Service Stations Research Articles

Investigation of traction and dynamic properties of wheeled vehicles with electric and hybrid power plants on the test stands with running drums

Introduction. Modern wheeled vehicles with electric and hybrid power plants are becoming more and more widespread. It is obvious that with the increasing number of wheeled vehicles with electric and hybrid power plants, there is a need to conduct a full-fledged and qualitative study of the working processes of wheeled vehicles both at the stages of production and fine-tuning at manufacturing enterprises, and in operating conditions at the service stations and other organizations. The research of the technical condition of a wheeled vehicle with electric and hybrid power plants with a classic layout of the power unit and transmission (front or rear axle drive) is quite possible to be conducted on existing stands. But when testing wheeled vehicles with electric and hybrid power plants with all-wheel drive or with an electric motor generator for each drive wheel, a problem arises due to the lack of methods and means to measure traction force on each wheel individually.Materials and methods. This section provides an analysis of the possibilities of conducting a study of the technical condition of wheeled vehicles with electric and hybrid power plants on modern power and inertia stands that apply the principle of reversibility of motion.Results. Methods have been developed to study the traction and dynamic properties of wheeled vehicles with electric and hybrid power plants, to implement it was proposed to use developed research stand complex, which includes a hybrid stand with control and measuring systems that allow to determine forces and power on the driving wheels of vehicles, as well as time and kinematic parameters of its functioning process. During the experimental studies, the results of Kia Soul EV and Toyota Prius NHW20 operation processes were obtained, their power and kinematic parameters were analyzed.Conclusion. As a result of the study, it has been proved that in order to ensure highly informative and stable test modes of wheeled vehicle’s operation in the process of studying their traction and dynamic properties, it is necessary to use hybrid stands.

Exposure/Risk Assessment of Employees in Gasoline Refueling Stations with and Without the Efficacy of Vapor Recovery Systems in Mexico

Concerns regarding the health risks associated with employe exposure to volatile chemicals during gasoline refueling necessitates rigorous investigation and effective countermeasures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vapor recovery systems in mitigating exposure risks during gasoline refueling. Employee exposure to volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was assessed at gasoline stations with and without vapor recovery systems. Three stations each from the State of Mexico and Mexico City, equipped with gasoline vapor recovery systems, were compared with three stations in Guadalajara lacking such systems. The exposure concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) to benzene in Guadalajara, the State of Mexico, and Mexico City were 45 ± 29, 24 ± 20, and 18 ± 15 μg/m3, respectively, which were significantly higher than the background atmospheric concentrations at 1.6 ± 0.56, 0.72 ± 0.083, and 0.65 ± 0.14 μg/m3, respectively. Similarly, the exposure concentrations of toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes at gasoline stations were significantly higher than the background atmospheric concentrations. However, the exposure concentrations of formaldehyde and PM2.5 were similar to the background atmospheric concentrations. The excess cancer risks due to benzene exposure were estimated at 1.2–4.2 × 10−5, 0.63–2.2 × 10−5, and 0.46–1.6 × 10−5 (mean) and 0.42–1.5 × 10−4, 0.29–1.0 × 10−4, and 2.4–8.6 × 10−5 (maximum) in Guadalajara, the State of Mexico, and Mexico City, respectively. The risk to employees in gasoline stations was reduced by 47–61% in service stations with gasoline vapor recovery systems.

Subway Multi-Station Coordinated Dynamic Control Method Considering Transfer Inbound Passenger Flow

The prominent contradiction between passenger demand and capacity in rush hours at subway stations causes inconveniences to travel and even leads to safety risks. Existing research on the cooperative control of passenger flow at stations mostly focuses on a single direction, rarely considering transfer passenger flow control. This study formulated a coordinated dynamic control strategy for multiple stations in both directions as a deterministic mathematical programming model to optimise the crowded passenger flow. The optimisation objectives were set as the warning levels of crowded passenger flow and the detention time of all passengers. The constraints included limitations on station service capacity, train capacity, and the number of people boarding trains. Additionally, considering separate control over the transfer inbound passenger flow at transfer stations, an upward- and downward-direction coordinated dynamic control model was constructed. Numerical experiments based on real-world data from the Nanjing Metro Line 1 were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed cooperative control scheme and evaluate its performance.

