Current Mitigation Research Articles

Mitigating risks in hydrogen-powered transportation: A comprehensive risk assessment for hydrogen refuelling stations, vehicles, and garages

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, crucial to achieving net-zero energy goals. However, the rapid expansion of hydrogen-powered transportation is outpacing safety standards, posing significant risks due to limited operational experience, involvement of new actors and lack of targeted guidelines. This study addresses the urgent need for a tailored comprehensive risk assessment framework. Using Structured What-If (SWIFT) and bowtie barrier analysis, the research evaluates a hypothetical pilot project focusing on hydrogen refuelling stations, vehicles, and garages. The study identifies critical hazards and assesses the adequacy of current risk mitigation measures. Key findings reveal gaps in safety practices, leading to 41 actionable steps and 5 key activities to help new actors manage hydrogen risks effectively. By introducing novel safety guidelines, this research contributes to the development of safe hydrogen use and advances the understanding of hydrogen risks, ensuring its sustainable integration into transportation systems.

Impacts of changing weather patterns on the dynamics of water pollutants in agricultural catchments: Insights from 11-year high temporal resolution data analysis

Widespread and long-term shifts in weather patterns are contributing to further degradation of surface water quality. This challenge caused by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events requires appropriate adaptation of current mitigation strategies. But to confirm the need to redesign such strategies, an understanding of the impacts of increasing weather extremes on pollutant losses in different catchment types is required. With this in view, this study investigated the impact of changing weather patterns on the inter-seasonal and inter-annual dynamics of nutrient losses in six agricultural catchments in Ireland over 11 years. The high temporal resolution data (10-min) from these intensively managed catchments represented different characteristics and management practices. Mann-Kendall Trend Analysis and Generalised Additive Models were used to study nutrient concentration trends, and to investigate the significance of water discharge, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, soil moisture deficit, air temperature, and soil temperature on the losses of nutrients, respectively. The analysis of historical data revealed changes in the trends of daily average nitrate (NO3-N), phosphorus (P), and suspended sediment (SS) concentrations in association with significant increasing trends in air temperature, soil temperature, and precipitation across the same month over 11 years of monitoring. While discharge was significantly contributing to the concentrations of NO3-N, P, and SS across different catchments, air and soil temperature were significantly correlated to NO3-N losses, and precipitation was the major contributor to regulating P (total P and total reactive P) concentrations. In short, air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture deficit, and precipitation were the main climatic drivers regulating the nutrient concentrations while the soil chemistry and drainage status were the non-climatically related drivers. The results revealed that the extent of the impact of climatic drivers depends on catchment characteristics. Therefore, expanding the application of this type of study would facilitate better understanding of current and future challenges to water management and provision of climate-resilient mitigation strategies for different catchment typologies.

Cold Start Latency in Serverless Computing: A Systematic Review, Taxonomy, and Future Directions

Recently, academics and the corporate sector have paid attention to serverless computing, which enables dynamic scalability and an economic model. In serverless computing, users only pay for the time they actually use resources, enabling zero scaling to optimise cost and resource utilisation. However, this approach also introduces the serverless cold start problem. Researchers have developed various solutions to address the cold start problem, yet it remains an unresolved research area. In this article, we propose a systematic literature review on clod start latency in serverless computing. Furthermore, we create a detailed taxonomy of approaches to cold start latency, which we use to investigate existing techniques for reducing the cold start time and frequency. We have classified the current studies on cold start latency into several categories such as caching and application-level optimisation-based solutions, as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)-based solutions. Moreover, we have analyzed the impact of cold start latency on quality of service, explored current cold start latency mitigation methods, datasets, and implementation platforms, and classified them into categories based on their common characteristics and features. Finally, we outline the open challenges and highlight the possible future directions.

Local anaesthetic delivery through indwelling retrobulbar catheters for ocular pain control in horses

