Rate Meter Research Articles

Carbon nanocomposites in the corrosion inhibition

Metal-carbon nanocomposites have been investigated as additives to enhance the protective effect of corrosion inhibitors. Two inhibitors were used as corrosion inhibitors. Inhibitor VNH-L-113 (1-morpholinomethylcyclohexylamine) belongs to Schiff bases, which are known as corrosion inhibitors in neutral and acidic media. Inhibitor SNPKh-1004 is often used in the practice of corrosion protection in the oil and gas industry. For research, an electrochemical method was applied using corrosion rate meters of the Monicor type. Neutral aqueous solution and water simulating the corrosive environment of oil fields were chosen as corrosive media. The result shows, that the copper-carbon nanocomposite enhances the protective effect of corrosion inhibitors of various chemical nature in various corrosive environments. The studies carried out make it possible to consider the use of metal-carbon nanocomposites as a promising direction for increasing the effectiveness of inhibitors in the oil and gas industry.

Preparation and Properties of Bio-Based Flame Retardant Polyvinyl Alcohol

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been widely used in the fields of medical, food and packaging due to its excellent biocompatibility, good fiber-forming and film-forming properties. However, the high flammability of PVA has greatly limited its wider applications. The flame-retardant PVA was prepared by melt blending of a bio-based flame retardant (prepared from lignin, phosphoric acid and carbamide) with thermoplastic PVA (TPVA). The chemical structure, morphology, thermal properties, mechanical properties, fire property and fluidity of this flame retardant PVA were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope(SEM), thermogravimetric analyzer(TGA), impact tester, universal testing machine, horizontal-vertical burning tester, limiting oxygen indexer(LOI) and melt flow rate meter(MFR). The results showed that the prepared flame retardant had good compatibility with the PVA substrate; The impact strength, melt flow rate, fire property and char residue of this PVA material increased with the content of bio-based flame retardant. When the content of flame retardant was of 20%, the five indices including impact strength, melt flow rate, UL-94 level, LOI and char residual were 11.3 KJ/m2, 21.2 g/10 min, V-0 UL-94 level, 33.1%, and 19.2%, respectively. This research can promote the high-value utilization of lignin and the application of PVA in the fields of fire protection.

REFINE (Rapid Feedback for quality Improvement in Neonatal rEsuscitation): an observational study of neonatal resuscitation training and practice in a tertiary hospital in Nepal

BackgroundSimulation-based training in neonatal resuscitation is more effective when reinforced by both practice and continuous improvement processes. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a quality improvement program combined with an innovative provider feedback device on neonatal resuscitation practice and outcomes in a public referral hospital of Nepal.MethodsA pre- and post-intervention study will be implemented in Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, a hospital with 8610 deliveries per year. The intervention package will include simulation-based training (Helping Babies Breathe) enhanced with a real-time feedback system (the NeoBeat newborn heart rate meter with the NeoNatalie Live manikin and upright newborn bag-mask with PEEP) accompanied by a quality improvement process. An independent research team will collect perinatal data and conduct stakeholder interviews.DiscussionThis study will provide further information on the efficiency of neonatal resuscitation training and implementation in the context of new technologies and quality improvement processes.Trial registrationhttps://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN18148368, date of registration-31 July 2018

Impact of Virtual Flow Rate Meter on Brushless DC Motor Based PV-Water Pumping System (Dept.E)

Photovoltaic (PV) water-pumping systems have considerable cost-effective value in rural zones. Virtual flow rate (VFR) meter is a technique to measure the water flow rate through a water pump using a numerical method as a function of the pump head, motor power, and overall efficiency of the pump. VFR meter eliminates the need for rotor speed sensors in PV water pumping systems. In this paper, the virtual flow meter is proposed as a novel reference for improving maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for PV water-pumping systems. VFR meter removes the expensive flow meter sensors, hence, reducing the overall costs of the system. The VFR will be represented as a new variable in the MPPT algorithm. By replacing the voltage with the instantaneous VFR, the system will operate based on the variation of the VFR meter measurements. Using the physical parameters of a submersible Brushless DC motor pump-based PV water-pumping system, a mathematical model is derived to obtain the input voltage to MPPT algorithm as a function of the instantaneous flow rate. The model is implemented by Mat lab/Simulink software and the results reveal the applicability and efficiency of using the virtual flow meter in MPPT algorithms.

