High Level Of Safety Research Articles

Interfacial bond strength and failure modes of traditional and modern repair materials for historic fibrous plaster

Many culturally important historic buildings contain fibrous plaster ceilings. The collapse at London’s Apollo Theatre in 2013, which injured 88 people, highlighted the importance of inspecting and restoring ceilings effectively. This study focuses on traditional and modern materials which are applied to the topsides of existing historic fibrous plaster ceiling elements during repair and maintenance. Fibrous plaster ceilings are commonly suspended from primary or secondary structural roof members using fibrous plaster wadding ties or ‘wads’. The application of additional repair material requires the formation of an interface, defining the strength of the repair. Properties of this interface were evaluated through a novel methodology employing pull-off tests’ of approximately 200 specimens consisting of Alpha plaster, Beta plaster, Jesmonite and Aramid gel. Notably, the effect of fibrous reinforcement, and compatibility with historic and degraded material was also investigated. This study has enabled quantification of interfacial properties and evaluated cohesive and adhesive failure modes. Importantly, the extent of redundancy within historic plaster ceiling practice has been demonstrated, with pull-off occurring from 0.5 kN to 2 kN loading, and the ductile behaviour of repair materials evaluated. Results highlight the importance of surface condition, with clean surfaces exhibiting double the tensile loading capacity compared to soiled (dirty) surfaces representative of those encountered on-site. The significance of this study lies in the quantification of repair material performances and consideration of variations in performance, methodology and in-situ environmental factors. Impact stems from the ability of practitioners to make informed decisions relating to adhesion performance when carrying out repairs. A key outcome is more effective preservation of historic elements in heritage buildings, higher levels of safety and serviceability.

Medium-term efficacy and safety analysis of Ex-PRESS shunt implantation for the treatment of secondary glaucoma in Sturge-Weber syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the medium-term efficacy and safety of Ex-PRESS shunt implantation in the treatment of secondary glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS). Methods: This was a retrospective case series study. Medical records of patients diagnosed with secondary glaucoma due to SWS who underwent Ex-PRESS shunt implantation at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, between January 2013 and February 2020 were collected. Only the right eye were included in the analysis when both eyes were affected. Follow-up visits were scheduled at postoperative week 1, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. Clinical data including intraocular pressure (IOP), vertical cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio, corneal horizontal diameter, visual field, anterior chamber condition, anti-glaucoma medication usage, and additional surgeries were evaluated and analyzed before and after the procedure. Surgical success rates and procedure-related complications at each follow-up time point were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ2 test. Results: A total of 21 patients (21 eyes) were included in the study, comprising 10 females and 11 males. Among them, 15 eyes were on the right side, and 6 eyes were on the left side. The patients' ages ranged from 3 to 51 years, with a median age of 8.1 (6.3, 11.9) years. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 53 months, with a median of 11 (6, 24) months. Preoperatively, the IOP in the 21 operated eyes was (32.9±9.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), significantly higher than the IOP in the 19 healthy eyes, which was (17.1±4.3) mmHg (t=5.80, P<0.001). The C/D ratio in the operated eyes was (0.75±0.13), also significantly higher than that in the healthy eyes, which was (0.32±0.10) (t=11.22, P<0.001). At the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year follow-up, 8 eyes out of 16 operated eyes, 6 eyes out of 9 operated eyes, and 7 eyes out of 10 operated eyes achieved overall surgical success (complete success+conditional success), respectively. The number of eyes with complete success at the three follow-up time points was 3, 2, and 4, respectively. The IOP in the operated eyes was significantly reduced at all follow-up time points compared to preoperative values (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in C/D ratio before and after surgery (all P>0.05). Two operated eyes experienced retinal detachment or choroidal leakage postoperatively, both of which recovered after conservative treatment. One eye developed postoperative degree Ⅰ shallow anterior chamber, and it resolved spontaneously on the third day after surgery. No serious surgical complications, such as bleb-related complications, malignant glaucoma, expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, or endophthalmitis, were observed postoperatively. Conclusions: Ex-PRESS shunt implantation for the treatment of secondary glaucoma in SWS demonstrated a relatively high level of safety. The medium-term IOP in the operated eyes significantly decreased compared to preoperative values. However, the majority of operated eyes did not achieve complete surgical success.

