Search Results (138)

Polypharmacy is typically seen as an unavoidable consequence of multimorbidity and aging, with clinicians addressing complex medication lists unsystematically. In this perspective, we argue that polypharmacy should be managed as a chronic condition. Like diabetes or hypertension, for example, the medication burden shows persistence, progression in its absence despite active management, predictable complications (such as falls, delirium, renal injury, functional decline), and a need for structured surveillance. We introduce a pragmatic diagnostic framework that moves beyond pill counts to modality-agnostic, regimen-level risk across prescribed and non-prescribed medicines. Diagnosis rests on prolonged exposure, composite burden indices (e.g., anticholinergic/sedative load), medication-related complications or prescribing cascades, and the need for a planned review. As biologics, gene therapies and long-acting formulations can lower tablet numbers while increasing monitoring, administration, and interaction complexity. We treat polypharmacy as cumulative pharmacodynamic and operational burden. We advocate stage matched care with unique, functional aims—decreasing the harmful burden instead of mass deprescribing—and position a structured medication review as the standard for polypharmacy with support from pharmacists, shared decision making, and safety netted taper plans. The framework fosters patient-centred care, embedding continuity and equity, and outlines a concise outcome set that integrates pharmacometric measures with patient-reported function and treatment burden. At the systems level, the framework enables registries, recall systems, decision support, and audit/feedback mechanisms to shift from sporadic medication list clean-up to a structured, measurable long-term program. Redefining polypharmacy in this way aligns clinical practice, education, and policy with real-world evidence, fostering a cohesive pathway to safer, streamlined, and more patient-centred care in community settings. Full article

The Strait of Messina poses unique challenges for small vessels due to strong currents and complex wave conditions, which critically affect structural integrity and operational safety. This study proposes an integrated methodology that combines seakeeping analysis, a comparison with classification society rules, and fatigue life assessment within a unified and computationally efficient framework. A panel-based approach was used to compute vessel motions and vertical bending moments at different speeds and wave directions. Hydrodynamic loads derived from Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) were compared with regulatory limits and applied to fatigue analysis. A further innovative aspect is the use of high-resolution bathymetric data from the Strait of Messina, enabling a realistic representation of local currents and sea states and providing a more accurate assessment than studies based on idealized conditions. The results show that forward speed amplifies bending moments, reducing safe wave heights from 2 m at rest to about 0.5 m at 16 knots. Fatigue analysis indicates that aluminum hulls are highly vulnerable to 2–3 m waves, while steel and titanium show no significant damage. The proposed workflow is transferable to other vessel types and supports safer design and operation. The case study of the Strait of Messina, the busiest and most challenging maritime corridor in Italy, confirms the validity and practical importance of the approach. By combining hydrodynamic and structural analyses into a single workflow, this study establishes the foundation for predictive maintenance and real-time structural health monitoring, with significant implications for navigation safety in complex sea environments. Full article

The transition to cleaner, hydrogen-containing fuels is critical for reducing the environmental impact of marine infrastructure, yet their potential effects on the durability and mechanical reliability of engine components remain a significant engineering challenge. Although aluminum alloys are generally regarded as less susceptible to hydrogen-induced degradation and are widely applied in internal combustion engine components, experimental data obtained under real operating conditions with hydrogen-containing fuel mixtures remain insufficient to fully assess all potential risks. In the present study, two identical low-power gasoline engine–generators were operated for 220 h on fuels with and without hydrogen. Post-test analysis included mechanical testing and microstructural characterization of aluminum alloy pistons for comparative assessment. The measured values of ultimate tensile strength, elongation and deflection, maximum bending force, and effective stress concentration factor revealed pronounced property degradation in the piston operated on the gasoline–hydrogen mixture compared to both the new piston and the one run on pure gasoline. Microstructural analysis provided a plausible explanation for this degradation. The results of this preliminary study provide insights into the effects of hydrogen-containing fuel on the mechanical performance of engine component alloys, contributing to the development of safer and more reliable marine energy systems. Full article

Pipeline systems are essential across various industries for transporting fluids over various ranges of distances. A notable application is natural circulation through thermo-syphoning, driven by temperature-induced density variations that generate fluid flow in closed loops. This passive mechanism is widely employed in sectors such as process engineering, oil and gas, geothermal energy, solar water heaters, fertilizers, etc. Natural Circulation Loops eliminate the need for mechanical pumps. While this passive mechanism reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs, maintaining stability and efficiency under varying operating conditions remains a challenge. This study investigates thermo-syphoning in a rectangular closed-loop system and develops optimal control strategies like using a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and Model Predictive Control (MPC) to ensure stable and efficient heat removal while explicitly addressing physical constraints. The results demonstrate that MPC improves system stability and reduces energy usage through optimized control actions by nearly one-third in the initial energy requirement. Compared to the LQR and unconstrained MPC, MPC with active constraints effectively manages input limitations, ensuring safer and more practical operation. With its predictive capability and adaptability, the proposed MPC framework offers a robust, scalable solution for real-time industrial applications, supporting the development of sustainable and adaptive natural circulation pipeline systems. Full article

