Reduce Failure Rates Research Articles

Comparison of different interventions for the reduction of labor pain: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

This systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed to compare different interventions for the reduction of labor pain. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases were searched for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting prespecified inclusion criteria up to January, 2023. Interventions including electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), epidural analgesia (EA) and control treatments. The primary outcomes included pain scores, failure rate of natural delivery, adverse events and Apgar scores. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed by R software with gemtc package. Surfaces under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) were used to rank the intervention. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the network meta-analysis. TEAS (WMD -3.1, 95% CrI -3.8, -2.5) and EA (WMD -2.1, 95% CrI -2.8, -1.3) was more effective than the control in decreasing VAS. TEAS ranked first (SUCRA, 90.9%), EA ranked second (SUCRA, 74.0%) and control ranked last (SUCRA, 35.0%) for reducing VAS. For patients with labor pain, with respect to the most effective treatment for reducing failure rate of natural delivery, TEAS ranked first (SUCRA, 96.6%), EA ranked second (SUCRA, 50.4%) and control ranked last (SUCRA, 3.0%). With regard to the Apgar scores, there was high probability that TEAS ranked first (SUCRA, 80.7%), compared to control (SUCRA, 41.4%) and EA (SUCRA 27.9%). With regard to the adverse events, there was high probability that TEAS ranked first (SUCRA, 99.9%), compared to control (SUCRA, 33.2%) and EA (SUCRA 17.6%). TEAS has the potential to serve as a viable alternative for women in labor, offering a simple, noninvasive, and non-pharmacological intervention that surpasses EA in terms of both analgesic effectiveness and safety for both mothers and neonates.

Reactive power capacity allocation technology of shore‐based power supply system of offshore oil production platform under different network topology reliability measures

AbstractTo improve the economy of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power transmission mode, the reactive power capacity allocation technology of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power supply system based on different network topology reliability measures was proposed. The optimization model of power supply system network topology and the structure model of voltage source converter high voltage direct current transmission system were established, the start and stop control scheme of flexible direct current (DC) transmission system was designed, and the operation parameters of converter station and DC line were monitored in real time. The topological structure of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power supply system is constructed, the mathematical model of flexible DC transmission system is established when the alternating current side voltage is balanced, the reactive power capacity configuration of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power supply system is optimized, and the life cycle cost results are calculated. The experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can obtain the optimal solution only after 26 calculations, with high optimization efficiency and good convergence effect. Reactive capacity configuration of shore‐based power supply system for offshore production platform can reduce failure rate and life cycle cost.

Combined ACL and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Using an Adjustable-Loop Fixation Device: Surgical Technique

