Investigation of the Process of Dosing Compound Feed Components Using the DSh-100 Auger

The description of the design and the principle of operation of a system for dosing feed components for farm animals are provided. The results of studies of the operation of the DSh-100 auger as part of this system according to the criterion of dosing accuracy are presented. Regression models have been constructed and the optimal operating modes of the installation have been determined using these models.

Increasing the Dosing Accuracy of Magnetodynamic Foundry Equipment

Introduction. The problem of combining continuous monitoring of the main informative process parameters (mass, temperature, melt consumption) and control of the pouring process is relevant for almost all filling devices today.Problem Statement. The development of pouring accuracy methods, particularly for small-dose pouring is an important task for the foundry industry.Purpose. The purpose is to study the dependences of the flow characteristics of the magnetodynamic equipment on the supplied voltage in various conditions of its operation.Materials and Methods. Physical modelling has been applied for the study of dosing accuracy for small doses in the range of 1.5—3 kg.Results. The coefficient of the numerical dependence of instantaneous mass flow consumption of a modeling fluid in the trough on the instantaneous mass of a modeling fluid in the trough has been established based on experimental studies with the use of a physical model of magnetodynamic device (MDD). The studies of filling doses within the range from 1.5 to 3 kg have shown that this coefficient corresponds to the range of the electromagnet supply voltage from 12.3 to 16.3 V. There have been determined the efficient range of the poured-metalmass to instantaneous-mass-flow-consumption ratio in the course of casting (2.20—2.25) and the corresponding range of the MDD electromagnet supply voltage to minimize the effect of jet pulsations on the dosing accuracy byreducing their amplitude. The dosing error does not exceed 1.5% by dose weight in the case of pouring small portions (1.5—3 kg).Conclusions. A new technical solution for MDD with an inclined weighting trough of a conventional design has been developed based on the electromagnetic transfer of a force proportional to the instantaneous melt massin the trough. The implementation of this solution makes it possible to reduce the number of strain gauge power sensors for the instantaneous measurement of the melt mass, from four sensors installed under the melting pot of the MDD prototype to one placed directly under the trough.

Dosing Accuracy of Oral Extemporaneous Suspensions of Antibiotics: Measuring Procedures and Administration Devices

Extemporaneous suspensions are often marketed with several administration devices that can be freely used by patients/caregivers. The homogeneity of suspensions requires shaking before use. Hence, it is crucial to assess the precision of all devices and the users’ awareness of the shaking procedure. This study was conducted at University Institute Egas Moniz with 40 pharmacy students who were asked to measure 2.5 and 5 mL of two extemporaneous azithromycin suspensions. Formulation A is marketed with a double-dosing spoon and oral syringe, whereas B includes a transparent dosing spoon. Both have a reconstitution cup. The user’s preference for administration devices, the degree of compliance with the ‘shake before use’ instruction and the accuracy of the manipulation were assessed. The double-dosing spoon was the preferred device. The “shake before use” instruction was overlooked by most volunteers. The average measured volumes obtained with the double-dosing spoon were significantly different from the ones obtained with the oral syringe (p < 0.001) and significantly lower than the reference dose (p < 0.001). The oral syringe originates significantly higher values than the reference dose (p < 0.001). The dosing spoons values were significantly different from each other (p < 0.001). Liquid medicines containing several administration devices may be a challenge since they are nonequivalent.

The system of components dosing in compound feed

Feed production, feeding of animals and poultry is an integral part of animal husbandry and poultry farming. Proper feeding of animals and poultry, which implies the making of an optimal diet with the input of useful premixes and vitamins, can increase their productivity. In Russia the predominant type of feeding is complete feed, which includes compound feed. Regardless of the type of feed in the process of its production, it is necessary to observe the proportions of its components. Dispensers are used for dosing, which depending on the purpose, are divided into mass and volume. We have made an attempt to generalize, systematize and implement the accumulated experience in the form of a scheme that allows us to understand the principle of operation of modern systems for dosing feed components, in which augers are used as feeding mechanisms. The purpose of the research was to build a scheme for selecting parameters and develop a methodology for studying the dosage system of feed components based on it. The results of the analysis of intellectual property protection documents and scientifi c works in the fi eld of dosing have been used to make a scheme for selecting parameters of the feed components dosing system. The results of observations on the operation of the developed system under production conditions and design features have been also taken into account. As a result of the research developed the scheme of selection of the operating parameters of the dosing system, revealed its shortcomings in the form of lower dosing accuracy with the decrease in the mass of the weighed components and the long search settings when composing the new diet. The methods have been developed to address the identifi ed defi ciencies in the determination of limit values of technological parameters.

215. Appropriateness and Accuracy of Antimicrobial Prescriptions at Pediatric Emergency Department Discharge

Background Up to 20% of pediatric emergency department visits result in an antimicrobial prescription. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness and dosing accuracy of antimicrobial prescriptions given at discharge from an ED of a freestanding children’s hospital. Methods Electronic medical records of patients seen in the ED at Oishei Children’s Hospital from 12 dates (3 in each of 4 seasons) were screened. All patients discharged from the ED with a prescription for an antimicrobial were included. Diagnosis, provider type, antibiotic dose per weight, duration and frequency were recorded. Appropriateness of antibiotic choice and dosing accuracy were assessed using major medical society guidelines, pharmacy references and hospital antibiograms. Antibiotic doses were considered inaccurate if &gt;10% outside of recommended weight-based dose ranges. Results Of a total of 1733 screened patients, 12% (207) were discharged with a systemic antimicrobial prescription. The percentage of visits resulting in an antimicrobial prescription varied by season, and was highest during the winter at 19%. Amoxicillin (33% of all) and oseltamivir (15%) were most frequently prescribed. Overall, 98% of patients were prescribed the appropriate antimicrobial, but only 65% of systemic antimicrobial prescriptions had accurate dosing. Amoxicillin was dosed incorrectly in 32% of prescriptions, Figure 1, specifically being below the high-dose recommended range in 28% of otitis media (OM) and 29% of pneumonia cases. Despite being the most common diagnosis, OM was treated with accurate dosing only 57% of the time, Figure 2. Also, more than 40% of patients with UTI or pneumonia had inaccurate drug dosing. Nurse practitioners (NP) prescribed the most antibiotics. Appropriate prescribing did not vary by provider, but accuracy of dosing did; for example, NP dosing accuracy was 58%, vs. 73% for residents (p &lt; 0.04), Figure 3. Dosing Accuracy of Antimicrobials Dosing Accuracy by Diagnosis Appropriateness and Accuracy by Prescriber Group Conclusion An eighth of pediatric ED visits resulted in an antimicrobial prescription. Inaccurate dosing occurred regularly for common infections; most notably underdosing of amoxicillin for OM and pneumonia. Education and audit related to specific drugs and providers promises to be of high stewardship impact in pediatric EDs. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures