Reference Methodology Research Articles

Coopetition Networks for Small and Medium Enterprises: A Lifecycle Model Grounded in Service-Dominant Logic

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the European economy, but sustaining coopetition networks—collaborative arrangements between competitors—remains challenging. In this study, this gap is addressed by developing a reference model and methodology for coopetition networks explicitly designed for SMEs and grounded in the service-dominant (S-D) logic framework. The model provides a structured approach for managing coopetition across the entire network lifecycle, from initiation to dissolution, emphasizing value co-creation and resource integration. A proof of concept (PoC) was implemented in the Portuguese ornamental stone sector to validate the model, revealing significant improvements in manufacturing effectiveness and demonstrating the model’s practical applicability. The results underscore the potential of coopetition networks to boost SMEs’ competitiveness and performance while identifying key trade-offs and risks, such as knowledge sharing and market cannibalization. Although the model addresses critical challenges, in this study, limitations are acknowledged and areas for future research are suggested, particularly in relation to the long-term sustainability of coopetition and the influence of interpersonal dynamics.

Comparative Analysis of Quantitative Methods for Campylobacter spp. Quantification: ISO 10272-2:2017, Tempo® and Real-Time PCR in Refrigerated and Frozen Turkey Cuts.

New technologies for more effective microbiological assays are being adopted by the food industry to intervene more rapidly in its production chain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alternative methods of TEMPO® CAM and real-time PCR (rtPCR) Biotecon® in comparison with the ISO 10272-2:2017 reference method for Campylobacter spp. quantification in turkey meat, aiming to validate a quick and easily replicable method in these meat matrices. A total of 416 samples were analyzed over a one-year period. The TEMPO® methodology showed inadequate performance with a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared with the reference methodology; therefore, its use was not recommended for turkey meat matrices. However, the performance of the rtPCR Biotecon® methodology showed adequate performance with no significant difference (p > 0.05), and its use was recommended in turkey meat matrices. The study was limited to exclusive research in turkey meat matrices, and expansion of the research into other matrices is recommended to verify whether the behavior of alternative methodologies is similar. The findings of this study illustrate the necessity for a thorough and comprehensive evaluation during the implementation of alternative methodologies that may potentially supplant conventional approaches.

A-004 Clinical and Laboratory Validation of the Atellica® vTLi Analyzer for Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction Through High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI) Measurement

Abstract Background Most deaths resulting from Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) occur within the initial hours following the onset of clinical symptoms. Troponins serve as the preferred biomarkers and can be utilized for screening individuals presenting with chest pain, referring them towards appropriate clinical interventions based on the 0-hour/1-hour algorithm. The Atellica® vTLi Patient-side analyzer (POC), employing the methodology based Magnotech™ Technology, allows the quantification of hs-cTnI levels using a small sample volume. This capability enables the prompt evaluation and management of patients with chest pain. Use POCT troponin assays may allow for faster decision-making in this high-risk population and reduce the burden on emergency facilities. This study evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of a POCT hs-cTnI from Atellica® VTLi compared to hs-cTnT Roche Diagnostics and hs-cTnI Atellica® IM 1300. Objectives Clinical and analytical validation of the Atellica® vTLi analyzer for the measurement of hs-cTnI in patients with suspected AMI compared to the reference methodologies on the market. Methods The study is being conducted in the department of critically patient, the Cardiology program and the clinical laboratory of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. In the first phase of the study, samples from 108 volunteers were analyzed for analytical comparability between hs-cTnI of the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi and hs-cTnT Cobas®. A study was then carried out of precision with samples of commercial controls with three evaluation levels, with five replicates, for 5 days in the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi. The second phase of the study was performed with samples from 51 patients who report to the emergency department with chest pain for a clinical prospective evaluation and correlation between the hs-cTnI assays of the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi, hs-cTnT Cobas® and Atellica IM 1300. Results The results show a great correlation (Pearson’s correlation greater than 0.75, p&amp;lt;0.0001) between the Atellica® vTLi, hs-cTnT Cobas® platforms in the sample group. Of the patients included in the second phase of study, the average age was 61 years, with 60% of patients having systemic arterial hypertension, 35% diabetics, 53% dyslipidemic patients and none of the patients were smokers. When assessing cardiovascular risk using the heart score, 55% of patients were at moderate or high risk. In this group there was also a strong correlation between the Atellica® vTLi platforms, hs-cTnT Cobas® serum, hs-cTnT Cobas® plasma, Atellica IM 1300 serum and Atellica IM 1300 plasma in the second phase (p&amp;lt;0.0001 in all cases. Pearson correlation), considering the reference values for laboratory stratification in the rapid chest pain protocol (time 0 h and 1 h) and the biochemical differences of troponin I and troponin T molecules. Conclusions In the present study, the Siemens POCT Atellica® vTLi device showed excellent performance in laboratory validation and strong correlation with the high-sensitivity TnT assay in different troponin concentration ranges. Additionally, Atellica® vTLi demonstrated a strong clinical correlation between hs-cTnI Atellica® IM 1300 and hs-cTnT Cobas® platforms present in a central laboratory, being considered safe for use in 0-1h protocols in patients with chest pain and suspected heart attack.

