Discharge Duration Research Articles

Comparison of Effect of Feeding Premature Infants with Either Cup, Bottle, and Syringe on Transition to Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Success, Weight Gain, and Duration of Hospitalization.

Objective: This study was completed with the aim of determining the effect of cup feeding (CF), bottle feeding (BF), and syringe feeding (SF) methods on the transition to breastfeeding, breastfeeding success, physiological parameters, weight gain, and discharge duration for preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Materials and Methods: The study was designed to be randomized, controlled, and single blinded. The study was completed with 102 premature neonates between 29-34 gestational weeks abiding by the case selection criteria receiving treatment and care in the NICU. The 1st group comprised premature neonates receiving CF, the second group received BF, and the third group received SF. For collection of data, the Premature Infant Descriptive Information and Monitoring Form, Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (BBAT), and Infant-Focused Feeding Scales (IFFS) were used. Results: Comparison of mean peak heart rate in the groups found that the BF group was significantly high (p = 0.047) and comparison of mean SO2 found that the SF group was significantly high (p = 0.000). Infants in the SF group were determined to have significantly higher BBAT scores compared to the infants in the BF and CF groups (p = 0.015). In addition, SF infants were determined to transition to full enteral feeding and breastfeeding in a shorter duration (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups for weight gain and discharge duration (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The SF method was determined to more positively affect breastfeeding success, transition to full breastfeeding duration, and vital signs compared to the CF and BF methods. In line with the results obtained in the study, the use of the SF method may be recommended to increase breastfeeding success of neonates, to shorten the transition to full breastfeeding and for stable physical parameters.

Flood characteristics analyses in the Jratunseluna river basin due to the impact of Kedungsepur national strategic area development

The area of the Jratunseluna river basin is categorized as a high-risk flood vulnerability. The urban development plan can worsen this condition through Kedungsepur national strategic area. The objective of this study is to identify flood characteristics in Jratunseluna river basin caused by the alteration of land use due to Kedungsepur national strategic area development through rainfall-runoff 2D simulation. The RRI 2D model was chosen because it could simulate flood inundation comprehensively in all river systems while the other models such as HEC-HMS, TOPMODEL, and Tank models have a limitation on it. The input data used for the RRI model were rainfall data, topography (DEM), and land use maps. The rain data used in the simulation was the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) from 2010 to 2020. The study results indicate that the flood risk level would increase during the implementation of the Kedungsepur national strategic area development. The flood duration and peak discharge increase mainly characterize the increase in flood risk. The most significant increase in peak discharge among the four outlets is obtained in the Garang watershed. In the case of a 2-year flood, the peak discharge increased by 44.91% from 262.18 m3/s to 379.92 m3/s and for the case of a 50-year flood, the peak discharge increased by 54.34% from 331.63 m3/s to 511.83 m3/.

Design of the Lanthanum hexaboride based plasma source for the large plasma device at UCLA

The Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) produces an 18 m long, magnetized, quiescent, and uniform plasma at a high repetition rate to enable studies of fundamental plasma physics. Here, we report on a major upgrade to the LAPD plasma source that allows for more robust operation and significant expansion of achievable plasma parameters. The original plasma source made use of a heated barium oxide (BaO) coated nickel sheet as an electron emitter. This source had a number of drawbacks, including a limited range of plasma density (≲4.0 × 1012 cm−3), a limited discharge duration (∼10 ms), and susceptibility to poisoning following oxygen exposure. The new plasma source utilizes a 38 cm diameter lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathode, which has a significantly higher emissivity, allowing for a much larger discharge power density, and is robust to exposure to air. Peak plasma density of up to 3.0 × 1013 cm−33 in helium gas has been achieved. The typical operating pressure is ∼10−5 Torr, while dynamic pressure can be achieved through the gas-puffing technique. Discharges as long as 70 ms have been produced, enabling a variety of long-time-scale studies of processes, such as turbulent particle transport. The new source has been in continuous operation for 14 months, having survived air leaks, power outages that led to rapid temperature changes on the cathode and heater, and planned machine openings. We describe the design, construction, and initial operation of this novel new large-area LaB6 plasma source.

