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Multi-Objective Optimization of CO2 Capture from Ambient Air via TVSA Process Modeling
No full textDirect Air Capture (DAC)- a negative emissions strategy that involves removing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere- is one of the key technological approaches to meeting global climate targets. Among the various sorbent materials explored for CO2 capture, amine-functionalised metal organic frameworks (MOFS) have attracted considerable attention due to their high selectivity and tunable adsorption properties, particularly for post-combustion CO2 capture from flue gas streams. In this study, the performance of mmen-Mg2(dobpdc) for DAC under atmospheric conditions (∼400 ppm CO2) is evaluated through detailed process simulation using a temperature vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) cycle. The simulation model is integrated with the NSGA-II algorithm to perform multi-objective optimisation, targeting the trade-off between CO2 recovery and specific energy consumption. Results indicate that this sorbent can achieve CO2 recovery above 90% under feed and process conditions with purity exceeding 94%. The corresponding specific energy consumption varies with the selected operating point, ranging from 3 to 7.5 MJ/Kg CO2, highlighting the importance of balanced process design
Introducing Thermodynamics-informed Neural Network: A Smart Equation of State for CCUS Application
No full textAccurate prediction of thermophysical properties of fluids is crucial for optimising processes involving CO2-rich mixtures, particularly in CCUS. The Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state exhibits deviations when modeling non-ideal CO2-rich mixtures in the supercritical phase, necessitating advanced optimisation techniques. In this study, a novel hybrid SRK-neural network model was developed through integrating a vectorised SRK model with deep learning to enhance the accuracy of physical properties predictions, consists of a preprocessing scaling layer, a vectorised SRK EoS layer, and one or four hidden layers, trained using the MAPE loss function. The SRK-NN model was validated against some experimental datasets for CO2-N2 mixtures with CO2 mole fraction ranging from 0.50365 to 0.9585, and pressure and temperature ranges of 8–99.93 MPa and 245–673.15 K, respectively. The results show reduction in the average absolute relative deviation (AARD%), from 1.25 to 0.49% at high CO2 concentrations. The one-hidden-layer SRK-NN variant provides more accurate predictions at various pressures compared to deeper architect. These new findings highlight the innovative application of integrating data-driven optimisation with classical EoS for accurate estimation of CO2-rich streams physical properties. This work offers a promising direction for future thermodynamic modelling of CCUS fluids with introducing a new and reliable technique
Global Investments, Sustainable Returns: Navigating Sustainable FDI in a Changing World
No full textGlobal Investments, Sustainable Returns: Navigating Sustainable FDI in a Changing World offers an in-depth look at how foreign direct investment (FDI) can drive sustainable economic growth amid today's environmental, social, and economic challenges. This book provides invaluable insights for policymakers, investors, and business leaders on leveraging FDI to build a more resilient and inclusive global economy. Examining the intersection of economic growth and sustainability, the book explores global trends and strategies, with a focus on regulatory frameworks, sector-specific approaches, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Rich with case studies and regional insights, it illustrates how sustainable FDI can connect global imperatives with local needs. For academics, business professionals, and policy experts alike, Global Investments, Sustainable Returns equips readers with practical tools to implement FDI strategies that align with global sustainability goals—essential reading for anyone committed to responsible, sustainable growth
Definitions and standardized endpoints for the use of drug-coated balloon in coronary artery disease: consensus document of the Drug Coated Balloon Academic Research Consortium
Get PDFThe Drug Coated Balloon Academic Research Consortium project originated from the lack of standardization and comparability between studies using drug-coated balloons in the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease. This document is a collaborative effort between academic research organizations and percutaneous coronary intervention societies in Europe, the USA, and Asia. This consensus sought to standardize study designs and endpoints for clinical trials involving drug-coated balloons, including defining angiographic, intravascular, and non-invasive imaging methods for lesion assessment, alongside considerations for post-revascularization pharmaco-therapy. The concept of ‘blended therapy’, which advocates for combining device strategies, is also discussed. This paper delineates study types, endpoint definitions, follow-up protocols, and analytical approaches, aiming to provide consistency and guidance for interventional cardiologists and trialists
What do younger children need for recovery from domestic abuse? Findings from in-depth qualitative family case studies
Get PDFPurpose
Despite substantive evidence of the impact that domestic abuse can have on children and young people, we still know relatively little about children’s experiences of engaging with services aimed to support their recovery. Our research sought to explore with younger children, alongside their mothers, what supported children’s engagement in services and what changes were achieved.
Methods
Six in-depth qualitative case studies which included seven children aged under 12 and interviews with their mothers, alongside information drawn from the case records for each family.
Results
Finding from the children’s data identified four main themes: Supporting children’s initial ‘readiness’ to engage; support for children’s ‘worries’; relational experiences; and engaging activities and tools. Children identified four main areas of positive change in their lives: wellbeing and confidence; behavioural change and positive coping strategies; home situation; and school and peers. Children also identified areas where improvements had not been achieved. Findings from interviews with mothers and emphasised the need for a range of complementary and tailored interventions to enable mothers to better understand the impact of domestic abuse for their children and to support their children’s engagement in services.
