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Process Simulation and Retrofit Optimisation for Cleaner-Fuel Naphtha Distillation
No full textYesThis study presents a digital-twin case analysis of a South African refinery’s naphtha splitter, integrating Aspen HYSYS V12 simulation with the plant data. The objective was to balance energy efficiency with benzene control under Clean Fuels II (CF2) regulations. The Aspen HYSYS model, validated against plant data with mean absolute percentage deviations of ≈10% for light- and 14% for heavy-naphtha compositions, was used to identify two successive optimization pathways. First, tuning existing operational variables achieved a 14% reduction in total energy duty, corresponding to about US $1.4 million in annual savings, with zero capital modification. Second, introducing a low-CAPEX midcolumn side-draw to remove benzene-forming precursors further improved performance, delivering a total energy reduction of ≈33% relative to the original baseline. Together, these measures demonstrate how an existing splitter can be retrofitted for lower emissions and cleaner-fuel production. The methodology, plant-calibrated analysis coupled with staged operational and structural optimization, provides a transferable framework for energy-intensive distillation units around the globe seeking rapid, economical decarbonization
Back to the future of ‘biopower’: Foucault’s prescriptions and the regulation of commercial order and discordance in outer space
No full textNoThis article applies Foucault’s ideas on Power –specifically biopower as a tool to explain sovereignty, jurisdiction and control over persons in outer space. This approach will hopefully illuminate the general nature and essence of ‘statist’ regulation of outer space activities. We believe that Foulcaut’s analysis of biopower -a tool of critical law scholarship can help to forensically explain the governing dynamics of the jurisdiction ratione personae exercised by states in outer space under the modern Westphalian model of sovereignty. The approach will also aid in prescribing sustainable and progressive policy directions for national regulatory agencies in space. Foucauldian approaches would help reveal both the considerable strengths and of course, the limitations and perhaps inequities of national regulation in space. This exercise will also hopefully indicate quite clearly why networks of international agencies and private corporations ought not be able to displace core aspects of statist manifestation of regulatory power in outer space. The article attempts to free jurisdiction from its semantic legalese in space law and make it encompass philosophy, sociology and jurisprudential influences while at the same time restricting the exploitative purposes to which both jurisdiction and biopower can be pressed in outer space
Waging Warfare Against States: The Deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Espionage
No full textYesCyber espionage has significantly been viewed as a risk towards nation-states, especially in the area of security and protection of Critical National Infrastructures. The race against digitisation has also raised concerns about how emerging technologies are defining how cyber activities are linked to waging warfare between States. Real-world crimes have since found a place in cyberspace, and with high connectivity, has exposed various actors to various risks and vulnerabilities, including cyber espionage. Cyber espionage has always been a national security issue as it does not only target States but also affects public-private networks, corporations and individuals. The challenge of crimes committed within the cyber realm is how the nature of cybercrimes distorts the dichotomy of state responsibility in responding to cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the veil of anonymity and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence have further provided opportunities for a larger scale impact on the state for such crime. The imminent threat of cyber espionage is impacting the economic and political interactions between nation-states and changing the nature of modern conflict. Due to these implications, this paper will discuss the current legal landscape governing cyber espionage and the impact of the use of artificial intelligence in the commission of such crimes.The full-text of this article will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo, 12 months after first publication
Bending performance of SFCBs reinforced UHPC beams prestressed with FRP bars
Get PDFYesThis study investigates the bending performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) beams reinforced with non-prestressed steel-FRP composite bars (SFCBs) and prestressed fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars. The finite element software ABAQUS was used to simulate the strain behaviors of materials, applying a real strain model for concrete and equivalent plastic strain models for reinforcements. Six beams with different concrete types and reinforcements (prestressed or non-prestressed) were simulated and analyzed. These simulations yielded results that closely aligned with the results tested. Based on the validated FE models, a parametric analysis was conducted to examine the effects of mechanical properties of concrete, mechanical property of non-prestressed reinforcement, and the reinforcement ratio of prestressed FRP bars and non-prestressed SFCB on the bending performance of SFCBs reinforced UHPC beams prestressed with FRP bars. The results indicate that, as the concrete strength increases from C35 to UHPC140, both the bearing capacity and ultimate deflection of flexural beams exhibit a gradual increase. Notably, employing UHPC100 as the matrix results in specimens achieving the highest ductility, deformation, and energy absorption. When non-prestressed FRP bars are replaced by SFCBs, the ultimate load of the beams decreases by 8%, but energy absorption increases by 34%. With an increase in the steel ratio of SFCBs, the ductility, deformation, and energy absorption also gradually increase. Moreover, increasing the reinforcement ratio of both prestressed FRP and non-prestressed SFCBs results in an increase in bearing capacity, but a decrease in ultimate deflection, ductility, deformation, and energy absorption capacity. This research can provide valuable technical references for the analysis and design of UHPC beams reinforced with SFCBs and prestressed FRP bars.Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52378201),the High-End Foreign Experts Project of Ministry of Science and Technology, China (G2022014054L), the Jiangsu Construction System Science and Technology Project (2023ZD104 and 2023ZD105), the Nantong Jianghai Talents Project (226), the Science and Technology Project of Yangzhou Construction System (202309 and 202312) and the Research Project of Jiangsu Civil Engineering and Architecture Society (the Second Half of 2022)
Controlling the helical pitch of foldamers through terminal functionality: A solid state study
Get PDFYesDeveloping new methods to control the size and shape of the helical structures adopted by foldamers is highly important as the secondary structure displayed by these supramolecular scaffolds often dictates their activity and function. Herein, we report on a systematic study demonstrating that the helical pitch of ortho‐azobenzene/2,6‐pyridyldicarboxamide foldamers can be readily controlled through the nature of the terminal functionality. Remarkably, simply through varying the end group of the foldamer, and without modifying any other structural features of the scaffold, the helical pitch can be over doubled in magnitude (from 3.4 Å–7.3 Å). Additionally, crystallographic analysis of a library ten foldamers has identified general trends in the influence of a range of terminal functionalities, including carboxylbenzyl (Cbz), diphenylcarbamyl (N(Ph)2), ferrocene (Fc) and tert‐butyloxycarbonyl (Boc), in controlling the folding behaviour of these supramolecular scaffolds. These studies could prove useful in the future development of functional foldamers which adopt specific sizes and shapes. A crystallographic study into the influence of varying the terminal functionality on the helical pitch of a series of foldamers is reported. Herein, we show that through systematic modification of the terminal functionality in the foldamer, from carboxylbenzyl (Cbz), diphenylamide (N(Ph)2), ferrocene to tert‐butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) helical pitches between 3.4–7.3 Å can be readily accessed in these supramolecular scaffolds.Royal Society of Chemistry. Grant Number: RF19-4013. Leverhulme Trust. Grant Number: RPG-2022-118. Royal Society. Grant Number: RGS/R1/231242. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Grant Number: MR/S035486/
Applying the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability (NASSS) Framework to evaluate automated evidence synthesis in health behaviour change
Get PDFYesAutomated tools to speed up the process of evidence synthesis are increasingly apparent within health behaviour research, however, frameworks to evaluate the development and implementation of such tools are not routinely used. This commentary explores the potential of the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability framework (NASSS; Greenhalgh et al., 2017) for supporting automated evidence synthesis in health behaviour change by applying it to the ongoing Human Behaviour-Change Project, which aims to revolutionise evidence synthesis within behaviour change intervention research. To increase the relevance of NASSS for health behaviour change, we recommend i) terminology changes (‘condition’ to ‘behaviour’ and ‘patient’ to ‘end user’) and ii) a that it is used prospectively so that complexities can be addressed iteratively. We draw three conclusions about i) the need to specify the organisations that will use the technology, ii) identifying what to do if interdependencies fail and iii) even though we have focused on automated evidence synthesis, NASSS would arguably be beneficial for technology developments in health behaviour change more generally, particularly for invention development (e.g. for a behaviour change app)
Taking a partnership approach to embed physical activity in local policy and practice: a Bradford District case study
No full textYesBackground: Supportive policy is an important component of a whole-systems approach to increasing physical activity and reducing inequalities. There is a growing body of literature surrounding the design and effectiveness of national policy approaches to physical activity, but evidence related to local-level approaches is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine ‘what works’, and identify factors underpinning change, focused on work to embed physical activity in local policy and practice in Bradford, UK.
Methods: A mixed-methods case study approach involved collecting data from cross-sectoral stakeholders directly or indirectly engaged in the physical activity agenda in Bradford over a period of three years (2021–2024). Data collection included focus groups, semi-structured interviews, researcher observations of key workshops and meetings, and surveys at two time-points (December 2021 and January 2024). Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Four themes were identified which embody conditions that appear to be critical for working towards physical activity being embedded in local policy & practice within the Bradford District. These included: collaboration and sector integration, co-productive working, governance and leadership, and cultivating a learning culture. The process of co-producing a district-wide strategy for physical activity was key to facilitating shared ownership of the physical activity agenda across different levels of the system, and for supporting and maintaining cross-sectoral collaboration. On average, survey respondents connected with four more local organisations in relation to the physical activity agenda in January 2024 than in December 2021.
