Fill Time Research Articles

On the Applicability of Numerical Quadrature for Double Surface Integrals at 5G Frequencies

The human exposure assessment to wireless communications systems including the fifth generation (5G) mobile systems is related to determining the specific absorption rate (SAR) or the absorbed power density (APD). The assessment of both quantities requires the use of various numerical techniques, including moments method (MoM). As the use of MoM results in a fully populated system matrix, a tremendous computational cost is incurred, both in terms of matrix fill time and memory allocation, as the matrix size is directly related to frequency of the problem. This paper investigates the applicability of numerical integration at frequencies related to 5G. The novelty of this work is related to the comprehensive set of tests of various combination of source and observation triangles using the developed unit cube test. A number of convergence tests were performed to investigate the effects of the increasing frequency and the discretization scheme on the numerical solution, as well as to determine how to curb the computational requirements by the proficient use of numerical integration. The results show that in the lower GHz range, lower integration orders could be used, resulting in the decrease of matrix fill time without loss of solution accuracy.

Aerobic sequential batch reactor for domestic sewage treatment: parametric optimization and kinetics studies

Abstract Domestic sewage (DS) was first treated in aerobic sequential batch reactor (SBR). In order to increase the treated water quality, DS from SBR was further treated using electrocoagulation (EC) and Ion exchange (IE) process. In the SBR study, process parameters such as hydraulic retention time (HRT) and reactor fill time (t f ) was optimized at various volume exchange ratio (VER) of 0.534, 0.4, 0.266, and 0.133. The best HRT and t f were observed to be 0.78 day (d) and 2 h, respectively, providing 72.37% chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction (initial value of COD = 270 mg/dm3). Kinetics of biodegradation in SBR was also studied. The second stage treatment was performed in EC reactor at 1 ampere (A) current for 30 min electrolysis time (t R). EC reactor, further reduced COD and biological oxygen demand (BOD) up to 72 and 21 mg/dm3 from its average initial COD and BOD of 94 and 23 mg/dm3, respectively. Second stage treatment in IE process reduced hardness, sulphate, and phosphate up to 15, 0.05, and 0.13 mg/dm3 from its initial value 350, 5.48 and 1.16 mg/dm3, respectively. The treated water can be used as potable water after disinfection as its water quality is near to river water.

Comparison of Gaseous and Water-Based Medium-Expansion Foam Depopulation Methods in Cull Sows.

Simple SummaryIn the face of a swine health crisis, emerging zoonotic diseases or environmental catastrophe, the mass depopulation of swine may be required to prevent the additional spread of disease and to minimize animal pain or suffering. Due to the increasing risk of global disease outbreaks, the U.S. swine industry needs feasible guidelines in place in preparation for such events. Current American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) approved swine depopulation methods can be difficult to implement under field conditions. Emergency depopulation using inhalants such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen gas (N2) or the use of aspirated foam agents have been approved and conducted in poultry in the US, but are not approved for use in other livestock. Our findings, using cull sows, demonstrate that although CO2, N2 and aspirated foam combinations successfully killed all the animals, CO2 and aspirated foam did so in the shortest timeframe. In addition, the use of aspirated foam was as effective as CO2 for sow depopulation while having potential operational advantages, such as no use of lethal gases and reduced risk of associated equipment failure.The U.S. swine industry is currently inadequately prepared to counteract the increasing threat of high-consequence diseases. Although approved and preferred depopulation guidelines exist, ventilation shutdown (VSD+) is currently the only method being deployed during a state of emergency to depopulate large swine populations. However, the permitted use of VSD+ during constrained circumstances has been criticized due to raised swine welfare concerns. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of carbon dioxide gas (CO2), nitrogen gas (N2), compressed air foam (CAF), compressed nitrogen foam (CAF-N2) and aspirated foam (AF) during a 15-min dwell time on adult swine in an emergency depopulation situation. A small-scale trial using 12 sows per depopulation method showed the highest efficiency to induce cessation of movement for AF and CO2 (186.0 ± 48 vs. 202.0 ± 41, s ± SD). The ease of implementation and safety favored AF for further investigation. A large-scale field study using AF to depopulate 134 sows in modified rendering trailers showed a mean fill time of 103.8 s (SD: 5.0 s) and cessation of movement of 128.0 s (SD: 18.6 s) post filling. All sows were confirmed dead post-treatment for both trials. The implementation of AF in modified rendering trailers may allow for a safe and reliable method that allows for the expedient and mobile depopulation of both small and large numbers of sows during an emergency.

Biodegradation of acid red 3BN dye in sequential batch reactor: parameters and kinetics studies

Abstract Textile and dye industries generate wastewater which is considered as highly polluted and carcinogenic. Due to this, treatment of wastewater is required earlier to discharge or recycle. In the present studies, treatment of dye bearing water (DBW) has been explored. The treatment was performed using activated sludge (mixed culture) for aerobic process in sequential batch reactor (SBR). The fill volume (V F) and fill time (t F) variation in the treatment of DBW was taken place. The initial value of dye concentration, chemical oxygen demand (COD), sludge, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) were found to play important role in the treatment. At optimum condition (HRT = 2.5 d), the 86.84% COD reduction of 190 mg/L COD, and 92.33% dye reduction of 339 mg/L dye were achieved. These values are equal to overall 94.85% dye reduction of 500 mg/L, and 93.15% COD reduction of 380 mg/L. As a result, 500 mg/L dye was reduced to 26 mg/L, and 380 mg/L COD was reduced to 25 mg/L. The biodegradation fitted to Monod kinetics, for which kinetics parameter values of specific growth rate constant of biomass µ = 0.0047 h−1, yield coefficient (Y) = 1.059, and substrate utilization rate (q) = 0.0044 h−1 were evaluated at HRT = 2.5 d. The results show, this process can be applied to treat Acid Red 3BN Dye Water (AR3BNDW).

Liquid pump-enabled hydrogen refueling system for heavy duty fuel cell vehicles: Fuel cell bus refueling demonstration at Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA)

We have demonstrated a hydrogen (H2) refueling solution capable of delivering precooled, compressed gaseous hydrogen for heavy duty vehicle (HDV) refueling applications by refueling transit buses over a three-month period under real-world conditions. The system uses a submerged pump to deliver pressurized liquid H2 from a cryogenic storage tank to a dispensing control loop that vaporizes the liquid and adjusts the pressure and temperature of the resulting gas to enable refueling at 35 MPa and temperatures as low as −40 °C, consistent with the SAE J2601 standard. Using our full-scale mobile refueler, we completed 118 individual bus filling events using 13 different vehicles, involving a total of 3,700 kg of H2 dispensed. We report filling statistics from the entire campaign, details on individual fills (including fill times, final state of charge, benefits of pre-cooled fills, and back-to-back filling capabilities), and discuss transit agency feedback on technology performance. In our final test, the system successfully completed an endurance test using a single dispenser involving 52 consecutive individual fills over an 11.5-h period, dispensing 1,322 kg of H2 with an average fill rate of 3.4 kg/min and peak rate of 7.1 kg/min, and reaching an average SOC of 97.6% across all fills.

Los implantes cocleares en América latina

Los implantes cocleares en América latina

PD27-09 REPEATABILITY OF FILL RATE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN BLADDER SENSATION CURVES DURING ORAL HYDRATION STUDIES