Background: There are several techniques for the combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the anterolateral ligament (ALL), but none have shown superiority. This study aims to present a surgical technique that theoretically reduces some of the risks reported in these procedures. Indications: The main indications for the ALL reconstruction include chronic ACL injuries, revision ACL reconstruction, acute ACL injuries in patients with high-grade pivot-shift (grades 2 or 3), patients involved in pivoting sports, and generalized ligament hyperlaxity or knee hyperextension. Technique Description: Hamstring tendon autografts are used for the ACL and ALL reconstruction; a common femoral ACL and ALL tunnel is made outside-in, making a short socket. A continuous looped hamstring tendon autograft attached to one button is used. The ACL is fixed with an adjustable-loop button. Through small incisions, the tibial fixation of both grafts is performed with bioabsorbable screws. Results: We present a 19-year-old professional soccer player with an acute ACL tear, with no associated meniscal or chondral lesions. Owing to his young age and high-risk sports practice, a combined ACL and ALL reconstruction was performed. The combined ACL and ALL reconstruction with a single femoral tunnel using the hamstrings tendons graft is a well-established procedure for ACL augmentation, reducing failure rates for certain risk groups, with excellent outcomes reported. The use of an adjustable-loop button on the femur is a viable option for this kind of reconstruction with postoperative stability comparable to the interference screw, classically used for this kind of reconstruction. Discussion/Conclusion: This technique has some advantages, such as the use of a short outside-in femoral socket, thus theoretically improving healing. In addition, this lowers the risk of lateral collateral ligament injury, and since the ileotibial band graft is not used, the risk of injuring the lateral inferior genicular vessels and the peroneal nerve is theoretically reduced. Besides, using an adjustable-loop cortical button in the femur can theoretically reduce potential complications such as screw migration, soft-tissue impingement, femoral-site pain, and implant removal. Finally, the reconstruction is done with small incisions, improving the aesthetic result and postoperative pain. Considering all the aforementioned factors, this technique theoretically offers some benefits. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Impact of Lateral Extra-Articular Procedure Augmentation on Rerupture Risk and Tegner Activity Scale Outcomes in Adolescent Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Matched Comparative Study With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: Despite the well-established role of lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) in reducing failure rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in the adult population, similar in-depth research for the adolescent and pediatric population remains lacking. Purpose: To examine the effect of the LEAP augmentation on the rerupture rate after ACLR in patients aged <18 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from October 2012 to June 2020, involving adolescents <18 years old undergoing primary ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Two groups, matched for age, sex, Tegner activity scale, and presence of meniscal injury, were established: ACLR alone and ACLR+LEAP augmentation. The primary outcome measure was the rate of rerupture after ACLR. The secondary outcome measures were the rate of non–graft rupture related reoperation after ACLR; rate of return to sport (RTS) rate, timing, and level compared with preinjury status; and functional scores including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life), Tegner activity scale score, ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) score, and Lysholm score. Results: After accounting for follow-up losses, we analyzed 132 patients who underwent ACLR alone and 121 patients who underwent ACLR+LEAP from the initial 147 per group. The mean age of the patients in both groups was 16.1 years (SD, 1.1 and 1.0 years, respectively), with similar patient and injury characteristics across both groups (P > .05). Both groups also showed comparable preoperative functional scores. A significantly lower preoperative ACL-RSI score was observed in the ACLR-alone group compared with the ACLR+LEAP group (P = .0044). Graft rupture was significantly less common in the ACLR+LEAP group (2.5%) than in the ACLR-alone group (13.6%) (P = .002). The attributable risk reduction for ACLR+LEAP was 11.1%, and the calculated number needed to treat was 9. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly better rerupture-free survival at 5 years for the ACLR+LEAP group (P = .001). Cox regression confirmed a 6-fold increased rerupture risk in the ACLR-alone group (P = .004). At the final follow-up, despite similar IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm, and ACL-RSI values across both groups, the ACLR+LEAP group had a significantly higher Tegner score (7.2 vs 6.3; P = .0042). No significant differences were observed in RTS rates or sport level compared with preinjury states between the groups. Conclusion: ACLR+LEAP augmentation significantly reduced rerupture risk and facilitated higher postoperative activity levels in adolescents. Registration: NCT02511158 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Case-Based Reasoning in Achieving Sustainability Targets of New Products

Improving product sustainability is becoming an increasingly significant challenge for modern enterprises. A growing number of manufacturers are interested in enhancing product sustainability throughout the product life cycle. This study is concerned with using case-based reasoning to identify ways of improving product sustainability and select variables for model specification. Parametric models are applied to search for opportunities to improve product sustainability. This can be achieved through changes introduced at the product design stage. Simulations are performed using constraint-satisfaction modeling to identify conditions for achieving the sustainability targets of new products. Constraint-satisfaction modeling provides a suitable framework for finding all possible sustainability-enhancing changes (if any) during the new product development process. These changes may support R&amp;D specialists in identifying opportunities to improve the sustainability of new products. We demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach with an example in which our method enabled a reduction in the product failure rate and an increase of battery lifespan for a robot vacuum cleaner line. We analyzed several factors affecting two targets of product sustainability: minimizing the product failure rate and maximizing battery lifespan. Our findings indicate that R&amp;D staff size is the biggest factor in reducing the product failure rate, and that battery capacity is the most significant factor in battery lifespan.

