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Smart packaging: overcoming barriers to medication adherence for older adults
Get PDFMedication adherence is essential for managing ageing illnesses due to the growing population of older adults who are increasingly multi-medicated. This paper explores the current challenges and future opportunities in enhancing medication adherence for older adults. It highlights the importance of leveraging home-based healthcare technologies for older adults based on their needs. There are various types of healthcare technologies and smart packaging options available in the market today. Some examples include smart pill and medication dispensers with smart packaging features, Mobile applications with reminders, manual pill boxes and organisers. These devices use features such as alarms, reminders, and tracking systems to help older adults with their routine. However, older adults' medication management can be affected by changing needs associated with ageing. As a result of ageing, their cognitive and physical abilities are rapidly changing due to various conditions including dementia, reduced vision, and decreased dexterity. Exploratory interviews were conducted with five older adults age 65 and over. The interviews focused on the participants' experiences with managing their medications, including challenges associated with rapidly changing medical conditions and capabilities. The major concern identified by participants was the complexity of managing multiple medications due to rapidly changing health conditions including forgetfulness, sensory impairments, neurological conditions, and reduced dexterity. The results have opened new avenues for future research in 1) smart packaging and design features that prioritises accessibility and ease of use, 2) leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in smart packaging towards more personalised products to improve medication adherence in older adults.2024 AHFE International Conference on Human Factors in Design, Engineering, and Computing (AHFE 2024 Hawaii Edition
Fundamental considerations in the design and performance assessment of propulsive fuselage aircraft concepts
Get PDFPropulsive fuselage aircraft complement the two under-wing turbofans of current aircraft with an embedded propulsion system within the airframe to ingest the energy-rich fuselage boundary layer. The key design features of this embedding are examined and related to an aero-propulsive performance assessment undertaken in the absolute reference frame which is believed to best evaluate these effects with intuitive physics-based interpretations. First, this study completes previous investigations on the potential for energy recovery for different fuselage slenderness ratios to characterise the aerodynamics sensitivity to morphed fuselage-tail design changes and potential performance before integrating fully circumferential propulsors. Its installation design space is then explored with macro design parameters (position, size and operating conditions) where an optimum suggests up to 11% fuel savings during cruise and up to 16% when introducing compact nacelles and re-scaling of the under-wing turbofans. Overall, this work provides valuable insights for designers and aerodynamicists on the potential performance of their concepts to meet the environmental targets of future aircraft.This work was conducted within the SUBLIME (Supporting Understanding of Boundary-Layer Ingestion Model Experiment) project as part of the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 864803.The Aeronautical Journa
Code - Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of a Novel 3-DOF Aircraft-Manipulator for Dynamic Wind Tunnel Tests
No full textMATLAB/Simulink code for paper "Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of a Novel 3-DOF
Aircraft-Manipulator for Dynamic Wind Tunnel Tests" submitted to MDPI Robotics
metadata onl
Co-producing transformative visions for Europe in 2100: A multi-scale approach to orientate transformations under climate change
Get PDFAchieving sustainability and resilience transformations under climate change requires transformative and multi-scale visions to stimulate coherent thinking and action towards radically alternative futures. We present our approach to co-produce transformative visions contextualised in different regions across Europe, while exploring emergent ‘pan-European’ vision elements to guide transformative climate action across scales. We co-produced visions with stakeholders in four case studies: European, national (Scotland), transboundary river basin (Iberia) and two municipalities (Hungary). All visions share core aspirations for good living, justice and social and environmental wellbeing in Europe, while allowing contextualised interpretation to remain meaningful in view of context-specific needs, priorities, cultural perceptions and aspirations. The visions point to areas where deep transformations are required: in service provisioning from critical infrastructures like energy, food, health and education, and in lifestyles and governance. We discuss two key methodological considerations for the co-production of transformative visions across multiple scales. Firstly, the application of a systematic and comprehensive framework across all scales provided a guide to compare and ensure coherence between visions across multiple scales. Secondly, the creation of transformative spaces to co-produce the visions with stakeholders supported critical reflections and learning about the radical and multi-dimensional changes necessary in different regions in Europe.Future