Experimental Study For The Effect Of Using Nano-Fluid On Heat Transfer Through The Flat Plate Solar Collector

The aim of this Paper is studying experimentally the effect of utilizing (Al2O3/water) Nano-fluids as the factor of heat transfer on performance of the flatplate solar collector. The project’s work focuses on the process of transferring energy from the solar collector to the fluid that passes through the tubes. This is done first by using water as a basic agent fluid and then by using Nano-fluids as a working fluid.This study was experimentally using manufactured solar collectors. Experimental tests consist of [a solar collector, unit control, a working fluid system, and measuring devices (thermometers, LM35 Temp. sensor, flow rate meter, Solenoid valve and solar meter)] Sensors and measuring devices were connected to the Arduino as a control system, linked to a personal computer, and using the Labview program to take the results and export them to Excel. Experiments were conducted in Iraq - Babilon Governorate, AL-Shomali City with the latitude of 32.4° by using (Al2O3-water and TiO2-water) Nano-fluid as a working fluids, used the volume fraction as (0.3 and 0.6) % and a particle size is 50 nm with working fluid flow rate (1.50) L/min. Experimental results shows that’s a maximum output and inlet temperature variance is obtained (0.6 vol. %) Nanofluid for Al2O3/water is (14.6 C) at flow rate: 1.5 L/m Whoever in the case of water, the maximum temperature difference was at the outlet (10.2 0 C) at flow rate :1.5 L/m. The Collector efficiency enhancement of 0.6% vol. for (Al2O3/water) Nano-fluids are (20.5 %. Also, the results show, the enhancement in a thermal conductivity with an addition small size from the (Al2O3) nanoparticle with 0.6% vol. to the water increasing by (8.34) %.All experimental results were showed that a degree of heat coming out of the solar system increases when water is used with Nano-particles, especially when concentrated 0.6% vol. Also, Al2O3 shows high heat transfer compared to pure water, this lead to improve the performance of the solar fat-plate collector. Where its value exceeded the value of energy using water by a percentage 10.15%

Assessment of Screening for Nasal Obstruction among Sleep Dentistry Outpatients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Oral appliances (OA), a common treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are not suitable for patients with nasal obstruction. Rhinomanometry, the gold standard technique to assess nasal airway resistance, is not readily available in sleep dentistry clinics. We demonstrate the use of a portable lightweight peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) rate meter to objectively assess nasal airflow and utilized the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale to subjectively assess nasal obstruction in 97 patients with OSA and 105 healthy controls. We examined the correlations between the following variables between the groups: demographics, body mass index, PNIF, NOSE scale scores, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), minimum SpO2 (SpO2min), Mallampati classification, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores. Patients with OSA had significantly lower PNIF values and higher NOSE scores than controls. In the patient group, PNIF was not significantly correlated with AHI, SpO2min, Mallampati classification, or NOSE or ESS scores. Lower PNIF values and higher NOSE scores suggested impaired nasal airflow in the OSA group. As daytime PNIF measurement bears no relationship to AHI, this cannot be used alone in predicting the suitability of treatment for OSA with OA but can be used as an adjunct for making clinical decisions.

Innovations in Cardiorespiratory Monitoring to Improve Resuscitation With Helping Babies Breathe.

Ninety percent of intrapartum-related neonatal deaths are attributable to respiratory depression, with the vast majority of these deaths occurring in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Neonatal resuscitation training with Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) decreases mortality from respiratory depression. Cardiorespiratory monitoring in conjunction with HBB can provide valuable resuscitation feedback for both training and bedside purposes. In this article, we discuss 3 innovations that couple cardiorespiratory monitoring with HBB: NeoNatalie Live, the Augmented Infant Resuscitator, and NeoBeat. NeoNatalie Live is a high-fidelity manikin that facilitates bag mask ventilation training through case scenarios of varying difficulty. The Augmented Infant Resuscitator is added in-line between a face mask and ventilation bag during bag mask ventilation training to provide users with real-time feedback on ventilation quality. NeoBeat is a battery-operated heart rate meter that digitally displays the newborn heart rate during bedside resuscitations. For each innovation, we review details of the device, implementation in the field, and areas for further research. Using early experience implementing these devices, we suggest building blocks for effective translation of training into improved care. We also highlight general challenges in implementation of devices in facilities in low- and lower-middle-income countries including considerations for training, adaptations to existing workflow, and integration into the ecosystem. Although the devices highlighted in this article hold promise, more data are needed to understand their impact on newborn outcomes.