Statistics support and anxiety explored

Abstract Most higher education institutions in the UK now offer some form of additional individual support for mathematics and statistics. Whilst numerous studies have shown mathematics support can improve grades and reduce failure rates, there is a lack of research on other outcomes of interest such as anxiety or confidence, and very little research relating specifically to statistics support. This study uses quantitative and qualitative results from student questionnaires to evaluate the effectiveness of support in reducing anxiety and increasing confidence immediately after the first statistics support session and in the longer term. Comparisons of and preferences for online or face-to-face sessions and other aspects relating to anxiety were also explored. Key quantitative findings include a significant reduction in statistics anxiety after only one session of statistics support and a long-term increase in confidence with statistics. When asked how support impacts on anxiety or confidence, key themes emerging included feeling comfortable asking questions in statistics support, tailoring to individual needs and confirmation of understanding. The majority of students preferred face-to-face sessions over online particularly those with higher levels of statistics anxiety. Although differences were generally not significant, higher levels of anxiety were observed before online sessions and greater changes in anxiety occurred during face-to-face sessions.

P702 Long term outcomes following de-escalation of dose-intensified ustekinumab in patients with Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background Data on outcomes following de-escalation of dose-intensified ustekinumab (UST) in Crohn’s disease (CD) have not been reported. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the failure rates 6, 12, and 24 months after de-escalation from dose-intensified UST to standard dose UST and identify predictors of failure. Methods Single centre, retrospective study of consecutive CD patients undergoing de-escalation of dose-intensified UST (90mg 4-weekly) to standard dosing (90mg 8-weekly). De-escalation and post de-escalation decisions were informed by protocolised 6-monthly assessment using Harvey-Bradshaw Index, C-reactive protein (CRP), faecal calprotectin (FCP), drug level and intestinal ultrasound. Failure was defined by re-escalation of UST, corticosteroids, switch out of class, or IBD-related hospitalisation or surgery. Success was defined by continued standard UST dosing. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher-exact and continuous variables using Mann-Whitney U tests between groups. Results 14 patients underwent de-escalation from April 2020 to March 2023. The median age was 41 years, disease duration 15 years, and duration on dose-intensified UST 34 months. 43% received IV reinduction at time of escalation, 86% had previous exposure to advanced therapies, of which 43% were dose-intensified. 36% were on an immunomodulator (IMM) at de-escalation. In the 6 months prior to de-escalation, the median CRP was 3.5mg/L, FCP 96mg/g, and 91% were in sonographic remission. 5/14 (36%) failed de-escalation at 6 months and 9/14 (64%) failed by 12 months. Of those with 24 months follow up, 9/12 (75%) failed de-escalation. Median time to failure was 8 months (IQR 4.5-13). All patients who failed underwent re-escalation and 2 required surgery. UST drug levels reduced from 3.6 to 1.9mg/mL 6 months post de-escalation. Re-escalation successfully recaptured response in 7/9 (78%). A greater proportion of patients with successful de-escalation at 12 months received concomitant IMM compared to those that failed (80% vs. 11%, respectively; p = 0.02). There were no other significant differences in clinical or disease characteristics between those with failure vs. success at 6, 12, or 24 months, although numbers were small (Table 1). Conclusion One-third of patients failed de-escalation of dose-intensified UST at 6 months, two-thirds failed at 12 months and three-quarters by 24 months. Patients considered for a trial of de-escalation need close, objective monitoring as most failure occurs early, and re-escalation is successful in the majority. Concomitant IMM may reduce failure rates and should be considered. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and identify additional predictors of de-escalation failure.

Management of Neuropathic Pain with Neurectomy Combined with Dermal Sensory Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (DS-RPNI).

Neuropathic pain affects a large percentage of the U.S. population and leads to tremendous morbidity. Numerous nonsurgical and surgical treatments have been utilized to try and manage neuropathic pain with varying degrees of success. Recent research investigating ways to improve prosthetic control have identified new mechanisms for preventing neuromas in both motor and sensory nerves with free muscle and dermal grafts, respectively. These procedures have been used to treat chronic neuropathic pain in nonamputees, as well, in order to reduce failure rates found with traditional neurectomy procedures. Herein, we focus our attention on Dermal Sensory-Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (DS-RPNI, free dermal grafts) which can be used to physiologically "cap" sensory nerves following neurectomy and have been shown to significantly decrease neuropathic pain.

The Critical Role of Financial Literacy in Navigating Challenges Faced by Lebanese SMEs

SMEs are vital to the Lebanese economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and regional development[1]. However, the persistent challenges posed by Lebanon’s ongoing political instability, economic crisis, and financial volatility have disproportionately affected SMEs[2]. In this context, financial literacy emerges as a key factor that can empower SME owners to make informed decisions, access critical financing, manage risks, and ensure longterm growth and sustainability[3] . This study investigates the critical role of financial literacy in helping Lebanese SMEs navigate these challenges. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from a sample of 260 SME owners and managers. The research explores how financial literacy influences key business outcomes, such as access to finance, risk management, and strategic decision-making. The findings reveal that higher levels of financial literacy significantly enhance SMEs' ability to secure funding, implement effective risk management strategies, and sustain growth despite external economic pressures. Financially literate SMEs are better equipped to engage with financial institutions, diversify their financial portfolios, and mitigate the adverse effects of currency fluctuations and inflation. The study concludes that promoting financial literacy among SME owners and managers should be a priority in Lebanon’s economic recovery efforts. Targeted financial education programs, supported by government and financial institutions, could enhance SME resilience, reduce failure rates, and contribute to a more stable economic environment. This research highlights the need for comprehensive financial literacy initiatives that address the specific challenges faced by SMEs in Lebanon, ultimately enabling them to thrive in a complex and uncertain economic landscape.

Predicting Students’ Failure Risk Education Through Machine Learning

In the evolving landscape of education, the paradigm shift towards online learning has become even more pronounced in response to the prevailing global conditions. This transition, while offering unprecedented accessibility and flexibility, brings forth unique challenges, particularly in the realm of assessing and monitoring student performance. The absence of traditional face-to-face interactions and direct observations necessitates innovative solutions to gauge and predict student success effectively. Recognizing the imperative need for proactive intervention, this project endeavours to harness the power of machine learning algorithms to develop a robust predictive model. By leveraging comprehensive datasets encompassing student activities, grades, interactions with educators and peers, and other pertinent information derived from learning management systems, the aim is to construct a reliable framework capable of forecasting the likelihood of a student encountering academic challenges or failure. The predictive model proposed in this study is poised to revolutionize the educational landscape by enabling early identification of students at risk. Through the analysis of diverse parameters, the model seeks to provide educators with actionable insights, empowering them to take timely and targeted measures to support struggling students. The overarching goal is not only to predict potential academic setbacks but to also equip tutors with the tools necessary to implement tailored strategies that mitigate these risks, ultimately contributing to a substantial reduction in the overall failure rate within educational institutions. In essence, this project embodies a forward-looking approach to education, where data-driven insights pave the way for personalized interventions, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. As we navigate the digital era of education, the development of such predictive models becomes indispensable in ensuring the success and well-being of students, ushering in a new era of educational excellence and adaptability.

High-temperature sealing performance and structure optimization of rubber core for conical blowout preventer

Conical blowout preventer is a vital sealing component in the process of petroleum and gas development, if it were to malfunction, which will result in extremely severe consequences. In order to investigate sealing performance of conical blowout preventer at high temperature and reduce failure rate of rubber core. Firstly, high-temperature tensile and compression experiments for the rubber were conducted, then the constitutive model parameters for rubber core material was confirmed. A numerical model for wellhead sealing of conical blowout preventer was established. Stress distribution and sealing performance of rubber core at different temperatures were investigated. Finally, structural optimization was performed of rubber core, support rib and piston. The results show that the lower end of rubber core is the primary sealing area. Stress concentration on rubber core and significant deformations are the primary reasons for the cracking and detachment of rubber core. As the temperature increases, sealing performance of rubber core gradually decreases. After optimizing structures of rubber core, support ribs and piston, sealing performance of rubber core has been improved. Those results hold significant importance in improving sealing performance of conical blowout preventer and ensuring the safety of operational processes, providing theoretical guidance for the optimization of blowout preventer structures.