Enhanced bioelectroremediation of heavy metal contaminated groundwater through advancing a self-standing cathode
Get PDFHexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination in groundwater poses a substantial global challenge due to its high toxicity and extensive industrial applications. While the bioelectroremediation of Cr(VI) has attracted huge attention for its eco-friendly attributes, its practical application remains constrained by the hydrogeochemical conditions of groundwater (mainly pH), low electron transfer efficiency, limitations in electrocatalyst synthesis and electrode fabrication. In this study, we developed and investigated the use of N, S co-doped carbon nanofibers (CNFs) integrated on a graphite felt (GF) as a self-standing cathode (NS/CNF-GF) for the comprehensive reduction of Cr(VI) from real contaminated groundwater. The binder free cathode, prepared through electro-polymerization, was employed in a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) for the treatment of Cr (VI)-laden real groundwater (40 mg/L) with a pH of 7.4. The electrochemical characterization of the prepared cathode revealed a distinct electroactive surface area, more wettability, facilitating enhanced adsorption and rapid electron transfer, resulting in a commendable Cr(VI) reduction rate of 0.83 mg/L/h. The MFC equipped with NS/CNF-GF demonstrated the lowest charge transfer resistance (Rct) and generated the highest power density (155 ± 0.3 mW/m2) compared to control systems. The favorable electrokinetics for modified cathode led to swift substrate consumption in the anode, releasing more electrons and protons, thereby accelerating Cr(VI) reduction to achieve the highest cathodic coulombic efficiency (C.Eca) of80 ± 1.3 %. A similar temporal trend observed between Cr(VI) removal efficiency, COD removal efficiency, and C.Eca, underscores the effective performance of the modified electrode. The reusability of the binder free cathode, exemption from catholyte preparation and the absence of pH regulation requirements highlighted the potential scalability and applicability of our findings on a larger scale.Water Researc
Research advances in the Foundation Industries: TransFIRe Hub 2024
Get PDFAfter three productive years, the TransFIRe project has successfully concluded, achieving significant advancements in the Foundation Industries. Recognising the substantial impact these industries have on both the economy and the environment, TransFIRe was established to foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to their transformation, with a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. Our comprehensive final report highlights the project’s impact on creating innovative materials and processes, contributing to potential energy savings of up to 20% and a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions. In collaboration with International Synergies, TransFIRe facilitated the exploration of over 350 industrial symbiosis opportunities, leading to the diversion of more than 10,000 tonnes of waste from landfill. This effort has resulted in innovative products from waste streams.The TransFIRe report is the formal report submitted to UKRI as the final summary of the InnovateUK/EPRSC project Transforming the Foundation Industries Research and Innovation Hub (TransFIRe) (EP/V054627/1)UK Research and Innovation (UKRI
Preliminary assessment of a hydrogen farm including health and safety and capacity needs
Get PDFThe safety engineering design of hydrogen systems and infrastructure, worker education and training, regulatory compliance, and engagement with other stakeholders are significant to the viability and public acceptance of hydrogen farms. The only way to ensure these are accomplished is for the field of hydrogen safety engineering (HSE) to grow and mature. HSE is described as the application of engineering and scientific principles to protect the environment, property, and human life from the harmful effects of hydrogen-related mishaps and accidents. This paper describes a whole hydrogen farm that produces hydrogen from seawater by alkaline and proton exchange membrane electrolysers, then details how the hydrogen gas will be used: some will be stored for use in a combined-cycle gas turbine, some will be transferred to a liquefaction plant, and the rest will be exported. Moreover, this paper describes the design framework and overview for ensuring hydrogen safety through these processes (production, transport, storage, and utilisation), which include legal requirements for hydrogen safety, safety management systems, and equipment for hydrogen safety. Hydrogen farms are large-scale facilities used to create, store, and distribute hydrogen, which is usually produced by electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. Since hydrogen is a vital energy carrier for industries, transportation, and power generation, these farms are crucial in assisting the global shift to clean energy. A versatile fuel with zero emissions at the point of use, hydrogen is essential for reaching climate objectives and decarbonising industries that are difficult to electrify. Safety is essential in hydrogen farms because hydrogen is extremely flammable, odourless, invisible, and also has a small molecular size, meaning it is prone to leaks, which, if not handled appropriately, might cause fires or explosions. To ensure the safe and dependable functioning of hydrogen production and storage systems, stringent safety procedures are required to safeguard employees, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment from any mishaps.This research was funded by the Moses Kotane Institute, grant number 211526424.Energie