The molten salt reactor (MSR) is a prominent Generation IV nuclear reactor concept that offers substantial advantages over conventional solid-fueled systems, including enhanced fuel utilization, inherent passive safety features, and significant reductions in long-lived radioactive waste. Central to its safety strategy is a reliance on natural circulation (NC) mechanisms, which eliminate the need for active pumping systems and enhance system reliability during normal and off-normal conditions. However, the challenges associated with molten salts, such as their high melting points, corrosivity, and material compatibility issues, render experimental investigations inherently complex and demanding. Therefore, the use of high-Pr-number surrogate fluids represents a practical alternative for studying molten salt behavior under safer and more accessible experimental conditions. In this study, a single-phase natural circulation loop setup at the University of Idaho’s Thermal–Hydraulics Laboratory was employed to investigate NC behavior under various operating conditions. The RELAP5-3D code was initially validated against water-based experiments before employing Therminol-66, a high-Prandtl-number surrogate for molten salts, in the natural circulation loop for the first time. The RELAP5-3D results demonstrated good agreement with both steady-state and transient experimental results, thereby confirming the code’s ability to model NC behavior in a single-phase flow regime. The results also highlighted certain experimental limitations that should be addressed to enhance the NC loop’s performance. These include increasing the insulation thickness to reduce heat losses, incorporating a dedicated mass flow measurement device for improved accuracy, and replacing the current heater with a higher-capacity unit to enable testing at elevated power levels. By identifying and addressing the main causes of these limitations and uncertainties during water-based experiments, targeted improvements can be implemented in both the RELAP5 model and the experimental setup, thereby ensuring that tests using a surrogate fluid for MSR analyses are conducted with higher accuracy and minimal uncertainty. Full article

Enzymes are highly selective and efficient biological catalysts that play a critical role in modern industrial biocatalysis. Their ability to operate under mild conditions and reduce environmental impact makes them ideal alternatives to conventional chemical catalysts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advances in enzyme-based catalysis, focusing on enzyme classification, engineering strategies, and industrial applications. The six major enzyme classes—hydrolases, oxidoreductases, transferases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases—are discussed in the context of their catalytic roles across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, biofuels, and environmental remediation. Recent developments in protein engineering, including directed evolution, rational design, and computational modeling, have significantly enhanced enzyme performance, stability, and substrate specificity. Emerging tools such as machine learning and synthetic biology are accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel enzymes. Progress in enzyme immobilization techniques and reactor design has further improved process scalability, reusability, and operational robustness. Enzyme sourcing has expanded from traditional microbial and plant origins to extremophiles, metagenomic libraries, and recombinant systems. These advances support the integration of enzymes into green chemistry and circular economy frameworks. Despite challenges such as enzyme deactivation and cost barriers, innovative solutions continue to emerge. Enzymes are increasingly enabling cleaner, safer, and more efficient production pathways across industries, supporting the global shift toward sustainable and circular manufacturing. Full article

Accurate wellbore pressure management is critical for safety and efficiency in deep drilling, where narrow pressure windows and extreme high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) conditions exist. Current methods, including direct measurement and model-based prediction, face limitations such as sensor reliability issues and inaccurate lab-derived parameters. Data-driven AI methods lack interpretability and generalize poorly. This study proposes a model-data fusion approach to address these issues. It integrates mechanistic models with real-time data using the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) for real-time parameter correction. Friction correction factors are introduced to continuously update and optimize the estimation of frictional pressure drop. Validated with field data, the model demonstrates high accuracy, with absolute percentage errors below 5% and mean absolute errors (MAPE) below 1%. It also shows strong robustness, maintaining low MAPE (1.10–2.15%) despite significant variations in frictional pressure drop distribution. This method significantly enhances prediction reliability for safer ultra-deep drilling operations. Full article

