Feeding Method Research Articles

Design and Manufacturing of Solar Operated Automatic Fish Feeder System

One of the most significant aqua cultural endeavors to date is fish farming. Traditionally, the majority of fish feeding is done by hand, requiring the transportation of people to the feeding location. Fish feeding by hand requires more work, money, and time. Following an extensive survey of farmers across various regions regarding their approaches to fish farming, the Auto Switch Food Feeder, which utilizes new technologies to replace traditional farming methods, will automate farming practices. The design of the solar-powered fish feeder will be based on certain parameters, such as the capacity of the culture tank, stocking density, fish biomass, and feed diameter. Additionally, a user-friendly interface that is compact and convenient for farming will be designed. In the current project, user interface design and timing controls are applied to automate feeding methods, which will significantly save labor costs and efforts while improving the quality of fish feeding. Key Words: Fish Farming, Automatic feeding, automation etc.

The Knowledge and Practice of ICU Nurses Regarding Enteral Nutrition

Background: Enteral nutrition is a critical aspect of care for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) who cannot consume food orally. Understanding the practices and knowledge of ICU nurses regarding enteral nutrition is essential for ensuring effective patient care and outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of ICU nurses regarding enteral nutrition and identify any gaps that could potentially impact patient care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, using purposive sampling to recruit 142 ICU nurses. Data were collected over a nine-month period using a validated questionnaire designed to evaluate the nurses' knowledge and practices concerning enteral nutrition. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25, focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to understand the trends and associations within the data. Results: The study revealed that 65% of nurses correctly identified pancreatitis as an indication for starting enteral nutrition. However, 73% incorrectly believed that a continuous drip method of enteral feeding does not require a pump. Furthermore, 63% recognized tube dislodgement as a complication, yet 57% either did not know or incorrectly handled protocols for flushing enteral feeding tubes before use. The assessment of nasogastric tube placement every 24 hours was misunderstood by 57% of the participants. Conclusion: The findings indicate a considerable deficiency in the knowledge and practices of ICU nurses regarding enteral nutrition, with significant implications for patient care. There is a clear need for targeted educational programs and updated protocols to enhance the skills and understanding of nurses in this crucial area.

Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices.

Slow feeding devices (SFDs) are useful tools in order to improve the horse well-being and to reduce wastage, but their use may result in unnatural posture during feeding and frustration behaviours. Moreover, it may be important to evaluate the laterality during feeding. The aim of the study was to investigate ponies' feeding behaviour (i.e., lateralisation, frustration, postural eating style) with different hay feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled hay net (HF), a partially filled hay net (HL), and a slow feeder hay box (HB). Nine ponies of two different breed types (Shetland and Welsh/Cob) were evaluated. Video recordings were obtained and then behavioural analysis was conducted. Data were analysed statistically using k-means cluster analysis, repeated measurement mixed model procedure, principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Head tilting was more often performed during feeding from HF and HL compared to G and HB. Forelimb forward, referring to the position that ponies assumed during feeding, was performed less frequently with the hay nets. Ponies, in particular Welsh/Cobs, tended to be more left-lateralized and performed more backward ears when feeding from the hay nets. Blink rate was observed to be greater when ponies were fed from G. No head pushing, striking with forelimb and pawing while feeding was seen. Animals fed from HF tended to eat from the top of the hay net and consequently showed an arched neck; while HL and HB showed for elongated neck an intermediate pattern between G and HF. From our results, HB seemed to be a useful compromise between natural feeding on the ground and the use of hay nets.

Postpartum depression and risk factors among working women one year after delivery in Beijing, China: a cross-sectional study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common mental illness affecting women after childbirth, and working mothers may be faced with unique challenges. This study aimed to examine the depression status among working postpartum women in 1 year of childbirth and explore the relationship between occupational factors and PPD in urban Beijing, China. A cross-sectional survey of 554 postpartum women was conducted among ten community health service centers in six urban districts of Beijing, China. Sociodemographic, occupational, childbirth and postpartum information were collected. Depression status was obtained using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) was assessed in relation to occupational characteristics, and influencing factors were analyzed through logistic regression. Of the postpartum women, 29.42% met the criteria for depression. PPD prevalence was significantly higher among women employed in commercial enterprises (39.81%). The analysis of influencing factors showed that age, family or personal monthly income, maternity leave, feeding methods, and postpartum care affected the psychological health of occupational women after childbirth. PPD prevalence is notably elevated among women employed in commercial enterprises, and specific risk factors contribute to its occurrence. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these risk factors and prevent PPD in this population.