UML DIAGRAMS OF THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF MAINTENANCE STATIONS

Vehicle uptime is becoming increasingly important as transportation solutions become more complex and the transportation industry looks for new ways to be competitive. Traditional fleet management systems are gradually being extended with new features to improve reliability, such as better maintenance planning. Typical diagnostic and predictive maintenance techniques require extensive experimentation and simulation during development. This is not possible for the entire vehicle as it would require too many engineering resources. The developed diagrams presented in the article reflect the processes that take place at service stations. Various factors affecting quality and speed, such as the availability or ordering of spare parts, were taken into account when developing the service charts. With the help of the proposed diagrams, the client can independently decide whether to use the services of an authorized car service. Before using the services of a car service, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the information presented on the website. This will help you choose a car service that meets all your expectations in terms of professional assistance. It is worth looking for a service station combined with an inspection station. Then you can fully check the performance of the car.

The Seismic Station and Site Amplification Service: Continuously Updated Information on Italian Seismic Stations

Abstract We present STATION (Seismic sTATion and sIte amplificatiON—see Data and Resources), the prototype of an innovative service aimed at providing updated information on specific seismological characteristics of more than 2500 Italian and European seismic stations, belonging to both permanent and temporary networks. The stations are characterized by exploiting recordings from about 120,000 earthquakes that have occurred in Italy and neighboring regions in the period from 2005 to 2024. This extensive database includes local magnitude residuals, horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (HVSRs), and mean noise spectra, enabling detailed site-specific seismic assessments as well as supporting postevent analyses. Not only is STATION equipped with a user-friendly web interface, but its seismological products can also be accessed directly through specific station queries (see Data and Resources), enabling quick retrieval of scientific results (e.g., HVSR) and associated metadata, which in turn increases the efficiency of the service itself and its interoperability with other web services. The STATION database is designed to be continually updated and expanded as new data become available from the scientific community (e.g., from the installation of new seismic stations and the recording of new earthquakes). Possible future developments and improvements to the service may include the dynamic updating of the database; the introduction of directional HVSRs and summary maps showing the amplification distribution; the dissemination of individual HVSR curves and spectra for specific requests; the calculation and dissemination of probabilistic distributions of noise power spectral densities; the integration of additional parameters describing site amplification effects; its potential extension to other European and possibly non-European regions.

Comparative Analysis of Higher‐Order Ionospheric Delay on PPP Long‐Term Coordinate Time Series and Residual Modeling Using Horizontal Gradients and RINEX Data

AbstractHigher‐order ionospheric corrections, including second‐ and third‐order effects and signal bending, are essential for improving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time series accuracy. However, their influence on long‐term Precise Point Positioning (PPP) time series, particularly signal bending, remains underexplored. Most studies rely on Global Ionosphere Maps (GIMs) for second‐order delay corrections due to the complexity of RINEX‐based inversions. Analyzing data from 37 International GNSS Service stations (2009–2020), we found that higher‐order ionospheric effects predominantly impact the North component of mid‐ and low‐latitude stations. Second‐ and third‐order delays contribute 50% and 20% to annual and semi‐annual amplitudes, respectively, while signal bending accounts for 5% and 2%. Additionally, signals traveling along the magnetic field direction induce phase delays, with equatorial regions experiencing more frequent and intense ionospheric activity. This leads to maximum horizontal velocity impacts of 0.45 mm/yr at the equator and a distinct southern trend at mid‐ and low‐latitudes. GIM‐based corrections increase seasonal signal amplitudes and root mean square error (RMSE) at some stations due to discrepancies with RINEX‐based corrections, which generate higher‐order ionospheric residuals. These residuals contribute 48.6% of the RMSE in RINEX‐based corrections, surpassing the 39.8% from second‐ and third‐order delays. To address this, we propose a GIM‐based residual model incorporating horizontal gradients, reducing RMSE by 48%, 26%, and 52% for the East, North, and Up components, respectively. Monthly or quarterly gradient updates during quiet ionospheric periods ensure precise corrections, enhancing GNSS time series and coordinate system accuracy.