Attaching importance to the health economic evaluation of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

Compared to traditional filtration surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, more effective intraocular pressure reduction, higher safety levels, fewer surgical complications, faster postoperative recovery, and reduced postoperative use of antiglaucoma drugs. MIGS has gained rapid popularity both domestically and internationally due to its easier operation, shorter learning curve, and reduced operation time. Considering the current clinical promotion of MIGS and the application of health economic evaluation in the glaucoma field, this article proposes the need for an emphasis on the health economic evaluation of MIGS. Conducting research in this area will provide valuable insights for related clinical diagnosis and treatment, medical pricing, and medical insurance payment, and help to further disseminate MIGS, so as to offer clinical benefits, which are aligned with national conditions and economic viability.

Relationship between nurses’ emotional intelligence and their perception of patient safety climate

Background Emotional intelligence is regarded as an important characteristic for building stable and healthy emotions among nursing staff that enhances nursing performance, supports the concept of nurse–patient relationship, and encourages the nurses to be more involved in decision making in providing care. Emotional intelligence helps individuals to perform well in risky tasks and could be beneficial for patients under the care of nurses through improving the patient safety climate. Aim The aim was to assess the relationship between nurses’ emotional intelligence and their perception of patient safety climate. Design A descriptive correlational design was used for this study sample. Patients and methods The study was conducted at New Kasr Al-Aini Teaching Hospital, Cairo University Hospital, on a convenience sample of 250 staff nurses. Results The results revealed that the total mean percent of emotional intelligence of nurses was 86.64%, which indicates high level of emotional intelligence, and the total mean score of patient safety climate was 72.33%, which indicates high level of patient safety. In addition, there was a highly statistically significant positive correlation (P=0.00) between emotional intelligence and patient safety climate. Conclusion Nurses had high level of emotional intelligence and patient safety climate. There was a highly statistically significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and patient safety climate. Recommendation There should be increased staff participation in development and training to emphasize the power of emotional intelligence. The aim should be to improve the level of self-awareness, self-management, social consciousness, and relationship management among nurses to increase emotional intelligence and maintain patient safety climate.

App for the prevention of malnutrition in vegan diet

Abstract More and more people are changing their lifestyle to a vegan diet. On the one hand, a vegan diet can help reduce the risk of nutrition-related diseases, but on the other hand, the vegan diet itself poses the risk of malnutrition. Therefore, nutrient intake should be managed and any nutrient interactions should be considered. The aim of this paper is to work out a development strategy for a nutrition app for a vegan diet. With the help of a market analysis, unique selling proposition were identified and regulatory requirements have been determined. It could be shown that there is currently no adequate app that is approved as a medical device, focuses on the vegan diet and considers nutrient interactions. The necessary regulatory requirements could be identified. There are many apps available, but without medical device approval. From the authors' perspective, this would be necessary to ensure a high level of safety and health protection for users.

Assessing the Resistance of Different Chili Genotypes to Chili Leaf Curl Virus (Chilcv) and Evaluating Insecticides for Controlling its Vector, Bemisia Tabaci

