Meet Safety Requirements Research Articles

A game-based decision-making method for multi-ship collaborative collision avoidance reflecting risk attitudes in open waters

To accurately reflect risk attitudes towards ship intentions in multi-ship encounters, this paper develops a novel two-stage collaborative collision avoidance decision-making (CADM) model by incorporating intention prediction and real-time decision-making. We acquire prior knowledge of risk attitudes by analyzing Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and further estimate the probability distributions of encountering ship's risk attitude using Bayesian reasoning. By treating collision avoidance procedure as a static game with incomplete information, a predictive model for collision avoidance intentions is developed by taking account into risk attitude probabilities. Real-time decisions are then implemented according to different stages, and a collaborative CADM model is established by a game-decision cycle. Finally, a multi-ship encounter scenario is simulated under all combinations of risk attitudes, and the results are compared with those obtained under complete information. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can formulate avoidance actions that meet safety requirements under all combinations of risk attitudes. Further comparison with complete information proves the effectiveness of the risk attitude probability model, which is conducive to improving the decision-making flexibility and reducing complexity. The research findings enhance the collaborative decision-making, contributing to the development of autonomous navigation in open waters.

TECHNOLOGY OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL CORRECTION FUNNEL-SHAPED DEFORMATION OF THE CHEST IN CHILDREN

The most common method surgical treatment of pectus excavatum (PE) is thoracoplasty according by D.Nuss at the moment. But serious complications associated with trauma to the pericardium, blood vessels, and bleeding are known. Objective. Development of a modified technology surgical correction of pectus excavatum, which involves exclusively extrapleural passage of the plate, according to the individual size and shape of the deformation of the patient’s chest, in order to prevent intraoperative complications. Methods. 81 patients aged 10 to 17 years were involved in the study. A modified technology of extrapleural surgical correction of PE was performed. The plate was carried level of the VI–VII sternocostal joints through the formed through submuscular-extrapleural retrosternal tunnel from right to left under control of right-sided thoracoscopy. The plate was modeled according by individual deformation parameters chest. The analysis was carried out according to the following criteria: age, gender, type of deformity, Haller index, duration of surgery, intraoperative and early postoperative complications according by Clavien–Dindo classification. Results. The median age of patients was (13.8 ± 1.9) years, of which there were 65 (85.25 %) boys, 16 (19.75 %) girls. 48 (59.3 %) children were diagnosed with type I (symmetric) deformity, and 33 (40.7 %) with type II (asymmetric) according to the classification. The median Haller was (4.07 ± 0.62), which corresponds to 2–3 degrees. Differences in the degree of deformation in children of different sexes were not determined (р = 0.828). Impaired lung function was d iagnosed i n 55.55 % (n = 45), i mpaired h eart f unction — 40.74 % (n = 33). T he d uration of the o peration was on a verage (70.6 ± 15.4) minutes, from 50 to 110 minutes. Early postoperative complications were found in 5 (6.17 %) patients classified as grade I (mild) according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, which did not require additional medical or surgical correction. After the operation, the correction of chest deformation was on average (2.35 ± 0.22) according by Haller index, which was statistically significantly (р = 0.001) different from the initial level. Conclusions. The use of modified technology surgical correction of PE meets safety requirements and minimizes postoperative complications.

Analysis of a Biopolymer Implementation in the Automotive Instrument Panel

Objective: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of different materials for vehicle dashboards in mitigating knee injuries during accidents, with a focus on environmentally friendly options. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the premise that modern vehicle design should not only prioritize safety standards but also integrate sustainable practices. This framework underscores the importance of utilizing materials that not only meet safety requirements but also minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Method: The study compares the performance of two materials, polypropylene and poly-lactic acid (PLA), in vehicle dashboards. Data is gathered through experimentation to assess each material's ability to absorb energy and reduce knee impact injuries, as well as their environmental sustainability. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that PLA demonstrates superior performance compared to Polypropylene in mitigating knee injuries during collisions, while also being more environmentally friendly due to its biodegradability and renewable sourcing. Research Implications: This research contributes to the development of safer vehicle designs by identifying materials that better protect occupants from knee injuries, while also considering the environmental impact of vehicle production and disposal. Implementing materials like PLA could lead to reduced injury rates and improved vehicle safety standards, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers, and promoting sustainability in the automotive industry. Originality/Value: This study offers original insights into the potential of PLA as a superior material for vehicle dashboards in terms of both safety and ecological impact. By exploring alternative materials, such as biopolymers, the research adds value to the ongoing efforts to enhance passive safety measures in automobiles while considering environmental sustainability as a critical factor in material selection.