Determinants of physical activity commitment in adolescents and young adults with cancer: sociological protocol for a hospital-based mixed methods study (ETAPE-AJA)

IntroductionAdolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer undergo physical transformations due to disease and treatments occurring alongside puberty and adolescence. Although physical activity is recommended for its benefits, its practice...

Screening Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds from Common Portuguese Shrubs Using Headspace–Bar Adsorptive Microextraction (HS-BAµE)

In this study, headspace–bar adsorptive microextraction (HS-BAµE) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to screen the major biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitted by six different Portuguese shrub species (Erica scoparia L., Cistus ladanifer L., Cistus monspeliensis L., Lavandula stoechas L., Thymus villosus L., and Thymus camphoratus). The HS-BAµE/GC-MS methodology was developed, optimized, and validated using five common monoterpenoids (α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, and thymol) and one sesquiterpenoid (caryophyllene oxide). Under optimized experimental conditions (microextraction-sorbent phase: activated carbon (CN1), 3 h (35 °C); back-extraction: n-C6 (1 h)), good efficiencies (&gt;45%), low analytical thresholds (5.0–15.0 µg/L) and suitable linear dynamic ranges (20.0–120.0 µg/L, r2 &gt; 0.9872) were achieved, as well as acceptable intra and inter-day precisions (RSD ≤ 30.1%). Benchmarking the proposed methodology, HS-BAµE(CN1), against the reference methodology, HS-SPME(PDMS/DVB), revealed comparable analytical responses and demonstrated excellent reproducibility. Among the six shrub species studied, Thymus camphoratus exhibited the highest emissions of BVOCs from its leaves, notably, 1,8-cineole (4136.9 ± 6.3 µg/g), α-pinene (763.9 ± 0.5 µg/g), and β-pinene (259.3 ± 0.5 µg/g). It was also the only species found to release caryophyllene oxide (411.4 ± 0.3 µg/g). The observed levels suggest that these shrub species could potentially serve as fuel sources in the event of forest fires occurring under extreme conditions. In summary, the proposed methodology proved to be a favorable analytical alternative for screening BVOCs in plants. It not only exhibited remarkable performance but also demonstrated user- and eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of implementation.

Assessment of Dried Serum Spots (DSS) and Volumetric-Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS) Techniques in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of (Val)Ganciclovir-Comparative Study in Analytical and Clinical Practice.

