scholarly journals Removal of organic matter from pre-treated domestic sewage in anaerobic biological reactor by a combined system of electrolytic and biological aerobic treatment

Author(s):  
Ariela Araujo Fonseca ◽  
Yovanka Pérez Ginoris ◽  
Norma Mendes Pinheiro Gontijo ◽  
Marco Antonio Almeida de Souza

Biological processes are the most widespread methods for wastewater treatment. However, they are limited in their ability to degrade toxic and refractory pollutants, contaminants that electrochemical processes can remove. Therefore, this research explored the possibility of treating sewage by an anaerobic biological process followed by an aerobic system integrated to an electrolytic process. Three sequential batch reactors were operated in an automated way. Each of three reactors represented a process: aerobic biological treatment (BR); electrolytic treatment (ER); and a combination of both, the bio electrolytic reactor (BER). Two phases were ran with different electrodes: (Phase 1) stainless steel and (Phase 2) graphite. The electric current was varied from 0.001 to 0.100 A. COD, TS, SS, turbidity, and the zooplankton community were monitored. The highest organic matter removal efficiencies were 86%, 79% and 87% for BR, ER and BER, respectively. The best weekly BER efficiencies for COD removal were 90% and 98%, with current densities of 0.27 A/m2 (Phase 1) and 0.05 A/m2 (Phase 2). The main conclusions about bio electrolytic process were: (1) it did not achieve organic matter removal high enough to justify its application; (2) inert electrodes are the more indicated; and (3) the zooplankton community was affected by the electric current.

Author(s):  
Srinivasan Sridhar ◽  
Nazmul Kazi ◽  
Indika Kahanda ◽  
Bernadette McCrory

Background: The demand for psychiatry is increasing each year. Limited research has been performed to improve psychiatrist work experience and reduce daily workload using computational methods. There is currently no validated tool or procedure for the mental health transcript annotation process for generating “gold-standard” data. The purpose of this paper was to determine the annotation process for mental health transcripts and how it can be improved to acquire more reliable results considering human factors elements. Method: Three expert clinicians were recruited in this study to evaluate the transcripts. The clinicians were asked to fully annotate two transcripts. An additional five subjects were recruited randomly (aged between 20-40) for this pilot study, which was divided into two phases, phase 1 (annotation without training) and phase 2 (annotation with training) of five transcripts. Kappa statistics were used to measure the inter-rater reliability and accuracy between subjects. Results: The inter-rater reliability between expert clinicians for two transcripts were 0.26 (CI 0.19 to 0.33) and 0.49 (CI 0.42 to 0.57), respectively. In the pilot testing phases, the mean inter-rater reliability between subjects was higher in phase 2 with training transcript (k= 0.35 (CI 0.052 to 0.625)) than in phase 1 without training transcript (k= 0.29 (CI 0.128 to 0.451)). After training, the accuracy percentage among subjects was significantly higher in transcript A (p=0.04) than transcript B (p=0.10). Conclusion: This study focused on understanding the annotation process for mental health transcripts, which will be applied in training machine learning models. Through this exploratory study, the research found appropriate categorical labels that should be included for transcripts annotation, and the importance of training the subjects. Contributions of this case study will help the psychiatric clinicians and researchers in implementing the recommended data collection process to develop a more accurate artificial intelligence model for fully- or semi-automated transcript annotation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Mutschler ◽  
Jen Rouse ◽  
Kelly McShane ◽  
Criss Habal-Brosek

Background Psychosocial rehabilitation is a service that supports recovery from mental illness by providing opportunities for skill development, self-determination, and social interaction. One type of psychosocial rehabilitation is the Clubhouse model. The purpose of the current project was to create, test, and refine a realist theory of psychosocial rehabilitation at Progress Place, an accredited Clubhouse. Method Realist evaluation is a theory driven evaluation that uncovers contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes, in order to develop a theory as to how a program works. The current study involved two phases, encompassing four steps: Phase 1 included (1) initial theory development and (2) initial theory refinement; and Phase 2 included (3) theory testing and (4) refinement. Results The data from this two-phase approach identified three demi-regularities of recovery comprised of specific mechanisms and outcomes: the Restorative demi-regularity, the Reaffirming demi-regularity, and the Re-engaging demi-regularity. The theory derived from these demi-regularities suggests that there are various mechanisms that produce outcomes of recovery from the psychosocial rehabilitation perspective, and as such, it is necessary that programs promote a multifaceted, holistic perspective on recovery. Conclusions The realist evaluation identified that Progress Place promotes recovery for members. Additional research on the Clubhouse model should be conducted to further validate that the model initiates change and promotes recovery outcomes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolyn Vaughan ◽  
Anne McMurray ◽  
Mary Sidebotham ◽  
Jennifer Gamble