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (PD27)1 Sep 2021PD27-09 REPEATABILITY OF FILL RATE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN BLADDER SENSATION CURVES DURING ORAL HYDRATION STUDIES Devina Thapa, Rui Li, William R. Visser, Annika C. King, Lauren N. Siff, John E. Speich, and Adam P. Klausner Devina ThapaDevina Thapa More articles by this author , Rui LiRui Li More articles by this author , William R. VisserWilliam R. Visser More articles by this author , Annika C. KingAnnika C. King More articles by this author , Lauren N. SiffLauren N. Siff More articles by this author , John E. SpeichJohn E. Speich More articles by this author , and Adam P. KlausnerAdam P. Klausner More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002020.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Because of the invasiveness, patient risk, and cost of urodynamic testing, non-invasive oral hydration protocols have been developed to evaluate overactive bladder (OAB). In addition, a tablet-based Sensation Meter has been developed to track real-time bladder sensation during filling. Results from a previous 2-fill hydration study showed faster filling during the second fill and a corresponding right shift in the sensation-%capacity curve (Fig 1). The goal of this study was to validate the repeatability of a changes in bladder sensation curves due to changes in fill rate during multiple visits of a comparative-fill hydration protocol. METHODS: Healthy volunteers with no urgency symptoms based on the International Consultation on Incontinence OAB Questionnaire (ICIq-OAB scores of 0 on question 5a and ≤1 on all others) participated in a hydration study. Participants drank 2L of Gatorade G2 and completed two fill-void cycles while they used a touch-screen Sensation Meter to record real-time bladder fullness sensation from 0 to 100%. The study was repeated during two visits (A & B) one week apart. Abdominal ultrasound imaging was used to measure bladder volume every 5 min during filling. Fill rates were calculated as (void+post void residual)/fill time. Sensation data were sampled at every 5% capacity to develop sensation-%capacity curves (Fig 1). Area-under-the-curve (AUC) analysis for the 2nd plus 3rd quartiles of capacity was used to quantify changes in the sensation-capacity curves due to fill rate and across different visits for each participant. RESULTS: The study included 20 participants (12 women, 8 men). The fill rate for Fill 2 was greater than Fill 1 (17 vs 8 ml/min, p<0.05). Based on AUC analysis, a right shift (decrease in AUC) in the sensation-%capacity curve from Fill 1 to Fill 2 was observed in 18/20 participants in Visit A and in 19/20 participants in Visit B (Fig 1). The expected right shift in the curve was repeatable in 18/20 (90%) participants. CONCLUSIONS: This study validated the repeatability of predicted effects of bladder fill rate on patient-reported real-time bladder sensation during oral hydration studies. This data could potentially be used in the development novel bladder sensation phenotypes. Source of Funding: NIH Grant R01DK101719 © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e447-e447 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Devina Thapa More articles by this author Rui Li More articles by this author William R. Visser More articles by this author Annika C. King More articles by this author Lauren N. Siff More articles by this author John E. Speich More articles by this author Adam P. Klausner More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Coronary Sinus Filling Time in Patients with Angina and Normal Coronary Angiography in Zagazig University Hospitals

Background: Dysfunction of the coronary microcirculation may be one of the factors responsible for persistent anginal symptoms. Noninvasive as well as invasive modes for assessing microcirculation have yielded inconsistent results. Aim of work: To determine the usefulness of coronary sinus filling time (CSFT) for assessment of microcirculatory transit time in the coronary circulation. Subjects and methods: A case-control study carried out in the Cardiology Department, Zagazig University Hospital on 57 patients divided into three groups: Group A included diabetics with angina, Group B included non-diabetics with angina, and Group C included control group. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, general examination and local cardiac examination. 12 Lead ECG, stress ECG (treadmill test), transthoracic echocardiography and coronary angiography were done. Results: regarding CSFT in group A the mean was 5.247 ± 0.562, in group B the mean was 4.635 ± 0.224 sec and in group C the mean was 3.295 ± 0.525 sec. There were significant difference between group A and control group (P < 0.001), between group B and control group (P < 0.001) and between group A and group B (P < 0.001). There were statistically significant relation between prolongation of coronary sinus filling time and presence of comorbid hypertension (P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (P < 0.05), Family History of CAD (P < 0.001) and obesity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The coronary sinus filling time is a useful method for assessment of microcirculatory transit time in the coronary circulation. The prolongation of coronary sinus filling time is significantly associated with the presence of diabetes mellitus.

Potential barriers to filling buprenorphine and naltrexone prescriptions among a retrospective cohort of individuals with opioid use disorder

IntroductionMedications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are highly effective, but barriers along the cascade of care for opioid use disorder (OUD) from diagnosis to treatment limit their reach. For individuals desiring MOUD, the final step in the cascade is filling a written prescription, and fill rates have not been described. MethodsWe used data from a large de-identified database linking individuals' electronic medical records (EMR) and administrative claims data and employed a previously developed algorithm to identify individuals with a new diagnosis of OUD. We included individuals with a prescription for buprenorphine or naltrexone recorded in the EMR. The outcome was a prescription fill within 30 days as reported in claims data. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics between those who did and did not fill the prescription and used a Kaplan-Meier curve to assess whether fill rates differed based on patient copay. ResultsWe identified 264 individuals with a new diagnosis of OUD who had a prescription written for buprenorphine or oral naltrexone. Of these, 70% (184) filled the prescription within 30 days, and more than half (57%) filled the prescription on the day it was written. Individuals with prescription copay at or below the mean had a 75% fill rate at 30 days compared with 63% for those with copay above the mean (p < 0.05) and this difference was consistent across fill times (log rank p-value <0.05). ConclusionsIt is alarming that nearly 1 in 3 MOUD prescriptions go unfilled. More research is needed to understand and reduce barriers to this final step of the OUD cascade of care.

