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Emerging potential unconventional applications of gas hydrate technologies in sustainable and environmental industries
Get PDFOwing to the unique phase-change properties of gas hydrate, hydrate-based technologies have garnered significant scientific interest in sustainable and environmental industry. Over the past decade, advancements in hydrate technology applications have demonstrated transformative potential across energy and environmental sectors, particularly in gas storage and separation, carbon capture and storage, cold energy storage, and desalination. Unlike previous literature that focused on traditional hydrate technology applications, this review strictly examines the latest innovations in natural gas hydrate technologies in non-traditional hydrate fields, with a focus on their environmental sustainability and industrial scalability. Experimental and computational studies reveal the efficacy of hydrate-based methods in treating high-concentration industrial wastewater and radioactive effluents, while process intensification strategies enhance clean water production. Furthermore, novel applications in sludge dewatering, food concentration/preservation, and fire suppression systems are systematically analyzed. It also integrates hydrates with metal–organic frameworks for improved gas storage. Assessing the Technology Readiness Level, we offer insights into the readiness of these applications for real-world deployment. The review concludes with reflections on the future trajectory of hydrate technologies in promoting a low-carbon economy and environmental conservation
“Growing daisies through the slabs”:Examining community invites for creatively co-produced local transformation
Get PDFPlace-based community resilience projects are increasingly harnessing creativity to promote local resilience in response to social and environmental risks. To achieve this, co-production methods have become a popular way to develop the necessary relationships between communities and local governing institutions for equitable transformation. This paper investigated a co-produced community resilience initiative commissioned in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The initiative utilised creativity to inform place-based transformation, with communities invited by local government to co-produce a series of creative activities that informed local change. Our investigation occurred between January 2022 and November 2023 to examine the influence community members have within these “invited spaces” to overcome institutional inaction and enact changes to the local systems that govern them. We found that community members were able to establish meaningful relationships with institutional actors who mutually desired system change. Creative co-production helped build community capacity to influence institutional norms and processes by developing new knowledge that was filtered upstream to senior decision-makers. However, community proposals for change were sometimes re-scoped to what was considered institutionally achievable and realistic by those connected to structural power who remained bound by the state. While institutional changes (e.g. the design of a local policy strategy) were evidenced, there was limited influence over the overarching economic norms and processes that primarily drive and reinforce local social and environmental vulnerability. Future community projects developed from this place-based initiative continue to promote longer term community-institutional relationship building via creative co-production. As community influence permeates upstream, this may lead to a critical mass of systemic transformation
Preoperative chronic opiate use associated with a worse joint-specific function and quality of life before and after total hip and knee arthroplasty
Get PDFAims: The aim of this study was to assess whether chronic pre-arthroplasty use of strong opiates impacted the pre- and postoperative joint-specific function, quality of life (QoL), pain scores, and satisfaction in those undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This prospective study assessed 1,487 patients (THA n = 729; TKA n = 758). Preoperative opiate use of more than a month was used to define the opioid group. Patient demographics, comorbidities, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) scores were collected preoperatively and at six months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction with their joint was assessed at six months. Results: The opioid groups consisted of 95 patients in both the THA (13.0%) and TKA (12.5%) cohorts. Pre- and postoperative OHS, OKS, and EQ-5D were clinically (greater than the minimal clinically important difference) and statistically (p < 0.001) significantly worse for the opioid groups undergoing THA and TKA. The opioid group was independently associated with a significantly worse improvement in OHS (-3.0, 95% CI -4.8 to -1.2; p = 0.001) and EQ-5D (-0.089, 95% CI -0.132 to -0.041; p < 0.001) for those undergoing THA, but no significant (OKS, p = 0.650 and EQ-5D, p = 0.485) association was demonstrated in the TKA cohort. There was no difference in satisfaction with their arthroplasty between opioid and opiate-naive groups undergoing THA (p = 0.133) or TKA (p = 0.797). Conclusion: Preoperative opiate use was associated with clinically significantly worse pre- and postoperative joint-specific function and QoL. Those undergoing THA had a clinically worse improvement in their joint-specific function, but this was not observed in those undergoing TKA. However, patients were equally satisfied with outcomes.</p
