Shock Duration Research Articles

Improvement of Storage Quality of Broccoli Using a Cold-Shock Precooling Way and the Related Molecular Mechanisms.

This research was performed to ascertain the impact of cold shock precooling and the underlying mechanism on broccoli storage quality. After being harvested and placed at 0 ± 2 °C, the broccoli was sealed in polyethylene bags and stored at 4 ± 2 °C. Cold-shock precooling showed superior qualities in terms of higher hardness, titratable acidity, moisture content, soluble protein, and chlorophyll, as well as more abundant volatile compounds, better sensory quality, antioxidant capacity, and decreased weight loss in comparison to without cold shock. The regulation of important metabolic enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase, pheophytinase, and magnesium-dechelatase was credited with these beneficial effects. It was found that a 90 min duration of cold shock was the ideal treatment. Results showed that cold shock precooling was a useful, economical, and environmentally responsible way to reduce postharvest loss and postpone broccoli senescence during storage.

Technologies for Increasing the Control Efficiency of Small Spacecraft with Solar Panels by Taking into Account Temperature Shock

The problem of the effective control of a small spacecraft is very relevant for solving a number of target tasks. Such tasks include, for example, remote sensing of the Earth or the implementation of gravity-sensitive processes. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new technologies for controlling small spacecraft. These technologies must take into account a number of disturbing factors that have not been taken into account previously. Temperature shock is one such factor for small spacecraft with solar panels. Therefore, the goal of the work is to create a new technology for controlling a small spacecraft based on a mathematical model of the stressed/deformed state of a solar panel during a temperature shock. The main methods for solving the problem are mathematical methods for solving initial/boundary value problems, in particular, the initial/boundary value problem of the third kind. As a result, an approximate solution for the deformation of a solar panel during a temperature shock was obtained. This solution is more general than those obtained previously. In particular, it satisfies the symmetrical condition of the solar panel. This could not be achieved by the previous solutions. We also observe an improvement (as compared to the previous solutions) in the fulfillment of the boundary conditions for the whole duration of the temperature shock. Based on this, a new technology for controlling a small spacecraft was created and its effectiveness was demonstrated. Application of the developed technology will improve the performance of the target tasks such as remote sensing of the Earth or the implementation of gravity-sensitive processes.

Corticosteroids for Managing Pediatric Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids for the management of pediatric sepsis and septic shock. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science (Core Collection) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were systematically searched up to September 2023. Preprint servers, clinical trial registries and the reference sections of previous reviews were hand-searched. Randomized controlled trials that enrolled pediatric sepsis, septic shock or systemic inflammatory response syndrome patients, compared the use of corticosteroid regimens against standard sepsis care and reported eligible outcomes were included. Title/abstract and full-text screening were conducted in-duplicate. Eligible articles were extracted using a standardized form in-duplicate. Outcomes extracted include mortality incidence, hospital and pediatric intensive care unit length of stay, duration of shock, incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events and incidence of corticosteroid-related adverse events. The risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Assessing Randomized Trials. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach. Sixteen randomized controlled trials (N = 973) were included. Corticosteroid use may be associated with reduced mortality risks (risk ratio: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.85), shorter length of hospital stay (MD: -3.76 days, 95% CI: -6.66 to -0.86), and shorter pediatric intensive care unit length of stay (MD -2.34 days, 95% CI: -3.14 to -1.53 days). Corticosteroid use may be associated with gastrointestinal bleeding but not a higher risk of secondary infection. No studies reported on serious adverse events. All findings were based on low to very low quality of evidence. While corticosteroids show promise for managing pediatric sepsis and septic shock, the question of how to select the best candidate and the most optimal regimen remains unanswered. Future trials need to focus on assessing corticosteroid-related adverse events and stratifying patient inclusion by sepsis subphenotypes.

