Valve (United States)

This study presents a comparative analysis of the two key example of sedimentary volcanism in Italy: the mud volcanoes of Salse di Nirano (Northern Italy) and the Maccalube of Aragona (Sicily). Mud volcanoes are not related to magmatic activity but result from the ascent of gas, mainly methane, which transports mud, water and fine-grained sediments to the surface These systems represent natural laboratories for investigating subsurface fluid migration, gas-driven processes, and their surface expressions.At both sites, mud and fluid samples were collected to perform geochemical, mineralogical, magnetic, and paleontological analyses, providing integrated constraints on fluid sources, sediment provenance, and mud volcano dynamicsDespite their apparent similarities, the two sites display markedly different genetic mechanisms and activity style. The study is carried out within the framework of the INGV-MUR project Pianeta Dinamico, called PROMUD.The Nirano mud volcanoes are characterized by slow and persistent activity, forming small and stable mud cones and bubbling pools. This behavior reflects the compressional tectonic setting of the Northern Apennines, where fractures facilitate the upward migration of fluids and hydrocarbons. The extruded material mainly consists of ARGILLE SCAGLIOSE, the main constituent of the volcanoes, marly clays rich in CaCO3, and Plio-Pleistocene clay sediments, while saline waters indicate an ancient marine depositional environment.In contrast, the Maccalube of Aragona area exhibits highly variable and sometimes violent activity, with bubbling mud pools and sudden eruptive events. Here, the mud composition derives from poorly consolidate shallow clayey sediments, and methane is generated within organic-rich sediments. Brackish waters are likely derived from compaction processes of marine sediments.The comparison highlights how similar fluid-driven process can produce contrasting surface features, levels of activity and hazard scenarios.

The aim of the study was to comprehensively characterize the population of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients in Poland in 2016-2021, including the analysis of annual incidence, prevalence, comorbidities, and therapeutic paths. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Polish National Health Fund database. The analysis included a registered annual incidence and prevalence rates, mortality, prognosis, and data on patients pathways in the healthcare system. In 2016, the registered annual incidence of HCM diagnosis in Poland was 1,494 cases (3.89/100,000), decreasing to 808 cases (2.11/100,000) in 2021. Despite the decline in new diagnoses, the registered prevalence of HCM increased from 13,271 cases (34.53/100,000) in 2016 to 13,880 cases (36.23/100,000) in 2021, indicating improved patient survival. Annual mortality rose from 824 deaths (2.14/100,000) in 2016 to 1,022 deaths (2.67/100,000) in 2021, with the highest mortality observed in older adults (60+ years). The study highlights significant underdiagnosis of HCM in Poland. Mortality in HCM population remains high, underscoring the need for improvement in earlier detection and comprehensive care strategies in Polish healthcare system.

Lifestyle interventions constitute first-line strategies for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with dietary modification and increased physical activity forming the core evidence-based approaches. In this framework, plant-based supplements are being investigated as potential adjunctive strategies. Totum-448, a polyphenol-rich plant formulation, has shown promising effects in preclinical studies. Here, we evaluated the effects of Totum-448, voluntary exercise (Vex), and their combination in a hamster model of MASLD. Fifty-four male golden Syrian hamsters were fed either a normal diet (ND) or a Western diet (WD) for six weeks. WD-fed animals were then randomized to receive WD alone, WD supplemented with Totum-448 (5% w/w), WD with Vex, or WD with both interventions for an additional five weeks. We hypothesized that only the combined intervention would elicit measurable benefits. Contrary to this hypothesis, distinct effects were observed for each intervention: Totum-448 reduced circulating lipid levels and downregulated hepatic markers of inflammation and fibrosis, whereas Vex improved body composition, increased energy expenditure, and reduced hepatic lipid content. No significant improvements were detected in histological markers of inflammation or fibrosis. The combined intervention did not provide additional benefits beyond those of the individual interventions. In conclusion, Totum-448 and Vex exert complementary effects in MASLD. Although no additive effects were observed, the combined intervention provided the broadest overall protection by preserving the benefits of each intervention alone. These findings support the relevance of combining exercise with plant-based nutritional strategies in the management of MASLD.

The flow control of abrasive slurries and solids laden fluids in systems which have design requirements beyond the capabilities of conventional valves creates operational problems. Due to the technological advances in the hard coating industries, ball valves can now be produced with internal surfaces protected from the erosive effects of these applications. Pressures well in excess of the capability of conventional 1000 kPa working pressure valves can now be handled reliably.

Three-way control combiner valves (TCCVs) are critical components used in nuclear power plants to regulate the concentration of boron acid for neutron absorption and reactor safety. However, current TCCV designs often suffer from suboptimal control performance and high flow resistance, leading to control deviations and reduced operational efficiency. In this paper, a numerical model based on the standard K–ω turbulence model is established and validated against experimental data to analyze the flow characteristics and local flow resistance of a TCCV. A parametric design method for the throttling windows is proposed, establishing relationships between shape parameters and performance indexes, including control performance and flow resistance. The adaptive non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (ANSGA-II) is used to optimize the shape parameters of the throttling windows. The optimization results show an improvement in the performance indexes of the TCCV, with the adjustable operating range increasing by 31.0% and the maximum local resistance decreasing by 18.3%. We also introduce the concepts of effective and controllable domains to characterize the inlet backflow phenomena and regulation dead zones, which are crucial for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of control valves. These findings provide insights for enhancing the design and performance of TCCVs in nuclear power plants.