Ensuring Effective Functioning of Gas-Discharge Counters, Used in the Military Dose Rate Meters, in the Arctic Zone

The Arctic zone is a priority area for the development and for ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation. At the same time, the region's rich natural resources create conditions for military conflicts and armed struggle of states for possession of these resources. Such conflicts might culminate with an exchange of nuclear strikes. The modern system of metrological support of military dosimetry equipment does not provide the necessary reliability of the verification and calibration procedure under low temperatures in the Arctic zone. The aim of this work is to ensure the effective functioning of gas-discharge counters, used in the military dose rate meters, in the Arctic Zone. It is established, that the reason for the low reliability of readings of military dosimeters can be the generation of false pulses due to a decrease in the suppressing ability of the counter. False impulses may appear soon after the completion of the verification. It is shown in the article, that in order to increase the reliability of measurements for devices on gas-discharge counters, it is necessary to introduce a diagnostic unit into their measuring circuit, which makes it possible to detect the presence of false pulses directly during the measurement. The implementation of the results obtained will increase the reliability of dosimetry equipment in the Far North and will also ensure greater safety of its metrological characteristics. In future, there are good reasons to conduct a study on transfer of dosimetry equipment to electronic control of gas-discharge counters in order to assess the increase in the durability of the counters and reduce the cost of their production

A low-noise current-sensitive preamplifier for X-ray computed tomography with applying a charge-sensitive preamplifier

ABSTRACT A low-noise current-sensitive preamplifier was developed for aiming low-dose X-ray computed tomography with applying a charge-sensitive preamplifier. We compared the number of X-ray photons needed for current measurement with the new preamplifier with that needed with a conventional preamplifier. Also, the dose rates for above conditions were measured by a commercial dose rate meter. Results show that the new preamplifier reduced the number of X-ray photons needed by two orders of magnitude compared with the conventional one.

US public health resources for coronavirus disease 2019 that are relevant to allergy-immunology

US public health resources for coronavirus disease 2019 that are relevant to allergy-immunology

Establishment of Neutron Reference Fields in Vietnam: A Review

This paper summarizes the characterizations of neutron reference fields using radionuclide sources at the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INST), Hanoi, Vietnam for the purposes of radiation protection and calibrations. The dosimetric quantities of spectral neutron fluence rates and neutron ambient dose equivalent rates have been calculated and presented using the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code, version 5 (MCNP5) and Bonner sphere spectrometer (BSS) measurements in the combination with MAXED unfolding code. The characterizations of neutron reference fields have been done, complying with the ISO 8529 and 12789 series. The results confirm the neutron calibration capability at the INST in order to fulfill the domestic calibration demands of neutron ambient dose equivalent rate meters.

EFFECTS OF LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS ON INDOOR GAMMA DOSES AND RELATED RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH RISKS, AYVACIK, ÇANAKKALE/TURKEY.

In situ indoor gamma dose rate measurements were held in 79 dwellings by NaI(Tl) scintillation probe connected portable dose rate meter. For the building materials and impurities (nodules), spectrometric gamma analysis was applied by a high-resolution HpGe detector. For Ahmetçe and Nusratlı villages in Ayvacik/Çanakkale (Turkey), the measured in situ indoor gamma dose rates and related indoor annual effective dose equivalents (AEDEin) were 3 and 3.3 times, and indoor excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCRin) were 4.25 and 4.68 times higher than those of the world averages, respectively. The used local rocks were mostly ignimbrite and dacitic-rhyolitic tuffaceous (Arıklı tuff), and wall plasters were made of local soil. The highest in situ indoor gamma dose rates of the region belonged to Nusratlı village due to the intense impurities (nodules) and hydrothermal alterations in Arıklı tuff. Spectrometric gamma results revealed that 40K has an important effect on the indoor gamma doses.