With the growing demand for energy, oil and gas exploration and development are progressively moving into deep and ultra-deep formations, where extreme temperatures and pressures create complex challenges for drilling operations. While drilling fluids are critical for controlling bottom-hole pressure, cooling drill bits, and removing cuttings, accurately characterizing their rheological behavior under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions remains a key focus, as existing research has limitations in model applicability and parameter prediction range under extreme downhole environments. To address this, the study aims to determine the optimal rheological model and establish a reliable mathematical prediction model for drilling fluid rheological parameters under HTHP conditions, enhancing the precision of downhole temperature and pressure calculations. Rheological experiments were conducted on eight field-collected samples (4 water-based and four oil-based drilling fluids) using a Chandler 7600 HTHP rheometer, with test conditions up to 247 °C and 140 MPa; nonlinear fitting via a hybrid Levenberg–Marquardt and Universal Global Optimization algorithm and multivariate regression were employed for model development. Results showed that oil-based and water-based drilling fluids exhibited distinct rheological responses to temperature and pressure, with the Herschel–Bulkley model achieving superior fitting accuracy (coefficient of determination > 0.999). The derived prediction model for Herschel–Bulkley parameters, accounting for temperature-pressure coupling, demonstrated high accuracy (R² > 0.95) in validation. This research provides an optimized rheological modeling approach and a robust prediction tool for HTHP drilling fluids, supporting safer and more efficient deep and ultra-deep drilling operations. Full article

Urban rail transit networks’ rapid expansions have led to increasing intersections between existing and new lines, particularly in dense urban areas where new stations must underpass existing infrastructure at zero distance. Deformation controls during construction are critical for maintaining the operational safety of existing stations, especially in soft soil conditions where construction-induced settlement poses significant risks to structural integrity. This study systematically investigates the influence mechanisms of different construction schemes on base plate deformation when an open-top UBIT (underground bundle composite pipe integrated by transverse pre-stressing) underpasses existing stations. Through precise numerical simulation using PLAXIS 3D, the research comparatively analyzed the effects of 12 pipe jacking sequences, 3 pre-stress levels (1116 MPa, 1395 MPa, 1674 MPa), and 3 soil chamber excavation schemes, revealing the mechanisms between the deformation evolution and soil unloading effects. The continuous jacking strategy of adjacent pipes forms an efficient support structure, limiting maximum settlement to 5.2 mm. Medium pre-stress level (1395 MPa) produces a balanced deformation pattern that optimizes structural performance, while excavating side chambers before the central chamber effectively utilizes soil unloading effects, achieving controlled settlement distribution with maximum values of −7.2 mm. The optimal construction combination demonstrates effective deformation control, ensuring the operational safety of existing station structures. These findings enable safer and more efficient urban underpassing construction. Full article

This study assessed the effectiveness of stress-based cognitive-behavioral training compared to standard training in firefighters, emphasizing their ability to distribute extinguishing water and cool environments evenly during enclosure fires. Experiments took place at the Zbiroh training facility with two firefighter teams (Team A with stress-based training and Team B with standard training) under realistic conditions. Using 58 thermocouples and 4 radiometers, temperature distribution and radiant heat flux were measured to evaluate water distribution efficiency and cooling performance during interventions. Team A consistently achieved temperature reductions of approximately 320 °C in the upper layers and 250–400 °C in the middle layers, maintaining stable conditions, whereas Team B only achieved partial cooling, with upper-layer temperatures remaining at 750–800 °C. Additionally, Team A recorded lower radiant heat flux densities (e.g., 20.74 kW/m² at 0°) compared to Team B (21.81 kW/m²), indicating more effective water application and adaptability. The findings confirm that stress-based training enhances firefighters’ operational readiness and their ability to distribute water effectively during interventions. This skill is essential for safer and effective management of indoor fires under extreme conditions. This study supports the inclusion of stress-based and scenario-based training in firefighter education to enhance safety and operational performance. Full article

Steel wire ropes used in transport and aerospace applications are critical components whose failure can lead to significant safety, operational, and environmental consequences. Current diagnostic practices based on magnetic rope testing (MRT) often suffer from signal misalignment and subjective interpretation, particularly under varying operational conditions or in polymer-impregnated ropes with delayed damage indicators. This study explores the application of the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm to enhance the reliability of MRT diagnostics. The research involved analyzing long-term MRT recordings of wire ropes used in mining operations, including different scanning resolutions and signal acquisition methods. A mathematical formulation of DTW is provided along with its implementation code in R and Python. The DTW algorithm was applied to synchronize diagnostic signals with their baseline recordings, as recommended by ISO 4309:2017 and EN 12927:2019 standards. Results show that DTW enables robust alignment of time series with slowly varying spectra, thereby improving the comparability and interpretation of MRT data. This approach reduces the risk of unnecessary rope discard and increases the effectiveness of degradation monitoring. The findings suggest that integrating DTW into existing diagnostic protocols can contribute to safer operation, lower maintenance costs, and reduced environmental impact. Full article