The production of chili in Pakistan is currently facing a significant threat from Chili leaf curl virus (ChiLCV). A study was conducted in the crop growing seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at Ayub Agriculture Research Institute Faisalabad to assess the susceptibility and resistance of nine chili genotypes to ChiLCV. Each genotype was replicated three times by using the Randomized Complete Block Design. Weekly documentation was carried out to record the incidence and severity of the disease. During the first and second crop growing seasons, it was observed that, Tarapuri (78%, 76.9%), CH 107 (67.8%, 63.7%), Talhari (65.7%, 56.8%), CH 109 (52.7%, 54.4%), CH 108 (50.8, 51.1), and GSL-111 (42.6%, 39.5%) genotypes showed susceptible response to ChiLCV. The two genotypes Hybrid-46 (17.7%, 18.5%) and Hot Queen (15.5%, 13.4%) exhibited a moderately resistant response and only one genotype CBS1292 (40.7%, 39.1%) showed a moderately susceptible response against ChiLCV. The results of the screening experiment indicated that a majority of chili varieties exhibit susceptibility to chili leaf curl disease and the most of the germplasm is deficient in terms of providing protection against the disease. In addition, another study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of five insecticides, namely Acephate 75 SP, Emamectin, Imidacloprid, Diafenthiuron, and a combination of these insecticides, in managing percent disease incidence, reducing whitefly population, and enhancing crop yield. Among the various insecticides evaluated, Diafenthiuron exhibited the highest efficacy in reducing disease incidence (7.70%, 6.66%), reducing white fly population (1.80, 1.56), and increasing the yield of green fruit (120.71, 132.52q/ha) followed by combination of all of these inecticides, Imidacloprid, Emamectin, and Acephate during both crop growing seasons. This approach has proved a high level of safety and ecological compatibility, and it appeared to be a practical disease management tool.

Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Older Patients (Aged 80 Years and Above) with Atopic Dermatitis: A Prospective Study.

Atopic dermatitis presents unique challenges in the older population owing to age-related changes in skin barrier function and immune regulation. However, there is limited evidence on the efficacy and safety of dupilumab, an anti-interleukin-4Rα monoclonal antibody, in patients with atopic dermatitis aged 80 years and above. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of dupilumab treatment in patients with atopic dermatitis aged 80 years and above. Twenty-eight older patients received dupilumab and were evaluated based on several clinical parameters, including the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DELI), and AD Control Tool (ACT). Safety assessments and monitoring of concomitant medication use were conducted. Twenty-six patients completed 16 weeks of treatment, 13 completed 28 weeks, and two completed more than 36 weeks. Dupilumab treatment resulted in a significant improvement in atopic dermatitis symptoms after 16 weeks as demonstrated by reduced EASI, NRS, DLQI, and ADCT scores. Dupilumab had no significant impact on underlying diseases or medication use. No common adverse reactions, such as conjunctivitis and erythema of the face and neck, were identified. Among the 26 patients receiving dupilumab treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 remained uninfected or experienced milder COVID-19 symptoms than experienced in the general population. Dupilumab treatment showed significant efficacy in improving atopic dermatitis symptoms in patients aged 80 years and above with a high level of safety. Larger long-term clinical trials are needed to validate these results and provide further evidence for the use of dupilumab in older patients with atopic dermatitis.

Analysis of road accidents due to obstruction in sight distance caused by foggy weather using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) at Jumja along Thimphu-Phuentsholing Highway (Asian Highway 48)

Road accident analysis is a crucial technique for determining what elements contribute to collisions and can help lower the accident rate. The consideration of sight distance is a crucial component of highway geometric design in order to guarantee effective traffic operations with the highest level of safety at an affordable price. Road accidents frequently result from reduced visibility caused by foggy weather, hence there is increased interest in studying this issue. This study aims to determine and correlate sight distance, fog blockage, and their effects on traffic accidents at Jumja along Thimphu-Phuentsholing Highway (Asian Highway 48). Data gathering and prediction was aided by the usage of Geographic Information Systems and Artificial Neural Network technologies. Temperature, relative humidity and wind speed for seven years from 2017 to 2023 were considered for fog occurrence to train Artificial Neural Network. Visibility was trained and predicted for summer and winter seasons since the occurrence of fog is prevalent during these seasons. As a result, a correlation value R of 0.998 was found, proving the findings to be almost accurate. This study offers a thorough investigation of how sight distance contributes to traffic accidents at Jumja region. A conclusive finding addressing the significance of sight distance as a contributing factor to traffic accidents due to fog invisibility along Jumja region was made after completion of this study.