Ganciclovir (GCV) and its prodrug valganciclovir (VGCV) are antiviral medications primarily used to treat infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Therapy with GCV is associated with significant side effects, including bone marrow suppression. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is mandatory for an appropriate balance between subtherapeutic and toxic drug levels. This study aimed to develop and validate three novel methods based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for GCV determination in serum (reference methodology), dried serum spots (DSS), and VAMS-Mitra™ devices. The methods were optimized and validated in the 0.1-25 mg/L calibration range. The obtained results fulfilled the EMA acceptance criteria for bioanalytical method validation. Assessment of DSS and VAMS techniques extended GCV stability to serum for up to a minimum of 49 days (at room temperature, with desiccant). Developed methods were effectively evaluated using 80 clinical serum samples from pediatric renal transplant recipients. Obtained samples were used for DSS, and dried serum VAMS samples were manually generated in the laboratory. The results of GCV determination using serum-, DSS- and VAMS-LC-MS/MS methods were compared using regression analysis and bias evaluation. The conducted statistical analysis confirmed the interchangeability between developed assays. The DSS and VAMS samples are more accessible and stable during storage, transport and shipment than classic serum samples.

Recommendations for the assessment of glomerular filtration rate in patients with cancer: A position statement and systematic review on behalf of the American Society of Onco-Nephrology (ASON).

e24143 Background: Accurate assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is crucial to guiding drug eligibility, dose-adjusting systemic therapy, and minimizing the risks of both undertreatment and toxicity in patients with cancer. To date, there has been a lack of guidance to standardize approaches to GFR estimation in the cancer population based on the available evidence. We aim to present data on the first systematic review (SR) of GFR estimating equations in patients with cancer. Methods: We conducted a SR on behalf of the American Society of Onco-Nephrology (ASON) on the accuracy of equations to estimate GFR in adult patients with cancer, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We required that studies use a reference methodology as comparator involving measured GFR via urinary or plasma clearance of an exogenous filtration marker or carboplatin. Two search strategies focusing on studies using serum creatinine (Cr) and cystatin C (Cys) were developed. Risk of bias and quality assessment was performed for all studies. Results: A total of 39 studies (21,949 patients in total, 19,025 with solid cancers) were included. Studies assessing populations in Europe were most frequent (50%), followed by Asia (27%) and the remaining from Australia/New Zealand and North and South America. Risk of bias and quality assessment allocated 15 studies (38%) as low or very low quality, and 24 (62%) as low-moderate or moderate quality. The most commonly assessed GFR estimating equations included Cockroft-Gault (32 studies), Modification of Diet Renal Disease (MDRD) (24 studies), Chronic Kidney Disese Epidemiology Collaboration Study (CKD-EPI)Cr (22 studies), Wright (13 studies), CKD-EPICys (8 studies), CKD-EPICr-Cys (8 studies), and Jeliffe (8 studies). Given the importance of accurate and timely eGFR assessment and the evidence supporting the performance (i.e., accuracy) of the CKD-EPI incorporating both Cr and Cys, we suggest the use of this equation in patients with cancer (grade 2C). Where Cys is unavailable, CKD-EPICr is the next preferred equation given the supporting data for its performance and widespread availability. Since included studies were moderate quality or lower, the ASON rated the certainty of evidence as low. Also, additional data on clinical outcomes related to the selection of eGFR equations is needed. We suggest measurement of GFR via an exogenous filtration marker in patients with cancer for whom eGFR results in borderline eligibility for therapies or clinical trials (ungraded). Conclusions: Based on the results of this SR, we suggest use of contemporary methods for estimation of GFR (CKD-EPICr-Cys and CKD-EPICr-Cr) and avoidance of older and less accurate formulae such as Cockcroft-Gault.

Gold nanoparticles assisted colorimetric sensing of paroxetine, duloxetine, and olanzapine in aqueous and micellar systems with improved sensitivity