AbstractBackgroundEquine corneal disease is common and painful. Current pain mitigation strategies are often suboptimal, especially early in the disease.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of local anaesthetic delivery via indwelling retrobulbar catheter on corneal sensitivity, pupil size, pupillary light responses (PLRs), and ocular motility in normal horses.Study designRandomised, controlled crossover experiment.MethodsOne eye was randomly selected from seven horses. A 20‐gauge catheter was placed in the retrobulbar space and injected with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.9% saline. Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometry (CBE), pupil photogrammetry, PLRs, and oculocephalic reflexes were evaluated before injection (t = 0) and t = 0.25, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after injection. Following a 7–14 day washout period, this procedure was repeated using the alternative injection solution. Corneal touch thresholds (CTTs) derived from CBE and pupillary areas (PA; as measured from photographs) were compared across time for each group. PLRs and oculocephalic reflexes were compared between groups at each evaluation time point.ResultsSaline did not affect CBE, PA, PLRs or oculocephalic reflexes at any time point. Bupivacaine reduced CTT compared with saline for 6 h, with maximum reduction at t = 1 h (bupivacaine: 0.08 ± 0.20 cm; saline: 4.21 ± 0.39 cm; p < 0.001). Bupivacaine increased PA compared with saline for 3 h, with maximum increase at t = 3 h (bupivacaine: 349.75 ± 84.80 mm2; saline: 194.65 ± 27.03 mm2; p = 0.04). Bupivacaine injection reduced PLRs for 9 h and oculocephalic reflexes for 3 h; saline had no effect. Mild adverse effects included chemosis, blepharoedema, and transiently reduced palpebral reflex.Main limitationsReduction in CTT may not directly translate to pain control in clinical horses with corneal disease. Adverse effects of repeated injections were not evaluated.ConclusionsInjection of bupivacaine via an indwelling retrobulbar catheter in horses reduces corneal sensitivity and may be useful in reducing pain in horses with corneal disease.

Toxic Metals and Metalloids in Food: Current Status, Health Risks, and Mitigation Strategies.

Exposure to toxic metals/metalloids, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), through food consumption is a global public health concern. This review examines the contamination status of these metals/metalloids in food, assesses dietary intake across different populations, and proposes strategies to reduce metal/metalloid exposures throughout the food chain. For the general population, dietary intake of metals/metalloids is generally lower than health-based guidance values. However, for vulnerable populations, such as infants, children, and pregnant women, their dietary intake levels are close to or even higher than the guidance values. Among different food categories, seafood shows higher total As, but largely present as organic species. Rice accumulates higher As concentration than other cereals, with inorganic As (iAs) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) being the main As species. Methylated thioarsenate species, such as dimethylmonothioarsenate, have also been detected in rice. The distribution of iAs and DMA in rice shows geographical variation. Additionally, seafood and cocoa products generally contain more Cd than other food, but seafood consumption does not significantly increase in adverse health effects due to its high zinc and iron content. Compared to As and Cd, Pb concentrations in food are generally lower. To minimize the health risks of metal/metalloid exposure, several strategies are proposed. Food contamination with toxic metals/metalloids poses significant concerns for human health, particularly for vulnerable populations. This review provides scientific evidence and suggestions for policy makers to reduce human exposure of metals/metalloids via dietary intake.

Assessing the Variability of Aerosol Optical Depth Over India in Response to Future Scenarios: Implications for Carbonaceous Aerosols

AbstractAir pollution caused by various anthropogenic activities and biomass burning continues to be a major problem in India. To assess the effectiveness of current air pollution mitigation measures, we used a 3D global chemical transport model to analyze the projected optical depth of carbonaceous aerosol (AOD) in India under representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 over the period 2000–2100. Our results show a decrease in future emissions, leading to a decrease in modeled AOD under both RCPs after 2030. The RCP4.5 scenario shows a 48%–65% decrease in AOD by the end of the century, with the Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) experiencing a maximum change of 25% by 2030 compared to 2010. Conversely, RCP8.5 showed an increase in AOD of 29% by 2050 and did not indicate a significant decrease by the end of the century. Our study also highlights that it is likely to take three decades for current policies to be effective for regions heavily polluted by exposure to carbonaceous aerosols, such as the IGP and eastern India. We emphasize the importance of assessing the effectiveness of current policies and highlight the need for continued efforts to address the problem of air pollution from carbonaceous aerosols, both from anthropogenic sources and biomass burning, in India.

Using Teletrauma to Improve Access to Trauma Care in the US: A Call for Action.

Nearly 30 million, mostly rurally-located Americans lack timely access to level I or II trauma center care, resulting in inefficient resource use and potentially preventable deaths. Although significant progress has been made in the care of the injured patient over the last few decades, rural trauma patients continue to face significant challenges in accessing high quality trauma care with resultant outcomes disparities and increased expenditures associated with potentially avoidable interfacility transfers. Current mitigation strategies have not sufficiently improved access to trauma care among this population, necessitating a search for alternative strategies such as integration of telehealth for trauma care or teletrauma. Telehealth is well-established in several healthcare areas resulting in improved patient and system-level outcomes. While telehealth has been used in trauma with some success, it remains underused. Members of a 2023 ACS Committee on Trauma Spotlight Session on the role of teletrauma present an introduction to the applications, potential benefits and future directions for telehealth use in trauma care.