Good Enough Practices in Scientific Computing: A Learning Module for Researchers
Get PDFWe present a half-day learning module targeted at a broad audience of researchers who want to learn how to be more efficient and effective in their data analysis and computing, whatever their career stage. The module teaches “good enough practices” that are near universally useful for researchers who use computers in their work. These practices encompass data management, software and programming, collaborating with colleagues, organizing projects, keeping track of changes, and writing manuscripts. Good enough practices rely on a shared set of principles that span these areas: planning, modular organization, names, and documentation. The lesson is in The Carpentries format and the materials are open-source and hosted on GitHub by The Carpentries Lab. The lesson is visible at https://carpentries-lab.github.io/good-enough-practices/
Process Simulation of a Dual Fluidized Bed Ca‑Looping Biomass Gasifer with CuO/CaO for Enhanced Hydrogen Production
Get PDFIn this study, H2 production through Calcium-Looping (Ca-Looping) gasification process using biomass feedstocks, including wood waste (WW), cow manure (CM), and biocrude (BC), was investigated. This novel system employed a dual fluidized bed system, comprising a gasifier reactor with a mixture of CuO and CaO fluidized by steam, and a regenerative air reactor. Hydrogen production was investigated as a function of variations in key operating parameters, including gasification temperature (Tg), equivalence ratio (E/R), steam mass flow rate (Msteam), and CaO circulation rate (CCaO). Enhancement in hydrogen production was not observed at temperatures above 700 °C for all feedstocks, which was confirmed to be due to the deactivation of the carbonation reaction. An increasing CO2 volume fraction and decreasing H2 volume fraction in the synthesis gas were observed as the E/R ratio increased. Additionally, H2 production increased continuously with higher steam flow rate. CO2 capturing capacity, through carbonation of CaO increased with CaO circulation rates, reaching a plateau as the circulation rate reach above 100 kg/hr. These findings highlight the potential of the biomass Ca-Looping gasification process to produce high-purity H2 while significantly reducing CO2 emissions, positioning it as a promising pathway for sustainable energy production
Cognitive Load Driven Audio-Visual Speech Enhancement Using a Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Model and OpenMHA Platform
Get PDFTraditional hearing aids primarily amplify sound but often overlook factors critical for effective speech comprehension, such as listening effort and visual cues like lip movements. This article introduces an innovative, context andcognition-aware audio-visual speech enhancement (AVSE) framework for hearing aids, integrating adaptive and efficient edge implementation to improve user experience. Our approach includes adaptive speech enhancement model selection using neuro-fuzzy inference based on listening effort, audio signal-tonoise ratio (SNR), and visual cues. This work comprises four key components: integrating AVSE models with openMHA; using custom Radio Frequency (RF) sensors to estimate cognitive load; applying neuro-fuzzy inference for efficient speech enhancement selection; and developing hardware-accelerated Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based AVSE implementations. The framework includes a lightweight, customizable AVSE model optimized for real-time, power-efficient edge performance. The performance is comprehensively evaluated using metrics like STOI, PESQ, HASPI, MOS, latency, and power consumption, providing an indepth analysis of trade-offs between speech intelligibility, perceptual quality, auditory perception, processing speed, and energy efficiency, with hardware-accelerated inference ensuring optimal performance. This research signifies a significant advance in AVSE technology, offering enhanced communicationand a better quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments
Trained dogs can detect the odor of Parkinson's disease
Get PDFA definitive diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive, so identification of potential biomarkers can facilitate diagnosis and early intervention. Two dogs were trained to distinguish between dry skin swabs obtained from people with Parkinson's (PwP) and control participants. After 38-53 weeks of training on 205 samples, the dogs were tested in a double-blind trial using 60 control and 40 target (drug-naïve PwP) samples. They each showed high sensitivity (70% and 80%) and specificity (90% and 98%). This supports previous findings that dogs can be trained to reliably detect the odor of PD.</p
State-led nationalism and the varieties of religious majoritarianism
