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Waste-to-energy potential of petroleum refinery sludge, statistical optimization, machine learning, and life cycle costs models
Get PDFSludge management in petroleum refineries is a costly and complex challenge, posing environmental risks and health hazards for humans. This study explores sludge incineration as a viable energy recovery method, using a case study from an Iranian refinery.
Analysis of 15 sludge samples via bomb calorimetry revealed an average heat value of 3100 kcal/kg, which declines with increased moisture content, while higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) enhances energy yield. Over five years, 4000 tonnes of accumulated sludge presented an energy potential of 12,400 Gcal. Statistical modeling, including polynomial regression and response surface methodology (RSM), mapped sludge storage profiles and predicted calorific values based on COD and moisture variations. The results indicate anaerobic digestion at greater depths reduces organic matter, lowering energy potential. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed key thermal transitions, supporting sludge incineration as an effective waste-to-energy strategy. Implementing this approach within a circular economy framework can optimize refinery waste management while reducing pollution, though proper combustion byproduct control is essential for sustainability and regulatory compliance
Utilisation of group-based diabetes education programmes: perspectives of healthcare practitioners
Get PDFStructured patient education (SPE) is a critical component of diabetes management, with the potential to reduce its physical, social, and economic burden. National and international guidelines emphasise the importance of raising awareness and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective self-management. In the UK, practice nurses are central to this effort, playing a key role in identifying at-risk individuals and facilitating referrals to diabetes education programmes. However, non-attendance at these programmes remains a persistent challenge, undermining the impact of policy initiatives and service provision. Aim of the study: This study aimed to explore practice nurses’ perspectives on the factors contributing to non-attendance at diabetes education centres and to identify potential strategies to improve uptake. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured face-to-face interviews with eight practice nurses across six general practice (GP) surgeries in Southeast England. Data were analysed thematically to uncover key patterns and insights. Results: Findings reveal that barriers to attendance are multifaceted, encompassing personal, social, and systemic factors. These include limited patient understanding of the benefits of education, cultural and language differences, scheduling conflicts, and perceived relevance of the programmes. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for a coordinated, patient-centred approach that addresses these challenges through improved communication, flexibility in programme delivery, and enhanced interprofessional collaboration
Sustainable public-private partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa: a conceptual framework for low carbon development and domestic financing.
Get PDFPublic-private partnerships (PPPs) in Sub-Saharan Africa face critical challenges in advancing low carbon development and securing domestic financing. This study employs institutional theory and the capability approach to analyse how PPP frameworks can be adapted to address climate change mitigation and the challenges of investment scarcity in the post-COVID-19 era. Through a systematic review of existing literature, the research highlights the shortcomings of conventional PPP models, which often fail due to disproportionate risk distribution, regulatory deficiencies, and inadequate consideration of environmental sustainability. To address these issues, the study introduces the Sustainable Domestic Resource Mobilisation (SDRM-PPP) model, designed to prioritise carbon footprint reduction, domestic resource mobilisation, and the achievement of sustainable development goals. Key policy recommendations include the establishment of dedicated climate finance units within PPP regulatory bodies, the standardisation of carbon accounting practices, and the development of financing instruments denominated in local currency. This study offers valuable insights into strategies for fostering sustainable infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Methods for data extraction and data transformation in convergent integrated mixed methods systematic reviews.
No full textObjective:
The objective of this guidance paper is to describe data transformation involving qualitization, including when and how to undertake this process, and to clarify how it aligns with data extraction in order to expand on the current guidance for JBI convergent integrated mixed methods systematic reviews (MMSRs).
Introduction:
The convergent integrated approach to MMSRs involves combining extracted data from both quantitative studies (including the quantitative components of mixed methods studies) and qualitative studies (including the qualitative components of mixed methods studies). This process requires data transformation, which can occur either by converting qualitative data into quantitative data (ie, quantitizing) or converting quantitative data into qualitative data (ie, qualitizing). Data transformation involving qualitization is poorly understood in the context of MMSRs, and there is confusion regarding how to undertake this process, with much of the literature specific to primary mixed methods studies. There is a need to expand current guidance and provide more practical advice to reviewers on how to undertake this process.
Methods:
The JBI MMSR Methodology Group took a multipronged approach to update its guidance. First, a structured search of the literature was conducted to determine what is known about data transformation, followed by analysis of a sample of systematic reviews that claimed to use the JBI convergent integrated approach to MMSRs. Approaches were summarized and used to inform the development of draft guidance. This guidance was iteratively revised following a series of online meetings, as well as presented to evidence synthesis experts at an international conference. Finally, the guidance was submitted to the JBI International Scientific Committee for discussion, feedback, and ratification.