Air rage from the sharp end: cabin crew perspectives on disruptive passenger behaviour in Europe and its impact on occupational safety and well-being

Disruptive passenger behaviour (DPB) incidents spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic period, compromising the safety of commercial flights on a daily basis. This qualitative semi-structured interview study examined the perceived triggering factors and motivations for DPB and the subsequent impact of DPB upon cabin crew well-being and safety. Twenty-four European cabin crew disclosed experiences, subjective observations of perpetrator traits, assessment of DPB development and information regarding their well-being and perceived safety. Thematic analysis revealed that the perceived frequency of DPB had increased, driven by an accumulation of pandemic-related factors – such as enforcing mask wearing amongst intoxicated passengers. DPB was found to decrease resilience and spur maladaptive coping strategies in crew. Suggested enhancements to current DPB mitigation consisted of stricter punishment for DPB as a deterrent, alcohol bans and higher quality training. These findings can inform decision-makers’ efforts to support cabin crew well-being and create safer cabin workplaces in the future.

Health impact of policies to reduce agriculture-related air pollutants in the UK: The relative contribution of change in PM2.5 exposure and diets to morbidity and mortality

Food systems can negatively impact health outcomes through unhealthy diets and indirectly through ammonia emissions originating from agricultural production, which contribute to air pollution and consequently cardiovascular and respiratory health outcomes. In the UK, ammonia emissions from agriculture have not declined in the same way as other air pollutants in recent years. We applied a novel integrated modelling framework to assess the health impacts from six ammonia reduction scenarios to 2030: two agriculture scenarios – a “Current trends” scenario projecting current mitigation measures to reflect a low ambition future, and “High ambition mitigation” based on measures included in the Climate Change Committee's Balanced Pathway to Net Zero; three dietary scenarios – a “Business as usual” based on past trajectories, “Fiscal” applying 20% tax on meat and dairy and 20% subsidy on fruit and vegetables, and “Innovation” applying a 30% switch to plant-based alternatives; one combination of “High ambition mitigation” and “Innovation”. Compared to “Current trends”, the “High ambition mitigation” scenario would result in a reduction in premature mortality of 13,000, increase life years by 90,000 and reduce incidence of respiratory diseases by 270,000 cases over a 30 year period. Compared to Business as Usual, the dietary scenarios would reduce the number of premature deaths by 65,000 and 550,000–600,000 life years gained over 30 years, with most of the benefits gained by reducing ischemic heart disease (incidence reduction: 190,000). The “High ambition combination” would lead to 67,000 deaths averted, 536,000 incidence reductions and 650,000 life-years gained. For all scenarios, older age groups and those living in lower income households would experience the greatest benefits, because of higher underlying mortality rates or higher levels of risk factors. Our study shows that combining mitigation policies targeting agricultural production systems with diet-related policies would lead to significant reductions in emissions and improvement in health outcomes.

Flexible emulation of the climate warming cooling feedback to globally assess the maladaptation implications of future air conditioning use

Abstract Rising affluence and a warming climate mean that the demand for air conditioning (AC) is rising rapidly, as society adapts to climate extremes. Here we present findings from a new methodological framework to flexibly couple and emulate these growing demands into a global integrated assessment model (IAM), subsequently representing the positive feedbacks between rising temperatures, growth in cooling demand, and carbon emissions. In assessing global and regional climate change impacts on cooling energy demand, the emulator incorporates climate model uncertainties and can explore behavioural and adaptation-related assumptions on setpoint temperature and access to cooling. It is also agnostic to the emissions and climate warming trajectory, enabling the IAM to run new policy-relevant scenarios (Current Policies, 2 °C and 1.5 °C) with climate impacts that do not follow Representative Concentration Pathways. We find that climate model uncertainty has a significant effect, more than doubling the increase in electricity demand, when comparing the 95th percentile cases to the median of the climate model ensemble. Residential AC cooling energy demands are expected to increase by 150% by 2050 whilst providing universal access to AC would result in the order of a 400% increase. Depending on the region, under current policies and limited mitigation, climate change could bring in the order of 10%–20% higher cooling-related electricity demands by 2050, and approximately 50% by 2100. Set point temperature has an important moderating role—increasing internal set-point from 23 °C to 26 °C, approximately halves the growth in electricity demand, for the majority of scenarios and regions. This effect is so strong that the change in set point temperature to both residential and commercial sectors outweighs the growth in demand that would occur by providing universal access to AC by 2050 to the 40% of the global population who would otherwise not afford it.