Relative predation intensity of an intertidal gastropod on artificial coastal defense structures.

Despite seawalls becoming ubiquitous coastal features, and having some physical similarities to natural rocky shores, it remains unclear how these urban habitats influence predator-prey interactions. Predators can affect intertidal mobile prey densities through two pathways: (1) successful predation directly influences prey mortality rates, and (2) direct and indirect effects of predation can scare and induce motile prey to seek safer areas. In this study, we investigated whether intertidal predators affect the density of the marine gastropod, Nerita undata, at four seawall sites in Singapore. Using a tethering method that we developed, we monitored the mortality and other evidence of predation (shell state) of tethered N. undata. Field experiments revealed high (22.5%-82.5%) predation potential of N. undata across the four sites, with significantly higher predation risk at lower shore heights and for snails with mixed shell coloration. Observations and analysis of the shell state after 3 days showed that predation on seawalls was primarily by crushing predators such as fish. Other predators of N. undata include predatory snails, with various feeding methods that left behind different predator signatures. Our results add substantially to the limited knowledge on predator-prey interactions on seawalls, particularly for Nerita undata, and suggest that seawall systems are more dynamic than previously thought. This further highlights the role of these artificial structures as important habitats and feeding grounds in urban coastal ecosystems.

Effect of Foliar Spraying of Magnesium and Manganese on Growth and Productivity Vocabulary of Bean Plants (Vicia faba L.)

Objectives: Due to the large number of problems with the readiness of some mineral elements in most of the lands of Iraq due to several factors that limit their movement and readiness, which has a negative impact on the plants, therefore, researchers have turned to using modern methods and methods for the purpose of adopting them in supplying plants with the necessary nutrients for continued growth and achieving productivity. One of these methods is the foliar feeding method, in order to study the effect of foliar spraying of the elements magnesium and manganese on the growth and productivity of the bean plant (Luz De Otono). Methods: A field experiment was implemented during the 2022-2023 season in Al-Muthanna Governorate - Al-Majd district, which is (7 km) north of the governorate, where magnesium was sprayed at four concentrations: 0, 40, 80 and 120 mg Mg liter-1) of manganese in three concentrations (0, 20 and 40 mg Mn liter-1). The experiment was applied using a completely randomized block design (R.C.B.D). Results: The results showed that spraying magnesium at the highest concentration of 120 mg Mg l-1 led to a significant effect on plant height and biological yield, with rates of increases reaching 5.95% and 16.84%, respectively, compared to the comparison treatment, while spraying at a concentration of 80 mg Mg l-1 had a significant effect and gave the highest rate of height. Pod and total seed yield, with averages of 20.37 cm and 2.53 tons ha-1 compared to the comparison treatment, which gave the lowest averages of 19.36 cm and 1.97 tons ha-1 for the traits respectively It was noted from the results that increasing the manganese concentration to 40 mg Mn liter-1 led to a significant increase in plant height, biological yield, and harvest index, as it gave averages of 60.08 cm, 6.62 tons ha-1, and 40.10% for the traits, respectively, compared to the no-spraying treatment. The interaction between magnesium and manganese had a significant effect on plant height, as the combination of the highest concentration of magnesium with manganese (Mg3 x Mn2) gave average of 63.08 cm. Conclusions: Spraying with the highest concentration of magnesium resulted in a significant improvement in physiological traits.

A compact ultra‐wide‐beam quasi‐coaxial‐structure fed crossed‐dipole

AbstractA compact ultra‐wide‐beam crossed‐dipole antenna for K‐band phased arrays is proposed. The superior wide beamwidth is achieved by loading four vertical parasitic structures around the dipole patches. A quasi‐coaxial feeding structure is proposed as the antenna size is limited in K‐band, and it cannot be coaxially fed by the conventional feeding method. This structure is constructed by using PCB through‐plated vias, achieving a compact design. The antenna has a compact size of 0.37λ × 0.37λ × 0.35λ (λ is the free space wavelength). The simulated and measured results show that a half‐power beamwidth of more than 140° (from −71° to 72°) and an axial ratio beamwidth of 100° (from −51° to 49°) can be realized.