Degradation of o-dichlorobenzene by DBD-NTP co-modified titanium gel catalyst

In order to study the degradation process of dioxins in industrial flue gas, the decomposition of o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) in a DBD plasma catalytic reactor was investigated. The results showed that an NTP-catalyzed system, especially using the CuMnTiOx catalyst, had better o-DCB degradation performance compared to plasma alone. The combination of the CuMnTiOx catalyst with NTP can achieve a degradation efficiency of up to 97.2% for o-DCB; the selectivity of CO and CO2 and the carbon balance were 40%, 45%, and 85%, respectively. The dielectric constant and electrical property results indicated that the surface discharge capacity of the catalysts played a major role in the degradation of o-DCB, and a higher dielectric constant could suppress the plasma expansion and enhance the duration of the plasma discharge per discharge cycle. According to the O1s XPS and O2-TPD results, the conversion of CO to CO2 follows the M-v-K mechanism; thus, the active species on the catalyst surface play an important role. Moreover, the CuMnTiOx and NTP mixed system exhibited excellent stability, which is probably because Cu doping improved the lifetime of the catalyst. This work can provide an experimental and theoretical basis for research in the degradation of o-DCB by plasma catalyst systems.

Impact of a multifaceted intervention on non-guideline-recommended prescribing of acid suppressive medications for stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients

Objective To promote an effective strategy to improve the non-guideline-recommended prescribing (NGRP) of acid suppressive medications for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients and to evaluate the impact and barriers of a multifaceted intervention on NGRP in critically ill patients. Research design and methods A retrospective, pre- post-intervention study was performed in the medical-surgical ICU. This study included pre-intervention and post-intervention period. There was no SUP guideline and intervention in the pre-intervention period. In the post-intervention period, the multifaceted intervention included five features: a practice guideline, an education campaign, medication review and recommendations, medication reconciliation, and pharmacist rounding with the ICU team. Results A total of 557 patients were studied (305 in the pre-intervention group and 252 in the post-intervention group). Patients who underwent surgery, stayed in ICU more than 7 days, or used corticosteroids experienced significantly higher rate of NGRP in the pre-intervention group. The average percentage of patient days of NGRP was significantly reduced from 44.2% to 23.5% (p < .001) by implementing the multifaceted intervention. The percentage of patients with NGRP decreased from 86.7% to 45.5% in terms of all 5 criteria (indication, dosage, IV to PO, duration, and ICU discharge; p = .003). Per-patient NGRP cost decreased from $45.1 (22.6, 93.0) to $11.3 (11.3, 45.1; p = .004). The main barrier influencing NGRP was the factors of the patient, including the concurrent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the number of comorbidities, and undergoing surgery. Conclusion The multifaceted intervention was effective in improving NGRP. Further studies are needed to confirm whether our strategy is cost-effective.

Arc Erosion Properties of WCu Material Reinforced with Ti3SiC2under Different Applied Voltages

Introducing reinforcements is a crucial way to modify WCu electric contacts. Herein, the arc erosion performances of WCu/Ti3SiC2under various direct current voltages are investigated. The eroded microstructures are observed by a 3D laser scanning confocal microscopy and a thermal field emission scanning electron microscope. Compositions of the eroded surfaces are analyzed by a Raman spectroscopy. With the elevated voltages, values of breakdown current, arc duration, arc energy, and arc discharge distance increase, while the breakdown strength decreases. Meanwhile, the eroded regions gradually change from circular shape to irregularly curved corrugations under the elevated voltages. Copper and Ti3SiC2can disperse arc during arc discharge, and the liquid and gas generated by the two phases can make differences in protecting WCu/Ti3SiC2.

Observation‐Constrained Projection of Flood Risks and Socioeconomic Exposure in China

AbstractAs the planet warms, the atmosphere's water vapor holding capacity rises, leading to more intense precipitation extremes. River floods with high peak discharge or long duration can increase the likelihood of infrastructure failure and enhance ecosystem vulnerability. However, changes in the peak and duration of floods and corresponding socioeconomic exposure under climate change are still poorly understood. This study employs a bivariate framework to quantify changes in flood risks and their socioeconomic impacts in China between the past (1985–2014) and future (2071–2100) in 204 catchments. Future daily river streamflow is projected by using a cascade modeling chain based on the outputs of five bias‐corrected global climate models (GCMs) under three shared socioeconomic CMIP6 pathways (SSP1‐26, SSP3‐70, and SSP5‐85), a machine learning model and four hydrological models. We also utilize the copula function to build the joint distribution of flood peak and duration, and calculate the joint return periods of the bivariate flood hazard. Finally, the exposure of population and regional gross domestic product to floods are investigated at the national scale. Our results indicate that flood peak and duration are likely to increase in the majority of catchments by 25%–100% by the late 21st century depending on the shared socioeconomic pathway. China is projected to experience a significant increase in bivariate flood risks even under the lowest emission pathway, with 24.0 million dollars/km2 and 608 people/km2 exposed under a moderate emissions scenario (SSP3‐70). These findings have direct implications for hazard mitigation and climate adaptation policies in China.

