Utilization Factor Research Articles

Analysis of the current status and influencing factors of cross-regional hospitalization services utilization by basic medical insurance participants in China - taking a central province as an example.

The geographically uneven distribution of healthcare resources has resulted in a dramatic increase of cross-regional hospitalization services in China. The over-use of cross-regional hospitalization services may hinder the utilization and improvement of local hospitalization services. It is of great practical significance to study the utilization of cross-regional hospitalization services and its influencing factors in order to effectively allocate medical resources and guide patients to seek medical treatment rationally. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the current situation and influencing factors of the utilization of cross-regional hospitalization services by patients insured by basic medical insurance in China. A total of 3,291 cross-provincial inpatients were randomly selected in a central province of China in 2020. The level of medical institutions, hospitalization expenses and actual reimbursement rate were selected as indicators of hospitalization service utilization. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of influencing factors and reduce the number of variables, and binomial logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis to explore the influencing factors of the utilization of cross-regional hospitalization services. The proportion of cross-provincial inpatients choosing tertiary hospitals was the highest with average hospitalization expenses of 24,662 yuan and an actual reimbursement rate of 51.0% on average. Patients insured by Urban Employees' Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) were more frequently (92.9% vs. 88.5%) to choose tertiary hospitals than those insured by Urban and Rural Residents' Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI), and their average hospitalization expenses (30,727 yuan) and actual reimbursement rate (68.2%) were relatively higher (p < 0.001). The factor "income and security," "convenience of medical treatment" and "disease severity" had significant effects on inpatients' selection of medical institution level, hospitalization expenses and actual reimbursement rate, while the factor "demographic characteristics" only had significant effects on hospitalization expenses and actual reimbursement rate. Cross-provincial inpatients choose tertiary hospitals more frequently, and their financial burdens of medical treatment are heavy. A variety of factors jointly affect the utilization of cross-provincial hospitalization services for insured patients. It is necessary to narrow down the gap of medical treatment between UEBMI and URRBMI patients, and make full use of high-quality medical resources across regions.

Salinity impacts on a unique desalination system embedded with concentrated solar energy for cleaner production

This research comprehensively analyzed a unique solar desalination unit that operates on concentrated solar energy. The analysis primarily focused on evaluating three crucial components: the condenser, flash chamber, and brine heater. Testing was initially performed using seawater sourced from the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, to investigate the influence of salinity on the system performance, the device was tested under variable salinity levels ranging from 15,000 ppm to 35,000 ppm. Key parameters, including condenser temperature, brine heater temperature, and distillate production, were measured throughout the experimentation. The findings unveiled an inverse correlation between salinity and distillate production, as increasing the salinity from 15,000 ppm to 35,000 ppm resulted in a decline in distillate production. The maximum distillate achieved was 2400 ml/h at a salinity level of 15,000 ppm, corresponding to a constant feed rate of 0.2 l/min. The average energy efficiency of the brine heater was determined to be 61.9%. Moreover, the average exergy efficiencies were calculated as 81.3% for the condenser, 4.4% for the brine heater, and 44.3% for the flash chamber. Mathematical models were subsequently developed to establish the relationships between salinity and various system responses. Furthermore, performance metrics such as gain output ratio, energy utilization factor, and specific energy consumption were evaluated. The proposed system has a maximum gain output ratio of 16, a maximum energy utilization factor of 2.2, and a minimum specific energy consumption of 299.3 kWh/m3.

Promising methods for improving the radio-frequency ion thruster performance

Improving the reliability and efficiency of available electric propulsion schemes is one of the priority areas of space technology development. In particular, this should be done for ensuring the guaranteed removal of spacecraft to a disposal orbit at the end of their active life, which, in turn, will slow down the growth in the number of space debris objects in the most exploited regions of near-Earth space. The paper considers ways to improve the power and mass efficiency of one of the modern electric propulsion types - a radio-frequency ion thruster with an inductive radio-frequency discharge. Using an engineering physico-mathematical model, computational studies were performed to optimize the shape of the radio-frequency ion thruster main components, namely the discharge chamber and the grids of ion-extraction system. The thrust of the thruster was used as the optimization criterion; it was determined from the calculated ion density distributions in the radio-frequency discharge plasma. Such an approach to refine the performance improvement methods has not previously been applied to radio-frequency ion thruster. The ion density distributions, as well as the thruster integral characteristics determined from them, such as the thrust, total ion current from the thruster, propellant utilization factor, ionization cost and a number of others, were calculated for two actual standard sizes of radio-frequency ion thruster with the beam diameters of 80 mm and 160 mm, which can be used to solve the problems listed above. Besides, for the defined optimal configurations of thruster with two standard sizes the calculations were made to assess the possibility for increasing the thruster integral characteristics by applying an additional magnetostatic field in the radio-frequency discharge region. The study revealed the possibility of noticeable performance improvement compared to the basic radio-frequency ion thruster design with hemispherical discharge chamber and flat grids of the ion-extraction system.