Effect of Continuous Infusion vs Bolus Dose of Hydrocortisone in Septic Shock: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Corticosteroids are recommended for use in adult patients with septic shock requiring vasopressors for blood pressure maintenance. However, this predisposes them to hyperglycemia, which is associated with a poor outcome. This prospective randomized study compares the effect of continuous infusion with bolus hydrocortisone on blood glucose levels in septic shock. Forty adult patients with sepsis and septic shock requiring vasopressor support were randomly allocated to either group C (continuous infusion of hydrocortisone 200 mg/day) or group B (intermittent bolus dose of hydrocortisone 50 mg IV 6 hourly). Blood glucose level (primary objective), number of hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes, daily insulin requirement, shock reversal incidence, time to shock reversal, and nursing workload required to maintain blood glucose within the target range (82-180 mg/dL) were compared. The mean blood glucose level was comparable in the two groups (136.5 ± 22.08 mg/dL in group C vs 135.85 ± 19.06 mg/dL in group B; p = 0.921). The number of hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes (p = 1.000 each), insulin requirement/day (p = 1.000), and nursing workload (p = 0.751) were also comparable among groups. Shock reversal was seen in 7/20 (35%) patients in continuous group and 12/20 (60%) patients in bolus group (p = 0.113). Time to shock reversal (p = 0.917) and duration of ICU stay (p = 0.751) were also statistically comparable. Both the regimes of hydrocortisone, continuous infusion, and bolus dose, have comparable effects on blood glucose levels in patients with septic shock.The study was registered prospectively with ctri.nic.in (Ref. No. CTRI/2021/01/030342; registered on 8/1/2021). Salhotra R, Sharahudeen A, Tyagi A, Rautela RS, Kemprai R. Effect of Continuous Infusion vs Bolus Dose of Hydrocortisone in Septic Shock: A Prospective Randomized Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(9):837-841.

Simultaneous removal of endotoxins, inflammatory mediators and uremic toxins in ICU patients with septic shock: a retrospective cohort study

Sepsis, one of the leading causes of death, is still lacking specific treatment. OXIRIS (BAXTER, Deerfield, IL, USA) is the first device allowing combined removal of endotoxins, inflammatory mediators and uremic toxins, alongside fluid balance control. Available data is very limited. This retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study of adult patients with septic shock aimed to evaluate septic shock duration and mortality in patients treated with either standard of care renal replacement therapy (RRT) or RRT with combined hemoadsorption, who were admitted to the interdisciplinary surgical intensive care unit at Heidelberg University Hospital during the years 2018 through 2021. Main outcomes were duration of shock, thirty-day mortality and plasma interleukin-6 levels before and after initiation of hemoadsorption. Included were 117 patients (female, 33%; male 67%); median age: 67 (16) years. After matching: 42 patients (female, 33%; male, 67%); mean age: 59.1 ± 13.8 years. There was no statistically significant difference in septic shock duration (p = 0.94; hazard ratio (HR) 0.97 (95% CI, 0.48–1.97)). Thirty-day survival analysis showed a non-statistically significant survival difference. (p = 0.063; HR 0.43 (95% CI, 0.17–1.09)). A post-hoc 90-day survival analysis revealed statistically significant longer survival and lower death hazard ratio in patients treated with RRT + HA (p = 0.037; HR = 0.42 (95% CI, 0.18–0.99). In conclusion, RRT with combined hemoadsorption of endotoxins, inflammatory mediators and uremic toxins is a modality worth further investigation.

Characteristics and Outcome of Patients with or without Previous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Interventions Undergoing Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia.

