The method of events separation with overlapping signals

In this paper, we propose a method for the rejection of the background from the superposition of signals from different, almost simultaneously occurring events in the calorimeter for the COMET experiment. The basic idea is to use the chi-squared distribution obtained from fitting the recorded shape of the signal with an average waveform. The elaborated method is applied for the reconstruction of events with overlapping signals from the electron and radiative capture of neutrons by the 175Lu nucleus, as well as overlapping signals from two electrons born as a result of the decay of muons in the bound state with an aluminum nucleus with impulses causing a “false” signal of the μ – e conversion. The method showed a good ability to separate events, meanwhile, the separation time is significantly less than the FWHM of the pulse shape.

Allo-suckling occurrence and its effect on lactation and nursing duration in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in Orkney, Scotland

Fostering and allo-suckling are widespread among pinnipeds, and several hypotheses have been formulated to explain their occurrence. Here, we describe the occurrence of allo-suckling in harbour seals from photo-identification data of females and pups in Orkney (Scotland) during the pupping seasons between 2016 and 2019. We used a generalised linear model framework to investigate the effect of allo-suckling on the duration of lactation (females) and of nursing period (pups). A generalised additive model framework was used to explore how the probability of allo-suckling varied throughout the pupping season, and with changes in mother-pup separation time. Allo-suckling was observed in 31 females, at higher rates (18–37% of lactating females and 18–47% of the pups every year) than those observed in other phocid populations, with 13 females allo-suckling in multiple years. The duration of the pups’ nursing period was not affected by allo-suckling occurrence. However, females in mother-pup pairs where both mother and pup allo-suckled had longer lactation duration than when only the pup allo-suckled, or than in pairs where no allo-suckling was observed. The probability of allo-suckling increased during the pupping season and with increased mother-pup separation time. However, the proximate causes and the consequences on future reproductive output and pup survival remain unknown.Significance statementAllo-suckling, where females nurse others’ young, is widespread in pinnipeds, particularly among true seals. Given the high costs of lactation in pinnipeds, allo-suckling is a puzzling behaviour. Using photo-identification and field observations, we examined the occurrence of allo-suckling in harbour seals at a colony in Orkney, Scotland. We found that allo-suckling is common among seals at the study site, and at rates higher than reported elsewhere. Our results show that allo-suckling does not appear to affect the duration of the pups’ nursing period but does increase the lactation duration of females who suckle other pups and whose own pups also allo-suckle. This study highlights an area which requires further investigation as the energetic costs and benefits of allo-suckling remain poorly understood.

Umbilical Cord Separation Time and Influencing Factors in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Neonates

Introduction The average time for umbilical cord separation in term neonates is 7 to 10 days. Prematurity, phototherapy, prolonged duration of antibiotic treatment, and parenteral nutrition are other factors which were demonstrated to delay cord separation. In the previous studies including greater premature infants, the time of separation of the umbilical cord was shown to vary 2 to 3 weeks. We aimed to determine the cord separation time and associated factors in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Study Design In this retrospective study, VLBW infants (birth weight [BW] <1,500 g, gestational age [GA] < 32 weeks) without umbilical catheterization were included. Specific cord care was not applied. The cord separation time, gender, mode of delivery, presence of sepsis, duration of antibiotic treatment, serum free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone, lowest leukocyte, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), and platelet counts were recorded. Results The study included 130 infants (GA: 29 ± 2 weeks, BW: 1,196 ± 243 g). Mean cord separation time was 14 ± 5 days, while 95th percentile was 22nd day of life. A positive correlation was demonstrated between duration of antibiotic treatment and cord separation time (p < 0.001, r: 0.505). Cord separation time did not differ regarding gender or mode of delivery. Corrected leukocyte count (p = 0.031, r: −0.190) and PMNL count (p = 0.022, r: −0.201), and serum FT3 level (p = 0.003, r: −0.261) were found to be negatively correlated with cord separation time. The cord separation time was found to be delayed in the presence of sepsis (with sepsis: 18 ± 7 days and without sepsis: 13 ± 3 days; p = 0.008). Sepsis was found to delay the cord separation time beyond second week (odds ratio = 6.30 [95% confidence interval: 2.37–15.62], p < 0.001). Conclusion The 95th percentile for cord separation time was 22nd day. Sepsis might be either the reason or the consequence of delayed cord detachment. The exact contribution of low serum FT3 levels to the process of cord separation should be investigated in further studies. Key Points