Effect of Discharge Duration on Characteristics of FeCrWMoCB Metallic Glass Coatings

Effect of Discharge Duration on Characteristics of FeCrWMoCB Metallic Glass Coatings

The Role of Silicate Enrichment on the Discharge Duration of Silicon-Air Batteries.

Silicon-air batteries are candidates for next generation batteries from non-critical raw materials. However, current silicon-air batteries with alkaline electrolytes suffer from premature termination of the discharge process. To understand this process, we investigated the correlation of dissolved silicon in the electrolyte and the discharge duration until passivation. The air- and Si-electrode could be excluded as the source of the voltage drop, while the concentration of silicates in the electrolyte was identified as the decisive factor. A low silicate concentration in the electrolyte was found to be crucial for a sustained discharge of silicon-air batteries with alkaline electrolytes and full consumption of the silicon electrode used in these conditions was shown.

Current trends and possible solutions for delay in patient discharge: observations from a tertiary care paediatric hospital in Mumbai

Delay in discharge of the patient reduces bed availability in any healthcare organization. In spite of advancement in medical systems and hospital management, delay in patient discharges still exist. Hence, there was a need to evaluate factors contributing to the delay in an exclusive paediatric hospital. A study of patient discharges from a private and a general ward was undertaken at a tertiary care paediatric hospital in Mumbai, between September-October 2021. A total of 60 discharges, 30 from each ward were analysed. The time from discharge order given by the consultant to that of the patient leaving the hospital and the reasons for delay were recorded by the investigators. The hospital followed a policy of 180 min for a discharge. The mean duration of discharge in the general ward was 153.18±34.60 min and whereas it was 165.41±62.29 min in the private ward. However, 28% discharges in general ward and 43% discharges in private ward were delayed with a mean of 5.23±10.04 and 20.66±26.88 min respectively. Time taken for billing and making of discharge sheet contributed to the maximum delay in both wards. Though the mean discharge time in both wards was found to be within the standards, a significant proportion were still delayed. We suggest a multidisciplinary team consisting of administrators, nurses, resident doctors and consultants to help ease the overall burden on the healthcare system.

High-Power-Density and High-Energy-Efficiency Zinc-Air Flow Battery System for Long-Duration Energy Storage

To achieve long-duration energy storage (LDES), a technological and economical battery technology is imperative. Herein, we demonstrate an all-around zinc-air flow battery (ZAFB), where a decoupled acid-alkaline electrolyte elevates the discharge voltage to ∼1.8 V, and a reaction modifier KI lowers the charging voltage to ∼1.8 V. This ZAFB exhibits a long discharge duration of over 4 h, a high power density of 178 mW cm−2 (about 76 % higher than conventional ZAFB), and unprecedented energy efficiency of nearly 100 %. Moreover, the ZAFB demonstrates outstanding fast charging ability, mitigated zinc dendrite growth and parasitic hydrogen evolution, enhanced cathode protection, and good resistance to environmental disturbance. This all-around ZAFB will not only become a very promising option for LDES but also promote the development of other LDES systems.

A battery dataset for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft

Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft have a unique duty cycle characterized by high discharge currents at the beginning and end of the mission (corresponding to takeoff and landing of the aircraft) and a moderate power requirement between them with no rest periods during the mission. Here, we generated a dataset of battery duty profiles for an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft using a cell typical for that application. The dataset features 22 cells, comprising a total of 21,392 charge and discharge cycles. 3 of the cells use the baseline cycle while each of the other cells vary either charge current, discharge power, discharge duration, ambient cooling conditions, or end of charge voltage. While it was designed to mimic the expected duty cycle of an electric aircraft, this dataset is relevant for training machine learning models on battery life, fitting physical or empirical models for battery performance and/or degradation, and countless other applications.

Investigation of propane direct injection performance in a rapid compression and expansion machine: Pathways to diesel marine engine efficiency parity with spark discharge duration strategies

This paper explores pathways to achieve marine diesel-like, high-efficiency combustion fueled with propane in a RCEM research engine. Analyzing the novel technique of liquid propane injection is worthwhile given the potential for using propane in high-efficiency compression ignition engines. Since propane has a low cetane number, spark plug operating is provided to achieve reliable ignition. Investigations into combustion and the effect of spark discharge energy on propane direct injection were done through experiments on a modified head large bore RCEM with three spark ignition strategies and simulations. The findings demonstrate that the simultaneous ignition strategy had the greatest total released energy (roughly 190 mJ/s). When the SOI of the direct injection propane was set at 20oCA BTDC, diesel more efficiently than propane (on average, 3.46%). The benefits of the chosen strategy for achieving diesel efficiency parity were shown by the increasing of combustion efficiency when the spark period was lengthened.