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is a well-established treatment in patients with ventricular tachycardia and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies. Methods: We enrolled 57 consecutive carriers of ICD undergoing CA for electrical storm (ES). Our aim was to investigate differences in clinical, device-related, and electroanatomic features among patients who had history of appropriate ICD interventions before the ES compared to those who had not. The primary endpoint was a composite of death from any cause and recurrences of sustained VT, ventricular fibrillation, appropriate ICD therapy, or ES. Results: During a median follow up of 39 months, 28 patients (49%) met the primary endpoint. Those with previous ICD interventions had a higher prevalence of late potentials and a greater unipolar low-voltage area at electroanatomic mapping. Patients who met the primary endpoint had a higher prevalence of ATP/shock episodes preceding the ES event. At Cox regression analysis, non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM), QRS duration, and previous ATP and/or shock before the ES were associated with arrhythmic recurrences and/or death. At multivariate analysis, NIDCM and previous shock were associated with arrhythmic recurrences and/or death. Conclusions: A history of recurrent ICD therapies predicts worse outcomes when CA is needed because of ES. Although more studies are needed to definitively address this question, our data speak in support of an early referral for CA of ES.

Reconstructing Impact of the 1867 Ionian Sea (Western Greece) Earthquake by Focusing on New Contemporary and Modern Sources for Building Damage, Environmental and Health Effects

The 4 February 1867 Cephalonia (Western Greece) earthquake is the largest in the Ionian Islands and one of the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it remained one of the least studied historical events. For reconstructing this earthquake, we reevaluated existing knowledge and used new contemporary and modern sources, including scientific and local writers’ reports and books, local and national journals, newspapers, and ecclesiastical chronicles. The extracted information covered the earthquake parameters, population impact, building damage, and earthquake environmental effects (EEEs). The earthquake parameters included the origin time and duration of the main shock, epicenter location, precursors, aftershocks, and characteristics of the earthquake ground motion. The population impact involved direct and indirect health effects and population change. Building data highlighted the dominant building types and the types, grades, and distribution of damage. The EEEs included ground cracks, landslides, liquefaction, hydrological anomalies, and mild sea disturbances. Field surveys were also conducted for validation. The quantitative and qualitative information enabled the application of seismic intensity scales (EMS-98, ESI-07). The study concluded that since the affected areas were mainly composed of post-alpine deposits and secondarily of clay–clastic alpine formations with poor geotechnical properties, they were highly susceptible to failure. Effects and maximum intensities occurred in highly susceptible areas with a rich inventory.

Effects of dynamic versus static parameter-guided fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis: A randomized controlled trial.

Fluid resuscitation is an essential component for sepsis treatment. Although several studies demonstrated that dynamic variables were more accurate than static variables for prediction of fluid responsiveness, fluid resuscitation guidance by dynamic variables is not standard for treatment. The objectives were to determine the effects of dynamic inferior vena cava (IVC)-guided versus (vs.) static central venous pressure (CVP)-guided fluid resuscitation in septic patients on mortality; and others, i.e., resuscitation targets, shock duration, fluid and vasopressor amount, invasive respiratory support, length of stay and adverse events. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital between August 2016 and April 2020. Septic patients were stratified by acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) <25 or ≥25 and randomized by blocks of 2 and 4 to fluid resuscitation guidance by dynamic IVC or static CVP. Of 124 patients enrolled, 62 were randomized to each group, and one of each was excluded from mortality analysis. Baseline characteristics were comparable. The 30-day mortality rates between dynamic IVC vs. static CVP groups were not different (34.4% vs. 45.9%, p=0.196). Relative risk for 30-day mortality of dynamic IVC group was 0.8 (95%CI=0.5-1.2, p=0.201). Different outcomes were median (interquartile range) of shock duration (0.8 (0.4-1.6) vs. 1.5 (1.1-3.1) days, p=0.001) and norepinephrine (NE) dose (6.8 (3.9-17.8) vs. 16.1 (7.6-53.6) milligrams, p=0.008 and 0.1 (0.1-0.3) vs. 0.3 (0.1-0.8) milligram⋅kilogram -1, p=0.017). Others were not different. Dynamic IVC-guided fluid resuscitation does not affect mortality of septic patients. However, this may reduce shock duration and NE dose, compared with static CVP guidance.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of pulmonary nocardiosis between AIDS and non-AIDS patients