An M/G/1 Queue with Repeated Orbit While in Service

Orbit and retrial queues have been studied extensively in the literature. A key assumption in most of these works is that customers “go to orbit” when they are blocked upon arrival. However, real-life situations exist in which customers opt to go to orbit to efficiently use their orbit time rather than residing dormant at the service station while waiting for their service to be completed. This paper studies such a system, extending the scope of traditional orbit and retrial queues. We consider an M/G/1 queue where customers repeatedly go to orbit while their service remains in progress. That is, if a customer’s service is not completed by within a specified “patience time”, the customer goes to orbit for a random “orbit time”. When the customer orbits, the server continues rendering her/his service. If, on return, the service is already completed, the customer leaves the system. Otherwise, s/he waits for another patience time. This policy is repeated until service completion. We analyze such an intricate system by applying the supplementary variable technique and using Laplace–Stieltjes transforms. Performance measures are derived, and a comparison analysis is provided between various service time distributions.

Impact of temporal resolution in global ionospheric models on satellite positioning during low and high solar activity years of solar cycle 24

Abstract The ionosphere, partially ionized by solar radiation, is rich in free electrons and ions, affecting satellite navigation signals by altering their speed and path. This interaction often leads to signal delays of 5–10 m, complicating accurate positioning in satellite-based systems. This paper investigates the influence of global ionospheric models (GIMs) with varying Temporal Resolutions (TR) on satellite positioning accuracy and convergence time under different solar activities, represented by the years 2009 (low solar activity) and 2014 (high solar activity). The study utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) data from three GIMs: CODG, representing the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) GNSS model with a 2-h TR; bcom, with a 1-h TR; and b5mg, with a 5-min TR. Analysis was conducted using the GNSS Analysis Software for Multi-constellation and Multi-frequency Precise Positioning across 46 international GNSS service stations under single and dual-frequency strategies. The results indicate that precise point positioning convergence time improved by approximately 18 % and 78 % using single and dual frequencies, depending on the GIM applied. Consequently, positioning accuracy after convergence improved by about 16 % and 27 % in the horizontal and up components for ionospheric-constrained single-frequency PPP models and by 68 % and 79 % in the horizontal and up components for dual-frequency PPP models. Furthermore, vertical total electron content analysis at the MARS station revealed significant variations correlating with solar activity, underscoring the importance of selecting appropriate GIMs for accurate GNSS positioning. Future studies, including multi-solar events, are recommended for comprehensive analysis.

Research on the Construction of Grassroots Emergency Command System Under the Background of Informatization

Along with our economic development and public safety demand intensify., the task of fire rescue team is further expanded, and the construction of fire rescue command system becomes more and more important. This paper takes the information construction of the fire rescue team as the center, and studies the construction of the grass-roots emergency command system, aiming to promote the construction of the fire rescue system and improve the emergency rescue level of the fire rescue team. This paper takes the emergency rescue command system of the special service station of X Fire rescue detachment as the research object, and studies the construction of the basic emergency command system through literature research method and interview investigation methods.

Enhancing bikeshare planning and operation: Strategic use of web-based public feedback

Bikeshare system operators have leveraged online platforms to gather user feedback on station experiences and service quality. This crowdsourced data presents a valuable opportunity to enhance bikeshare planning and operations. However, planners have limited methods to analyze those qualitative data given the sparse nature of this data, which is insufficient for training comprehensive machine learning models. Addressing this challenge, our study employs a novel approach combining spatial analysis and Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) to delve into bikeshare users’ perceptions and expectations. Focusing on Chicago’s bikeshare system, we utilize its limited online comments to demonstrate the robustness of our algorithm and its applicability to both large and small datasets. Our findings reveal a geographic pattern in feedback: negative comments on bike rebalancing, station locations, and facilities are concentrated in the city center, while dissatisfaction with the cycling environment is consistent across both urban and peripheral areas. Moreover, we discovered that the demographic and employment characteristics of areas surrounding bikeshare stations significantly influence positive feedback, overshadowing the impact of station design and local infrastructure. Overall, this study offers a quantitative framework for leveraging limited crowdsourced feedback effectively, providing strategic insights for refining bikeshare planning and operational decisions.

Design and Implementation of a Smart Wireless Access Point for A Gas Station (SWAP-GS)

The gas distribution sector is a good fit for wireless communications, especially considering how often distribution facilities are located in distant areas. The underlying communications infrastructure needs to be extremely dependable, with a resilient system that links sensors and controls throughout a vast field area network, when working with accumulated and real-time data. The resulting detail assists managers in creating and modifying business processes, managing the station site fully, and increasing operational efficiency. A wireless gas station offers an architecture based on Wi-Fi standards for applications that track and collect data all the way down sto the sensor level. The goal of the research was to install a wireless infrastructure network at a service station. When used in a gas station, plant, enable users to access real-time information, exchange and share sensor readings from the access point, and develop a smart wireless access point system with higher secure encryption than the generic wireless network. The NodeMCU microcontroller, which broadcasts the real-time data to the clients, receives inputs from a temperature, pressure, and humidity sensor. This allows the system to do such activities. It was believed that the built wireless infrastructure will enhance the existing LAN infrastructures. A few basic prerequisites are taken into account. First and foremost, a microcontroller, a sensor unit, software design, and compliance with IEEE 802.11 standards were required.