The present study explored a rapid and facile colorimetric identification of two antidepressants (paroxetine and duloxetine) and one antipsychotic drug (olanzapine) in aqueous and micellar systems using citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Cit-AuNPs). The sensing approach involved hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions on the surface of Cit-AuNPs. The attributes of Cit-AuNPs and their interactions with the drugs were probed using characterization techniques like UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurement, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Various factors including the volume of Cit-AuNPs, pH, reaction time, surfactant concentration, and the sequence of addition of reagents were optimized to inspect their impacts on sensing results. Under optimized conditions, the probe showed good linearity for the three drugs at the nanomolar (nM) range. Consequently, the color of the Cit-AuNP solution transformed from red to royal purple and blue, which was visible to the naked eye and monitored by visible absorption spectra. This label-free optical detection approach could recognize paroxetine (Prx), duloxetine (Dlx), and olanzapine (Olz) in aqueous system at concentrations ranging from 1 to 17 nM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.312, 0.258, and 0.418 nM (S/N = 3), respectively. Meanwhile, the sensitivity was improved in the Triton X-100 (TX-100) micellar system with LOD of 0.029, 0.030, and 0.029 nM for Prx, Dlx, and Olz, respectively accompanied by a shift in the absorption bands. The micellar system contributes stability to the Cit-AuNP-drug complex. The devised colorimetric approach was convenient and did not require any complex equipment. It was efficaciously used to detect three drugs in pharmaceutical products, spiked human urine, and blood serum samples with satisfactory recoveries of 99.83–103.45% and RSD < 3.5%. Notably, the sensing assay demonstrated good selectivity for three drugs in the existence of commonly encountered foreign species and certain common drugs with a relative error below 3%. The results of the present study were statistically compared with reference methodology. The results were validated with no significant difference between the devised and reported approaches considering precision and accuracy, respectively.

Determination of aztreonam/ceftazidime-avibactam synergism and proposal of a new methodology for the evaluation of susceptibility in vitro

We proposed a new methodology, the microelution ATM/CZA (mATM/CZA), based on the antibiotic disc elution and the use of resazurin, for rapid (<4h) determination of in vitro susceptibility to aztreonam combined with ceftazidime-avibactam among Enterobacterales. The mATM/CZA presented excellent accuracy with 1.9 %, 98.1 % and 100 % of major error, specificity and sensitivity, respectively. Furthermore, we assessed synergism between aztreonam and ceftazidime-avibactam in Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was observed in 37/55 Enterobacterales and 31/56 P. aeruginosa. As reference methodologies (checkerboard, time-kill curve) are not compatible with the routine of the clinical microbiology laboratories, mATM/CZA is an important alternative to evaluate susceptibility of the combination in a scenario where its clinical use is increasingly important.

Reducing Occupational Risks and Greening a Traditional Sample Treatment of Industrial Fluorine Containing-materials by Application of Design of Experiments

Despite the new technological advances, some traditional methodologies concerning wet chemistry must be used as reference methods when dealing with complex matrices or when no certified reference materials are available. In this context, Willard-Winter distillation is nowadays still employed as a reference technique for fluorine extraction in day-to-day analysis. However, this procedure requires strong acid mixtures, increasing waste treatment procedures/costs and the potential risks associated with their use. The present work reports the application of design of experiments (DoE) to improve the analytical methodology of reference for fluorine extraction through Willard-Winter distillation by substituting perchloric acid. Variables affecting the sample treatment of fluorine-containing compounds, anhydrite, fluorspar, cryolite and aluminium fluoride were studied to ensure complete dissolution and total extraction of fluorine. Volume of sulfuric acid, sample amount, volume of distilled solution including volume of melt and amount of NaOH for fluorspar and the extended fluoroaluminate compounds were the variables studied. Predicted experimental conditions were performed and validated in the target compound, obtaining fluorine concentrations comparable to those obtained by the reference methodology. By this modified approach, not only harmful effect of manipulation of perchloric acid is reduced but also costs of the analytical procedure do so. Besides, a greener performance is achieved by avoiding chlorinated species, reducing waste dangerousness and its treatment.

A Methodological Approach towards Cyber Risk Management in Land Administrations Systems

Cybersecurity risk management in land administration systems is crucial for maintaining the integrity of spatial cadastral data, which faces increasing threats owing to the digital transformation of LAS. This research validates the findings of this preliminary step in the form of a cyber risk management methodology that combines BPMN 2.0 with model business processes implemented by a compliance-based approach using EBIOS Risk Manager. A practical case of land parcel subdivision in Indonesia is analysed to serve as a proof of concept for our proposed methodology. Vulnerabilities are identified and are characterised by a concentration of manual tasks and the absence of systematic controls, resulting in significant risks to data integrity. These findings underscore the urgent need for a proactive approach to strengthen the cyber resilience of LAS. This study attempts to develop a fit-for-purpose reference methodology for cyber risk management specifically tailored to LAS to identify and treat vulnerabilities, threats, risks, and impacts.