BackgroundNocardia species can affect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised people.MethodThis retrospective study, from 2009 to 2022, aims to compare the survival analyses of pulmonary nocardiosis in AIDS and non-AIDS patients in northeastern Thailand.ResultsA total of 215 culture-confirmed cases of pulmonary nocardiosis: 97 with AIDS and 118 without AIDS. The median CD4 count of AIDS patients was 11 cells/µL (range: 1–198), and 33% had concurrent opportunistic infections. 63.6% of 118 non-AIDS patients received immunosuppressive medications, 28.8% had comorbidities, and 7.6% had no coexisting conditions. Disseminated nocardiosis and pleural effusion were more prevalent among AIDS patients, whereas non-AIDS patients revealed more shock and respiratory failure. One hundred-fifty patients underwent brain imaging; 15 (10%) had brain abscesses. Patients with pulmonary nocardiosis have overall 30-day and 1-year mortality rates of 38.5% (95% CI: 32.3%, 45.4%) and 52.1% (95% CI: 45.6%, 58.9%), respectively. The Cox survival analysis showed that AIDS patients with disseminated nocardiosis had a 7.93-fold (95% CI: 2.61–24.02, p < 0.001) increased risk of death within 30 days compared to non-AIDS patients when considering variables such as age, Charlson comorbidity index, concurrent opportunistic infections, duration of illness, shock, respiratory failure, multi-lobar pneumonia, lung abscesses, and combination antibiotic therapy. While AIDS and pulmonary nocardiosis had a tendency to die within 30 days (2.09 (95% CI, 0.74–5.87, p = 0.162)).ConclusionAIDS with pulmonary nocardiosis, particularly disseminated disease, is a serious opportunistic infection. Early diagnosis and empiric treatment with a multidrug regimen may be the most appropriate approach in a resource-limited setting.

Use of electroencephalogram (EEG) to optimize stunning efficiency and animal welfare in commercial catfish production

The welfare of farmed fish has gained increasing attention during recent decades, and as technological advances have facilitated measurements of brain activity in fish, the slaughter process has been highlighted as an area for assessment and potential improvement. Here, we used electroencephalograms (EEG) to assess brain activity in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and used commercial slaughter practices to guide optimization of stunning conditions in a laboratory setting. Following in-air electro-stunning at processing plants, individual fish responses to the shock varied based on EEG and corresponding ventilation measurements prior to physical euthanasia. Results from laboratory experiments showed stunning efficacy is dependent on shock duration and the location where electrodes contact fish. Electrodes contacting the head for 1 s using 50 Hz 132 AC VRMS, with a current >380 mARMS, caused immediate loss of consciousness lasting 10–40 s. When the exposure period was prolonged to 6 s, recovery time was significantly longer, ranging from 45 to 240 s (mean 125 s). If the electrodes contacted the body instead of the head, shock delivered for 6 s resulted in a shorter recovery time of 0–100 s (mean 48 s). These findings highlight that shock duration and electrode position are important when stunning channel catfish and presumably other fishes, and indicate the time from stunning to killing should be kept as short as possible.

A self-powered accelerometer with over-range detection for vibration and shock based on triboelectric-electromagnetic mechanism

Accelerometers based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have garnered significant interest in recent years. However, many of these devices lack a self-sustained power supply for autonomous wireless operations and a mechanism for over-range detection. Additionally, theoretical investigations on the sensitivity of TENG-based accelerometers are scarce. In this work, a novel self-powered accelerometer for vibration and shock integrating a freestanding triboelectric-layer-based TENG (FT-TENG), two contact-separation TENGs (CS-TENGs) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) is proposed and then investigated through both numerical simulations and experimental demonstrations. The EMG is used for vibration energy harvesting, exhibiting an impressive power output of 4.11 mW under a vibration acceleration of 12 m/s2. The FT-TENG and the CS-TENGs work for acceleration sensing and over-range detection respectively. Under vibration, the sensitivity and measurement range are related to the frequency of excitation, and the proposed accelerometer has the maximum sensitivity (0.75 V s2/m) at its natural frequency. For shock events, the sensitivity of the accelerometer is dominated by the shock duration in a short-duration range, which is estimated to be 0.12 V s2/m under a shock duration of 0.03 s. This work not only contributes to the understanding of TENGs adopted for sensing but also creates potential applications of triboelectric and electromagnetic energy harvesting and provides a feasible design for autonomous wireless sensor nodes.