The effects of Alpha-2a and Beta-1a Interferons on the Coronavirus disease 2019 prognosis.

The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with substantial mortality worldwide. Efforts have continued to find an effective treatment for COVID-19. In vitro activity of interferon (IFN) subtypes has been shown against the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Furthermore, the superiority of IFN-β over IFN-α2b and IFN-α2a has been demonstrated in MERS treatment. Early studies showed a low plasma level of IFNs in the peripheral blood or lungs of patients with severe COVID-19. This study assessed the effects of IFN-alpha-2a and -beta-1a on the prognosis of patients with covid-19 infection. We conducted a triple-blind randomized clinical trial on adult patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 from April 2021 to June 2021. The patients were diagnosed based on clinical and laboratory findings and randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C, and D) using the envelope allocation method. Patients in group A received IFN β-1a; group B received IFN β-1a placebo; group C received IFN α-2a, and group D was treated with IFN α-2a placebo. All patients concomitantly received the national protocol medications as well. A total of 95 eligible patients were randomly assigned into groups. National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) index showed significant differences between groups only on the first day of admission (p-value = 0.001). CT scan scores on the first and tenth days slightly improved, although they were not statistically significant. Duration of hospitalization and hospital discharge did not significantly differ among all treated groups (Table 1). Mortality rates showed no significant statistical difference between the groups. However, viral clearance significantly accelerated in the patients receiving IFN β-1a or IFN α-2a (p < 0.05). It seems that IFN α-2a and IFN β-1a are ineffective in treating COVID-19 patients. Further randomized clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed to estimate the effects of IFN α-2a or IFN β-1a on the outcomes of COVID-19 disease.

Improvement of protective oxide layers formed by high-frequency plasma electrolytic oxidation on Mg-RE alloy with LPSO-phase

Oxide layers on Mg97Y2Zn1 magnesium alloy with strengthening LPSO-phase were formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in bipolar mode with frequency variation of forming current pulses (50 and 500 Hz) and addition of sodium aluminate or sodium silicate to alkali phosphate fluoride electrolyte. Microstructure, chemical and phase composition, corrosion and mechanical properties of the oxide layers formed were investigated. With increasing current frequency for both electrolytes, an increase in homogeneity of the oxide layers structure and a decrease in their porosity and fracturing at constant thickness were recorded. The oxide layers formed at 500 Hz even with some decrease in hardness have better adhesive strength and 2 orders of magnitude higher short-term corrosion resistance values. PEO of Mg-alloy with LPSO-phase in the electrolyte with addition of sodium aluminate in combination with increased pulse frequency (500 Hz) allows forming the best-quality uniform oxide layer with high hardness, adhesive strength and corrosion resistance properties. The use of electrolyte with addition of sodium silicate reduced the adhesive strength by 1.5 times and brought down the long-term corrosion resistance of oxide layers by an order of magnitude, as compared with the electrolyte with sodium aluminate. The reason for a significant improvement in the complex of protective properties of the oxide layers with an increase in the current pulse frequency is supposed to be a decrease in the power and duration of individual microarc discharges with simultaneous increase in their number per unit oxidized area.

An Extended Approach to the Evaluation of Energy Storage Systems: A Case Study of Li-Ion Batteries

Energy storage technologies can act as flexibility sources for supporting the energy transition, enabling the decarbonisation of the grid service provision and the active engagement of the customers (both prosumers and consumers), opening for them new business opportunities. Within storage technologies, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries represent an interesting solution for dealing with the majority of these services. In this context, this study addresses an evaluation of economic, environmental and geopolitical risks with reference to the critical raw materials used in the manufacturing of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Li-ion batteries. The assessment entailes grid and prosumer services that these batteries can provide. The exploited economic indicator is the Levelised Cost of Storage, whereas six environmental indicators are used for environmental impact estimation. Cycle stages accounted for in the analysis are the manufacturing and use phases. Finally, the evaluation of the impact of critical raw materials is performed by deploying a Supply Risk indicator, which is instead assessed considering every single material and the overall risk for the battery. High-risk materials are represented by Graphite and Phosphorous. Results denote that, for each service, the number of cycles and the discharge duration are pivotal to make the investment economically and environmentally sustainable. The reduction in the Net Import Reliance, as well as the increase in the Recycling Rate, could sensibly reduce the risk associated with battery raw materials.