A Review of Current Evaluation Urban Sustainability Indicator Frameworks and a Proposal for Improvement

This paper addresses the link between data, metrics, and the paths from cause to effect in urban sustainability and livability frameworks. The first section thoroughly discusses the different existing frameworks for evaluating sustainability and livability goals for urban communities. In the results section, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of a comprehensive list of frameworks that evaluate sustainability and livability in cities is elaborated, with a thorough post-process of the different schemes from an epistemological perspective to analyze the subjectivities implicit in any urban-level sustainability framework. Finally, in the discussion section, two main aspects are tackled. The first is the development of a proposal for a set of indicators that incorporates the best of the different frameworks analyzed. The second aspect deals with the methodology of implementation of these frameworks. Here, the authors point out the weaknesses of current urban-level sustainability frameworks and their main components, and they propose a set of criteria to overcome the different detected gaps. All these steps have helped the authors establish a clear roadmap for developing the platform TOOLS4Cities that can help set a future reference methodology for urban sustainability evaluation.

A-387 Evaluation of the Analytical and Clinical Performance of epoc Point of Care Equipment Compared to Standard Blood Gas in Patients with Nephropathy

Abstract Backgroud Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem, characterized by progressive loss of function of nephrons with consequent loss of ability to filter blood and maintain homeostasis. Due to the absence of symptoms, CKD usually receives a late diagnosis, which causes the patient to be immediately submitted to the hemodialysis procedure. Therefore, it is important that the patient has a fast and effective diagnosis, however it is necessary that it be done with clinical and analytical safety. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the performance of siemens Healthineers epoc® platform for the quantification of blood gas parameters, glucose, creatinine, ions, hemoglobin, hematocrit comparing this equipment with the reference methodology for blood gases in patients with CKD. Methods Eighty-five blood samples obtained from patients under clinical follow-up with nephrologists were collected and processed at epoc® and compared with the RapidPoint®500e Siemens Healthineers platform. Creatinine was compared with Abbott platform Architect®. Discrepancies related to clinical values and/or analyses were evaluated, considering the reference values determined for each method. For analytical verification, we analyzed the means of the results of each methodology, the percentage differences between the means of the results and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results For clinical analysis considering the reference values for each method, all analyses were approved. Pearson's correlation coefficient was obtained for pH = 0.97, for pCO2 = 0.953 and pO2 = 0.9947. For glucose, the value of 0.9919 was obtained and for the ions, 0.887 for Na+ (sodium), 0.9727 K+ (potassium) and 0.9406 for Cl- (chloride). For Hb and Hct were 0.825 and 0.8231, respectively. For creatinine it was 0.9339. The analysis showed the differences in mean for Hb = 2.25%, Hct = 2.22%, ph = 0.1505%, pCO2 = 10%, pO2 = 6.28%, Na+ = 1.84%, Cl- = 3.93%, K+ = 1.77%, while glucose was 2.43% difference and creatinine 1.152%. The range analyzed for Hbt was 5.4–20.4, for ph of (7.133–7.475), for POC2 (29.8–115.8), for pO2 (15.1–118.4), for (Na+ 124.0–150.0), for (K+ 1.50–7.80), for (Cl- 92.0–121.0) and for K+ (1.50–7.80), for glucose (43.0–303.0). For creatinine it was (0.63–15.00) and (16.0–60.0) for hematocrit. In the accuracy evaluation, was obtained: Na+ (CVg = 2,4/DP = 3,29), K+ (CVg = 17,8/DP = 0,84), Cl-(CVg = 4,5/DP = 4,68), Glucose (CVg = 47,2/DP = 75,83), Creatinine (CVg = 32,6/DP = 3,10), ph (CVg = 0,883/DP = 0,065), pCO2 (CVg = 26,68/DP = 12,82), pO2 (CVg = 50,15/DP = 29,42), Hct (CVg = 24,43/DP = 9,0), Hbt (CVg = 24,43/DP = 3,08). Conclusion The study proved good results for the comparability between the epoc equipment® and the standard methodology. In addition, there was no difference in the clinical interpretation of patient studied, which is essential to ensure the safety in the use of these methodologies in the diagnosis and follow-up of CDK.