Effects of dynamic versus static parameter-guided fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis: A randomized controlled trial

Background Fluid resuscitation is an essential component for sepsis treatment. Although several studies demonstrated that dynamic variables were more accurate than static variables for prediction of fluid responsiveness, fluid resuscitation guidance by dynamic variables is not standard for treatment. The objectives were to determine the effects of dynamic inferior vena cava (IVC)-guided versus (vs.) static central venous pressure (CVP)-guided fluid resuscitation in septic patients on mortality; and others, i.e., resuscitation targets, shock duration, fluid and vasopressor amount, invasive respiratory support, length of stay and adverse events. Methods A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital between August 2016 and April 2020. Septic patients were stratified by acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) &lt;25 or ≥25 and randomized by blocks of 2 and 4 to fluid resuscitation guidance by dynamic IVC or static CVP. Results Of 124 patients enrolled, 62 were randomized to each group, and one of each was excluded from mortality analysis. Baseline characteristics were comparable. The 30-day mortality rates between dynamic IVC vs. static CVP groups were not different (34.4% vs. 45.9%, p=0.196). Relative risk for 30-day mortality of dynamic IVC group was 0.8 (95%CI=0.5-1.2, p=0.201). Different outcomes were median (interquartile range) of shock duration (0.8 (0.4-1.6) vs. 1.5 (1.1-3.1) days, p=0.001) and norepinephrine (NE) dose (6.8 (3.9–17.8) vs. 16.1 (7.6–53.6) milligrams, p=0.008 and 0.1 (0.1-0.3) vs. 0.3 (0.1-0.8) milligram⋅kilogram−1, p=0.017). Others were not different. Conclusions Dynamic IVC-guided fluid resuscitation does not affect mortality of septic patients. However, this may reduce shock duration and NE dose, compared with static CVP guidance.

Liquidity of Non-US and Energy Stocks Listed on the NYSE in the Aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Incident

In this paper, we investigate the impact of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear incident on the liquidity of non-US stocks in the Asia-Pacific region, specifically those listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear incident occurred in March 2011, following a severe earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and its consequences have extended beyond the borders of Japan. Our study shows that non-US stocks from Japan are associated with significantly wider spreads and higher price impacts. Additionally, we find a similar negative liquidity effect for energy stocks listed on the NYSE and stocks from neighboring countries such as China and South Korea, primarily due to geographic proximity. However, we do not observe any significant changes in the liquidity of stocks from the remaining Asia-Pacific countries. Furthermore, we examine the duration of this negative shock and observe that the illiquidity of stocks from Japan persists for over three weeks. In contrast, the liquidity of energy stocks and stocks from China and South Korea recovers within one week following the incident.

Reliability, sustainability, resiliency, and performance investigation of an embedded splice-sleeve connector at high velocity semi-trailer impact

Presently, dynamic impacts occurrences caused by car crashes have been frequently reported. Statistical results from different articles indicate that vehicle crashworthiness of bridge pier supersedes the other events. However, majority of the published articles focusses on sustainability and finding severity of distressed pier due to impact correlating faster construction methods, like accelerated bridge construction (ABC). This article is an attempt to examine post impacted behavior of a commonly used connector in ABC for resisting short duration shock. Static and dynamic performance analyses of a connector embedded within a coupler system has been examined. A representative ABC pier with the standardized and selected material properties collected from manufacturer’s data has been utilized. Coupler composite materials consisting of a hollow uniform cross-section cast iron cylinder filled up with specified concrete grout conforms higher strength. The performance examination has been conducted by numerical modeling using finite element method (FEM). A commercially used software ANSYS has been utilized for carrying out the simulations. To investigate the post impact dynamic behavior, mesh-independent studies seems inevitable and hence are executed to evaluate dynamic impact factor (DIF). Sensitivity studies are carried out for validating results in precision. The DIF of the main reinforcing tensile steel embedded into the grout placed inside the connector has been determined. Results captured from simulations to identify material properties at plastic stage in sustaining such load have been conducted. The results provide significant information that aids opting for selecting suitable connectors for attaining help the design offices.