Study on driving waveform design process for multi-nozzle piezoelectric printhead in material-jetting 3D printing

Purpose Material-jetting (MJ) three-dimensional (3D) printing processes are competitive due to their printing resolution and printing speed. Driving waveform design of piezoelectric printhead in MJ would affect droplet formation and performance, but there are very limited studies on it besides patents and know-hows by commercial manufacturers. Therefore, in this research, the waveform design process to efficiently attain suitable parameters for a multi-nozzle piezoelectric printhead was studied. Therefore, this research aims to study the waveform design process to efficiently attain suitable parameters for a multi-nozzle piezoelectric printhead. Design/methodology/approach Ricoh’s Gen4L printhead was adopted. A high-speed camera captured pictures of jetted droplets and droplet velocity was calculated. The waveforms included single-, double- and triple-pulse trapezoidal patterns. The effects of parameters were investigated and the suitable ones were determined based on the avoidance of satellite drops and preference of higher droplet velocity. Findings In a single-pulse waveform, an increase of fill time (Tf) decreased the droplet velocity. The maximum velocity happened at the same pulse width, the sum of fill time and hold time (Tf + Th). In double- and triple-pulse, a voltage difference (Vd) above zero in the holding stage was adopted except the last pulse to avoid satellite drops. Suitable parameters for the selected resin were obtained and the time-saving design process was established. Research limitations/implications Based on the effects of parameters and observed data trends, suggested procedures to determine suitable parameters were proposed with fewer experiments. Practical implications This study has verified the feasibility of suggested design procedures on another resin. The required number of trials was reduced significantly. Originality/value This research investigated the process of driving waveform design for the multi-nozzle piezoelectric printhead. The suggested procedures of finding suitable waveform parameters can reduce experimental trials and will be applicable to other MJ 3D printers when new materials are introduced.

A two-stage optimization methodology for gate and vent locations and distribution media layout for liquid composite molding process

The resin flow control strategies of the Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) process are affected by the mold geometry, resin, and preform properties as well as the process parameters such as the gate and vent locations and the placement of a highly permeable layer on the top of the preform. To achieve a successful mold filling process with a minimum level of macro void content and fill time with viscosity variation and the significant flow disturbances due to the race-tracking, a robust and computationally efficient optimization methodology is necessary. In this study, a new two-stage optimization methodology is proposed for successful and accelerated resin impregnation in the LCM process. The two-stage optimization approach provides a robust control tool for successful resin impregnation by mitigating the process-induced risks. The first stage of the optimization is carried out by choosing optimum locations for multiple gates and vents to reduce the void content of the part and fill time of the impregnation as the objectives by considering viscosity variation as a function of time and race-tracking occurrence. Subsequently, the second stage of the optimization is implemented to determine optimum layout for highly permeable distribution media (DM) whereby the resin flow is enhanced thereby leading to the achievement of the target void content and fill time. Genetic algorithm (GA) and Tree Search Algorithm are combined in a sequentially to find the optimum arrangement of gates and vents locations as well as DM layout. The two-stage optimization approach reduces the complexity of a single cycle optimization process which is composed of highly coupled constraints (void content, fill time, gate/vent locations, and DM layout) and thereby results in a robust methodology that ensures targeted void content and minimum fill time with reduced computational cost.

Reference values for left and right ventricular systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio (SDR) found using both spectral and tissue Doppler of fetal heart between 20 and 36+6weeks of gestation.

To establish reference values for the systolic-to-diastolic duration ratio (SDR) of the left ventricle (LV) using spectral Doppler, as well as for the SDR' of the interventricular septum (SEP), LV, and right ventricles (RV) using tissue Doppler of the fetal heart. This prospective and cross-sectional study evaluated 374 low-risk singleton pregnancies from 20 to 36+6weeks of gestation. The ventricular filling time (FT) was obtained from LV inflow using spectral Doppler. Tissue Doppler was used to assess the FT of each ventricle by placing the cursor at the atrioventricular junction marked by the mitral and tricuspid valves, respectively. SDR was calculated as the sum of the isovolumic contraction time (ICT) and the ejection time (ET) divided by the sum of the isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) and the ventricular FT. We used regression analysis to obtain the best-fit model polynomial equation for the parameters. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used to assess intra- and inter-observer reproducibility. SDR and SDR' LV showed a progressive decrease with gestational age (GA); the SDR' RV and SDR' SEP did not show a significant decrease with advancing GA. The SDR LV (r=0.29, p<0.0001), SDR' RV (r=0.21, p<0.0001), SDR' LV (r=0.20, p=0.0001), and SDR' SEP (r=0.25, p<0.0001) showed a significant weak positive correlation with fetal heart rate. The inter-observer SDR' SEP measurements demonstrated poor reproducibility (CCC: 0.50), whereas intra-observer SRD LV measurements demonstrated moderate reproducibility (CCC: 0.78). Reference values for SDR SEP, LV, and RV using spectral and tissue Doppler of fetal heart were established between 20 and 36+6weeks of gestation.