Key Teaching Competencies for Success in Family Businesses: a Strategic Approach in Higher Education

Purpose: The main objective of the study is to develop essential teaching skills for the successful management of family businesses, proposing a strategic teaching plan that covers everything from student training to the creation and effective management of these companies, contributing to economic growth and meeting social demands. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework highlights the importance of preparing students to manage family businesses, focusing on specialized instructors. It underlines the crucial role of family businesses in economic growth and argues that proper training can reduce failure rates in this type of business. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative and qualitative methodology was used, with a descriptive-correlational approach and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The research was carried out in Mexican universities with a sample of 180 professors. Data collection included surveys and interviews, assessing key competencies such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and financial management. Findings: The results indicate that, according to the teachers surveyed, the most relevant competencies for successful family business management include communication skills, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, financial management, human resources, marketing, sales, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The research highlights the importance of specialized training and the need to align family and business interests. Research, Practical &amp; Social Implications: It is suggested the implementation of a strategic educational program in higher education that covers from training to the management of family businesses, adapting to the changing demands of society and the business environment. Originality/Value: The study addresses a relevant issue and proposes concrete measures to improve training in entrepreneurship and family business management in the academic field. It proposes a comprehensive strategic teaching plan, establishing the necessary competencies for teachers and providing specific guidance towards the creation and management of family businesses.

Drug targeting in psychiatric disorders - how to overcome the loss in translation?

In spite of major efforts and investment in development of psychiatric drugs, many clinical trials have failed in recent decades, and clinicians still prescribe drugs that were discovered many years ago. Although multiple reasons have been discussed for the drug development deadlock, we focus here on one of the major possible biological reasons: differences between the characteristics of drug targets in preclinical models and the corresponding targets in patients. Importantly, based on technological advances in single-cell analysis, we propose here a framework for the use of available and newly emerging knowledge from single-cell and spatial omics studies to evaluate and potentially improve the translational predictivity of preclinical models before commencing preclinical and, in particular, clinical studies. We believe that these recommendations will improve preclinical models and the ability to assess drugs in clinical trials, reducing failure rates in expensive late-stage trials and ultimately benefitting psychiatric drug discovery and development.

Abstract C050: Comprehensive analysis of causes for unsuccessful genomic profiling in a Phase 1 setting

Abstract Purpose: Genomic profiling (GP) has revolutionized personalized cancer therapy, enabling tailored treatment strategies based on individual tumor characteristics. However, despite its widespread use, there are instances where GP fails. Understanding the causes of such failures is important for improving the success rate of GP. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of unsuccessful GP within a phase 1 clinical setting. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center, single-arm open label study (NCT02290522) was conducted, enrolling patients with advanced cancer referred to a phase I unit. Fresh tumor tissue was obtained by core needle biopsy for whole genome- or whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing. In cases where fresh tumor tissue was unavailable, archival, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue or circulating tumor DNA extracted from plasma were obtained. Results: Between March 2013 and December 2021, a total of 2151 patients with advanced cancers and exhausted or almost exhausted treatments options were enrolled in the study. GP was unsuccessful in 281 patients (13%). The reasons for failure were; abstaining from biopsy due to performance decline from the time of consent (115/281= 41%), inadequate tissue quality due to normal tissue or necrosis (52/281= 19%), absence of lesions for tissue biopsy at the time of biopsy (41/281= 15%), patient withdrawal of consent (23/281= 8%), pre-analytical factors preventing tissue or liquid biopsy analysis (14/281= 5%), unsuccessful analyses (13/281= 4%), other treatment initiated at time of planned biopsy (10/281= 4%), unknown reasons (9/281= 3%) or biopsy contraindicated (4/281= 1%). Conclusion: The main cause of unsuccessful GP in this study was pre-analytical factors, primarily linked to performance status decline. Performing the biopsy and GP in earlier treatment lines, may reduce failure rates. Furthermore, considering the risk of rapid performance status decline, prior to biopsy referral, along with reduced lag time from obtaining consent to biopsy, may enhance GP success rates. Citation Format: Cecilie Iden, Laila Belcaid, Ida Jacobsen, Martin Hoejgaard, Iben Spanggaard, Morten Mau-Soerensen, Ulrik Lassen, Christina Westmose Yde, Kristoffer Staal Rohrberg. Comprehensive analysis of causes for unsuccessful genomic profiling in a Phase 1 setting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C050.