Dynamic Fault Tree Generation and Quantitative Analysis of System Reliability for Embedded Systems Based on SysML Models.

As embedded systems become increasingly complex, traditional reliability analysis methods based on text alone are no longer adequate for meeting the requirements of rapid and accurate quantitative analysis of system reliability. This article proposes a method for automatically generating and quantitatively analyzing dynamic fault trees based on an improved system model with consideration for temporal characteristics and redundancy. Firstly, an "anti-semantic" approach is employed to automatically explore the generation of fault modes and effects analysis (FMEA) from SysML models. The evaluation results are used to promptly modify the system design to meet requirements. Secondly, the Profile extension mechanism is used to expand the SysML block definition diagram, enabling it to describe fault semantics. This is combined with SysML activity diagrams to generate dynamic fault trees using traversal algorithms. Subsequently, parametric diagrams are employed to represent the operational rules of logic gates in the fault tree. The quantitative analysis of dynamic fault trees based on probabilistic models is conducted within the internal block diagram of SysML. Finally, through the design and simulation of the power battery management system, the failure probability of the top event was obtained to be 0.11981. This verifies that the design of the battery management system meets safety requirements and demonstrates the feasibility of the method.

Simulation and On-Site Monitoring of Deformation Characteristics of Roadway Excavation along Goaf in Soft and Thick Coal Seams in Western Mining Areas

In the western mining region, weakly cemented rock layers above the coal seams often lead to frequent catastrophic accidents during mining due to their instability. To address this, this paper analyzes the movement characteristics of surrounding rock in the recovery roadway and the effectiveness of from nearby large coal pillar roadways. A mechanical model for the failure of weakly cemented roadways was established, and numerical simulations were used to verify the feasibility of leaving small coal pillars along soft, thick coal seams. Additionally, existing measurements were used to evaluate the impact of leaving small coal pillars on the deformation of the surrounding rock in the recovery roadway. The results show that after changing the coal pillar retention to 5 m in the 130,205 working face of the Yangchangwan mining area, the roadway is in a low-stress zone, with minimal surrounding rock deformation, meeting safety requirements for production.

A Multi-scale Framework for Advancing Battery Safety Through Early Calorimetric Analysis of Materials and Components

Batteries are the cornerstone of the global shift toward electrification, powering applications from passenger transportation, like electric vehicles (EVs), to load shifting of renewable energy generation at the grid level. The demand for batteries is accelerating, and is projected to nearly quadruple by 2030. In response to increasing battery demands, in particular demand for longer range EVs, higher energy density and specific energy alternatives to conventional Li-ion battery technologies are being researched. However, higher energy density directly correlates with an increased potential for higher peak temperatures on failure. In addition, safety evaluation of conventional and new battery technologies generally occurs late in development, often at the commercialization stage when mandated by stakeholders or industry standards. This approach can be costly and challenging as it may require a change to manufacturing processes, a re-design of the battery, and even a change in chemistry to meet safety requirements. This is critical; scale-up efforts alone can take tens to hundreds of millions of dollars and >5 years to achieve. Safety risks discovered after commercialization can significantly exacerbate those figures. Furthermore, safety is still a major risk with already commercialized Li-ion batteries. These risks hinder adoption, slow commercialization, and when they become issues, the outcome may result in recalls, fires, injuries, and even fatalities. Providing additional levers to proactively mitigate safety risk at the materials and components scale (e.g., composite cathode) will lead to considerable time and money savings in the long run.

Anatomical-Based Customized Cervical Orthosis Design in Automation

Cervical orthoses, vital for neck immobilization in medical care and sports, often struggle to provide adequate support due to individual neck shape and size variations. This study addresses this issue by developing a specific computer-aided orthosis design software tailored for creating customized 3D-printed cervical orthoses. The self-developed software embedded anatomical and rehabilitation knowledge into the orthosis design process, ensuring consistency and reducing manual modification. Finite element analysis of cervical orthoses determined that a minimum thickness of 5 mm PLA (polylactic acid) material is necessary to meet safety requirements. This study highlights the automation potential of customized computer-aided orthosis design and underscores the potential to revolutionize orthopedic care. We also applied easy-to-access 3D printing technology to fabricate well-fitting and immobilized cervical orthoses. These customized cervical orthoses offer a promising future with the advantages of being cost-effective, lightweight, immobility, comfortable, easy to wear, and minimal accessories to meet clinical needs, enhancing patient comfort and compliance and providing reassurance about the economic benefits of the technology.