Fill Time Optimization Analysis In Flow Simulation Of Injection Molding Using Response Surface Method

This study focuses on the analysis of fill time by optimizing the injection molding parameters to reduce the defects that are always found on the plastics part such as poor weld line and part not completely filling which can contribute to mechanical properties of the plastic part. The parameters selected for this study are melting temperature, mold temperature, injection time, and the number of gate positions. Response Surface Method (RSM) was used to determine the most significant and optimum parameters on the fill time. From the result analysis, it is found that the injection time is the most significant parameter that affected the fill time with a 99% contribution. The result shows that there is no interaction between process parameters toward fill time which the injection time is the only major factor that affects the fill time. The improvement increases by 0.07% after the optimization process from 4.278s to 4.281s. The most optimum parameters to longer the injection time are mold temperature at 60°C, injection time at 4s, and the number of the gate with two gates position. Thus, the longer the injection time, it can reduce the defect of molded part in the injection molding process.

Unsteady Effects on NOx Measurements in Pulse Detonation Combustion

Emission measurements from unsteady combustion systems such as Pulse Detonation Combustion (PDC) are challenging due to the inherently large variations in pressure, temperature, composition, and flow velocity of the exhaust gas. Comparison of experimental data is additionally complicated by differences in operating conditions and gas sampling setup between different facilities. Qualitative considerations with regard to the sampling process from PDC, based on one-dimensional simulations, indicate a systematic influence of the sampling setup and extraction process on the resulting concentration measurements. Therefore, operating frequency, sample time, fill time, as well as PDC outlet and probe geometry were varied experimentally in order to assess the degree to which each of these parameters impact the resulting measured {rm NO}_{rm x} in order to better inform researchers of these effects when making measurements. It was shown that measured {rm NO}_{rm x} emissions can vary significantly depending on the choice of these parameters and therefore care must be exercised in order to reduce the influence of the sampling technique when aiming for comparable results.

Efficacy of New Zeolite-Based Hemostatic Gauze in a Gunshot Model of Junctional Femoral Artery Hemorrhage in Swine

BackgroundThis work sought to (1) establish a reliable gunshot model of junctional femoral artery rupture in swine that accurately simulates field rescue conditions and (2) use the gunshot model to compare the efficacy and ease of application of zeolite nanometer hemostatic gauze with other hemostatic materials. MethodsThirty-six healthy landrace swine (body weight 50 ± 5 kg) were randomly divided into three groups which were treated with Combat Gauze (CG), FeiChuang hemostatic gauze (FG), or standard medical gauze (SG). A gunshot model of femoral artery hemorrhage in landrace swine was used with portable ultrasound to accurately position the wound. After the shooting, when mean arterial pressure of swine decreased by at least 30% for 10 s, wounds were pressed with standard packing (39 g) of gauze materials for 3 min to stop bleeding, then bandaged with pressure. Blood samples were taken 15 min before injury, then 10 min, 30 min, and 60 min after injury to determine hemodynamic, coagulation, and arterial blood gas indexes. Wound temperatures were taken at 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, and 60 min after injury, and survival times were recorded. The volume of blood loss and survival time were used to evaluate hemostatic effect, whereas the fill time, wound temperature, and physiological indexes were used to evaluate the safety and operation of the product. ResultsThe CG (11.15 ± 3.09 mL/kg) and FG (12.19 ± 3.5 mL/kg) groups had significantly less blood loss than the SG group (16.8 ± 5.14 mL/kg) (P = 0.04; P = 0.039, respectively). After gauze packing, bleeding in CG (5.85 ± 1.17 mL/kg) and FG (5.37 ± 0.93 mL/kg) groups remained significantly lower than that of the SG group (6.93 ± 1.03 mL/kg) (P = 0.011; P = 0.003, respectively). Wound temperature rose with time for all groups (P < 0.001). The wound temperatures in the FG group and the CG group were significantly higher than that of the SG group (P = 004 and 0.009, respectively). Survival rates and times were not significantly different among the three groups, although the FG group had the longest average survival time (standard deviation [SD] 204.8 s), compared with the SG group (SD 177.8 s) and CG (SD 187.5 s) groups. No significant differences in hemodynamics, blood gas, and coagulation were observed among the three groups. ConclusionsThe gunshot model of junctional femoral arterial hemorrhage guided by ultrasound had high accuracy for femoral arterial rupture by bullet wound and provided consistent and reproducible field-simulation conditions for comparison of hemostatic materials. FeiChuang zeolite hemostatic gauze effectively controlled bleeding as well as combat gauze, without excessive heat as found in other zeolite-based products. However, improvements to application technique, such as a packing device, are needed to improve operating time.