Underpinning Quality Assurance: Identifying Core Testing Strategies for Multiple Layers of Internet-of-Things-Based Applications

The Internet of Things (IoT) constitutes a digitally integrated network of intelligent devices equipped with sensors, software, and communication capabilities, facilitating data exchange among a multitude of digital systems via the Internet. Despite its pivotal role in the software development life-cycle (SDLC) for ensuring software quality in terms of both functional and non-functional aspects, testing within this intricate software–hardware ecosystem has been somewhat overlooked. To address this, various testing techniques are applied for real-time minimization of failure rates in IoT applications. However, the execution of a comprehensive test suite for specific IoT software remains a complex undertaking. This paper proposes a holistic framework aimed at aiding quality assurance engineers in delineating essential testing methods across different testing levels within the IoT. This delineation is crucial for effective quality assurance, ultimately reducing failure rates in real-time scenarios. Furthermore, the paper offers a mapping of these identified tests to each layer within the layered framework of the IoT. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance the reliability and performance of IoT-based applications.

Numerical and experimental investigations on thermoelastic hydrodynamic performance of planetary gear sliding bearings in wind turbine gearboxes

The application of planetary gear sliding bearings (PGSBs) in large wind turbine gearboxes (WTGs) has become an important development trend for high-power wind turbines due to the advantages of improving power density and reducing failure rates. However, the working characteristics of operating at heavy-load conditions and using helical gears to mesh will induce large deformation, axial misalignment, and non-negligible temperature rise in PGSBs. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis model taking into account the influence of axial misalignment, thermal effects, and thermoelastic deformation was presented for the PGSB in WTGs. A full-size test rig for PGSBs was built and simulation experiments were conducted to verify the model. Both the measured oil temperature and film thickness agreed well with the numerical results. The predictions from the model were compared with the results of the isothermal-EHD and rigid-THD models. The comparison results indicated that the pad deformation and temperature rise had obvious effects on the bearing performance and could not be ignored. The effects of bearing clearance and aspect ratios on thermoelastic hydrodynamic performance were analyzed. The numerical results showed that both a lower clearance ratio and a higher aspect ratio could help to reduce the maximum pressure at the bearing edges.

Implementation of a Multilingual Booklet to Accommodate First-Year Students with Academic Work

Academic writing is a major challenge within Higher Education. Poor writing skills and low academic literacy increase the chances of dropout among students from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities. A multilingual booklet was developed as a tool for improvement among first-year students. The multilingual booklet aims to allow students to engage their study material in their mother tongue. As an academic literacy lecturer, the researcher will be sharing what has inspired her to suggest such a project. This paper follows an educational approach through personal reflections. Availing and promoting multilingual reading material to students may reduce failure rates. Students may be equipped to understand their academic work when it is presented in their home language. Another advantage of the translated open resource material is that multilingual education provides monolingual students with the opportunity to learn a second language and become bilingual. The booklet can be accessed by other institutions as they are loaded on the university website. The booklet aims to contribute towards the decolonization of tertiary curricula– a notion to which first-generation students have no reference. The booklet is in line with the vision of enabling a smart university, rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu. Recommendation: South African universities should adopt multilingual tools in their curricula to accommodate the students who are not English, or first language speakers to do better in their academic work