The behaviour of plastic particles during pyrolysis in bubbling fluidized bed reactors: Incipient agglomeration and axial segregation

Plastic-fluidized bed interaction has been investigated by non-invasive X-ray imaging techniques in the temperature range of 500–650 °C and under pyrolysis conditions. Experiments were conducted by feeding a single polypropylene particle using either overbed or underbed feeding methods. The fluidized bed was operated from minimum fluidization conditions to bubbling regime, up to 2Umf. Interestingly, experimental observations show that the understanding of the mixing/segregation behaviour of polypropylene in a hot fluidized bed does not appear to be as straightforward as in the case of more conventional feedstocks, such as biomass. Further analysis and an alternative point of view to investigate the complex behaviour observed for plastic feedstock have been provided. The interaction between the fluidized bed and a single polypropylene particle was modelled by means of an axial segregation model, and a physics-assisted stochastic approach. In the second case, it was possible to simulate the formation of the sand-plastic agglomerate (incipient agglomeration stage) and the evolution of its density over time. The models were then validated by means of axial segregation data obtained via X-ray imaging techniques and by measuring the physical properties of real sand-polypropylene agglomerates produced within the bed operating at high temperatures. Results obtained in this study show that the unpredictable sinking-floating behaviour of the plastic particles is not related to the change in density associated to the formation of the sand-polypropylene agglomerates over time.

Maternal self-esteem and self-efficacy as factors affecting maternal long-term breastfeeding: Α comprehensive review of the literature

Background: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal feeding method for infants, providing numerous health benefits, both for the infant and the mother. Numerous factors have been noted to influence its success, and currently, maternal self-esteem and more particularly self-efficacy, have been recognized as important determinants as well. To this end, it is essential to take into account the role of maternal self-esteem in achieving and sustaining breastfeeding. Methods: This review of the current medical literature aims to investigate the correlation between maternal self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration. A total of 23 articles were selected for comprehensive review, following an online search for relevant literature dating from 2009 onward. All articles were analyzed, identifying key themes, approaches, and conclusions regarding breastfeeding behaviors and maternal self-efficacy. Results: The findings consistently demonstrated that higher levels of maternal self-efficacy were associated with better breastfeeding outcomes, including longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions targeting self-efficacy, such as educational programs and counseling, were found to be effective in enhancing breastfeeding self-confidence and promoting prolonged breastfeeding. However, it was observed that maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy tends to decline over time, highlighting the need for continuous support and interventions. Conclusions: Maternal self-esteem, particularly self-efficacy, is vital in achieving long-term breastfeeding goals. Interventions and support programs that enhance maternal self-efficacy have shown promise in improving breastfeeding outcomes. Ongoing support, counseling, and access to breastfeeding resources are crucial for maintaining and improving self-efficacy levels throughout the breastfeeding journey. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should consider incorporating strategies to enhance maternal self-esteem into breastfeeding support initiatives for better breastfeeding outcomes. Further research is required to explore cultural and social influences on maternal self-esteem and develop tailored interventions for diverse populations

Assessing Feeding Practices and Bottle-Feeding Trends: A Holistic Analysis of Infant and Child Nutrition in Pediatric Department of CMCH Larkana

Background: Breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal method for infant nutrition, yet bottle feeding remains prevalent due to various socio-economic and cultural factors. In Pakistan, understanding the dynamics between maternal demographics, infant feeding practices, and healthcare accessibility is essential for improving child health outcomes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate infant feeding practices, particularly the prevalence of bottle feeding, among mothers in a pediatric department in Pakistan, identifying the socio-demographic factors influencing these practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to March 2024 at the Department of Pediatrics, SMBB Medical University, Children's Hospital, Larkana. We utilized non-probability purposive sampling to enroll 650 mothers. Data were collected through structured proformas focusing on demographics, feeding practices, and healthcare utilization. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 to assess correlations between feeding methods and maternal characteristics. Results: Among the mothers surveyed, 86% reported using bottle feeding. The age distribution of infants showed 43% (0–5 months), 28% (6–11 months), and 29% (12–23 months). Educational status of mothers varied, with 38% having no formal education. Antenatal care was received by 44% of participants, while postnatal care was slightly higher at 45%. Breastfeeding counseling was received by only 41% of mothers, with 31% informed about the disadvantages of bottle feeding. Conclusion: The high rate of bottle feeding and the substantial gaps in antenatal and postnatal care highlight the need for targeted healthcare interventions to promote breastfeeding and enhance maternal and child health services. Improved counseling on feeding practices and better healthcare access are critical for addressing the health needs of this population.

EVALUATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND RESULTS OF PATIENTS FOLLOWED IN THE PALLIATIVE CARE CENTER

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the nutritional status and results of the patients followed in the palliative care center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 250 consecutive patients who were hospitalized in the palliative care center were included in this study. The patients were grouped according to their nutritional status during hospitalization and discharge. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients subjected to this study is 73±19.22 years. Out of these patients, 125 are female. The average daily calorie requirement of the patients was calculated as 1463.71±21.55 kcal/day, while the maximum tolerated calorie intake was determined to be 1030.54 ±320.54 kcal/day in our patient (P =0.039). No significant change was detected between the calculated calories and the calories consumed by diabetic individuals (P = 0.083). When the nutritional patterns were examined, it was determined that 51.60 % of the patients were orally fed at the time of admission to the palliative care center, the rate of patients fed with a Percutan gastrostomy (PEG)/Percutan jejunostomy (PEJ)/nasogastric tube was 32.05%, and 13.21% of the patients fed total parenteral nutrition (TPN). 67.06% of the patients were discharged with oral feeding, 30.53% with PEG/PEJ/nasogastric tube and 4 (2.39%) with long-term TPN feeding methods. When the patients were divided into percentages according to their calorie consumption, we found that the hospitalization day was significantly shorter in the group consuming 0-25 percentile calories (P = 0.021) but had a significantly higher rate of mortality (%71.42) (P=0.018). In the group with 50-75 percentile calorie intake, mortality was observed significantly at the lowest rate during hospitalization, with 14 (13.59%) patients. (P=0.003). Infections (28.57%) were significantly higher in the 0-25 group (P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: At palliative care centers, besides end-of-life management, all needs of patients should be identified. Instead of making strict calorie calculations, it is necessary to develop new nutritional goals compatible with all patients.

Exercise perspective: Benefits and mechanisms of gut microbiota on the body.

Gut microbiota refers to the vast and diverse community of microorganisms residing in the intestines. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences (e.g., exercise, diet), and early life experiences (e.g., infant feeding methods) can all affect the ecological balance of gut microbiota within the body. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with extra-intestinal diseases such as Parkinson's syndrome, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that disturbances in gut microbiota may be one of the causes of these diseases. Exercise benefits various diseases, with gut microbiota playing a role in regulating the nervous, musculoskeletal, and immune systems. Gut microbiota can impact the body's health status through the gut-brain axis, gut-muscle axis, and immune pathways. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can increase the quantity of gut microbiota and change microbial abundance, although short-term exercise does not significantly affect the alpha diversity of the microbiota. Resistance exercise also does not have a significant regulatory effect on gut microbiota.

Assessment of the Carbon Footprint of Large Yellow Croaker Farming on the Aquaculture Vessel in Deep Sea in China

The present study conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the carbon emissions associated with large yellow croaker farming on Aquaculture Vessel “Conson No. 1”. The functional unit considered was 1 kg of fresh large yellow croakers delivered to a wholesaler. The life cycle of large yellow croaker farming on the aquaculture vessel was divided into five processes: feed production (FP), ship construction (SC), fingerling breeding (FB), adult fish farming (AF), and fish distribution (FD). Results showed that the carbon footprint (CF, kgCO2e/kg LW) for the complete life cycle amounted to 6.2170 kgCO2e/kg LW, while the CF per unit economic value of “Conson No. 1” large yellow croaker was estimated at 31 gCO2e/CNY. Among all processes, AF and FP had the highest CF contribution rates at 69.30% and 24.86%, respectively. Notably, energy consumption by aquaculture equipment on board emerged as the primary contributor across all sources of CF comparative analysis demonstrated that the CF of marine fish farming on the aquaculture vessel was lower than that of closed aquaculture systems’ average level and it was a viable option for implementing low-carbon aquaculture in the deep sea. In order to reduce energy consumption and promote a low-carbon economy in aquaculture vessels, several suggestions were proposed, including adjusting energy structure, enhancing energy efficiency, improving feed ratio, and optimizing feeding methods.