Analysis of the pediatric surgery fellowship application process using the Thalamus™ database

BackgroundThe pediatric surgery fellowship interview process is costly and time intensive. We hypothesized that the increasing number of interviews completed by applicants and programs have become inefficient over time. MethodsWe analyzed pediatric surgery fellowship program and applicant interview data between 2018 and 2020. Cancellations, program fill time, regional analysis of programs and applicants, and program rank list data were also captured. Analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square analysis. ResultsOur dataset included 34, 41, and 45 programs, which represented 81%, 91%, and 97% of all programs in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. The median number of interviews completed per program remained constant, while the median number of interviews per applicant increased from 9.0 in 2018 to 13.0 in 2020. For 75% of programs, a program required only 4 or less candidates to fill their position. On average, 96% of program interviews do not result in a matched candidate. ConclusionsPrograms offer interviews out of proportion to the number of positions available, and most applicants attend all interviews offered. We recommend an initial program goal of 20 interviews, which may be achieved by increased use of virtual interviews and the creation of program-level data on ideal applicant profiles.

Evaluation of the Fetal Left Ventricular Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) by Using an Automated Measurement of Doppler Signals in Normal Pregnancies.

The myocardial performance index is widely used as an indicator of the heart’s performance. However, due to the subjective nature of ultrasonic testing, there are differences in the measurements among inspectors, requiring a quantitative and objective assessment. In this study, an automated program was developed to quantitatively evaluate the myocardial performance index (MPI) and the cardiac time intervals in the left ventricle for each trimester. One hundred and thirty-three pregnant women who visited the hospital for prenatal examinations were studied, and skilled inspectors obtained left ventricular blood flow waveforms from 47 fetuses in the 12 weeks, 54 fetuses in the 22 weeks, and 32 fetuses in the 31 weeks of pregnancy using a pulse Doppler mode of ultrasound equipment. The acquired images automatically measured the isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT,) ejection time (ET), and filling time (FT), and calculated the Tei index (TI) and the K-index (KI); each interval was manually measured during the actual inspection for comparison. In this study, the ultrasonic Doppler waveform was objectively analyzed and measured by the automated program, and it will help with the evaluation of fetal heart function.