Pressure-induced fatigue failures in cast iron water supply pipes

Cast iron pipes have been extensively utilised in water supply networks worldwide. Many of these pipes are either at the onset or within their wear-out phase, during which failure rates rapidly increase, and the pipes should be repaired or replaced. However, the replacement and rehabilitation of these pipes might require extensive resources and time. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the effects of operational practices that might reduce failure rates for ageing cast iron pipes. In this paper, we investigate the conditions under which water pressure fluctuations may impact and accelerate fatigue failures in cast iron pipes. We carried out a systematic review of the mechanical properties of cast iron pipes and conducted sensitivity analyses to estimate fatigue crack propagation using fracture mechanics. Our investigation suggests that cast iron pipes which are affected by reduced wall thickness due to corrosion may experience a significant decrease in their operational life when subjected to water pressure fluctuations. Moreover, this negative influence of pressure fluctuations is exacerbated with an increase in the mean operating pressure. As an example, a 150 mm pipe featuring a corrosion patch of about 7 mm depth could extend its remaining fatigue life by over fourfold through a minor reduction of both mean pressure and pressure fluctuations of approximately 10 mH2O each. The manuscript further explores various pressure reduction combinations and trends, demonstrating the beneficial effects of reducing both mean pressure and pressure fluctuations. Consequently, the presented analysis suggests that water operators should proactively manage (reduce) the magnitude of both pressure components to extend the operating life of ageing cast iron pipes.

Multi Rotor Wind Turbine Systems: An Exploration of Failure Rates and Failure Classification

The Multi-Rotor System (MRS) is a proposed solution to the increasing costs associated with the manufacture and maintenance of large single-rotor wind turbines. The MRS consists of many small rotors that can capture the same amount of energy as a large turbine but with the added benefits of standardization, reduced system loads, and improved reliability due to the redundancy of components and smaller size. However, modelling the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the MRS presents several challenges, including a lack of available failure data. This work aims to determine, what failure rate reduction, can MRS be competitive with equivalent single-rotor wind farms, using existing single-rotor turbine data as a baseline. The key failure components are identified through the use of a cost-based comparison parameter. Statistical and theoretical approaches are then used to analyse the impact of fatigue on failure rates for downscaled turbines, to determine if the required reduction in failure rate is feasible. Using a case study, the sensitivity of availability, operational expenditure, and lost revenue to failure rates is also determined.

A Novel Doppler Unfolding Technique Using Optical Flow

Abstract Doppler radars measure Doppler velocity within the [−VN, VN] range, where VN is the Nyquist velocity. Doppler velocities outside this range are “folded” within this interval. All Doppler “unfolding” techniques use the folded velocities themselves. In this work, we investigate the potential of using velocities derived from optical flow techniques applied to the radar reflectivity field for that purpose. The analysis of wind speed errors using six months of multi-Doppler wind retrievals showed that 99.9% of all points are characterized by errors smaller than 26 m s−1 below 5-km height, corresponding to a failure rate of less than 0.1% if optical flow winds were used to unfold Doppler velocities for VN = 26 m s−1. These errors largely increase above 5-km height, indicating that vertical continuity tests should be included to reduce failure rates at higher elevations. Following these results, we have developed the Two-step Optical Flow Unfolding (TOFU) technique, with the specific objective to accurately unfold Doppler velocities with VN = 26 m s−1. The TOFU performance was assessed using challenging case studies, comparisons with an advanced Doppler unfolding technique using higher Nyquist velocities, and 6 months of high VN (47.2 m s−1) data artificially folded to 26 m s−1. TOFU failure rates were found to be very low. Three main situations contributed to these errors: high low-level wind shear, elevated cloud layers associated with high winds, and radar data artifacts. Our recommendation is to use these unfolded winds as the first step of advanced Doppler unfolding techniques. Significance Statement The potential of using optical flow winds operationally to accurately unfold Doppler velocities is demonstrated in this work. The operational significance is that the Nyquist velocity can confidently be reduced to 26 m s−1, allowing for extended first trip radar maximum range and reduced contamination from dual pulse repetition frequency artifacts.