Drug Utilization Research and Predictors of Outcomes in the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Observational Study.

Multiple drugs are commonly prescribed to intensive care unit (ICU) patients owing to the disease profile, multiple organ dysfunction, prophylaxis, management of stress ulcers, nosocomial infections, etc. This study aimed to evaluate the drug utilization patterns and factors influencing mortality and duration of stay in ICU patients. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in the ICUof our tertiary care hospital, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak. Data was collected from treatment charts of patients using a structured pretested proforma. World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (WHO ATC/DDD) methodology and core prescribing indicators were used to assess drug utilization data. The effect of different variables on mortality and duration of stay in the ICU was evaluated using regression analysis. An average of 8.78 drugs were prescribed per patient. Among the 922 prescriptions, anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs acting on the gastrointestinal tract were the most frequent medication classes prescribed. Polypharmacy and trade name prescribing were common. For most of the drugs, the prescribed daily dose corresponded to the WHO-DDD except ceftriaxone and levofloxacin. Age, presence of cardiac disorders, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission directly correlated with mortality while the use of diuretics had a negative correlation with the duration of ICU stay. Conclusions: There is a need to rationalize drug therapy in the ICUwith regard to limiting polypharmacyand emphasizing generic drug name prescribing and adherence to the essential drug list. Antibiotic prescription patterns, in particular, deserve a special focus keeping in mind the multitude of factors demanding aggressive antibiotic use in critically ill intensive care patients.

Machine Learning-Based Optimization of Wind-PV Solution for Grid Demand

This research addresses the imperative need for innovative approaches to harness renewable resources while ensuring grid stability amidst global electricity demand. The proposed optimization methodology, centered on machine learning, harmonizes the intermittent output of Wind-PV systems with dynamic grid requirements. Leveraging historical meteorological data, energy trends, and real-time demand, the study employs ensemble learning, specifically the CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) algorithm, for accurate forecasting of PMSG-based (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator) Wind-PV system output. The two-tiered optimization approach involves short-term prediction using the CNN model and real-time correction through a genetic algorithm, enhancing the Capacity Utilization factor from 73% to 92% and reducing mean absolute error from 8% to 4.5%. This method not only anticipates energy fluctuations efficiently but also contributes to grid stability and decreased reliance on nonrenewable sources. Comparative analyses demonstrate the superiority of the machine learning-based approach in terms of accuracy and adaptability over traditional control methods.

Development and enhancement in drying performance of a novel portable greenhouse solar dryer

The increasing demand for drying technology for agriculture and food products has gained significant attention due to population explosion and inadequate resources available. The present study focuses on the concept of enhancing the drying performance of portable greenhouse solar dryer. The experimental investigations for evaluating the dryer performance were carried out while drying out onion slices. The experimentation was carried out in 4 different modes to demonstrate the effect of various modifications implemented to improve the dryer performance. The active greenhouse solar dryer (AGHSD) is the first working mode which comprises of the conventional drying system with active mode of removing moisture. The second working mode uses recirculating fans along with exhaust fans (AGHSD@circulating fans). In the third working mode an Evacuated Tube-type solar Air Heater was added to along with previous modification (AGHSD@circulating fans + ETAH). The last working mode adds an air flow distribution system to the incoming pre heated air from the Evacuated Tube-type solar Air Heater (AGHSD@circulating fans + ETAH + air flow system). Various performance characteristics like moisture ratio, heat utilization factor, coefficient of energy, heat gain and thermal efficiency of the dryer are used to analyze the changes in the drying performance. AGHSD@circulating fans + ETAH + air flow system reduced the moisture ratio in the onion slices to 5.32% from 95% in one day, compared to 19.99% for AGHSD and 46% for open sun drying. The heat utilization factor and coefficient of energy for AGHSD@circulating fans + ETAH + air flow system and AGHSD@circulating fans + ETAH improve by 10% and 15% respectively as compared to AGHSD. AGHSD@circulating fans + ETAH + air flow system shows improved heat gain of 29.53% and shows the best drying rate for the developed drying system. The thermal efficiency of AGHSD@circulating fans + ETAH + air flow system is around 60% while for AGHSD is around 41% which is higher than the thermal efficiency of 20% for sundried samples.