Conclusion: Taking a partnership approach, and fostering a culture of evidence-informed decision making, is key to embedding physical activity into policy and practice at a local level. Investing time to understand the aims and values of each partner, and potential synergies and tensions between them, can support the development of a positive and productive collaboration and, subsequently, more effective whole-system delivery and population-level increases in physical activity.This study was supported by Sport England’s Local Delivery Pilot - Bradford. National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Yorkshire and Humber Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). RWs time was supported by Living Well, an initiative funded by CBMDC Public Health and Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership. SBs time was supported by the UK Prevention Research Partnership (MR/S037527/1), an initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation Councils, the Department of Health and Social Care (England) and the UK devolved administrations, and leading health research charities
Process simulation of twin-screw granulation: A review
Get PDFYesTwin-screw granulation has emerged as a key process in powder processing industries and
in the pharmaceutical sector to produce granules with controlled properties. This comprehensive
review provides an overview of the simulation techniques and approaches that have been employed
in the study of twin-screw granulation processes. This review discusses the major aspects of the
twin-screw granulation process which include the fundamental principles of twin-screw granulation,
equipment design, process parameters, and simulation methodologies. It highlights the importance
of operating conditions and formulation designs in powder flow dynamics, mixing behaviour, and
particle interactions within the twin-screw granulator for enhancing product quality and process
efficiency. Simulation techniques such as the population balance model (PBM), computational
fluid dynamics (CFD), the discrete element method (DEM), process modelling software (PMS), and
other coupled techniques are critically discussed with a focus on simulating twin-screw granulation
processes. This paper examines the challenges and limitations associated with each simulation
approach and provides insights into future research directions. Overall, this article serves as a valuable
resource for researchers who intend to develop their understanding of twin-screw granulation and
provides insights into the various techniques and approaches available for simulating the twin-screw
granulation process
Implementing a Medicines at Transitions Intervention for patients with heart failure: a process evaluation of the Improving the Safety and Continuity Of Medicines management at Transitions of care (ISCOMAT) cluster randomised controlled trial
Get PDFYesHeart failure is a major global health challenge incurring a high rate of mortality, morbidity and hospitalisation. Effective medicines management at the time of hospital discharge into the community could reduce poor outcomes for people with heart failure. Within the Improving the Safety and Continuity Of Medicines management at Transitions of care (ISCOMAT) programme, the Medicines at Transitions Intervention (MaTI) was co-designed to improve such transitions, with a cluster randomised controlled trial to test effectiveness. The MaTI includes a patient toolkit and transfer of discharge medicines information to community pharmacy. This paper aims to determine the degree to which the intervention was delivered and identify barriers and facilitators experienced by staff for the successful implementation of the intervention.
Methods: The study was conducted in six purposively selected intervention sites. A mixed-methods design was employed using hospital staff interviews, structured and unstructured ward observations, and routine trial data about adherence to the MaTI. A parallel mixed analysis was applied. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using the Framework method. Data were synthesised, triangulated and mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).
Results: With limited routines of communication between ward staff and community pharmacy, hospital staff found implementing community pharmacy-related steps of the intervention challenging. Staff time was depleted by attempts to bridge system barriers, sometimes leading to steps not being delivered. Whilst the introduction of the patient toolkit was often completed and valued as important patient education and a helpful way to explain medicines, the medicines discharge log within it was not, as this was seen as a duplication of existing systems. Within the CFIR the most applicable constructs were identified as ‘intervention complexity’ and ‘cosmopolitanism’ based on how well hospitals were networked with community pharmacies, and the availability of hospital resources to facilitate this.
Conclusion: The MaTI was generally successfully implemented, particularly the introduction of the toolkit. However, implementation involving community pharmacy was more challenging and more effective communication systems are needed to support wider implementation
Male entrapment and its charm warrant: A systematic review characterising male entrapment behaviours of domestic abuse, how they are described and researched
Get PDFYesBackground: Research and policy traditionally focus on female victim-survivors of domestic abuse. Therefore, behaviour change approaches for male perpetrators of abuse look at the same, rather than focusing on the root cause of the problem — men who use abusive behaviours. This systematic review aimed to identify studies that characterise entrapment behaviours and how male perpetrators describe those behaviours.
Method: The review used a systematic meta-analysis design, conducting an electronic search via databases with a two-stage strategy employed to locate literature and pinpoint key themes and concepts to explore coercive control and male entrapment behaviours of domestic abuse. The protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO. Nine articles were identified within the review as being of interest, and this paper provides a narrative synthesis which details the results of the systematic review.
Results: The narrative synthesis identified unities between some articles, which were labelled as commonalities. There are four commonalities: male behaviour, coercive control, charm and charisma and power. Critically the review only returned one article directly examining male behaviours of entrapment, with the findings still valid a decade later, but shows more research needs to be built upon this.
Conclusion: This review showed that male behaviour within domestic abuse is chronically under-researched, and behaviours utilised by male perpetrators of abuse to entrap and coercively control a female partner need further investigation, but that charm and power is an area of interest