CSII compared to those using multiple daily injections (MDIs) (14 vs. 11), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.302). The risk of diabetes-specific eating disorders was identified in six patients (30%) using CSII and in nine patients (20.4%) using multiple daily injections (p = 0.403). Interestingly, in the subgroup with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 9%), DEPS-R scores were significantly lower among those using CSII compared to the MDI group. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated positive associations between DEPS-R scores and diabetes duration, weight SDS, body mass index (BMI), BMI SDS, HbA1c, mean glucose, Glucose Management Indicator (GMI), time above range (TAR) (very high), and coefficient of variation (CV), while a moderate negative correlation was observed with time in range (TIR). Conclusions: This study showed that the treatment of CSII had a beneficial effect on the risk of eating disorders in patients with poor glycemic control. As well, from this perspective, CSII maintains its status as a potentially beneficial therapeutic approach in diabetes management. Full article

Background: Dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a vitamin K2 subtype, has shown benefits for glucose tolerance and vascular health in some studies. We evaluated the impact of MK-7 on dicarbonyls, free AGEs, and protein nitration/oxidation adducts in a rat model of T2DM. Methods: Male heterozygous (fa/+, control) and homozygous (fa/fa, diabetic) Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats were fed a diabetogenic diet without or with MK-7 for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, plasma dicarbonyls as well as plasma and urinary levels of free AGEs and protein nitration/oxidation adducts were quantified by isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Diabetic rats showed significantly increased plasma glyoxal, 3-deoxyglucosone, and fructosyl-lysine with non-significant trends toward increased methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone and methionine sulfoxide, as well as reductions in methylglyoxal and dityrosine. Urinary carboxyethyl-lysine, carboxymethyl-lysine, fructosyl-lysine (all significant), and dityrosine (non-significant) were elevated in diabetic rats; glucosepane (non-significant) was reduced. MK-7 supplementation reduced no measured parameter but was associated with non-significant further increases in plasma glyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone, carboxyethyl-lysine, carboxymethyl-lysine, fructosyl-lysine, 3-nitrotyrosine, and methionine sulfoxide, as well as in urinary glyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone, carboxyethyl-lysine, fructosyl-lysine, and 3-nitrotyrosine, in diabetic rats. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between glucose, dicarbonyls, AGEs, and oxidative markers. Conclusions: High-dose MK-7 supplementation did not improve dicarbonyl stress, AGE burden, or protein nitration/oxidation. With respect to available scientific evidence and our observations, the combination of glycemia-driven amplification of glycation and oxidative stress, as well as MK-7-induced glutathione depletion, were likely causative. Full article

Introduction: In healthcare centers with limited resources, or for patients who prefer to make continuous changes in their treatment themselves and do not want to rely solely on technology, intermittent glucose monitoring (isCGM) with an insulin pump is a viable option that warrants further study. Material and methods: prospective single-center study that collected data at 3 months and after isCGM implantation in pediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes, categorized according to their insulin regimen. Results: We found statistically significant differences in the time in range (TIR) between 70 and 180 mg/dl at 3 months after using the sensor (p = 0.017), although these differences were not maintained at 1 year (p = 0.064). When stricter TIRs (70–140 mg/dl) were analyzed, statistically significant differences were observed at 3 months (p = 0.01) and at 1 year (p = 0.018) in favor of patients using CSII. While 75% of the patients in the CSII group had good control with HbA1c < 7% after one year of sensor use, only 34.6% in the MDI group achieved these values. However, the CSII group presented a higher coefficient of variation (62.31% at 3 months and 43.08% at 1 year) (p = 0.02), and a higher number of hypoglycemic episodes (7.38% and 7.32%, respectively) (p = 0.016). The CSII group also had a higher number of capillary blood glucose measurements at the beginning of the study (8.32/day) (p = 0.249), but this number became similar between both groups after one year. Conclusions: We found statistically significant differences in favor of CSII over MDI in terms of metabolic control after one year of isCGM use. However, the TIR values were still below the range considered to be indicative of good control. These findings lead us to question whether CSII should be initially considered in specific cases where HCL is not possible, or if it would be more effective to wait until the patient is ready, or the necessary resources are available to start directly CSII integrated in a closed loop system. Full article