State of atmospheric pollution between vulnerabilities and criticalities from 2007 to 2022 and a projection in 2030 focused on the proliferation of gasoline sales in the city of N'Djamena

According to the World Health Organization (2008), 1.3 million annual deaths worldwide are attributable to air pollution, and that the latter is the cause of 16% of the total number of deaths. Among air pollutants, particles play an important role in worsening air quality in urban areas. The city of Ndjamena has recorded an increased proliferation of hydrocarbon stations since 2007 to the present day. The analysis of the vulnerability and criticality of pollutants from 2007 to 2022 and a projection to 2030 were made. For a response relating to the subject of our research, we chemically characterized two types of gasoline by following the recommended parameters. The result obtained following these analyses shows that street gasoline has a more or less negative result compared to gasoline produced, stored and sold in accordance with standards and regulations in Chad. We note that the analyzed contraband gasolines have negative results unlike other types of gasoline sold at the pump (some service stations) in terms of: - ASTM distillation, confirming the presence of significant heavy fractions, the Octane Index, presenting a minimum limit required by the standard for super 90 gasoline. Total sulfur, which reaches the maximum limit required and finally, Corrosion giving the maximum limit required by the standard in terms of corrosion. We also noted the presence of traces of water and unidentified solid debris at the bottom of most of our contraband samples.

Combining motivational and exercise intervention components to reverse pre-frailty and promote self-efficacy among community-dwelling pre-frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise is effective in preventing frailty status in older adults, but the effect of an exercise program based on Wellness Motivation Theory (WMT) on the frailty status, self-efficacy for exercise, and quality of life for older adults with pre-frailty remains unclear. Our objective was to examine the efficacy of a multicomponent exercise program based on WMT on frailty status, self-efficacy, and quality of life among pre-frail older adults.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial of pre-frail older adults aged from 60 years to 85 years. Participants in the intervention group performed exercise three times a week for 24 weeks, once at a community health service station instructed by two researchers and two times at home. Participants in the control group were given one-time advice on physical activity. The assessor was the only one blinded. The primary outcome was the reversal rate of pre-frailty. The secondary outcomes included self-efficacy and quality of life.ResultsOne hundred and forty-four participants were randomized into two groups (n = 72 in the intervention group and n = 72 in the control group) and analyzed. After 24 weeks, the proportion of pre-frailty was significantly lower in the intervention group than in control (31.8% versus 74.6%, P < 0.001). The absolute risk reduction was 42.8% [95% CI, 25.1–57.1]. In the 8th week and the 24th week, the frailty score of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group. There were significant improvements in self-efficacy at week 2, week 8, and week 24. In weeks 8 and 24, participants in the intervention group reported a higher quality of life than the control group. There were no exercise-related injuries or falls among the participants.ConclusionsThe exercise intervention based on WMT for pre-frail older adults could reverse pre-frailty, increase self-efficacy for exercise, and improve the quality of life in older Chinese.Study registration detailsThis study was registered in www.ClinicalTrials.gov on the 25th of July, 2024, with the identifier NCT06519695.Reporting methodThe Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist was used in this study for properly reporting how the randomized trial was conducted.

Integration of Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and Kano Model to Improve the Manggarai Station Service Quality

Manggarai Station is one of the transit stations with the highest number of passengers and will become the first central station in Indonesia. However, the process of station construction and changes in transit patterns resulted in a significant increase in the number of passengers, which had an impact on the quality of services provided. There are many complaints made by passengers due to the buildup which results in the discomfort they feel when traveling at Manggarai Station. This research aims to determine the order of priority and strategies required for each service attribute using the integration of Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and Kano, determine the causes of dissatisfaction and low performance received by passengers, and provide recommendations for improvements to the service quality of Manggarai Station. The methods used in this research are Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and the Kano Model, then the results of both are integrated. Based on the processing results, the categorization results obtained using the IPA method were divided into four quadrants based on performance and importance, the Kano category results were based on satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and the IPA and Kano results were integrated. The results of the IPA and Kano integration show that 4 of the 14 service attributes are included in the Fatal category, which means that performance needs to be improved in order of top priority.