The effect of hydrocortisone versus hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone on duration of shock: A propensity score-weighted analysis.

The 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines recommend the use of hydrocortisone in patients who remain hemodynamically unstable despite adequate fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy. Fludrocortisone has been used concomitantly with hydrocortisone in some studies without a clearly defined role or known clinical benefit. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of fludrocortisone added to hydrocortisone on shock-free days for septic shock. A single-center, retrospective propensity score-weighted study was conducted to compare hydrocortisone versus hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone for septic shock. Adults admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) from 2015 to 2020 were included in the study. All patients received ≥200 mg/day hydrocortisone for at least 24 h ± fludrocortisone initiated within 72 h of vasopressors. The primary outcome was shock-free days by day 14. The secondary outcomes included duration of shock, change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, hospital and ICU length of stay, and all-cause inhospital mortality. A total of 228 patients met inclusion criteria with 212 patients retained after propensity score weighting. There was no difference between groups in 14-day shock-free days (6.3 vs. 6.1 days; P = 0.781). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed for the secondary outcomes of ICU/hospital length of stay, duration of shock, change in SOFA score, and all-cause inhospital mortality. The addition of fludrocortisone to hydrocortisone in septic shock did not increase shock-free days by day 14. These results suggest that the use of hydrocortisone alone may be an adequate adjunctive therapy in septic shock. A prospective randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm results.

How does an economic shock affect environmental attitudes, preferences and issue importance? Evidence from Switzerland

How do economic shocks affect pressure by the mass public for pro-environmental political action? If democratic systems are to develop and sustain ambitious environmental policy over several decades, this question is important to answer. Theoretically, we argue to look beyond changes in attitudes such as environmental concern, and trace whether and how citizen's policy preferences, and the political importance they attach to environment-related issues change when experiencing a deterioration of their personal economic situation. Empirically, we draw on high-quality population-representative panel survey data for an affluent country, Switzerland, combining tailored survey measures for quasi-random Corona-related employment and income losses, nuanced measures of environmental attitudes and policy preferences, and recently developed measures for issue importance. We neither find a decline of environmental policy support among economically affected individuals compared to the rest of the population (a population wide drop, however), nor lower importance given to environment related relative to economic issues in voting decisions. While this suggests that politicians need not fear electoral losses when pursuing environmental policies in times of economic crisis, we note that the severe extent of the Covid-induced recession, coupled with a rapid recovery, is peculiar to this economic crisis and warrants further research regarding the generalizability of our findings to economic shocks of longer duration.

Assessing High-Voltage Shore Connection Safety: An In-Depth Study of Grounding Practices in Shore Power Systems