Exercise induced worsening of mechanical heterogeneity and diastolic impairment in Long QT syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Left ventricular (LV) mechanical dispersion and prolonged myocardial contraction are associated with symptoms in long QT syndrome (LQTS) mutation carriers. Sub-clinical LV diastolic impairment has also been reported in this group. Purpose To investigate at rest and during exercise the combined effect of prolonged myocardial contraction and increased mechanical dispersion on myocardial diastolic function and symptoms in LQTS subjects. Methods 47 LQTS patients (36 LQT1, 11 LQT2) underwent a bicycle exercise test in semi-supine position. ECG and echo parameters were recorded at rest, peak exercise (p.e) and were compared with 35 healthy individuals. Results No difference was seen between LQTS and control subjects for age (45 ± 15 vs 47 ± 13 years, p = 0.2), gender (53 vs 54% females, p = 0.3) or LV Ejection Fraction (65 ± 6 vs 67 ± 7%, p = 0.3). LQTS subjects, compared to controls, had not only prolonged QTc interval, but also longer contraction duration (tGLS), total isovolumic time (t-IVT), delayed early relaxation phase (tESR) and markedly decreased filling time (FT) at rest and p.e. Unlike controls, these electromechanical disturbances deteriorated further with exercise, during which additional decrease of the LV systolic (GLS) and diastolic myocardial function (ESR) and attenuated LV stroke volume response (Δ SV: +2 ± 0.5 vs +4 ± 1 vs +32 ± 4%, p&amp;lt; 0.0001) were noted. Such abnormal response to exercise was of greater degree in symptomatic patients and in the LQT1 subgroup and appeared to be amplified by b-blocker therapy (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Worsening myocardial contraction dispersion (SD-tGLS) at p.e was the strongest discriminator for previous clinical events (AUC 0.960, 95% CI 0.020 - 0.995, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and its discriminating power excelled further by adding early relaxation delay. Conclusions Our findings suggest that in LQTS subjects prolonged and dyssynchronous mechanical contraction during exercise may be associated with inadequate cardiac output increase and symptoms. Table 1. REST PEAK LQT CONTROL p- LQT CONTROL p- QTc (ms) 453 ± 42 413 ± 17 &amp;lt; 0.0001 455 ± 44 390 ± 19 &amp;lt; 0.0001 GLS (%) 17.3 ± 4.3 18.7 ± 1.3 0.05 19.1 ± 32.6 23.5 ± 11.6 0.0001 tGLS (%) 47 ± 7.2 42 ± 6.3 0.0001 58.7 ± 10 40.1 ± 5.8 &amp;lt; 0.0001 ESR (%) 1 ± 0.3 2 ± 0.3 &amp;lt; 0.0001 1.1 ± 0.4 2.8 ± 0.4 &amp;lt; 0.0001 tESR (%) 61.4 ± 6.8 58.7 ± 4.1 0.03 69.7 ± 5.9 56.1 ± 2.9 &amp;lt; 0.0001 SD TGLS (ms) 58 ± 8 31 ± 8 &amp;lt; 0.0001 61 ± 8 24 ± 10 &amp;lt; 0.0001 Exercise response in long QT syndrome patients and controls

Simulation of melt temperature on quality of Pepsodent toothbrush products in injection molding process using Ansys software

Shrinkage is a defect in the form of a change in the dimensions of the product as a result of the injection molding process. Cooling mold is one of the factors that influence shrinkage product defects. Cooling the mold is done using a fluid medium (water cooling). The test was carried out using polypropylene material with constant parameter set-up such as injection time of 2 seconds, injection pressure of 10 MPa, coolant temperature of 22, 24, and 26 °C and melt temperatures of 190, 200 and 210 °C. Simulation uses Ansys transient software using the finite element method to analyze the average temperature in the product cavity. Simulation was using Pepsodent toothbrush products. Simulation result shows the best product quality with a product quality value produces a fill time value of 3.19 seconds with a predictive quality of 68.5% and has a weld line of 0.0115 °, a cooling time of 13.8 seconds and a shrinkage value of 0.008 mm. Simulation results show that the optimal product quality values are found in the set-up parameters of 24 °C coolant temperature, 200 °C melt temperature and 41.3 °C mold temperature. Product quality safety factor indicates that the product is in a good category. This means that the value of product quality is influenced by the mold cooler temperature and along with the increase in the mold temperature, which causes the mold cooling temperature is not constant.

The Effect of Enrichment Filling and Engagement Time on Regurgitation and Reingestion Behaviour in Three Zoo-Housed Orangutans

Regurgitation and reingestion (R/R) is a prevalent, abnormal behaviour observed in captive great apes. R/R may be related to animal welfare and while less R/R appears to occur when apes are provided with browse and continuous foraging opportunities, the aetiology of the behaviour (e.g., foraging time or taste characteristics such as sweetness) is not well understood. This study aimed to determine how environmental enrichment may affect R/R in three zoo-housed, adult orangutans. Over eight weeks, nine fillable enrichment items were provided twice to each orangutan–once with a sweet filling and once with a savoury filling. Enrichment engagement time and R/R behaviour were monitored for 1-h after the item was provided. Individual differences were found in R/R occurrence. One individual was more likely to perform R/R when given enrichment with a sweet filling (p &lt; 0.05), and a second was more likely to R/R with savoury filled enrichment (p &lt; 0.05). R/R behaviour from the third orangutan was unaffected by enrichment filling (p &gt; 0.05), however he engaged longer with savoury filled enrichment, compared to sweet (p &lt; 0.05). No relationship was found between engagement time and amount of R/R behaviour, for any of the orangutans (p &gt; 0.05). While these results should not be generalized without a larger study, they do suggest that diet and enrichment qualities may play a role in the performance of R/R, and individual variation should not be overlooked when considering causation.