Ge modified by metal–organic segments as anodes for Ge-air batteries with an alkaline gel polymer electrolyte

The advantages of Ge-air batteries compared with metal-air batteries are their high anode utilization and ideal safety. To further enhance the discharge performance of Ge-air batteries, we report for the first time the successful synthesis of metal–organic segments (MOSs) material on the surface of germanium wafers by solution growth methods and demonstrate their performance in a button-type Ge-air battery with an alkaline gel polymer electrolyte. The morphology of MOSs can be controlled by adjusting the solution concentration and reaction time, and the discharge time of the battery would be elevated to about 350 h with prolonged reaction time. Our experimental findings prove that applying this MOSs material at the anode can significantly improve the discharge duration of Ge-air batteries. This paper also provides a strategy for anode modification to ameliorate the performance of Ge-air batteries.

Facile synthesis of CuCo2O4 spinel with rGO nanocomposite via hydrothermal approach for solid state supercapacitor application

Spinel oxide nanomaterial based on pseudocapacitor electrodes is a superior remedy for the present energy problem. In this study, CuCo2O4 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are mixed utilizing a clean hydrothermal strategy. The characteristics of synthesized electrocatalysts were examined by employing microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA) were used to analyze the electrocatalytic behavior of all synthesized materials. The electrochemical analysis showed that the incorporation of rGO rises the discharge duration interval resultant enhances the specific capacitance (Cs) and improves the overall stable behavior of the CuCo2O4 electrocatalytic materials. At 2.0 A g−1, the electrochemical findings of spinel/rGO nanohybrid show Cs of 1372.93 F g−1, energy density (Ed) of 70.02 Wh Kg−1 and power density (Pd) of 606 W Kg−1 at 2 A g−1. The nanohybrid showed 96.35 % capacitance retention over 5000th cycles and remained stable for 40 h. However, adjustments to the electrical and structural arrangement, morphology, or doping technique improved the capacitive activity of the produced electrode.

Subclinical seizures: The demographic data and scalp video-EEG findings, concordance with the epilepsy type and prognosis

BackgroundSubclinical seizures(SCSs) are overlooked in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate clinical, electrophysiological features of SCSs detected during video-electroencephalography(EEG) monitorization(VEM), concordance of the epilepsy type and SCSs, and predictors of the concordance. MethodsThe data of drug-resistant epilepsy patients who had undergone video-EEG between 2010 and 2020 were investigated. Ictal activities showing temporospatial evolution lasted ≥ 10 s, without any behavioural changes were considered SCSs. Findings were re-evaluated for ictal localization, lateralization, ictal discharge type, vigilance status, and duration of SCSs to the accompaniment of clinical findings. Additionally, the concordance of epilepsy type and SCSs were analyzed. ResultsFifty-five SCSs were obtained in 24 of 804 patients (2,9 %) who were followed in the VEM unit; the epilepsy type of the patients was temporal in 26 and extratemporal lobe epilepsy in 29 SCSs. Among 55 SCSs recordings, 30 originated from the temporal lobe and 24 from the extratemporal lobe, and seizure localization could not be determined in one. The patients were younger, age at seizure onset was earlier, habitual seizures were more frequent, multiple anti-seizure drug use was higher, seizures more frequently occurred during sleep, cranial MR tended to be abnormal, patients were more likely to have a history of perinatal injury/head trauma, and the concordance of discharge patterns was lower in extratemporal SCSs.The concordance of epilepsy type with localization and lateralization of SCSs was not statistically significant. ConclusionsSCSs originating from the temporal and extratemporal lobes might show similar characteristics with the epilepsy type, and SCSs might have clinical importance apart from epilepsy surgery.

An Experimental Study on the Transportation Characteristics of Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) in a Straight Pipe

Gaseous fire suppressants are usually stored in a vessel via pressurization, and then discharged out through pipelines. The flow behaviors of the agents in pipes greatly affect its dispersion in space, as well as the fire extinguishing results. Here, an experimental study was carried out on the transportation characteristics of perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) (C6F12O) in a horizontal straight pipe with the temperature and pressure recorded synchronously. At a filling pressure of 1800 kPa and a filling density of 517 kg·m−3, the agent release was completed in 2.0 s with the pipeline pressure peak of 1145 kPa and the pipeline temperature nadir of −10.6 °C. In comparison to that of bromotrifluoromethane (CF3Br) under the same conditions, the temperature and pressure curves of C6F12O exhibited similar varying trajectories but a much smaller amplitude, which could be ascribed to their different thermophysical properties. When keeping the other conditions unchanged, raising the filling pressure C6F12O reduces the discharge duration and the pipeline temperatures. Increasing the filling density extends the discharge duration, but shows little influence on the pipeline temperatures. The results were expected to provide useful information for the model validation and engineering design of a C6F12O fire-suppressing system with a predictable performance.