Results:
There is uncertainty in the literature regarding the process of data transformation within the context of MMSRs, with ill-defined approaches provided and variation in practice. In JBI convergent integrated MMSRs, it is recommended that data extraction from quantitative studies (or mixed method studies reporting quantitative findings) stays as close as possible to the data reported in the primary studies. Where data are absent or insufficient to meet the needs of the MMSR, systematic reviewers may need to construct the narrative representation using relevant data from the primary studies. Following data extraction, the process of qualitization occurs where extracted data (both quantitative and qualitative) are assembled, and reviewers are required to conduct detailed examination across data to identify likenesses and create categories based on similarities in meaning.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive guidance currently available for data extraction and qualitization for MMSRs. However, it is important to acknowledge the inherent variability in MMSRs and our methodology may need tailoring for certain situations. Further work will focus on examining how certainty and confidence in findings can be assessed within the framework of MMSRs
Prevalence, persistence and diversity of Listeria strains with antimicrobial
Get PDFUntreatable listeriosis and wastage could be traced to contaminated fruits. This study assessed Listeria spp, antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in ready-for-sale fruits. Listeria spp was identified in 270 fruits: garden egg (90), tomato (90) and watermelon (90), were purchased from thirty markets, in Southwest Nigeria. Listeria spp were evaluated, identified and sequenced. Antimicrobial sensitivity assay (15 antibiotics), eighteen antimicrobial and nine virulence genes were screened for. Listeria spp 28 (100.00 %) at 66.25 MPN/g comprising of pathogenic (19) (L. monocytogenes 6 (21.43 %), L. ivanovii 5 (17.86 %), L. seegligeri 8 (28.57 %)) and non-pathogenic (9) (L. welshimeri 5 (17.86 %), L. grayi 2 (7.14 %) and L. innocua 1 (3.57 %)) strains were distributed in garden egg 8 (28.57 % at 56.63 MPN/g), tomato 14 (50.00 % at 54.29 MPN/g) and watermelon 6 (21.43 % at 57.00 MPN/g). Carbapenem, chloramphenicol, macrolides, tetracycline and folate resistant Listeria strains with highest prevalence were in fruit from Balogun 9 (60.00 %), Agege 8 (28.57 %) and Lekki 10 (45.45 %) in Lagos state. Virulent L. strains had five L. monocytogenes, two L. ivanovii, eight L. seegligeri, five L. welshimeri, two L. innocua and eight L. grayi in fruit from Lagos, Osun and Ondo States respectively. Listeria monocytogenes, L. ivanovii and L. seegligeri in fruit from Lagos State had prfA, plcA and plcB genes. Fruits could thereby be versatile route for various diverse virulent-resistant Listeria strains that could cause constant listeriosis and spoilage. However, there is need for more enforced, good and healthy handling of fruits on farms and in markets
Incorporating ground granulated blast furnace slag & fly ash in concrete production for sustainable construction: a review
Get PDFPortland cement is the primary source of CO₂ emissions in concrete production due to the energy required for the calcination of limestone, the release of CO₂ from fuel combustion during cement manufacturing, and the hydration process during setting. To mitigate the environmental challenges associated with cement production, the use of industrial waste as cementitious material can significantly reduce both the volume of waste generated and its disposal in landfills, thereby freeing up land for other purposes. Concrete has traditionally incorporated natural pozzolans, waste and recycled materials, and industrial byproducts as partial replacements for Portland cement. Among these, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and Fly Ash (FA) are the most commonly used supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), known for enhancing the mechanical strength, flowability, and durability of concrete. SCMs improve the concrete matrix's resistance to chemical attacks, reduce permeability, and contribute to long-term strength development.
This review highlights the scientific literature on the feasibility and effectiveness of using GGBFS and FA as sustainable alternatives to cement in mortar and concrete production. GGBFS is a byproduct of the iron-making process, while FA is a fine particulate material generated from coal-fired power plants. In literature there are very limited comprehensive review studies for hybrid use of GGBFS and FA to identify optimal blending ratios, microstructural analysis, and mechanical performance trends. Most of the reviews are generic and focus on the individual performance of GGBFS or FA in concrete. This paper presents a detailed discussion of manufacturing processes, physical characteristics, and their impact when used as partial cement replacements in individual and hybrid matrix form. It also summarizes findings from previous studies regarding optimal replacement percentages, which vary depending on the source, mix design, and particle size distribution of the materials. Finally, this review proposes process improvement strategies to optimize the use of GGBFS and FA in future sustainable concrete applications
Fault detection of cyber-physical systems using a transfer learning method based on pre-trained transformers
Get PDFAs industries become increasingly dependent on cyber-physical systems (CPSs), failures within these systems can cause significant operational disruptions, underscoring the critical need for effective Prognostics and Health Management (PHM). The large volume of data generated by CPSs has made deep learning (DL) methods an attractive solution; however, imbalanced datasets and the limited availability of fault-labeled data continue to hinder their effective deployment in real-world applications. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a transfer learning approach using a pre-trained transformer architecture to enhance fault detection performance in CPSs. A streamlined transformer model is first pre-trained on a large-scale source dataset and then fine-tuned end-to-end on a smaller dataset with a differing data distribution. This approach enables the transfer of diagnostic knowledge from controlled laboratory environments to real-world operational settings, effectively addressing the domain shift challenge commonly encountered in industrial CPSs. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, extensive experiments are conducted on publicly available datasets generated from a laboratory-scale replica of a modern industrial water purification facility. The results show that the model achieves an average F1-score of 93.38% under K-fold cross-validation, outperforming baseline models such as CNN and LSTM architectures, and demonstrating the practicality of applying transformer-based transfer learning in industrial settings with limited fault data. To enhance transparency and better understand the model’s decision process, SHAP is applied for explainable AI (XAI)
Preparing tomorrow's student nurses: experiences and support strategies
No full textAs the healthcare landscape in the UK increasingly shifts towards community-based care, attracting newly qualified nurses to these roles is essential for sustaining and enhancing services. This article explores strategies to engage student nurses in community careers at the point of registration, drawing on the experiences of two recently qualified nurses who have chosen to begin their careers in community nursing. Their insights, combined with available evidence, highlight key factors influencing career decisions, including mentorship, exposure during training, and awareness of the benefits associated with community nursing. The article offers practical recommendations for nurses and educators to inspire and support the next generation, emphasising the importance of pre-registration placements, role modelling, and structured postgraduate support. Additionally, it examines ways to ensure that newly qualified community nurses feel equipped in their roles, fostering retention and long-term commitment to this important area of healthcare