Get PDFThis article engages critically with Modood and Sealy’s typology of the governance of religious diversity. While welcoming their redefinition of secularism(s) as a means of governing religious diversity, we argue that it is also important to differentiate types of majoritarian nationalism. Focusing on the way that non-core groups are treated, we develop a fourfold typology of religious majoritarianism: hierarchical, assimilationist, dominant, and eliminationist. Focusing on the examples of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we argue that majoritarian nationalism is not monolithic but contextually differentiated, shaped by institutional legacies, political strategies, and socio-religious hierarchies. Our analysis contributes to broader debates on nationalism and ethnic politics by mapping the dynamic interplay between state-led nationalism, religious identity, and the governance of diversity. We call for greater attention to the lived costs of majoritarianism and the contextual limits of multicultural remedies in the absence of broader structural and geopolitical changes
Applying a cognitive behavioural approach in COPD: views of respiratory professionals
Get PDFRationaleChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term condition with comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are associated with poorer health outcomes. The TANDEM (Tailored psychological intervention for anxiety or depression in COPD) trial investigated whether delivery of a psychological intervention by respiratory healthcare professionals (“Facilitators”) using a tailored cognitive behavioural approach (CBA) to patients with advanced COPD would reduce anxiety and/or depression and improve pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) attendance. The intervention did not reduce anxiety or depression or improve PR attendance. As part of the trial process evaluation, we explored Facilitators’ communication with patients, professional role and identity, and perspectives on implementation.MethodsQualitative interviews with 14 Facilitators (nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists) who were trained to deliver the CBA sessions.ResultsFacilitators recognised the need for psychological care, and were positive about the training, practice, and clinical supervision. The intervention was viewed as helpful for some, but not all, patients. Comorbidities and social and personal challenges affected patient engagement in identifying and addressing COPD-related anxiety and depression. There was scepticism about the incorporation of a CBA intervention such as TANDEM into routine healthcare due to resource constraints.ConclusionsRespiratory healthcare professionals valued being trained and supported to deliver a tailored CBA intervention to patients with COPD. The complexity of comorbidity and patients’ social context presented barriers to engagement. The intervention was viewed as unlikely to be delivered as part of routine care. Greater focus on patient engagement in the context of multimorbidity and psychosocial complexity is recommended.<br/
Systematic development of a complex intervention:a theory and evidence-based physiotherapist led group intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour following bariatric surgery (PARIS)
Get PDFOBJECTIVES: To describe the systematic development of a physiotherapist led group behaviour change intervention targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour in individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery.STUDY DESIGN: Intervention development including evidence synthesis, qualitative research and mapping of intervention components, using the 2008 MRC framework for complex interventions.METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to identify the evidence for promising interventions and components to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour following bariatric surgery. We also conducted primary qualitative research exploring these behaviours with three key stakeholder groups: patients, clinicians and commissioners. We selected two contemporary behaviour change frameworks to inform intervention development and developed a conceptual matrix in which intervention objectives were defined to inform selection of appropriate behaviour change techniques, proposed mechanisms of action(s), and mode of delivery. We also developed two intervention handbooks for participants and facilitators to support delivery and receipt of the intervention.RESULTS: We have developed a behaviour change intervention targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients following bariatric surgery. Eight intervention objectives were defined and mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework. We identified what the intervention must be able to do (intervention functions), behaviour change techniques that could be used to achieve this, the proposed mechanism of action, and mode of delivery. This intervention will be subject to a feasibility study, with the intervention delivered online over a six-week period to participants who have had bariatric surgery within the previous five years. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.</p
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