Comparison of the application of intra-articular and intravenous tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss during primary total knee arthroplasty

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is frequently administered intravenously because it is recognized as a safe and effective procedure. This study's objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous and intra-articular TXA treatments in patients who have had primary unilateral knee joint replacement. Patients were divided into groups based on TXA applications. Group A patients, those who received intravenous TXA, Group B patients, those who received intraarticular TXA, and Group C patients were intended to serve as the control group. Age, gender, ASA scores, length of hospital stay, preoperative, postoperative, and discharge hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and the quantity of blood product transfusion given to the patients was analyzed retrospectively. Analysis of the patient’s postoperative Hb values revealed that group C patients had lower Hb values (p &lt; 0.05). Postoperative Hct levels were also seen to be significantly lower in group C individuals (p &lt; 0.05). When the patients' Hb levels were measured at discharge, it was discovered that group C patients had lower Hb levels (p &lt; 0.05). The Hct values of group C patients at discharge were also found to be considerably lower (p &lt; 0.05). It was found that group C patients received significantly more blood transfusions than the other groups (p &lt; 0.05) when the number of patient blood transfusions was compared between the groups. Intravenous and intra-articular TXA successfully minimize blood loss in primary TKA. The benefits of intra-articular administration over intravenous administration include convenience of administration, local application, and a higher level of safety.

A transient mechanistic two-fluid model for Direct Contact Condensation

Intensified heat treatment, using Direct Contact Condensation (DCC), is applied in the production of dairy products to ensure a high level of food safety. The key challenge with DCC is the protein reactions and fouling that limit operational efficiency and sustainability. The use of validated, transient models to predict temperature, phase fraction and velocity gradients is essential and can improve the operation of DCC. Pilot plant scale experiments were performed for a wide range of steam mass fluxes, inlet water temperatures, water Reynolds number and channel pressures to validate a transient 1D two-fluid model. The model was tested against steady-state experimental data and showed good agreement. In addition the model was tested against transient data in which either the water flow rate was step wise decreased or the pressure was adjusted throughout the experiment. In general the model followed the experimental trend well provided that the flow inside the channel is homogeneous.

Results of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy in 111 consecutive patients: an Asia cohort study

BackgroundRobot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for esophageal cancer. The purpose of this study was to use the da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) to perform 111 consecutive cases of radical esophageal cancer and report the perioperative data of surgery and postoperative complications and short-term oncological outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 111 patients who underwent RAMIE conducted at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from August 2016 to January 2021. Each patient’s characteristics, clinicopathological stage, postoperative pathological stage, surgery outcome, postoperative recovery, and short-term oncological outcomes were analyzed.ResultsOf the 111 patients who underwent RAMIE, 77 were male and 34 were female, and the mean age was 62.1 ± 8.8 years. Twenty-seven patients (24.3%) received preoperative neoadjuvant therapies, the most popular of which was preoperative induction chemotherapy in 16 cases (14.4%), followed by preoperative induction radiotherapy in 8 cases (7.2%) and preoperative induction chemotherapy plus immunization in 3 cases (2.7%). The vast majority of patients (110/111, 99.1%) underwent radical resection, with a mean intraoperative bleeding amount of 99.9 ± 68.4 mL and a mean operative time of 271.9 ± 70.0 min. The mean total number of lymph nodes removed was 40.9 ± 16.7, including 21.8 ± 9.0 thoracic lymph nodes. Fifty-five (49.6%) patients had lymph node metastases, including 17 (15.3%) with lymph node metastases in the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, 24 (21.6%) with lymph node metastases in the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, and 7 (6.3%) with lymph node metastases in the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve. The positive rate of left recurrent nerve lymph nodes was 4.77%, and he positive rate of right recurrent nerve lymph nodes was 8.38%. The main postoperative complications included pulmonary infection in 24 cases (21.6%), celiac disease in 3 cases (2.7%), tracheoesophageal fistula in 1 case (0.9%), anastomotic fistula in 3 cases (2.7%), postoperative cardiac arrhythmias in 11 cases (9.9%), VTE in 3 cases (2.7%), and pleural effusion (requiring postoperative tube drainage) in 13 cases (11.7%). Additionally, 2 cases of postoperative pneumothorax (1.8%), 1 case of poor incision healing (0.9%), 1 case of incomplete bowel obstruction (0.9%), 1 case of neck hematoma (0.9%), and 1 case of postoperative admission to the intensive care unit (0.9%) occurred. The median length of stay was 10.9 ± 6.1 days, and there were no cases of perioperative death.ConclusionsRobotic esophageal cancer radical surgery is safe and feasible. The surgeon can be proficient in thoracic robotic surgery and mediastinal lymph node dissection and achieve high levels of perioperative safety and short-term efficacy.

Efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICUs: a prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled protocol.

Introduction: Critically ill patients who receive mechanical ventilation after endotracheal intubation commonly experience discomfort and pressure. The major sedative drugs that are currently used in clinical practice present with many complications, such as hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Ciprofol (HSK3486), which is a newly developed structural analog of propofol, is a short-acting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist, and its mechanism of action is sedation or anesthesia by enhancing GABA-mediated chloride influx. The high efficacy of ciprofol for short-term sedation is comparable to that of propofol, and it has a relatively low incidence of adverse effects and high level of safety, which has been confirmed by multiple clinical studies. However, few studies have examined its safety and efficacy for long-term sedation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: A prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized, propofol-controlled, non-inferiority trial is proposed. The study will enroll 112 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, and randomly assign them to a group sedated with either ciprofol or propofol. The primary outcome is the percentage of time spent under target sedation, and secondary outcomes include drug dose, number of cases requiring additional dextrometropine, incidence of systolic blood pressure <80 or >180mmHg, incidence of diastolic blood pressure <50 or >100mmHg, incidence of heart rate <50 beats per minute (bpm) or >120bpm, inflammatory indicators, blood lipid levels, liver and kidney functions, nutritional indicators, ventilator-free days within the 7-day period after enrollment, 28-day mortality, ICU stay duration, and hospitalization costs. Discussion: We hypothesize that the efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in mechanically ventilated ICU patients will not be inferior to that of propofol. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry identifier ChiCTR2200066951.

Facile single-step synthesis of a hierarchical structure of NiCo-LDH on carbon cloth as cathode material in high-performance Zn-ion capacitors

Zn-based capacitors have gained significant attention in global research as an emerging field within rechargeable energy storage systems because of their remarkable advantages, including high safety levels, abundant reserves, and cost-effective technology. However, the performance of Zn-based capacitors effects due to the inclusion of lesser efficient cathode materials, which in turn impacts their cycle stability and energy storage capacity. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) become the highlights in the cathode materials listing owing to their unique characteristics such as robustness, cost-effectiveness, hierarchical structure, higher effective surface area, larger pore volume, and efficient ion diffusion kinetics. The composition and the morphological architecture strongly affect the performance of the energy storage devices. Herein, we have designed a hierarchical porous structure of NiCo-LDH on activated carbon cloth (CC) via a single-step electrochemical deposition technique. The as-synthesized materials' phase purity, bonding environment, and structural and morphological information were examined through XRD, Raman, FTIR, and SEM techniques. The designed NiCo-LDH@CC exhibiting reversible pseudocapacitive properties shows the tremendous output electrochemical performance of 26 F cm−2 storage capacity. When assembled with Zn anode, the resulting NiCo-LDH@CC-based Zn-ion capacitor delivers a maximum specific capacity of 3.6 Ah cm−2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2, an energy density of 750 μWhcm−2 and a maximum power density of 1296 μW cm−2. It is anticipated that the NiCo-LDH material with unique structure and morphology will be the future direction for researchers in the field of supercapacitors.

Twenty-three-hour stays in the ambulatory surgical center: benefits, pathways and protocols.

To summarize recent evidence that discusses the clinical, financial, and logistical implications of a 23 h stay postsurgical stay unit in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC). Twenty-three-hour stays in ambulatory surgery centers are safe, but proper patient selection and optimization are key to maintaining a high level of safety. The financial implications of overnight stays in ASCs rely heavily on payment structures and comparative costs at hospital-based outpatient surgery centers. The establishment of pathways and protocols for clinical care are key to the success of a 23 h stay at an ASC. A concurrent concern with the recent increase in outpatient surgery and medical complexity of cases performed in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) is the possibility that patients may need overnight stay. Further, whether certain patients would benefit from anticipated 23 h observation rather than same-day discharge is an emerging topic. Overnight stays in ASCs may have financial advantages and decrease the risk of unanticipated admission with proper patient selection. The use of protocols and established pathways is key to the success of this model.

Hair regeneration using microneedle-assisted human basic fibroblast growth factor

Hair loss has afflicted numerous patients for several decades. However, the current drug treatment is only effective for specific types of alopecia and their efficacy is limited. Additionally, the cost of hair transplant surgery is relatively high, making it unaffordable for some patients. In this study, we propose a new treatment method using microneedles and growth factors to alleviate alopecia. The results of our study demonstrate that patients receiving human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF) therapy experienced significant hair regeneration. Both male and female patients responded positively to the growth factor treatment, with males showing better results. Importantly, microneedle-assisted hbFGF therapy can be universally applied to androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. In summary, this study presents a novel and highly effective method that shows great potential for treating alopecia, with high levels of safety and efficacy.

Vibration response analysis technique for elevator wire rope

Wire rope is an element often used in transportation infrastructure and systems such as bridges, elevators, ropeways, funiculars and so on. Generally, wire ropes require a high level of safety because they suspend heavy and important components such as roadways in bridges, cages and cabins in elevators, ropeways and funiculars. In addition to dead loads like roadways, wire ropes are subjected to dynamic loads caused by earthquakes, wind and moving cars, etc. Therefore, it is important to accurately simulate the dynamic response of wire ropes to dynamic loads to ensure safety of wire ropes. This paper deals with techniques for vibration response analyses of wire ropes. Techniques in this paper specially focused on a transverse vibration of wire ropes for elevators because their response is complicated by the moving cage and tension distribution. Vibration response analysis techniques using the difference method and a simplified mass point model will be introduced in this paper.

Energy-Efficient Modes of Dehydration of Pome Fruits during Microwave Treatment in Combination with Convection

The aim of the work is to significantly increase the efficiency of the dehydrating process of fruits with seeds, by treating it with microwaves in combination with convection. To achieve the purpose, an electrical installation was designed, produced, tested, optimized and implemented, which applies the combined technological treatment method in the dehydration process. Pears were selected as the object of the research in particular, because currently the production of these seeded fruits is not fully exploited, but they are of an increased interest for the agricultural producers and for specialized enterprises, and their dehydration by the methods currently used is difficult, especially because of the browning effect that occurs in the heat treatment process. The essential results obtained based on the research carried out, regarding the application of the elaborated installation, are: reduction of electricity consumption and treatment duration, increase in productivity and quality of dehydrated fruits. At the same time, the developed installation is simple in construction, has low cost and is easy to use, and during fruit processing it allows strict monitoring of the technological parameters, and researches demonstrated a high level of safety in operation. The significance of the obtained results lies in the solution to a series of problems, which are currently faced by the enterprises specialized in fruit processing, in particular by significantly increasing the efficiency of the process of dehydration of pears, based on the proposed method of combined treatment, predominantly with increasing the speed of dehydration, energy efficiency, quality of final products and profitability.

Modelling and Analysis of Expansion Joints' Effect on Dynamic Performance of Railway Rigid Overhead System.