Crossing the wicked frontier. Why sustainability science needs integrative research

Integrative research approaches have lost prominence in the scientific literature, and related concepts of ‘wicked problems’ and ‘post-normal science’ complement but do not adequately replace them. From a detailed examination of the foundational literature, three key principles are shown to be central to integrative research: (i) the knowledge cycle; (ii) representativeness and participation; and (iii) knowledge exchange mechanisms at the science–policy interface. As an example of the importance of the integrative research framework in the context of policy-relevant science, it is argued that the shortcomings of current climate change mitigation efforts arise from inappropriately ‘closing down’ the science–policy interface and focusing on a few narrow options acceptable to powerful stakeholders. This can lead to what is described as an ‘ascientific’ ratchet effect, where the knowledge cycle just loops endlessly between technology and capital, and science as a public good is excluded. An integrative research approach can ‘open up’ discourse to new ideas and actors and restore the iterative links between science–policy mechanisms. A theoretical framework is proposed in which the three concepts ‘wicked problems’, ‘post-normal science’ and ‘integrative research’ are nested together. Integrative research is a way to address wicked problems, sitting within the critical framing of post-normal science.

A Filter-Based Topology and Modulation Strategy With Leakage Current Mitigation for Grid-Connected CHB Photovoltaic Inverters

A Filter-Based Topology and Modulation Strategy With Leakage Current Mitigation for Grid-Connected CHB Photovoltaic Inverters

Improved Harmonic Mitigation and Power Injection Technique for Solar-fed DG System Using GA and PSO

This paper deals with Distributed Generation (DG) system requiring power quality features such as current harmonics, reactive power compensation, and power factor improvement in grid tied operation. The motivation is to combine DG system with the capabilities of shunt active filter to perform real power injection, current harmonics mitigation and power factor improvement. The control algorithm employed in this setup utilizes a reference current generator based on p-q theory together with a pulse width modulation controller for switching pulse generation. The control strategy utilizes PI controller with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for finding optimal PI controller parameters. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using MATLAB/Simulink and experimental model developed for 3kWp inverter. The PI-PSO controller injects 0.588kW active power into the grid results in sharing 54% of load power demand and the current harmonics is reduced from 23.70% to 1.63%. The obtained results demonstrate that the grid tied inverter maintains harmonic standards in accordance with the IEEE-519 standard while injecting maximum possible active power to the line.

Investigation of Electrical Energy Efficiency and Current Harmonic Mitigation of Electrical Drive: A Case Study of Sunti Golden Sugar Company Nigeria

Investigation of Electrical Energy Efficiency and Current Harmonic Mitigation of Electrical Drive: A Case Study of Sunti Golden Sugar Company Nigeria

Effectiveness of regional risk mitigation policies in equitably improving connectivity to essential service during hurricane-induced floods

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of regional disaster mitigation policies in providing equitable access to essential services during hurricane-induced floods in Southeast Louisiana. Studies have been conducted on access to essential service facilities during and after disasters. However, there is limited research on whether current regional disaster mitigation plans ensure equitable access to emergency facilities. To this end, a methodology was developed to assess the effect of the 2017 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan developed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Agency (CPRA) on equity in connectivity to essential service facilities (hospitals and fire stations) in a case study region in southeastern Louisiana. First, a graph-based model was used to represent the road network and determine the connectivity of five demographic groups during hurricane-induced flood scenarios. Herein, a hurricane-induced flood scenario with a low return period (50 years) was chosen for future years up to 2065, considering sea level rise and subsidence. Roads with flood depths exceeding 30 cm were considered impassable and were removed from the network. Connectivity was then determined using breadth-first search. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to propagate uncertainties in flood depths. It was found that minority groups were at a higher risk of losing access to emergency services during the selected hazard scenario. Native American and Asian populations were found to be at the highest risk of disconnection, followed by the Hispanic and African-American populations. Overall, the coastal master plan did not affect the equity (or lack thereof) in connectivity to essential service facilities.