A-017 Analytical and Clinical Performance Evaluation of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I hs-cTnI Measurement Through Point of Care

Abstract Background Most cases of death from Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) occur in the first hours after the manifestation of clinical symptoms, constituting 40%–65% in the first hour and approximately 80% in the first 24 h. For the safe, effective, and rapid diagnosis of a patient with suspected AMI, international guidelines recommend that it be done based on clinical symptoms, together with electrocardiogram and analysis of biomarkers in the context of suspected of non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Troponins are the biomarkers of choice with level A level evidence and the ability to perform screening in patients complaining of chest pain and refer it to the correct clinical approach based on the 0 h/1 h algorithm. To date, the successful clinical implementation of these rapid algorithms is restricted to hospitals working with well-defined workflows and a robust central laboratory structure. The Atellica® vTLi analyzer is based on the chemiluminescence methodology for the quantification of hs-cTnI levels with low sample volume, low complexity, and may enable the rapid management of patients with chest pain and application of 0 h/1 h algorithm. Objectives Analytical and clinical performance evaluation of high-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI) measurements through point-of-care on the Atellica® vTLi analyzer in patients with suspected AMI compared to the reference methodologies on the market. Methods The study is being conducted in the department of Laboratory Medicine, Emergency Department and the Cardiology In the first phase of the study, samples from 80 patients were analyzed for analytical comparability between hs-cTnI of the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi, hs-cTnT Cobas® and hs-cTnI Atellica Solution®. A study was then carried out of precision with samples of commercial controls with three evaluation levels, with five replicates, for 5 days in the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi. The final phase of the study will be performed with samples from 100 patients who report to the emergency department with chest pain for a clinical prospective evaluation and correlation between the hs-cTnI assays of the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi, hs-cTnT Cobas® and hs-cTnI Atellica Solution®. Results The preliminary results obtained the correlation between the Atellica® vTLi, hs-cTnT Cobas® platforms in the sample group was greater than 0.75. Samples with values that exceeded linearity (less than 3 pg/mL and greater than 1250 pg/mL) were excluded from the analysis. It wasconsidering the reference values of each manufacturer and the biochemical differences of the troponin I and troponin T molecules. The accucary analysis were obtained for QC1 the evaluation range was (13.0–29.1 ng/L) which obtained an average of 17.05, %CV of 7.5 and SD of 1.28. For QC2, the evaluation range was (22.6–51.5 ng/L), which obtained an average of 28.48 ng/L, %CV of 8.68 and SD of 2.47. For QC3, the evaluation range was (238–499 ng/), which obtained an average of 284, 8 ng/L, %CV of 6.65 and SD of 18.90. Conclusion The study to date demonstrated a strong correlation between the troponins of the hs-cTnI Atellica® vTLi and hs-cTnT Cobas® analyzers, in addition to safety and accuracy through studies with commercial controls.

Cost-benefit analysis in fire safety engineering: State-of-the-art and reference methodology

Cost-effectiveness is a key consideration within fire safety engineering. Currently, different approaches are being applied in literature. These approaches differ in how cost-effectiveness is evaluated, which costs are considered, and how the preferred design solution is defined. Recognizing this issue, the Fire Protection Research Foundation enrolled an international team of researchers, supported by a broad stakeholder panel, to develop a reference methodology. In this paper, this reference methodology for cost-benefit analysis in fire safety engineering is presented following an extensive literature review. The methodology clarifies the minimum requirements for assessing cost-effectiveness, and highlights that only a present net value evaluation can be used to compare design alternatives. Commonly used cost-benefit ratios should only be used when deciding on the effectiveness of a single package of fire safety measures. An illustrative case study demonstrates the application of the methodology and shows how designs based on cost-benefit ratios can be sub-optimal when evaluating multiple possible fire safety measures.