Application of modern form of training in the proces of educating candidates on air traffic controllers

The research problem raised in the article is gathering experience and determining the possibilities of implementing modern forms of training used when training candidates for air traffic controllers. For the exercise of determining the separation time between aircraft with different maximum take-off masses, an application was created as part of the research program. As the applied research method, trainees' testing of the developed application at the training center can be considered. They had the opportunity to test the functionality and usefulness of software and ergonomics of created application. During application testing, students shared numerous comments on the usability and application's functions. It was confirmed that virtual reality helps recognize the silhouettes of aircraft and their learning thanks to the possibility of their actual presentation. The possibility of training the use of separation in air traffic before the simulator training starts would lead to preparation and visualization of theoretical knowledge in practical application. Creating an application to determine the separation time between aircraft with different maximum take-off masses has excellent potential for use in the training center. The development of the application consisting in extending this possibility would allow creating a tool that, in addition to training, would also be used as software for conducting internal examinations of the acquired knowledge during the subsequent stages of training.

A substantial increase of analytical throughput in capillary electrophoresis throughput by separation-interrupted sequential injections

We proposed an idea of separation-interrupted sequential injections (Sisi) to substantially increase the throughput of CE together with theory and experimental demonstration. The separation time of Sisi-CE-C4D/C4D is only 21% of that of normal CE.

Effect of Topical Application of Human Breast Milk, Chlorhexidine and Dry Cord Care on Neonatal Umbilical Cord Separation Time and Rate of Cord Infection : Cluster Randomized Trial

Background- Annually 1 million newborns worldwide die of infection caused by bacteria that enter the body via the umbilical cord. Regarding this the Ethiopia national strategy of new born and child survival identified Chlorhexidine as one of the high impact interventions to minimize neonatal mortality. Whereas, studies have shown Human breast milk application to the neonatal umbilical cord has a shorter cord separation time and lower rate of infection than Chlorhexidine or dry cord care. Method- From May to November, 2018, a three arm, non- masked, community based, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted at Butajira Demographic and Health Surveillance site located in the Gurage Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples´ Region of Ethiopia. Nine sub districts of the Butajira Demographic and Health Surveillance site were randomized into two intervention groups that are human breast milk and Chlorhexidine and a control group which is the dry cord care using a lottery method. From a sample size of 337, data were entered and analyzed for 302 term singleton newborns. Baseline characteristics across the groups were compared by ANOVA for continuous variables and Chi square for categorical variables. Mean cord separation time was compared among the groups using one way ANOVA whereas the secondary outcome i.e. rate of omphalitis was expressed in terms of frequency and was compared among the groups using Chi square. Level of significance was set at p <0.05 with 95% confidence interval. Result- The mean cord separation time was 5.6 days in the human breast milk group, 5.9days in the Chlorhexidine group, and 5.7days in the dry cord care group but this difference was not statistically significant among the study groups (p value=0.40). The highest signs of cord infection rate were observed in the dry care group and this was significant regarding the redness on the base of the cord stump (P<0.001). Conclusion- Topical application of human breast milk is related with shorter cord separation time compared to chlorhexidine or dry cord care. It also has reduced incidence of infection, as much as topical chlorhexidine application. Generally the readily available human breast milk should be given further emphasis.Trial registration- This trial is registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry on 27th August 2020 with a clinical trial registration number of PACTR202008804462886 . It can be accessed using the URL address:https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=593.