Harmonic errors of a 9.4 T all-REBCO NMR magnet affected by screening current and geometric inconsistency of coated conductors

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Substance Use Disorder, Opioid Use Disorder, and Symptom Management in Palliative Care: A Rapid Review of Evidence.

Substance use disorder (SUD) affects more than 1 in 6 Americans older than 12 years and has become an increasingly relevant topic in palliative care. Lack of clear guidelines and fragmented care results in patient safety concerns and poor outcomes. This rapid review aims to present the current literature on opioid contracts/agreements, prescription drug monitoring database access, opioid risk assessment tools, and urine drug screening in the palliative care setting. Through a systematic process, we identified 19 articles published between 2018 and 2023 that pertained to substance use disorder and palliative care. Current risk mitigation strategies include prescription drug monitoring, opioid use agreements, risk assessment tools, urine drug screening, and the use of buprenorphine to manage pain. Prescription drug monitoring programs are state-based electronic databases that track controlled substances, and there are numerous risk assessment tools. Urine drug screening involves the use of both immunoassay and confirmatory chromatography to determine the presence or absence of either the prescribed controlled substance or unexpected findings including illicit drugs or prescription-controlled substances that are not prescribed to the patient. The goal of mitigating risk and reducing harm while providing expert symptom management is the challenge that palliative care transdisciplinary teams face as they continue to care for patients with substance use disorder. This review points to the need for further research on how to incorporate these harm-reducing strategies into clinical practice.

Review of Hydrogen-Related Accidents: Root Causes, Mitigation Strategies, and Recommendations for secure utilization.

Abstract Hydrogen, acknowledged as a versatile and sustainable energy carrier, is gaining significant attention across industries, becoming a focal point in the pursuit of cleaner energy solutions. However, Ensuring the safe utilization of hydrogen presents inherent challenges, giving rise to a spectrum of related accidents. This study delves into the intricate landscape of hydrogen utilization, acknowledging both its significance and inherent challenges associated with its safety. This comprehensive review examines hydrogen-related accidents from the Hydrogen Incident and Accident Database (HIAD) within a defined timeframe, analyzing causes and evaluating the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies through categorization and assessment of the root causes of hydrogen-related incidents, this review aspired to provide an in-depth understanding of safety issues and also reviewed the effectiveness of current mitigating strategies, employing risk assessment models. A thorough analysis of these incidents uncovered crucial insights, The findings of the review paper illustrate that human factor and management factors were possibly greater causes of hydrogen accidents than other factors, and management factors to be more hazardous than other factors. Through comprehensive literature review, the study aims to offer practical recommendations for refining safety protocols in hydrogen utilization like the implementation of Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART) and Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) for human factor induced incidents and process safety management (PSM) program for management factor induced incidents. Additionally, specific recommendation for reoccurring incidents based on severity are made to enhance safety protocols, thereby fostering its secure application across diverse industries.

Spectral redundancy for calibrating interferometers and suppressing the foreground wedge in 21 cm cosmology

ABSTRACT Observations of 21 cm line from neutral hydrogen promise to be an exciting new probe of astrophysics and cosmology during the Cosmic Dawn and through the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) to when dark energy accelerates the expansion of our Universe. At each of these epochs, separating bright foregrounds from the cosmological signal is a primary challenge that requires exquisite calibration. In this paper, we present a new calibration method called nucal that extends redundant-baseline calibration, allowing spectral variation in antenna responses to be solved for by using correlations between visibilities measuring the same angular Fourier modes at different frequencies. By modelling the chromaticity of the beam-weighted sky with a tunable set of discrete prolate spheroidal sequences, we develop a calibration loop that optimizes for spectrally smooth calibrated visibilities. Crucially, this technique does not require explicit models of the sky or the primary beam. With simulations that incorporate realistic source and beam chromaticity, we show that this method solves for unsmooth bandpass features, exposes narrow-band interference systematics, and suppresses smooth-spectrum foregrounds below the level of 21 cm reionization models, even within much of the so-called wedge region where current foreground mitigation techniques struggle. We show that this foreground subtraction can be performed with minimal cosmological signal loss for certain well-sampled angular Fourier modes, making spectral-redundant calibration a promising technique for current and next-generation 21 cm intensity mapping experiments.

A Switched-Boost Four-Leg Inverter With Leakage Current Mitigation

A Switched-Boost Four-Leg Inverter With Leakage Current Mitigation