Boosting BOD/COD biodegradability of automobile service stations wastewater by electrocoagulation

ABSTRACT This study investigates the application of electrocoagulation for enhancing the biodegradability of organic matter in automobile service station wastewater, notorious for its contamination with polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and surfactants. Optimization of key variables such as electrode material, current density, and electrical consumption is conducted, with correlation analysis assessing their impact on water quality. Experimental setups utilize a vertical configuration comprising eight monopolar steel electrode plates as cathodes and eight counter electrodes (either iron or aluminum) connected in parallel. Results indicate that employing iron as the sacrificial electrode significantly increases the biochemical oxygen demand/chemical oxygen demand (BOD/COD) ratio, highlighting the efficacy of heightened power levels in enhancing organic matter degradation. Optimal removal efficiencies, including 87.5 for COD, 96.01 for BOD, and 92.2% for total solids, are achieved at a current density of 42 A/m2 and energy consumption of 360 kWh/m3, while maintaining pH levels between 6 and 9. The findings underscore the potential of electrocoagulation with Fe, Al as anodes, and stainless-steel cathodes as an efficient wastewater treatment approach, particularly for COD, BOD, and solid particle removal, thus contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.

Multisystemic Therapy for a Child in Difficult Circumstances With Disruptive Behavior in China: A Single-Case Design

Purpose: This study aims to address concerns about the ability of Chinese social workers to collaborate with multiple systems and effectively implement multisystemic therapy (MST), given their low professional status. Based on the first MST practice in Mainland China, the study evaluates the effectiveness of MST in addressing disruptive behaviors in a child in difficult circumstances (CDCs), assesses its fitness within the Chinese context, and explores strategies for social workers to collaborate within the contexts of the specialized protection system for CDCs and the establishment of social work service stations. Method: A single-case AB research design with repeated measures across multiple contexts was adopted. Results: The study suggests MST's potential effectiveness and cultural and political compatibility in China, and identifies three strategies for social workers to intervene across multiple systems. Conclusion: MST could be a valuable tool in social work practice with proper integration into local systems in China.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Existing Preventive Fire-Fighting Measures in the City of Douala, Cameroon, to Improve Decision-Making and Public Safety

The storage of hydrocarbons in urban areas poses significant risks to local populations, including the potential for fire, explosion, groundwater contamination, and air pollution. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of current fire prevention and suppression strategies in the city of Douala. The study will be approached by first identifying, geolocating, and characterizing urban firefighting equipment. Subsequently, a proposal will be put forth for a response system to safeguard the city in the event of a catastrophic fire at a service station. In order to achieve this objective, the current regulatory framework governing the location of FH facilities was subjected to a thorough examination. Subsequently, pivotal compliance factors were identified, operationalized, and an audit checklist was formulated. A safety questionnaire was utilized to assess the equipment within service stations. GPS technology was employed to record the GPS coordinates of the FHs. GIS10.3.1 software was utilized to evaluate the BI distribution model. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS20.0 software, which revealed that the 142 BIs studied were essentially randomly distributed across the following neighborhoods. The results of the election yielded the following results: Bonamoussadi 27 (19%), Bonandjo 19 (13%), Bali 02 (1%), Deido 09 (6%), Akwa Nord 03 (2%), Bonamoussadi 18 (12%), Makepe 18 (12%), and B. The remaining 5% is distributed among the following: Assa, Bepanda, Cité-Sic, Ndogbong, Cité des Palmiers, Bonaberi, and New-Bell. Of the 142 FH identified, 30 (21.12%) lack water, and 4 (2.81%) have a flow rate of less than 30 m³/h with a dynamic pressure of less than 1 bar. Seventeen (11.97%) are inaccessible; 79 (55.63%) are operational; five (3.52%) are challenging to operate; and seven (4.92%) are situated within a private enclosure. The response time of the fire department is inadequate for all stations situated more than 3 km from their base in Ngondi-Douala. Only 17 (11.52%) of the stations are situated at distances of less than 5.83 km, which is conducive to efficient intervention. In contrast, 134 (88.74%) of the stations are located at distances of 5.83 km or more from the fire department base, which is not conducive to efficient intervention. The results indicate that the BIs are situated at considerable distances from the stations. Notably, the Total Laquitinie station is the sole city station with a FH located at its entrance. The database developed in this study could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers to inform appropriate action.