Conclusion
The case study approach provided a detailed picture of what facilitated children’s engagement in domestic abuse support as well as the changes children identified. Our study provides strong evidence of the necessity of including, and prioritising, the views and experiences of children, including younger children, in studies of domestic abuse services which aim to support children’s recovery
Assessing medical knowledge: a 3-year comparative study of very short answer vs. multiple choice questions.
No full textPurpose
Assessment design significantly influences evaluation of student learning. Multiple choice questions (MCQ) and very short answer questions (VSAQ) are commonly used assessment formats, especially in high-stakes settings like medical education. MCQs are favoured for efficiency, coverage, and reliability but may lack depth in assessing critical thinking. VSAQs require students to generate responses, potentially enhancing depth, but posing challenges in consistency and subjective interpretation.
Methods
Data from parallel MCQ/VSAQ exams over three years was collected. Summary statistics for each exam (marks, time, and discrimination index; DI) and the effect of year and question characteristics were analysed.
Results
VSAQs were associated with lower marks (p<0.001), longer time (p<0.001), and higher DI (p<0.001). Question characteristics (e.g. basic science or clinical stems) significantly affected the mark, time, and DI, changing across years, but not interacting with question format.
Conclusion
While MCQs resulted in higher marks, VSAQs provided higher discrimination of student performance. Response options in MCQs likely enhance recall, however real-world settings also offer contextual cues. Question characteristics affect student performance independently of format, likely due to differences in cohort career progression. Future research should investigate predictive validity and standard setting of VSAQs in a basic science context
The Effect of Progressively Unstable Equipment Used in Canine Fitness and Rehabilitation on Standing Postural Control and Muscle Activity
No full textObjective:
To evaluate the effects of three commonly used postural exercise platforms on the stability of the thoracolumbar (TL) and lumbosacral (LS) regions and the activity of key muscles (Biceps Femoris [BF], Epaxials [E], Medial Gluteal [MG], Rectus Abdominis [RA], Triceps [T]) in dogs.
Study Design:
Nine dogs were assessed while standing across two stable platforms (stable stance), two K9FITbones (unstable stance), and on a FitPaws TRAX Peanut (Peanut). To determine spinal stability and muscle activity, angular velocities in three anatomical planes and surface electromyography were measured using Delsys Trigno Sensors.
Results:
Significant incremental stability challenges were observed across platforms. The TL region activity increased in the sagittal (p<0.001), coronal (p<0.001), and transverse (p=0.003) planes with decreasing platform stability. Similarly, the LS region angular velocity increased in the coronal and transverse plane (p<0.001), with only the sagittal plane increasing on the Peanut (p<0.001). Compared to the unstable stance, BF and MG activity was greater during stable stance (p=0.005) and the Peanut (p=0.001). RA activity was greater on the Peanut than during stable stance (p=0.041), suggesting increased abdominal muscle recruitment.
Conclusion:
Challenging standing postural control with unstable platforms provides substantial and incremental increases in spinal movement and provides insights into muscle activation within progressive rehabilitation exercises
Can third-party data complement official food safety and food standards controls in the United Kingdom catering sector? A case study of the development of the voluntary Third-Party Assurance (vTPA) Scheme Safe to Trade.
No full textThe delivery model for official food controls in the United Kingdom catering sector is not fit for purpose. The sector continues to grow and evolve, yet the regulator shrinks and takes on new challenges. Voluntary Third-Party Assurance (vTPA) schemes, have shown in comparable sectors that they can be a successful part of the delivery model for official food controls. This thesis outlines my research journey and reflections that culminated in the creation of Safe to Trade, the first voluntary Third-Party Assurance (vTPA) scheme in the UK catering sector. My research quest is aligned to my purpose, which is to make the world a safer place and it has been a journey of discovery (Project 1), development (Project 2) and delivery (Project 3) of scheme. The reflexive journey allowed the learnings from each project to inform the direction of the subsequent one. Projects 1 and 2 are historic commercial projects that have been summarised and evidenced. Both were chosen as they are linked but distinct from Project 3, which received ethical approval from the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Ethics Review Panel. The Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, Brookfield’s four lens model and a four box grid were used to support a reflexive review of the three projects.
Project 1 consists of two research projects. In Project 1a I focused on using Food Business Operators (FBOs) safety data to aid remote inspections conducted by Local Authority (LA) participants. The study found positive comparisons between remote and on-location inspections but highlighted issues with data volume, navigation, and trust. In Project 1b I aimed to create trusted data and governance standards using third-party audits. Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project developed and tested an audit standard that received positive feedback from Food Standards Scotland (FSS) participants. Both projects highlighted the potential that third-party data could be used by LA participants to conduct remote inspections, if the data, governance and standards are trusted. Project 2 consisted of two projects. In Project 2a I developed and successfully operated the vTPA scheme Safe to Trade during the COVID-19 global pandemic. In Project 2b, I expanded upon the success and insights gained from Projects 1 and 2a. This project replaced the obsolete COVID-19 components with a new Food Safety and Hygiene Standard, and enhanced other elements of the scheme.