Background:Certification as a lactation consultant is based on practitioners having achieved a standard of knowledge indicative of their competence to practice by passing a psychometric examination. The underpinning principle of recertification programs is to support clinicians to become lifelong learners by progressively enhancing and advancing their knowledge and skills in line with contemporary evidence. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to advance their practice.Method:A mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 included focus groups, interviews, and participants’ demographic data. Phase 2 comprised of an online questionnaire to IBCLCs. This approach was designed to provide a comprehensive qualitative understanding of the IBCLCs’ experiences, which was then triangulated with quantitative data from a significantly larger population of IBCLCs in Phase 2.Results:The findings are described in themes and subthemes. Participants in phase 2 (n = 3,946) reported being intrinsically motivated (93.3%, n = 3,631) and committed to providing evidence-based guidance and optimal care to support breastfeeding mothers. They identified various sources of continuing education, although attendance at conferences, peer support, and reflective sessions were the most common approaches to enhancing knowledge. They recognized that it was through extension of knowledge that they were able to advance their practice.Conclusion:This article identifies strategies that the managers, educators, and certification bodies can adopt to support the IBCLCs in continuing to advance their practice, which will ultimately improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ving F. Chan ◽  
Hasan Minto ◽  
Eden Mashayo ◽  
Kovin S. Naidoo

Purpose: Vision Champions (VC) are children trained to perform simple eye health screening and share eye health messages among their community. Our objectives were to assess the ability of VC in identifying and referring children and the community with refractive error and obvious ocular disease and to assess the change in knowledge and practice of eye healthseeking behaviour of the community 3 months after the introduction of the Vision Champion Programme.Methods: We purposively sampled 600 households and interviewed 1051 participants in two phases with a close-ended questionnaire. The numbers of children screened, referred by the VC and those who attended the Vision Centre were recorded. The percentage of people who answered the questions correctly were compared between Phase 1 (P1) and Phase 2 (P2).Results: The VC shared their eye health messages with 6311 people, screened 7575 people’s vision and referred 2433 people for further care. The community were more aware that using eye ointment not prescribed by doctors (P1 = 58.96% vs. P2 = 72.75%) can lead to blindness. Participants were more aware that they should not administer eye drops in stock (P1 = 44.18% vs. P2 = 61.37%) or received from a friend or relative (P1 = 53.23% vs. P2 = 72.35%) if their eyes are red and painful.Conclusion: Children have the potential to effectively share eye health messages and conduct simple vision screening for their families and peers. Efforts are needed to sensitise the community to improve the referral or follow-up rate.


2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212093059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Parolini ◽  
Michele Palmieri ◽  
Alessandro Finzi ◽  
Gianluca Besozzi ◽  
Angela Lucente ◽  
...  

Purpose: To describe a comprehensive OCT-based classification of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). Methods: Two hundred eighty-one eyes with MTM (visited from 2006 to 2018), were retrospectively reviewed for age, best-corrected-visual-acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and wide-field color fundus-photographs. The study was divided in two Phases. Phase 1: MTM types were categorized with OCT and correlated with age and BCVA. The type of staphyloma was described. Phase 2: the evolution of MTM was studied evaluating at least three OCT exams of each eye taken at different timings (interval between each exam: 1–10 years). Results: Phase 1: We identified, four MTM retinal stages (1. Inner/Outer Maculoschisis; 2. Predominantly outer Maculoschisis; 3. Maculoschisis-Macular Detachment; 4. Macular Detachment) and three foveal stages (a. Normal fovea; b. Inner Lamellar-Macular-Hole; c. Full-Thickness-Macular-Hole). Outer-Lamellar-Macular-Holes and epiretinal abnormalities were associated findings. Stages 1 to 2 were younger than stages 3 to 4 ( p < 0.05). BCVA in stages 1, 2 was similar, and higher than stages 3, 4 ( p < 0.02). About 14% of eyes had no staphyloma, 73% of eyes had staphyloma type 1 or 2. MTM stages were not correlated with AL. Phase 2: The retina could change in time from stage 1 to 4, or the fovea could change from stage a to c. Mean evolution time from stage 1 to 2, stage 2 to 3, and 3 to 4 were 20, 12, 3 months, respectively. BCVA decreased over time as stages increased ( p = 0.47). Conclusion: The MSS Table displays a new classification, the natural evolution, and practical insights for the management of MTM.