This study focuses on developing a comprehensive model of a rigid overhead system, which includes essential components such as the suspension structure, positioning clamp, and expansion joint. The modelling approach utilizes finite element theory and beam elements to accurately represent the displacement, stiffness, and mass characteristics of the system. The models also incorporate the suspension structure and positioning line clamp, which play crucial roles in suspending and positioning the busbar. Various suspension structures and positioning line clamps are evaluated based on their dynamic characteristics. The expansion joint, responsible for connecting different anchor sections of the rigid overhead system, undergoes a detailed analysis. Different assembly scenarios, including ideal and deflected assembly conditions, are considered. To simulate the dynamic behaviour of the expansion joint, additional beams are introduced into the system model. The primary finding of the analysis is that the maximum stresses observed in the constructed expansion joint model, under different temperature conditions and normal/deflected assembly conditions, remain within the permissible stress limits of the material. This indicates a high level of safety. However, certain areas exhibit stress concentration, particularly at the sliding block B and sliding rod A positions. This stress concentration is primarily attributed to the unique assembly form of the expansion joint. To improve stress distribution and enhance service reliability, the analysis suggests optimizing the installation deflection angle and geometric design of the expansion joint. Furthermore, the concentrated mass at the expansion joint significantly impacts the current collection quality of the pantograph-overhead system. Mitigating this negative impact can be achieved by reducing the mass of the expansion joint.

Biomass-derived nitrogen-doped carbon fiber driven δ-MnO2 for aqueous zinc-ion batteries with high energy and power density

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered potential devices for energy storage because of their low cost and high level of safety. However, the efficiency of AZIBs is influenced by the cathode reaction kinetics. Herein, we propose the δ-MnO2 nanorods grow in situ on natural loofah sponge-derived nitrogen-doped hollow carbon fibers (HCF), which can significantly improve both ion/electron transfer rate and provide structural stabilization. The self-assembled δ-MnO2-HCF (HCM) electrodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performances, including an impressively specific capacity (341 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), exceptional long cycling stability (87% capacity retention after 3500 cycles at 2 A g−1), and superb energy density and power density (540 Wh kg−1 at 288 W kg−1 and 164 Wh kg−1 at 5485 W kg−1), all based on the mass of cathode. In addition, the inclusion of HCF leads to a notable enhancement in the electrical conductivity of HCM, and a reduction in the energy barriers for Zn ions to diffuse between the δ-MnO2 layers, according to density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is promising that the HCM will serve as a design guide for developing cost-effective and high-performance cathode materials for AZIBs.

Comparative safety evaluation of intranasal and intramuscular immunisation with Ad26 and Ad5-vectored vaccines to prevent coronavirus infection

Scientific relevance. Intranasal vaccination may dramatically change current approaches to mass immunisation against various infections, shifting the focus from inducing systemic humoral and cellular immune responses to developing mucosal immunity and protective barriers on the mucous membranes, which are entry points for pathogens. Therefore, the safety of switching from intramuscular to intranasal vaccination should be evaluated.Aim. This study aimed to compare the safety of intranasal and intramuscular vaccination using the intermediate results of the phase III VCI-COV-III clinical trial in healthy volunteers.Materials and methods. The evaluation of the safety profile was based on the adverse events and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) documented by investigators in the interim report on the randomised, double-blind clinical trial of the Salnavac intranasal vaccine (InV) and the Gam-COVID-Vac intramuscular vaccine (ImV) against coronavirus infection. The report covered 42 days of observation in 137 healthy volunteers.Results. ADRs were reported for 17/68 (25%) and 30/69 (43.5%) volunteers in the InV group and the ImV group, respectively (p=0.036). The ADRs reported for the InV group were systemic and local, short-term, mostly mild, and generally consistent in incidence and nature with the ADRs typically observed with other nasal products.Conclusions. According to the preliminary data obtained in the clinical trial, the InV demonstrates a high level of safety. Its safety profile is comparable with those of other intranasal and intramuscular vaccines for the prevention of coronavirus infection.