A comprehensive analysis of guided-wave propagation in 3D-printed PLA plates with different infill densities – Experimental study

Thanks to its many advantages, additive manufacturing (AM) is witnessing a gigantic shift from small applications to the production of complex industrial components, including safety–criticalapplications like aerospace and civil construction. This arises the need to develop accurate and robust technologies for evaluating and monitoring the structural integrity of AM components. The objective of this study is to comprehend how ultrasonic guided waves (GWs) propagate in 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) plates of different infill densities. The experimental investigation involves five intact PLA plates printed with infill densities ranging from 20 to 100% at a step of 20%. A scanning laser Doppler vibrometer was used to visualize GW propagation by performing full-wavefield area-scans. Spatial-time, frequency-wavenumber, and wavenumber-wavenumber analyses were performed to scrutinize the availableGW modes and their slowness profiles within the anisotropic structure. In addition, the tuning of the fundamental Lamb-wave (LW) modes at different excitation frequencies was examined, and the amplitude attenuation of the generally most pronounced mode (A0 mode) was investigated for different infill densities at an excitation of 50 kHz. A reference methodology is presented to experimentallyidentify more than five propagating modes in the frequency-wavenumber domain then obtain their phase-velocity dispersion curves. Significant variations are observed in the dispersion characteristics when lowering the infill density leading to the appearance of more modes at lower cutoff frequencies and drops in both the group and phase velocities in most of the cases. A complex behavior of the guided waves was observed in the dispersion curves of the 20%-infill plate, with possible mode interruptions/disturbance at an excitation frequency beyond 70 kHz. The appearance of shear-horizontal modes is noticed/strengthened at oblique propagation directions which may be attributed to mode conversion of the LW modes after obliquely interacting with the internal structure of the plates. Though high wave attenuation is a characteristic of the used polymer material, this attenuation is further increased at lower infill densities. The tuning behavior of the fundamental LW modes is also shown to be significantly affected by the infill density. The presented results can serve as reference propagation and dispersion characteristics for researchers working on similar materials and geometries. Such knowledge and understanding can be particularly useful for GW-based structural healthy monitoring of AM structures.

Presence of microplastics deposited in Sargassum sp. on sandy beaches

The atypical massive arrival of Sargassum sp. on the Mexican Caribbean beaches, mainly in summer, has increasingly become a major problem in the last decade, not only because of the economic and aesthetic impact it has caused on this region, but also due to the associated environmental effects. For instance, macroalgae could cause the transport and deposition of plastic waste on the shore. Thus, a study was carried out, which focused on quantification of the microplastics (MP) present in deposited Sargassum sp. on five sandy beaches, as well as in the sand under the macroalgae, and then, observing and comparing the results of both samples. In the case of the sand samples, the methodology used was based on what was reported by Alvarez-Zeferino et al., 2020, while for the Sargassum sp. samples, the methodology was fully developed as there was no reference methodology for this type of sample. The presence of MP was reported in all the samples from the five beaches. In sand, the concentration range was 17.6–52.8 MP/m2, with an average of 29.6 ± 10.4 MP/m2, while for Sargassum sp. the average was 15.7 ± 2.8 MP/ kgFW with a range of 11.2–19.3 MP/kgFW. The results point out that higher concentrations of MP in Sargassum sp. relate to higher concentrations of MP in the sand. This might suggest that Sargassum sp. spills would transport MP, becoming an additional source of plastic pollution on beaches.

Guidelines for designing a digital twin for Li-ion battery: A reference methodology

The integration of digital technologies is causing a significant change in the energy sector. These innovations have transformed traditional energy grids into intelligent grids. As a result, the digital replica of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) has become one of the most crucial components in the energy sector. Digital twin technology enables the seamless integration of BESS into intelligent grids and offers numerous benefits, such as easy identification and prediction of faults, real-time system monitoring, optimization, temperature regulation, and estimation of parameters. As a result, the overall performance of BESS is improved by the digital twin technology. Consequently, this paper discusses the general guidelines that must be followed to develop a digital twin for a Li-ion BESS successfully. The main function is to define how to design a digital twin able to optimize the system and facilitate early and predictive fault detection and diagnosis.