Performance evaluation of three grid-connected monocrystalline silicon solar photovoltaic systems in Nepal

This study evaluates three grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems using four criteria: final yield, performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, and system efficiency. The PV systems were installed on the rooftop of the Nepal Telecom office at Sundhara, Pokhara, and Biratnagar. The generation data was collected through the web interface of the data logger installed at the sites. Long-term comparison (four years) of the plant at Sundhara and the same system comparison of plants at Pokhara and Biratnagar were performed. Long-term analysis of the plant at Sundhara found that the final yield decreased from 2.91 kWh/kWp in 2019 to 2.21 kWh/kWp in 2022. Similarly, the performance ratio decreased from 91.0% in 2019 to 67.3% in 2022, capacity utilization factor decreased from 12.1% in 2019 to 9.2% in 2022, and system efficiency decreased from 16.8% in 2019 to 12.5% in 2022. The same system installed at Pokhara and Biratnagar had slightly varied performance owing to the variation in meteorological parameters. The average air temperature at Biratnagar (26.7°C) was higher than at Pokhara (13.1°C) while the amount of solar radiation at Biratnagar was just higher by 4%. This led to the reduction of final yield by 9% at Biratnagar than at Pokhara as higher temperatures at Biratnagar caused more reduction in the power output from the solar panels. Finally, this study provides insights to researchers, PV installers, and panel manufacturers on the actual performance of grid-connected solar PV in Nepal.

Thermodynamic performance comparison of a SOFC system integrated with steam reforming and dry reforming by utilizing different fuels

This work investigates the thermodynamic analysis of syngas production from several fuels by steam reforming or dry reforming for SOFC-integrated systems. Four commonly used fuels are considered: methanol and glycerol (alcohols), methane, and diesel (hydrocarbons). The integrated system is modeled on Aspen Plus using the Gibbs free energy minimization method and a generic electrochemical model to assess the effect of critical parameters on system performance. The results indicate a carbon-free zone within the reformer, and alcohols provide better resistance to carbon deposition than hydrocarbon fuels. Elevating the reforming temperature and STCR/CTCR increases the hydrogen concentration of syngas while also avoiding carbon deposits in the external reformer. Increasing the temperature and fuel utilization factor of SOFCs has been found to enhance electrical efficiency but at the expense of diminished thermal and total efficiency. For given operating conditions, the electrical efficiencies of methanol, glycerol, methane, and diesel are observed to be 47%, 46%, 51%, and 49% for the SR-SOFC system, and 45%, 42%, 42%, and 33% for the DR-SOFC system, respectively. The methane-SR-SOFC and methanol-DR-SOFC systems have the highest electrical efficiency, while diesel is unsuitable for the DR-SOFC system. This work can advise engineers to select the appropriate fuel types and reform technologies for SOFC-integrated systems.

Determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization among HIV-positive women, in public general hospitals of Central Zone, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2020: Case-control study

