Prevention Of Failure Research Articles

A Double‐Layer Optimization Method for Cascading Failure Prevention Considering Transient Stability

In recent years, in order to reduce the damage from the blackout accident, the demand of the power system for its basic resistance ability has gradually increased. Therefore, this paper proposes a double‐layer optimization method for the prevention of cascading failure of the power system that takes into account the transient stability constraint for cascading trips that directly lead to the accident. In terms of models, the paper reconstructs an outer model for optimizing the safety margin based on the inner model that solves the safety margin of cascading failure prevention. In terms of algorithms, the paper uses the Extended Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) algorithm with higher precision and accuracy to solve the inner model and innovatively introduced the Practical Dynamic Security Region (PDSR), which uses PSASP software for offline calculation and online application, as a dynamic analysis method to quickly realize transient stability constraint to solve the outer model. Three evaluation indexes of the preventive optimization effect can be obtained by this method; dispatchers can plan more flexible and reliable optimal dispatching schemes through these indexes, to comprehensively improve the safety margin of cascading failure prevention in the current operating state and enhance the risk resistance ability of the power grid. This paper has used MATLAB and PSASP to perform simulation analysis using the IEEE39 node system as a test example to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model and algorithm.

Guideline-directed medical therapy in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and heart failure: current perspectives and practices

Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and heart failure have become significant concerns in cancer treatment. Advancements in cancer therapies have increased survival rates, with consequent increase in the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and subsequent heart failure. Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) has emerged as a crucial approach for managing these conditions. GDMT encompasses evidence-based medications and interventions backed by clinical guidelines that aim to optimize the treatment and outcomes of heart failure. This review critically summarizes the existing evidence on the roles of GDMT in the management and prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and heart failure.

Prevention of post hepatectomy liver failure and ascites in cirrhotic patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery for HCC: has the round ligament to be preserved?

Prevention of post hepatectomy liver failure and ascites in cirrhotic patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery for HCC: has the round ligament to be preserved?

Acute Lung Injury and the NLRP3 Inflammasome.

Acute lung injury (ALI) manifests through harm to the capillary endothelium and alveolar epithelial cells, arising from a multitude of factors, leading to scattered interstitial alterations, pulmonary edema, and subsequent acute hypoxic respiratory insufficiency. Acute lung injury (ALI), along with its more serious counterpart, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), carry a fatality rate that hovers around 30-40%. Its principal pathological characteristic lies in the unchecked inflammatory reaction. Currently, the main strategies for treating ALI are alleviation of inflammation and prevention of respiratory failure. Concerning the etiology of ALI, NLRP3 Inflammasome is essential to the body's innate immune response. The composition of this inflammasome complex includes NLRP3, the pyroptosis mediator ASC, and pro-caspase-1. Recent research has reported that the inflammatory response centered on NLRP3 inflammasomes plays a key part in inflammation in ALI, and may hence be a prospective candidate for therapeutic intervention. In the review, we present an overview of the ailment characteristics of acute lung injury along with the constitution and operation of the NLRP3 inflammasome within this framework. We also explore therapeutic strategies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome to combat acute lung injury.

Research progress on the prevention and treatment of chronic heart failure with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine

Research progress on the prevention and treatment of chronic heart failure with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine

Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricle: A Pathophysiological Insight.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pulmonary vascular disease characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular pressure. Long-term PH, irrespective of its etiology, leads to increased right ventricular (RV) pressure, RV hypertrophy, and ultimately, RV failure. Research indicates that RV failure secondary to hypertrophy remains the primary cause of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of PH on RV structure and function under increased overload remains incompletely understood. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including extracellular remodeling, RV hypertrophy, metabolic disturbances, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, neurohormonal dysregulation, capillary rarefaction, and ischemia. Studies have demonstrated the significant role of oxidative stress in the development of RV failure. Understanding the interplay among these mechanisms is crucial for the prevention and management of RV failure in patients with PH.