There is growing concern regarding air pollutants (NOx, SOx, and PM) and carbon emissions from ocean-going vessels in harbor areas and the role of high-voltage shore connection (HVSC) systems in mitigating these emissions during vessel berthing. The HVSC operates as a TN grounding system in humid environments, and it needs a proper grounding design to ensure safety when faults occur. This article intends to examine the overvoltage resulting from fault currents and its implications for the safety of operators when a single line-to-ground fault takes place within the design of HVSC grounding systems. The assessment is carried out by employing actual scenarios and parameters from a container berth at Kaohsiung Harbor in Taiwan. Considering site conditions, such as the wet ground surface, human body resistance, and electric shock duration, the tolerable safe voltage level is derived using IEEE Std. 80 and IEC 60479-1. Based on the shore power system grounding architecture specified in IEEE/IEC 80005-1, an equivalent circuit model is constructed to calculate the fault currents using symmetrical component analysis. The actual touch voltages generated in various locations are analyzed under scenarios of connecting or disconnecting the equipotential bonding between the ship and the shore using neutral grounding resistor (NGR) designs. This article delves into the scenarios of electric shock that may occur during the operation of an actual container ship’s shore power system. It evaluates whether various contact voltage values exceed current international standards and verifies the grounding design and safety voltage specifications of IEEE/IEC 80005-1. According to the results of this study, the use of NGR and protective earthed neutral (PEN) conductors in HVSC is crucial. This can limit fault currents, reduce touch voltage, and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. Therefore, ensuring and monitoring equipment conductors and adopting NGRs of appropriate sizes are crucial elements in maintaining electrical safety in HVSC systems.

Design, simulation, and testing of a tunable MEMS multi-threshold inertial switch

This paper presents a tunable multi-threshold micro-electromechanical inertial switch with adjustable threshold capability. The demonstrated device combines the advantages of accelerometers in providing quantitative acceleration measurements and g-threshold switches in saving power when in the inactive state upon experiencing acceleration below the thresholds. The designed proof-of-concept device with two thresholds consists of a cantilever microbeam and two stationary electrodes placed at different positions in the sensing direction. The adjustable threshold capability and the effect of the shock duration on the threshold acceleration are analytically investigated using a nonlinear beam model. Results are shown for the relationships among the applied bias voltage, the duration of shock impact, and the tunable threshold. The fabricated prototypes are tested using a shock-table system. The analytical results agree with the experimental results. The designed device concept is very promising for the classification of the shock and impact loads in transportation and healthcare applications.

Bio-inspired design of shock absorber for electronic board of satellite

In nature, various mechanisms help living organisms to survive. These mechanisms have been optimized over time in nature. Taking inspiration from these mechanisms in different industries can help solve problems. In this article, the chameleon tongue structure is used to reduce the shock on the electronic board of the satellite. To reduce the shock on the electronic board in the satellite, which is subjected to shock during launch and separation, a spring leg has been designed. To increase the range of frequency, in which the acceleration of the board is lower than the input acceleration, and also to improve this structure, conical springs were also investigated for the satellite board system. Various factors affecting shock transmission on the electronic board were investigated. The results show that at low frequencies (high shock duration), independent of the spring structure, the acceleration of the board is equal to the input acceleration. The results show that the designed spring legs reduce the amount of shock on the electronic board compared to the rod leg.

Post-harvest cold shock treatment enhanced antioxidant capacity to reduce chilling injury and improves the shelf life of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

This study investigates the impact of storage temperature and cold shock treatment (CST) on the postharvest quality and shelf life of guava fruits. Guavas were stored at varying temperatures (4°C, 6°C, 8°C, and 10°C) for 25 days to evaluate the incidence of chilling injury (CI) and determine optimal storage conditions. Results indicated that the best storage temperature was 6°C, which effectively maintained fruit quality by inhibiting CI, controlling weight loss, and preserving soluble solid content and soluble sugars. Further analysis on the effect of CST on guavas showed that longer cold shock durations (6, 9, and 12 h) before storage at a constant 4°C improved the storage quality and shelf life significantly by decreasing the CI rates, reducing weight loss, maintaining firmness, and improving the fruit’s nutritional quality. Notably, a 12-h CST yielded the best outcomes, evidenced by the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the highest increases in proline and soluble protein content - biomarkers of enhanced cold tolerance and reduced CI. Additionally, CST was found to modulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, increasing the activity levels of key antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), alongside higher contents of ascorbic acid. The study identified a correlation between the length of cold shock and improved antioxidant capacity, crucial for extending guava’s shelf life and preserving quality during cold storage. These findings have significant implications for the postharvest management of guava, recommending 6°C storage and 12-h CST as effective strategies for extending shelf life and ensuring quality in cold storage settings.