Asymmetric responses by bees and aculeate wasps to dune stabilisation across the southern Canadian prairies

Abstract Inland sand dunes in the Great Plains of North America provide refuge for a variety of psammophilous (i.e., sand‐loving) organisms but are threatened by vegetative stabilisation. In a cross‐sectional study, we analysed the effects of dune stabilisation on wild bees and stinging wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata)—which comprise some of the most diverse assemblages of dune‐dwelling arthropods—at 13 sites across the southern Canadian prairies. We did not detect changes in overall taxonomic richness with increased stabilisation, with comparable numbers of bee and aculeate wasp species/morphospecies observed among dunes at different stages of stabilisation. However, abundances of species of wasps identified as dune specialists decreased with increased stabilisation. Bees and aculeate wasps responded nonlinearly to the percent of plant cover on dunes dominated by grasses (Poales: Poaceae), whereas abundance and richness were generally high on dunes where the dominant plant was dune scurfpea (Fabales: Fabaceae). Thus, the extent to which these plants cover a particular dune can be indicative of the numbers of individuals and types of aculeate species it can sustain. Overall, differences in aculeate community composition between dune sites were better explained by proximity of sites to one another than stabilisation level, reflecting the large spatial scale at which the dunes were surveyed (i.e., within a 50,350 km2 area). Bees and aculeate wasps, especially open sand specialist species, serve as a promising tool for monitoring the effects of dune stabilisation. This study provides a crucial reference point and methodology for future assessments of dune‐inhabiting aculeates in these unique inland dune systems.

Factors predicting the outcome of allergen-specific nasal provocation test in children with grass pollen allergic rhinitis.

Nasal provocation testing (NPT) is a reference methodology to identify the culprit allergen in patients with allergic rhinitis. Selecting the right allergen for NPT is particularly difficult in poly-sensitized patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Predictors of NPT outcomes may facilitate the proper use of this test or even substitute it. To identify predictors of grass pollen NPT outcome from an array of clinical data, e-diary outcomes, and allergy test results in poly-sensitized pediatric patients with SAR. Poly-sensitized, SAR patients with grass pollen allergy, participating in the @IT.2020 pilot project in Rome and Pordenone (Italy), participated in a baseline (T0) visit with questionnaires, skin prick testing (SPT), and blood sampling to measure total (ImmunoCAP, TFS, Sweden) and specific IgE antibodies to grass pollen extracts and their major allergenic molecules (ESEP, Euroimmun Labordiagnostika, Germany). During the pollen season, patients filled the AllergyMonitor® e-diary app measuring their symptoms, medication intake, and allergy-related well-being via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After the pollen season (T1), patients answered clinical questionnaires and underwent a nasal provocation test (NPT) with grass pollen extract. We recruited 72 patients (age 14.3 ± 2.8 years, 46 males) sensitized to grass and/or other pollens, including olive (63; 87.5%) and pellitory (49; 68.1%). Patients positive to grass pollen NPT (61; 84.7%), compared to the negative ones, had worse VAS values in the e-diary, larger SPT wheal reactions, and higher IgE levels, as well as specific activity to timothy and Bermuda grass extracts, rPhl p 5 and nCyn d 1. A positive NPT to grass pollen was predicted by an index combining the specific activity of IgE towards Phl p 5 and Cyn d 1 (AUC: 0.82; p < 0.01; best cut-off ≥7.25%, sensitivity 70.5%, specificity: 90.9%). VAS results also predicted NPT positivity, although with less precision (AUC: 0.77, p < 0.01; best cut-off ≥7, sensitivity: 60.7%, specificity: 81.8%). An index combining the specific activity of IgE to rPhl p 5 and nCyn d 1 predicted with moderate sensitivity and high specificity the outcome of a grass pollen NPT in complex, poly-sensitized pediatric patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Further studies are needed to improve the index sensitivity and to assess its usefulness for NPT allergen selection or as an alternative to this demanding test procedure.