1989 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 210-216
Author(s):  
J. D. Cornish ◽  
D. R. Gerstmann ◽  
D. M. Null ◽  
M. D. Smith ◽  
T. J. Kuehl

Minimum acceptable O2 delivery (DO2) during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains to be defined in a newborn primate model. The right atrium, carotid artery, and femoral artery were cannulated, and the ductus arteriosus, aorta, and pulmonary artery ligated in neonatal baboons (Papio cynocephalus) under a combination of ketamine, diazepam, and pancuronium. The internal jugular vein was also cannulated retrograde to the level of the occipital ridge. We measured hemoglobin, pH, arterial and venous PO2 (both from the pump circuit and from the cerebral venous site), serum lactate and bicarbonate concentrations, and pump flow, and we calculated hemoglobin saturations, (DO2), O2 consumption (VO2), systemic O2 extraction, and cerebral O2 extraction. Six baboons were studied during each of two phases of the experiment. In the first, flow rates were varied sequentially from 200 to 50 ml.kg-1.min-1 with saturation maximized. In the second, flow was maintained at 200 ml.kg-1.min-1 and saturation was reduced sequentially from 100 to 38%. VO2 fell significantly below baseline at a flow rate of 50 ml.kg-1.min-1 and a DO2 of 8 +/- 2 (SE) ml.kg-1.min-1 in phase 1 and at DO2 of 12 +/- 5 in phase 2. Both systemic and cerebral O2 extraction rose significantly at a flow of 100 ml.kg-1.min-1 and DO2 of 17 +/- 4 ml.kg-1.min-1 in phase 1, whereas neither rose with decreasing DO2 in phase 2. In fact, cerebral extraction fell significantly DO2 of 16 +/- 6 ml.kg-1.min-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


2020 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
pp. 277-285
Author(s):  
LJ Thomson ◽  
N Morse ◽  
E Elsden ◽  
HJ Chatterjee

Aims: To assess the biopsychosocial effects of participation in a unique, combined arts- and nature-based museum intervention, involving engagement with horticulture, artmaking and museum collections, on adult mental health service users. Methods: Adult mental health service users (total n = 46 across two phases) with an average age of 53 were referred through social prescribing by community partners (mental health nurse and via a day centre for disadvantaged and vulnerable adults) to a 10-week ‘creative green prescription’ programme held in Whitworth Park and the Whitworth Art Gallery. The study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design comprising two phases – Phase 1 (September to December 2016): qualitative research investigating the views of participants ( n = 26) through semi-structured interviews and diaries and Phase 2 (February to April 2018): quantitative research informed by Phase 1 analysing psychological wellbeing data from participants ( n = 20) who completed the UCL Museum Wellbeing Measure pre–post programme. Results: Inductive thematic analysis of Phase 1 interview data revealed increased feelings of wellbeing brought about by improved self-esteem, decreased social isolation and the formation of communities of practice. Statistical analysis of pre–post quantitative measures in Phase 2 found a highly significant increase in psychological wellbeing. Conclusion: Creative green prescription programmes, using a combination of arts- and nature-based activities, present distinct synergistic benefits that have the potential to make a significant impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of adult mental health service users. Museums with parks and gardens should consider integrating programmes of outdoor and indoor collections-inspired creative activities permitting combined engagement with nature, art and wellbeing.