Respiratory Functions among Elderly with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Relation to their Knowledge and Practice.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that interferes with basic functions of elderly breathing. Aim: to assess the respiratory functions among the elderly with COPD on the irk now ledge and practice. Subjects and methods: Descriptive cross sectional research design was used to conduct this study in Chest Departments at the Main Assuit University Hospital. Purposive sample of 169COPD elderly was participated. Three tools were used includes: 1st tool: Elderly assessment sheet, it includes two parts (Socio-demographic& health history and Bristol COPD knowledge assessment sheet), 2nd tool: Observational checklists used to assess the practice of elderly: (breathing & coughing exercise, inhaler technique) and 3rd tool: Respiratory functions assessment sheet used to evaluate the (dyspnea grade, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and peak flow meter). Results: The main age of studied sample 65.50±5.16 (60-78), 73.4% were male and 70.4% were smokers. The vast majority of studied sample had poor knowledge & practice with impaired in respiratory functions. Conclusion: Vast majority of the studied elderly had poor knowledge & practice which had negative impact on respiratory functions. Recommendations: Health education program for elderly with COPD to improve their knowledge & practice and respiratory functions is very essential to manage their disease.

Calibration of a neutron dose rate meter in various neutron standard fields

This paper presents the calibration of a neutron dose rate meter and the evaluation of its calibration factors (CFs) in several neutron standard fields (i.e., two standard fields with bare sources of $$^{252}\hbox {Cf}$$ and $$^{241}\hbox {Am}{-}\hbox {Be}$$, and five simulated workplace fields with $$^{241}\hbox {Am}{-}\hbox {Be}$$ moderated sources). The calibration in standard fields with bare sources was conducted by following the recommendations of the ISO 8529 standard. The measured total neutron ambient dose equivalent rates, denoted as $$\dot{H^*}(10)_{\text {tot}}$$, were analyzed to obtain direct components, denoted as $$\dot{H^*}(10)_{\text {dir}}$$, using a reduced fitting method. The CF was then calculated as the ratio between the conventional true value of the neutron ambient dose equivalent rate in a free field, denoted as $$\dot{H^*}(10)_{\text {FF}}$$, and the value of $$\dot{H^*}(10)_{\text {dir}}$$. In contrast, in the simulated workplace neutron fields, the calibration of the neutron dose rate meter was conducted by following the ISO 12789 standard. The CF was calculated as the ratio between the values of $$\dot{H^*}(10)_{\text {tot}}$$ measured by a standard instrument (i.e., Bonner sphere spectrometer) and the neutron dose rate meter. The CF values were obtained in the range of 0.88–1.0. The standard uncertainties ($$k = 1$$) of the CFs were determined to be in the range of approximately 6.6–13.1%.

Dose comparative study between two different 3D mobile intra-operative systems

3D imaging devices, when coupled to an image guided surgery system, allow for a more precise surgical approach than classical C-arms. Nevertheless, the exposure to radiation of both patient and staff remains a concern and therefore the choice of imaging device plays an important role. Two 3D imaging systems, an imaging mobile device with an O-ring geometry and an imaging mobile device with a C-arm geometry, have been compared in terms of absorbed doses to organs as well as ambient dose equivalent. Absorbed organ doses were evaluated for thoracic and pelvic examinations using TLDs placed within a CIRS anthropomorphic phantom representing an adult woman. Equivalent ambient dose measurements were performed at various positions in the room around the X-ray system using a calibrated dose rate meter. Results suggest that the O-ring system exposes both patient and staff to higher levels of radiation than the C-arm system. Indeed, organ absorbed doses were found to be 3.5 and 1.7 higher for the O-ring system than for the C-arm system for the same thoracic and pelvic explorations respectively. Concerning the ambient dose equivalent, it was found that for a single 3D image acquisition at a radial distance of one meter from the isocentre, measurements for the O-ring system were approximately 30% larger than the C-arm system.

Real-time laser energy meter of nanosecond and subnanosecond optical pulses

Abstract Energy meters have become one of the most important tools to determine the performance of pulsed lasers. In case of low power semiconductor lasers operating in a nanosecond and subnanosecond regime, the pulse energy measurement is difficult due to low sensitivity of the apparatus. Moreover, the energy measurement of pulses generated with high frequencies is still challenging for many commercially available meters. In this paper, an ultra-sensitive, high repetition rate, real-time and low-cost laser energy meter based on a high-speed photodiode is presented. The meter’s performance was optimized by using circuit simulation software to achieve maximum sensitivity and high-speed operation. In the experimental part, the minimum detectable energy and the maximum pulse repetition rate were determined to be 110 fJ and 2.28 MHz, respectively. To the best of author’s knowledge, the developed meter is the most sensitive and the fastest infrared pulse energy meter ever reported, including commercially-available devices.