Inheritance expectations and social isolation: evidence from South Korea
Get PDFLittle is known about the economic causes of social isolation among elders in spite of the phenomenon becoming a growing policy concern in many developed countries with ageing populations. This paper fills this gap by assessing the role of inheritance as a novel determinant of social isolation among elders. Drawing on bequest motive theory as well as aspirations theory, we utilize a granular dataset from South Korea spanning the period 2008 – 2020. The nascent evidence suggests that adult children having high inheritance expectations is beneficial to parents. In particular, having higher inheritance expectations is found to increase the frequency of parent-child meetings, thus lowering the risk of parents’ isolation. Additionally, mothers who report a higher likelihood of leaving an inheritance to their children are less isolated and disclose better well-being. Lastly, we find that the split of inheritance following a father’s death has consequences on the subsequent isolation of mothers. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that investigates the direct role of inheritance in the creation of elderly social isolation, hence providing useful insights to policymakers of countries facing this problem.Seoul Journal of Economic
Recent advances in the adsorption of different pollutants from wastewater using carbon-based and metal-oxide nanoparticles
Get PDFIn recent years, nanomaterials have gained special attention for removing contaminants from wastewater. Nanoparticles (NPs), such as carbon-based materials and metal oxides, exhibit exceptional adsorption capacity and antimicrobial properties for wastewater treatment. Their unique properties, including reactivity, high surface area, and tunable surface functionalities, make them highly effective adsorbents. They can remove contaminants such as organics, inorganics, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and dyes by adsorption mechanisms. In this review, the effectiveness of different types of carbon-based NPs, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene-based nanoparticles (GNPs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and carbon nanospheres (CNSs), and metal oxides, including copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron oxide (Fe2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), and silver oxide (Ag2O), in the removal of different contaminants from wastewater has been comprehensively evaluated. In addition, their synthesis methods, such as physical, chemical, and biological, have been described. Based on the findings, CNPs can remove 75 to 90% of pollutants within two hours, while MONPs can remove 60% to 99% of dye in 150 min, except iron oxide NPs. For future studies, the integration of NPs into existing treatment systems and the development of novel nanomaterials are recommended. Hence, the potential of NPs is promising, but challenges related to their environmental impact and their toxicity must be considered.Applied Science
Simulation framework and development of the Future Systems Simulator
Get PDFThe Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) at Cranfield University offers industry and academia an open environment to explore the opportunities for efficient integration of aircraft systems. As a part of the centre, Cranfield University, Rolls-Royce, and DCA Design International jointly have developed the Future Systems Simulator (FSS) for the purpose of research and development in areas such as human factors in aviation, single-pilot operations, future cockpit design, aircraft electrification, and alternative control approaches. Utilising the state-of-the-art modularity principles in simulation technology, the FSS is built to simulate a diverse range of current and novel aircraft, enabling researchers and industry partners to conduct experiments rapidly and efficiently. Central to the requirement, a unique, user-experience-centred development and design process is implemented for the development of the FSS. This paper presents the development process of such a flight simulator with an innovative flight deck. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates the FSS’s capabilities through case studies. The cutting-edge versatility and flexibility of the FSS are demonstrated through the diverse example research case studies. In the final section, the authors provide guidance for the development of an engineering flight simulator based on lessons learned in this project.Research co-financed by Rolls-Royce through Open Flight Deck project (UKRI project ref. no. 113108) and Powerplant Integration of Novel Engine Systems (PINES) (UKRI project ref. no. 113263/project no. EDNS01000925787), and European Union through the European Social Fund (grant POWR.03.02.00-00-I029).The Aeronautical Journa