Solid waste management and resource recovery during the 4-crew 180-day CELSS integrated experiment

In order to explore the management and treatment methods of solid waste in the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) of future lunar bases, during the 4-crew 180-day integrated experiment, the Solid Waste Management and Treatment System (SWMTS) was built, in which the treatment of recyclable solid waste such as inedible plant parts and human excrement was completed through a combination of biological aerobic composting and high-temperature oxidation. Basic data on the types and amounts of solid waste generated during the 4-crew 180-day experiment mission were obtained. There were six types of solid wastes, including the work support wastes, the household support wastes, the plant cultivation wastes, the plant-based wastes, and crew feces. The daily average production was 0.67, 1.4, 0.32, 8.48, 0.534 kg/d, respectively. The proportion of plant-based wastes was high as 74.3 %, indicating that it was the most important part. By closed-loop air drying and graded crushing, all 1526.97 kg of plant-based waste was treated, with water recovery (about 1163.87 kg), as well as volume reduction and stabilization treatment. By incineration and aerobic composting treatment, 67.3 % (244.4 kg) of the plant-based wastes (dry weight) and all of the feces (96.26 kg) were converted, providing 339.54 kg carbon dioxide for plant growth. And 90.6 kg organic fertilizer was obtained. The fertilizer was highly mature, met safety requirements, and effectively improved lettuce yield. The recycling rate of renewable solid waste during the experiment reached 89.8 %. The efficient circulation of solid waste had been achieved during the 4-crew 180-day integrated experiment. The long-time experimental results have shown that the established solid wastes management and treatment system can timely treat biomass solid waste such as inedible parts of plants and crew feces, achieve timely recovery of water in such solid waste, and recycle carbon and other elements, which effectively improved the material closure of the system and ensured the successful 4-crew 180-day experiment. This work also maybe lay the foundation for the construction and operation of an ecological life support system for future lunar bases.

A microservice based control architecture for mobile robots in safety-critical applications

Mobile robots have become more and more common in public space. This increases the importance of meeting safety requirements of autonomous robots. Simple mechanisms, such as emergency braking, alone do not suffice in these highly dynamic situations. Moreover, actual robotic control approaches in literature and practice do not take safety particularly into account. A more sophisticated situational approach for assessment and planning is needed as part of the high-level process control. This paper presents the concept of a safety-critical Robot Control Architecture for mobile robots based on microservices and a Hierarchical Finite State Machine. It expands already existing architectures by drastically reducing the amount of centralized logic and thus increasing the overall system’s level of concurrency, interruptibility and fail-safety. Furthermore, it introduces new potential for code reuse that allows for straightforward implementation of safety mechanisms such as internal diagnostics systems. In doing so, this concept presents the template of a new type of state machine implementation. It is demonstrated with the application of a delivery robot, which was implemented and operated in real public during a broader research project.

Time-Dependent Reliability Analysis of Anhydrite Rock Tunnels under Swelling Conditions: A Study on Stress, Deformation, and Engineering Solutions

This study presents an analytical approach for evaluating the reliability of anhydrite rock tunnels, focusing on their characteristic swelling behavior. Anhydrite rocks, prone to significant expansion upon moisture exposure, pose a challenge in tunnel construction, potentially leading to structural issues such as floor heave and lining damage. To address this, this research develops an elastic swelling analytical solution based on humidity stress field theory, enabling the assessment of time-dependent stress and deformation changes in anhydrite tunnels. The solution’s applicability is demonstrated through its application to the Lirang tunnel. The investigation into the effects of support pressure, swelling time, and reserved deformation on tunnel reliability reveals that circumferential stress at the tunnel wall increases by 13.94% and 21.86% for swelling periods of 30 and 365 days, respectively. Similarly, radial displacement escalates by 22.97% and 35.93% over these periods, highlighting the significant impact of swelling behavior. Using a spreadsheet-based First Order Reliability Method (FORM) for analysis, this study finds that the original design of the Lirang tunnel did not meet the desired reliability standards under swelling conditions. However, strategic adjustments in construction variables, such as increasing support pressure to 1.2 MPa or enhancing reserved deformation to 59 mm, elevated the tunnel’s reliability to meet safety requirements. This research provides a vital framework for assessing and enhancing the reliability of anhydrite rock tunnels, considering the long-term effects of swelling. It underscores the importance of incorporating swelling behavior in the design and construction of tunnels in anhydrite rock formations, offering valuable insights for optimizing tunnel stability in such challenging geological conditions.

Pipeline for Planning and Execution of Transcranial Ultrasound Neuromodulation Experiments in Humans.

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique capable of manipulating both cortical and subcortical structures with high precision. Conducting experiments involving humans necessitates careful planning of acoustic and thermal simulations. This planning is essential to adjust for bone interference with the ultrasound beam's shape and trajectory and to ensure TUS parameters meet safety requirements. T1- and T2-weighted, along with zero-time echo (ZTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with 1 mm isotropic resolution, are acquired (alternatively computed tomography x-ray (CT) scans) for skull reconstruction and simulations. Target and trajectory mapping are performed using a neuronavigational platform. SimNIBS is used for the initial segmentation of the skull, skin, and brain tissues. Simulation of TUS is carried over with the BabelBrain tool, which uses the ZTE scan to produce synthetic CT images of the skull to be converted into acoustic properties. We use a phased array ultrasound transducer with electrical steering capabilities. Z-steering is adjusted to ensure that the target depth is reached. Other transducer configurations are also supported in the planning tool. Thermal simulations are run to ensure temperature and mechanical index requirements are within the acoustic guidelines for TUS in human subjects as recommended by the FDA. During TUS delivery sessions, a mechanical arm assists in the movement of the transducer to the required location using a frameless stereotactic localization system.

Relation between edge stress, bending strength, surface stress and fracture pattern of thermally toughened glass

Thermally toughened safety glass must meet safety requirements in the building industry. Here, destructive tests are defined in the product standards, which must be carried out on small, standardized format (360 mm × 1100 mm) glass elements to determine the fracture pattern and bending strength. This is costly and not in the interests of sustainability. As part of the quality control of optical anisotropy effects in thermally toughened glass, isochromatic scans that can provide information on the edge stress are acquired. The evaluation of the isochromatics and retardations at the edge with deduction of the edge stress and transfer to bending strength and fracture pattern could provide essential findings for assuring the safety requirements of thermally toughened glass. In this experimental investigation, the surface and edge stress were measured on standardized format thermally toughened safety glass, with different edge processing and glass thicknesses from three different suppliers. Afterwards, the fracture pattern is controlled, or the bending strength is analyzed in a destructive four-point bending test. Conclusively, the results from the photoelastic and destructive tests are compared to determine whether the photoelastic measurement methods used to measure surface and edge stress can be employed as quality control.

THERMAL AND STATIC ANALYSIS OF AN AUTOMATED BRAKE SYSTEM USING CATIA

Safety aspect in automotive engineering has been considered as a number one priority in development of new vehicle. Each single system in brake system has been studied and developed in order to meet safety requirement. Instead of having air bag, good suspension systems, good handling and safe cornering, there is one most critical system in the vehicle which is the braking systems. If there is no proper braking system in the vehicle the passenger in the vehicle is in unsafe position. Therefore, it is a must for all vehicles to have proper braking system. Due to critical system in the vehicle, many of researchers have conducted a study on brake system and its entire component. In this project, we have conducted a study on performance of normal disc brake rotor of normal passenger vehicle at different speeds when different materials are used. The study is more likely concern of Stress distribution on disc brake rotor and deformation and stresses developed on it due to different speeds. The widely used brake rotor material is cast iron which consumes much fuel due to its high specific gravity. The aim of this project is to select the optimum material for the application of brake disc system emphasizing on the substitution of this cast iron by any other lightweight material. The present project is aimed to study the given disc brake rotor for its stability and rigidity, for this Thermal analysis and coupled structural analysis is carried out on a given disc brake rotor to find out its deformation, stress when different materials are used. For these three different materials in each case is analyzed. KEYWORDS: Disc brake, Disc brake rotor, CATIA, ANSYS

Design and Simulation of the Biodiesel Process Plant for Sustainable Fuel Production

The biodiesel production process is extensively studied in the literature, focusing on mechanisms, modeling, and economic aspects, yet plant design and fluid flow losses remain underexplored areas. The study addressed this gap by designing a biodiesel production plant, analyzing flow losses, and developing a pipe network and suitable pump models. In this study, an integration of biodiesel production plant design and simulation of continuous production of Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel was investigated. Biodiesel production encompasses complex stages that involve systematic planning and system design. The goal of the plant design is to reduce the losses that occur during the conversion process, which can reduce the capital cost of the plant. A few assumptions were made when selecting biodiesel plant materials, such as pipes, pumps, fittings, and bends. These assumptions were based on considerations of the biodiesel fluid properties and pressure requirements. On the other hand, Aspen Plus was used to simulate the biodiesel production process. Calophyllum inophyllum was considered oil as the biodiesel feedstock and was inputted to the Aspen Plus as triglyceride composition. The simulation was carried out with rigorous kinetic reactions using the Non-Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) method to predict the liquid equilibrium in the reactor. Results revealed that the designed steel pipe meets safety requirements with a bursting pressure of 49.68MPa, capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of 4 bar and turbulent flow conditions. Additionally, the selected pump satisfies the required head and flow rate, ensuring efficient fluid movement. Moreover, simulation results closely matched experimental data, and 88% of biodiesel yield was recorded.

Structure Design and Strength Analysis of the Glass Reinforcement Plastic (GRP) Malay Traditional “Perahu Bedar”

The Perahu Bedar, a traditional fishing boat in the Terengganu region of Malaysia, has been historically crafted from Cengal wood. In response to challenges posed by wood scarcity and limitations in skilled craftsmen, this study pioneers the exploration of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) as a novel alternative material for constructing the traditional Perahu Bedar, measuring 4.32 meters in length. Through a rigorous analysis, the research delves into the structural design intricacies and strength attributes of the GRP Perahu Bedar, marking a significant departure from conventional wood-based construction methods. The study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the structure design and strength characteristics of the GRP Perahu Bedar. The weight, buoyancy force, and load distribution along the boat are analyzed. The data shows varying weight and buoyancy forces along the stations, with positive load values indicating upward forces contributing to buoyancy and negative load values representing downward forces. This analysis provides insights into the boat’s stability and distribution of forces. The sheer force and bending moment along the Perahu Bedar are evaluated. The sheer force values gradually increase or decrease along the boat, while the bending moment is highest at the midsection and decreases towards the ends. These results indicate the distribution of forces and stress on the boat’s structure, aiding in understanding its integrity and stability. The Factor of Safety (FoS) analysis demonstrates a FoS value of 2.2368, indicating a safety margin greater than 1. This suggests that the GRP Perahu Bedar design meets safety requirements and can withstand applied 
 
 stresses without exceeding yield strength. The FoS value provides assurance of structural integrity and safety during normal operating conditions. In summary, this study underscores the groundbreaking potential of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) as a viable alternative to traditional wooden Perahu Bedar due to very high cost of Cengal Wood (wood that been used to build Peahu Bedar). By meticulously analyzing critical factors such as weight, buoyancy, load, shear force, bending moment, and Factor of Safety (FoS), the research offers invaluable insights into the structural integrity and safety aspects of GRP Perahu Bedar. These revelations not only herald a new era of sustainable and cost-effective boatbuilding practices but also serve as a crucial step towards safeguarding and perpetuating the rich maritime heritage of the region.

Sesame meal and lemon zest – enriched mayonnaise: Proximal analysis and toxicological studies in animals

Considering the high global consumption of mayonnaise and modern concerns about the health value of food products, the recipe for mayonnaise sauces is constantly evolving. In this study, we present the proximal analysis and toxicological evaluation of a new mayonnaise, which was patented. Starch was replaced with sesame meal, and lemon zest was added as an antioxidant. Compared to a mayonnaise prepared using a traditional recipe as control, the enriched mayonnaise had higher protein and lower fat content, suggesting a potentially healthier product. Aditionally, peroxide and anisidine values were lower in the new mayonnaise, indicating higher resistance to oxidative damage. Toxicological studies of the enriched mayonnaise, including oral moderate-to-lethal dose (acute oral toxicity), cumulative (subacute) action, irritating effect on mucous membranes, and sensitizing properties, which were conducted on laboratory animals following required regulatory standards, are shown in this work. The patented sesame meal and lemon zest-enriched mayonnaise proved to be safe in all performed studies, meeting safety requirements regarding toxicological parameters. Furthermore, the enriched mayonnaise is affordable, with a production cost similar to that of control mayonnaise.