Introduction Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Evidence showes that, despite the magnitude and severity of cervical cancer, utilization of cervical cancer screening in the study area among HIV-positive women is low. Objective This study aimed to assess the determinants of cervical cancer screening utilizationamong HIV-positive women in general public hospitals in the central zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Method This study was a facility-based unmatched case-control study conductedamong HIV-infected womenin public general hospitals in the central zone of Tigray. Cases were HIV infected women not screened for cervical cancer, and controls were HIV infected women screened for cervical cancer. A total of 800participants (400 cases and 400 controls) wereselected using systematic random sampling with a 1:1 case-to-control ratio.Data collection was done using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and a medical record review.The determinants of cervical cancer screeningutilization were identified through binary logistic regression. Result Significant determinants of cervical cancer screening utilization among HIV-infected women in the central zone of Tigray werebeing in the age group of 18–30 [AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.98], living in rural areas [AOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.87], no formal education [AOR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.45] and primary education [AOR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16,0.49], not working outside the home [AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.44], poor knowledge about cervical cancer [AOR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.44], and about cervical cancer screening [AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.70], and unfavorable attitudes toward cervical cancer screening [AOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.79]. Conclusion Being in the age group of 18–30, living in rural areas, lacking formal education or havingonly primary level education, not working outside of the home, having poor knowledge of cervical cancer and screening,and having unfavourable attitudestowards cervical cancer screeningare significant determinat factors in cervical cancer screening utilization among HIV-infected women in the central zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Considering such factors during the design of policies and programs could enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening in the region.

Individual and community level factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among married women in the emerging region of Ethiopia: a multilevel mixed effects analysis of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini-Demographic and health survey

BackgroundA demonstrated technique to enhance reproductive health and economic progress is through ensuring that family planning services are accessible universally. Those studies that used Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data did not assess individual and community-level factors in contraceptive utilization. Thus, the study employs a multilevel mixed effects analysis approach, which allows for the examination of individual and community-level factors that influence contraceptive utilization.MethodsThis study analyzed the 2019 Ethiopia Min Demographic and Health Survey datasets. A total of 1916 married women in the 2019 surveys were included in the analysis. The data were analyzed using Stata version 17.0. The data were analyzed using Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression to identify the individual and community-level factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to.Show the strength and direction of the association and statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05.ResultsFactors significantly associated with modern contraceptive utilization were; Muslim and protestant followers [AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: (0.134, 0.714)] and [AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: (0.173, 0.691)] respectively, women with no education (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.293, 0.710), those women who belong to the poor and middle wealth of household [AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: (0.237, 0.527)] and [AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: (0.347, 0.919)] respectively, women who had one to five and greater than or equal to six living children [AOR = 11.36, 95% CI:(2.119, 60.918)] and [AOR = 7.44, 95% CI:(1.437, 38.547)]respectively, Women in clusters poor wealth status [AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: (0.183, 0.875)] and women who belong to the Somali region [AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: (0.0.070, 0.506)].ConclusionThe study revealed that both individual and community-level factors determined modern contraceptive utilization. At the individual level, the religion of women, educational status, the wealth of the household, and the total number of living children were significantly associated with modern contraceptive utilization. At community-level factors, community wealth status and belonging to the Somali region were significantly associated with modern contraceptive utilization. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing modern contraceptive utilization should target women with lower levels of education, those living in households with lower wealth, and those with larger families. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve access to modern contraceptives in communities with lower wealth status and in regions where traditional beliefs may hinder their use.

ADvAnced PhysioTherapy in MuSculosKeletal Triage: Investigating prognostic factors, healthcare utilisation and clinical outcomes (ADAPT MSK) - a cohort study protocol.

Clinical specialist physiotherapist-led musculoskeletal triage clinics were introduced nationally in Ireland in 2011 to improve patient care and reduce waiting times for secondary care orthopaedics and rheumatology. Evidence has shown them to be effective in reducing waiting lists, however there are currently no data on longitudinal patient outcomes following clinic attendance. The primary aim of this cohort study is to identify predictors of pain and function outcomes up to one year following musculoskeletal triage review. Secondary aims include measuring self-reported use of healthcare resources over the 12-month follow-up period and to explore musculoskeletal phenotypes based on established prognostic factors for musculoskeletal pain. This is a prospective cohort study. ADvAnced PhysioTherapy in MuSculosKeletal Triage (ADAPT MSK) will recruit a cohort of 252 adults through musculoskeletal triage clinics across five secondary care sites in Ireland. The STrengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines will be adhered to for future reporting. Adults (≥ 18 years old) attending physiotherapist-led musculoskeletal triage clinics with musculoskeletal pain, who do not require surgical or consultant-led medical care will be considered for participation. Participant demographics, health literacy, healthcare utilisation, and self-report questionnaires on pain, function, musculoskeletal health, musculoskeletal risk stratification, fear of movement, and psychological distress will be obtained at baseline, with follow-ups at three, six, and 12 months. Primary outcomes are pain intensity and function. Secondary outcomes include musculoskeletal risk stratification status, musculoskeletal health, healthcare utilisation, and work-related factors. Descriptive statistics will be used to profile the participants and predictors of outcome will be assessed using multivariable linear regression. Musculoskeletal phenotypes will be explored using latent class analysis. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal publication and presentation at national and international conferences. Engagement with a public patient involvement (PPI) panel will explore dissemination strategies for public and service user engagement.