Petroleum hydrocarbons in arctic urban lake sediments (Murmansk, Russia)

The level of pollution of lake sediments located in the city of Murmansk (Russia) with petroleum hydrocarbons was studied. The most urban lakes can be classified as slightly polluted, representing the maximum acceptable risk for human health and ecosystems; Lake Yuzhnoe – as moderately polluted with a negative impact on the aquatic environment, and Lake Ledovoe located near the highway, gas station, and car service, – as dangerously polluted, posing a threat to human health and requiring remediation. The background content of organic compounds identified as petroleum hydrocarbons in the sediments of Murmansk lakes ranges from 76 to 307 mg TPH/kg. High background concentrations of hydrocarbons can be associated with a large amount of organic matter in the sediments of lakes. The standards for the content of hydrocarbons in sediments, developed for other regions, give an ambiguous assessment of their content in the sediments of lakes in Murmansk. It is not entirely correct to use the background content of hydrocarbons in the sediments of lakes in other regions, which differ in particle size distribution, content of organic matter, and chemical composition, to assess the degree of pollution. Additional research is needed to determine the content of hydrocarbons in the sediments of background lakes in the Murmansk region and to develop standards for the content of hydrocarbons in the bottom sediments of Arctic cities.

Challenges in Accessing Community-Based Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care for Older Adult Stroke Survivors and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Study.

While extensive research has examined the rehabilitation challenges faced by stroke survivors, there is limited literature addressing the difficulties encountered by older adult stroke survivors and their caregivers in accessing rehabilitation and long-term care within the Chinese community. This study aimed to investigate the specific challenges related to access, quality, and coordination of rehabilitation and long-term care experienced by older adult stroke survivors and their caregivers within the Chinese community. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to explore the lived experiences of stroke survivors and their caregivers within the Chinese community. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants from June to August 2023. Participants engaged in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach to identify and understand key themes and sub-themes. The study involved 38 participants, consisting of 21 older adult stroke survivors (13 males, 8 females) and 17 family caregivers (7 males, 10 females), recruited from five Chinese community health service stations. The analysis identified four distinct themes and 11 sub-themes that encapsulated the challenges faced by participants. These themes include (1) Difficulties in accessing medical services (insufficient medical resources, lack of rehabilitation resources, and time-consuming processes), (2) Challenges in daily life (inconvenience in daily mobility, inadequate financial support, and difficulties in applying for home care services), (3) Psychosocial stress (loneliness, powerlessness, and worry about burdening others), (4) Insufficient information (lack of awareness of available community services, and limited public health education activities). Older adult stroke survivors and their caregivers in Chinese communities face significant challenges. To improve their well-being and quality of life, it is crucial to address these challenges through enhanced access to healthcare, better support for daily living, and more effective information dissemination. Meeting these needs requires a coordinated effort from healthcare providers, community stakeholders, and policymakers to develop and implement effective, long-term care solutions.

Maintenance factory platform for in-space manufacturing: Conceptualizing design architecture

Commerce, long-term habitation, and far-location explorations are the objectives of the next space era, also called Space 2.0. These objectives are the focus of in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) research. Current research in this area is focused on demonstrating various manufacturing processes under microgravity using the International Space Station (ISS) as a platform and relies on an Earth-based supply chain. Building operational infrastructure and supply chains enabling in-space manufacturing is critical for the sustained growth of ISAM to meet the goals of Space 2.0. This paper is specifically focused on discussing the need and potential architecture for a maintenance factory in space to enable servicing, maintenance, and repairs in space environments. Space presents a hostile environment and a new set of challenges to establish a robust infrastructure necessary for supporting these objectives. The realization of such an infrastructure, including physical and digital footprints, is demanding new manufacturing science and engineering tools and platforms for maintenance. The authors present requirements of a robust maintenance platform, called a “factory in space” to deliver multi-functional maintenance service station(s) across various operational points in space such as low-earth orbit, lunar surface, and Martian surface. Such factories are projected to be an essential part of the in-space infrastructure for short as well as long-term commerce, habitation, and exploration. A critical analysis of this concept is proposed through an analysis of the state of the art, boundary conditions in space and requirements of maintenance, the role of manufacturing, and the design as well as sustainability considerations for a maintenance factory in space.