Use of Some Industrial Plants in Poultry

The rapid increase in the human population has also increased the demand for raw materials in many fields. The increasing population has brought along the problem of opening agricultural areas to settlement. For this reason, versatile plants that bring high efficiency from the unit area without harming the existing natural resources and can contribute in many fields such as food, textile, biofuel and animal nutrition arouse excitement among scientists. Industrial plants also provide the diversification of agriculture, enable the simultaneous development of plant and animal production, and make significant contributions to local economies, especially in developing countries. Industrial crops play a crucial role in various aspects of human society, economy, and sustainability. Their importance extends beyond food production and consumption, as they contribute to a wide range of industries and offer several benefits. One of these sectors which affected by industrial plants is poultry nutrition. Industrial crops are utilized to meet the energy, protein, vitamin, fibre, Omega-3, antioxidant, phytochemicals, phosphorous and mineral requirements of poultries. Such as soybeans, sunflower, maize, cottonseed and flax are widely used in the feeding of poultries. They serve as high-energy and protein sources, promoting healthy growth and productivity. These crops are specifically cultivated to provide essential nutrients and meet the dietary needs of poultries. As a conclusion, industrial crops serve as essential ingredients of poultry feeding methods, providing the crucial nutrients, energy, and protein required for the appropriate growth, development, and productivity of poultries. Their inclusion in diets ensures the optimal health and well-being of poultries in various agricultural settings. This review article has examined some important industrial plants as poultry feed.

Initial Impact of Different Feeding Methods on Feed Intake Time in Stabled Icelandic Horses.

The natural behaviour of horses is to spend the majority of their time on feed intake The feeding of stabled horses is, however, often far from that, as their feed intake is limited to their nutritional requirements. In order to approach their natural foraging time, it is important to extend the feed intake time of stabled horses. The aim of this study was to estimate if the feed intake time differs when feeding haylage in a haynet, hayball, metal corner manger, or from the box floor. The experimental design consisted of a Latin square, occurred across four days with four adult Icelandic horses and four treatments. Horses were stabled in individual boxes and fed 7 kg of high-energy haylage in two even meals while the intake time was recorded. The feed intake time per kg DM was shorter from the manger or the box floor than from a haynet or hayball (81 or 85 min versus 94 or 96 min; p < 0.05). It can be concluded that feeding haylage in a hayball or in a haynet can increase the feed intake time by 13% per day (12 min/kg DM/day) when compared to the more traditional methods. Thus, with simple alternatives, it is possible to extend the feed intake time of stabled horses.

Dysphagia in Ischaemic Stroke Patients: One Centre Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of dysphagia in patients with ischaemic stroke. It was crucial to evaluate the relationship between swallowing disorders and selected demographic and clinical indicators. Additionally, the association between various patient feeding methods and selected demographic and clinical factors was assessed. Based on the analysis of medical documentation, we identified the most important clinical parameters, including demographic data, the frequency of stroke risk factors, the location of the ischaemic lesion, cortical involvement, stroke severity as measured by the NIHSS (Nationale Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and the methods of feeding post-stroke patients. Dysphagia was observed in 65.9% of the patients in the study group. Hypertension was the most common chronic illness in the studied population of ischemic stroke patients (91.8% of patients). Diet modification (35.7%) and PEG (25%) were the frequent methods of feeding in patients with confirmed dysphagia. Age played a significant role in determining the feeding methods in patients with dysphagia. Patients with a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) tube were the oldest (79.37 ± 10.80) and 75% of them had pneumonia. Early identification of swallowing difficulties in stroke patients is critical in determining an appropriate and safe feeding plan, as well as initiating logopedics therapy to improve swallowing efficacy and minimize pulmonary complications.

Pony feeding management: the role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping.

In the last decade, haynets and slow feeders have been promoted as sustainable tools to improve the feeding management of horses and reduce forage waste, but little is known about their effects on ponies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different hay feeding methods on the ingestive behaviors, intake rate and mouth shaping of ponies belonging to two breed types, which are characterized by different head morphologies. Shetland type (SH, n = 5) and Welsh/Cob type (WC, n = 4) ponies were fed hay using four feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled haynet (HF), a partially filled haynet (HL), and a slow-feeder hay box (HB). Head morphology was measured for each pony. Video recordings were then made to apply geometric morphometrics and to perform behavioral analysis. The intake rate was measured for each pony and each feeding method. Data obtained with geometric morphometrics were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA). Behavioral data and intake rate measurements were analyzed using a mixed model, a post-hoc Tukey's test, a Pearson's correlation test, and a stepwise regression model. The geometric morphometrics results demonstrated that feeding method influenced mouth shaping (36% for G, 78% for HB, 77% for HF, 83% for HL, considering the total variance of shape) and affected the intake rate. Differences in mouth shaping and ingestive behaviors in SH and WC ponies also confirmed the role of morphology in feeding management. The HL proved to be the most effective tool to increase feeding consumption time when needed (5 h/kg for SH ponies and 3 h/kg for WC ponies, considering the intake time), although the HB may be the optimal choice to reduce the intake rate while maintaining a more natural posture. Future studies are suggested to fully understand how body size and morphology influence feeding in equine species.