Background: Despite the survival benefit of ICDs in patients with HFrEF, most recipients do not receive appropriate therapy during follow-up. Existing risk models based on echocardiographic and clinical parameters show limited predictive accuracy for arrhythmic events. This study aimed to assess whether ECG-derived markers outperform conventional measures in predicting appropriate ICD shocks. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 375 patients with HFrEF who underwent ICD implantation for primary prevention at least six months before study enrollment. Twelve-lead surface ECGs were analyzed for a QTc interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, frontal QRS-T angle, and maximum deflection index (MDI). Clinical, echocardiographic, and arrhythmic event data obtained from device interrogations were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify independent predictors of appropriate ICD shocks. Results: Patients who experienced appropriate ICD shocks had significantly higher rates of a complete bundle branch block, digoxin use, QRS duration, QTc, Tp-e/QT ratio, frontal QRS-T angle, MDI, and right-ventricular pacing ratio. Conversely, beta-blocker use was significantly lower in this group. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of appropriate shocks included the patient’s digoxin use (OR = 2.931, p = 0.003), beta-blocker use (OR = 0.275, p = 0.002), frontal QRS-T angle (OR = 1.009, p < 0.001), QTc interval (OR = 1.020, p < 0.001), and Tp-e/QT ratio (OR = 4.882, p = 0.050). The frontal QRS-T angle had a cutoff value of 105.5° for predicting appropriate ICD shocks (sensitivity: 73.6%, specificity: 85.2%, AUC = 0.758, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Electrocardiographic markers, particularly the frontal QRS-T angle, QTc interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio, demonstrated superior predictive power for appropriate ICD shocks compared to conventional echocardiographic and clinical measures. These easily obtainable, non-invasive ECG parameters may improve current risk stratification models and support more individualized ICD implantation strategies. Full article

The repair efficiency of various self-healing materials often depends on the ability of the prepolymer and curing agent to form mixtures. This paper presents a synthesis and study of the properties of modified self-healing polyurethanes using the Diels–Alder reaction (DA reaction), obtained from a maleimide-terminated preform and a series of furan–urethane curing agents. The most commonly used isocyanates (4,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)) and furan derivatives (furfurylamine, difurfurylamine, and furfuryl alcohol) were used as initial reagents for the synthesis of curing agents. For comparative analysis, polyurethanes were also obtained using the well-known “traditional” approach—from furan-terminated prepolymers based on mono- and difurfurylamine, as well as furfuryl alcohol and the often-used bismaleimide curing agent 1,10-(methylenedi-1,4-phenylene)bismaleimide (BMI). The structure and composition of all polymers were studied using spectroscopic methods. Molecular mass was determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermal properties were studied using TGA, DSC, and TMA methods. The mechanical and self-healing properties of the materials were investigated via a uniaxial tensile test. Visual assessment of the completeness of damage restoration after the self-healing cycle was carried out using a scanning electron microscope. It was shown that the proposed modified approach helps obtain more durable polyurethanes with a high degree of self-healing of mechanical properties after damage. Full article

This study investigates the impact of microphone placement on honey bee audio monitoring for time-of-day classification, a key step toward automated activity monitoring and anomaly detection. Recognizing the time-dependent nature of bee behavior, we aimed to establish a baseline diurnal pattern recognition method. A custom apparatus enabled simultaneous audio acquisition from internal (brood frame, protected from propolization) and external hive locations. Sound signals were preprocessed using Power Spectral Density (PSD). Extra Trees and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classifiers were trained to identify diurnal activity patterns. Analysis focused on feature importance, particularly spectral characteristics. Interestingly, Extra Trees performance varied significantly. While achieving near-perfect accuracy (98–99%) with internal recordings, its accuracy was considerably lower (61–72%) with external recordings, even lower than CNNs trained on the same data (76–87%). Further investigation using Extra Trees and feature selection methods using Mean Decrease Impurity (MDI) and Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) revealed the importance of the 100–600 Hz band, with peaks around 100 Hz and 300 Hz. These findings inform future monitoring setups, suggesting potential for reduced sampling frequencies and underlining the need for monitoring of sound inside the beehive in order to validate methods being tested. Full article