In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Applied and Computational Mechanics, researchers have delved into the intricate world of thermotherapy, exploring how fractional derivatives can better model heat distribution in living tissues. The lead author, Areej Almuneef from the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia, and her team have employed the Atangana-Baleanu (AB) derivative to gain a more nuanced understanding of thermal damage during treatment.
So, what does this mean for the average person, and more specifically, for maritime professionals? Well, let’s break it down. Thermotherapy, a treatment that uses heat to treat medical conditions, is not just limited to hospitals. It’s also used in various industries, including maritime, for treating injuries and managing pain among crew members. Understanding how heat affects living tissues can lead to more effective and safer treatments.
The study found that the fractional bioheat model can reduce to hyperbolic and Pennes models under certain conditions. This is a significant finding as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of heat transfer in biological tissues. As Almuneef puts it, “The fractional bioheat model reduces to hyperbolic and Pennes models as the relaxation time approaches zero and the fractional order parameter equals one.”
The study also quantified thermal damages using the denatured protein range based on Arrhenius’ formulation. This means that the researchers were able to predict the extent of tissue damage caused by heat, which is crucial for optimizing heating efficiency in hyperthermia treatment.
For the maritime sector, this research opens up opportunities for improving medical treatments on board ships. With a better understanding of heat transfer in tissues, medical practitioners can develop more effective thermotherapy treatments, leading to quicker recovery times and reduced pain for crew members.
Moreover, this research could pave the way for developing new medical devices that can be used on ships. These devices could be designed to deliver heat more precisely, minimizing tissue damage and improving treatment outcomes.
In conclusion, this study is a significant step forward in our understanding of thermotherapy. It provides valuable insights that could be applied in various industries, including maritime. As Almuneef and her team continue to explore this field, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of fractional derivatives in medical treatments.
The Journal of Applied and Computational Mechanics, where this research was published, is a well-respected publication in the field of applied mathematics and mechanics. The journal focuses on the application of mathematical and computational methods to solve real-world problems, making it a valuable resource for researchers and professionals alike.
In the maritime industry, where safety and efficiency are paramount, this research could lead to significant improvements in medical treatments and devices. As we continue to explore the potential of fractional derivatives, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in various fields, including maritime.