Environmental sustainability by an integrated system based on municipal solid waste fluidized bed gasification using energy, exergy, and environmental analyses

As an eco-friendly method of waste disposal, municipal solid waste (MSW)-to-multi-generation energy systems based on gasification reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, generates clean energy that can be used to power homes and businesses, reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, a novel system is developed based on MSW gasification by combining a fluidized bed gasifier, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and a heat recovery to produce heat and power. In-depth research is done on the power output, heating capacity, energy and exergy efficiencies, and emissions of this innovative combined heating and power system. Electrical and exergy efficiencies of the system are improved with the steam to MSW ratio from 40.6 % to 41.4 % and from 36.4 % to 37.0 %, respectively, and the emission is reduced. Increasing utilization factor enhances electrical (from 37.2 % to 44.4 %) and exergy (from 33.4 % to 39.6 %) efficiencies and declines the emission (from 955.2 to 800.7 kg/MW.s). Decreasing current density and increasing SOFC temperature boost the system performance from energy, exergy, and environmental viewpoints. The future of multi-generation energy systems based on MSW gasification looks bright, as they offer a sustainable way to manage waste while meeting the growing demand for clean energy.

Strength and Limitation of Biological Paradigm during Pandemic of Covid-19: An Application of Queueing Theory

The coronavirus disorder is an epidemic induced by the SARS-CoV-2 germ. The health region is recognized as one of the most important areas in the service sector due to its direct connection to human well-being, particularly in context of the pandemic COVID-19. The overcrowding of patients in the patient registration department, outpatient department, and pharmacy department is the most important issue facing hospitals these days. The investigation of the patient registration, outpatient, and pharmacy departments of PIMS hospital in Islamabad and Benazir Bhutto hospital in Rawalpindi served as the foundation for this study. Queuing Theory is an extension of operation research and is concerned with the aspect of queues. Additionally, the multiple-server queueing model is used to calculate the performance parameters. The approach of queuing simulation used in this research deals with multiple queues and multiple server models. Poisson distribution is used to estimate the arrival rate and exponential distribution is used to calculate the service rate. The satisfaction level of patients with hospital services during the pandemic (Omicron duration) is measured through the questionnaire. As compared to other departments, the utilization factor is higher in the pharmacy department in both hospitals. From PIMS hospital 44% of patients are satisfied with the service system while from BBH 40% of patients are satisfied with the service system.

Using response surface methodology for multi-objective optimization of an efficient/clean combined heating/power system based on sugarcane bagasse gasification for environmental sustainability

Developing CHP (combined heat and power) systems-based biomass gasification is crucial for achieving environmental sustainability. These systems offer numerous profits, counting abridged greenhouse gas emissions, efficient energy utilization, and sustainable waste management. By investing in and promoting the adoption of biomass gasification-based CHP systems, it can be moved towards a more sustainable and greener energy future. In this regard, a clean CHP system is integrated by comprising a sugarcane bagasse gasifier, a proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell, a supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle, and a heating recovery unit. The system performance is evaluated with respect to input variables from energy and environmental viewpoints. The integrated system performs more efficiently at lower equivalence ratios, higher temperatures, lower utilization factors, and higher pressure ratios. The efficiency initially improves with an increase in current density from 1400 A/m2 to 3000 A/m2, but starts to decline when the current density is pushed beyond this threshold to 5400 A/m2. According to the results, it has been concluded that the most favorable conditions for attaining the optimum goals are an equivalence ratio of 0.4, current density of 5400 A/m2, temperature of 1200 K, utilization factor of 0.7, and pressure ratio of 3.7. The best performance yields a power generation of 344.6 kW, heating generation of 3422.9 g/s, efficiency of 28.60%, and emissions of 1281 g/kWh.