Dysphagia is a common clinical condition, especially among older adults, associated with an increased risk of malnutrition, aspiration, and respiratory complications. A key therapeutic approach involves modifying liquid consistency using thickening agents to achieve safer swallowing. Although rotational rheometry offers accurate viscosity characterization, its complexity and cost limit routine application in clinical or domestic settings. This study evaluates and correlates different methods for measuring the viscosity of thickened liquids, comparing rheological data with empirical techniques such as the Ford cup, Bostwick consistometer, and Line-Spread Test (LST). Several thickeners were tested—guar gum, xanthan gum, a guar/xanthan blend, maltodextrin-based mixtures, and a commercial thickener—across a range of concentrations, temperatures, and preparation times. The results demonstrate that simple methods, particularly the Bostwick consistometer and LST, show strong correlations with rheometer measurements within the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Level 2 (mildly thick) and Level 3 (moderately thick) ranges. However, limitations were observed at extreme viscosities, where certain methods lacked sensitivity or operational feasibility. These findings support the potential of empirical tools for practical viscosity screening in dysphagia management, especially where rheometry is unavailable. This work provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians, caregivers, and food service professionals seeking safe, reproducible, and standardized approaches to fluid consistency assessment. Full article

Thermally sprayed carbide cermet coatings, particularly those based on tungsten carbide (WC) and chromium carbide (Cr₃C₂) and produced with the high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) process, are used in tribological applications as environmentally friendly alternatives to electroplated hard chrome coatings. These functional coatings are especially prevalent in the automotive industry, offering excellent wear resistance. However, their mechanical and tribological performances are highly dependent on factors such as feedstock powders, spray parameters, and service conditions. This review aims to gain deeper insights into the above elements. It also outlines emerging advancements in HVOF technology—including in situ powder mixing, laser treatment, artificial intelligence integration, and the use of novel materials such as rare earth elements or transition metals—which can further enhance coating performance and broaden their applications to sectors such as the aerospace and hydro-machinery industries. Finally, this literature review focuses on process optimization and sustainability, including environmental and health impacts, critical material use, and operational limitations. It uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool for evaluating ecological performance and addresses current challenges such as exposure risks, process control constraints, and the push toward safer, more sustainable alternatives to traditional WC and Cr₃C₂ cermet coatings. Full article

This study investigated the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimize the design and material selection for the construction of the telescopic arm of an elevating work platform (EWP) used in agricultural environments. By comparing the structural performance of four materials—Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 1200), Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 2014), High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel Fe275JR, and HSLA Steel S700—under simulated operational conditions, this research identified the most suitable material for robust yet lightweight platforms. The results revealed that HSLA Steel S700 provides superior performance in terms of strength, low deformation, and high safety factors, making it ideal for scenarios requiring maximum durability and load-bearing capacity. Conversely, Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 2014), while exhibiting lower strength compared with HSLA Steel S700, significantly reduces platform weight by approximately 60% and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing maneuverability and compatibility with smaller, less powerful tractors. These findings highlight the potential of FEA in optimizing EWP design by enabling precise adjustments to material selection and structural geometry. The outcomes of this research contribute to the development of safer, more efficient, and cost-effective EWPs, with a specific focus on improving productivity and safety in agricultural operations such as pruning and harvesting. Future work will explore advanced geometries and hybrid materials to further enhance the performance and versatility of these platforms. Full article

The plasma reactor and cylindrical-type electrostatic precipitator (PRESP), combined operation in one device, made in the metallic chimney of low-thermal power boilers (up to 50 kW) that burn wood, can be used in home applications. The discharge electrode is stretched and supported by two groups of medium-voltage insulators. The sensitive elements of PRESP are medium-voltage insulators. This article analyses the design, use, and effect of dirty gases on the medium-voltage insulators that support the discharge electrode under real operating conditions for a PRESP installed in a 20 kW thermal power boiler that burns wood (there are no studies on the performance of PRESP). The electrical properties of the medium-voltage insulators (isolation resistance, dielectric absorption ratio, and polarisation index) and the chemical analysis of the dust layer deposited on the medium-voltage insulators are analysed. Of the two types of insulators analysed, a longer length of the electrical insulators determines a safer and better operation of PRESP. After a period of operation of the PRESP, the insulation resistance decreases by more than 10 times. The polarisation index (values greater than 1.1–1.2) provides better information (compared to the dielectric absorption ratio) on the insulation quality. Full article