Biocompatibility assessment of an integrated contraceptive and RFID-based intravaginal device in cats (Felis catus): A preliminary study

Background: An intravaginal device (IVD) made from polyethylene plastic and copper wire, integrated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, was developed as a contraceptive and identity device for cats. Aim: This study evaluates the local and systemic biocompatibility of the IVD in five non-pregnant female cats. Methods: The IVD was successfully inserted into the vaginal lumen after estrogen administration. Radiographic imaging confirmed the IVD's position, which lasted up to two days post-insertion. Results: Systemic response, assessed through hematological examinations on days 0, 1, and 3 post-insertion, showed no significant changes in erythrogram and leukogram parameters. Local response, evaluated through vulvar inspection and vaginal cytology on days 0, 1, 3, and 7, revealed no neutrophil infiltration in 4 out of 5 cats, indicating compatibility with vaginal tissue. Furthermore, epithelial cell profile changes were observed, showing an increase in superficial cells, which is typical during the estrus phase. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the IVD is biocompatible and suitable for use as a contraceptive and identity device in cats. However, further long-term studies are necessary to evaluate the device's prolonged efficacy and potential for contraception failure prevention by mating trials.

Association of Atrial Fibrillation Progression With Left Atrial Functional Reserve and Its Reversibility.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) progression is closely related to heart failure occurrence, and catheter ablation carries a beneficial effect for heart failure prevention. Recently, particular attention has been given to left atrial (LA) function and functional reserve in the pathogenesis linking AF and heart failure, although its significance and reversibility is not well studied. We prospectively investigated 164 patients with AF with normal left ventricular systolic function and free from heart failure who underwent first catheter ablation and pre-/postprocedural echocardiography. Conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed at rest and during passive leg lifting to assess LA size, LA reservoir strain (LARS), and functional reserve calculated as passive leg lifting-LARS - rest-LARS. Patients were categorized into 3 AF subtypes: paroxysmal AF (N=95), persistent AF (PeAF; N=50), and long-standing persistent AF (LS-PeAF; N=19). The PeAF and LS-PeAF groups had larger LA size and reduced LARS compared with the paroxysmal AF group (all P<0.05). LA functional reserve was significantly impaired in the LS-PeAF group (P=0.003). In multivariable analysis, LS-PeAF and advanced age were significantly associated with impaired LA functional reserve. Among 149 patients with sinus rhythm 1 to 2 days after catheter ablation, LARS was significantly improved in both PeAF and LS-PeAF groups but was still lower than that in the paroxysmal AF group. Sinus rhythm restoration also led to amelioration of LA functional reserve in patients with LS-PeAF. AF progression was related to impaired LARS and LA functional reserve, and restoration of sinus rhythm might contribute to early LA reverse remodeling.

Modern methods and means of technical diagnostics of artillery weapons and prospects for their development

The analysis of full-scale military operations in the east of Ukraine indicates an increase in the variety of firing tasks for artillery weapons and the intensity of their execution. This, in turn, requires the maintenance of artillery weapons and systems that ensure their proper operation in a serviceable and ready-to-use condition, as well as the prevention of sudden breakdowns and failures during combat missions.&#x0D; Taking into account the influence of the technical condition on the effectiveness and safety of the combat use of artillery weapons, there is a need to improve the methods and means of its diagnosis.&#x0D; This article analyzes the available domestic and foreign studies devoted to the development and improvement of methods for diagnosing the technical condition of artillery weapons. Existing devices for measuring, inspecting, evaluating and controlling the technical condition are considered. The existing systematization was expanded, generalization and addition of known methods and tools was carried out. The main possibilities, advantages and disadvantages of known methods, as well as promising directions for further research are determined.&#x0D; It has been established that the majority of studies of possible methods of diagnosing the technical condition of artillery weapons are focused mainly on the analysis of the parameters of only the gun barrel and do not consider the ability of the studied methods to assess the technical condition of artillery weapons comprehensively.&#x0D; The analysis also showed that despite the large number of existing techniques for diagnosing the technical condition (determining the degree of wear), most of them are not suitable for use directly in field conditions, morally outdated or very expensive.&#x0D; In addition, it was determined that the application of the analysis of acoustic and vibration signals that occur during a shot is a promising direction for diagnosing the technical condition of artillery weapons, which potentially has the ability to detect more malfunctions, breakdowns and deviations of technical parameters.

Urate-lowering therapy is associated with a reduced risk of arrhythmias: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

While urate-lowering therapy (ULT) is linked to increased cardioprotective benefits on primary prevention of cardiovascular events such myocardial infarction or heart failure, little is known regarding their effects on arrhythmia risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between incident arrhythmias and ULT. We searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception to May 2023. Included studies were randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that compared the risk of cardiac arrhythmias among ULT users with non-ULT users. A total of 12,420 patients from five studies were analyzed, comprising 7,359 subjects in the ULT group and 5,061 subjects in the non-ULT group. Our results showed that ULT users had significant reductions in the risk of arrhythmias (pooled relative risk [RR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74~0.92, p<0.001, I2=0.0%) compared to non-ULT users. Subgroup analysis did not show that ULT users had a significant reduced risk of atrial fibrillation (pooled RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.54~1.05, p=0.096 with I2=15.4%) compared to non-ULT users. ULT is associated with lower risk of overall arrhythmias. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Nur77 alleviates cardiac fibrosis by upregulating GSK-3β transcription during aging

Cardiac fibrosis is associated with aging, for which no targeted therapies are available. With aging, the levels of nerve growth factor-induced gene B (Nur77) are reduced during cardiac remodelling; however, its role in cardiac fibrosis in aging remains unclear. Here, we found that Nur77 knockout increased cardiac structure abnormalities, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrotic marker expression in 15-month-old mice. Furthermore, Nur77 deficiency induced collagen type I (Col-1) and α-smooth muscle actin overproduction in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) treated H9c2 cells, whereas Nur77 overexpression attenuated this effect. Nur77 deficiency in vivo and in vitro downregulated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β expression and increased β-catenin activity, while its overexpression increased GSK-3β expression. GSK-3β knockdown counteracted the anti-fibrotic effect of Nur77 on TGF-β-treated H9c2 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay results suggested GSK-3β as the direct target of Nur77. Our findings suggest that Nur77 directly initiates GSK-3β transcription and age-related cardiac fibrosis partly through the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. This study proposes a novel mechanism for Nur77 regulating cardiac fibrosis and suggests Nur77 as a target for the prevention and treatment of aging-associated cardiac fibrosis and heart failure.

Failure Prevention in Large-Diameter Water Pipelines Using Reliability-Centered Maintenance

The consequences of failures from large-diameter water pipelines can be severe. Results can include significant property damage, adjacent damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges resulting in transportation delays or shutdowns, adjacent structural damage to buildings resulting in loss of business, service disruption to a significant number of customers, loss of water, costly emergency repairs, and even loss of life. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) in the United States found that flooding was the greatest concern due to its potential duration, the potential for broad geographic impact, and its role in crater creation. Public safety, property damage, social and economic consequences, and loss of water service and for how long is also of paramount concern. The American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 2020 “State of the Water Industry” report states that the top issue facing the water industry since 2016 is aging infrastructure, with the second being financing for improvements. The industry needs to find novel ways of extending asset life and reducing maintenance expenditures. While there are many different assets that comprise the water/wastewater industry, pipelines are a major component and are often neglected because they are typically buried. Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) is a process used to determine the most effective maintenance strategy for an asset, with the ultimate goal being to establish the required function of the asset considering the required reliability and availability at the lowest cost. The RCM philosophy considers Preventive Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance, Condition Based Monitoring, Reactive Maintenance, and Proactive Maintenance techniques in an integrated manner to increase the probability an asset will perform its designed function throughout its design life with minimal maintenance. RCM requires maintenance decisions be based on maintenance requirements supported by sound technical and economic justification. However, one industry where principles of RCM are in its infancy is the water/wastewater industry. This paper provides a case example and numeric modeling for use in RCM analyses for developing maintenance strategies for large-diameter water pipelines, particularly prestressed concrete pipelines, and proposes an approach for determining the most effective and efficient maintenance activities for large-diameter prestressed concrete water pipelines. The case study discussed in this paper analyzed wire breaks over time to predict when certain thresholds would be reached. The intent of this study is to predict when a specified threshold will be reached. From the RCM, a threshold was set to begin planning, budgeting, and scheduling maintenance activities when 55% of the wires in a frame or two adjoining frames are distressed or when 65% of the wires in non-adjacent frames are distressed. The results from the numeric model predict the 55% threshold may be reached in August 2025 for the most distressed pipe segment.