Project 3 I aimed to answer the question: What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) to the Safe to Trade scheme, from the lens of the regulator, Local Authorities, FBOs and consumer? The methods consisted of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholder groups followed by a thematic networks analysis using the techniques developed by Attride-Stirling (2001). The research delivered an original contribution to knowledge by the development of SWOT factors and a list of Standards (Appendix 20). I will use the outputs for strategic planning and policy decisions to ensure the Safe to Trade scheme is success from the perspectives of regulators, LAs, FBOs, and consumers.
Safe to Trade has a Primary Authority (PA) National Inspection Plan (NIP) application pending. If granted, the Safe to Trade scheme will become part of official food controls in the catering sector in England, which provides evidence to support ‘yes’ to the research question, ‘Can third-party data complement official food safety and food standards controls in the United Kingdom catering sector?
AI Techniques for Continuous Monitoring of Winding Insulation Health of Transformers
No full textThis paper introduces an innovative approach to real-time monitoring of insulation resistance between primary and secondary windings of transformers, which is essential for reliable transformer operation and proactive maintenance. The approach integrates Partial Discharge (PD) Monitoring, Insulation Resistance (IR) Measurement, and Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, enabling predictive monitoring of insulation degradation. By continuously analysing operational data, this system identifies potential insulation failures before they occur, supporting safe and cost-effective transformer management. The proposed methodology demonstrates significant improvements over traditional periodic testing approaches, with validation through both simulation and preliminary field testing. This work addresses a critical need in power systems management, offering a practical solution for enhancing transformer reliability through continuous monitoring and predictive analytics
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis in the United Arab Emirates
Get PDFMitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis has emerged as a powerful investigation tool in forensic science over the past few decades. The unique properties of mtDNA, such as maternal inheritance and high copy number, make it particularly useful in cases where nuclear DNA is rapidly degraded or insufficient. Until recently, routine analysis has been limited to the control region; however, recent advances in sequencing technologies have enabled comprehensive analysis of the entire mitochondrial genome. The development of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technologies has revolutionized the field, allowing for high-throughput sequencing with enhanced discrimination power and cost efficiency.
This study aimed to develop a relevant high quality population database for frequency estimation and to evaluate the implementation of whole mitochondrial genome sequencing in forensic science within a selective populatiom in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A population database consisting of 610 whole mitogenome haplotypes was developed, encompassing 510 samples from UAE nationals, 50 samples from Indians, and 50 samples from Pakistanis. The results show that each sample exhibited a set of SNPs variations, which were used to define individual haplotypes and subsequently assign each sample to its closest haplogroup.
The Precision ID Whole mtDNA Genome Panel Kit was utilized to implement the whole mitochondrial genome sequencing. The overall haplotype diversity was comparable to other global populations, with minor improvements in haplotype diversity observed when compared to control region analysis alone. The total number of haplotypes was 445 for the Emiratis, 49 for the Indians and 50 for the Pakistanis. The unique haplotypes reported 400 individuals out of the 510 Emirati mDNA sequences. For Indians, 48 individuals expressed unique haplotypes. Last, for Pakistanis, 50 individuals had unique haplotypes. Those numbers represented 78.43% unique haplotypes within the dataset of this study, while the remaining 21.57% were shared haplotypes for Emiratis. For the Indian population, 96% of the individuals had unique haplotypes, with only two individuals having a shared. All the Pakistani samples displayed unique haplotypes, accounting for 100% of their dataset.
Haplogroups for the obtained haplotypes were assigned using various tools, including online EMPOP and Haplogrep, and Converge Software. In the Emirati dataset, the H haplogroup was the most common at 15.49%, followed by Haplogroup U at 13.73%. In the Pakistani dataset, Haplogroup M is predominant, accounting for 50% of the population, followed by Haplogroup U at 22%. Similarly, in the Indian dataset, Haplogroup M is also the most prevalent, comprising 44% of the samples, with Haplogroup U appearing in 22% of the population. Emiratis had 241 different haplogroups, while Pakistanis and Indians showed 42 and 40 haplogroups, respectively.
Initially, a cohort of 93 biological specimens (blood reference samples) underwent sequencing of the mitochondrial control region via the Sanger method. Subsequently, these identical specimens were subjected to MPS utilizing Ion Torrent technologies.
Complete concordance was achieved between the datasets generated by these two sequencing methodologies.
The study was extended to implement this technology to 56 casework samples and 56 bone samples, to evaluate its robustness. Profiles were obtained from all samples, although some were classified as partial.
In conclusion, the results from the study represent a crucial step toward the implementation of mtDNA analysis in forensic science in the UAE, enhancing the capability to analyse previously unusable samples and improving responses to missing persons cases and mass disasters. The successful integration of MPS technologies into forensic workflows will significantly advance our understanding of the application of mitochondrial DNA analysis and its potential in the context of the UAE