A model based new method for injection rate determination

This paper presents a detailed model of a common rail diesel injector and its validation using injection rate measurement. A new method is described for injector nozzle flowrate determination using simulation and measurement tools. The injector model contains fluid dynamic, mechanic and electro-magnetic systems, describing all-important internal processes and also includes the injection rate meter model. Injection rate measurements were made using the Bosch method, based on recording the pressure traces in a length of fuel during injections. Comparing the results of the simulated injection rate meter, simulated injector orifice flow and injection rate measurements, the simulated and measured injection rates showed good conformity. In addition to this, the difference between nozzle flow rate and the measured flow rate is pointed out in different operating points, proving, that the results of a Bosch type injection rate measurements cannot be directly used for model validation. However, combining injector, injection rate meter simulation and measurement data, the accurate nozzle flow rate can be determined, and the model validated.

Metrological Support for Measurements of Speed and Bandwidth of Packet Data Networks: Problems and Prospects for Development

We consider the main problems of metrological support for measurements of speed and bandwidth in digital packet data networks. We enumerate the methods for performing data rate measurements. We propose various ways of providing traceability of digital data rate meters such as upgrades to the existing standard GET 200-2012, development of a primary reference method for measuring speed, and the creation of a local verification procedure for measuring the transmission speed of digital information. Recommendations are given for the implementation of the selected method for ensuring traceability of meters for data transfer rate and bandwidth of communication channels. Suggested approaches can apply in metrology for digital communication systems.

Design and Development of Heart Rate Per Minutes Based on Atmega16 Microcontroller with Alarm Warning

Sport is an activity to train one’s body, not only physically but also spiritually, which is useful for maintaining and improving the quality of one’s health. The simplest and most cost-effective exercise is jogging, which is usually done in the morning or evening. Sports activities will stimulate the heart to work extra in pumping blood and will facilitate blood in the body. In order to achieve the maximum benefits, it is really advisable to do sports activities in a regular and well-structured way, because if you exercise excessively, it will be very dangerous if the heart works beyond its normal limits. In this study, a heart rate meter was made which has the principle of controlling and monitoring heart rate per minute, with the hope to make it easier to calculate the heart rate while exercising and provide safety because this tool can inform the normal heart rate when exercising for users. This system is made by using the atmega16 microcontroller as the main module. This monitoring process is carried out by connecting the pulse sensor on the finger whose output is a numeric character on the LCD and the sound of a warning on the buzzer if the heart rate exceeds the normal limit. Based on the results of testing of 20 respondents, the device has been able to calculate heart rate per minute and the buzzer can sound as a warning alarm when detecting heart rate if the heart rate exceeds the normal limit. In addition, the tool designed has a percentage error of 0.72%.

Background Gamma Radiation in Nigerian Market Environment

Human exposure to ionizing radiation from natural sources is an unending and unpreventable phenomenon on earth. Radiation profile and exposure risks for some major markets in Port Harcourt metropolis have been ascertained using radiation exposure rate meter (Radalert-100). The exposure rate measured at mile 3 market and its environs ranged from 0.001±0.0001 to 0.022±0.003 mRh-1 with mean value of 0.014±0.002 mRh-1 while that measured at mile 1 ranged from 0.011±0.001 to 0.018±0.003 mRh-1 with mean value of 0.014±0.002 mRh-1. The exposure rate measured at Rumu-Okoro market ranged from 0.010±0.0001 to 0.018±0.003 mRh-1. The exposure rates measured at the three markets are relatively equal but slightly higher than the recommended safe value of 0.013 mRh-1. The mean absorbed doses estimated from the exposure rates for Mile 3, Mile 1 and Rumu-Okoro are 119.2, 113.68 and 114.8 nGyh-1 respectively, while their mean equivalent doses are 1.15, 1.19 and 1.11 mSvy-1 respectively. The annual effective dose calculated gave mean values of 0.14, 0.16 and 0.168 mSvy-1. These values are lower than the stipulated safe value of 1.0 mSvy-1. The excess lifetime cancer risk estimated exceeded the recommended values in all the sampling points. From the radiation profile of the sampled markets, no immediate radiation risk is expected though there could be a long term effects on the sellers in those markets.