The biomechanics and prevention of vein graft failure in coronary revascularization

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are the most widely used conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery; however, SVG failures due to neointimal hyperplasia present a significant long-term limitation to the effectiveness of myocardial revascularization. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the biological mechanisms of vein graft failure, including compensatory endothelial proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition, and adventitial disruption. We will discuss historical and emerging strategies for vein graft failure prevention with a focus on the role of mechanical vein graft support using external stenting. Finally, we will highlight the results of preclinical and human trials and discuss future directions for investigation.

The biomechanics and prevention of vein graft failure in coronary revascularization

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are the most widely used conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery; however, SVG failures due to neointimal hyperplasia present a significant long-term limitation to the effectiveness of myocardial revascularization. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the biological mechanisms of vein graft failure, including compensatory endothelial proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition, and adventitial disruption. We will discuss historical and emerging strategies for vein graft failure prevention with a focus on the role of mechanical vein graft support using external stenting. Finally, we will highlight the results of preclinical and human trials and discuss future directions for investigation.

An Application on an Information System via Nano Ordered Topology

Rough set theory is commonly used to handle uncertainty in various applications. In order to broaden its application scope, the classical rough set model based on equivalence relations, it has been extended to include an additional partial order relation. This partial order relation represents an m-nano flou set, as defined in Section 5, between rough sets and is particularly useful in determining the levels of impact that key factors have on heart failure. The primary objective of the current research is to introduce a novel approximation method based on equivalence relations and partial order relations (ordered approximation spaces), which extends Pawlak's method and investigates related results. The paper establishes the equivalence between our approach and Pawlak's approach under the condition that we have an equivalence relation and a partial order relation that satisfies the criteria required for it to be considered an equality relation. The second objective is to extend the concept of nano topology to include nano ordered topology, which involves nano increasing or decreasing topological spaces. The research indicates that incorporating nano increasing or decreasing topological spaces results in enhanced data analysis accuracy when compared to solely utilizing nano topological spaces. This observation aligns with the discussions in the referenced work by Jayalakshmi. The findings of this research have the potential to significantly impact medical research related to heart failure. Improved methods for handling uncertainty and quantifying the influence of various factors can lead to more accurate and reliable predictions and diagnoses. Ultimately, this work aims to contribute to advancements in heart failure treatment and prevention. By bridging the gap between traditional rough set theory and the nuanced intricacies of heart failure analysis, our research strives to advance our comprehension of this critical medical condition and, in turn, support progress in heart failure treatment and prevention.

Accounting for Machine Learning Prediction Errors in Design

Abstract Machine learning is gaining prominence in mechanical design, offering cost-effective surrogate models to replace computationally expensive models. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the accuracy of these models, especially when applied to safety-critical products. To address this challenge, this study investigates methods to account for model prediction errors by incorporating epistemic uncertainty within surrogate models while managing aleatory uncertainty in input variables. The paper clarifies key aspects of modeling coupled epistemic and aleatory uncertainty when using surrogate models derived from noise-free training data. Specifically, the study concentrates on quantifying the impacts of coupled uncertainty in mechanical design through the development of numerical methods based on the concept of the most probable point. This method is particularly relevant for mechanical component design, where failure prevention holds paramount importance, and the probability of failure is low. It is applicable to design problems characterized by probability distributions governing aleatory and epistemic uncertainties in model inputs and predictions. The proposed method is demonstrated using shaft and beam designs as two illustrative examples. The results demonstrate the method's effectiveness in quantifying and mitigating the influence of coupled uncertainty in the design process.

A modified control strategy for LCC with IGCT‐based full‐bridge submodules to solve the commutation failure issues

AbstractTo solve the commutation failure (CF) issues in high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems based on line commutated converter (LCC), this paper proposes a hybrid solution combining the LCC inverter with the continuously controlled IGCT‐based full‐bridge submodules (FBSMs). The scheme can provide the LCC inverter with an additional commutation area, and compensate for the phase‐shift of the grid voltage under faults. Therefore, it shows better CF resistance than the existing scheme. The characteristics of the proposed hybrid converter are modelled and analyzed in both normal and fault conditions. Then a decoupling control strategy is presented for it. With the ability to counteract negative‐sequence grid voltage, the strategy brings good voltage stability to the dc transmission. And when the grid fault occurs, it can switch to suppress CF by rapidly increasing the output voltage of the FBSMs and applying commutation failure prevention (CFPREV) control to the LCC. As a result, the CF issues can be maximally solved with a smaller number of FBSMs than the existing scheme. Simulations in PSCAD verify the effectiveness of the strategy. Furtherly, an experimental platform is built to show the capacity of the proposed scheme to solve the CF issues.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a predictor, indicator of severity and prognostic indicator of chronic heart failure

Cardio vascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most serious problems of modern medicine both throughout the world and in the Russian Federation, due to their high prevalence and high risk of death. A signif-icant contribution to the rates of hospitalization and mortality from cardiovascular diseases is made by chronic heart failure (CHF), which is a severe pathology. The key strategic direction to reduce mortality from CHF and increase life expectancy of the population is the search for methods aimed at prevention and early detection of heart failure. This literature review summarizes research data on the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and various aspects of cardiovascular events (CVS) (risk of development, severity of the condition, disease prognosis), in particular chronic heart failure. The authors of the article carried out a de-scriptive synthesis of the literature to present the main characteristics of the studied biomarker, including the purpose of the measurement, the relationship with other risk factors (RF), laboratory and instrumental indicators; categories of patients for whom it is the most informative. The study was able to analyze 25 literature sources for the availability of information showing the effect of hs-CRP values in the blood of patients on the course of CVD. A threshold concentration of this biomarker (3 mg/l) was established, which is associated with an increased risk of developing CHF, while the severity of its course directly correlated with the degree of CRP increase, as well as the risk of its progression and death from this disease (complications).

Identification of key genes associated with heart failure based on bioinformatics analysis and screening of traditional Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is the final stage of heart disease. An increasing number of experiments and clinical reports have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has many therapeutic effects and advantages in treating HF. In this study, we used bioinformatics methods to screen key genes and predict the components of Chinese herbal medicines with preventive and therapeutic effects on HF. GSE120895 and GSE21610 HF chips were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was performed to determine key modules. Genes in key modules were used for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes analysis to determine the biological functions. Finally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to screen out key genes, and single-sample GSEA was conducted to screen TCM compounds and effective ingredients of TCM compounds related to HF. We have selected a key module (MeTerquoise) and identified 489 DEGs, of which 357 are up regulated and 132 are down regulated. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes analyses indicated that the DEGs were associated with the extracellular matrix, fat metabolism and inflammatory response. We identified IL2, CXCR4, CCL5, THY1, CCN2, and IL7R as key genes. Single-sample GSEA showed that key genes were mainly related to energy metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, extracellular matrix, and immunity. Finally, a total of 70 TCM compounds and 30 active ingredients of TCM compounds were identified. Bioinformatics methods were applied to preliminarily predict the key genes and TCM compounds involved in HF. These results provide theoretical support for the treatment of HF with TCM compounds and provide targets and research strategies for the development of related new Chinese medicines.

Biomarkers for Heart Failure Prediction and Prevention.

Heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic affecting over 64 million people worldwide. Its prevalence is on an upward trajectory, with associated increasing healthcare expenditure. Organizations including the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have identified HF prevention as an important focus. Recently, the ACC/AHA/Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Guidelines on heart failure were updated with a new Class IIa, Level of Evidence B recommendation for biomarker-based screening in patients at risk of developing heart failure. In this review, we evaluate the studies that have assessed the various roles and contributions of biomarkers in the prediction and prevention of heart failure. We examined studies that have utilized biomarkers to detect cardiac dysfunction or abnormality for HF risk prediction and screening before patients develop clinical signs and symptoms of HF. We also included studies with biomarkers on prognostication and risk prediction over and above existing HF risk prediction models and studies that address the utility of changes in biomarkers over time for HF risk. We discuss studies of biomarkers to guide management and assess the efficacy of prevention strategies and multi-biomarker and multimodality approaches to improve risk prediction.