Spectacles Under Utilization and Associated Factors Among Adults in Hawassa, South Ethiopia, June, 2022.

The commonest and cheapest treatment modality for correcting refractive error is spectacles or eyeglasses. In Ethiopia, the rate of spectacles under utilization and its impact on visual impairment was not known. To assess spectacles under utilization and associated factors among adults in Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2022. Community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from Jan 2021 to May 2022 with a final sample size of 664. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used during the sampling process. Using an interviewer-based questionnaire, the selected individuals were asked about demographic characteristics, spectacles use, and satisfaction with spectacles, knowledge, and attitude about spectacles. An odds ratio with a 95% CI was used to display the results. A P-value less than 0.05 in multivariate logistic regressions is used to show statistical significance. The prevalence of spectacles under utilization was 307 (48.7%). The spectacles under utilization was more prevalent in individuals with unaided visual acuity of 6/6 -6/12 (46.1%), no eye checkup (38.4%), no surgery on the eye (46.6%), willingness to accept spectacles (35.9%), good knowledge about spectacles (32.6%) and poor attitude about spectacles (35%). The most common reasons for not utilizing spectacles were believed not necessary (14.9%), expensive cost (13.1%), and discomfort (11.4%). Among the spectacles users (33.64%) who wore spectacles for 2 years, 31.17% procured the spectacles without physician orders and 46.6% purchased the spectacles in the optical workshop. The most common purpose to use spectacles was for protection (41.4%). The spectacles under utilization in Hawassa town was high. Rural residency, occupation, eye check, eye surgery, no willingness to wear spectacles, and attitude towards spectacles were significantly associated with spectacles under utilization. It is necessary to provide health education to improve the poor attitude regarding spectacles and eye checks.

Stability of Stored Municipal Waste for Different Sealing Systems

Abstract The paper presents analyses of the municipal waste stability, stored in a landfill with the specific parameters of the waste massif, such as height, width and slope inclination. The massif of waste is lined by a simple drainage/sealing layer, consisting of a sand layer, non-woven geotextile, HDPE double-textured geomembrane and two different sealing mineral layers. The structure stability analysis was performed using a numerical program, relating to the methods: Fellenius/Petterson, Bishop, Spencer, Janbu and Morgenstern-Price. The considerations were carried out according to approach 3 (DA3) for the ultimate limit state GEO of Eurocode 7. The values of the utilization factor and the factor of safety were compared. Municipal waste is generally stable if the slope of the waste is ≤25°. With a slope inclination of 30°, the structures of waste massifs are stable up to a height of 10 m. Using the Fellenius/Petterson method can lead to an underestimation of the factor of safety and an overstatement of the degree of utilization; other methods give comparable results. Changing the material of the mineral sealing layer leads to a change in the course of the circular slip line.

A novel design of a hybrid glulam-steel substructure for the IEA 15-MW floating wind turbine

Wind energy has become increasingly recognised as a very promising type of renewable energy. In addition, floating offshore wind turbines have facilitated the development of electricity production in intermediate (45-150 m) and deep sea (>150 m) depths. Despite this, wind turbine manufacturing, installation, and operation may generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions. A novel hybrid glulam-steel floating substructure design is presented in this research, intended for the IEA 15 MW floating wind turbine. The objective is to contribute to advancing floating wind energy while minimising costs and carbon dioxide emissions. The objective of the novel design is to substitute steel with glued laminated lumber (glulam). It showcases an altered iteration of the UMaine VolturnUS-S semi-submersible platform originally created for the IEA 15 MW turbine. Before selecting one of three preliminary hybrid wood-steel models, the Ansys Workbench 2020 R1 is used to evaluate and appraise them per a set of criteria extracted from pertinent timber and steel standards. The chosen hybrid design conserves about 590 metric tonnes of steel mass compared to the UMaine VolturnUS-S semi-submersible platform. The selected model is then validated by executing a fully coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic dynamic analysis with OpenFAST. Consideration is limited to the ultimate limit state design (ULS) for normal and severe operating situations. The utilisation factor of the glulam supporting structure for the IEA 15 MW turbine ranges from 74% to 94%, indicating that it is an effective load-bearing solution.

Energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental performance of a rice husk gasification based carbon negative combined power and cooling plant

This article presents the proposed configuration of a biomass gasification based carbon-negative combined power and cooling system. Parametric alteration of the response variables with respect to the individual input variables as well as the interaction of the input variables on response have been studied. Detailed analysis of variance has been carried out for the response variables (exergy utilization factor and modified unit electricity cost) and optimization of the whole plant has been performed employing response surface methodology. At the optimum operating condition, for both power and cooling, the plant utilizes 32.39 % of input exergy at an effective electricity cost of 0.1186 $/kWh (including the cost of CO2 capture), having a desirability of about 1. CO2 capture and the environmental benefit due to CO2 cutting at optimum operating condition found to be 1.517 M ton/yr and 0.2275 B$/yr respectively.

대학교육에서의 플립드러닝 효과성 탐색

The purpose of this study is to measure and analyze the effect of flipped learning on learning immersion, outcome achievement, and learning satisfaction for students in the Department of Health Administration, and to further revitalize student-centered classes. This study was conducted to find implications for the following.&#x0D; The research method is an exploratory research study through pre- and post-analysis, and the research subjects are 32 students attending the Department of Health Administration at University B. The pre-survey before applying flipped learning was conducted on March 6, 2023, and the post-survey after the subject was administered was conducted on June 19, 2023. The collected data were analyzed with the SPSS/WIN 27.0 program. Frequency analysis was conducted on the general characteristics of the study subjects, and a paired-sample t-test was conducted on learning outcomes after a pre-survey and post-survey on the application of flipped learning classes.&#x0D; As a result of the study, the average post-survey score was found to be high through pre- and post-comparative analysis of learning immersion, outcome achievement, and academic satisfaction after running the flipped learning class. Significant results were found in the interest factor among the learning immersion factors, and in the factors of achievement motivation, satisfaction, and relationship utilization among the outcome achievement factors. In particular, the effects of achievement motivation and satisfaction were found to be high. The academic satisfaction factor showed a high effect of learning-related satisfaction.&#x0D; Based on these results, it is believed that it is effective to apply flipped learning to improve learners' academic satisfaction and confidence in medical terminology subjects.

Experimental Study on CO2 Geochemical Reaction Characteristics in Marine Weakly Consolidated Sandstone Saline Aquifers

Geological storage is one of the most important measures to reduce carbon emissions. The newly developed oilfield A in the Pearl River Mouth Basin of the South China Sea is associated with a large amount of CO2 with a purity of up to 95%. Two weakly consolidated sandstone saline aquifers located above the oil reservoir can be used for CO2 storage, but the CO2 geochemical reaction characteristics in the aquifers should be investigated clearly, which may cause significant damage to the physical properties of the reservoirs and caprocks of the aquifers. In this paper, static CO2 geochemical reaction experiments and rock thin section identifications were carried out using drill cuttings and sidewall cores, respectively. A numerical simulation was conducted according to the reactor conditions to explore the equilibrium state of the CO2 geochemical reaction. Through these studies, the characteristics of the geochemical reaction, its impact on the physical properties of the formation, and the CO2 storage potential by mineral trapping in the target aquifers were revealed. The results show that the two saline aquifers have similar physical properties. The reservoirs are mostly made up of fine-to-medium-grained sandstones as quartz arenite with a considerable amount of feldspar, which can provide favorable pore space for CO2 storage, while the caprocks are fine-grained felsic sedimentary rocks that can have a good sealing effect. However, both the reservoirs and caprocks contain a certain amount of carbonate and clay minerals. Mineral dissolution dominates in the CO2 geochemical reaction process, and more Ca2+ and Mg2+ is released into the formation water. The theoretical maximum CO2 mineral trapping capacity in the aquifers is 0.023–0.0538 mol/100 g rock, but due to the dynamic equilibrium of the geochemical reaction, the amount of mineralized CO2 in most of the rock samples is negative, and the average utilization factor is only −55.43%. As a result, the contribution of mineral trapping to the CO2 storage capacity takes −0.32%, which can be ignored. In the future, it is necessary to conduct detailed research to reveal the effect of a CO2 geochemical reaction on storage safety, especially in offshore weakly consolidated sandstone saline aquifers, which could be important sites for large-scale CO2 storage in China.