Spherical image acquisition and defect detection of nuclear fuel based on the line scan

Graphite balls are used as matrix materials of nuclear fuel. To ensure the safe use of nuclear energy, it is necessary to detect the surface defects of graphite balls to screen out the balls that do not meet safety requirements. However, due to the small surface defects and complex background of graphite balls, the detection accuracy based on traditional detection methods is difficult to meet engineering requirements. To solve the above problems, this paper designs an image acquisition device for graphite balls based on line scanning to collect spherical images and designs an improved algorithm based on the U2-Netp network to solve the problem of low accuracy of defect detection. Firstly, the algorithm replaces the up-sampling in the RSU module with cubic linear interpolation to enhance the smoothness of the image. Secondly, spatial channel attention and multi-feature fusion modules are built between the encoder and the decoder to improve the accuracy of the model to obtain interesting information. Finally, the prediction output of Sigmoid and Threshold fusion is designed to solve the problems caused by the gradient disappearance and the uneven polarity of positive and negative samples. Tested on the actual collected data set, the improved U2-Netp algorithm improved the average accuracy of detecting surface defects on graphite balls by 8.1% compared to the original U2-Netp algorithm, reaching 85.3%.

DESIGNING OF DYNAMIC SURFACE CONTROL BASED ON BACKSTEPPING TECHNIQUE FOR SERIES ELASTIC ACTUATOR ROBOT

Serial elastic actuators have gained significant attention in robotics research due to their ability to meet safety requirements in physical interactions between humans and robots. However, one problem of series elastic actuator is the oscillation of the robot due to the flexibility of the robotic joints leading to a decline in the accuracy of the robot’s position control. In this paper, a dynamic surface control algorithm based on the backstepping technique for the position control of serial elastic actuator robot is proposed to overcome the oscillation problem. In addition, the proposed control algorithm has been proved to be stable and robust. The simulation results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

The many faces of a cough in a child: Issues of differential diagnosis and treatment

Studying the causes of cough, which is one of the most common respiratory symptoms when seeking medical help, remains a pressing problem for doctors of various specialties. Due to the growing interest in herbal remedies, in the current study we aimed to analyze the effectiveness of marshmallow root in the treatment of cough. We conducted a systematic search in modern scientific literature in electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wiley, PubFacts, Springer Link platform, scientific publishing house Elsevier, CyberLeninka. An analysis of 80 full-text reviews on the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of cough showed higher quality of life scores, lower rates of adverse events and less severe cough. The authors also provide evidence that herbal therapy successfully complements traditional treatment methods, providing longer periods of remission for chronic cough. Although coughing is a protective reflex responsible for clearing secretions and foreign bodies from the airways, it can be an unpleasant symptom that causes discomfort in patients. The use of preparations based on root extract of Althaea officinalis L leads to the formation of a protective film, which promotes faster regeneration of the damaged mucous membrane of the respiratory tract caused by a dry cough. The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is a highly vascularized tissue. In this regard, anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that improve lesion repair, such as local neovascularization, are critical to promote healing. The herbal medicinal product containing the active component marshmallow root extract fully meets safety requirements and can be successfully used in patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

Anti-icing properties and application of superhydrophobic coatings on asphalt pavement

In regions impacted by snow and ice, icy road surfaces can significantly reduce road capacity and endanger vehicle occupants. While traditional de-icing methods, such as spreading de-icing salt and mechanical de-icing, have drawbacks such as environmental pollution and damage to road facilities, superhydrophobic coating is gaining attention as a new, environmentally friendly, and efficient anti-icing method. Superhydrophobic coating can reduce the adhesion between the ice layer and the road surface, so as to achieve the purpose of road anti-icing in a low environmental impact way. To improve the anti-icing performance of asphalt pavement under low-temperature and humid conditions and reduce the impact of snow and ice freezing disaster, we prepared nano-SiO2 superhydrophobic coatings(SSC) and nano-SiO2/graphene composite superhydrophobic coatings(SGSC) using aqueous epoxy resins, hydrophobic nano-SiO2, and sparsely layered graphene as raw materials. The coatings' wettability, ice resistance, and road performance were analyzed. The study found that the contact angles of the SSC and SGSC were 151.2° and 153.0°, respectively. The BPN value of the SGSC decreased by 12.6% after application to the asphalt pavement, but it still meets safety requirements. The coating also maintains a certain degree of ice-resistant performance within five freeze-thaw cycles. The study results indicate that superhydrophobic coatings have the potential to improve pavement ice resistance.