Reasons Why Dog Owners Stop Feeding Raw Meat-Based Diets (RMBDs)—An Online Survey

Feeding raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. The concerns of veterinarians and scientists about this feeding method and its risks are topic of many publications. The present study aimed to determine why dog owners stop feeding raw diets and whether this change in diet is connected to health issues in dogs. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire in the German language. The survey included questions about the signalment and health status of the dog, past RMBDs, and the reasons behind the change in the diet or discontinuation of an RMBD. Questionnaires answered by 802 pet owners, each describing a single dog, were included in the final analysis. The three primary reasons to stop feeding an RMBD were intolerance of the diet (24%, n = 196/802), which was expressed exclusively in gastrointestinal signs, disease (20%, n = 163/802), which was a gastrointestinal disease in 64% (n = 104/163) of cases (13%, n = 104/802), and an unwillingness to eat the raw diet (15%, n = 117/802). Overall, 37% (n = 300) of all participants terminated feeding an RMBD due to gastrointestinal problems. Gastrointestinal problems are a significant reason for discontinuation of the RMBD. In cases of gastrointestinal complaints, a detailed diet history should be asked for, and a diet change should be considered as a solution.

Effective degradation of organic pollutants by CuFe@C composite derived from bimetallic MOFs synthesized through stepwise feeding method

In this work, Cu-Fe bimetal-embedded carbonaceous CuFe@C materials were prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis of CuFe-MOFs precursors synthesized through a facile two-step feeding approach. Through adjusting the reaction time of each feeding step, CuFe-MOFs of uniform dispersed crystals with controlled sizes were obtained. The carbonized composites were then applied to activate persulfate (PMS) for Reactive Brilliant Red X-3B (RBRX-3B) degradation in water. The removal rate of RBRX-3B was up to 98% in 40 min in the CuFe@C600/PMS system, indicating that the CuFe@C600 catalyst showed excellent sulfate radical-based oxidation (SR-AO) activity in the degradation process. The effects of PMS dosage, initial pH, RBRX-3B concentration on the degradation efficiency were investigated in detail. Based on quenching experiments, a possible mechanism for the CuFe@C600/PMS system was proposed. The catalyst had good reusability, in which the removal rate of RBRX-3B could attain 82% after 5 times of repeated recycling. It also showed satisfactory removal effect on other organic pollutants, i.e. Congo red, Methyl orange, Reactive blue and p-nitrophenol. This study provided a valuable strategy for the treatment of wastewater containing organic pollutants using MOFs-derived materials.

Navigating Nutritional Strategies: Permissive Underfeeding in Critically Ill Patients.

Nutritional support is a critical component of care for critically ill patients, impacting their recovery and overall prognosis. Traditional approaches to feeding in the intensive care unit (ICU) have focused on meeting estimated energy requirements, often resulting in unintended consequences such as overfeeding and associated complications. Permissive underfeeding, a concept gaining attention recently, offers a more controlled approach by intentionally providing fewer calories than traditionally recommended. This comprehensive review explores the rationale, evidence, and practical considerations surrounding permissive underfeeding in critically ill patients. We discuss the physiological basis of permissive underfeeding, its potential benefits in mitigating the risks of overfeeding, and the challenges associated with implementation in clinical practice. Through an analysis of critical studies and clinical trials, we evaluate the comparative effectiveness of permissive underfeeding versus traditional feeding methods and examine its impact on patient outcomes. Recommendations for patient selection, monitoring, and future research directions are provided to guide clinicians in optimizing nutritional support strategies for critically ill individuals. By considering the role of permissive underfeeding alongside traditional feeding approaches, healthcare professionals can tailor nutritional interventions to individual patient needs, ultimately improving outcomes in the ICU.