Author(s):  
Akash A Shrivastava ◽  
G Somu ◽  
M Dayananda

ABSTRACT Introduction Wrong blood transfusion (BT) is a medical negligence. Every hospital must have a strong policy to check incorrect BT and see to it that these policies are strictly implemented at the time of transfusion. Wrong BT can occur due to carelessness of the staff and shortcomings in verification of the blood bag. The reasons can be avoided and wrong BT can be prevented by the formation of a checklist consisting of the important details to be verified before initiating transfusion. The checklist should not be very long and time-consuming, but very comprehensive and consists of only absolutely essential things to be checked. Aim To study the BT process and providing suggestions for streamlining the process of BT. Objectives • To analyze the nears miss incidents during BT. • To identify the errors in the process of transfusion. • To streamline the process by introducing checklist/work instructions for reducing errors. Materials and methods • Analysis of safety reports regarding BT. • Process-based root cause analysis was done at the time of issue and at ward level. • Feedback regarding BT was taken from the staff working at blood bank and nursing professionals. The study was divided into two phases: Phase 1: January—April 2014 Phase 2: May—August 2014 All the reports from phase 1 of the study were analyzed. Based on the observations, interventions in the form of checklist and work instructions to the nursing staff were implemented in the hospital in the month of April and then the safety reports for the next 4 months were analyzed. Interventions done: A “4C” checklist was created with just four elements that could be orally or mentally reviewed before beginning transfusion. Specific work instructions were also issued to the nursing staff at the ward level to prevent any errors during labeling of the samples being sent for cross match and blood grouping before BT. Results The number of BT-related safety incidents observed in phase 1 reduced in phase 2 though the workload in terms of samples received remained comparable for the two phases. However, a declining trend for the reporting of incidents was also seen through the phases. How to cite this article Shrivastava AA, Somu G, Dayananda M. Good Clinical Practices toward Safe Blood Transfusion: A Study of Blood Transfusion Process and providing Suggestions for streamlining the Same. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2016;4(1):1-4.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-165
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hall

Although people's ideas about mathematics and mathematicians often develop from their school and home experiences, such ideas also are influenced by interactions with popular media. In this article, I report on findings from a study in which I analyzed magazine advertisements for representations of mathematics and mathematicians. Data collection took place in two phases, approximately a decade apart. In each phase, I reviewed a year’s worth of issues in each of six diverse, popular magazines for mathematical representations in advertisements. The frequency of mathematical advertisements decreased from Phase 1 to Phase 2, but the initial frequency was already extremely low, indicating mathematics’ invisibility in popular media. This lack of representation may be due to mathematics not being seen as a “cool” way to sell a product or service since mathematics is linked to many negative stereotypes. The representations were similar in the two phases, with mathematics often depicted in stereotypical ways, such as being difficult or stressful. People rarely featured in the mathematical advertisements, which serves to further dehumanize mathematics. Generally, the findings were consistent with those from studies of other popular media, such as movies and books.


2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (2) ◽  
pp. E224-E232 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Tupling ◽  
H. Green ◽  
G. Senisterra ◽  
J. Lepock ◽  
N. McKee

In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that prolonged ischemia would impair both sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle. To induce total ischemia (I), a tourniquet was placed around the upper hindlimb in 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats [wt = 256 ± 6.7 (SE) g] and inflated to 350 mmHg for 4 h. The contralateral limb served as control (C). Immediately after the 4 h of ischemia, mixed gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle was sampled from both limbs, and both crude muscle homogenates and SR vesicles were prepared. In another 10 control animals (CC), muscles were sampled and prepared exactly the same way, but immediately after anesthetization. Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release were measured in vitro with Indo-I on both homogenates and SR vesicles. As hypothesized, submaximal Ca2+ uptake was lower ( P < 0.05) in I compared with CC and C, by 25 and 45% in homogenates and SR vesicles, respectively. Silver nitrate (AgNO3)-induced Ca2+ release, which occurred in two phases ( phase 1 and phase 2), was also altered in I compared with CC and C, in both muscle homogenates and SR vesicles. With ischemia, phase 1 peak Ca2+ release was 26% lower ( P < 0.05) in SR vesicles only. For phase 2, peak Ca2+ release was 54 and 24% lower ( P < 0.05) in SR vesicles and homogenates, respectively. These results demonstrate that prolonged skeletal muscle ischemia leads to a reduced SR Ca2+uptake in both homogenates and SR vesicles. The effects of ischemia on SR Ca2+ release, however, depend on both the phase examined and the type of tissue preparation.


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